grepcent / static financial knowledge base

EVERSOURCE ENERGY (ES)

CIK: 0000072741. SIC: 4911 Electric Services. Latest 10-K as of: 2026-02-17.

SIC breadcrumb: Transportation, Communications, Electric, Gas, And Sanitary Services > Electric, Gas, And Sanitary Services > SIC 4911 Electric Services

SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=72741. Latest filing source: 0001628280-26-008461.

Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.

Selected Fundamentals

MetricValueUnitFYFiled
Revenue13,547,244,000USD20252026-02-17
Net income1,699,891,000USD20252026-02-17
Assets63,786,711,000USD20252026-02-17

Financials

Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-02-17. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0000072741.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.

Flow metrics use full-year FY periods from 10-K/10-K/A filings; balance-sheet metrics use FY-end instants. Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures. Missing metrics are omitted rather than fabricated.

Metric2016201720182019202020212022202320242025
Revenue7,639,129,0007,751,952,0008,448,201,0008,526,470,0008,904,430,0009,863,085,00012,289,336,00011,910,705,00011,900,809,00013,547,244,000
Net income7,500,0007,500,0007,500,0001,212,686,0001,228,046,0001,412,394,000-434,721,000819,172,0001,699,891,000
Operating income1,841,274,0001,888,249,0001,699,930,0001,590,491,0001,988,734,0001,993,321,0002,198,154,0002,399,335,0002,408,709,0002,988,589,000
Diluted EPS2.963.113.252.813.553.544.05-1.262.274.56
Operating cash flow2,208,242,0001,996,202,0001,830,543,0002,009,577,0001,682,572,0001,962,600,0002,401,293,0001,646,161,0002,159,737,0004,113,572,000
Capital expenditures1,976,867,0002,348,105,0002,569,936,0002,911,489,0002,942,996,0003,175,080,0003,441,852,0004,336,849,0004,480,529,0004,158,669,000
Dividends paid564,486,000602,083,000640,110,000663,239,000744,665,000805,439,000860,033,000918,995,0001,001,488,0001,093,074,000
Assets32,053,173,00036,220,386,00038,241,256,00041,123,915,00046,099,598,00048,492,144,00053,230,900,00055,612,245,00059,594,529,00063,786,711,000
Stockholders' equity10,711,734,00011,086,242,00011,486,817,00012,629,994,00014,063,566,00014,599,844,00015,473,158,00014,173,892,00015,039,387,00016,197,271,000
Cash and cash equivalents66,800,000374,600,00053,900,00026,700,000135,400,000
Free cash flow231,375,000-351,903,000-739,393,000-901,912,000-1,260,424,000-1,212,480,000-1,040,559,000-2,690,688,000-2,320,792,000-45,097,000

Ratios

ROE and ROA use period-end equity/assets. Liabilities / equity uses total liabilities divided by stockholders' equity. Current ratio uses current assets divided by current liabilities when both are reported.

Metric2016201720182019202020212022202320242025
Net margin0.10%0.09%0.09%13.62%12.45%11.49%-3.65%6.88%12.55%
Operating margin24.10%24.36%20.12%18.65%22.33%20.21%17.89%20.14%20.24%22.06%
Return on equity0.07%0.07%0.06%8.62%8.41%9.13%-3.07%5.45%10.49%
Return on assets0.02%0.02%0.02%2.63%2.53%2.65%-0.78%1.37%2.66%
Current ratio0.680.690.560.670.640.560.620.670.760.65

Financial Charts

Quarterly

Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-05-07. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0000072741.json.

Flow metrics use discrete quarter-length periods from 10-Q/10-Q/A filings. Q4 revenue and net income are derived only when annual FY and nine-month YTD facts exist for the same fiscal year; derived Q4 values are labeled. EPS Q4 is not derived.

QuarterEnd DateRevenueNet IncomeDiluted EPSMethod
2022-Q22022-06-300.84reported discrete quarter
2022-Q32022-09-301.00reported discrete quarter
2023-Q12023-03-311.41reported discrete quarter
2023-Q22023-06-302,629,342,00017,302,0000.04reported discrete quarter
2023-Q32023-09-302,791,482,000341,543,0000.97reported discrete quarter
2023-Q42023-12-312,694,238,000-1,286,605,000derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD
2024-Q12024-03-313,332,575,000523,728,0001.49reported discrete quarter
2024-Q22024-03-31523,728,000reported discrete quarter
2024-Q22024-06-302,533,522,0000.95reported discrete quarter
2024-Q32024-06-30337,221,000reported discrete quarter
2024-Q32024-09-303,063,224,000-0.33reported discrete quarter
2024-Q42024-12-312,971,488,00074,400,000derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD
2025-Q12025-03-314,118,355,000552,668,0001.50reported discrete quarter
2025-Q22025-03-31552,668,000reported discrete quarter
2025-Q22025-06-302,838,068,0000.96reported discrete quarter
2025-Q32025-06-30354,608,000reported discrete quarter
2025-Q32025-09-303,220,625,0000.99reported discrete quarter
2025-Q42025-12-313,370,196,000423,186,000derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD
2026-Q12026-03-314,504,363,000608,721,0001.61reported discrete quarter

Quarterly Charts

Macro Cross-References

Latest quarter (10-Q)

Latest 10-Q source: 0001628280-26-032278.

Extracted from a later financial-section MD&A body after Item 2 boundaries were low-confidence. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2026-05-07. Report date: 2026-03-31.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related combined notes included in this combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as the Eversource 2025 combined Annual Report on Form 10-K.  References in this combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to "Eversource," the "Company," "we," "us," and "our" refer to Eversource Energy and its consolidated subsidiaries.  All per-share amounts are reported on a diluted basis.  The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Eversource, NSTAR Electric and PSNH and the unaudited condensed financial statements of CL&P are herein collectively referred to as the "financial statements."

Refer to the Glossary of Terms included in this combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for abbreviations and acronyms used throughout this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The only common equity securities that are publicly traded are common shares of Eversource. Our earnings discussion includes financial measures that are not recognized under GAAP (non-GAAP) referencing our first quarter 2026 earnings and EPS excluding a charge for the March 2026 FERC decision in the FERC base ROE complaints. EPS by business is also a non-GAAP financial measure and is calculated by dividing the Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders of each business by the weighted average diluted Eversource common shares outstanding for the period. The earnings and EPS of each business do not represent a direct legal interest in the assets and liabilities of such business, but rather represent a direct interest in our assets and liabilities as a whole.

We use these non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate and provide details of earnings results by business and to more fully compare and explain our results without including this item. This information is among the primary indicators we use as a basis for evaluating performance and planning and forecasting of future periods. We believe the impact of the FERC ROE refund charge is not indicative of our ongoing costs and performance. We view this charge as not directly related to the ongoing operations of the business and therefore not an indicator of baseline operating performance. Due to the nature and significance of the effect of this item on Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders and EPS, we believe that the non-GAAP presentation is a more meaningful representation of our financial performance and provides additional and useful information to readers of this report in analyzing historical and future performance of our business. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as alternatives to reported Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders or EPS determined in accordance with GAAP as indicators of operating performance.

We do not provide a reconciliation of guidance from non-GAAP recurring EPS to the most directly comparable GAAP measure of EPS because we are not able to predict with reasonable certainty the amount or nature of all items that will be included in our Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders or non-GAAP recurring earnings for the year ending December 31, 2026. These items are uncertain, depend on many factors and could have a material impact on our Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders and non-GAAP recurring earnings for the year ending December 31, 2026, and therefore cannot be made available without unreasonable effort.

We make statements concerning our expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, strategies, assumptions of future events, future financial performance or growth and other statements that are not historical facts. These statements are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. You can generally identify our forward-looking statements through the use of words or phrases such as "estimate," "expect," "pending," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "project," "believe," "forecast," "would," "should," "could," and other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those included in our forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations, estimates, assumptions or projections of management and are not guarantees of future performance. These expectations, estimates, assumptions or projections may vary materially from actual results. Accordingly, any such statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to, and are accompanied by, the following important factors that may cause our actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those contained in our forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to:

•    cyber events or breaches, including acts of war or terrorism, affecting our systems or the systems of third parties on which we rely,

•unauthorized access to, and the misappropriation of, confidential and proprietary Company, customer, employee, financial or system operating information,

•actions or inaction of local, state and federal regulatory, public policy and taxing bodies,

•changes in laws, regulations, Presidential executive orders or regulatory policy, including compliance with laws and regulations, which may impact the cost of compliance and strategic initiatives of the Company,

•adverse publicity, which can harm our reputation, influence legislative and regulatory bodies, and result in unfavorable outcomes,

•variability in the costs and final investment returns of the Revolution Wind and South Fork Wind offshore wind projects as it relates to the purchase price post-closing adjustment under the terms of the sale agreement for these projects,

•the ability to qualify for investment tax credits,

•extreme weather, including severe storms, due to the impacts of climate change, and fluctuations in weather patterns,

•adequacy, contamination of, or disruption in, our water supplies,

•physical attacks or grid disturbances that may damage and disrupt our electric transmission and electric, natural gas, and water distribution systems,

•ability or inability to commence and complete our major strategic development projects and opportunities,

•breakdown, failure of, or damage to operating equipment, information technology systems, or processes of our transmission and distribution systems,

•changes in levels or timing of capital expenditures, including unplanned expenditures and increased capital expenditure requirements,

36

•changes in business conditions, which could include disruptive technology or development of alternative energy sources related to our current or future business model,

•substandard performance of third-party suppliers and service providers, or counterparties not meeting their obligations,

•limits on our access to, or increases in, the cost of capital, including disruptions in the capital markets or other events that make our access to necessary capital more difficult or costly,

•changes in economic conditions, including impact on interest rates, tax policies, tariffs and customer demand and payment ability,

•changes in accounting standards and financial reporting regulations,

•actions of rating agencies, and

•other presently unknown or unforeseen factors.

Other risk factors are detailed in our reports filed with the SEC and are updated as necessary and available on our Investor Relations website at investors.eversource.com and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, and we encourage you to consult such disclosures.

All such factors are difficult to predict and contain uncertainties that may materially affect our actual results, many of which are beyond our control.  You should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, as each speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and, except as required by federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to predict all of such factors, nor can we assess the impact of each such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. For more information, see Item 1A, Risk Factors, included in this combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in Eversource's 2025 combined Annual Report on Form 10-K.  This combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Eversource's 2025 combined Annual Report on Form 10-K also describe material contingencies and critical accounting policies in the accompanying Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Combined Notes to Financial Statements.  We encourage you to review these items.

Financial Condition and Business Analysis

Executive Summary

Eversource Energy is a public utility holding company primarily engaged, through its wholly-owned regulated utility subsidiaries, in the energy delivery business.  Eversource Energy's wholly-owned regulated utility subsidiaries consist of CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH (electric utilities), Yankee Gas, NSTAR Gas and EGMA (natural gas utilities) and Aquarion (water utilities). Eversource is organized into the electric distribution, electric transmission, natural gas distribution, and water distribution reportable segments.

The following items in this executive summary are explained in more detail in this combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:

Earnings Overview and Future Outlook:

•We earned $606.8 million, or $1.61 per share, in the first quarter of 2026, compared with $550.8 million, or $1.50 per share, in the first quarter of 2025. Our first quarter 2026 results include an after-tax charge of $43.9 million, or $0.12 per share, resulting from FERC’s March 19, 2026 order in the NETO ROE complaint proceedings, which was recorded within the Transmission segment. Excluding this charge, our non-GAAP earnings were $650.7 million, or $1.73 per share in the first quarter of 2026.

•We revised 2026 non-GAAP earnings guidance to be in the range of $4.57 per share and $4.72 per share taking into account the impact of the prospective reduction to the transmission ROE resulting from the March 19, 2026 FERC order and the potential Aquarion sale. We also expect that our cumulative long-term earnings per share growth rate will be within the range of 5 to 7 percent through 2030, using the adjusted 2026 non-GAAP earnings guidance mid-point of $4.65 per share as the base year. We expect annual earnings growth towards the upper half of the long-term guidance by 2028.

Liquidity:

•Cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $1.32 billion in the first quarter of 2026, compared with $1.04 billion in the first quarter of 2025. Investments in property, plant and equipment totaled $1.01 billion in the first quarter of 2026, compared with $1.01 billion in the first quarter of 2025.

•Cash totaled $270.2 million as of March 31, 2026, compared with $135.4 million as of December 31, 2025. Our available borrowing capacity under our commercial paper programs totaled $2.12 billion as of March 31, 2026.

•In the first quarter of 2026, we issued $1.50 billion of new long-term debt and we repaid $250 million of long-term debt.

•On May 6, 2026, our Board of Trustees approved a common share dividend payment of $0.7875 per share, payable on June 30, 2026 to shareholders of record as of May 18, 2026. On January 27, 2026, our Board of Trustees approved a common share dividend payment of $0.7875 per share, paid on March 31, 2026 t

[Excerpt truncated for page length; source filing is linked above.]

Latest 10-K MD&A

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2026-02-17. Report date: 2025-12-31.

Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

EVERSOURCE ENERGY AND SUBSIDIARIES

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related combined notes included in this combined Annual Report on Form 10-K.  References in this combined Annual Report on Form 10-K to "Eversource," the "Company," "we," "us," and "our" refer to Eversource Energy and its consolidated subsidiaries.  All per-share amounts are reported on a diluted basis.  The consolidated financial statements of Eversource, NSTAR Electric and PSNH and the financial statements of CL&P are herein collectively referred to as the "financial statements."  Our discussion of fiscal year 2025 compared to fiscal year 2024 is included herein. Unless expressly stated otherwise, for discussion and analysis of fiscal year 2023 items and of fiscal year 2024 compared to fiscal year 2023, please refer to Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in our combined 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Refer to the Glossary of Terms included in this combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for abbreviations and acronyms used throughout this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The only common equity securities that are publicly traded are common shares of Eversource. Our earnings discussion includes financial measures that are not recognized under GAAP (non-GAAP) referencing our earnings and EPS excluding losses associated with our previous offshore wind investments, a loss on the pending sale of the Aquarion water distribution business, and a loss on the disposition of land that was initially acquired to construct the Northern Pass Transmission project and was subsequently abandoned. EPS by business is also a non-GAAP financial measure and is calculated by dividing the Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders of each business by the weighted average diluted Eversource common shares outstanding for the period. The earnings and EPS of each business do not represent a direct legal interest in the assets and liabilities of such business, but rather represent a direct interest in our assets and liabilities as a whole.

We use these non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate and provide details of earnings results by business and to more fully compare and explain our results without including these items. This information is among the primary indicators we use as a basis for evaluating performance and planning and forecasting of future periods. We believe the impacts of the losses associated with our previous offshore wind investments, the loss on the pending sale of the Aquarion water distribution business, and the loss on the disposition of land associated with an abandoned project are not indicative of our ongoing costs and performance. We view these charges as not directly related to the ongoing operations of the business and therefore not an indicator of baseline operating performance. Due to the nature and significance of the effect of these items on Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders and EPS, we believe that the non-GAAP presentation is a more meaningful representation of our financial performance and provides additional and useful information to readers of this report in analyzing historical and future performance of our business. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as alternatives to reported Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders or EPS determined in accordance with GAAP as indicators of operating performance.

Financial Condition and Business Analysis

Executive Summary

Eversource Energy is a public utility holding company primarily engaged, through its wholly-owned regulated utility subsidiaries, in the energy delivery business.  Eversource Energy's wholly-owned regulated utility subsidiaries consist of CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH (electric utilities), Yankee Gas, NSTAR Gas and EGMA (natural gas utilities) and Aquarion (water utilities). Eversource is organized into the electric distribution, electric transmission, natural gas distribution, and water distribution reportable segments.

The following items in this executive summary are explained in more detail in this combined Annual Report on Form 10-K:

Earnings Overview and Future Outlook:

•We earned $1.69 billion, or $4.56 per share, in 2025, compared with $811.7 million, or $2.27 per share, in 2024. Our 2025 results include an aggregate, net after-tax charge resulting from our previous offshore wind investments of $75.0 million, or $0.20 per share. Our 2024 results include an aggregate, net after-tax loss on the sale of our offshore wind investments of $524.0 million, or $1.47 per share. These 2025 and 2024 charges were recorded within Eversource Parent and Other Companies. Our 2024 results also include an after-tax loss resulting from the expected sale of Aquarion of $298.3 million, or $0.83 per share. This 2024 charge was recorded within the Water Distribution segment. Excluding these charges, our 2025 non-GAAP earnings were $1.77 billion, or $4.76 per share, and our 2024 non-GAAP earnings of $1.63 billion, or $4.57 per share.

•We project that we will earn within a 2026 earning guidance range of between $4.80 per share and $4.95 per share. We also project that our long-term EPS growth rate through 2030 will be in a 5 to 7 percent range, using 2025 non-GAAP EPS of $4.76 per share as the base year.

Liquidity:

•Cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $4.11 billion in 2025, compared with $2.16 billion in 2024.  Investments in property, plant and equipment totaled $4.16 billion in 2025, compared with $4.48 billion in 2024.

29

•Cash totaled $135.4 million as of December 31, 2025, compared with $26.7 million as of December 31, 2024.  Our available borrowing capacity under our commercial paper programs totaled $1.12 billion as of December 31, 2025.

•In 2025, we issued $2.94 billion of new long-term debt and we repaid $1.40 billion of long-term debt.

•In 2025, we paid dividends totaling $3.01 per common share, compared with dividends of $2.86 per common share in 2024. Our quarterly common share dividend payment was $0.7525 per share in 2025, as compared to $0.715 per share in 2024.  On January 27, 2026, our Board of Trustees approved a common share dividend payment of $0.7875 per share, payable on March 31, 2026 to shareholders of record as of March 5, 2026.

•On May 30, 2025, we entered into an equity distribution agreement pursuant to which we may offer and sell up to $1.2 billion of our common shares from time to time through an “at-the-market” (ATM) equity offering program. In 2025, we issued 7,130,134 common shares, which resulted in proceeds of $465.4 million, net of issuance costs.

•We project to make capital expenditures of $26.51 billion from 2026 through 2030, of which we expect $11.24 billion to be in our electric distribution segment, $6.80 billion to be in our natural gas distribution segment, and $7.24 billion to be in our electric transmission segment. We also project to invest $1.23 billion in information technology and facilities upgrades and enhancements.

Regulatory Developments:

•On July 25, 2025, the NHPUC issued its decision in the PSNH distribution rate case and approved a permanent rate increase of $100.7 million, effective August 1, 2025, inclusive of the temporary rate increase that went into effect in August 2024. The order established an authorized regulatory ROE of 9.5 percent with a 50 percent common equity ratio for PSNH’s capital structure. The NHPUC approved an alternative regulatory framework that authorizes formulaic annual revenue adjustments on August 1st of 2026, 2027 and 2028.

•On November 3, 2025, EGMA, NSTAR Electric, and the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General reached a joint settlement agreement that resolved outstanding issues in multiple open Pension Adjustment Mechanism (PAM) dockets and open Resiliency Tree Work (RTW) dockets at NSTAR Electric and allows recovery of transaction and integration costs related to Eversource’s acquisition of EGMA. The settlement agreement was approved by the DPU on December 1, 2025. The settlement resulted in a net pre-tax benefit to earnings of $64.8 million on the Eversource income statement in the fourth quarter of 2025.

•On November 5, 2025, PURA issued a final decision in the Yankee Gas distribution rate case that included a distribution rate increase of $95.7 million, which excluded a previously recorded non-firm margin rate credit of $13.5 million to be refunded annually over three years, effective November 1, 2025. The final decision also established an authorized net regulatory ROE of 9.32 percent and a 53 percent common equity ratio for Yankee Gas’ capital structure. Yankee Gas filed motions to request PURA reconsider the disallowances of certain capitalized overhead costs, certain computational errors, and other issues identified in its final decision. A final decision on the reconsideration is expected from PURA by March 15, 2026.

•On November 19, 2025, PURA denied an application to approve the sale of the Aquarion Water Company, finding that the transaction did not meet managerial suitability and responsibility requirements due to concerns with governance and oversight structure over Aquarion and its consumer advocate. On January 15, 2026, the Connecticut Superior Court issued a decision on the appeal of PURA’s denial, sustaining the appeal and remanding back to PURA. A final decision is expected by PURA on March 25, 2026.

•On December 30, 2025, NSTAR Gas and the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General reached a joint settlement agreement that allowed for the reinstatement of a rate base reset of $45.0 million increase to base distribution rates effective January 1, 2026 and for continuation of NSTAR Gas’ PBR program through November 1, 2030. The settlement agreement also required NSTAR Gas to provide credits to customers and a concession to the Office of the Attorney General, among other items. The DPU approved the settlement agreement on January 16, 2026. The settlement agreement resulted in a pre-tax charge to earnings of $12.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2025.

•On January 30, 2026, the New Hampshire Department of Energy filed a notice of appeal with the New Hampshire Supreme Court challenging certain aspects of the PSNH distribution rate case decision approved by the NHPUC on July 25, 2025, including the alternative regulatory framework and the revenue requirement. On February 6, 2026, the Office of the Consumer Advocate filed a notice of cross-appeal challenging other aspects of the rate case decision. Eversource is currently evaluating the appeals.

30

Earnings Overview

Consolidated:  Below is a summary of our earnings/(loss) by business, which also reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures of consolidated non-GAAP earnings and EPS, as well as EPS by business, to the most directly comparable GAAP measures of consolidated Net Income/(Loss) Attributable to Common Shareholders and diluted EPS.

For the Years Ended December 31,
202520242023
(Millions of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts)AmountPer ShareAmountPer ShareAmountPer Share
Net Income/(Loss) Attributable to Common Shareholders (GAAP)$1,692.4$4.56$811.7$2.27$(442.2)$(1.26)
Regulated Companies (Non-GAAP)$1,848.5$4.98$1,691.9$4.73$1,509.3$4.31
Eversource Parent and Other Companies (Non-GAAP)(81.1)(0.22)(57.9)(0.16)8.40.03
Non-GAAP Earnings$1,767.4$4.76$1,634.0$4.57$1,517.7$4.34
Losses on Offshore Wind (after-tax) (1)(75.0)(0.20)(524.0)(1.47)(1,953.0)(5.58)
Loss on Pending Sale of Aquarion (after-tax) (2)(298.3)(0.83)
Land Abandonment Loss and Other Charges (after-tax) (3)(6.9)(0.02)
Net Income/(Loss) Attributable to Common Shareholders (GAAP)$1,692.4$4.56$811.7$2.27$(442.2)$(1.26)

(1)    In 2025, we recorded a pre-tax charge of $284 million associated with increasing our offshore wind contingent liability for expected future payments under the terms of the 2024 sale agreement with Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) for the South Fork Wind and Revolution Wind projects, offset by expected tax benefits from the offshore wind sale of $209 million. In 2024, we recorded a pre-tax loss on the sales of our offshore wind investments of $464 million and a $60 million increase in income tax expense, resulting in an after-tax loss of $524 million. In 2023, we recorded impairment charges resulting from the expected sales of these offshore wind investments. For further information, see the "Offshore Wind Sale and Contingent Liability" section below included in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

(2)    The 2024 loss includes an impairment charge of $297 million to write down the carrying value of the water business to fair value resulting from the expected sale of Aquarion, as well as transaction costs. For further information, see "Business Development and Capital Expenditures – Aquarion Sale Status and Regulatory Denial" included in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

(3)    The 2023 charges primarily include a loss on the disposition of abandoned land intended to be used for the cancelled Northern Pass Transmission project.

The impact of higher shares outstanding resulted in $0.17 earnings per share dilution in 2025, as compared to 2024.

Regulated Companies:  Our regulated companies comprise the electric distribution, electric transmission, natural gas distribution, and water distribution segments. A summary of our segment earnings and EPS is as follows:

For the Years Ended December 31,
202520242023
(Millions of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts)AmountPer ShareAmountPer ShareAmountPer Share
Net Income - Regulated Companies (GAAP)$1,848.5$4.98$1,393.6$3.90$1,509.3$4.31
Electric Distribution$667.1$1.80$631.7$1.77$608.0$1.74
Electric Transmission776.72.09724.62.03643.41.84
Natural Gas Distribution360.50.97291.00.81224.80.64
Water Distribution, excluding Loss on Pending Sale (Non-GAAP)44.20.1244.60.1233.10.09
Net Income - Regulated Companies (Non-GAAP)$1,848.5$4.98$1,691.9$4.73$1,509.3$4.31
Loss on Pending Sale of Aquarion (after-tax)(298.3)(0.83)
Net Income - Regulated Companies (GAAP)$1,848.5$4.98$1,393.6$3.90$1,509.3$4.31

Our electric distribution segment earnings increased $35.4 million in 2025, as compared to 2024, due primarily to higher revenues from base distribution rate increases at PSNH effective August 1, 2024 and August 1, 2025 and at NSTAR Electric effective January 1, 2025 and from CL&P's capital tracking mechanism due to increased electric system improvements. Earnings also benefited from a lower effective tax rate and the impact of the PSNH rate case decision in July 2025. Those earnings increases were partially offset by higher interest expense, higher operations and maintenance expense, higher property tax expense, higher depreciation expense, and a charge for customer credits at NSTAR Electric as a result of the joint settlement agreement approved in Massachusetts on December 1, 2025.

Our electric transmission segment earnings increased $52.1 million in 2025, as compared to 2024, due primarily to a higher transmission rate base as a result of our continued investment in our transmission infrastructure and lower interest expense.

31

Our natural gas distribution segment earnings increased $69.5 million in 2025, as compared to 2024, due primarily to higher revenues from base distribution rate increases effective November 1, 2024 and November 1, 2025 at both EGMA and NSTAR Gas, effective November 1, 2025 at Yankee Gas, and from capital tracking mechanisms due to continued investments in natural gas infrastructure. Those earnings increases were partially offset by higher operations and maintenance expense, higher depreciation expense, higher interest expense, the impact of the NSTAR Gas settlement agreement in December 2025, higher property tax expense, and the impact of the Yankee Gas rate case decision in November 2025.

Our water distribution segment recognized a $297 million impairment charge in 2024 as a result of writing down the carrying value of the business to fair value due to the expected sale of Aquarion. Excluding the 2024 impairment charge and transaction costs associated with the expected sale, water distribution segment earnings decreased $0.4 million in 2025, as compared to 2024.

Eversource Parent and Other Companies:  Eversource parent and other companies’ losses decreased $425.8 million in 2025, as compared to 2024, due primarily to an after-tax charge of $524.0 million recorded in 2024 resulting from the sale of Eversource parent’s offshore wind investments, as compared to an aggregate net after-tax charge of $75.0 million recorded in 2025 resulting from an increase to the offshore wind contingent liability, net of tax benefits associated with the tax losses on the sales of its offshore wind investments.

Excluding these charges, Eversource parent and other companies losses increased $23.2 million due to higher interest expense from the absence in 2025 of capitalized interest as a result of the sale of our offshore wind projects in the third quarter of 2024 and higher interest costs from short-term debt, partially offset by the allowed recovery of previously expensed acquisition-related and integration costs of EGMA as part of the joint settlement agreement approved in Massachusetts on December 1, 2025.

Offshore Wind Sale and Contingent Liability: On July 9, 2024, Eversource completed the sale of its 50 percent ownership share of Sunrise Wind to Ørsted. On September 30, 2024, Eversource completed the sale of its 50 percent ownership share in the South Fork Wind and Revolution Wind projects to GIP. Eversource recorded a contingent liability relating to expected future payments to GIP as part of the sale of the South Fork Wind and Revolution Wind projects. As part of the definitive agreement with GIP, Eversource is responsible for certain post-closing purchase price adjustments. This obligation includes an expected cost overrun sharing obligation, an expected obligation to maintain GIP’s internal rate of return, and an obligation for other future costs prior to commercial operation. Eversource recognized an aggregate after-tax loss on the sales of its offshore wind investments of $524 million, which included a net $60 million increase in income tax expense including an increase in the valuation allowance for unused capital losses, in 2024.

In the third quarter of 2025, Eversource received an updated report from GIP on the construction status of Revolution Wind, which included revised projections of total construction costs. The revised cost projections reflected known and quantifiable cost increases, including those associated with the impacts of damage to the wind turbine installation vessel, insurance costs, tariff impacts, and costs incurred as a result of the stop-work order for Revolution Wind received on August 22, 2025 from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management that halted all offshore wind construction activities through September 22, 2025. Based on those developments, Eversource recognized a pre-tax charge of $284.0 million in the third quarter of 2025 as a result of the aggregate impact of these items to increase the liability for purchase price adjustments associated with the offshore wind projects.

Payments made in 2025 reduced the contingent liability and are reflected within investing activities on the statement of cash flows. These payments included cost overruns for the Revolution Wind project paid to GIP, insurance payments, and the purchase price adjustment payment related to the South Fork Wind project paid to GIP.

Eversource continually evaluates the contingent liability and will reassess the balance as new information becomes available. Based on most recent updates from GIP on the construction status of Revolution Wind, factoring in estimated costs incurred as a result of a second stop-work order for Revolution Wind received on December 22, 2025 and removed on January 12, 2026, revised insurance costs, and other information currently available, Eversource believes that the contingent liability balance as of December 31, 2025 is a reasonable estimate to cover this contingent liability for purchase price adjustments. As of December 31, 2025, the contingent liability totaled $448.2 million and is recorded as a current liability on Eversource’s balance sheet, based upon the timing of expected payments to GIP. The contingent liability totaled $365.0 million as of December 31, 2024.

Eversource relies on information that it receives from the project owners for the construction-related, delay-related, and insurance-related costs of Revolution Wind. Eversource uses its judgment to adjust, as needed, its expected obligations to GIP while construction of Revolution Wind is completed.

New information or future developments that arise as the construction of Revolution Wind progresses will necessitate a reassessment of the estimated liability to GIP. The Company reviews available projections of total construction costs, including the latest cost estimates and project timeline, to determine if any changes to this liability are warranted.

It is reasonably possible that as additional updated cost estimates become available, and if additional cost overruns materialize or other adverse changes in facts, regulations and circumstances occur, it could result in additional losses and increases to the offshore wind contingent liability, which could be material. The Company will continue to monitor developments and evaluate potential exposures related to this contingency and will revise its estimated liability as additional information becomes available.

Contingencies are evaluated using the best information available at the time the financial statements are published, and this assessment involves judgments and assumptions about future events. Factors that could increase the obligation to GIP include construction cost overruns for Revolution Wind as well as the timing and extent of construction delays, which would impact the economics associated with the purchase price adjustment, and the eligibility for federal investment tax credits for Revolution Wind at a value lower than assumed and included in the purchase

32

price. The purchase price of Revolution Wind included the sales value related to a 40 percent level of federal investment tax credits. A change in the expected value or qualification of investment tax credit adders could result in a significant loss in a future period.

Total net proceeds could also be adjusted for a benefit due to Eversource if there are lower operation costs or higher availability of the projects through the period that is four years following the commercial operation of Revolution Wind.

Eversource recognized an aggregate, net after-tax charge of $75.0 million, or $0.20 per share, in 2025 resulting from our previous offshore wind investments. This charge consists of the pre-tax $284 million increase to the offshore wind contingent liability, offset by $209 million of tax benefits associated with tax losses on the sale of the South Fork Wind and Revolution Wind projects that Eversource expects to realize.

Liquidity

Sources and Uses of Cash: Eversource’s regulated business is capital intensive and requires considerable capital resources. Eversource’s regulated companies’ capital resources are provided by cash flows generated from operations, short-term borrowings, long-term debt issuances, capital contributions from Eversource parent, and existing cash, and are used to fund their liquidity and capital requirements. Eversource’s regulated companies typically maintain minimal cash balances and use short-term borrowings to meet their working capital needs and other cash requirements. Short-term borrowings are also used as a bridge to long-term debt financings. The levels of short-term borrowing may vary significantly over the course of the year due to the impact of fluctuations in cash flows from operations (including timing of storm costs and regulatory recoveries), dividends paid, capital contributions received and the timing of long-term debt financings.

Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH each uses its available capital resources to fund its respective construction expenditures, meet debt requirements, pay operating costs, including storm-related costs, pay dividends, and fund corporate obligations. Eversource's regulated companies recover their electric, natural gas and water distribution construction expenditures as the related project costs are depreciated over the life of the assets. This impacts the timing of the revenue stream designed to fully recover the total investment including a return on the equity and debt used to finance the investments. Eversource's regulated companies spend a significant amount of cash on capital improvements and construction projects that have a long-term return on investment and recovery period. These factors have resulted in current liabilities exceeding current assets by $2.73 billion, $268.6 million, $9.0 million and $19.6 million at Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH, respectively, as of December 31, 2025.

We expect the future operating cash flows of Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH, along with our existing borrowing availability and access to both debt and equity markets, will be sufficient to meet any working capital and future operating requirements, and capital investment forecasted opportunities.

As of December 31, 2025, $1.39 billion of Eversource's long-term debt, including $1.00 billion at Eversource parent and $300.0 million at NSTAR Electric, matures within the next 12 months. Eversource, with its current credit ratings, has several options available in the financial markets to repay or refinance these maturities with the issuance of new long-term debt. Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH will reduce their short-term borrowings with operating cash flows or with the issuance of new long-term debt, determined by considering capital requirements and maintenance of Eversource's credit rating and profile.

Cash totaled $135.4 million as of December 31, 2025, compared with $26.7 million as of December 31, 2024.

Short-Term Debt - Commercial Paper Programs and Credit Agreements: Eversource parent has a $2.00 billion commercial paper program allowing Eversource parent to issue commercial paper as a form of short-term debt. Eversource parent, CL&P, PSNH, NSTAR Gas, Yankee Gas, EGMA and Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut are parties to a five-year $2.00 billion revolving credit facility. Effective October 11, 2025, the revolving credit facility’s termination date was extended for one additional year to October 11, 2030, pursuant to the extension provisions contained in the existing credit agreement. This revolving credit facility serves to backstop Eversource parent's $2.00 billion commercial paper program.

NSTAR Electric has a $650 million commercial paper program allowing NSTAR Electric to issue commercial paper as a form of short-term debt. NSTAR Electric is also a party to a five-year $650 million revolving credit facility. Effective October 11, 2025, the revolving credit facility’s termination date was extended for one additional year to October 11, 2030, pursuant to the extension provisions contained in the existing credit agreement. This revolving credit facility serves to backstop NSTAR Electric's $650 million commercial paper program.

The amount of borrowings outstanding and available under the commercial paper programs were as follows:

Borrowings Outstanding as of December 31,Available Borrowing Capacity as of December 31,Weighted-Average Interest Rate as of December 31,
(Millions of Dollars)202520242025202420252024
Eversource Parent Commercial Paper Program$1,280.0$1,538.0$720.0$462.03.98%4.76%
NSTAR Electric Commercial Paper Program245.4504.8404.6145.23.87%4.55%

There were no borrowings outstanding on the revolving credit facilities as of December 31, 2025 or 2024.

33

CL&P and PSNH have uncommitted line of credit agreements totaling $375 million and $250 million, respectively, all of which will expire in either May 2026, September 2026 or October 2026. There are no borrowings outstanding on either the CL&P or PSNH uncommitted line of credit agreements as of December 31, 2025.

Amounts outstanding under the commercial paper programs are included in Notes Payable and classified in current liabilities on the Eversource and NSTAR Electric balance sheets, as all borrowings are outstanding for no more than 364 days at one time.

Intercompany Borrowings: Eversource parent uses its available capital resources to provide loans to its subsidiaries to assist in meeting their short-term borrowing needs. Eversource parent records intercompany interest income from its loans to subsidiaries, which is eliminated in consolidation. Intercompany loans from Eversource parent to its subsidiaries are eliminated in consolidation on Eversource's balance sheets. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, there were intercompany loans from Eversource parent to PSNH of $49.3 million and $131.1 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, there were intercompany loans from Eversource parent to CL&P of $280.0 million. Eversource parent charges interest on these intercompany loans at the same weighted-average interest rate as its commercial paper program. Intercompany loans from Eversource parent are included in Notes Payable to Eversource Parent and classified in current liabilities on the respective subsidiary's balance sheets, as these intercompany borrowings are outstanding for no more than 364 days at one time.

Availability under Long-Term Debt Issuance Authorizations: On May 1, 2024, the DPU approved NSTAR Electric’s request for authorization to issue up to $2.40 billion in long-term debt through December 31, 2026. On August 12, 2024, the DPU approved EGMA’s request for authorization to issue up to $325 million in long-term debt through December 31, 2026. On December 18, 2024, the DPU approved NSTAR Gas’ request for authorization to issue up to $475 million in long-term debt through December 31, 2027. On March 26, 2025, PURA approved Yankee Gas’ request for authorization to issue up to $360 million in long-term debt through December 31, 2026. PSNH has utilized its long-term debt authorizations in place with NHPUC. CL&P has no long-term debt authorization remaining with PURA.

Long-Term Debt Issuances and Repayments: The following table summarizes long-term debt issuances and repayments:

(Millions of Dollars)Interest RateIssuance/ (Repayment)Issue Date or Repayment DateMaturity DateUse of Proceeds for Issuance/ Repayment Information
CL&P 2025 Series A First Mortgage Bonds4.95%400.0January 2025January 2030Repaid short-term debt, paid capital expenditures and working capital
CL&P 2020 Series A First Mortgage Bonds0.75%(400.0)December 2025December 2025Paid at maturity
NSTAR Electric Debentures4.85%400.0February 2025March 2030Repaid 3.25% Debentures at maturity, repaid short-term debt, paid capital expenditures and working capital
NSTAR Electric Debentures5.20%400.0February 2025March 2035Repaid 3.25% Debentures at maturity, repaid short-term debt, paid capital expenditures and working capital
NSTAR Electric Debentures5.20%300.0October 2025March 2035Repaid short-term debt, paid capital expenditures and working capital
NSTAR Electric Debentures3.25%(250.0)November 2025November 2025Paid at maturity
PSNH Series Y First Mortgage Bonds4.40%300.0June 2025July 2028Repaid short-term debt, paid capital expenditures and working capital
Eversource Parent Series HH Senior Notes4.45%600.0October 2025December 2030Repay Series J bonds at maturity and repaid short-term debt
Eversource Parent Series H Senior Notes3.15%(300.0)January 2025January 2025Paid at maturity
Eversource Parent Series Q Senior Notes0.80%(300.0)August 2025August 2025Paid at maturity
NSTAR Gas Series Y First Mortgage Bonds4.86%205.0June 2025June 2030Repaid short-term debt, paid capital expenditures and working capital
NSTAR Gas Series Z First Mortgage Bonds5.30%20.0June 2025June 2035Repaid short-term debt, paid capital expenditures and working capital
NSTAR Gas Series R First Mortgage Bonds2.33%(75.0)May 2025May 2025Paid at maturity
Yankee Gas Series Y First Mortgage Bonds5.02%148.0July 2025January 2031Repaid Series M bonds at maturity, repaid short-term debt, paid capital expenditures and working capital
Yankee Gas Series Z First Mortgage Bonds5.55%37.0July 2025July 2035Repaid Series M bonds at maturity, repaid short-term debt, paid capital expenditures and working capital
Yankee Gas Series M First Mortgage Bonds3.35%(75.0)September 2025September 2025Paid at maturity
EGMA Series F First Mortgage Bonds4.77%125.0September 2025October 2030Repaid short-term debt, paid capital expenditures and working capital

Rate Reduction Bonds: PSNH's RRB payments consist of principal and interest and are paid semi-annually. PSNH paid $43.2 million of RRB principal payments in each of 2025 and 2024, and paid $13.4 million and $14.9 million of interest payments in 2025 and 2024, respectively.

34

Common Share Issuances and Equity Distribution Agreement: On May 30, 2025, Eversource entered into an equity distribution agreement pursuant to which it may offer and sell up to $1.2 billion of its common shares from time to time through an ATM equity offering program. In 2025, Eversource issued 7,130,134 common shares, which resulted in proceeds of $465.4 million, net of issuance costs. Eversource used the net proceeds received for general corporate purposes.

Cash Flows:  Cash flows from operating activities primarily result from the transmission and distribution of electricity, and the distribution of natural gas and water. Cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $4.11 billion in 2025, compared with $2.16 billion in 2024. Operating cash flows were favorably impacted by an improvement in regulatory recoveries driven primarily by the timing of collections for CL&P’s non-bypassable FMCC, CL&P’s SBC, energy efficiency costs, wholesale and retail transmission costs, and other regulatory tracking mechanisms. The CL&P non-bypassable FMCC retail rates in effect for 2025 were higher than those set in 2024 and the net Millstone and Seabrook contract cash flows were higher in 2025 as compared to 2024. These higher collections within the non-bypassable FMCC resulted in an improvement to operating cash flows of $428.2 million for the year. Higher collections from CL&P’s SBC mechanism resulted in a cash flow improvement of $113.3 million. The impacts of regulatory collections are included in both Regulatory Recoveries and Amortization on the statements of cash flows. Additionally, CL&P received general obligation bond proceeds from the State of Connecticut for the reimbursement of hardship costs and for electric vehicle charging program costs of $107.8 million in 2025, which are reflected in Regulatory Recoveries. Operating cash flows were also favorably impacted by a $321.4 million decrease in cash payments to vendors for storm costs, the timing of cash collections on our accounts receivable, the timing of cash payments made on our accounts payable, a $19.1 million decrease in cost of removal expenditures, and the timing of other working capital items. These favorable impacts were partially offset by an increase in capitalized implementation costs for cloud-based service arrangements and a $21.2 million decrease in income tax refunds received in 2025 as compared to 2024.

In 2025, we paid cash dividends of $1.09 billion and issued non-cash dividends of $23.4 million in the form of treasury shares, totaling dividends of $1.12 billion, or $3.01 per common share. In 2024, we paid cash dividends of $1.00 billion and issued non-cash dividends of $23.5 million in the form of treasury shares, totaling dividends of $1.03 billion, or $2.86 per common share. Our quarterly common share dividend payment was $0.7525 per share in 2025, as compared to $0.715 per share in 2024.  On January 27, 2026, our Board of Trustees approved a common share dividend payment of $0.7875 per share, payable on March 31, 2026 to shareholders of record as of March 5, 2026.

Eversource issues treasury shares to satisfy awards under the Company's incentive plans, shares issued under the dividend reinvestment and share purchase plan, and matching contributions under the Eversource 401k Plan.

In 2025, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH paid $430.0 million, $436.0 million and $175.0 million, respectively, in common stock dividends to Eversource parent.

Investments in Property, Plant and Equipment on the statements of cash flows do not include amounts incurred on capital projects but not yet paid, cost of removal, AFUDC related to equity funds, and the capitalized and deferred portions of pension and PBOP income/expense.  In 2025, investments for Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric, and PSNH were $4.16 billion, $867.8 million, $1.56 billion and $537.8 million, respectively. Capital expenditures were primarily for continuing projects to maintain and improve infrastructure and operations, including enhancing reliability to the transmission and distribution systems.

Contractual Obligations: For information regarding our cash requirements from contractual obligations and payment schedules, see Note 9, "Long-Term Debt," Note 10, "Rate Reduction Bonds and Variable Interest Entities," Note 11A, "Employee Benefits - Pension Benefits and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pension," Note 13, "Commitments and Contingencies," and Note 14, "Leases," to the financial statements.

Estimated interest payments on existing long-term fixed-rate debt are calculated by multiplying the coupon rate on the debt by its scheduled notional amount outstanding for the period of measurement as of December 31, 2025 and are as follows:

(Millions of Dollars)20262027202820292030ThereafterTotal
Eversource$1,214.9$1,153.1$1,041.4$919.7$828.8$6,540.8$11,698.7

Our commitments to make payments in addition to these contractual obligations include other liabilities reflected on our balance sheets, and guarantees of certain obligations primarily associated with construction of our previously owned offshore wind investments.

For information regarding our projected capital expenditures over the next five years, see "Business Development and Capital Expenditures - Projected Capital Expenditures" included in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Credit Ratings:  A summary of our current corporate credit ratings and outlooks by S&P, Moody's, and Fitch is as follows:

S&PMoody'sFitch
CurrentOutlookCurrentOutlookCurrentOutlook
Eversource ParentBBB+StableBaa2NegativeBBBNegative
CL&PA-StableBaa1StableA-Negative
NSTAR ElectricA-StableA2NegativeA-Negative
PSNHA-StableA3StableA-Negative

35

A summary of the current credit ratings and outlooks by S&P, Moody's, and Fitch for senior unsecured debt of Eversource parent and NSTAR Electric, and senior secured debt of CL&P and PSNH is as follows:

S&PMoody'sFitch
CurrentOutlookCurrentOutlookCurrentOutlook
Eversource ParentBBBStableBaa2NegativeBBBNegative
CL&PAStableA2StableA+Negative
NSTAR ElectricA-StableA2NegativeANegative
PSNHAStableA1StableA+Negative

Business Development and Capital Expenditures

Our consolidated capital expenditures, including amounts incurred but not paid, cost of removal, AFUDC, and the capitalized and deferred portions of pension and PBOP income/expense (all of which are non-cash factors), totaled $4.61 billion in 2025, $4.64 billion in 2024, and $4.59 billion in 2023.  These amounts included $240.2 million in 2025, $260.5 million in 2024, and $214.4 million in 2023 related to information technology and facilities upgrades and enhancements, primarily at Eversource Service and The Rocky River Realty Company.

Electric Transmission Business: Our consolidated electric transmission business capital expenditures decreased by $118.8 million in 2025, as compared to 2024.  A summary of electric transmission capital expenditures by company is as follows:

For the Years Ended December 31,
(Millions of Dollars)202520242023
CL&P$398.6$450.0$470.4
NSTAR Electric522.9502.0567.4
PSNH287.5375.8410.0
Total Electric Transmission$1,209.0$1,327.8$1,447.8

Our transmission projects are designed to improve the reliability of the electric grid, meet customer demand for power, and strengthen the electric grid's resilience against extreme weather and other safety and security threats. In Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, our transmission projects include transmission line upgrades, the installation of new transmission interconnection facilities, substations and lines, and transmission substation enhancements.

Greater Cambridge Energy Program: The Greater Cambridge Energy Program will construct Eversource’s first underground transmission substation in Cambridge, Massachusetts, along with associated transmission and distribution lines. The project will address the increased electric demand in the region, enhance the resiliency of the transmission system, and ensure a flexible grid to reliably serve customers. The flexibility to transmit and distribute mixed energy sources will support the decarbonization and electrification goals of both the City of Cambridge and the state of Massachusetts. The new 115/13.8-kV, 35,000 square foot substation will be located in an underground vault and includes three distribution power transformers supplying thirty-six distribution circuits. The project also includes five underground duct banks housing eight new 115-kV transmission lines. The Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board approved the project on June 28, 2024. Environmental permits are acquired to support ongoing construction activities. Additional required permits for transmission line trenchless crossings, including a license from the MA DEP, are expected to be approved by the end of 2026. The initial in-service date for the project is June 2029, which includes two 115-kV transmission lines and the transmission portion of the substation. The first distribution circuits and substation distribution will be placed in-service by the end of 2029. The remaining transmission and distribution circuits will be placed in-service throughout 2030 and into 2031. The total estimated project cost is approximately $1.84 billion, with $1.38 billion allocated for transmission and $460 million for distribution. As of December 31, 2025, $200.9 million has been spent on the project, with $154.7 million for transmission and $46.2 million for distribution.

36

Distribution Business:  A summary of distribution capital expenditures is as follows:

For the Years Ended December 31,
(Millions of Dollars)CL&PNSTAR ElectricPSNHTotal ElectricNatural GasWaterTotal
2025
Basic Business$300.8$558.1$118.0$976.9$201.0$19.4$1,197.3
Aging Infrastructure132.5403.692.1628.2731.6152.51,512.3
Load Growth and Other115.8228.360.1404.242.90.8447.9
Total Distribution$549.1$1,190.0$270.2$2,009.3$975.5$172.7$3,157.5
2024
Basic Business$298.8$471.7$136.2$906.7$226.9$21.8$1,155.4
Aging Infrastructure161.3365.865.4592.5743.6140.51,476.6
Load Growth and Other110.6194.366.4371.352.30.8424.4
Total Distribution$570.7$1,031.8$268.0$1,870.5$1,022.8$163.1$3,056.4
2023
Basic Business$280.3$376.6$91.1$748.0$208.2$18.5$974.7
Aging Infrastructure260.7310.086.4657.1719.5142.31,518.9
Load Growth and Other138.0191.337.2366.570.10.9437.5
Total Distribution$679.0$877.9$214.7$1,771.6$997.8$161.7$2,931.1

For the electric distribution business, basic business includes the purchase of meters, tools, vehicles, information technology, transformer replacements, equipment facilities, and the relocation of plant. Aging infrastructure relates to reliability and the replacement of overhead lines, plant substations, underground cable replacement, and equipment failures. Load growth and other includes requests for new business and capacity additions on distribution lines and substation additions and expansions. We are also focused on making strategic AI investments currently in outage discovery, maintenance management and data analytics to better maintain our system and provide value to our customers.

For the natural gas distribution business, basic business addresses daily operational needs including meters, pipe relocations due to public works projects, vehicles, and tools. Aging infrastructure projects seek to improve the reliability of the system through enhancements related to cast iron and bare steel replacement of main and services, corrosion mediation, and station upgrades. Load growth and other reflects growth in existing service territories including new developments, installation of services, and expansion.

For the water distribution business, basic business addresses daily operational needs including periodic meter replacement, water main relocation, facility maintenance, and tools. Aging infrastructure relates to reliability and the replacement of water mains, regulators, storage tanks, pumping stations, wellfields, reservoirs, and treatment facilities. Load growth and other reflects growth in our service territory, including improvements of acquisitions, installation of new services, and interconnections of systems.

Aquarion Sale Status and Regulatory Denial: In December 2024, Eversource obtained approval from its Board of Trustees to sell the Aquarion water distribution business. On January 27, 2025, Eversource entered into a definitive agreement to sell Aquarion to the Aquarion Water Authority (AWA), a quasi-public corporation and political subdivision of the State of Connecticut and a standalone, newly created water authority alongside the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority. In June 2024, a Connecticut law chartered AWA and enabled it to acquire, own and operate Aquarion as a not-for-profit water authority. Subject to certain closing adjustments, the aggregate enterprise value of the sale is approximately $2.4 billion in cash, which included approximately $1.6 billion for the equity and $800 million of net debt that will either be extinguished at closing or transferred to the buyer. The sale requires approval by PURA and the DPU, as well as other approvals pursuant to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, for which the relevant waiting period has expired, as well as other customary closing conditions. Regulatory approvals in New Hampshire and Maine were received. Eversource plans to use the net proceeds from sale to pay down parent company debt.

In the fourth quarter of 2024, upon classifying the assets and liabilities as held for sale, Eversource concluded that the likely sale of Aquarion at a loss resulted in the requirement to test water distribution goodwill for impairment. Eversource performed an impairment test by comparing the fair value of the business to its carrying value and recorded a goodwill impairment of $297 million, as the estimated fair value of the business based on the anticipated sale was less than the carrying value. The fair value included future cash outflows of approximately $140 million of estimated income taxes as a result of the transaction. The goodwill impairment charge was presented separately within Operating Income on the Eversource statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2024.

On November 19, 2025, PURA denied the application to approve the sale, finding that the transaction did not meet managerial suitability and responsibility requirements due to concerns with governance and oversight structure over Aquarion and its consumer advocate. On December 2, 2025, the denial was appealed to the Connecticut Superior Court. On January 15, 2026, the Court issued its decision, sustaining the appeal and remanding back to PURA, finding that PURA acted illegally in denying the application as those disputed governance elements were mandated under Connecticut law. The Court upheld that operational aspects of the consumer advocate were within PURA’s statutory authority and regulatory discretion. A final decision is expected by PURA on March 25, 2026.

37

Based on PURA’s November 19, 2025 denial of the sale and the uncertainty of the ultimate outcome, the Aquarion water distribution business no longer met the criteria to be classified as held for sale and its assets and liabilities were reclassified as held and used on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2025. The reclassification to held and used did not result in an adjustment to Aquarion’s carrying values.

Projected Capital Expenditures:  A summary of the projected capital expenditures for the regulated companies' electric transmission and for the total electric distribution and natural gas distribution for 2026 through 2030, including information technology and facilities upgrades and enhancements on behalf of the regulated companies, is as follows:

Years
(Millions of Dollars)202620272028202920302026 - 2030 Total
CL&P Transmission$520$358$349$241$130$1,598
NSTAR Electric Transmission5747278521,1811,3814,715
PSNH Transmission1812752918597929
Total Electric Transmission1,2751,3601,4921,5071,6087,242
Electric Distribution2,2912,2782,1802,1972,29611,242
Natural Gas Distribution1,2471,3201,4041,4561,3766,803
Total Electric and Natural Gas Distribution3,5383,5983,5843,6533,67218,045
Information Technology and All Other2592172762192561,227
Total$5,072$5,175$5,352$5,379$5,536$26,514

Additionally, investments for the water distribution business are expected to total approximately $1.3 billion from 2026 through 2030.

Actual capital expenditures could vary from the projected amounts for the companies and years above.

FERC Regulatory Matters

FERC ROE Complaints: Four separate complaints were filed at the FERC by combinations of New England state attorneys general, state regulatory commissions, consumer advocates, consumer groups, municipal parties and other parties (collectively, the Complainants). In each of the first three complaints, filed on October 1, 2011, December 27, 2012, and July 31, 2014, respectively, the Complainants challenged the NETOs' base ROE of 11.14 percent that had been utilized since 2005 and sought an order to reduce it prospectively from the date of the final FERC order and for the separate 15-month complaint periods. In the fourth complaint, filed April 29, 2016, the Complainants challenged the NETOs' base ROE billed of 10.57 percent and the maximum ROE for transmission incentive (incentive cap) of 11.74 percent, asserting that these ROEs were unjust and unreasonable.

The ROE originally billed during the period October 1, 2011 (beginning of the first complaint period) through October 15, 2014 consisted of a base ROE of 11.14 percent and incentives up to 13.1 percent. On October 16, 2014, FERC issued Opinion No. 531-A and set the base ROE at 10.57 percent and the incentive cap at 11.74 percent for the first complaint period. This was also effective for all prospective billings to customers beginning October 16, 2014. This FERC order was vacated on April 14, 2017 by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit (the Court).

All amounts associated with the first complaint period have been refunded. Eversource has recorded a reserve of $39.1 million (pre-tax and excluding interest) for the second complaint period as of both December 31, 2025 and 2024. This reserve represents the difference between the billed rates during the second complaint period and a 10.57 percent base ROE and 11.74 percent incentive cap. The reserve consisted of $21.4 million for CL&P, $14.6 million for NSTAR Electric and $3.1 million for PSNH as of both December 31, 2025 and 2024.

On October 16, 2018, FERC issued an order on all four complaints describing how it intends to address the issues that were remanded by the Court. FERC proposed a new framework to determine (1) whether an existing ROE is unjust and unreasonable and, if so, (2) how to calculate a replacement ROE. Initial briefs were filed by the NETOs, Complainants and FERC Trial Staff on January 11, 2019 and reply briefs were filed on March 8, 2019. The NETOs' brief was supportive of the overall ROE methodology determined in the October 16, 2018 order provided the FERC does not change the proposed methodology or alter its implementation in a manner that has a material impact on the results.

The FERC order included illustrative calculations for the first complaint using FERC's proposed frameworks with financial data from that complaint. Those illustrative calculations indicated that for the first complaint period, the preliminary just and reasonable base ROE for the NETOs, which FERC concludes are of average financial risk, is 10.41 percent and the preliminary incentive cap on total ROE is 13.08 percent. If the results of the illustrative calculations were included in a final FERC order for each of the complaint periods, then a 10.41 percent base ROE and a 13.08 percent incentive cap would not have a significant impact on our financial statements for all of the complaint periods. These preliminary calculations are not binding and do not represent what we believe to be the most likely outcome of a final FERC order.

On November 21, 2019, FERC issued Opinion No. 569 affecting the two pending transmission ROE complaints against the Midcontinent ISO (MISO) transmission owners, in which FERC adopted a new methodology for determining base ROEs. Various parties sought rehearing. On December 23, 2019, the NETOs filed supplementary materials in the NETOs' four pending cases to respond to this new methodology because of the uncertainty of the applicability to the NETOs' cases. On May 21, 2020, the FERC issued its order in Opinion No. 569-A on the rehearing of the MISO transmission owners' cases, in which FERC again changed its methodology for determining the MISO transmission owners' base ROEs. On November 19, 2020, the FERC issued Opinion No. 569-B denying rehearing of Opinion No. 569-A and reaffirmed the methodology previously adopted in Opinion No. 569-A. The new methodology differs significantly from the methodology proposed by FERC in its October 16, 2018 order

38

to determine the NETOs' base ROEs in their four pending cases. FERC Opinion Nos. 569-A and 569-B were appealed to the Court. On August 9, 2022, the Court issued its decision vacating MISO ROE FERC Opinion Nos. 569, 569-A and 569-B and remanded to FERC to reopen the proceedings. The Court found that FERC’s development of the new return methodology was arbitrary and capricious due to FERC’s failure to offer a reasonable explanation for its decision to reintroduce the risk-premium financial model in its new methodology for calculating a just and reasonable return.

On October 17, 2024, FERC issued an order on the remand of the MISO ROE proceedings. The order addressed the Court’s decision that the reintroduction of the risk-premium financial model in the ROE methodology was arbitrary and capricious by removing the risk-premium financial model from the ROE methodology. The removal of the risk-premium financial model was the only revision to FERC’s ROE methodology and resulted in a two-model approach utilizing the two-step discounted cash flow model and the capital asset pricing model. MISO transmission owners were directed to provide refunds for the period November 12, 2013 to February 11, 2015 (the first MISO ROE complaint refund period) and for the period from September 28, 2016 (the date of FERC’s order on the first MISO ROE complaint) to October 17, 2024 by December 1, 2025. The order also stated that FERC does not preclude the use of the risk-premium financial model in future proceedings if the parties can demonstrate that FERC’s stated concerns around the inclusion of the model have been addressed. On March 25, 2025, FERC issued an order addressing arguments raised on rehearing, sustaining the result, and denying rehearing.

On November 13, 2024, the NETOs filed a supplemental brief in their four pending ROE proceedings to explain to FERC that it cannot apply the reasoning and methodologies of the MISO ROE case to the NETOs’ cases due to the entirely different set of facts in the MISO and NETOs ROE proceedings. Doing so would violate the substance of the Court’s April 14, 2017 order and would violate the legal standard required by the Federal Power Act.

On February 4, 2025, the MISO transmission owners submitted a petition for review with the Court requesting review of the October 17, 2024 MISO ROE order on remand and a December 19, 2024 notice of denial of rehearing. The petition requests review of FERC’s decision to retroactively backdate the MISO transmission owners’ base ROE to the date of an earlier order that FERC abandoned when it issued Order No. 569, treat an underlying unlawful complaint as if it were legitimate, and order eight years of interest as part of the directed refunds. On August 21, 2025, the NETOs submitted a brief in support of the MISO transmission owners with the Court. Final briefs in the Court proceeding were submitted on January 26, 2026 and oral argument is scheduled for March 17, 2026.

Given the significant uncertainty regarding the applicability of the FERC order in the MISO transmission owners’ two complaint cases to the NETOs’ pending four complaint cases due to the complex differences between the cases, Eversource concluded that there is no reasonable basis for a change to the reserve or recognized ROEs for any of the complaints or subsequent periods at this time and Eversource cannot reasonably estimate any potential range of loss for any of the four complaint proceedings at this time. The resolution of these proceedings could have a material impact on the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH currently record revenues at the 10.57 percent base ROE and incentive cap at 11.74 percent established in the October 16, 2014 FERC order.

A change of 10 basis points to the base ROE used to establish the reserves would impact Eversource’s after-tax earnings by an average of approximately $3 million for each of the four 15-month complaint periods. Prospectively from the date of a final FERC order implementing a new base ROE, based off of estimated 2025 rate base, a change of 10 basis points to the base ROE would impact Eversource’s future annual after-tax earnings by approximately $7 million per year, and will increase slightly over time as we continue to invest in our transmission infrastructure.

Transmission Rates and Other Transmission Rates-Related Proceedings: CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH transmission rates are calculated in accordance with a FERC-approved formula ratemaking framework and each utility is required to file an annual update on or before July 31st with resulting rates effective January 1st the following year. The formula rate framework provides for an annual reconciliation of the prior calendar year actual costs incurred related to our transmission facilities, including an allowed ROE, plus forecasted information through the next rate period. The annual update process includes formula rate protocols that provide disclosure of cost inputs, an opportunity for informal discovery procedures and a challenge process, which provides transparency to stakeholders.

From time to time, various matters are pending before FERC relating to transmission rates, incentives, interconnections and transmission planning. Depending on the outcome, any of these matters could materially impact our results of operations and financial condition. At this time, Eversource cannot predict the ultimate outcome of the matters currently pending before FERC, and the resulting impact on its transmission incentives or planning.

Regulatory Developments and Rate Matters

Electric, Natural Gas and Water Utility Retail Tariff Rates: Each Eversource utility subsidiary is subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the state in which it operates:  CL&P, Yankee Gas and Aquarion operate in Connecticut and are subject to PURA regulation; NSTAR Electric, NSTAR Gas, EGMA and Aquarion operate in Massachusetts and are subject to DPU regulation; and PSNH and Aquarion operate in New Hampshire and are subject to NHPUC regulation.  The regulated companies' distribution rates are set by their respective state regulatory commissions, and their tariffs include mechanisms for periodically adjusting their rates for the recovery of specific incurred costs.

Base Distribution Rates:  In Connecticut, PURA is required to conduct a review and investigation of the financial and operating records of each electric, natural gas and water utility serving more than seventy-five thousand customers within four years of its last general rate hearing. PURA can elect to convene a general rate hearing at an interval of less than four years unless prohibited from doing so by an agency decision or other law.

39

In Massachusetts, electric distribution companies are required to file distribution rate schedules every five years, and natural gas local distribution companies to file distribution rate schedules every 10 years, and those companies are limited to one settlement agreement in any 10-year period. Aquarion is not required to initiate a rate review with the DPU. In New Hampshire, PSNH is not required to initiate a rate review with the NHPUC on any set timeframe, and the NHPUC has no obligation to hear any rate matter that it has investigated within a period of two years, though it may elect to do so at its discretion.

Rate Reconciling Mechanisms: The Eversource electric distribution companies obtain and resell power to retail customers who choose not to buy energy from a competitive energy supplier.  CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH enter into full requirements energy supply procurement contracts for its customers that choose to purchase power from the electric distribution company (standard offer, basic service or default energy service, respectively). The natural gas distribution companies procure natural gas for firm and seasonal customers. These energy supply and natural gas supply procurement costs are recovered from customers in supply rates that are approved by the respective state regulatory commission.  The rates are reset periodically (every six months for electric residential customers) and are fully reconciled to their costs.  New energy supply rates for residential customers are established effective July 1st at CL&P and NSTAR Electric and effective August 1st at PSNH. Each electric and natural gas distribution company fully recovers its energy supply costs through approved regulatory rate mechanisms on a timely basis and, therefore, such costs have no impact on earnings. Increases or decreases in energy supply retail rates result in corresponding fluctuations in both energy supply procurement revenues and purchased power or purchased natural gas expenses on the statements of income.

The electric and natural gas distribution companies also recover certain other costs from customers in retail rates on a fully reconciling basis through regulatory commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms and therefore, recovery of these costs has no impact on earnings. Costs recovered through cost tracking mechanisms include, among others, state mandated energy purchase agreements and other energy-related costs, electric retail transmission charges, energy efficiency program costs, electric restructuring and stranded cost recovery revenues (including securitized RRB charges), certain capital tracking mechanisms for infrastructure improvements, and additionally for the Massachusetts utilities, pension and PBOP benefits, net metering for distributed generation, and solar-related programs. The reconciliation filings compare the total actual costs allowed to revenue requirements related to these services and the difference between the costs incurred (or the rate recovery allowed) and the actual costs allowed is deferred and included, to be either recovered or refunded, in future customer rates.  These cost tracking mechanisms also include certain incentives earned, return on capital tracking mechanisms, and carrying charges that are billed in rates to customers, which do impact earnings.

Connecticut:

CL&P Performance Based Rate Making: On May 26, 2021, in accordance with an October 2020 Connecticut law, PURA opened a proceeding to begin to evaluate and eventually implement performance-based regulation (PBR) for electric distribution companies. PURA is conducting the proceeding in two phases. On April 26, 2023, PURA issued a final decision on the first phase and identified various objectives to guide PBR development and evaluate adoption of a PBR framework. The decision commenced Phase 2 by initiating three reopener dockets focused on revenue adjustment mechanisms, performance metrics, and integrated distribution system planning.

On November 16, 2023, PURA issued a straw proposal in the first reopener that focused on revenue adjustment mechanisms. The proposal outlined potential additions and reforms to the current revenue adjustment mechanisms, such as multi-year rate plans, earnings sharing mechanisms and the revenue decoupling mechanism. On March 14, 2024, PURA issued a straw proposal in the second reopener docket that concentrated on performance mechanisms in a PBR framework. The proposal suggested the development of performance incentive mechanisms, reported metrics and scorecards. On February 27, 2025, PURA issued revised straw proposals for both the first and second reopener dockets, resulting in some edits to the previous proposals based on participant feedback. On April 4, 2025, PURA issued a straw proposal in the third reopener docket that focused on the establishment of integrated distribution system planning under a PBR framework.

On July 14, 2025, PURA issued proposed final decisions in the first two reopener dockets. The proposed final decision in the first reopener docket adopted a PBR framework inclusive of a multi-year rate plan with an attrition relief mechanism that uses a revenue-cap formula approach to adjust revenues based on a variety of factors including inflation, a productivity factor, a customer dividend percentage, an exogenous cost factor and a capital funding mechanism, as well as an earnings sharing mechanism and a revenue decoupling mechanism for implementation in CL&P’s next distribution rate case. The multi-year rate plan has a stay out period of four years, but certain situations, such as deteriorating financial condition, exceeding authorized return, falling interest rates, or excess storm costs, could trigger the initiation of a new rate amendment proceeding during the multi-year rate plan. The proposed final decision in the second reopener docket established reporting parameters, including the commencement of scorecards and reported metrics and the development of company specific performance incentive mechanisms. Results of scorecards and reported metrics are proposed to be reported annually to PURA, beginning March 1, 2026. Company specific performance incentive mechanisms will be implemented in CL&P’s next rate case proceeding.

On August 8, 2025, PURA issued a proposed final decision in the third reopener docket, adopting the contents and reporting process for an integrated distribution system plan (IDSP) under a PBR framework. The IDSP report will document the grid planning process for available distribution system capacity and system needs, including the development, operation, and evolution of the electrical distribution grid. The IDSP report will include CL&P’s planned investments over a four-year plan period and long-term capital investment strategy, and will be utilized by PURA in determining the amount of allowable capital additions within a multi-year rate plan included in the calculation of the capital funding mechanism adopted in the first reopener docket. The draft decision requires CL&P to submit a comprehensive IDSP filing every four years in alignment with the submittal of a rate amendment application and to also submit an annual IDSP filing to report on IDSP investments throughout the four-year period.

Final decisions on the three reopener dockets have not yet been scheduled. We continue to monitor developments in this proceeding, and at this time, we cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this proceeding and the resulting impact to CL&P.

40

CL&P Storm Filings: On March 28, 2024, PURA established a prudency review proceeding for the purpose of receiving and reviewing evidence of the costs reported by CL&P in response to catastrophic storms and pre-staging events totaling approximately $634 million that occurred between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2021. On December 31, 2024, CL&P filed a supplement to its March 2024 prudency review application to request that PURA evaluate the prudence of its costs for nine additional catastrophic storms and two additional pre-staging events for the period January 1, 2022 through January 31, 2023 totaling approximately $173 million. On July 10, 2025, CL&P filed a second supplement to its March 2024 prudency review application to request that PURA evaluate the prudence of its costs for ten additional catastrophic storms for the period February 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 totaling approximately $171 million. On July 25, 2025, CL&P filed a third supplement in this application to include carrying charges calculated at the weighted average cost of capital on the deferred storm costs totaling $246 million, which reflects CL&P’s actual financing costs on the unpaid storm costs from the date the deferred storm costs first began to accrue through May 2025. These carrying charges have not been deferred on the balance sheet. On December 13, 2025, PURA opened a new proceeding for the prudency determination of CL&P’s 2018 to 2023 storm costs either by a settled or litigated process and a separate future docket will be needed to consider CL&P’s application to issue rate reduction bonds for the securitization of approved storm costs. A final decision is expected on or about July 29, 2026. Although we cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these storm proceedings, we continue to believe these deferred storm restoration costs were prudently incurred and are probable of recovery.

CL&P RAM Filing: On March 28, 2025, PURA issued an interim decision in CL&P’s Rate Adjustment Mechanisms (RAM) filing and approved rates for six RAM components, with rates effective May 1, 2025 through April 30, 2026. The rates include recovery of over- or under-collection balances as of December 31, 2024, actual costs from the prior year, and adjustments to incorporate certain known and measurable cost changes not reflected in prior year costs that CL&P will incur in 2025. On August 13, 2025, PURA issued a final decision that approved a further adjustment to the Non-Bypassable Federally Mandated Congestion Charge (NBFMCC) and System Benefits Charge (SBC) rates based on a July 1, 2025 Connecticut law that authorized the State of Connecticut to issue new general obligation bonds to reduce certain hardship costs and electric vehicle program costs recovered from customers. Proceeds from the general obligation bond funding of $107.8 million will be provided back to customers through a reduction to the NBFMCC and SBC rates. The updated NBFMCC and SBC rates are effective September 1, 2025 through April 30, 2026. These rates are included in the “Public Benefits” portion of the customer bills in Connecticut.

On September 19, 2025, CL&P received $107.8 million in general obligation bond proceeds from the State of Connecticut, which represent reimbursement of incurred costs that were previously recognized as regulatory assets on CL&P’s balance sheets. The proceeds received for the reimbursement of hardship costs and for electric vehicle charging program costs were credited against the SBC and NBFMCC regulatory deferrals on CL&P’s balance sheet as of December 31, 2025. The proceeds from the state bond funding are presented as a cash inflow in Regulatory Recoveries within operating activities on CL&P’s statement of cash flows.

CL&P Advanced Metering Infrastructure Filing: On January 3, 2024, PURA issued a final decision regarding CL&P’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) investment and implementation plan. In CL&P’s view, the final decision did not provide a reasonable path for cost recovery and would delay implementation. In addition, in CL&P’s view, the final decision modifies the prudence standard for recovery of costs expended on the project, improperly linking recovery to outcomes not known at the outset of the project. On January 18, 2024, CL&P submitted a motion for reconsideration to PURA, asking that the agency modify these aspects of the decision, which PURA subsequently denied on February 14, 2024. On March 6, 2024, CL&P filed written comments citing four major problems associated with PURA’s guidelines for recovery of the costs of AMI implementation, which if not addressed, represent obstacles to AMI implementation in Connecticut. On April 16, 2024, PURA issued a procedural order directing Eversource and inviting all parties and intervenors to submit pre-filed testimony pertaining to AMI. CL&P witnesses filed testimony, including an updated estimate of $855 million for capital costs and operating expenses, and then subsequently participated in the AMI cost recovery hearing on June 6, 2024.

On October 17, 2024, PURA issued a proposed final decision on recovery of the costs for AMI implementation. On October 31, 2024, CL&P filed written exceptions focused on three main aspects of the proposed decision, which included (1) clarifying the prudence standard to be used in evaluating AMI investments, (2) timing of prudency reviews, and (3) cost recovery related to incremental O&M expenses. On December 4, 2024, PURA issued a final decision on the recovery of costs for AMI implementation. On December 9, 2024, CL&P filed a petition for reconsideration because PURA had not fully resolved the issues CL&P raised in its October 31, 2024 written exceptions. On November 25, 2025, PURA issued correspondence in connection with CL&P’s October 31, 2025 annual AMI compliance filing asserting that it was no longer evaluating the merits of CL&P’s petition for reconsideration, that PURA approval is not required for CL&P to deploy AMI, and that CL&P may invest in AMI at any time and seek cost recovery under the AMI tariff after meeting established filing criteria. On December 19, 2025, CL&P filed a motion responding to the legal issues raised in PURA’s correspondence and requested that PURA reopen the prior proceeding for the purpose of lawfully acting upon CL&P’s December 9, 2024 petition for reconsideration and resolving the open questions on AMI cost recovery.

Yankee Gas Distribution Rate Case: On November 12, 2024, Yankee Gas filed an application with PURA to amend its existing distribution rates for effect on November 1, 2025. Yankee Gas had subsequently amended its rate application to request approval of a distribution rate increase of $193 million. On September 22, 2025, PURA issued a proposed final (draft) decision in Yankee Gas’s distribution rate case that included a distribution rate increase of $55.6 million, effective November 1, 2025.

On November 5, 2025, PURA issued a final decision in the Yankee Gas distribution rate case that included a distribution rate increase of $82.2 million and a total distribution revenue requirement of $802.2 million, effective November 1, 2025. The approved revenue requirement includes a previously recorded rate credit of $37.4 million plus carrying charges for non-firm margin credits over three years beginning November 1, 2025. Excluding the rate credit, the distribution rate increase totaled $95.7 million. The final decision also established an authorized net regulatory ROE of 9.32 percent, adopting a 9.48 percent ROE net of certain reductions totaling 16 basis points, and a 53 percent common equity ratio for Yankee Gas’ capital structure. PURA declined to approve the multi-year performance-based rate making plan that would adjust rates annually as proposed by Yankee Gas. PURA also implemented an annual cap on contemporaneous cost recovery of aging infrastructure replacement spending in the

41

Distribution Integrity Management Program (DIMP) rate tracking mechanism of $139.9 million, in which spending above the annual cap will be deferred for recovery until the next distribution rate case. The final decision resulted in a net pre-tax loss to earnings of $8.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, primarily for the write off of certain capitalized employee compensation costs that were disallowed from rate base. Yankee Gas filed motions to request PURA reconsider the disallowances of these capitalized costs, certain computational errors, and other issues identified in its final decision. On December 15, 2025, PURA issued a notice of reconsideration to reconsider the final decision. A final decision on the reconsideration is expected from PURA by March 15, 2026.

Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut Distribution 2022 Rate Case: On August 29, 2022, Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut (AWC-CT) filed an application with PURA to amend its existing rate schedules to address an operating revenue deficiency. AWC-CT’s rate application requested approval of rate increases of $27.5 million, an additional $13.6 million, and an additional $8.8 million, effective March 15, 2023, 2024, and 2025, respectively. On March 15, 2023, PURA issued a final decision that rejected this request. In this decision, PURA ordered a decrease to total authorized revenues of $4.0 million effective March 15, 2023. The decision allows an authorized regulatory ROE of 8.70 percent. On March 30, 2023, AWC-CT filed an appeal on the decision. On March 25, 2024, the State of Connecticut Superior Court issued a decision on the appeal which dismissed nine, remanded back to PURA two, and partially remanded one of AWC-CT’s twelve claims of error in its appeal.

On April 18, 2024, PURA initiated a docket to address the matters on remand. On July 31, 2024, PURA issued a final decision in this docket and increased AWC-CT’s approved revenue requirement by $0.1 million above the amount authorized in the March 15, 2023 decision. Rates went into effect on July 31, 2024. On September 13, 2024, AWC-CT filed an appeal of PURA’s July 31, 2024 final decision to the Connecticut Superior Court. On December 9, 2025, the Connecticut Superior Court remanded the disallowance of approximately $0.4 million of rate case expenses back to PURA. PURA’s decision on the remand is pending.

On March 28, 2024, AWC-CT filed an appeal of the March 25, 2024 Connecticut Superior Court decision to the Connecticut Appellate Court, and that appeal was subsequently transferred to the Connecticut Supreme Court. On July 9, 2025, the Connecticut Supreme Court issued a decision that overturned PURA’s disallowance of $1.5 million in water conservation program expenses, but affirmed the remaining portions of PURA’s decision that were challenged on appeal. The Connecticut Supreme Court decision also validated AWC-CT’s argument that the correct legal standard PURA must use in determining whether costs can be recovered through customer rates is the longstanding prudence standard, which evaluates the prudence of management decision-making as of the time the utility made the decision to incur costs; PURA cannot use improper hindsight analysis to evaluate prudence. On December 10, 2025, PURA revised its July 31, 2024 decision and increased AWC-CT’s approved revenue requirement by $0.3 million reflecting recovery of the $1.5 million conservation program expenses over six years.

Massachusetts:

NSTAR Electric Distribution Rates: NSTAR Electric’s PBR mechanism allows for an annual adjustment to base distribution rates for inflation, exogenous events and future capital additions based on a historical five-year average of total capital additions. On September 15, 2025, NSTAR Electric submitted its annual PBR Adjustment filing for a $55.1 million increase to base distribution rates and a total base distribution revenue requirement of $1.34 billion for effect on January 1, 2026. The requested base distribution rate increase is comprised of a $25.2 million inflation-based adjustment and a $29.9 million K-bar adjustment for capital additions based on the difference between the historical five-year average of total capital additions and the base capital revenue requirement. On December 30, 2025, the DPU approved this filing.

NSTAR Electric’s Electric Sector Modernization Plan (ESMP) Filing: On August 29, 2024, the DPU approved the overall ESMP as a strategic plan for a five-year period commencing July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2030. The initial five-year plan proposed incremental distribution capital investments of $608 million and incremental distribution expense of $211 million. On November 21, 2024, the DPU opened a second phase of the proceeding (Phase II) to consider a short-term ESMP-focused cost recovery mechanism and metrics. The DPU limited the review of investment in this docket and excluded NSTAR Electric’s ESMP capital proposals regarding the EV Phase II extension and the new capital investment projects, and expense for the funding of low and moderate income solar. These investments will be reviewed in separate proceedings. This reduced the amount of company-proposed incremental capital investment to $295 million and the incremental expense to $44 million related to resiliency and grid modernization for a total spending cap of $339 million. NSTAR Electric filed its proposed tariff and testimony on December 18, 2024.

On June 13, 2025, the DPU issued an order in the Phase II proceeding on the interim cost recovery mechanism for the ESMP, which approved the interim cost recovery mechanism with certain modifications. In the order, the DPU emphasized its attempt to balance affordability and the goals of advancing Massachusetts’ clean energy goals through proactive investments to support electrification and distributed generation. NSTAR Electric received approval for its proposed grid modernization and resiliency investments and incremental expense for a total spending cap of $139 million, reflecting an ordered reduction in capital spending on undergrounding for resiliency. In compliance with the Phase II order, a revised tariff was filed June 23, 2025, and the revised ESMP spending cap for the first term of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2030, which included company-proposed incremental capital investment of $95 million and incremental expense of $44 million, was filed June 30, 2025. The DPU is conducting another phase of this proceeding to establish a long-term cost recovery mechanism, which is expected to be through base distribution rates.

NSTAR Gas Distribution Rates: NSTAR Gas’ PBR mechanism allows for an annual adjustment to base distribution rates for inflation and exogenous events. On June 16, 2025, NSTAR Gas submitted its annual PBR Adjustment filing for rates to be effective on November 1, 2025. On September 11, 2025, NSTAR Gas updated its filing to request approval of a $162.6 million increase to base distribution rates and a total base distribution revenue requirement of $447.7 million. The base distribution rate increase is comprised of a $10.3 million inflation-based adjustment and, in accordance with the DPU’s final decision in the 2020 NSTAR Gas rate case, a $152.3 million rate-base reset to incorporate capital additions for the period 2021 through 2024, which includes the transfer of GSEP revenues totaling $107.3 million into base rates, as well as other non-GSEP plant additions totaling $45.0 million.

42

On October 29, 2025, the DPU issued a decision determining that NSTAR Gas was not eligible to increase its distribution rates for the rate base reset because it did not achieve certain performance metrics under its PBR plan, and did not allow the base rate increase of $45.0 million for the incorporation of non-GSEP plant additions into base rates. The decision stated that those investments could be considered for inclusion in base distribution rates in NSTAR Gas’s next base rate proceeding. The DPU did allow NSTAR Gas to transfer its GSEP revenues through 2024 of $107.3 million for recovery through base distribution rates effective November 1, 2025. The DPU approved the base distribution rate increase of $10.3 million for the inflation-based adjustment. The DPU also approved NSTAR Gas’ mitigation proposal, in which NSTAR Gas paused recovery of the Gas System Enhancement Adjustment Factor (GSEAF) and reduced the current GSEAF to zero on November 1, 2025 in order to align this decrease with the base rate increase and to mitigate November 1, 2025 bill impacts to customers. NSTAR Gas will begin to recover the remaining 2025 GSEP revenue requirement on May 1, 2026 over 18 months. On November 4, 2025, NSTAR Gas filed a motion requesting the DPU to reconsider its decision denying the rate base reset citing legal concerns and arguing that the decision will ultimately result in higher costs for customers. NSTAR Gas also notified the DPU of its intention to file a base distribution rate case.

On December 30, 2025, NSTAR Gas and the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General reached a joint settlement agreement that allowed for the reinstatement of the rate base reset of $45.0 million increase to base distribution rates effective January 1, 2026, for NSTAR Gas to not petition for a rate case with new rates effective December 1, 2026, and for continuation of NSTAR Gas’ PBR program through November 1, 2030. The settlement agreement also required NSTAR Gas to provide a credit to customers of $10.2 million over a ten-month period beginning January 2026 as penalty for its failure to meet three performance metrics as required for eligibility for the rate base reset, pay a $2 million concession to the Office of the Attorney General to fund customer energy assistance programs, waive recovery of certain carrying charges, delay recovery of $53 million of capital pipeline investments until the next rate case, and provide bill stabilization credit deferrals. The DPU approved the settlement agreement on January 16, 2026. The settlement agreement resulted in a pre-tax charge to earnings of $12.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2025.

NSTAR Electric and EGMA Settlement: On November 3, 2025, EGMA, NSTAR Electric, and the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General reached a joint settlement agreement that resolved outstanding issues in multiple open Pension Adjustment Mechanism (PAM) dockets and open Resiliency Tree Work (RTW) dockets at NSTAR Electric and allows recovery of transaction and integration costs related to Eversource’s acquisition of EGMA. Certain PAM and RTW collections are being refunded to NSTAR Electric’s customers over a one-year period beginning January 1, 2026 and the transaction and integration costs of $82.3 million will be collected from EGMA customers over a ten-year period from the time of the next EGMA rate case. The settlement agreement was approved by the DPU on December 1, 2025. The settlement resulted in a net pre-tax benefit to earnings of $64.8 million on the Eversource income statement in the fourth quarter of 2025 ($82.3 million benefit at Eversource Parent and Other Companies for the allowed recovery of previously expensed acquisition-related and integration costs and $17.5 million charge at NSTAR Electric) and a net increase to regulatory assets on the Eversource balance sheet.

Massachusetts 2026 Winter Bill Relief Program: In February 2026, NSTAR Electric, NSTAR Gas and EGMA implemented a winter electric and natural gas bill relief program as required by the DPU. Under this program, in February and March 2026, residential electric customers in Massachusetts will receive an aggregate bill reduction of approximately 25 percent and residential natural gas customers will receive an aggregate bill reduction of approximately 10 percent, a portion of which will be funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The remaining bill credits will be deferred for recovery from electric customers between April and December 2026 and from natural gas customers between May and October 2026, subject to DPU approval. No carrying charges will be collected. The bill relief program results in delayed collections from customers, impacting the timing of cash flows. Proceeds of $84.1 million were received by NSTAR Electric in January 2026 and will reduce regulatory assets recorded on its balance sheet in the first quarter of 2026.

New Hampshire:

PSNH Distribution Rate Case: On June 11, 2024, PSNH filed an application with the NHPUC for approval of a temporary annual base distribution rate increase. On July 31, 2024, the NHPUC approved a settlement agreement that was reached by PSNH, New Hampshire Department of Energy, and the Office of the Consumer Advocate to implement a temporary annual base distribution rate increase of $61.2 million effective August 1, 2024. Temporary rates were in effect until permanent rates were approved and took effect August 1, 2025.

Also on June 11, 2024, PSNH filed an application with the NHPUC to request an increase in permanent base distribution rates of $181.9 million, which is inclusive of the temporary rate increase. Throughout the course of the proceeding, PSNH amended the requested revenue requirement to account for developments in the case, and arrived at a final proposed rate increase of $103 million, which primarily reflects the removal of deferred storm costs that will be addressed in a separate proceeding. On July 25, 2025, the NHPUC issued its decision on permanent rates and approved a permanent rate increase of $100.7 million, effective August 1, 2025, inclusive of the temporary rate increase referenced above. The total base distribution revenue requirement effective August 1, 2025 is $519 million. The order also established an authorized regulatory ROE of 9.5 percent with a 50 percent common equity ratio for PSNH’s capital structure.

This revenue requirement also contains an alternative regulation revenue requirement adjustment. This adjustment was part of the NHPUC’s alternative regulatory framework that the NHPUC adopted as an alternative to PSNH’s proposed performance-based regulation plan. The alternative regulatory framework authorizes formulaic annual revenue adjustments on August 1st of 2026, 2027 and 2028. PSNH is required to file its next base distribution rate case for effect in June 2029 and committed not to file its next distribution rate case until 2029. The alternative regulatory framework calculates the annual revenue adjustment using a productivity factor and an adjustment for inflation to provide PSNH with increased revenue for operations. The framework also contains an exogenous events recovery mechanism for certain unforeseen events out of PSNH’s control and exceeding a specified threshold, a performance metric, and an earnings sharing mechanism where PSNH would have to return 75 percent of all revenue back to customers that exceeds 25 basis points more than the authorized ROE of 9.5 percent. Consistent with PSNH’s proposal, lost base revenues for both net metering and energy efficiency were eliminated effective August 1, 2025.

43

To the extent permanent rates exceed the level of temporary rates, the difference will reconcile back to the date that the temporary rates took effect and the company recovers the difference over a twelve-month term. On August 11, 2025, PSNH filed its recoupment calculation, and on September 10, 2025, the NHPUC issued an order that the recoupment is $9.1 million and will be collected through the RRA regulatory tracking mechanism over a one-year period.

As part of the decision, unrecovered storm costs of $247 million were removed from the rate proceeding for consideration in a separate proceeding. Approval of the ultimate amount of storm costs to be recovered is subject to a separate prudency review that was filed in March of 2024 and is being considered by the NHPUC in a separate dedicated docket, which is at this time complete and awaiting the issuance of an order. Approved storm costs in excess of the amount approved in base rates will be recovered through the Regulatory Reconciliation Adjustment (RRA) regulatory tracking mechanism. The NHPUC increased the level of storm costs recovered in base rates from $12 million to $19 million.

The impact of the rate case decision resulted in a pre-tax benefit to earnings of $15.6 million at PSNH due primarily to the recoupment and the allowed recovery of other deferrals that will be recovered in the RRA. The majority of this amount was recorded as a reduction to amortization expense on PSNH’s statement of income in 2025.

On January 30, 2026, the New Hampshire Department of Energy filed a notice of appeal with the New Hampshire Supreme Court challenging certain aspects of the PSNH distribution rate case. The appeal raises issues regarding the lawfulness of the Company’s alternative regulatory framework, the adequacy of the NHPUC’s findings supporting the approved revenue requirement, and whether the NHPUC sufficiently addressed required regulatory factors in its final order. The Department of Energy contends that additional findings were necessary to support the final determinations. On February 6, 2026, the Office of the Consumer Advocate filed a notice of cross-appeal with the New Hampshire Supreme Court challenging other aspects of the rate case decision. The NHPUC, as the deciding agency, is afforded the highest level of deference by the New Hampshire Supreme Court, and therefore the Department of Energy and the Office of Consumer Advocate will have a very high burden to meet to be successful on appeal. Eversource is currently evaluating the appeals and will respond consistent with applicable legal and regulatory processes.

Legislative and Policy Matters

Federal: On July 4, 2025, An Act to Provide for Reconciliation Pursuant to Title II of H. Con. Res. 14 (known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act or OBBBA), a budget and reconciliation package, was signed into law. Among various items, the law includes changes to federal tax policy and modifications to clean energy tax incentives originally enacted under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. One of the key provisions notable for Eversource is the restoration of bonus depreciation for its affiliates other than rate-regulated utility companies. The deduction is for qualifying depreciable tangible property acquired and placed in service after January 19, 2025. The OBBBA maintains a federal corporate income tax rate of 21 percent.

The OBBBA also includes provisions that remove federal tax credits for renewable energy. The OBBBA phases out the clean electricity production credit and the clean electricity investment tax credit for wind and solar projects that begin construction after July 4, 2026 and are not placed in service before December 31, 2027. Projects that begin construction prior to July 4, 2026 will remain eligible for investment tax credit benefits under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

The Company has evaluated the impacts of the OBBBA on our consolidated financial statements. The law will not have an impact on Eversource’s tax equity investment in the South Fork Wind project or the Revolution Wind project for which Eversource has remaining financial obligations.

Under the OBBBA, clean energy credits, such as clean electricity investment, can lose eligibility if an entity is owned by, controlled by, or receives material assistance from certain prohibited foreign entities. This foreign ownership would include equity ownership and indirect involvement such as debt holdings and supply-chain relationships. The Company currently does not have any tax credits that qualify under the new OBBBA rules.

Connecticut: On July 1, 2025, Connecticut enacted Public Act No. 25-173, An Act Concerning Energy Affordability, Access, and Accountability, (Senate Bill No. 4) (the Act), which aims to reduce electric rates for Connecticut retail customers by up to $300 million over the next two years in the public benefits charges on electric bills for hardship protection measures and electric vehicle program costs through the issuance of state bonds that would fully fund these state-mandated program costs in lieu of collecting these amounts in electric rates. The Act authorizes the State of Connecticut to issue up to $125 million in new general obligation bonds for each fiscal year 2026 and 2027 to reduce costs of hardship protection measures charged to retail customers, of which 67 percent of each issuance will be allocated to CL&P, and $30 million for fiscal year 2026 and $20 million for fiscal year 2027 in new general obligation bonds to fund the electric vehicle charging program, of which 80 percent of each issuance will be allocated to CL&P. Rate reductions were implemented prospectively beginning September 1, 2025 in CL&P’s revenue adjustment mechanism.

The Act authorizes the securitization of storm-related expenses for the period January 1, 2018 through January 1, 2025, which covers the majority of deferred storm costs on the CL&P balance sheet, as well as advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and legacy meter investments, allowing for the recovery of these costs from customers over a longer term to mitigate short-term rate impacts. The Act also seeks to reduce electric rates for retail customers by revising the statutory framework for renewable portfolio standards.

The Act also directs PURA’s procurement manager, after consultation with the electric distribution companies, the Consumer Counsel and the Commissioner of DEEP, to file with PURA a proposed amendment to the plan to procure standard electric service that would authorize electric distribution companies to, among other things, make dynamic market purchases to attempt to reduce the average cost and minimize the price volatility of standard electric service.

44

Implementation of the Act’s provisions will require further regulatory proceedings and administrative action. We do not anticipate any significant impact to our operating revenues or earnings as a result of the Act’s enactment. However, we expect PURA to initiate proceedings related to securitization, renewable portfolio standard obligations, and other provisions in the Act, which may impact future rate design and recovery mechanisms.

On October 20, 2025, Governor Lamont nominated four new PURA commissioners who, along with an existing commissioner, enable the agency to now operate with the maximum number of commissioners. The four nominees will serve in an interim capacity until they are confirmed by the legislature.

PFAS Settlements: Aquarion opted into class-action settlements with the defendants 3M Company, E.I. duPont de Nemours and Company, Tyco Fire Products LP, and BASF Corporation. These settlement agreements were entered to resolve claims of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in the drinking water provided by public water systems. In July 2024 and April 2025, Aquarion and other qualifying class members submitted claims to receive settlement awards; these awards were allocated based on the overall number of claimants, PFAS concentrations and flow rates of water sources, and a variety of other factors. The final, total recovery from these settlements is unknown and will be based on the Claims Administrator’s review of the submitted claims and the subsequent allocation procedures. Aquarion anticipates receiving recovery from 3M Company over the next nine years and from E.I. duPont de Nemours and Company over the next two years. The schedule for BASF Corporation and Tyco Fire Products LP are unknown at this time. Aquarion has received $17.8 million of proceeds in 2025. Proceeds from the settlements will be used to fund capital expenditures.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates, assumptions and, at times, difficult, subjective or complex judgments. Changes in these estimates, assumptions and judgments, in and of themselves, could materially impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Our management discusses with the Audit Committee of our Board of Trustees significant matters relating to critical accounting policies. Our critical accounting policies are discussed below. See the combined notes to our financial statements for further information concerning the accounting policies, estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of our financial statements.

Regulatory Accounting:  Our regulated companies are subject to rate regulation that is based on cost recovery and meets the criteria for application of accounting guidance for rate-regulated operations, which considers the effect of regulation on the timing of the recognition of certain revenues and expenses. The regulated companies' financial statements reflect the effects of the rate-making process. The rates charged to the customers of our regulated companies are designed to collect each company's costs to provide service, including a return on investment.

We believe that the operations of each of our regulated companies currently satisfy the criteria for application of regulatory accounting. If events or circumstances should change in a future period so that those criteria are no longer satisfied, we would be required to eliminate any associated regulatory assets and liabilities and the impact would be recognized in the statement of income and may result in a material adverse effect on results of operations and financial condition.

The application of accounting guidance for rate-regulated enterprises results in recording regulatory assets and liabilities. Regulatory assets represent the deferral of incurred costs that are probable of future recovery in customer rates. Regulatory assets are amortized as the incurred costs are recovered through customer rates. In some cases, we record regulatory assets before approval for recovery has been received from the applicable regulatory commission. We must use judgment to conclude that costs deferred as regulatory assets are probable of future recovery. We base our conclusion on certain factors, including, but not limited to, regulatory precedent.

Regulatory liabilities represent either revenues received from customers to fund expected costs that have not yet been incurred or probable future refunds to customers. We make judgments regarding the future outcome of regulatory proceedings that involve potential future refund to customers and record liabilities for these loss contingencies when probable and reasonably estimable based upon available information. Regulatory liabilities are recorded at the best estimate, or at a low end of the range of possible loss. The amount recorded may differ from when the uncertainty is resolved. Such differences could have a significant impact on our financial statements.

We continually assess whether the regulatory assets and liabilities continue to meet the criteria for probable future recovery or refund. This assessment includes consideration of recent orders issued by regulatory commissions, the passage of new legislation, historical regulatory treatment for similar costs in each of our jurisdictions, discussions with legal counsel, the status of any appeals of regulatory decisions, and changes in applicable regulatory and political environments. We believe that we will continue to be able to defer and recover prudently incurred costs, including additional storm costs, based on the legal and regulatory framework.

We use judgment when recording regulatory assets and liabilities; however, regulatory commissions can reach different conclusions about the recovery of costs, and those conclusions could have a material impact on our financial statements. The ultimate outcome of regulatory rate proceedings could have a significant effect on our ability to recover costs or earn an adequate return. Established rates are also often subject to subsequent prudency reviews by state regulators, whereby various portions of rates could be adjusted, subject to refund or disallowed.

45

Storm restoration and pre-staging costs are subject to prudency reviews from our regulators. We have $2.06 billion of deferred storm costs that either have yet to be filed with the applicable regulatory commission, are pending regulatory approval, or are subject to prudency review as of December 31, 2025. Tropical Storm Isaias in August 2020 resulted in deferred storm restoration costs of approximately $232 million at CL&P as of December 31, 2025. Although in 2021 PURA found that CL&P’s performance in its preparation for, and response to, Tropical Storm Isaias fell below applicable performance standards in certain instances, CL&P believes it presented in its 2023 storm filing credible evidence demonstrating there is no reasonably close causal connection between the alleged sub-standard performance and the storm costs incurred. While it is possible that some amount of the Tropical Storm Isaias costs may be disallowed by PURA, any such amount cannot be estimated at this time. We believe that our storm restoration costs deferred were prudently incurred, meet the criteria for cost recovery, and are probable of recovery.

We believe it is probable that each of our regulated companies will recover its respective investments in long-lived assets and the regulatory assets that have been recorded. If we determine that we can no longer apply the accounting guidance applicable to rate-regulated enterprises, or that we cannot conclude it is probable that costs will be recovered from customers in future rates, the applicable costs would be charged to net income in the period in which the determination is made.

Pension, SERP and PBOP:  We sponsor Pension, SERP and PBOP Plans to provide retirement benefits to our employees.  Plan assets and the benefit obligation are presented on a net basis and we recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of the plans as an asset or liability on the balance sheet. These amounts are remeasured annually using a December 31st measurement date. For each of these plans, several significant assumptions are used to determine the projected benefit obligation, funded status, and net periodic benefit expense/income. These assumptions include the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, discount rate, compensation/progression rate, cash balance interest crediting rate and mortality and retirement assumptions.  We evaluate these assumptions annually and adjust them as necessary.  Changes in these assumptions could have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Expected Long-Term Rate of Return on Plan Assets Assumption:  In developing the expected long-term rate of return, we consider historical and expected returns, as well as input from our consultants.  Our expected long-term rate of return on assets is based on assumptions regarding target asset allocations and corresponding expected rates of return for each asset class.  We routinely review the actual asset allocations and periodically rebalance the investments to the targeted asset allocations.  For the year ended December 31, 2025, our expected long-term rate-of-return assumption used to determine our pension and PBOP expense was 8.25 percent for the Eversource Service Pension and PBOP plans.  For the forecasted 2026 pension and PBOP expense, an expected long-term rate of return of 8.25 percent for the Eversource Service Pension and PBOP plans will be used reflecting our target asset allocations.

Discount Rate Assumptions:  Payment obligations related to the Pension, SERP and PBOP Plans are discounted at interest rates applicable to the expected timing of each plan's cash flows.  The discount rate that was utilized in determining the pension, SERP and PBOP obligations was based on a yield-curve approach.  This approach utilizes a population of bonds with an average rating of AA based on bond ratings by Moody's, S&P and Fitch, and uses bonds with above median yields within that population.  As of December 31, 2025, the discount rates used to determine the funded status were within a range of 4.9 percent to 5.5 percent for the Pension and SERP Plans, and 5.4 percent to 5.5 percent for the PBOP Plans.  As of December 31, 2024, the discount rates used were within a range of 5.6 percent to 5.7 percent for the Pension and SERP Plans, and 5.7 percent for the PBOP Plans.  The decrease in the discount rates used to calculate the funded status resulted in an increase to the Pension and SERP Plans’ projected benefit obligation of $98.2 million and an increase to the PBOP Plans' projected benefit obligation of $11.2 million as of December 31, 2025.

The Company uses the spot rate methodology for the service and interest cost components of Pension, SERP and PBOP expense because it provides a relatively precise measurement by matching projected cash flows to the corresponding spot rates on the yield curve.  The discount rates used to estimate the 2025 expense were within a range of 5.2 percent to 5.8 percent for the Pension and SERP Plans, and within a range of 5.4 percent to 5.9 percent for the PBOP Plans.

Mortality Assumptions:  Assumptions as to mortality of the participants in our Pension, SERP and PBOP Plans are a key estimate in measuring the expected payments a participant may receive over their lifetime and the corresponding plan liability we need to record. The mortality assumption is composed of a base table that represents the current expectation of life expectancy of the population adjusted by an improvement scale that attempts to anticipate future improvements in life expectancy. In 2025, our mortality assumption utilized the Society of Actuaries base mortality tables (Pri-2012), adjusted to reflect Eversource’s own mortality experience, and projected generationally using the MP-2021 improvement scale.

Compensation/Progression Rate Assumptions:  This assumption reflects the expected long-term salary growth rate, including consideration of the levels of increases built into collective bargaining agreements, and impacts the estimated benefits that Pension and SERP Plan participants will receive in the future.  As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the compensation/progression rates used to determine the Pension and SERP Plan funded status were within a range of 3.5 percent to 4.0 percent.

Health Care Cost Assumptions: The Eversource Service PBOP Plan is not subject to health care cost trends.

Cash Balance Interest Crediting Rate Assumption: The Cash Balance Pension Plan is a recent additional obligation of the existing Eversource Service Pension Plan and the liability began to accrue benefits upon the effective date of January 1, 2025. The cash balance interest crediting rate assumption represents the long-term rate by which the Pension Plan’s cash balance accounts are expected to grow. Actual interest on the cash balance accounts is based on the 30-year U.S. Treasury securities rate in effect for September of the preceding year, with a minimum rate of 4 percent. The cash balance interest crediting rate assumption used in determining the forecasted 2026 pension expense was 4.8 percent.

46

Actuarial Gains and Losses:  Actuarial gains and losses represent the differences between actuarial assumptions and actual information or updated assumptions. Unamortized actuarial gains or losses arising at the December 31st measurement date are primarily from differences in actual investment performance compared to our expected return and changes in the discount rate assumption. The Eversource Service Pension and PBOP Plans use the corridor approach to determine the amount of gain or loss to amortize into net periodic benefit expense/income. The corridor approach defers all actuarial gains and losses arising at remeasurement and the net unrecognized actuarial gain or loss balance is amortized as a component of expense if, as of the beginning of the year, that net gain or loss exceeds 10 percent of the greater of the market value of the plan’s assets or the projected benefit obligation. The amount of net unrecognized actuarial gain or loss in excess of the 10 percent corridor is amortized to expense over the estimated average future employee service period. For the Eversource Service Pension Plan, the net actuarial gain or loss is amortized as a component of expense over the estimated average future employee service period of thirteen years. For the Eversource Service PBOP Plan, the net unrecognized actuarial gain or loss was within the 10 percent corridor and therefore there was no amortization to expense during 2025.

A decrease in the discount rate used to determine our pension funded status would increase our projected benefit obligation at December 31st, resulting in a higher unamortized actuarial loss to be recognized in future years’ pension expense, subject to exceeding the 10 percent corridor. A decrease in the discount rate at December 31st would also result in a decrease in the interest cost component and an increase in the service cost component of the subsequent year’s benefit plan expense.

The calculated expected return on plan assets is compared to the actual return or loss on plan assets at the end of each year to determine the investment gains or losses to be immediately reflected in unamortized actuarial gains and losses.  An underperformance of our pension plan investment returns relative to the expected returns would increase our pension liability at December 31st, resulting in a higher unamortized actuarial loss to be recognized in future years’ pension expense, subject to exceeding the 10 percent corridor, and a lower expected return on assets component of pension expense in future years’ pension expense.

Net Periodic Benefit Expense/Income: Pension, SERP and PBOP expense/income is determined by our actuaries and consists of service cost and prior service cost/credit, interest cost based on the discounting of the obligations, amortization of actuarial gains and losses, and the expected return on plan assets. For the Pension and SERP Plans, pre-tax net periodic benefit income was $83.5 million, $76.8 million and $108.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.  For the PBOP Plans, pre-tax net periodic benefit income was $68.7 million, $64.3 million and $57.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

The change in pension, SERP and PBOP expense/income arising from the annual remeasurement does not fully impact earnings. Our Massachusetts utilities recover qualified pension and PBOP expenses related to their distribution operations through a rate reconciling mechanism that fully tracks the change in net pension and PBOP expenses each year, and therefore the change in their pension and PBOP expense does not impact earnings. Our electric transmission companies' rates provide for an annual true-up of estimated to actual costs, which include pension expenses, and therefore the change in their pension expense does not impact earnings. Any differences between the fixed level of PBOP expense included in our formula rate and the PBOP expense calculated in accordance with authoritative accounting guidance is accumulated as a regulatory asset or liability, and is expected, over time, to be recovered from or returned to customers. Additionally, the portion of our pension and PBOP expense that relates to company labor devoted to capital projects is capitalized on the balance sheet instead of being charged to expense.

Forecasted Expense/Income and Expected Contributions:  We estimate that net periodic benefit income in 2026 for the Pension and SERP Plans will be approximately $124 million and for the PBOP Plans will be approximately $79 million. The increase in pension income from 2025 to 2026 is driven primarily by a decrease in the interest cost component and by favorable expected return on assets due to a higher asset balance, partially offset by an increase in the service cost component. The increase in PBOP income from 2025 to 2026 is driven primarily by favorable expected return on assets due to a higher asset balance and a decrease in the interest cost component. For the PBOP Plans, there is no amortization of actuarial loss in 2026. Pension, SERP and PBOP expense/income for subsequent years will depend on future investment performance, changes in future discount rates and other assumptions, and various other factors related to the populations participating in the plans.

Our policy is to fund the Pension Plans annually, as necessary, in an amount at least equal to the amount that will satisfy all federal funding requirements. Based on the current status of the Pension Plans and federal pension funding requirements, for our Eversource Service Pension Plan there is no minimum funding requirement in 2026 and we do not expect to make pension contributions in 2026. It is our policy to fund the PBOP Plans annually, as necessary, through tax deductible contributions to external trusts. We do not expect to make any contributions to the Eversource Service PBOP Plan in 2026.

Sensitivity Analysis:  The following table illustrates the hypothetical effect on reported annual net periodic benefit income as a result of a change in the following assumptions by 50 basis points:

Pension Plans (excluding SERP Plans)PBOP Plans
Decrease in Plan IncomeDecrease/(Increase) in Plan Income
(Millions of Dollars)For the Years Ended December 31,For the Years Ended December 31,
Eversource2025202420252024
Lower expected long-term rate of return$28.4$28.9$5.2$5.0
Lower discount rate14.527.4(0.3)(0.5)
Higher compensation rate4.15.9N/AN/A

47

Goodwill: Goodwill is recognized on our balance sheet from previous mergers and acquisitions to the extent that the consideration paid exceeded the net fair value of the identified assets and liabilities acquired in each business combination. We are required to test goodwill balances for impairment at least annually by considering the fair values of the reporting units, which requires us to use estimates and judgments. Additionally, we monitor all relevant events and circumstances during the year to determine if an interim impairment test is required. We have selected October 1st of each year as the annual goodwill impairment test date. Goodwill impairment is deemed to exist if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value. If goodwill were to be impaired, it would be written down in the current period to the extent of the impairment.

We have identified our reporting units for purposes of allocating and testing goodwill as Electric Distribution, Electric Transmission, Natural Gas Distribution and Water Distribution.  The Electric Distribution and Electric Transmission reporting units include carrying values for the respective components of CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH.  The Natural Gas Distribution reporting unit includes the carrying values of NSTAR Gas, Yankee Gas and EGMA. The Water Distribution reporting unit includes the Aquarion water utility businesses.  As of December 31, 2025, goodwill was allocated to the reporting units as follows: $2.54 billion to Electric Distribution, $577 million to Electric Transmission, $451 million to Natural Gas Distribution, and $662 million to Water Distribution.

In assessing goodwill for impairment, an entity is permitted to first assess qualitatively whether it is more likely than not that goodwill impairment exists as of the annual impairment test date. If we perform the qualitative assessment but determine it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount, we perform a quantitative test to compare the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we record an impairment loss as a reduction to goodwill and a charge to operating expenses, but the loss recognized would not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.

We completed our annual goodwill impairment assessment for the Electric Distribution, Electric Transmission and Natural Gas Distribution reporting units as of October 1, 2025 and determined it was more likely than not that their fair value exceeded carrying value and no impairment existed. The annual goodwill assessment included a qualitative evaluation of multiple factors that impact the fair value of the reporting units, including general, macroeconomic and market conditions, and entity-specific assumptions that affect the future cash flows of the reporting units. Key considerations include discount rates, utility sector market performance and merger transaction multiples, the Company's share price and credit ratings, analyst reports, financial performance, cost and risk factors, internal estimates and projections of future cash flows and net income, long-term strategy, the timing and outcome of rate cases, and recent regulatory and legislative proceedings.

For these reporting units, we believe that their fair value was substantially in excess of their carrying value. Adverse regulatory actions, changes in the regulatory and political environment, or changes in significant assumptions could potentially result in future goodwill impairment indicators.

For the Water Distribution reporting unit, in the fourth quarter of 2024, we concluded that the likely sale of Aquarion at a loss resulted in the requirement to perform an interim goodwill impairment test for Water Distribution goodwill. We compared the estimated fair value of the business from the anticipated transaction to its carrying value. Assumptions used in the valuation were the future cash flows from the sale, including the estimated income tax impacts as a result of the transaction. Based on the interim impairment test, we recorded a goodwill impairment of $297 million to write down the carrying value of the water distribution reporting unit to its estimated fair value. The remaining goodwill held by the Water Distribution reporting unit was reclassified to Assets Held for Sale on the Eversource balance sheet as of December 31, 2024 and became part of the water distribution disposal group.

As of October 1, 2025, our annual goodwill impairment test date, the goodwill of the Water Distribution reporting unit was classified within Assets Held for Sale, and the disposal group was carried at fair value less cost to sell. Based on PURA’s November 19, 2025 denial of the Aquarion sale and the uncertainty of the ultimate outcome, the Aquarion water distribution business no longer met the criteria to be classified as held for sale. The goodwill held by the Water Distribution reporting unit of $662.5 million that was previously classified within Assets Held for Sale has been reclassified to Goodwill on the Eversource balance sheet as of December 31, 2025. In the fourth quarter of 2025, we performed a goodwill impairment test for Water Distribution goodwill and determined that no impairment existed.

Long-Lived Assets: Impairment evaluations of long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and other assets, involve a significant degree of estimation and judgment, including identifying circumstances that indicate an impairment may exist. An impairment analysis is required when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a long-lived asset may not be recoverable. Indicators of potential impairment include a deteriorating business climate, unfavorable regulatory action, decline in value that is other than temporary in nature, plans to dispose of a long-lived asset significantly before the end of its useful life, and accumulation of costs that are in excess of amounts allowed for recovery. The evaluation of long-lived assets for impairment utilizes significant assumptions about operating strategies and external developments, including assessment of current and projected market conditions that can impact future cash flows. If indicators are present for a long-lived asset or asset group, a comparison of the undiscounted expected future cash flows to the carrying value is performed. No significant impairments occurred during the year 2025.

Loss Contingencies: We make judgments regarding the future outcome of contingent events and record liabilities for loss contingencies that are probable and can be reasonably estimated based upon available information. The assessment of loss contingencies involves judgments and assumptions about future events. Our estimates are subject to revision in future periods based on actual costs or new information. The amount recorded may differ from the actual expense incurred when the uncertainty is resolved. Such difference would be a change in estimate and could have a significant impact on the financial statements.

Upon the sales of our offshore wind investments in 2024, we recorded a contingent liability reflecting our estimate of the future obligations under the terms of the sale to GIP for the South Fork Wind and Revolution Wind projects. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the contingent liability totaled $448.2 million and $365.0 million, respectively. Assumptions and key judgments in determining the estimated liability include the expected cost overrun sharing obligation, expected obligation to maintain GIP’s internal rate of return through the construction period, expected

48

attainment of commercial operation, obligation for other future costs prior to commercial operation, as well as the likelihood of realization of investment tax credit adders that were included in the purchase price. The use of different assumptions, estimates, or judgments could materially impact the financial statements. We rely on information that we receive from the project owners for the construction-related, delay-related, and insurance-related costs of Revolution Wind. We use our judgment to adjust, as needed, the expected obligations to GIP while construction of Revolution Wind is completed. New information or future developments that arise as the construction of Revolution Wind progresses will necessitate a reassessment of the estimated liability to GIP. Adverse changes in facts, regulations and circumstances could result in additional losses that could be material to the financial statements.

Accounting for Environmental Reserves:  Environmental reserves are accrued when assessments indicate it is probable that a liability has been incurred and an amount can be reasonably estimated. Increases to estimates of environmental liabilities could have an adverse impact on earnings. We estimate these liabilities based on findings through various phases of the assessment, considering the most likely action plan from a variety of available remediation options (ranging from no action required to full site remediation and long-term monitoring), current site information from our site assessments, remediation estimates from third-party engineering and remediation contractors, and our prior experience in remediating contaminated sites.  If a most likely action plan cannot yet be determined, we estimate the liability based on the low end of a range of possible action plans. A significant portion of our environmental sites and reserve amounts relate to former MGP sites that were operated several decades ago and manufactured natural gas from coal and other processes, which resulted in certain by-products remaining in the environment that may pose a potential risk to human health and the environment, for which we may have potential liability.  Estimates are based on the expected remediation plan. Our estimates are subject to revision in future periods based on actual costs or new information from other sources, including the level of contamination at the site, the extent of our responsibility or the extent of remediation required, recently enacted laws and regulations or a change in cost estimates.

Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts: We estimate the allowance for uncollectible accounts based upon various judgments and factors, including an aging-based quantitative assessment that applies an estimated uncollectible percentage to each receivable aging category. Factors in determining credit loss include historical collection, write-off experience, analysis of delinquency statistics, and management's assessment of collectability from customers, including current economic conditions, customer payment trends, the impact on customer bills because of energy usage trends and changes in rates, flexible payment plans and financial hardship arrearage management programs offered to customers, reasonable forecasts, and expectations of future collectability and collection efforts. Management continuously assesses the collectability of receivables and adjusts estimates based on actual experience and future expectations based on economic conditions, collection efforts and other factors. Management also monitors the aging analysis of receivables to determine if there are changes in the collections of accounts receivable.

Income Taxes: Income tax expense is estimated for each of the jurisdictions in which we operate and is recorded each quarter using an estimated annualized effective tax rate. This process to record income tax expense involves estimating current and deferred income tax expense or benefit and the impact of temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for financial reporting and income tax return reporting purposes. Such differences are the result of timing of the deduction for expenses, as well as any impact of permanent differences, or other items that directly impact income tax expense as a result of regulatory activity (flow-through items). The temporary differences and flow-through items result in deferred tax assets and liabilities that are included in the balance sheets.

We also account for uncertainty in income taxes, which applies to all income tax positions previously filed in a tax return and income tax positions expected to be taken in a future tax return that have been reflected on our balance sheets. The determination of whether a tax position meets the recognition threshold under applicable accounting guidance is based on facts and circumstances available to us.

The interpretation of tax laws and associated regulations involves uncertainty since tax authorities may interpret the laws differently. Ultimate resolution or clarification of income tax matters may result in favorable or unfavorable impacts to net income and cash flows, and adjustments to tax-related assets and liabilities could be material.

Significant management judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes, primarily due to the uncertainty related to tax positions taken, as well as deferred tax assets and liabilities and valuation allowances. We evaluate the probability of realizing deferred tax assets by reviewing a forecast of future taxable income and our intent and ability to implement tax planning strategies, if necessary, to realize deferred tax assets. We also assess negative evidence, such as the expiration of historical operating loss or tax credit carryforwards, that could indicate the inability to realize the deferred tax assets. Valuation allowances are provided to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that will more likely than not be realized in future periods. This requires management to make judgments and estimates regarding the amount and timing of the reversal of taxable temporary differences, expected future taxable income, and the impact of tax planning strategies.

Actual income taxes could vary from estimated amounts due to the future impacts of various items, including future changes in income tax laws, not realizing expected tax planning strategy amounts, as well as results of audits and examinations of filed tax returns by taxing authorities.

Derivative Instruments:  The accounting treatment for energy contracts entered into varies and depends on the intended use of the particular contract and on whether or not the contract is a derivative.  Many of the electric and natural gas companies' contracts for the purchase and sale of energy or energy-related products for delivery to customers in the normal course of business are derivatives that are designated as “normal purchases” or “normal sales” and follow accrual accounting. If a contract is a derivative and the energy is settled in the energy market rather than delivered to customers, it is recorded at fair value on the balance sheet. The application of derivative accounting is complex and requires management judgment in the following respects: identification of derivatives and embedded derivatives, election and designation of a contract as normal, and determination of the fair value of derivative contracts.  All of these judgments can have a significant impact on the financial statements.

49

The fair values of derivative contracts are estimated based on the best market information available, including valuation models that estimate future energy and energy-related prices. Fair value estimates involve assumptions, uncertainties and matters of judgment. Valuations are sensitive to the prices of energy-related products in future years and assumptions made. Changes in fair value of our derivative contracts are recorded as Regulatory Assets or Liabilities, as we recover the costs or include the benefits of these contracts in rates charged to customers.

Fair Value Measurements:  We follow fair value measurement guidance that defines fair value as the price that would be received for the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price).  We have applied this guidance to our Company's derivative contracts that are not elected or designated as "normal purchases” or “normal sales,” to marketable securities held in trusts, and to our investments in our Pension and PBOP Plans. Fair value measurements are also incorporated into the accounting for goodwill, long-lived assets, equity method investments, AROs, and in the valuation of business combinations and asset acquisitions.

We use quoted market prices when available to determine the fair value of financial instruments.  When quoted prices in active markets for the same or similar instruments are not available, we value financial instruments and derivative contracts using models that incorporate both observable and unobservable inputs.  Discounted cash flow valuations incorporate estimates of premiums or discounts, reflecting risk-adjusted profit that would be required by a market participant to arrive at an exit price, using available historical market transaction information and expectations. Valuations of derivative contracts also reflect our estimates of nonperformance risk, including credit risk.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – EVERSOURCE ENERGY AND SUBSIDIARIES

The following provides the amounts and variances in operating revenues and expense line items in the statements of income for Eversource for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

For the Years Ended December 31,
(Millions of Dollars)20252024Increase/(Decrease)
Operating Revenues$13,547.2$11,900.8$1,646.4
Operating Expenses:
Purchased Power, Purchased Natural Gas and Transmission4,209.23,736.1473.1
Operations and Maintenance2,073.82,012.960.9
Depreciation1,568.61,433.5135.1
Amortization835.9342.9493.0
Energy Efficiency Programs778.2671.8106.4
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes1,092.9997.995.0
Loss on Pending Sale of Aquarion297.0(297.0)
Total Operating Expenses10,558.69,492.11,066.5
Operating Income2,988.62,408.7579.9
Interest Expense1,243.31,111.3132.0
Losses on Offshore Wind284.0464.0(180.0)
Other Income, Net378.9410.5(31.6)
Income Before Income Tax Expense1,840.21,243.9596.3
Income Tax Expense140.3424.7(284.4)
Net Income1,699.9819.2880.7
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests7.57.5
Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders$1,692.4$811.7$880.7

Operating Revenues

Sales Volumes: A summary of our retail electric GWh sales volumes, our firm natural gas MMcf sales volumes, and our water MG sales volumes, and percentage changes, is as follows:

ElectricFirm Natural GasWater
Sales Volumes (GWh)Percentage Increase/ (Decrease)Sales Volumes (MMcf)Percentage IncreaseSales Volumes (MG)Percentage (Decrease)/ Increase
202520242025202420252024
Traditional7,9077,8071.3%%1,6631,669(0.4)%
Decoupled43,40943,516(0.2)%160,784147,2939.2%24,78824,3082.0%
Total Sales Volumes51,31651,323%160,784147,2939.2%26,45125,9771.8%

Weather, fluctuations in energy supply rates, conservation measures (including utility-sponsored energy efficiency programs), and economic conditions affect customer energy usage and water consumption. Industrial sales volumes are less sensitive to temperature variations than residential and commercial sales volumes. In our service territories, weather impacts both electric and water sales volumes during the summer and both electric and natural gas sales volumes during the winter; however, natural gas sales volumes are more sensitive to temperature variations than electric sales volumes. Customer heating or cooling usage may not directly correlate with historical levels or with the level of degree-days that occur.

50

Fluctuations in retail electric sales volumes at PSNH impact earnings ("Traditional" in the table above). For CL&P, NSTAR Electric, NSTAR Gas, EGMA, Yankee Gas, and our Connecticut water distribution business, fluctuations in retail sales volumes do not materially impact earnings due to their respective regulatory commission-approved distribution revenue decoupling mechanisms ("Decoupled" in the table above). These distribution revenues are decoupled from their customer sales volumes, which breaks the relationship between sales volumes and revenues recognized.

Operating Revenues: The variance in Operating Revenues by segment in 2025, as compared to 2024, is as follows:

(Millions of Dollars)Increase/(Decrease)
Electric Distribution$973.1
Natural Gas Distribution530.9
Electric Transmission162.3
Water Distribution7.6
Other31.4
Eliminations(58.9)
Total Operating Revenues$1,646.4

Electric and Natural Gas Distribution Revenues:

Base Distribution Revenues: Base distribution rates are the approved, regulated charges to recover the utility’s cost of service, including operations and building and maintaining infrastructure, that allow utilities to recover investments and earn a reasonable return. Base distribution rates are established in base rate proceedings and approved by state regulators. Fluctuations in base distribution revenues impact earnings.

•Base electric distribution revenues increased $114.1 million due primarily to base distribution rate increases at PSNH effective August 1, 2024 and August 1, 2025 and at NSTAR Electric effective January 1, 2025.

•Base natural gas distribution revenues increased $198.1 million due primarily to base distribution rate increases effective November 1, 2024 and November 1, 2025 at both EGMA and NSTAR Gas and effective November 1, 2025 at Yankee Gas. The base revenue increase also includes a shift of recovery into base rates of certain GSEP investments, which does not impact earnings.

NSTAR Electric’s PBR mechanism allows for an annual adjustment to base distribution rates for inflation, exogenous events and future capital additions based on a historical five-year average of total capital additions. On December 23, 2024, the DPU approved a $55.8 million increase to base distribution rates for effect on January 1, 2025.

On July 31, 2024, the NHPUC approved a settlement agreement to implement a temporary annual base distribution rate increase of $61.2 million effective August 1, 2024 at PSNH. On July 25, 2025, the NHPUC approved a permanent rate increase of $100.7 million, effective August 1, 2025, inclusive of the temporary rate increase.

NSTAR Gas’ PBR mechanism allows for an annual adjustment to base distribution rates for inflation and exogenous events. On October 30, 2024, the DPU approved the annual PBR Adjustment filing for a $12.7 million increase to base distribution rates for effect November 1, 2024. On October 29, 2025, the DPU approved a $10.3 million increase to base distribution rates for effect on November 1, 2025.

EGMA was allowed two rate base resets in a DPU-approved October 7, 2020 rate settlement agreement, with the first rate base reset on November 1, 2024. After adjusting for a cap required under the terms of the rate settlement agreement, the increase to base distribution rates was $85.6 million effective November 1, 2024 (of which $8.8 million is offset by a reduction in the GSEP revenue requirement and GSEP rate also taking effect on November 1, 2024 for a net distribution rate change on November 1, 2024 of $76.8 million). Base distribution rates were increased effective November 1, 2025 to incorporate the $62.2 million remaining revenue requirement. On November 7, 2024, the DPU approved this filing.

On November 5, 2025, PURA issued a final decision in the Yankee Gas distribution rate case that included a distribution rate increase of $82.2 million, effective November 1, 2025. The approved revenue requirement includes a previously recorded rate credit of $37.4 million plus carrying charges for non-firm margin credits over three years beginning November 1, 2025. Excluding the rate credit, the distribution rate increase totaled $95.7 million.

Tracked Distribution Revenues: Tracked distribution revenues consist of certain costs that are recovered from customers in retail rates on a fully reconciling basis through regulatory commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms and therefore, recovery of these costs has no impact on earnings. Costs recovered through cost tracking mechanisms include, among others, energy supply and natural gas supply procurement, state mandated energy purchase agreements and other energy-related costs, electric retail transmission charges, energy efficiency program costs, electric restructuring and stranded cost recovery revenues (including securitized RRB charges), certain capital tracking mechanisms for infrastructure improvements, and additionally for the Massachusetts utilities, pension and PBOP benefits, net metering for distributed generation, and solar-related programs. Revenues from certain of these cost tracking mechanisms also include certain incentives earned, return on capital tracking mechanisms, and carrying charges that are billed in rates to customers, which do impact earnings. Tracked revenues also include wholesale market sales transactions, such as sales of energy and energy-related products into the ISO-NE wholesale electricity market, sales of natural gas to third-party marketers, and the sale of RECs to various counterparties.

Customers have the choice to purchase electricity from their Eversource electric utility or from a competitive third-party supplier. For customers who have contracted separately with these competitive suppliers, revenue is not recorded for the sale of the electricity commodity, as the utility is acting as an agent on behalf of the third-party supplier. For customers that choose to purchase electric generation from CL&P, NSTAR Electric or

51

PSNH, each utility purchases power on behalf of, and is permitted to recover the related energy supply cost without mark-up from, its customers, and records offsetting amounts in revenues and purchased power related to this energy supply procurement. CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH each remain as the distribution service provider for all customers and charge a regulated rate for distribution delivery service recorded in revenues. Certain eligible natural gas customers may elect to purchase natural gas from their Eversource natural gas utility or may contract separately with a

gas supply operator. Revenue is not recorded for the sale of the natural gas commodity to customers who have contracted separately with these

operators, only the delivery to a customer, as the utility is acting as an agent on behalf of the gas supply operator.

The variance in tracked distribution revenues in 2025, as compared to 2024, is due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)Electric DistributionNatural Gas Distribution
Retail Tariff Tracked Revenues:
Energy supply procurement$(128.7)$231.7
Retail transmission245.2
CL&P NBFMCC153.3
CL&P System Benefit Charge94.6
Energy efficiency26.180.5
Other distribution tracking mechanisms123.4(2.3)
Wholesale Market Sales Revenue345.822.1

Fluctuations in retail tariff tracked revenues are driven by adjustments to retail rates to recover costs and changes in sales volumes.

The decrease in energy supply procurement within electric distribution was driven by lower average prices, partially offset by higher average supply-related sales volumes. The increase in energy supply procurement within natural gas distribution was driven by higher average prices and higher average supply-related sales volumes.

The variance in CL&P’s NBFMCC revenues was driven by changes in the retail NBFMCC rate. The CL&P NBFMCC rate includes the recovery of costs incurred under long-term state mandated energy purchase contracts with the Millstone and Seabrook nuclear power plants, net of the benefits received from selling this energy into the ISO-NE wholesale market. The rate changes primarily resulted from the timing of recovery of net costs associated with power purchase agreements with the Millstone and Seabrook nuclear power plants. The average NBFMCC rates are as follows:

Effective Date
September 1, 2023July 1, 2024September 1, 2024May 1, 2025September 1, 2025
Average NBFMCC Rate$0.00293$0.03906$0.04290$0.02109$0.01675

The increase in electric distribution wholesale market sales revenue in 2025, as compared to 2024, was due primarily to higher average electricity market prices received for wholesale sales at CL&P. ISO-NE average market prices received for CL&P’s wholesale sales increased to an average price of $67.50 per MWh in 2025, as compared to $39.53 per MWh for the same period in 2024, driven primarily by higher natural gas prices in New England. Volumes sold into the market were primarily from the sale of output generated by the Millstone PPA and Seabrook PPA with CL&P.

CL&P is required by both state legislation and regulation to purchase electric generation from Millstone and Seabrook under PURA-approved PPAs entered in 2019. CL&P does not have legislative authority to use this purchased output to serve its customer load and therefore sells the energy into the wholesale market and uses the proceeds from the energy sales to offset the contract costs. The net cost or net sales amount is recovered from, or refunded to, customers in the non-bypassable component of the CL&P FMCC rate. CL&P does not earn any margin or return from the sale of this contracted output, which solely offsets the cost of the legislatively required purchases from Millstone and Seabrook. Changes in CL&P’s NBFMCC retail revenues and CL&P’s wholesale market sales, as compared to the actual costs incurred, are deferred on the income statement by an offset to amortization expense.

Electric Transmission Revenues:  Electric transmission revenues increased $162.3 million due primarily to a higher transmission rate base as a result of our continued investment in our transmission infrastructure.

Other Revenues and Eliminations: Other revenues primarily include the revenues of Eversource's service company, most of which are eliminated in consolidation. Eliminations are also related to the Eversource electric transmission revenues that are derived from ISO-NE regional transmission charges to the distribution businesses of CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH that recover the costs of the wholesale transmission business in rates charged to their customers.

Purchased Power, Purchased Natural Gas and Transmission expense includes costs associated with providing electric generation service

supply and natural gas to all customers who have not migrated to third-party suppliers, the cost of energy purchase contracts entered into as

required by regulation, and transmission costs. These electric and natural gas supply procurement costs, other energy-related costs, and

transmission costs are recovered from customers in rates through commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms, which have no impact on

earnings (tracked costs).

52

The variance in Purchased Power, Purchased Natural Gas and Transmission expense in 2025, as compared to 2024, is due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)Increase/(Decrease)
Energy supply procurement costs$(117.0)
Other electric distribution costs159.1
Natural gas supply costs218.7
Transmission costs231.6
Eliminations(19.3)
Total Purchased Power, Purchased Natural Gas and Transmission$473.1

The variance in energy supply procurement costs is offset in Operating Revenues (tracked energy supply procurement revenues). The variance in other electric distribution costs is due to an increase in the long-term renewable energy purchase contract cost deferral and higher net metering costs at NSTAR Electric, higher long-term contractual energy-related costs and the cost of renewable energy credits that are recovered in the non-bypassable component of the FMCC mechanism at CL&P, and higher net metering costs at PSNH.

Costs at the natural gas distribution segment relate to supply procurement costs for retail customers. Total natural gas costs increased due primarily to higher average prices, higher average purchased volumes and an increase in the retail cost deferral.

Included in transmission costs are charges that recover the cost of transporting electricity over high-voltage lines from generation facilities to substations, including costs allocated by ISO-NE to maintain the wholesale electric system. The increase in transmission costs was primarily the result of an increase in costs billed by ISO-NE that support regional grid investments. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in the retail transmission cost deferral, which reflects the actual cost of transmission service compared to estimated amounts billed to customers.

Operations and Maintenance expense includes tracked costs and costs that are part of base electric, natural gas and water distribution rates with changes impacting earnings (non-tracked costs).  The variance in Operations and Maintenance expense in 2025, as compared to 2024, is due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)Increase/(Decrease)
Base Electric Distribution (Non-Tracked Costs):
Employee-related expenses (including labor and benefits)$15.3
Shared corporate costs (including IT system depreciation at Eversource Service)12.7
Storm costs12.2
Uncollectible expense9.4
Operations-related expenses (including vegetation management, vendor services, vehicles and materials)(7.4)
Total Base Electric Distribution (Non-Tracked Costs)42.2
Tracked Electric Costs (Electric Distribution and Electric Transmission):
Customer credits at NSTAR Electric as a result of the joint settlement agreement approved in Massachusetts (earnings charge)17.5
Other tracked - Increase due primarily to higher transmission expense, and higher pension tracking mechanism at NSTAR Electric, partially offset by a decrease in grid modernization mechanism at NSTAR Electric and lower uncollectible expenses42.2
Total Tracked Electric Costs59.7
Total Electric Distribution and Electric Transmission101.9
Natural Gas Distribution:
Base (Non-Tracked Costs):
Increase due primarily to higher uncollectible expense, higher shared corporate costs, and higher corporate vendor services36.6
Customer credits and concession at NSTAR Gas as a result of the settlement agreement approved in Massachusetts12.2
Impact of Yankee Gas rate case decision on November 5, 2025; primarily due to the write off of certain capitalized employee compensation costs disallowed from rate base11.9
Base (Non-Tracked Costs)60.7
Tracked Costs3.7
Total Natural Gas Distribution64.4
Eversource Parent, Water Distribution and Other Companies:
Acquisition-related and integration costs allowed for recovery through EGMA distribution rates as a result of the joint settlement agreement approved in Massachusetts (earnings benefit)(82.3)
Other operations and maintenance13.8
Eliminations(36.9)
Total Operations and Maintenance$60.9

Depreciation expense increased due primarily to higher net plant in service balances.

53

Amortization expense includes the deferral of energy-related costs and other costs that are included in certain regulatory commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms. This deferral adjusts expense to match the corresponding revenues compared to the actual costs incurred. These costs are recovered from customers in rates and have no impact on earnings. Amortization expense also includes the amortization of certain costs as those costs are collected in rates.

The variance in Amortization is due primarily to the deferral adjustments of energy-related and other tracked costs at CL&P (included in the non-bypassable component of the FMCC mechanism and the SBC mechanism), partially offset by NSTAR Electric and PSNH (included in the stranded cost recovery mechanism), which can fluctuate from period to period based on the timing of costs incurred and related rate changes to recover these costs, as well as the impact of the PSNH rate case decision.

The CL&P non-bypassable FMCC retail rates in effect were higher than those in the prior period and the net Millstone and Seabrook contract cash flows were higher in 2025 as compared to 2024. These higher collections within the non-bypassable FMCC resulted in a corresponding increase to amortization expense of $428.2 million for the CL&P non-bypassable FMCC deferral adjustment.

The PSNH rate case decision allowed for the recoupment of temporary rates and the allowed recovery of other deferrals resulting in a pre-tax benefit to earnings of $15.6 million, the majority of which was recorded as a reduction to amortization expense on the statement of income in the third quarter of 2025.

Energy Efficiency Programs expense includes costs of various state energy policy initiatives and expanded energy efficiency programs that are recovered from customers in rates, most of which have no impact on earnings. Energy Efficiency Programs expense includes a deferral adjustment that reflects the actual costs of energy efficiency programs compared to the amounts billed to customers, which can fluctuate from period to period based on the timing of costs incurred and related rate changes to recover these costs. Energy Efficiency Programs expense increased due primarily to the deferral adjustment that matched costs to the corresponding revenues recorded as well as higher program spending.

Taxes Other Than Income Taxes expense increased due primarily to higher property taxes as a result of higher utility plant balances across our subsidiaries and higher mill rates at NSTAR Electric and higher Connecticut gross earnings taxes.

Loss on Pending Sale of Aquarion relates to the impairment charge recorded in 2024 to write down the carrying value of the water business to fair value resulting from the expected sale of Aquarion. For further information, see "Business Development and Capital Expenditures – Aquarion Sale Status and Regulatory Denial" included in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Interest Expense increased due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)Increase/(Decrease)
Long-term debt$91.3
Absence in 2025 of capitalized interest as a result of the sale of our offshore wind projects in the third quarter of 202469.3
Capitalized AFUDC related to debt funds0.3
Amortization of debt discounts and premiums, net4.5
Regulatory deferrals(31.3)
Short-term notes payable(2.4)
RRBs(1.5)
Other1.8
Total Interest Expense$132.0

Losses on Offshore Wind for 2025 relates to the pre-tax charge of $284 million associated with increasing our offshore wind contingent liability for expected future payments under the terms of the 2024 sale agreement with GIP for the South Fork Wind and Revolution Wind projects. In 2024, it related to the loss recorded for sales of our equity method offshore wind investments. See "Earnings Overview – Offshore Wind Sale and Contingent Liability" included in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for further information.

Other Income, Net decreased due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)Increase/(Decrease)
Pension, SERP and PBOP Non-Service Income Components, Net of Deferred Portion23.9
Interest Income (primarily on regulatory deferrals)(12.7)
Capitalized AFUDC related to equity funds1.2
Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates(32.0)
Investment (Loss)/Income(6.0)
Other(6.0)
Total Other Income, Net$(31.6)

54

Income Tax Expense decreased due primarily to a decrease in reserves ($394.6 million), a decrease in return to provision adjustments ($23.6 million), an increase in amortization of EDIT ($13.6 million) and a decrease in items that impact our tax rate as a result of regulatory treatment (flow-through items) and permanent differences ($30.2 million), partially offset by higher pre-tax earnings ($125.2 million), higher state taxes ($51.9 million), and higher share-based payment tax deficiency ($0.5 million).

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS –

THE CONNECTICUT LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY

NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY

PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AND SUBSIDIARIES

The following provides the amounts and variances in operating revenues and expense line items in the statements of income for CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

For the Years Ended December 31,
CL&PNSTAR ElectricPSNH
(Millions of Dollars)20252024Increase/ (Decrease)20252024Increase/ (Decrease)20252024Increase/ (Decrease)
Operating Revenues$5,241.0$4,615.0$626.0$3,986.6$3,720.9$265.7$1,376.4$1,294.5$81.9
Operating Expenses:
Purchased Power and Transmission1,815.81,836.9(21.1)1,141.71,045.396.4280.2244.435.8
Operations and Maintenance849.0815.333.7792.3735.057.3299.2288.310.9
Depreciation432.7406.526.2446.0407.738.3168.0154.113.9
Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net649.7104.5545.2107.6130.9(23.3)68.2136.1(67.9)
Energy Efficiency Programs170.2171.7(1.5)294.4263.431.046.242.93.3
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes452.9419.633.3320.5280.340.2106.196.99.2
Total Operating Expenses4,370.33,754.5615.83,102.52,862.6239.9967.9962.75.2
Operating Income870.7860.510.2884.1858.325.8408.5331.876.7
Interest Expense211.9231.0(19.1)256.1222.733.490.077.812.2
Other Income, Net59.777.6(17.9)192.6191.41.243.031.111.9
Income Before Income Tax Expense718.5707.111.4820.6827.0(6.4)361.5285.176.4
Income Tax Expense167.2194.5(27.3)190.0190.6(0.6)92.170.221.9
Net Income$551.3$512.6$38.7$630.6$636.4$(5.8)$269.4$214.9$54.5

Operating Revenues

Sales Volumes: A summary of our retail electric GWh sales volumes is as follows:

For the Years Ended December 31,
20252024Increase/ (Decrease)Percentage Increase/(Decrease)
CL&P20,35120,1512001.0%
NSTAR Electric23,05823,365(307)(1.3)%
PSNH7,9077,8071001.3%

Fluctuations in retail electric sales volumes at PSNH impact earnings.  For CL&P and NSTAR Electric, fluctuations in retail electric sales volumes do not impact earnings due to their respective regulatory commission-approved distribution revenue decoupling mechanisms.

Operating Revenues: Operating Revenues, which consist of base distribution revenues and tracked revenues further described below, increased $626.0 million at CL&P, $265.7 million at NSTAR Electric, and $81.9 million at PSNH in 2025, as compared to 2024.

Base Distribution Revenues: Base distribution rates are the approved, regulated charges to recover the utility’s cost of service, including operations and building and maintaining infrastructure, that allow utilities to recover investments and earn a reasonable return. Base distribution rates are established in base rate proceedings and approved by state regulators. Fluctuations in base distribution revenues impact earnings.

•CL&P's distribution revenues were flat.

•NSTAR Electric's distribution revenues increased $54.2 million due primarily to a base distribution rate increase effective January 1, 2025.

•PSNH's distribution revenues increased $59.9 million due primarily to base distribution rate increases effective August 1, 2024 and August 1, 2025.

55

Tracked Distribution Revenues: Tracked distribution revenues consist of certain costs that are recovered from customers in retail rates on a fully reconciling basis through regulatory commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms and therefore, recovery of these costs has no impact on earnings. Costs recovered through cost tracking mechanisms include, among others, energy supply procurement, state mandated energy purchase agreements and other energy-related costs, retail transmission charges, energy efficiency program costs, electric restructuring and stranded cost recovery revenues (including securitized RRB charges), certain capital tracking mechanisms for infrastructure improvements, and additionally for NSTAR Electric, pension and PBOP benefits, net metering for distributed generation, and solar-related programs. Revenues from certain of these cost tracking mechanisms also include certain incentives earned, return on capital tracking mechanisms, and carrying charges that are billed in rates to customers, which do impact earnings. Tracked revenues also include wholesale market sales transactions, such as sales of energy and energy-related products into the ISO-NE wholesale electricity market and the sale of RECs to various counterparties.

Customers have the choice to purchase electricity from their Eversource electric utility or from a competitive third-party supplier. For customers who have contracted separately with these competitive suppliers, revenue is not recorded for the sale of the electricity commodity, as the utility is acting as an agent on behalf of the third-party supplier. For customers that choose to purchase electric generation from CL&P, NSTAR Electric or PSNH, each utility purchases power on behalf of, and is permitted to recover the related energy supply cost without mark-up from, its customers, and records offsetting amounts in revenues and purchased power related to this energy supply procurement. CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH each remain as the distribution service provider for all customers and charge a regulated rate for distribution delivery service recorded in revenues.

The variance in tracked distribution revenues in 2025, as compared to 2024, is due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)CL&PNSTAR ElectricPSNH
Retail Tariff Tracked Revenues:
Energy supply procurement$(44.1)$(93.4)$8.8
Retail transmission56.3135.053.9
CL&P NBFMCC153.3
CL&P System Benefit Charge94.6
Other distribution tracking mechanisms56.7143.7(50.9)
Wholesale Market Sales Revenue309.438.5(2.1)

Fluctuations in retail tariff tracked revenues are driven by adjustments to retail rates to recover costs and changes in sales volumes.

The decrease in energy supply procurement at CL&P was driven by lower average prices, partially offset by higher average supply-related sales volumes. The decrease in energy supply procurement at NSTAR Electric was driven by lower average prices and lower average supply-related sales volumes. The increase in energy supply procurement at PSNH was driven by higher average prices and higher average supply-related sales volumes.

The variance in CL&P’s NBFMCC revenues was driven by changes in the retail NBFMCC rate. The CL&P NBFMCC rate includes the recovery of costs incurred under long-term state mandated energy purchase contracts with the Millstone and Seabrook nuclear power plants, net of the benefits received from selling this energy into the ISO-NE wholesale market. The rate changes primarily resulted from the timing of recovery of net costs associated with power purchase agreements with the Millstone and Seabrook nuclear power plants. The average NBFMCC rates are as follows:

Effective Date
September 1, 2023July 1, 2024September 1, 2024May 1, 2025September 1, 2025
Average NBFMCC Rate$0.00293$0.03906$0.04290$0.02109$0.01675

The increase in CL&P’s wholesale market sales revenue in 2025, as compared to 2024, was due primarily to higher average electricity market prices received for wholesale sales. ISO-NE average market prices received for CL&P’s wholesale sales increased to an average price of $67.50 per MWh in 2025, as compared to $39.53 per MWh for the same period in 2024, driven primarily by higher natural gas prices in New England. Volumes sold into the market were primarily from the sale of output generated by the Millstone PPA and Seabrook PPA with CL&P.

CL&P is required by both state legislation and regulation to purchase electric generation from Millstone and Seabrook under PURA-approved PPAs entered in 2019. CL&P does not have legislative authority to use this purchased output to serve its customer load and therefore sells the energy into the wholesale market and uses the proceeds from the energy sales to offset the contract costs. The net cost or net sales amount is recovered from, or refunded to, customers in the non-bypassable component of the CL&P FMCC rate. CL&P does not earn any margin or return from the sale of this contracted output, which solely offsets the cost of the legislatively required purchases from Millstone and Seabrook. Changes in CL&P’s NBFMCC retail revenues and CL&P’s wholesale market sales, as compared to the actual costs incurred, are deferred on the income statement by an offset to amortization expense.

Transmission Revenues: Transmission revenues increased $55.9 million at CL&P, $64.0 million at NSTAR Electric and $42.4 million at PSNH due primarily to a higher transmission rate base as a result of our continued investment in our transmission infrastructure.

Eliminations: Eliminations are related to the Eversource electric transmission revenues that are derived from ISO-NE regional transmission charges to the distribution businesses of CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH that recover the costs of the wholesale transmission business in rates charged to their customers. The impact of eliminations decreased revenues by $55.7 million at CL&P, $75.0 million at NSTAR Electric and $31.9 million at PSNH.

56

Purchased Power and Transmission expense includes costs associated with providing electric generation service supply to all customers who have not migrated to third-party suppliers, the cost of energy purchase contracts entered into as required by regulation, and transmission costs. These energy supply procurement costs, other energy-related costs, and transmission costs are recovered from customers in rates through commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms, which have no impact on earnings (tracked costs). The variance in Purchased Power and Transmission expense in 2025, as compared to 2024, is due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)CL&PNSTAR ElectricPSNH
Energy supply procurement costs$(41.1)$(85.1)$9.2
Other electric distribution costs29.1122.57.5
Transmission costs46.6134.051.0
Eliminations(55.7)(75.0)(31.9)
Total Purchased Power and Transmission$(21.1)$96.4$35.8

The variance in energy supply procurement costs is offset in Operating Revenues (tracked energy supply procurement revenues). The variance in other electric distribution costs is due to an increase in the long-term renewable energy purchase contract cost deferral and higher net metering costs at NSTAR Electric, higher long-term contractual energy-related costs and the cost of renewable energy credits that are recovered in the non-bypassable component of the FMCC mechanism at CL&P, and higher net metering costs at PSNH.

Included in transmission costs are charges that recover the cost of transporting electricity over high-voltage lines from generation facilities to substations, including costs allocated by ISO-NE to maintain the wholesale electric system.

•The increase in transmission costs at CL&P was due primarily to an increase in costs billed by ISO-NE that support regional grid investments and an increase in Local Network Service charges, which reflect the cost of transmission service provided by Eversource over our local transmission network. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in the retail transmission cost deferral, which reflects the actual costs of transmission service compared to estimated amounts billed to customers.

•The increase in transmission costs at NSTAR Electric was due primarily to an increase in costs billed by ISO-NE and an increase in the retail transmission cost deferral. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in Local Network Service charges.

•The increase in transmission costs at PSNH was due primarily to an increase in costs billed by ISO-NE and an increase in Local Network Service charges. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in the retail transmission cost deferral.

Operations and Maintenance expense includes tracked costs and costs that are part of base distribution rates with changes impacting earnings (non-tracked costs).  The variance in Operations and Maintenance expense in 2025, as compared to 2024, is due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)CL&PNSTAR ElectricPSNH
Base Electric Distribution (Non-Tracked Costs):
Employee-related expenses (including labor and benefits)$17.6$0.3$(2.6)
Storm costs7.82.61.8
Shared corporate costs (including IT system depreciation at Eversource Service)2.68.61.5
Uncollectible expense0.28.30.9
General corporate costs (including vendor services in corporate areas, insurance, fees and assessments)(6.8)11.4(4.7)
Vegetation management(3.7)(5.9)10.1
Operations-related expenses (including vendor services, vehicles and materials)(3.0)(4.6)(0.2)
Total Base Electric Distribution (Non-Tracked Costs)14.720.76.8
Tracked Costs:
Customer credits at NSTAR Electric as a result of the joint settlement agreement approved in Massachusetts (earnings charge)17.5
Other tracked - Increase due primarily to higher transmission expense, and higher pension tracking mechanism at NSTAR Electric, partially offset by a decrease in grid modernization mechanism at NSTAR Electric and lower uncollectible expenses19.019.14.1
Total Tracked Costs19.036.64.1
Total Operations and Maintenance$33.7$57.3$10.9

Depreciation expense increased for CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH due to higher net plant in service balances.

Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net expense includes the deferral of energy-related costs and other costs that are included in certain regulatory commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms. This deferral adjusts expense to match the corresponding revenues compared to the actual costs incurred. These costs are recovered from customers in rates and have no impact on earnings. Amortization expense also includes the amortization of certain costs as those costs are collected in rates. The variance in Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net is due primarily to the following:

•The variance at CL&P was due primarily to the deferral adjustment of energy-related and other tracked costs that are included in the non-bypassable component of the FMCC mechanism and the SBC mechanism, which can fluctuate from period to period based on the

57

timing of costs incurred and related rate changes to recover these costs. The CL&P non-bypassable FMCC retail rates in effect were higher than those in the prior period and the net Millstone and Seabrook contract cash flows were higher in 2025 as compared to 2024. These higher collections within the non-bypassable FMCC resulted in a corresponding increase to amortization expense of $428.2 million for the CL&P non-bypassable FMCC deferral adjustment.

•The variance at NSTAR Electric was due primarily to the deferral adjustment of costs included in the solar facilities and advanced metering infrastructure regulatory mechanisms, partially offset by the deferral adjustment of energy-related and other tracked costs that are included in the grid modernization regulatory mechanism and higher amortization of storm costs recovered in rates.

•The variance at PSNH was due to the deferral adjustment of energy-related and other tracked costs that are included in the stranded cost recovery mechanism as well as the impact of the PSNH rate case decision. The rate case decision allowed for the recoupment of temporary rates and the allowed recovery of other deferrals resulting in a pre-tax benefit to earnings of $15.6 million, the majority of which was recorded as a reduction to amortization expense on the statement of income in the third quarter of 2025.

Energy Efficiency Programs expense includes costs of various state energy policy initiatives and expanded energy efficiency programs that are recovered from customers in rates, most of which have no impact on earnings. Energy Efficiency Programs expense includes a deferral adjustment that reflects the actual costs of energy efficiency programs compared to the amounts billed to customers, which can fluctuate from period to period based on the timing of costs incurred and related rate changes to recover these costs. The variance in Energy Efficiency Programs expense is due primarily to the following:

•The decrease at CL&P was due to lower program spending, partially offset by the deferral adjustment that matched costs to the corresponding revenues recorded.

•The increase at NSTAR Electric was due to the deferral adjustment that matched costs to the corresponding revenues recorded, partially offset by lower program spending.

•The increase at PSNH was due to higher program spending, partially offset by the deferral adjustment that matched costs to the corresponding revenues recorded.

Taxes Other Than Income Taxes - the variance is due primarily to the following:

•The increase at CL&P was due to higher Connecticut gross earnings taxes and higher property taxes as a result of higher utility plant balances.

•The increase at NSTAR Electric was due to higher property taxes as a result of higher utility plant balances and higher mill rates.

•The increase at PSNH was due to higher property taxes as a result of higher utility plant balances.

Interest Expense - the variance is due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)CL&PNSTAR ElectricPSNH
Long-term debt$20.8$48.7$10.9
Capitalized AFUDC related to debt funds(6.4)(1.7)3.2
Amortization of debt discounts and premiums, net1.01.30.4
Regulatory deferrals(20.9)(9.9)3.4
Short-term notes payable(13.8)(5.2)(4.0)
RRBs(1.5)
Other0.20.2(0.2)
Total Interest Expense$(19.1)$33.4$12.2

Other Income, Net - the variance is due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)CL&PNSTAR ElectricPSNH
Pension, SERP and PBOP Non-Service Income Components, Net of Deferred Portion$8.0$8.6$2.7
Interest Income (primarily on regulatory deferrals)(15.4)(4.3)3.4
Capitalized AFUDC related to equity funds(10.2)(0.4)6.0
Investment (Loss)/Income(0.3)(3.5)(0.2)
Other0.8
Total Other Income, Net$(17.9)$1.2$11.9

Income Tax Expense - the variance is due primarily to the following:

•The decrease at CL&P was due primarily to a decrease in reserves ($17.6 million), an increase in amortization of EDIT ($7.8 million), a decrease in return to provision adjustments ($2.5 million), and a decrease in items that impact our tax rate as a result of regulatory treatment (flow-through items) and permanent differences ($3.6 million), partially offset by higher pre-tax earnings ($2.4 million), higher state taxes ($1.6 million) and higher share-based payment tax deficiency ($0.2 million).

•The decrease at NSTAR Electric was due primarily to lower pre-tax earnings ($1.4 million) and lower state taxes ($0.1 million), partially offset by higher share-based payment tax deficiency ($0.3 million), and an increase in items that impact our tax rate as a result of regulatory treatment (flow-through items) and permanent differences ($0.6 million).

58

•The increase at PSNH was due primarily to higher pre-tax earnings ($16.0 million), higher state taxes ($4.7 million), and an increase in items that impact our tax rate as a result of regulatory treatment (flow-through items) and permanent differences ($2.8 million), partially offset by an increase in amortization of EDIT ($1.6 million).

EARNINGS SUMMARY

CL&P's earnings increased $38.7 million in 2025, as compared to 2024, due primarily to higher revenues from its capital tracking mechanism due to increased electric system improvements, a lower effective tax rate, and an increase in transmission earnings driven primarily by a higher transmission rate base and lower interest expense. The earnings increase was partially offset by lower net interest income on regulatory deferrals, higher depreciation expense, higher operations and maintenance expense, and higher property tax expense.

NSTAR Electric's earnings decreased $5.8 million in 2025, as compared to 2024, due primarily to higher interest expense on long-term debt, higher property tax expense, higher operations and maintenance expense, a charge to earnings for customer credits as a result of the joint settlement agreement approved in Massachusetts on December 1, 2025, and lower net interest income on regulatory deferrals. The earnings decrease was partially offset by higher revenues as a result of the base distribution rate increase effective January 1, 2025, an increase in transmission earnings driven primarily by a higher transmission rate base and lower interest expense, and higher earnings from its AMI tracking mechanism.

PSNH's earnings increased $54.5 million in 2025, as compared to 2024, due primarily to higher revenues as a result of the base distribution rate increases effective August 1, 2024 and August 1, 2025, an increase in transmission earnings driven primarily by a higher transmission rate base and lower interest expense, and the impact of the rate case decision in July 2025. The earnings increase was partially offset by higher operations and maintenance expense, higher depreciation expense, and a higher effective tax rate.

LIQUIDITY

Cash Flows: CL&P had cash flows provided by operating activities of $1.68 billion in 2025, as compared to $683.4 million in 2024.  The increase in operating cash flows was due primarily to an improvement in regulatory recoveries driven primarily by the timing of collections for the non-bypassable FMCC and SBC regulatory tracking mechanisms. The CL&P non-bypassable FMCC retail rates in effect for 2025 were higher than those set in 2024 and the net Millstone and Seabrook contract cash flows were higher in 2025 as compared to 2024. These higher collections within the non-bypassable FMCC resulted in an improvement to operating cash flows of $428.2 million for the year. Higher collections from the SBC mechanism resulted in a cash flow improvement of $113.3 million. The impacts of regulatory collections are included in both Regulatory Recoveries and Amortization of Regulatory Assets/(Liabilities) on the statements of cash flows. Additionally, CL&P received general obligation bond proceeds from the State of Connecticut for the reimbursement of hardship costs and for electric vehicle charging program costs of $107.8 million in 2025, which are reflected in Regulatory Recoveries. Operating cash flows were also favorably impacted by the timing of cash collections on our accounts receivable, a $100.2 million decrease in cash payments to vendors for storm costs, the timing of cash payments made on our accounts payable, and the timing of other working capital items. These favorable impacts were partially offset by a decrease of $183.1 million in operating cash flows due to income tax payments made in 2025 compared to income tax refunds received in 2024.

NSTAR Electric had cash flows provided by operating activities of $980.5 million in 2025, as compared to $687.6 million in 2024.  The increase in operating cash flows was due primarily to an improvement in regulatory recoveries driven primarily by the timing of collections for energy efficiency costs, energy supply costs, retail and wholesale transmission costs, and other regulatory tracking mechanisms, a decrease of $119.6 million in cash payments to vendors for storm costs, the timing of cash payments made on our accounts payable, and the timing of other working capital items. The impacts of regulatory collections are included in both Regulatory Recoveries and Amortization of Regulatory Assets on the statements of cash flows. These favorable impacts were partially offset by an increase in capitalized implementation costs for cloud-based service arrangements, the timing of cash collections on our accounts receivable, a $46.1 million increase in income tax payments, and a $7.4 million increase in cost of removal expenditures.

PSNH had cash flows provided by operating activities of $483.3 million in 2025, as compared to $321.3 million in 2024.  The increase in operating cash flows was due primarily to a decrease of $101.7 million in cash payments to vendors for storm costs, an improvement in regulatory recoveries driven by the timing of collections for wholesale and retail transmission costs and other regulatory tracking mechanisms, a $15.5 million decrease in cost of removal expenditures, the timing of cash payments made on our accounts payable, and the timing of other working capital items. The impacts of regulatory collections are included in both Regulatory Recoveries and Amortization of Regulatory Assets/(Liabilities) on the statements of cash flows. These favorable impacts were partially offset by a decrease of $119.0 million in operating cash flows due to income tax payments made in 2025 compared to income tax refunds received in 2024 and the timing of cash collections on our accounts receivable.

For further information on CL&P's, NSTAR Electric's and PSNH's liquidity and capital resources, see "Liquidity" and "Business Development and Capital Expenditures" included in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

59

MD&A history

Prior-year 10-K MD&A spans are extracted from SEC filings with the same bounded parser used for the latest filing. The latest 10-K appears above; prior years are below.

FY 2024 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0000072741-25-000007.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2025-02-14. Report date: 2024-12-31.

Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

EVERSOURCE ENERGY AND SUBSIDIARIES

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related combined notes included in this combined Annual Report on Form 10-K.  References in this combined Annual Report on Form 10-K to "Eversource," the "Company," "we," "us," and "our" refer to Eversource Energy and its consolidated subsidiaries.  All per-share amounts are reported on a diluted basis.  The consolidated financial statements of Eversource, NSTAR Electric and PSNH and the financial statements of CL&P are herein collectively referred to as the "financial statements."  Our discussion of fiscal year 2024 compared to fiscal year 2023 is included herein. Unless expressly stated otherwise, for discussion and analysis of fiscal year 2022 items and of fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal year 2022, please refer to Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in our combined 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Refer to the Glossary of Terms included in this combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for abbreviations and acronyms used throughout this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The only common equity securities that are publicly traded are common shares of Eversource. Our earnings discussion includes financial measures that are not recognized under GAAP (non-GAAP) referencing our earnings and EPS excluding losses on the sales and impairments of the offshore wind equity method investments, a loss on the pending sale of the Aquarion water distribution business, a loss on the disposition of land that was initially acquired to construct the Northern Pass Transmission project and was subsequently abandoned, and certain transaction and transition costs. EPS by business is also a non-GAAP financial measure and is calculated by dividing the Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders of each business by the weighted average diluted Eversource common shares outstanding for the period. The earnings and EPS of each business do not represent a direct legal interest in the assets and liabilities of such business, but rather represent a direct interest in our assets and liabilities as a whole.

We use these non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate and provide details of earnings results by business and to more fully compare and explain our results without including these items. This information is among the primary indicators we use as a basis for evaluating performance and planning and forecasting of future periods. We believe the impacts of the losses on the offshore wind equity method investments, the loss on the pending sale of the Aquarion water distribution business, the loss on the disposition of land associated with an abandoned project, and transaction and transition costs are not indicative of our ongoing costs and performance. We view these charges as not directly related to the ongoing operations of the business and therefore not an indicator of baseline operating performance. Due to the nature and significance of the effect of these items on Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders and EPS, we believe that the non-GAAP presentation is a more meaningful representation of our financial performance and provides additional and useful information to readers of this report in analyzing historical and future performance of our business. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as alternatives to reported Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders or EPS determined in accordance with GAAP as indicators of operating performance.

Financial Condition and Business Analysis

Executive Summary

Eversource Energy is a public utility holding company primarily engaged, through its wholly-owned regulated utility subsidiaries, in the energy delivery business.  Eversource Energy's wholly-owned regulated utility subsidiaries consist of CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH (electric utilities), Yankee Gas, NSTAR Gas and EGMA (natural gas utilities) and Aquarion (water utilities). Eversource is organized into the electric distribution, electric transmission, natural gas distribution, and water distribution reportable segments.

The following items in this executive summary are explained in more detail in this combined Annual Report on Form 10-K:

Earnings Overview and Future Outlook:

•We earned $811.7 million, or $2.27 per share, in 2024, compared with a loss of $442.2 million, or $1.26 per share, in 2023. Our 2024 results include an aggregate, net after-tax loss on the sales of our offshore wind investments of $524.0 million, or $1.47 per share, and an after-tax loss resulting from the expected sale of Aquarion of $298.3 million, or $0.83 per share. Our 2023 results included after-tax impairment charges on our offshore wind investments of $1.95 billion, or $5.58 per share. Our 2023 results also included after-tax land abandonment and other charges of $6.9 million, or $0.02 per share. Excluding these charges, our non-GAAP earnings were $1.63 billion, or $4.57 per share, in 2024, compared with non-GAAP earnings of $1.52 billion, or $4.34 per share, in 2023.

•We project that we will earn within a 2025 earning guidance range of between $4.67 per share and $4.82 per share. We also project that our long-term EPS growth rate through 2029 will be in a 5 to 7 percent range, using 2024 non-GAAP EPS of $4.57 per share as the base year.

Liquidity:

•Cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $2.16 billion in 2024, compared with $1.65 billion in 2023.  Investments in property, plant and equipment totaled $4.48 billion in 2024, compared with $4.34 billion in 2023.

29

•Cash totaled $26.7 million as of December 31, 2024, compared with $53.9 million as of December 31, 2023.  Our available borrowing capacity under our commercial paper programs totaled $607.2 million as of December 31, 2024.

•In 2024, we issued $4.50 billion of new long-term debt and we repaid $1.95 billion of long-term debt.

•In 2024, we paid dividends totaling $2.86 per common share, compared with dividends of $2.70 per common share in 2023. Our quarterly common share dividend payment was $0.715 per share in 2024, as compared to $0.675 per share in 2023.  On January 29, 2025, our Board of Trustees approved a common share dividend payment of $0.7525 per share, payable on March 31, 2025 to shareholders of record as of March 4, 2025.

•We project to make capital expenditures of $24.17 billion from 2025 through 2029, of which we expect $10.22 billion to be in our electric distribution segment, $6.00 billion to be in our natural gas distribution segment, and $6.81 billion to be in our electric transmission segment. We also project to invest $1.15 billion in information technology and facilities upgrades and enhancements.

Strategic Developments:

•On January 27, 2025, Eversource entered into a definitive agreement to sell Aquarion. Subject to certain closing adjustments, the aggregate enterprise value of the sale is approximately $2.4 billion in cash, which includes approximately $1.6 billion for the equity and $800 million of net debt that will be extinguished at closing. The sale is subject to regulatory and other approvals and is expected to close in late 2025. Eversource plans to use the net proceeds from the pending sale to pay down parent company debt.

•In the third quarter of 2024, Eversource completed the sale of its 50 percent ownership share in the Sunrise Wind project to Ørsted for adjusted proceeds of $152 million and completed the sale of its 50 percent ownership share in the South Fork Wind and Revolution Wind projects to GIP for adjusted gross proceeds of $745 million. Eversource recognized an aggregate net after-tax loss on the sales of its offshore wind investments of $524 million. Eversource recorded a contingent liability of $365 million, reflecting its estimate of the future obligations under the GIP sale terms, which include an expected cost overrun sharing obligation, expected obligation to maintain GIP’s internal rate of return, and obligation for other future costs. Eversource does not have any ongoing financial obligations associated with Sunrise Wind.

Earnings Overview

Consolidated:  Below is a summary of our earnings/(loss) by business, which also reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures of consolidated non-GAAP earnings and EPS, as well as EPS by business, to the most directly comparable GAAP measures of consolidated Net Income/(Loss) Attributable to Common Shareholders and diluted EPS.

For the Years Ended December 31,
202420232022
(Millions of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts)AmountPer ShareAmountPer ShareAmountPer Share
Net Income/(Loss) Attributable to Common Shareholders (GAAP)$811.7$2.27$(442.2)$(1.26)$1,404.9$4.05
Regulated Companies (Non-GAAP)$1,691.9$4.73$1,509.3$4.31$1,460.4$4.21
Eversource Parent and Other Companies (Non-GAAP)(57.9)(0.16)8.40.03(40.5)(0.12)
Non-GAAP Earnings$1,634.0$4.57$1,517.7$4.34$1,419.9$4.09
Losses on Offshore Wind Investments (after-tax) (1)(524.0)(1.47)(1,953.0)(5.58)
Loss on Pending Sale of Aquarion (after-tax) (2)(298.3)(0.83)
Land Abandonment Loss and Other Charges (after-tax) (3)(6.9)(0.02)
Transaction and Transition Costs (after-tax) (4)(15.0)(0.04)
Net Income/(Loss) Attributable to Common Shareholders (GAAP)$811.7$2.27$(442.2)$(1.26)$1,404.9$4.05

(1)    In 2024, we recorded a loss on the sales of our offshore wind equity method investments. In 2023, we recorded impairment charges resulting from the expected sales of these offshore wind investments. For further information, see "Business Development and Capital Expenditures – Offshore Wind Business" included in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

(2)    The 2024 loss includes an impairment charge of $297 million to write down the carrying value of the water business to fair value resulting from the expected sale of Aquarion, as well as transaction costs. For further information, see "Business Development and Capital Expenditures – Pending Sale of Aquarion" included in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

(3)    The 2023 charges primarily include a loss on the disposition of abandoned land intended to be used for the cancelled Northern Pass Transmission project.

(4)    Transaction costs in 2022 primarily include costs associated with the transition of systems as a result of our purchase of the assets of Columbia Gas of Massachusetts (CMA) on October 9, 2020 and integrating the CMA assets onto Eversource’s systems.

30

Regulated Companies:  Our regulated companies comprise the electric distribution, electric transmission, natural gas distribution, and water distribution segments. A summary of our segment earnings and EPS is as follows:

For the Years Ended December 31,
202420232022
(Millions of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts)AmountPer ShareAmountPer ShareAmountPer Share
Net Income - Regulated Companies (GAAP)$1,393.6$3.90$1,509.3$4.31$1,460.4$4.21
Electric Distribution$631.7$1.77$608.0$1.74$592.8$1.71
Electric Transmission724.62.03643.41.84596.61.72
Natural Gas Distribution291.00.81224.80.64234.20.67
Water Distribution, excluding Loss on Pending Sale (Non-GAAP)44.60.1233.10.0936.80.11
Net Income - Regulated Companies (Non-GAAP)$1,691.9$4.73$1,509.3$4.31$1,460.4$4.21
Loss on Pending Sale of Aquarion (after-tax)(298.3)(0.83)
Net Income - Regulated Companies (GAAP)$1,393.6$3.90$1,509.3$4.31$1,460.4$4.21

Our electric distribution segment earnings increased $23.7 million in 2024, as compared to 2023, due primarily to higher revenues from base distribution rate increases at NSTAR Electric effective January 1, 2024 and at PSNH effective August 1, 2024 and from CL&P's capital tracking mechanism due to increased electric system improvements, and an increase in interest income primarily on regulatory deferrals. Those earnings increases were partially offset by higher operations and maintenance expense primarily driven by higher employee benefit costs, higher interest expense, higher depreciation expense, the absence of a prior year benefit at PSNH related to the establishment of a new regulatory tracking mechanism that allowed for the recovery of previously incurred operating expenses associated with poles acquired on May 1, 2023, higher property tax expense, and a higher effective tax rate.

Our electric transmission segment earnings increased $81.2 million in 2024, as compared to 2023, due primarily to a higher transmission rate base as a result of our continued investment in our transmission infrastructure and the impact of the annual rate reconciliation filing with FERC, partially offset by a higher effective tax rate.

Our natural gas distribution segment earnings increased $66.2 million in 2024, as compared to 2023, due primarily to higher revenues from base distribution rate increases effective November 1, 2024 at EGMA and effective November 1, 2024 and November 1, 2023 at NSTAR Gas and capital tracking mechanisms due to continued investments in natural gas infrastructure. Earnings also benefited from lower operations and maintenance expense, the absence of a prior year unfavorable regulatory adjustment resulting from NSTAR Gas’ GSEP reconciliation filing, and a lower effective tax rate. Those earnings increases were partially offset by higher depreciation expense, higher interest expense, and higher property tax expense.

Our water distribution segment recognized a $297 million impairment charge in 2024 as a result of writing down the carrying value of the business to fair value due to the expected sale of Aquarion. Excluding the impairment charge and transaction costs associated with the expected sale, water distribution segment earnings increased $11.5 million in 2024, as compared to 2023, due primarily to an after-tax benefit of $11.6 million recorded in 2024 to recognize the impacts of the Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut’s rate case decision from PURA. The impacts of PURA’s rate case decision on March 15, 2023 were recorded beginning in March 2024 as a result of the State of Connecticut Superior Court’s decision on the rate case appeal on March 25, 2024. The impacts primarily include a reduction to depreciation expense to reflect lower depreciation rates ordered by PURA in its final decision, partially offset by lower authorized revenues.

Eversource Parent and Other Companies:  Eversource parent and other companies’ losses decreased $1.37 billion in 2024, as compared to 2023, due primarily to the loss on the sale of Eversource parent’s offshore wind investments in 2024, which resulted in an after-tax charge of $524.0 million, as compared to an impairment charge on these investments in 2023 of $1.95 billion. Results for 2023 also include a loss on the disposition of land that was initially acquired to construct the Northern Pass Transmission project and was subsequently abandoned and other charges recorded of $6.9 million. Excluding these charges, Eversource parent and other companies earnings decreased by $66.3 million due primarily to higher interest expense and the absence of a benefit in 2023 from the liquidation of Eversource parent’s equity method investment in a renewable energy fund, partially offset by the absence of a charitable contribution made in 2023 with a portion of the proceeds from the liquidation, and a lower effective tax rate.

Liquidity

Sources and Uses of Cash: Eversource’s regulated business is capital intensive and requires considerable capital resources. Eversource’s regulated companies’ capital resources are provided by cash flows generated from operations, short-term borrowings, long-term debt issuances, capital contributions from Eversource parent, and existing cash, and are used to fund their liquidity and capital requirements. Eversource’s regulated companies typically maintain minimal cash balances and use short-term borrowings to meet their working capital needs and other cash requirements. Short-term borrowings are also used as a bridge to long-term debt financings. The levels of short-term borrowing may vary significantly over the course of the year due to the impact of fluctuations in cash flows from operations (including timing of storm costs and regulatory recoveries), dividends paid, capital contributions received and the timing of long-term debt financings.

31

Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH each uses its available capital resources to fund its respective construction expenditures, meet debt requirements, pay operating costs, including storm-related costs, pay dividends, and fund corporate obligations. Eversource's regulated companies recover their electric, natural gas and water distribution construction expenditures as the related project costs are depreciated over the life of the assets. This impacts the timing of the revenue stream designed to fully recover the total investment plus a return on the equity and debt used to finance the investments. Eversource's regulated companies spend a significant amount of cash on capital improvements and construction projects that have a long-term return on investment and recovery period. These factors have resulted in current liabilities exceeding current assets by $1.64 billion, $291.7 million and $112.0 million at Eversource, NSTAR Electric and PSNH, respectively, as of December 31, 2024.

We expect the future operating cash flows of Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH, along with our existing borrowing availability and access to both debt and equity markets, will be sufficient to meet any working capital and future operating requirements, and capital investment forecasted opportunities.

As of December 31, 2024, $1.40 billion of Eversource's long-term debt, including $600.0 million at Eversource parent, $400.0 million at CL&P and $250.0 million at NSTAR Electric, matures within the next 12 months. Eversource, with its current credit ratings, has several options available in the financial markets to repay or refinance these maturities with the issuance of new long-term debt. Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH will reduce their short-term borrowings with operating cash flows or with the issuance of new long-term debt, determined by considering capital requirements and maintenance of Eversource's credit rating and profile.

Eversource is currently in the process of selling its Aquarion water distribution business. For information regarding the pending sale and use of proceeds, see "Business Development and Capital Expenditures - Pending Sale of Aquarion" included in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Cash totaled $26.7 million as of December 31, 2024, compared with $53.9 million as of December 31, 2023.

Short-Term Debt - Commercial Paper Programs and Credit Agreements: Eversource parent has a $2.00 billion commercial paper program allowing Eversource parent to issue commercial paper as a form of short-term debt. Eversource parent, CL&P, PSNH, NSTAR Gas, Yankee Gas, EGMA and Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut are parties to a five-year $2.00 billion revolving credit facility, which terminates on October 11, 2029. This revolving credit facility serves to backstop Eversource parent's $2.00 billion commercial paper program.

NSTAR Electric has a $650 million commercial paper program allowing NSTAR Electric to issue commercial paper as a form of short-term debt. NSTAR Electric is also a party to a five-year $650 million revolving credit facility, which terminates on October 11, 2029, that serves to backstop NSTAR Electric's $650 million commercial paper program.

The amount of borrowings outstanding and available under the commercial paper programs were as follows:

Borrowings Outstanding as of December 31,Available Borrowing Capacity as of December 31,Weighted-Average Interest Rate as of December 31,
(Millions of Dollars)202420232024202320242023
Eversource Parent Commercial Paper Program$1,538.0$1,771.9$462.0$228.14.76%5.60%
NSTAR Electric Commercial Paper Program504.8365.8145.2284.24.55%5.40%

There were no borrowings outstanding on the revolving credit facilities as of December 31, 2024 or 2023.

CL&P and PSNH have uncommitted line of credit agreements totaling $375 million and $250 million, respectively, all of which will expire in either May 2025, September 2025 or October 2025. There are no borrowings outstanding on either the CL&P or PSNH uncommitted line of credit agreements as of December 31, 2024.

Amounts outstanding under the commercial paper programs are included in Notes Payable and classified in current liabilities on the Eversource and NSTAR Electric balance sheets, as all borrowings are outstanding for no more than 364 days at one time. As a result of the CL&P long-term debt issuance in January 2024, $207.3 million of commercial paper borrowings under the Eversource parent commercial paper program were reclassified to Long-Term Debt on Eversource parent’s balance sheet as of December 31, 2023.

Intercompany Borrowings: Eversource parent uses its available capital resources to provide loans to its subsidiaries to assist in meeting their short-term borrowing needs. Eversource parent records intercompany interest income from its loans to subsidiaries, which is eliminated in consolidation. Intercompany loans from Eversource parent to its subsidiaries are eliminated in consolidation on Eversource's balance sheets. As of December 31, 2024, there were intercompany loans from Eversource parent to CL&P of $280.0 million and to PSNH of $131.1 million. As of December 31, 2023, there were intercompany loans from Eversource parent to CL&P of $457.0 million and to PSNH of $233.0 million. Eversource parent charges interest on these intercompany loans at the same weighted-average interest rate as its commercial paper program. Intercompany loans from Eversource parent are included in Notes Payable to Eversource Parent and classified in current liabilities on the respective subsidiary's balance sheets, as these intercompany borrowings are outstanding for no more than 364 days at one time. As a result of the CL&P long-term debt issuance in January 2024, $207.3 million of CL&P’s intercompany borrowings were reclassified to Long-Term Debt on CL&P’s balance sheet as of December 31, 2023.

32

Availability under Long-Term Debt Issuance Authorizations: On May 1, 2024, the DPU approved NSTAR Electric’s request for authorization to issue up to $2.40 billion in long-term debt through December 31, 2026. On July 24, 2024, PURA approved CL&P’s request for authorization to issue up to $1.00 billion in long-term debt through December 31, 2025. On August 12, 2024, the DPU approved EGMA’s request for authorization to issue up to $325 million in long-term debt through December 31, 2026. On December 18, 2024, the DPU approved NSTAR Gas’ request for authorization to issue up to $475 million in long-term debt through December 31, 2027. On January 28, 2025, Yankee Gas submitted an application to PURA requesting authorization to issue up to $360 million in long-term debt through December 31, 2026. PSNH has utilized its long-term debt authorizations in place with NHPUC.

Long-Term Debt Issuances and Repayments: The following table summarizes long-term debt issuances and repayments:

(Millions of Dollars)Interest RateIssuance/ (Repayment)Issue Date or Repayment DateMaturity DateUse of Proceeds for Issuance/ Repayment Information
CL&P 2024 Series A First Mortgage Bonds4.65%$350.0January 2024January 2029Repaid short-term debt, paid capital expenditures and working capital
CL&P Series B First Mortgage Bonds4.95%300.0August 2024August 2034Repaid Series D Bonds, repaid short-term debt, and working capital
CL&P Series D First Mortgage Bonds7.875%(139.8)October 2024October 2024Paid at maturity
CL&P 2025 Series A First Mortgage Bonds4.95%400.0January 2025January 2030Repaid short-term debt, paid capital expenditures and working capital
NSTAR Electric Debentures5.40%600.0May 2024June 2034Repaid short-term debt, paid capital expenditures and working capital
PSNH Series X First Mortgage Bonds5.35%300.0April 2024October 2033Repaid short-term debt, paid capital expenditures and working capital
Eversource Parent Series DD Senior Notes5.00%350.0January 2024January 2027Repaid short-term debt
Eversource Parent Series EE Senior Notes5.50%650.0January 2024January 2034Repaid short-term debt
Eversource Parent Series FF Senior Notes5.85%700.0April 2024April 2031Repaid Series X Senior Notes and Aquarion’s 2014 Senior Notes at maturity and short-term debt
Eversource Parent Series GG Senior Notes5.95%700.0April 2024July 2034Repaid Series X Senior Notes and Aquarion’s 2014 Senior Notes at maturity and short-term debt
Eversource Parent Series X Senior Notes4.20%(900.0)June 2024June 2024Paid at maturity
Eversource Parent Series L Senior Notes2.90%(450.0)October 2024October 2024Paid at maturity
Eversource Parent Series H Senior Notes3.15%(300.0)January 2025January 2025Paid at maturity
NSTAR Gas Series W First Mortgage Bonds5.29%160.0June 2024June 2029Repaid short-term debt, paid capital expenditures and general corporate purposes
NSTAR Gas Series X First Mortgage Bonds5.48%40.0June 2024June 2034Repaid short-term debt, paid capital expenditures and general corporate purposes
Yankee Gas Series W First Mortgage Bonds5.50%90.0July 2024July 2029Repaid short-term debt, paid capital expenditures, working capital and repaid Series P bonds at maturity
Yankee Gas Series X First Mortgage Bonds5.74%90.0July 2024July 2034Repaid short-term debt, paid capital expenditures, working capital and repaid Series P bonds at maturity
Yankee Gas Series P First Mortgage Bonds2.23%(100.0)October 2024October 2024Paid at maturity
EGMA Series E First Mortgage Bonds5.17%100.0October 2024November 2034Refinanced existing indebtedness, paid capital expenditures and general corporate purposes
Aquarion Senior Notes4.00%(360.0)August 2024August 2024Paid at maturity
Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut Senior Notes5.57%70.0August 2024September 2034Repaid short-term debt, paid capital expenditures and general corporate purposes

As a result of the CL&P long-term debt issuance in January 2025, $397.1 million of current portion of long-term debt was reclassified to Long-Term Debt on Eversource’s and CL&P’s balance sheets as of December 31, 2024.

Rate Reduction Bonds: PSNH's RRB payments consist of principal and interest and are paid semi-annually. PSNH paid $43.2 million of RRB principal payments in each of 2024 and 2023, and paid $14.9 million and $16.2 million of interest payments in 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Common Share Issuances: Eversource had an equity distribution agreement pursuant to which it could offer and sell up to $1.2 billion of its common shares from time to time through an “at-the-market” (ATM) equity offering program. In 2024, Eversource issued 15,740,294 common shares, which resulted in proceeds of $989.4 million, net of issuance costs. Eversource used the net proceeds received for general corporate purposes. In 2023, no shares were issued under this agreement. Eversource completed the program in October 2024.

33

Cash Flows:  Cash flows from operating activities primarily result from the transmission and distribution of electricity, and the distribution of natural gas and water. Cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $2.16 billion in 2024, compared with $1.65 billion in 2023. Operating cash flows were favorably impacted by the timing of cash payments made on our accounts payable, a $108.8 million increase due to income tax refunds received in 2024 as compared to income tax payments made in 2023, an improvement in regulatory under-recoveries driven primarily by the timing of collections for the CL&P non-bypassable FMCC and other regulatory tracking mechanisms partially offset by the unfavorable impact in the timing of collections for energy supply costs, a $20.7 million decrease in cost of removal expenditures, a $12.4 million decrease in cash payments to vendors for storm costs, and the timing of other working capital items. The impacts of regulatory collections are included in both Regulatory Recoveries and Amortization on the statements of cash flows. These favorable impacts were partially offset by the timing of cash collections on our accounts receivable.

In 2024, we paid cash dividends of $1.00 billion and issued non-cash dividends of $23.5 million in the form of treasury shares, totaling dividends of $1.03 billion, or $2.86 per common share. In 2023, we paid cash dividends of $919.0 million and issued non-cash dividends of $23.4 million in the form of treasury shares, totaling dividends of $942.4 million, or $2.70 per common share. Our quarterly common share dividend payment was $0.715 per share in 2024, as compared to $0.675 per share in 2023.  On January 29, 2025, our Board of Trustees approved a common share dividend payment of $0.7525 per share, payable on March 31, 2025 to shareholders of record as of March 4, 2025.

Eversource issues treasury shares to satisfy awards under the Company's incentive plans, shares issued under the dividend reinvestment and share purchase plan, and matching contributions under the Eversource 401k Plan.

In 2024, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH paid $333.8 million, $643.9 million and $62.0 million, respectively, in common stock dividends to Eversource parent.

Investments in Property, Plant and Equipment on the statements of cash flows do not include amounts incurred on capital projects but not yet paid, cost of removal, AFUDC related to equity funds, and the capitalized and deferred portions of pension and PBOP income/expense.  In 2024, investments for Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric, and PSNH were $4.48 billion, $978.5 million, $1.56 billion and $608.8 million, respectively. Capital expenditures were primarily for continuing projects to maintain and improve infrastructure and operations, including enhancing reliability to the transmission and distribution systems.

Contractual Obligations: For information regarding our cash requirements from contractual obligations and payment schedules, see Note 9, "Long-Term Debt," Note 10, "Rate Reduction Bonds and Variable Interest Entities," Note 11A, "Employee Benefits - Pension Benefits and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pension," Note 13, "Commitments and Contingencies," and Note 14, "Leases," to the financial statements.

Estimated interest payments on existing long-term fixed-rate debt are calculated by multiplying the coupon rate on the debt by its scheduled notional amount outstanding for the period of measurement as of December 31, 2024 and are as follows:

(Millions of Dollars)20252026202720282029ThereafterTotal
Eversource$1,113.5$1,044.2$982.4$872.3$764.4$6,793.6$11,570.4

Our commitments to make payments in addition to these contractual obligations include other liabilities reflected on our balance sheets, and guarantees of certain obligations primarily associated with construction of our previously owned offshore wind investments.

For information regarding our projected capital expenditures over the next five years, see "Business Development and Capital Expenditures - Projected Capital Expenditures" included in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Credit Ratings:  A summary of our current corporate credit ratings and outlooks by S&P, Moody's, and Fitch is as follows:

S&PMoody'sFitch
CurrentOutlookCurrentOutlookCurrentOutlook
Eversource ParentBBB+StableBaa2NegativeBBBStable
CL&PA-StableA3NegativeA-Stable
NSTAR ElectricA-StableA2NegativeA-Stable
PSNHA-StableA3StableA-Stable

A summary of the current credit ratings and outlooks by S&P, Moody's, and Fitch for senior unsecured debt of Eversource parent and NSTAR Electric, and senior secured debt of CL&P and PSNH is as follows:

S&PMoody'sFitch
CurrentOutlookCurrentOutlookCurrentOutlook
Eversource ParentBBBStableBaa2NegativeBBBStable
CL&PAStableA1NegativeA+Stable
NSTAR ElectricA-StableA2NegativeAStable
PSNHAStableA1StableA+Stable

34

In June 2024, Moody’s revised the outlook from stable to negative for CL&P citing a weaker financial profile and a challenging Connecticut regulatory environment. In December 2024, S&P downgraded the ratings for Eversource parent and its subsidiaries primarily due to S&P's negative assessment of the Connecticut regulatory construct for Eversource’s Connecticut utilities. These credit ratings and outlook changes reflect higher regulatory risk in Connecticut with the regulatory construct and adverse regulatory developments, including recent rate orders and the passage of Senate Bill 7, negatively impacting the credit quality of Eversource and its subsidiaries.

Business Development and Capital Expenditures

Our consolidated capital expenditures, including amounts incurred but not paid, cost of removal, AFUDC, and the capitalized and deferred portions of pension and PBOP income/expense (all of which are non-cash factors), totaled $4.64 billion in 2024, $4.59 billion in 2023, and $3.79 billion in 2022.  These amounts included $260.5 million in 2024, $214.4 million in 2023, and $266.5 million in 2022 related to information technology and facilities upgrades and enhancements, primarily at Eversource Service and The Rocky River Realty Company.

Electric Transmission Business: Our consolidated electric transmission business capital expenditures decreased by $120.0 million in 2024, as compared to 2023.  A summary of electric transmission capital expenditures by company is as follows:

For the Years Ended December 31,
(Millions of Dollars)202420232022
CL&P$450.0$470.4$416.8
NSTAR Electric502.0567.4438.4
PSNH375.8410.0351.8
Total Electric Transmission$1,327.8$1,447.8$1,207.0

Our transmission projects are designed to improve the reliability of the electric grid, meet customer demand for power, and strengthen the electric grid's resilience against extreme weather and other safety and security threats. In Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, our transmission projects include transmission line upgrades, the installation of new transmission interconnection facilities, substations and lines, and transmission substation enhancements.

Greater Cambridge Energy Program: The Greater Cambridge Energy Program will construct Eversource’s first underground transmission substation in Cambridge, Massachusetts, along with associated transmission and distribution lines. The project will address the increased electric demand in the region, enhance the resiliency of the transmission system, and ensure a flexible grid to reliably serve customers. The flexibility to transmit and distribute mixed energy sources will support the decarbonization and electrification goals of both the City of Cambridge and the state of Massachusetts. The new 115/13.8-kV, 35,000 square foot substation will be located in an underground vault and includes three distribution power transformers supplying thirty-six distribution circuits. The project also includes five underground duct banks housing eight new 115-kV transmission lines. The Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board approved the project on June 28, 2024. Additional required environmental permits are expected to be approved by the end of 2025, as well as a license from the MA DEP expected to be approved by the end of the second quarter of 2026. The initial in-service date for the project is June 2029, which includes two 115-kV transmission lines and the transmission portion of the substation. The first distribution circuits and substation distribution will be placed in-service by the end of 2029. The remaining transmission and distribution circuits will be placed in-service throughout 2030 and into 2031. The total project cost is approximately $1.84 billion, with $1.38 billion allocated for transmission and $460 million for distribution. As of December 31, 2024, $100.1 million has been spent on the project, with $70 million for transmission and $30.1 million for distribution.

Distribution Business:  A summary of distribution capital expenditures is as follows:

For the Years Ended December 31,
(Millions of Dollars)CL&PNSTAR ElectricPSNHTotal ElectricNatural GasWaterTotal
2024
Basic Business$298.8$471.7$136.2$906.7$226.9$21.8$1,155.4
Aging Infrastructure161.3365.865.4592.5743.6140.51,476.6
Load Growth and Other110.6194.366.4371.352.30.8424.4
Total Distribution$570.7$1,031.8$268.0$1,870.5$1,022.8$163.1$3,056.4
2023
Basic Business$280.3$376.6$91.1$748.0$208.2$18.5$974.7
Aging Infrastructure260.7310.086.4657.1719.5142.31,518.9
Load Growth and Other138.0191.337.2366.570.10.9437.5
Total Distribution$679.0$877.9$214.7$1,771.6$997.8$161.7$2,931.1
2022
Basic Business$267.8$202.4$68.6$538.8$175.2$16.8$730.8
Aging Infrastructure199.9245.170.8515.8562.3137.61,215.7
Load Growth and Other90.7177.031.3299.066.40.9366.3
Total Distribution$558.4$624.5$170.7$1,353.6$803.9$155.3$2,312.8

35

For the electric distribution business, basic business includes the purchase of meters, tools, vehicles, information technology, transformer replacements, equipment facilities, and the relocation of plant. Aging infrastructure relates to reliability and the replacement of overhead lines, plant substations, underground cable replacement, and equipment failures. Load growth and other includes requests for new business and capacity additions on distribution lines and substation additions and expansions.

For the natural gas distribution business, basic business addresses daily operational needs including meters, pipe relocations due to public works projects, vehicles, and tools. Aging infrastructure projects seek to improve the reliability of the system through enhancements related to cast iron and bare steel replacement of main and services, corrosion mediation, and station upgrades. Load growth and other reflects growth in existing service territories including new developments, installation of services, and expansion.

For the water distribution business, basic business addresses daily operational needs including periodic meter replacement, water main relocation, facility maintenance, and tools. Aging infrastructure relates to reliability and the replacement of water mains, regulators, storage tanks, pumping stations, wellfields, reservoirs, and treatment facilities. Load growth and other reflects growth in our service territory, including improvements of acquisitions, installation of new services, and interconnections of systems.

Pending Sale of Aquarion: In early 2024, Eversource initiated an exploratory assessment of the potential sale of the Aquarion water distribution business. In December 2024, final bids were received, and Eversource obtained approval from its Board of Trustees to sell the Aquarion water distribution business. On January 27, 2025, Eversource entered into a definitive agreement to sell Aquarion. Subject to certain closing adjustments, the aggregate enterprise value of the sale is approximately $2.4 billion in cash, which includes approximately $1.6 billion for the equity and $800 million of net debt that will be extinguished at closing. The sale is subject to approval by PURA, DPU and the NHPUC, as well as other approvals pursuant to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act as well as other customary closing conditions. The sale is expected to close in late 2025. Eversource plans to use the net proceeds from the pending sale to pay down parent company debt.

In the fourth quarter of 2024, upon classifying the assets and liabilities as held for sale, Eversource concluded that the likely sale of Aquarion at a loss resulted in the requirement to test water distribution goodwill for impairment. Eversource performed an impairment test by comparing the fair value of the business to its carrying value and recorded a goodwill impairment of $297 million, as the estimated fair value of the business based on the anticipated sale was less than the carrying value. The fair value included future cash outflows of approximately $140 million of estimated income taxes as a result of the transaction. The goodwill impairment charge is presented separately within Operating Income on the Eversource statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2024.

Projected Capital Expenditures:  A summary of the projected capital expenditures for the regulated companies' electric transmission and for the total electric distribution and natural gas distribution for 2025 through 2029, including information technology and facilities upgrades and enhancements on behalf of the regulated companies, is as follows:

Years
(Millions of Dollars)202520262027202820292025 - 2029 Total
CL&P Transmission$441$497$341$269$260$1,808
NSTAR Electric Transmission6116356758618543,636
PSNH Transmission3542603472041981,363
Total Electric Transmission1,4061,3921,3631,3341,3126,807
Electric Distribution1,9652,2312,1431,9581,91810,215
Natural Gas Distribution1,0941,1641,1841,2591,2975,998
Total Electric and Natural Gas Distribution3,0593,3953,3273,2173,21516,213
Information Technology and All Other2562222222252271,152
Total$4,721$5,009$4,912$4,776$4,754$24,172

Actual capital expenditures could vary from the projected amounts for the companies and years above.

The projected capital expenditures reflect a reduction in planned capital expenditures for Connecticut’s electric and natural gas distribution businesses due to regulatory policies in Connecticut that discourage investment, including ensuring the timely recovery of costs and the ability to earn a fair return. The continuing pattern of adverse regulatory outcomes for Connecticut utilities and associated credit downgrades from our credit rating agencies necessitated a reduction to Connecticut’s electric and natural gas distribution projected capital expenditures. These capital reductions do not impact Eversource’s commitment to safety, reliability, or critical staffing structure.

Projected capital expenditures for the water distribution business of $130 million are expected until the time of sale in late 2025 and have been factored into the water business impairment recorded as of December 31, 2024.

Offshore Wind Business: Eversource’s previous offshore wind business included 50 percent ownership interests in each of North East Offshore and South Fork Class B Member, LLC. During 2024, Eversource sold its interest in these entities, and in doing so, sold its interests in the Revolution Wind project, the South Fork Wind project, and the Sunrise Wind project. Eversource’s current offshore wind business is now comprised only of a noncontrolling tax equity investment in South Fork Wind through a 100 percent ownership in South Fork Wind Holdings, LLC Class A interests.

36

On May 25, 2023, Eversource announced that it had completed a strategic review of its offshore wind investments and determined that it would pursue the sale of its offshore wind investments. On September 7, 2023, Eversource completed the sale of its 50 percent interest in an uncommitted lease area consisting of approximately 175,000 developable acres located 25 miles off the south coast of Massachusetts to Ørsted for $625 million in an all-cash transaction.

In September of 2023, Eversource made a $528 million investment in a tax equity interest for South Fork Wind. South Fork Wind was restructured as a tax equity investment, with Eversource purchasing 100 percent ownership of a new Class A tax equity membership interest. This investment will result in Eversource receiving cash flow benefits from investment tax credits (ITC) and other future cash flow benefits as well. As of December 31, 2024, $459 million of expected investment tax credits and other expected tax benefits were reclassified from the South Fork Wind tax equity investment balance reported in Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates as a decrease in Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes on the Eversource balance sheet, which represented a non-cash reclassification. As a result of these investment tax credits, Eversource expects lower federal income tax payments from 2025 to 2027. As of December 31, 2024, the tax equity interest in South Fork Wind totaled $22.2 million.

On January 24, 2024, Eversource entered into an agreement with Ørsted to sell Eversource’s 50 percent share of Sunrise Wind, subject to certain conditions and regulatory approvals. On April 18, 2024, Eversource and Ørsted executed an equity and asset purchase agreement and on July 9, 2024, Eversource completed the sale of its 50 percent ownership share of Sunrise Wind to Ørsted. In accordance with the equity and asset purchase agreement and after adjustment for a reduction in capital spending compared to forecasted amounts, adjusted proceeds totaled $152 million. Ørsted paid Eversource $118 million at the closing of the sale transaction, which was used to repay parent company debt. Remaining proceeds of $34 million will be paid after onshore construction is completed and certain other construction milestones are achieved. The remaining expected proceeds have been recorded in Other Long-Term Assets on Eversource’s balance sheet as of December 31, 2024. Eversource recorded a pre-tax gain on the sale of Sunrise Wind of $377 million in 2024. With completion of the sale, Eversource does not have any ongoing financial obligations associated with Sunrise Wind.

On February 13, 2024, Eversource executed an agreement to sell its 50 percent interests in the South Fork Wind and Revolution Wind projects to Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) for an initial gross purchase price of approximately $1.1 billion. The initial purchase price was subject to adjustment based on, among other things, the progress, timing and the construction cost of Revolution Wind, including changes in actual versus forecasted capital spending between signing the agreement and closing of the transaction. On September 30, 2024, Eversource completed the sale of its 50 percent ownership share in the South Fork Wind and Revolution Wind projects to GIP for adjusted gross proceeds of $745 million, which were received at closing. Adjusted gross proceeds from the sale were approximately $375 million lower than the previously estimated purchase price. This reduction reflects approximately $150 million resulting from lower capital spending between signing the agreement and closing, and approximately $225 million related to the final terms of the sale transaction, primarily due to the delay of the commercial operations date of Revolution Wind. Proceeds from the transaction were used to repay parent company debt.

As part of the Revolution Wind and South Fork Wind sale, Eversource and GIP agreed to make certain post-closing purchase price adjustment payments, which could further impact the final purchase price. The post-closing purchase price adjustment payments include cost sharing obligations that require Eversource to share equally with GIP in GIP’s funding obligations up to an effective cap of approximately $240 million of incremental capital expenditure overruns incurred during the construction phase for Revolution Wind, after which Eversource will have responsibility for GIP’s obligations for any additional capital expenditure overruns in excess of this amount. The purchase price is also subject to post-closing adjustments as a result of final project economics, which includes Eversource’s obligation to maintain GIP’s internal rate of return through the construction period for each project as specified in the agreement. Post-closing purchase price adjustment payments will be made following the commercial operation date of Revolution Wind. South Fork Wind has achieved commercial operation, and Eversource is in the process of finalizing the construction cost post-close purchase price adjustment payment related to this project, which is not expected to be material.

Upon the completion of both sale transactions in 2024, the total proceeds were compared to the carrying value of the investments, including an estimate of liability for post-closing adjustment payments to GIP, and Eversource recognized an aggregate, net after-tax loss on the sales of its offshore wind investments of $524 million. The aggregate, net after-tax loss is comprised of (1) the lower proceeds related to final terms of the sale transaction to GIP of approximately $225 million related to non-construction costs for the Revolution Wind and South Fork Wind projects, primarily due to a purchase price reduction of $150 million resulting from the delay of the commercial operations date of Revolution Wind, (2) recently identified forecasted construction costs as a result of a delay in the anticipated commercial operation date related to Revolution Wind of approximately $350 million, which includes an estimate for the anticipated post-closing adjustment to GIP related to Eversource’s expected cost overrun sharing obligation, and (3) approximately $326 million, which includes an estimate for the anticipated post-closing adjustment related to Eversource’s expected obligations to GIP as a result of final economics of the Revolution Wind and South Fork Wind projects and other future costs, as well as a net $60 million increase in income tax expense including an increase in the valuation allowance for unused capital losses. These losses were partially offset by the $377 million gain on the sale of Sunrise Wind.

Upon sale, Eversource recorded a contingent liability of $365 million, reflecting its estimate of the future obligations under the GIP sale terms, which include the expected cost overrun sharing obligation, expected obligation to maintain GIP’s internal rate of return, and obligation for other future costs. The majority of this liability is expected to be settled upon the completion of the Revolution Wind project. The long-term portion of the liability of $350 million is recorded in Other Long-Term Liabilities, and $15 million is recorded in Other Current Liabilities on Eversource’s balance sheet as of December 31, 2024.

37

Contingencies are evaluated using the best information available at the time the financial statements are prepared, and this assessment involves judgments and assumptions about future events. Factors that could increase the post-closing adjustment payments owed to GIP include the ultimate cost of construction and extent of cost overruns for Revolution Wind, delays in construction, which would impact the economics associated with the purchase price adjustment, and Revolution Wind’s eligibility for federal investment tax credits at a lower value than assumed and included in the purchase price.

The purchase price included the sales value related to a 40 percent level of federal investment tax credits, 10 percent of which is the energy community investment tax credit (ITC) adder included in the Inflation Reduction Act of approximately $170 million related to Revolution Wind. Although management believes the ITC adder value is realizable, there is some uncertainty at this time as to whether those ITC adders can be achieved, and management continues to evaluate the project’s qualifications and to monitor guidance issued by the United States Treasury Department. A change in the expected value or qualification of ITC adders could result in a significant loss in a future period.

New information or future developments that arise as construction progresses and as cost estimates are reviewed and revised will require a reassessment of the estimated liability for the post-closing adjustment payments. The Company is currently aware that construction of the offshore foundations, offshore substation and turbine tower installations could result in increased cost overruns in the future. Only preliminary construction cost projections are available for these cost overruns, and there is insufficient updated information at this point in order for Eversource to change its estimate with reasonably estimable information. Eversource will continue to assess the potential exposure and adjust the liability as needed. It is expected that updated costs estimates will become available in the first half of 2025, and adverse changes in facts and circumstances could result in additional losses that could be material. The Company believes it is reasonably possible that there is an additional loss in excess of the liability recorded, but management cannot reasonably estimate a range of loss beyond the $365 million recorded at this time.

Total net proceeds could also be adjusted for a benefit due to Eversource if there are lower operation costs or higher availability of the projects through the period that is four years following the commercial operation of Revolution Wind.

Under the agreement with GIP, Eversource’s existing and certain additional credit support obligations for Revolution Wind are expected to roll off as the project completes construction. Under the agreement with Ørsted, Eversource’s existing credit support obligations for Sunrise Wind were either terminated or indemnified by Ørsted as a result of the sale. Eversource has entered into separate construction management agreements to manage Sunrise Wind’s and Revolution Wind’s onshore electric substation construction through completion. In this role, Eversource will be solely a service provider to Sunrise Wind and Revolution Wind.

2023 Impairments: Equity method investments are assessed for impairment when conditions exist as of the balance sheet date that indicate that the fair value of the investment may be less than book value. Eversource continually monitors and evaluates its equity method investments to determine if there are indicators of an other-than-temporary impairment. If the decline in value is considered to be other-than-temporary, the investment is written down to its estimated fair value, which establishes a new cost basis in the investment. Impairment evaluations are based on best information available at the impairment assessment date. Subsequent declines or recoveries after the reporting date are not considered in the impairment recognized. Investments that are other-than-temporarily impaired and written down to their estimated fair value cannot subsequently be written back up for increases in estimated fair value. Impairment evaluations involve a significant degree of judgment and estimation, including identifying circumstances that indicate an impairment may exist at the equity method investment level, selecting discount rates used to determine fair values, and developing an estimate of discounted future cash flows expected from investment operations or the sale of the investment.

During 2023, in connection with the process to divest its offshore wind business, Eversource identified indicators for impairment in both the second and fourth quarters of 2023. In each impairment assessment, Eversource evaluated its investments and determined that the carrying value of the equity method offshore wind investments exceeded the fair value of the investments and that the decline in fair value was other-than-temporary. The completion of the strategic review in the second quarter of 2023 resulted in Eversource recording a pre-tax other-than-temporary impairment charge of $401 million ($331 million after-tax) to reflect the investment at estimated fair value based on the expected sales price at that time. This established a new cost basis in the investments. Negative developments in the fourth quarter of 2023, including a lower expected sales price, additional projected construction cost increases, and the October 2023 OREC pricing denial for Sunrise Wind, resulted in Eversource conducting an impairment evaluation and recognizing an additional pre-tax other-than-temporary impairment charge of $1.77 billion ($1.62 billion after-tax) and establishing a new cost basis in the investments as of December 31, 2023. The Eversource statement of income for the year ended 2023 reflects a total pre-tax other-than-temporary impairment charge of $2.17 billion ($1.95 billion after-tax) in its offshore wind investments. The impairment charges were non-cash charges and did not impact Eversource’s cash position at the time of the impairment. Eversource’s offshore wind investments did not meet the criteria to qualify for presentation as a discontinued operation.

The 2023 impairment evaluations involved judgments in developing the estimates and timing of the future cash flows arising from the expected sales price of Eversource’s 50 percent interest in the wind projects, including expected sales value from investment tax credit adder amounts, less estimated costs to sell, and uncertainties related to the Sunrise Wind re-bid process in New York’s offshore wind solicitation in 2024. Additional assumptions in the fourth quarter 2023 assessment included revised projected construction costs and estimated project cost overruns, management’s assumption that the Sunrise Wind project would ultimately be abandoned, estimated termination costs, salvage values of Sunrise Wind assets, and the value of the tax equity ownership interest. The assumptions used in the discounted cash flow analyses were subject to inherent uncertainties and subjectivity. All significant inputs into the impairment evaluations were Level 3 fair value measurements.

38

A summary of the significant estimates and assumptions included in the 2023 impairment charges is as follows:

Second Quarter 2023Fourth Quarter 2023Total
(Millions of Dollars)
Lower expected sales proceeds across all three wind projects$401$525$926
Expected cost overruns not recovered in the sales price441441
Loss of sales value from the sale price offered by GIP, including loss of ITC adders value, cancellation costs and other impacts assuming Sunrise Wind project is abandoned800800
Impairment Charges, pre-tax4011,7662,167
Tax Benefit(70)(144)(214)
Impairment Charges, after-tax$331$1,6221,953

A summary of the carrying value by investee and by project as of December 31, 2023 is as follows:

Investments Expected to be Disposed ofInvestment to be Held
North East OffshoreSouth Fork Class B Member, LLCSouth Fork Wind Holdings, LLC Class ATotal Offshore Wind Investments
(Millions of Dollars)Sunrise WindRevolution Wind
Carrying Value as of December 31, 2023, before Impairment Charge$699$799$299$485$2,282
Fourth Quarter 2023 Impairment Charge(1,218)(544)(4)(1,766)
Carrying Value as of December 31, 2023$(519)$255$299$481$516

During 2024, Eversource sold its interest in the North East Offshore and South Fork Class B, Member LLC equity method investments and recognized an aggregate, net after-tax loss on the sale of its offshore wind investments of $524 million.

Capital contributions in the offshore wind investments, including the 2023 contribution for the tax equity investment in South Fork Wind, were included in Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates on the statements of cash flows. Proceeds received from the sale of the investments in 2024, and proceeds received from the 2023 sale of the unused lease area and from an October 2023 distribution of $318 million received primarily as a result of being a 50 percent joint owner in the Class B shares of South Fork Wind which was restructured as a tax equity investment, were included in Proceeds from Unconsolidated Affiliates on the statements of cash flows.

FERC Regulatory Matters

FERC ROE Complaints: Four separate complaints were filed at the FERC by combinations of New England state attorneys general, state regulatory commissions, consumer advocates, consumer groups, municipal parties and other parties (collectively, the Complainants). In each of the first three complaints, filed on October 1, 2011, December 27, 2012, and July 31, 2014, respectively, the Complainants challenged the NETOs' base ROE of 11.14 percent that had been utilized since 2005 and sought an order to reduce it prospectively from the date of the final FERC order and for the separate 15-month complaint periods. In the fourth complaint, filed April 29, 2016, the Complainants challenged the NETOs' base ROE billed of 10.57 percent and the maximum ROE for transmission incentive (incentive cap) of 11.74 percent, asserting that these ROEs were unjust and unreasonable.

The ROE originally billed during the period October 1, 2011 (beginning of the first complaint period) through October 15, 2014 consisted of a base ROE of 11.14 percent and incentives up to 13.1 percent. On October 16, 2014, FERC issued Opinion No. 531-A and set the base ROE at 10.57 percent and the incentive cap at 11.74 percent for the first complaint period. This was also effective for all prospective billings to customers beginning October 16, 2014. This FERC order was vacated on April 14, 2017 by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit (the Court).

All amounts associated with the first complaint period have been refunded. Eversource has recorded a reserve of $39.1 million (pre-tax and excluding interest) for the second complaint period as of both December 31, 2024 and 2023. This reserve represents the difference between the billed rates during the second complaint period and a 10.57 percent base ROE and 11.74 percent incentive cap. The reserve consisted of $21.4 million for CL&P, $14.6 million for NSTAR Electric and $3.1 million for PSNH as of both December 31, 2024 and 2023.

On October 16, 2018, FERC issued an order on all four complaints describing how it intends to address the issues that were remanded by the Court. FERC proposed a new framework to determine (1) whether an existing ROE is unjust and unreasonable and, if so, (2) how to calculate a replacement ROE. Initial briefs were filed by the NETOs, Complainants and FERC Trial Staff on January 11, 2019 and reply briefs were filed on March 8, 2019. The NETOs' brief was supportive of the overall ROE methodology determined in the October 16, 2018 order provided the FERC does not change the proposed methodology or alter its implementation in a manner that has a material impact on the results.

The FERC order included illustrative calculations for the first complaint using FERC's proposed frameworks with financial data from that complaint. Those illustrative calculations indicated that for the first complaint period, for the NETOs, which FERC concludes are of average financial risk, the preliminary just and reasonable base ROE is 10.41 percent and the preliminary incentive cap on total ROE is 13.08 percent. If the results of the illustrative calculations were included in a final FERC order for each of the complaint periods, then a 10.41 percent base ROE and a 13.08 percent incentive cap would not have a significant impact on our financial statements for all of the complaint periods. These preliminary calculations are not binding and do not represent what we believe to be the most likely outcome of a final FERC order.

39

On November 21, 2019, FERC issued Opinion No. 569 affecting the two pending transmission ROE complaints against the Midcontinent ISO (MISO) transmission owners, in which FERC adopted a new methodology for determining base ROEs. Various parties sought rehearing. On December 23, 2019, the NETOs filed supplementary materials in the NETOs' four pending cases to respond to this new methodology because of the uncertainty of the applicability to the NETOs' cases. On May 21, 2020, the FERC issued its order in Opinion No. 569-A on the rehearing of the MISO transmission owners' cases, in which FERC again changed its methodology for determining the MISO transmission owners' base ROEs. On November 19, 2020, the FERC issued Opinion No. 569-B denying rehearing of Opinion No. 569-A and reaffirmed the methodology previously adopted in Opinion No. 569-A. The new methodology differs significantly from the methodology proposed by FERC in its October 16, 2018 order to determine the NETOs' base ROEs in their four pending cases. FERC Opinion Nos. 569-A and 569-B were appealed to the Court. On August 9, 2022, the Court issued its decision vacating MISO ROE FERC Opinion Nos. 569, 569-A and 569-B and remanded to FERC to reopen the proceedings. The Court found that FERC’s development of the new return methodology was arbitrary and capricious due to FERC’s failure to offer a reasonable explanation for its decision to reintroduce the risk-premium financial model in its new methodology for calculating a just and reasonable return.

On October 17, 2024, FERC issued an order on the remand of the MISO ROE proceedings. The order addressed the Court’s decision that the reintroduction of the risk-premium financial model in the ROE methodology was arbitrary and capricious by removing the risk-premium financial model from the ROE methodology. The removal of the risk-premium financial model was the only revision to FERC’s ROE methodology and resulted in a two-model approach utilizing the two-step discounted cash flow model and the capital asset pricing model. MISO was directed to provide refunds for the period November 12, 2013 to February 11, 2015 (the first MISO ROE complaint refund period) and for the period from September 28, 2016 (the date of FERC’s order on the first MISO ROE complaint) to October 17, 2024 by December 1, 2025. The order also stated that FERC does not preclude the use of the risk-premium financial model in future proceedings if the parties can demonstrate that FERC’s stated concerns around the inclusion of the model have been addressed.

On November 13, 2024, the NETOs filed a supplemental brief in their four pending ROE proceedings to explain to FERC that it cannot apply the reasoning and methodologies of the MISO ROE case to the NETOs’ cases due to the entirely different set of facts in the MISO and NETOs ROE proceedings. Doing so would violate the substance of the Court’s April 14, 2017 order and would violate the legal standard required by the Federal Power Act.

On February 4, 2025, the MISO transmission owners submitted a petition for review with the Court requesting review of the October 17, 2024 MISO ROE order on remand and a December 19, 2024 notice of denial of rehearing. The petition requests review of FERC’s decision to retroactively backdate the MISO transmission owners’ base ROE to the date of an earlier order that FERC abandoned when it issued Order No. 569, treat an underlying unlawful complaint as if it were legitimate, and order eight years of interest as part of the directed refunds.

Given the significant uncertainty regarding the applicability of the FERC order in the MISO transmission owners’ two complaint cases to the NETOs’ pending four complaint cases due to the complex differences between the cases, Eversource concluded that there is no reasonable basis for a change to the reserve or recognized ROEs for any of the complaints or subsequent periods at this time and Eversource cannot reasonably estimate any potential range of loss for any of the four complaint proceedings at this time. The resolution of these proceedings could have a material impact on the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH currently record revenues at the 10.57 percent base ROE and incentive cap at 11.74 percent established in the October 16, 2014 FERC order.

A change of 10 basis points to the base ROE used to establish the reserves would impact Eversource’s after-tax earnings by an average of approximately $3 million for each of the four 15-month complaint periods. Prospectively from the date of a final FERC order implementing a new base ROE, based off of estimated 2024 rate base, a change of 10 basis points to the base ROE would impact Eversource’s future annual after-tax earnings by approximately $6 million per year, and will increase slightly over time as we continue to invest in our transmission infrastructure.

Transmission Rates and Other Transmission Rates-Related Proceedings: CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH transmission rates are calculated in accordance with a FERC-approved formula ratemaking framework and each utility is required to file an annual update on or before July 31st with resulting rates effective January 1st the following year. The formula rate framework provides for an annual reconciliation of the prior calendar year actual costs incurred related to our transmission facilities, including an allowed ROE, plus forecasted information through the next rate period. The annual update process includes formula rate protocols that provide disclosure of cost inputs, an opportunity for informal discovery procedures and a challenge process, which provides transparency to stakeholders.

From time to time, various matters are pending before FERC relating to transmission rates, incentives, interconnections and transmission planning. Depending on the outcome, any of these matters could materially impact our results of operations and financial condition. At this time, Eversource cannot predict the ultimate outcome of the matters currently pending before FERC, and the resulting impact on its transmission incentives or planning.

40

Regulatory Developments and Rate Matters

Electric, Natural Gas and Water Utility Retail Tariff Rates: Each Eversource utility subsidiary is subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the state in which it operates:  CL&P, Yankee Gas and Aquarion operate in Connecticut and are subject to PURA regulation; NSTAR Electric, NSTAR Gas, EGMA and Aquarion operate in Massachusetts and are subject to DPU regulation; and PSNH and Aquarion operate in New Hampshire and are subject to NHPUC regulation.  The regulated companies' distribution rates are set by their respective state regulatory commissions, and their tariffs include mechanisms for periodically adjusting their rates for the recovery of specific incurred costs.

Base Distribution Rates:  In Connecticut, PURA is required to conduct a review and investigation of the financial and operating records of each electric, natural gas and water utility serving more than seventy-five thousand customers within four years of its last general rate hearing. PURA can elect to convene a general rate hearing at an interval of less than four years unless prohibited from doing so by an agency decision or other law. In Massachusetts, electric distribution companies are required to file distribution rate schedules every five years, and natural gas local distribution companies to file distribution rate schedules every 10 years, and those companies are limited to one settlement agreement in any 10-year period. Aquarion is not required to initiate a rate review with the DPU. In New Hampshire, PSNH is not required to initiate a rate review with the NHPUC on any set timeframe, and the NHPUC has no obligation to hear any rate matter that it has investigated within a period of two years, though it may elect to do so at its discretion.

Rate Reconciling Mechanisms: The Eversource electric distribution companies obtain and resell power to retail customers who choose not to buy energy from a competitive energy supplier.  CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH enter into full requirements energy supply procurement contracts for its customers that choose to purchase power from the electric distribution company (standard offer, basic service or default energy service, respectively). The natural gas distribution companies procure natural gas for firm and seasonal customers. These energy supply and natural gas supply procurement costs are recovered from customers in supply rates that are approved by the respective state regulatory commission.  The rates are reset periodically (every six months for electric residential customers) and are fully reconciled to their costs.  New energy supply rates for residential customers are established effective July 1st at CL&P and NSTAR Electric and effective August 1st at PSNH. Each electric and natural gas distribution company fully recovers its energy supply costs through approved regulatory rate mechanisms on a timely basis and, therefore, such costs have no impact on earnings. Increases or decreases in energy supply retail rates result in corresponding fluctuations in both energy supply procurement revenues and purchased power or purchased natural gas expenses on the statements of income.

The electric and natural gas distribution companies also recover certain other costs from customers in retail rates on a fully reconciling basis through regulatory commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms and therefore, recovery of these costs has no impact on earnings. Costs recovered through cost tracking mechanisms include, among others, state mandated energy purchase agreements and other energy-related costs, electric retail transmission charges, energy efficiency program costs, electric restructuring and stranded cost recovery revenues (including securitized RRB charges), certain capital tracking mechanisms for infrastructure improvements, and additionally for the Massachusetts utilities, pension and PBOP benefits, net metering for distributed generation, and solar-related programs. The reconciliation filings compare the total actual costs allowed to revenue requirements related to these services and the difference between the costs incurred (or the rate recovery allowed) and the actual costs allowed is deferred and included, to be either recovered or refunded, in future customer rates.  These cost tracking mechanisms also include certain incentives earned, return on capital tracking mechanisms, and carrying charges that are billed in rates to customers, which do impact earnings.

Connecticut:

CL&P Performance Based Rate Making: On May 26, 2021, in accordance with an October 2020 Connecticut law, PURA opened a proceeding to begin to evaluate and eventually implement performance-based regulation (PBR) for electric distribution companies. PURA is conducting the proceeding in two phases. On January 25, 2023, PURA staff issued a proposal outlining a suggested portfolio of PBR elements for further exploration and potential implementation in the second phase of the proceeding. On April 26, 2023, PURA issued a final decision on the first phase and identified various objectives to guide PBR development and evaluate adoption of a PBR framework. The decision commenced Phase 2 by initiating three reopener dockets focused on revenue adjustment mechanisms, performance metrics and integrated distribution system planning with final decisions expected in 2025.

On November 16, 2023, PURA issued a straw proposal in the first reopener that focused on revenue adjustment mechanisms. The proposal outlines potential additions and reforms to the current revenue adjustment mechanisms, such as multi-year rate plans, earnings sharing mechanisms and the revenue decoupling mechanism. On March 14, 2024, PURA issued a straw proposal in the second reopener docket which concentrates on performance mechanisms in a PBR framework. The proposal suggests the development of performance incentive mechanisms, reported metrics and scorecards. These straw proposals are not authoritative and additional technical sessions, hearings and testimony will continue prior to a final decision, which will not be applied until the time of CL&P’s next distribution rate case. PURA is expected to issue updated straw proposals in the first and second reopener dockets in the first quarter of 2025.

We continue to monitor developments in this proceeding, and at this time, we cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this proceeding and the resulting impact to CL&P.

41

CL&P Storm Filings: On March 28, 2024, PURA established a prudency review proceeding for the purpose of receiving and reviewing evidence of the costs reported by CL&P in response to catastrophic storms and pre-staging events totaling approximately $634 million that occurred between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2021. PURA established a partial procedural schedule with hearings scheduled in the third quarter of 2025. On December 31, 2024, CL&P filed a supplement to its March 2024 prudency review application to request that PURA evaluate the prudence of its costs for nine additional catastrophic storms and two additional pre-staging events for the period January 1, 2022 through January 31, 2023 totaling approximately $173 million. Although we cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this matter, we continue to believe these deferred storm restoration costs were prudently incurred and are probable of recovery.

CL&P RAM Filing: On April 17, 2024, PURA issued an interim decision in CL&P’s Rate Adjustment Mechanisms (RAM) filing and approved rates for six RAM components, with rates effective July 1, 2024 through April 30, 2025. The rate approvals include the recovery of NBFMCC and SBC net underrecoveries as of December 31, 2023 of $264.9 million and $86.2 million, respectively, and the recovery of expected net costs of $388.5 million for the NBFMCC and $254.4 million for the SBC for the period July 1, 2024 through April 30, 2025. The NBFMCC rate adjustment is primarily driven by long-term nuclear power purchase agreements required by state policy (Millstone and Seabrook) and the SBC rate adjustment is primarily driven by costs associated with accounts receivable hardship customer protection and the new low-income discount rate effective December 2023. On August 14, 2024, PURA issued a final decision that approved a further adjustment to the NBFMCC rate to include the recovery of incurred and deferred electric vehicle program costs from 2021 through May 31, 2024 of $44.4 million and expected electric vehicle program costs from June 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024 of $24.3 million. The $44.4 million, plus $5.4 million in carrying costs, will be recovered over a 20-month period of September 1, 2024 through April 30, 2026, and the $24.3 million will be recovered over an eight-month period of September 1, 2024 through April 30, 2025. In addition, PURA approved an incremental $3.5 million of 2024 Innovative Energy Solutions program costs and $1.5 million of Connecticut Green Bank program costs over an eight-month period of September 1, 2024 through April 30, 2025. These amounts are included in the “Public Benefits” portion of the customer bills in Connecticut.

CL&P Advanced Metering Infrastructure Filing: On January 3, 2024, PURA issued a final decision regarding CL&P’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) investment and implementation plan, which CL&P estimated at $766.4 million for capital costs and operating expenses. In CL&P’s view, the final decision does not provide a reasonable path for cost recovery and delays implementation by at least a year during the pendency of the cost recovery proceeding. In addition, in CL&P’s view, the final decision modifies the prudence standard for recovery of costs expended on the project, improperly linking recovery to outcomes not known at the outset of the project. On January 18, 2024, CL&P submitted a motion for reconsideration to PURA, asking that the agency modify these aspects of the decision, which PURA subsequently denied on February 14, 2024. On March 6, 2024, CL&P filed written comments citing four major problems associated with PURA’s guidelines for recovery of the costs of AMI implementation, which if not addressed, represent obstacles to AMI implementation in Connecticut. On April 16, 2024, PURA issued a procedural order directing Eversource and inviting all parties and intervenors to submit pre-filed testimony pertaining to AMI by May 14, 2024, and rebuttal testimony by May 29, 2024. CL&P witnesses filed testimony, including an updated estimate of $855 million for capital costs and operating expenses, and then subsequently participated in the AMI cost recovery hearing on June 6, 2024.

On October 17, 2024, PURA issued a proposed final decision on recovery of the costs for AMI implementation. Written exceptions to the proposed final decision were filed on October 31, 2024, and oral arguments were presented on November 7, 2024. CL&P’s written exceptions focused on three main aspects of the proposed decision, which include (1) clarifying the prudence standard to be used in evaluating AMI investments, (2) timing of prudency reviews, and (3) cost recovery related to incremental O&M expenses. On December 4, 2024, PURA issued a final decision on the recovery of costs for AMI implementation. On December 9, 2024, CL&P filed a petition for reconsideration because PURA had not fully resolved the issues CL&P raised in its October 31, 2024 written exceptions. On January 3, 2025, PURA stated it will evaluate the merits of CL&P’s petition for reconsideration. Under state law, PURA is expected to issue its decision within 90 days of January 3, 2025.

Yankee Gas Distribution Rate Case: On November 12, 2024, Yankee Gas filed an application with PURA to amend its existing distribution rates for effect on November 1, 2025. Yankee Gas’s rate application requested approval of a distribution rate increase of $209 million, which included a base distribution rate increase of $274 million, partially offset by a reduction of $65 million in the combined Gas System Improvements and System Expansion Reconciliation rates. In addition, Yankee Gas requested approval to implement a rate credit of $37.4 million to offset the PGA rate for non-firm margin credits over one year beginning November 1, 2025. As part of the rate case, Yankee Gas proposed to implement a multi-year performance-based rate making plan with a four-year initial term from November 1, 2025 to October 31, 2029 that would adjust rates annually and includes performance metrics. A final decision by PURA is expected in October 2025.

Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut Distribution Rate Case: On August 29, 2022, Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut (AWC-CT) filed an application with PURA to amend its existing rate schedules to address an operating revenue deficiency. AWC-CT’s rate application requested approval of rate increases of $27.5 million, an additional $13.6 million, and an additional $8.8 million, effective March 15, 2023, 2024, and 2025, respectively. On March 15, 2023, PURA issued a final decision that rejected this request. In this decision, PURA ordered a decrease to total authorized revenues of $4.0 million effective March 15, 2023. The decision allows an authorized regulatory ROE of 8.70 percent. On March 30, 2023, AWC-CT filed an appeal on the decision and requested a stay of the decision with the State of Connecticut Superior Court. On April 5, 2023, the Court temporarily granted AWC-CT’s request to stay and on May 25, 2023 granted a permanent stay of certain orders affecting base rates, which would keep existing rates in place until the appeal is completed. The stay included the condition that AWC-CT place any revenue received from customers above the rates and amounts authorized in the March 15, 2023 decision in a separate, interest bearing account until further order. On March 25, 2024, the State of Connecticut Superior Court issued a decision on the appeal which dismissed nine, remanded back to PURA two, and partially remanded one of AWC-CT’s twelve claims of error in its appeal. On March 28, 2024, AWC-CT filed an appeal of the Connecticut Superior Court decision to the Connecticut Appellate Court, and that appeal was subsequently transferred to the Connecticut Supreme Court for review. A ruling on the appeal is pending.

42

On April 18, 2024, PURA initiated a docket to address the matters on remand. On July 31, 2024, PURA issued a final decision in this docket and increased AWC-CT’s approved revenue requirement by $0.1 million above the amount authorized in the March 15, 2023 decision. Rates went into effect on July 31, 2024. On September 13, 2024, AWC-CT filed an appeal of PURA’s July 31, 2024 final decision to the Connecticut Superior Court. A ruling on the appeal is pending.

As a result of the State of Connecticut Superior Court’s March 2024 decision on the appeal, AWC-CT recorded the impacts of the PURA rate case decision from the effective date of the order on March 15, 2023 through December 31, 2024. The impacts primarily include a reduction to depreciation expense to reflect lower depreciation rates ordered by PURA in its final decision, partially offset by lower authorized revenues. These adjustments resulted in an after-tax benefit of $11.6 million in 2024.

Massachusetts:

NSTAR Electric Distribution Rates: NSTAR Electric’s PBR mechanism allows for an annual adjustment to base distribution rates for inflation, exogenous events and future capital additions based on a historical five-year average of total capital additions. On September 16, 2024, NSTAR Electric submitted its annual PBR Adjustment filing for a $55.8 million increase to base distribution rates, for effect on January 1, 2025. The requested base distribution rate increase is comprised of a $35.3 million inflation-based adjustment and a $20.5 million adjustment for capital additions based on the difference between the historical five-year average of total capital additions and the base capital revenue requirement. On December 23, 2024, the DPU approved this filing.

NSTAR Electric CIP Filing: On December 30, 2022, the DPU approved a provisional system planning tariff for the recovery of costs associated with a capital investment project (CIP) proposal submitted by NSTAR Electric for one of six geographic study areas in its service territory in accordance with DPU’s directives. The DPU established a new, provisional framework for planning and funding upgrades to the electric power system to foster development and interconnection of distributed energy facilities. Under the DPU program, NSTAR Electric has filed infrastructure upgrade proposals to be built within a four-year construction timeframe that allocate the costs of interconnection upgrades between the interconnecting distributed generation facility and distribution customers based on a technical analysis of capacity benefits. Payments made by the distributed generation facility will be applied against the total capital investment made by NSTAR Electric and NSTAR Electric will earn a return on the net investment. The amount allocated to distribution customers will be recovered through a reconciling mechanism, the Provisional System Planning Tariff. The DPU approved the first of these provisional system planning projects, the Marion-Fairhaven group study area, which will enable 141 MW of distributed energy resources (DER) to be interconnected at a total estimated cost of $120 million. Of the total $120 million, $66 million will be allocated to distribution customers, once the enabled distributed energy facilities capacity is fully subscribed by distributed energy facilities interconnecting customers. Additionally, NSTAR Electric will proceed with construction of approximately $54 million of transmission upgrades necessary to improve local reliability and integrate distribution energy resources in the Marion-Fairhaven area and recover the amount through local transmission rates.

On June 4, 2024, the DPU approved four of the remaining five CIPs that were originally submitted by NSTAR Electric. These included the Plainfield-Blandford CIP, which will enable 40 MW of DER to be interconnected at a total estimated distribution investment of $37 million, the Dartmouth-Westport CIP which enables 60 MW of DER for a total distribution investment of $58 million, the Plymouth CIP which enables 380 MW of DER for a total distribution investment of $152 million and the Cape Cod CIP which enables 296 MW of DER for a total distribution investment of $170 million. Of the total $417 million for these four recently approved CIPs, $183 million will be allocated to distribution customers, once the enabled distributed energy facilities capacity is fully subscribed by distributed energy facilities interconnecting customers. Additionally, NSTAR Electric will proceed with construction of approximately $64 million of transmission upgrades necessary to improve local reliability and integrate distribution energy resources in the four CIP areas and recover the amount through local transmission rates. On January 27, 2025, NSTAR Electric filed a petition with the DPU to withdraw the sixth CIP project, Freetown, that was originally submitted.

NSTAR Electric’s Electric Sector Modernization Plan (ESMP) Filing: On January 29, 2024, in accordance with Massachusetts state law, NSTAR Electric filed its ESMP with the DPU. The law required each electric distribution company to develop and file a comprehensive distribution system plan to proactively upgrade the distribution system (and, where applicable, the associated transmission system) to: (i) improve grid reliability, communications and resiliency; (ii) enable increased, timely adoption of renewable energy and distributed energy resources; (iii) promote energy storage and electrification technologies necessary to decarbonize the environment and economy; (iv) prepare for future climate-driven impacts on the transmission and distribution systems; (v) accommodate increased transportation electrification, increased building electrification and other potential future demands on distribution and, where applicable, the transmission system; and (vi) minimize or mitigate impacts on Massachusetts ratepayers, thereby helping the state realize its statewide greenhouse gas emissions limits and sublimits under the law. NSTAR Electric’s plan meets these requirements by providing a comprehensive view of all the investments required to build a safer, more reliable, more resilient electric distribution system to enable an affordable, equitable clean energy transition taking into account the needs of environmental justice communities. For the five-year period from 2025 through 2029, the proposed incremental distribution capital investment is $608 million and the incremental distribution expense amount is $211 million. On August 29, 2024, the DPU approved the overall ESMP for a five-year period commencing July 1, 2025.

On November 21, 2024, the DPU opened a second phase of the proceeding to consider a short-term ESMP-focused cost recovery mechanism and metrics. In issuing the notice of proceeding, the DPU limited the review of investment in this docket and excluded NSTAR Electric’s ESMP proposals regarding the EV Phase II extension, low and moderate income solar and the new CIPs. These investments will be reviewed in separate proceedings. This reduced the amount of company-proposed incremental capital investment to $295 million and the incremental expense to $44 million related to resiliency and grid modernization. NSTAR Electric filed its proposed tariff and testimony on December 18, 2024, and is currently in the discovery process, which will be followed by hearings and briefing with completion of the proceeding and final orders expected prior to the start of the plan in July 2025.

43

NSTAR Gas Distribution Rates: NSTAR Gas’ PBR mechanism allows for an annual adjustment to base distribution rates for inflation and exogenous events. On September 16, 2024, NSTAR Gas submitted its annual PBR Adjustment filing for a $12.7 million increase to base distribution rates for effect on November 1, 2024. On October 30, 2024, the DPU approved this filing.

EGMA Distribution Rates: On November 4, 2024, EGMA submitted a revised filing for its first rate base reset for rates to be effective November 1, 2024, in accordance with an October 7, 2020 EGMA Rate Settlement Agreement approved by the DPU. The compliance filing was ordered by the DPU on October 31, 2024. The rate base reset occurring on November 1, 2024 adjusted distribution rates to account for capital additions (including the roll-in of GSEP capital additions), depreciation expense, property taxes, and return on rate base for capital additions placed into service through December 31, 2023. The total revenue requirement calculated for the first rate base reset is an increase to base distribution rates of $147.8 million, of which $34.0 million is associated with GSEP investments through December 31, 2023. Under the terms of the Rate Settlement Agreement, EGMA applied a cap on the revenue change effective November 1, 2024, and the amount in excess of the cap will be deferred for recovery through the Local Distribution Adjustment Clause (LDAC) on May 1, 2025, including carrying charges. After adjusting for the cap, the increase to base distribution rates is $85.6 million effective November 1, 2024 (of which $8.8 million is offset by a reduction in the GSEP revenue requirement and GSEP rate also taking effect on November 1, 2024 for a net distribution rate change on November 1, 2024 of $76.8 million). Base distribution rates will be increased effective November 1, 2025 to incorporate the $62.2 million remaining revenue requirement. On November 7, 2024, the DPU approved this filing.

Future of Gas Docket: In October 2020, the DPU opened Docket “DPU 20-80 The Future of Gas” to examine the role of Massachusetts natural gas local distribution companies (LDCs) in helping to meet the state’s 2050 climate goals. In December 2023, the DPU issued an order for this docket. The DPU will consider and, in some cases, require new processes and analysis for traditional natural gas investments, which may require significant changes to the LDC planning process and business models. The DPU intends to put policies and structures in place that would protect customers as Massachusetts works to decarbonize the building sector, which may involve subsequent dockets and regulatory proceedings and potentially recasting the role of LDCs in Massachusetts. The DPU preserved customer choice for energy needs and encouraged further development of decarbonized alternatives, such as the networked geothermal systems that NSTAR Gas is piloting in Framingham, Massachusetts.

On December 29, 2023, Eversource and other LDCs sought formal clarity from the DPU to fully understand the resulting impact to their natural gas businesses and the associated timing of any impacts. On April 2, 2024, the DPU issued an order responding to the request for clarification indicating that the LDCs shall implement the inclusion of a Non-Gas Pipeline Alternatives (NPA) analysis on all project authorizations effective immediately. Existing NPA analysis processes will be used until such time a formal stakeholder-based NPA analysis framework is established and approved by the DPU. Eversource, along with the other LDCs, have engaged a consultant to inform the development of the required NPA framework by conducting a stakeholder engagement process as mandated by the order. Another component of the order is the submission of climate compliance plans every five years beginning April 1, 2025. The climate compliance plan filings will include the NPA frameworks, along with energy transitions plans including details on the management of embedded infrastructure investments and cost recovery. Eversource along with the LDCs, have also contracted a consultant to model and investigate statewide cost recovery scenarios including under accelerated depreciation rates.

The DPU also indicated that NSTAR Gas and EGMA are not required to provide climate compliance performance metrics in the next PBR filing, however would be expected to propose metrics at the latest in the next base distribution rate proceeding. GHG emissions reporting was not changed from the order, however, effective November of 2024, reporting requirements have changed per the MA DEP and these requirements implement registration and GHG emissions reporting requirements for companies selling and distributing heating fuels to homes and businesses in Massachusetts, including suppliers of natural gas, fuel oil, and propane, and implement a reporting requirement for fuel storage facilities.

Eversource does not believe there is any indication of an inability to recover costs or risk of impairment of NSTAR Gas’ and EGMA’s natural gas assets at this time.

New Hampshire:

PSNH Distribution Rate Case: On June 11, 2024, PSNH filed an application with the NHPUC for approval of a temporary annual base distribution rate increase. On July 31, 2024, the NHPUC approved a settlement agreement that was reached by PSNH, New Hampshire Department of Energy, and the Office of the Consumer Advocate to implement a temporary annual base distribution rate increase of $61.2 million effective August 1, 2024.

Also on June 11, 2024, PSNH filed an application with the NHPUC to request an increase in permanent base distribution rates of $181.9 million, which is inclusive of the temporary rate increase, and proposed to take effect August 1, 2025. The temporary rates are subject to reconciliation based on the outcome of the permanent rate case back to the date when temporary rates took effect. The permanent rate increase request includes $247 million in unrecovered storm costs to be recovered over a five-year period. As part of the rate case, PSNH proposed to implement a performance-based rate making plan that would adjust rates annually over a four-year term, with a commitment to not file another rate case for at least four years. The plan includes a revenue-cap formula adjusted for inflation, a supplemental capital adjustment formula to support PSNH’s planned capital infrastructure improvements, an exogenous events recovery mechanism, performance metrics and an earnings sharing mechanism, among others. If the NHPUC approves the performance-based rate making plan as proposed, the previously established RRA and PPAM rate reconciling mechanisms and lost base revenues will be eliminated. The NHPUC is permitted up to twelve months to investigate the proposed rates and issue a final order. A decision by the NHPUC on permanent rates is expected by August 1, 2025.

44

Legislative and Policy Matters

Federal: On April 10, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the final regulation setting drinking water standards for six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) compounds. The regulation requires compliance under a phased approach in which systems will need to complete the initial monitoring requirements for each PFAS within three years, and when warranted, take steps to assure compliance within five years. Beginning in 2027, systems will need to report results of initial monitoring and regular monitoring and issue public notifications for any monitoring and reporting violations. Starting in 2029, systems must comply with all maximum contaminant levels (MCL) and provide public notification for MCL violations. Eversource is currently evaluating the impacts to comply with the regulation for its water business.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates, assumptions and, at times, difficult, subjective or complex judgments. Changes in these estimates, assumptions and judgments, in and of themselves, could materially impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Our management discusses with the Audit Committee of our Board of Trustees significant matters relating to critical accounting policies. Our critical accounting policies are discussed below. See the combined notes to our financial statements for further information concerning the accounting policies, estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of our financial statements.

Regulatory Accounting:  Our regulated companies are subject to rate regulation that is based on cost recovery and meets the criteria for application of accounting guidance for rate-regulated operations, which considers the effect of regulation on the timing of the recognition of certain revenues and expenses. The regulated companies' financial statements reflect the effects of the rate-making process. The rates charged to the customers of our regulated companies are designed to collect each company's costs to provide service, plus a return on investment.

We believe that the operations of each of our regulated companies currently satisfy the criteria for application of regulatory accounting. If events or circumstances should change in a future period so that those criteria are no longer satisfied, we would be required to eliminate any associated regulatory assets and liabilities and the impact would be recognized in the statement of income and may result in a material adverse effect on results of operations and financial condition.

The application of accounting guidance for rate-regulated enterprises results in recording regulatory assets and liabilities. Regulatory assets represent the deferral of incurred costs that are probable of future recovery in customer rates. Regulatory assets are amortized as the incurred costs are recovered through customer rates. In some cases, we record regulatory assets before approval for recovery has been received from the applicable regulatory commission. We must use judgment to conclude that costs deferred as regulatory assets are probable of future recovery. We base our conclusion on certain factors, including, but not limited to, regulatory precedent.

Regulatory liabilities represent either revenues received from customers to fund expected costs that have not yet been incurred or probable future refunds to customers. We make judgments regarding the future outcome of regulatory proceedings that involve potential future refund to customers and record liabilities for these loss contingencies when probable and reasonably estimable based upon available information. Regulatory liabilities are recorded at the best estimate, or at a low end of the range of possible loss. The amount recorded may differ from when the uncertainty is resolved. Such differences could have a significant impact on our financial statements.

We continually assess whether the regulatory assets and liabilities continue to meet the criteria for probable future recovery or refund. This assessment includes consideration of recent orders issued by regulatory commissions, the passage of new legislation, historical regulatory treatment for similar costs in each of our jurisdictions, discussions with legal counsel, the status of any appeals of regulatory decisions, and changes in applicable regulatory and political environments. We believe that we will continue to be able to defer and recover prudently incurred costs, including additional storm costs, based on the legal and regulatory framework.

We use judgment when recording regulatory assets and liabilities; however, regulatory commissions can reach different conclusions about the recovery of costs, and those conclusions could have a material impact on our financial statements. The ultimate outcome of regulatory rate proceedings could have a significant effect on our ability to recover costs or earn an adequate return. Established rates are also often subject to subsequent prudency reviews by state regulators, whereby various portions of rates could be adjusted, subject to refund or disallowed.

Storm restoration and pre-staging costs are subject to prudency reviews from our regulators. We have $2.10 billion of deferred storm costs that either have yet to be filed with the applicable regulatory commission, are pending regulatory approval, or are subject to prudency review as of December 31, 2024. Tropical Storm Isaias in August 2020 resulted in deferred storm restoration costs of approximately $232 million at CL&P as of December 31, 2024. While it is possible that some amount of the Tropical Storm Isaias costs may be disallowed by PURA, any such amount cannot be estimated at this time. We believe that our storm restoration costs were prudently incurred, meet the criteria for cost recovery and are probable of recovery.

We believe it is probable that each of our regulated companies will recover its respective investments in long-lived assets and the regulatory assets that have been recorded. If we determine that we can no longer apply the accounting guidance applicable to rate-regulated enterprises, or that we cannot conclude it is probable that costs will be recovered from customers in future rates, the applicable costs would be charged to net income in the period in which the determination is made.

45

Pension, SERP and PBOP:  We sponsor Pension, SERP and PBOP Plans to provide retirement benefits to our employees.  Plan assets and the benefit obligation are presented on a net basis and we recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of the plans as an asset or liability on the balance sheet. These amounts are remeasured annually using a December 31st measurement date. For each of these plans, several significant assumptions are used to determine the projected benefit obligation, funded status, and net periodic benefit expense/income. These assumptions include the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, discount rate, compensation/progression rate, cash balance interest crediting rate and mortality and retirement assumptions.  We evaluate these assumptions annually and adjust them as necessary.  Changes in these assumptions could have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Expected Long-Term Rate of Return on Plan Assets Assumption:  In developing the expected long-term rate of return, we consider historical and expected returns, as well as input from our consultants.  Our expected long-term rate of return on assets is based on assumptions regarding target asset allocations and corresponding expected rates of return for each asset class.  We routinely review the actual asset allocations and periodically rebalance the investments to the targeted asset allocations.  For the year ended December 31, 2024, our expected long-term rate-of-return assumption used to determine our pension and PBOP expense was 8.25 percent for the Eversource Service Pension and PBOP plans.  For the forecasted 2025 pension and PBOP expense, an expected long-term rate of return of 8.25 percent for the Eversource Service Pension and PBOP plans will be used reflecting our target asset allocations.

Discount Rate Assumptions:  Payment obligations related to the Pension, SERP and PBOP Plans are discounted at interest rates applicable to the expected timing of each plan's cash flows.  The discount rate that was utilized in determining the pension, SERP and PBOP obligations was based on a yield-curve approach.  This approach utilizes a population of bonds with an average rating of AA based on bond ratings by Moody's, S&P and Fitch, and uses bonds with above median yields within that population.  As of December 31, 2024, the discount rates used to determine the funded status were within a range of 5.6 percent to 5.7 percent for the Pension and SERP Plans, and 5.7 percent for the PBOP Plans.  As of December 31, 2023, the discount rates used were within a range of 4.9 percent to 5.0 percent for the Pension and SERP Plans, and 5.0 percent to 5.2 percent for the PBOP Plans.  The increase in the discount rates used to calculate the funded status resulted in a decrease to the Pension and SERP Plans’ projected benefit obligation of $332.9 million and a decrease to the PBOP Plans' projected benefit obligation of $39.8 million as of December 31, 2024.

The Company uses the spot rate methodology for the service and interest cost components of Pension, SERP and PBOP expense because it provides a relatively precise measurement by matching projected cash flows to the corresponding spot rates on the yield curve.  The discount rates used to estimate the 2024 expense were within a range of 4.7 percent to 5.1 percent for the Pension and SERP Plans, and within a range of 4.9 percent to 5.2 percent for the PBOP Plans.

Mortality Assumptions:  Assumptions as to mortality of the participants in our Pension, SERP and PBOP Plans are a key estimate in measuring the expected payments a participant may receive over their lifetime and the corresponding plan liability we need to record. The mortality assumption is composed of a base table that represents the current expectation of life expectancy of the population adjusted by an improvement scale that attempts to anticipate future improvements in life expectancy. In 2024, our mortality assumption utilized the Society of Actuaries base mortality tables (Pri-2012), adjusted to reflect Eversource’s own mortality experience, and projected generationally using the MP-2021 improvement scale.

Compensation/Progression Rate Assumptions:  This assumption reflects the expected long-term salary growth rate, including consideration of the levels of increases built into collective bargaining agreements, and impacts the estimated benefits that Pension and SERP Plan participants will receive in the future.  As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the compensation/progression rates used to determine the Pension and SERP Plan funded status were within a range of 3.5 percent to 4.0 percent.

Health Care Cost Assumptions: The Eversource Service PBOP Plan is not subject to health care cost trends. As of December 31, 2024, for the Aquarion PBOP Plan, the health care trend rate used to determine the funded status for pre-65 retirees is 7.5 percent, with an ultimate rate of 5 percent in 2035, and for post-65 retirees, the health care trend rate and ultimate rate is 3.5 percent.

Cash Balance Interest Crediting Rate Assumption: The Cash Balance Pension Plan is a new, additional obligation of the existing Pension Plan and the liability will begin to accrue benefits upon the effective date of January 1, 2025. The cash balance interest crediting rate assumption represents the long-term rate by which the Pension Plan’s cash balance accounts are expected to grow. Actual interest on the cash balance accounts is based on the 30-year U.S. Treasury securities rate in effect for September of the preceding year, with a minimum rate of 4 percent. The cash balance interest crediting rate assumption used in determining the forecasted 2025 pension expense was 4.8 percent.

Actuarial Gains and Losses:  Actuarial gains and losses represent the differences between actuarial assumptions and actual information or updated assumptions. Unamortized actuarial gains or losses arising at the December 31st measurement date are primarily from differences in actual investment performance compared to our expected return and changes in the discount rate assumption. The Eversource Service Pension and PBOP Plans use the corridor approach to determine the amount of gain or loss to amortize into net periodic benefit expense/income. The corridor approach defers all actuarial gains and losses arising at remeasurement and the net unrecognized actuarial gain or loss balance is amortized as a component of expense if, as of the beginning of the year, that net gain or loss exceeds 10 percent of the greater of the market value of the plan’s assets or the projected benefit obligation. The amount of net unrecognized actuarial gain or loss in excess of the 10 percent corridor is amortized to expense over the estimated average future employee service period. For the Eversource Service Pension Plan, the net actuarial gain or loss is amortized as a component of expense over the estimated average future employee service period of eleven years. For the Eversource Service PBOP Plan, the net unrecognized actuarial gain or loss was within the 10 percent corridor and therefore there was no amortization to expense during 2024.

46

A decrease in the discount rate used to determine our pension funded status would increase our projected benefit obligation at December 31st, resulting in a higher unamortized actuarial loss to be recognized in future years’ pension expense, subject to exceeding the 10 percent corridor. A decrease in the discount rate at December 31st would also result in a decrease in the interest cost component and an increase in the service cost component of the subsequent year’s benefit plan expense.

The calculated expected return on plan assets is compared to the actual return or loss on plan assets at the end of each year to determine the investment gains or losses to be immediately reflected in unamortized actuarial gains and losses.  An underperformance of our pension plan investment returns relative to the expected returns would increase our pension liability at December 31st, resulting in a higher unamortized actuarial loss to be recognized in future years’ pension expense, subject to exceeding the 10 percent corridor, and a lower expected return on assets component of pension expense in future years’ pension expense.

Net Periodic Benefit Expense/Income: Pension, SERP and PBOP expense/income is determined by our actuaries and consists of service cost and prior service cost/credit, interest cost based on the discounting of the obligations, amortization of actuarial gains and losses, and the expected return on plan assets. For the Pension and SERP Plans, pre-tax net periodic benefit income was $76.8 million, $108.4 million and $181.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.  For the PBOP Plans, pre-tax net periodic benefit income was $64.3 million, $57.3 million and $79.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

The change in pension, SERP and PBOP expense/income arising from the annual remeasurement does not fully impact earnings. Our Massachusetts utilities recover qualified pension and PBOP expenses related to their distribution operations through a rate reconciling mechanism that fully tracks the change in net pension and PBOP expenses each year, therefore the change in their pension and PBOP expense does not impact earnings. Our electric transmission companies' rates provide for an annual true-up of estimated to actual costs, which include pension expenses, therefore the change in their pension expense does not impact earnings. Any differences between the fixed level of PBOP expense included in our formula rate and the PBOP expense calculated in accordance with authoritative accounting guidance is accumulated as a regulatory asset or liability, and is expected, over time, to be recovered from or returned to customers. Additionally, the portion of our pension and PBOP expense that relates to company labor devoted to capital projects is capitalized on the balance sheet instead of being charged to expense.

Forecasted Expense/Income and Expected Contributions:  We estimate that net periodic benefit income in 2025 for the Pension and SERP Plans will be approximately $93 million and for the PBOP Plans will be approximately $69 million. The increase in pension income from 2024 to 2025 is driven primarily by lower amortization of actuarial losses, partially offset by an increase in the service cost component, both of which were due in part to the impact of the new cash balance pension plan. The increase in PBOP income from 2024 to 2025 is driven primarily by favorable expected return on assets due to a higher asset balance. For the PBOP Plans, there is no amortization of actuarial loss in 2025. Pension, SERP and PBOP expense/income for subsequent years will depend on future investment performance, changes in future discount rates and other assumptions, and various other factors related to the populations participating in the plans.

Our policy is to fund the Pension Plans annually in an amount at least equal to the amount that will satisfy all federal funding requirements. Based on the current status of the Pension Plans and federal pension funding requirements, for our Eversource Service Pension Plan there is no minimum funding requirement in 2025 and we do not expect to make pension contributions in 2025. It is our policy to fund the PBOP Plans annually through tax deductible contributions to external trusts. We do not expect to make any contributions to the Eversource Service PBOP Plan in 2025.

Sensitivity Analysis:  The following table illustrates the hypothetical effect on reported annual net periodic benefit income as a result of a change in the following assumptions by 50 basis points:

Pension Plans (excluding SERP Plans)PBOP Plans
Decrease in Plan IncomeDecrease/(Increase) in Plan Income
(Millions of Dollars)For the Years Ended December 31,For the Years Ended December 31,
Eversource2024202320242023
Lower expected long-term rate of return$28.9$29.1$5.0$0.2
Lower discount rate27.424.7(0.5)4.7
Higher compensation rate5.98.1N/AN/A

Goodwill: Goodwill is recognized on our balance sheet from previous mergers and acquisitions to the extent that the consideration paid exceeded the net fair value of the identified assets and liabilities acquired in each business combination. We are required to test goodwill balances for impairment at least annually by considering the fair values of the reporting units, which requires us to use estimates and judgments. Additionally, we monitor all relevant events and circumstances during the year to determine if an interim impairment test is required. We have selected October 1st of each year as the annual goodwill impairment test date. Goodwill impairment is deemed to exist if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value. If goodwill were to be impaired, it would be written down in the current period to the extent of the impairment.

We have identified our reporting units for purposes of allocating and testing goodwill as Electric Distribution, Electric Transmission, Natural Gas Distribution and Water Distribution.  The Electric Distribution and Electric Transmission reporting units include carrying values for the respective components of CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH.  The Natural Gas Distribution reporting unit includes the carrying values of NSTAR Gas, Yankee Gas and EGMA. The Water Distribution reporting unit includes the Aquarion water utility businesses.  As of December 31, 2024, goodwill was allocated to the reporting units as follows: $2.54 billion to Electric Distribution, $577 million to Electric Transmission, and $451 million to Natural Gas Distribution. Goodwill allocated to Water Distribution of $663 million is classified as held for sale.

47

In assessing goodwill for impairment, an entity is permitted to first assess qualitatively whether it is more likely than not that goodwill impairment exists as of the annual impairment test date. If we perform the qualitative assessment but determine it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount, we perform a quantitative test to compare the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we record an impairment loss as a reduction to goodwill and a charge to operating expenses, but the loss recognized would not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.

We performed the annual impairment assessment of goodwill as of October 1, 2024 for the Electric Distribution, Electric Transmission, Natural Gas Distribution and Water Distribution reporting units. Our qualitative assessment included an evaluation of multiple factors that impact the fair value of the reporting units, including general, macroeconomic and market conditions, and entity-specific assumptions that affect the future cash flows of the reporting units. Key considerations include discount rates, utility sector market performance and merger transaction multiples, the Company's share price and credit ratings, analyst reports, financial performance, cost and risk factors, internal estimates and projections of future cash flows and net income, long-term strategy, the timing and outcome of rate cases, and recent regulatory and legislative proceedings.

In the fourth quarter of 2024, we concluded that the likely sale of Aquarion at a loss resulted in the requirement to perform an interim goodwill impairment test for Water Distribution goodwill. We compared the estimated fair value of the business from the anticipated transaction to its carrying value. Assumptions used in the valuation were the future cash flows from the sale, including the estimated income tax impacts as a result of the transaction. Based on the interim impairment test, we recorded a goodwill impairment of $297 million to write down the carrying value of the water distribution reporting unit to its estimated fair value.

We did not identify any events or conditions that make it more likely than not that an impairment may have occurred at our other reporting units. For these remaining reporting units, we believe that the fair value was substantially in excess of carrying value. Adverse regulatory actions, changes in the regulatory and political environment, or changes in significant assumptions could potentially result in future goodwill impairment indicators.

Long-Lived Assets: Impairment evaluations of long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and other assets, involve a significant degree of estimation and judgment, including identifying circumstances that indicate an impairment may exist. An impairment analysis is required when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a long-lived asset may not be recoverable. Indicators of potential impairment include a deteriorating business climate, unfavorable regulatory action, decline in value that is other than temporary in nature, plans to dispose of a long-lived asset significantly before the end of its useful life, and accumulation of costs that are in excess of amounts allowed for recovery. The review of long-lived assets for impairment utilizes significant assumptions about operating strategies and external developments, including assessment of current and projected market conditions that can impact future cash flows. If indicators are present for a long-lived asset or asset group, a comparison of the undiscounted expected future cash flows to the carrying value is performed. No significant impairments occurred during the year 2024.

Equity Method Investments: Investments in affiliates where we have the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over an investee are initially recognized as an equity method investment at cost. Any differences between the cost of an investment and the amount of underlying equity in net assets of an investee are considered basis differences and are determined based upon the estimated fair values of the investee's identifiable assets and liabilities.

Equity method investments are assessed for impairment when conditions exist as of the balance sheet date that indicate that the fair value of the investment may be less than book value. Eversource continually monitors and evaluates its equity method investments to determine if there are indicators of an other-than-temporary impairment. If the decline in value is considered to be other-than-temporary, the investment is written down to its estimated fair value, which establishes a new cost basis in the investment. Impairment evaluations are based on best information available at the impairment assessment date. Subsequent declines or recoveries after the reporting date are not considered in the impairment recognized. Investments that are other-than-temporarily impaired and written down to their estimated fair value cannot subsequently be written back up for increases in estimated fair value. Impairment evaluations involve a significant degree of judgment and estimation, including identifying circumstances that indicate an impairment may exist at the equity method investment level, selecting discount rates used to determine fair values, and developing an estimate of discounted future cash flows expected from investment operations or the sale of the investment.

During 2023, in connection with the process to divest its offshore wind business, Eversource identified indicators for impairment in both the second and fourth quarters of 2023. In each impairment assessment, Eversource evaluated its investments and determined that the carrying value of the equity method offshore wind investments exceeded the fair value of the investments and that the decline was other-than-temporary. The impairment evaluations involved judgments in developing the estimates and timing of future cash flows, including key judgments in determining the most likely outcome of the projects, the likelihood of realization of investment tax credit adders, and the likelihood of future spending amounts and cost overruns, as well as potential cancellation costs and salvage values of Sunrise Wind assets. The assumptions used in the discounted cash flow analyses were subject to inherent uncertainties and subjectivity. The use of different assumptions, estimates, or judgments with respect to the

estimation of future cash flows could have materially changed the impairment charges. The impairment charges were non-cash charges and did not impact Eversource’s cash position at the time of the impairment. During 2024, Eversource sold its interest in the North East Offshore and South Fork Class B, Member LLC equity method investments and recognized an aggregate, net after-tax loss on the sale of its offshore wind investments of $524 million.

Loss Contingencies: We make judgments regarding the future outcome of contingent events and record liabilities for loss contingencies that are probable and can be reasonably estimated based upon available information. The assessment of loss contingencies involves judgments and assumptions about future events. Our estimates are subject to revision in future periods based on actual costs or new information. The amount recorded may differ from the actual expense incurred when the uncertainty is resolved. Such difference would be a change in estimate and could have a significant impact on the financial statements.

48

Upon the sales of our offshore wind investments in the third quarter of 2024, Eversource recorded a contingent liability of $365 million, reflecting its estimate of the future obligations under the GIP sale terms. Assumptions and key judgments in determining the estimated liability include the expected cost overrun sharing obligation, expected obligation to maintain GIP’s internal rate of return, and obligation for other future costs, as well as the likelihood of realization of investment tax credit adders that were included in the purchase price. The use of different assumptions, estimates, or judgments could materially impact the financial statements. New information or future developments that arise as construction progresses and as cost estimates are reviewed and revised will require a reassessment of the estimated liability for the post-closing adjustment payments. Adverse changes in facts and circumstances could result in additional losses that could be material to the financial statements.

Accounting for Environmental Reserves:  Environmental reserves are accrued when assessments indicate it is probable that a liability has been incurred and an amount can be reasonably estimated. Increases to estimates of environmental liabilities could have an adverse impact on earnings. We estimate these liabilities based on findings through various phases of the assessment, considering the most likely action plan from a variety of available remediation options (ranging from no action required to full site remediation and long-term monitoring), current site information from our site assessments, remediation estimates from third party engineering and remediation contractors, and our prior experience in remediating contaminated sites.  If a most likely action plan cannot yet be determined, we estimate the liability based on the low end of a range of possible action plans. A significant portion of our environmental sites and reserve amounts relate to former MGP sites that were operated several decades ago and manufactured natural gas from coal and other processes, which resulted in certain by-products remaining in the environment that may pose a potential risk to human health and the environment, for which we may have potential liability.  Estimates are based on the expected remediation plan. Our estimates are subject to revision in future periods based on actual costs or new information from other sources, including the level of contamination at the site, the extent of our responsibility or the extent of remediation required, recently enacted laws and regulations or a change in cost estimates.

Income Taxes: Income tax expense is estimated for each of the jurisdictions in which we operate and is recorded each quarter using an estimated annualized effective tax rate. This process to record income tax expense involves estimating current and deferred income tax expense or benefit and the impact of temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for financial reporting and income tax return reporting purposes. Such differences are the result of timing of the deduction for expenses, as well as any impact of permanent differences, or other items that directly impact income tax expense as a result of regulatory activity (flow-through items). The temporary differences and flow-through items result in deferred tax assets and liabilities that are included in the balance sheets.

We also account for uncertainty in income taxes, which applies to all income tax positions previously filed in a tax return and income tax positions expected to be taken in a future tax return that have been reflected on our balance sheets. The determination of whether a tax position meets the recognition threshold under applicable accounting guidance is based on facts and circumstances available to us.

The interpretation of tax laws and associated regulations involves uncertainty since tax authorities may interpret the laws differently. Ultimate resolution or clarification of income tax matters may result in favorable or unfavorable impacts to net income and cash flows, and adjustments to tax-related assets and liabilities could be material.

Significant management judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes, primarily due to the uncertainty related to tax positions taken, as well as deferred tax assets and liabilities and valuation allowances. We evaluate the probability of realizing deferred tax assets by reviewing a forecast of future taxable income and our intent and ability to implement tax planning strategies, if necessary, to realize deferred tax assets. We also assess negative evidence, such as the expiration of historical operating loss or tax credit carryforwards, that could indicate the inability to realize the deferred tax assets. Valuation allowances are provided to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that will more likely than not be realized in future periods. This requires management to make judgments and estimates regarding the amount and timing of the reversal of taxable temporary differences, expected future taxable income, and the impact of tax planning strategies.

Actual income taxes could vary from estimated amounts due to the future impacts of various items, including future changes in income tax laws, not realizing expected tax planning strategy amounts, as well as results of audits and examinations of filed tax returns by taxing authorities.

Fair Value Measurements:  We follow fair value measurement guidance that defines fair value as the price that would be received for the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price).  We have applied this guidance to our Company's derivative contracts that are not elected or designated as "normal purchases” or “normal sales,” to marketable securities held in trusts, and to our investments in our Pension and PBOP Plans. Fair value measurements are also incorporated into the accounting for goodwill, long-lived assets, equity method investments, AROs, and in the valuation of business combinations and asset acquisitions. The fair value measurement guidance was also applied in estimating the fair value of preferred stock, long-term debt and RRBs.

Changes in fair value of our derivative contracts are recorded as Regulatory Assets or Liabilities, as we recover the costs of these contracts in rates charged to customers.  These valuations are sensitive to the prices of energy-related products in future years and assumptions made.

We use quoted market prices when available to determine the fair value of financial instruments.  When quoted prices in active markets for the same or similar instruments are not available, we value derivative contracts using models that incorporate both observable and unobservable inputs.  Discounted cash flow valuations incorporate estimates of premiums or discounts, reflecting risk-adjusted profit that would be required by a market participant to arrive at an exit price, using available historical market transaction information. Valuations of derivative contracts also reflect our estimates of nonperformance risk, including credit risk.

49

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – EVERSOURCE ENERGY AND SUBSIDIARIES

The following provides the amounts and variances in operating revenues and expense line items in the statements of income for Eversource for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

For the Years Ended December 31,
(Millions of Dollars)20242023Increase/(Decrease)
Operating Revenues$11,900.8$11,910.7$(9.9)
Operating Expenses:
Purchased Power, Purchased Natural Gas and Transmission3,736.15,168.2(1,432.1)
Operations and Maintenance2,012.91,895.7117.2
Depreciation1,433.51,305.8127.7
Amortization342.9(490.1)833.0
Energy Efficiency Programs671.8691.4(19.6)
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes997.9940.457.5
Loss on Pending Sale of Aquarion297.0297.0
Total Operating Expenses9,492.19,511.4(19.3)
Operating Income2,408.72,399.39.4
Interest Expense1,111.3855.4255.9
Losses on Offshore Wind Investments464.02,167.0(1,703.0)
Other Income, Net410.5348.162.4
Income/(Loss) Before Income Tax Expense1,243.9(275.0)1,518.9
Income Tax Expense424.7159.7265.0
Net Income/(Loss)819.2(434.7)1,253.9
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests7.57.5
Net Income/(Loss) Attributable to Common Shareholders$811.7$(442.2)$1,253.9

Operating Revenues

Sales Volumes: A summary of our retail electric GWh sales volumes, our firm natural gas MMcf sales volumes, and our water MG sales volumes, and percentage changes, is as follows:

ElectricFirm Natural GasWater
Sales Volumes (GWh)Percentage IncreaseSales Volumes (MMcf)Percentage IncreaseSales Volumes (MG)Percentage Increase
202420232024202320242023
Traditional7,8077,5902.9%%1,6691,48812.2%
Decoupled43,51641,9783.7%147,293142,3283.5%24,30823,1295.1%
Total Sales Volumes51,32349,5683.5%147,293142,3283.5%25,97724,6175.5%

Weather, fluctuations in energy supply rates, conservation measures (including utility-sponsored energy efficiency programs), and economic conditions affect customer energy usage and water consumption. Industrial sales volumes are less sensitive to temperature variations than residential and commercial sales volumes. In our service territories, weather impacts both electric and water sales volumes during the summer and both electric and natural gas sales volumes during the winter; however, natural gas sales volumes are more sensitive to temperature variations than electric sales volumes. Customer heating or cooling usage may not directly correlate with historical levels or with the level of degree-days that occur.

Fluctuations in retail electric sales volumes at PSNH impact earnings ("Traditional" in the table above). For CL&P, NSTAR Electric, NSTAR Gas, EGMA, Yankee Gas, and our Connecticut water distribution business, fluctuations in retail sales volumes do not materially impact earnings due to their respective regulatory commission-approved distribution revenue decoupling mechanisms ("Decoupled" in the table above). These distribution revenues are decoupled from their customer sales volumes, which breaks the relationship between sales volumes and revenues recognized.

Operating Revenues: The variance in Operating Revenues by segment in 2024, as compared to 2023, is as follows:

(Millions of Dollars)Increase/(Decrease)
Electric Distribution$93.0
Natural Gas Distribution(117.8)
Electric Transmission205.1
Water Distribution(3.2)
Other64.7
Eliminations(251.7)
Total Operating Revenues$(9.9)

50

Electric and Natural Gas Distribution Revenues:

Base Distribution Revenues:

•Base electric distribution revenues increased $141.1 million due primarily to a base distribution rate increase at NSTAR Electric effective January 1, 2024 and a temporary base distribution rate increase at PSNH effective August 1, 2024.

•Base natural gas distribution revenues increased $49.2 million due primarily to base distribution rate increases effective November 1, 2024 at EGMA and effective November 1, 2024 and November 1, 2023 at NSTAR Gas.

NSTAR Electric’s PBR mechanism allows for an annual adjustment to base distribution rates for inflation, exogenous events and future capital additions based on a historical five-year average of total capital additions. On December 26, 2023, the DPU approved a $104.9 million increase to NSTAR Electric’s base distribution rates effective January 1, 2024.

On July 31, 2024, the NHPUC approved a settlement agreement to implement a temporary annual base distribution rate increase of $61.2 million effective August 1, 2024 at PSNH.

NSTAR Gas’ PBR mechanism allows for an annual adjustment to base distribution rates for inflation and exogenous events. On October 30, 2023, the DPU approved a $25.4 million increase to NSTAR Gas’ base distribution rates, of which, $15.5 million was associated with a base rate adjustment and the remainder for a prior period exogenous cost adjustment, for effect on November 1, 2023. On October 30, 2024, the DPU approved a $12.7 million increase to NSTAR Gas’ base distribution rates effective November 1, 2024.

EGMA was allowed two rate base resets in a DPU-approved October 7, 2020 rate settlement agreement, with the first rate base reset on November 1, 2024. The increase to base distribution rates was $85.6 million effective November 1, 2024 (of which $8.8 million is offset by a reduction in the GSEP revenue requirement and GSEP rate also taking effect on November 1, 2024 for a net distribution rate change on November 1, 2024 of $76.8 million).

Tracked Distribution Revenues: Tracked distribution revenues consist of certain costs that are recovered from customers in retail rates on a fully reconciling basis through regulatory commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms and therefore, recovery of these costs has no impact on earnings. Costs recovered through cost tracking mechanisms include, among others, energy supply and natural gas supply procurement, state mandated energy purchase agreements and other energy-related costs, electric retail transmission charges, energy efficiency program costs, electric restructuring and stranded cost recovery revenues (including securitized RRB charges), certain capital tracking mechanisms for infrastructure improvements, and additionally for the Massachusetts utilities, pension and PBOP benefits, net metering for distributed generation, and solar-related programs. Revenues from certain of these cost tracking mechanisms also include certain incentives earned, return on capital tracking mechanisms, and carrying charges that are billed in rates to customers, which do impact earnings. Tracked revenues also include wholesale market sales transactions, such as sales of energy and energy-related products into the ISO-NE wholesale electricity market, sales of natural gas to third party marketers, and the sale of RECs to various counterparties.

Customers have the choice to purchase electricity from their Eversource electric utility or from a competitive third party supplier. For customers who have contracted separately with these competitive suppliers, revenue is not recorded for the sale of the electricity commodity, as the utility is acting as an agent on behalf of the third party supplier. For customers that choose to purchase electric generation from CL&P, NSTAR Electric or PSNH, each utility purchases power on behalf of, and is permitted to recover the related energy supply cost without mark-up from, its customers, and records offsetting amounts in revenues and purchased power related to this energy supply procurement. CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH each remain as the distribution service provider for all customers and charge a regulated rate for distribution delivery service recorded in revenues. Certain eligible natural gas customers may elect to purchase natural gas from their Eversource natural gas utility or may contract separately with a

gas supply operator. Revenue is not recorded for the sale of the natural gas commodity to customers who have contracted separately with these

operators, only the delivery to a customer, as the utility is acting as an agent on behalf of the gas supply operator.

The variance in tracked distribution revenues in 2024, as compared to 2023 is due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)Electric DistributionNatural Gas Distribution
Retail Tariff Tracked Revenues:
Energy supply procurement$(1,239.6)$(165.2)
CL&P NBFMCC544.9
NSTAR Electric net metering133.1
Stranded costs127.1
Retail transmission98.9
CL&P System Benefit Charge88.4
Other distribution tracking mechanisms159.244.0
Wholesale Market Sales Revenue33.9(44.8)

Fluctuations in retail tariff tracked revenues are driven by adjustments to retail rates to recover costs and changes in sales volumes.

The decrease in energy supply procurement within electric distribution was driven by lower average prices and lower average supply-related sales volumes. The decrease in energy supply procurement within natural gas distribution was driven by lower average prices, partially offset by higher average supply-related sales volumes.

51

The increase in CL&P’s NBFMCC revenues was driven by an increase in the retail Non-Bypassable Federally Mandated Congestion Charge (NBFMCC) rate. The CL&P NBFMCC rate includes the recovery of costs incurred under long-term state mandated energy purchase contracts with the Millstone and Seabrook nuclear power plants, net of the benefits received from selling this energy into the ISO-NE wholesale market. Effective January 1, 2023, CL&P reduced the average NBFMCC rate to a credit of $0.01524 per kWh. The rate reduction returned to customers the net benefits of higher wholesale market sales received in the ISO-NE market for these energy contracts. The average NBFMCC rate changed to $0.00000 per kWh effective July 1, 2023 and then to $0.00293 per kWh effective September 1, 2023. As a result of the April 2024 interim decision in the 2024 CL&P RAM filing, the average NBFMCC rate increased to $0.03906 per kWh effective July 1, 2024. As a result of the August final decision in the 2024 CL&P RAM filing, the average NBFMCC rate increased to $0.04290 per kWh effective September 1, 2024. The rate increases primarily resulted from higher net costs associated with power purchase agreements with the Millstone and Seabrook nuclear power plants.

CL&P is required by regulation to purchase electric generation from Millstone and Seabrook under PURA-approved PPAs entered into in 2019. CL&P does not have legislative authority to use this purchased output to serve its customer load and therefore sells the energy into the wholesale market and uses the proceeds from the energy sales to offset the contract costs. The net cost or net sales amount is recovered from, or refunded to, customers in the non-bypassable component of the CL&P FMCC rate.

Electric Transmission Revenues:  Electric transmission revenues increased $205.1 million due primarily to a higher transmission rate base as a result of our continued investment in our transmission infrastructure and the impact of the annual rate reconciliation filing with FERC.

Other Revenues and Eliminations: Other revenues primarily include the revenues of Eversource's service company, most of which are eliminated in consolidation. Eliminations are also related to the Eversource electric transmission revenues that are derived from ISO-NE regional transmission charges to the distribution businesses of CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH that recover the costs of the wholesale transmission business in rates charged to their customers.

Purchased Power, Purchased Natural Gas and Transmission expense includes costs associated with providing electric generation service

supply and natural gas to all customers who have not migrated to third party suppliers, the cost of energy purchase contracts entered into as

required by regulation, and transmission costs. These electric and natural gas supply procurement costs, other energy-related costs, and

transmission costs are recovered from customers in rates through commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms, which have no impact on

earnings (tracked costs). The variance in Purchased Power, Purchased Natural Gas and Transmission expense in 2024, as compared to 2023, is due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)Increase/(Decrease)
Energy supply procurement costs$(1,243.2)
Other electric distribution costs130.6
Natural gas supply costs(218.8)
Transmission costs77.8
Eliminations(178.5)
Total Purchased Power, Purchased Natural Gas and Transmission$(1,432.1)

The variance in energy supply procurement costs is offset in Operating Revenues (tracked energy supply procurement revenues). The variance in other electric distribution costs is due to higher long-term contractual energy-related costs that are recovered in the non-bypassable component of the FMCC mechanism at CL&P, higher net metering costs and an increase in long-term renewable contract costs at NSTAR Electric, partially offset by a decrease in long-term renewable energy purchase contract costs at PSNH.

Costs at the natural gas distribution segment relate to supply procurement costs for retail customers. Total natural gas costs decreased due primarily to a decrease in the retail cost deferral and lower average prices, partially offset by higher average purchased volumes.

The increase in transmission costs was primarily the result of an increase in costs billed by ISO-NE that support regional grid investments and an increase in Local Network Service charges, which reflect the cost of transmission service provided by Eversource over our local transmission network. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in the retail transmission cost deferral, which reflects the actual cost of transmission service compared to estimated amounts billed to customers.

52

Operations and Maintenance expense includes tracked costs and costs that are part of base electric, natural gas and water distribution rates with changes impacting earnings (non-tracked costs).  The variance in Operations and Maintenance expense in 2024, as compared to 2023, is due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)Increase/(Decrease)
Base Electric Distribution (Non-Tracked Costs):
Employee-related expenses (including labor and benefits)$22.7
Uncollectible expense14.9
Shared corporate costs (including IT system depreciation at Eversource Service)11.2
Operations-related expenses (including vegetation management, vendor services, vehicles and materials)6.3
General costs (including vendor services in corporate areas, insurance, fees and assessments)3.8
Storm-related costs(4.5)
Total Base Electric Distribution (Non-Tracked Costs)54.4
Tracked Electric Costs (Electric Distribution and Electric Transmission) - Increase due primarily to higher transmission expense, increases in grid modernization and pension tracking mechanisms at NSTAR Electric, and higher uncollectible expense98.0
Total Electric Distribution and Electric Transmission152.4
Natural Gas Distribution:
Base (Non-Tracked Costs) - Decrease due primarily to lower uncollectible expense(14.2)
Tracked Costs11.0
Total Natural Gas Distribution(3.2)
Water Distribution3.8
Eversource Parent and Other Companies - other operations and maintenance26.8
Eliminations(62.6)
Total Operations and Maintenance$117.2

Depreciation expense increased due primarily to higher net plant in service balances.

Amortization expense includes the deferral of energy-related costs and other costs that are included in certain regulatory commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms. This deferral adjusts expense to match the corresponding revenues compared to the actual costs incurred. These costs are recovered from customers in rates and have no impact on earnings. Amortization expense also includes the amortization of certain costs as those costs are collected in rates.

The variance in Amortization is due primarily to the deferral adjustment of energy-related and other tracked costs at CL&P (included in the non-bypassable component of the FMCC mechanism), NSTAR Electric and PSNH, which can fluctuate from period to period based on the timing of costs incurred and related rate changes to recover these costs. The CL&P non-bypassable FMCC retail rate increased in 2024 as compared to 2023, and the higher collections lowered the regulatory under-recovery deferral adjustment, resulting in an increase to amortization expense of $548.5 million. Amortization expense also increased at NSTAR Electric as a result of an increase in storm costs recovered in rates and increased at PSNH due to the absence of a 2023 benefit related to the establishment of a new regulatory tracking mechanism that allowed for the recovery of previously incurred operating expenses associated with poles acquired from Consolidated Communications on May 1, 2023. The establishment of the PPAM regulatory asset resulted in a pre-tax benefit of $16.9 million recorded in Amortization expense on the statement of income in 2023.

Energy Efficiency Programs expense includes costs of various state energy policy initiatives and expanded energy efficiency programs that are recovered from customers in rates, most of which have no impact on earnings. Energy Efficiency Programs expense includes a deferral adjustment that reflects the actual costs of energy efficiency programs compared to the amounts billed to customers, which can fluctuate from period to period based on the timing of costs incurred and related rate changes to recover these costs. Energy Efficiency Programs expense decreased due primarily to the deferral adjustment, partially offset by higher program spending.

Taxes Other Than Income Taxes expense increased due primarily to higher property taxes as a result of higher utility plant balances and higher Connecticut gross earnings taxes.

Loss on Pending Sale of Aquarion relates to the impairment charge recorded in 2024 to write down the carrying value of the water business to fair value resulting from the expected sale of Aquarion. For further information, see "Business Development and Capital Expenditures – Pending Sale of Aquarion" included in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Interest Expense increased due primarily to an increase in interest on long-term debt as a result of debt issuances ($220.7 million), higher interest on short-term notes payable due to increased borrowings ($16.0 million), an increase in interest expense on regulatory deferrals ($15.8 million), and higher amortization of debt discounts and premiums, net ($4.1 million), partially offset by an increase in capitalized AFUDC related to debt funds and other capitalized interest ($3.2 million), and a decrease in RRB interest expense ($1.4 million).

Losses on Offshore Wind Investments relates to the loss recorded on the 2024 sales of our equity method offshore wind investments and the impairment charge in 2023 resulting from the expected sales of these offshore wind investments. See "Business Development and Capital Expenditures – Offshore Wind Business" included in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for further information.

53

Other Income, Net increased due primarily to an increase in interest income primarily from regulatory deferrals ($44.0 million), an increase in equity in earnings related to Eversource’s equity method investments ($36.4 million), an increase in capitalized AFUDC related to equity funds ($19.7 million), investment income in 2024 compared to investment losses in 2023 driven by market volatility ($5.5 million) and a gain on the sale of an unregulated water business in 2024 ($4.4 million), partially offset by a decrease related to pension, SERP and PBOP non-service income components ($17.5 million). The variance in Other Income, Net was also due to the absence in 2024 of a benefit in 2023 from the liquidation of Eversource’s equity method investment in a renewable energy fund in excess of its carrying value, partially offset by a charitable contribution made with a portion of the proceeds from the liquidation in 2023, as well as the absence in 2024 of a loss on the abandonment of land in 2023.

Income Tax Expense increased due primarily to higher pre-tax earnings ($319.0 million), a decrease in amortization of EDIT ($14.5 million), a higher share-based payment tax deficiency ($1.8 million), and an increase in items that impact our tax rate as a result of regulatory treatment (flow-through items) and permanent differences ($28.3 million). This was partially offset by a decrease in reserves ($9.0 million) primarily related to the loss on sales of Eversource’s offshore wind investments in 2024 compared to the impairment on these investments in 2023, lower state taxes ($49.3 million), and lower return to provision adjustments ($40.3 million).

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS –

THE CONNECTICUT LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY

NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY

PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AND SUBSIDIARIES

The following provides the amounts and variances in operating revenues and expense line items in the statements of income for CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

For the Years Ended December 31,
CL&PNSTAR ElectricPSNH
(Millions of Dollars)20242023Increase/ (Decrease)20242023Increase/ (Decrease)20242023Increase/ (Decrease)
Operating Revenues$4,615.0$4,578.8$36.2$3,720.9$3,515.5$205.4$1,294.5$1,447.9$(153.4)
Operating Expenses:
Purchased Power and Transmission1,836.92,612.9(776.0)1,045.31,154.0(108.7)244.4605.0(360.6)
Operations and Maintenance815.3733.382.0735.0668.566.5288.3284.43.9
Depreciation406.5376.929.6407.7372.635.1154.1140.413.7
Amortization of Regulatory Assets/(Liabilities), Net104.5(500.3)604.8130.916.1114.8136.1(16.3)152.4
Energy Efficiency Programs171.7133.538.2263.4325.6(62.2)42.939.63.3
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes419.6401.118.5280.3256.124.296.993.93.0
Total Operating Expenses3,754.53,757.4(2.9)2,862.62,792.969.7962.71,147.0(184.3)
Operating Income860.5821.439.1858.3722.6135.7331.8300.930.9
Interest Expense231.0193.437.6222.7189.233.577.872.85.0
Other Income, Net77.661.616.0191.4164.127.331.126.64.5
Income Before Income Tax Expense707.1689.617.5827.0697.5129.5285.1254.730.4
Income Tax Expense194.5170.923.6190.6153.037.670.259.011.2
Net Income$512.6$518.7$(6.1)$636.4$544.5$91.9$214.9$195.7$19.2

Operating Revenues

Sales Volumes: A summary of our retail electric GWh sales volumes is as follows:

For the Years Ended December 31,
20242023IncreasePercentage Increase
CL&P20,15119,5775742.9%
NSTAR Electric23,36522,4019644.3%
PSNH7,8077,5902172.9%

Fluctuations in retail electric sales volumes at PSNH impact earnings.  For CL&P and NSTAR Electric, fluctuations in retail electric sales volumes do not impact earnings due to their respective regulatory commission-approved distribution revenue decoupling mechanisms.

Operating Revenues: Operating Revenues, which consist of base distribution revenues and tracked revenues further described below, increased $36.2 million at CL&P and $205.4 million at NSTAR Electric and decreased $153.4 million at PSNH in 2024, as compared to 2023.

Base Distribution Revenues:

•CL&P's distribution revenues were flat.

•NSTAR Electric's distribution revenues increased $105.3 million due primarily to a base distribution rate increase effective January 1, 2024.

•PSNH's distribution revenues increased $35.8 million due primarily to a temporary base distribution rate increase effective August 1, 2024.

54

Tracked Distribution Revenues: Tracked distribution revenues consist of certain costs that are recovered from customers in retail rates on a fully reconciling basis through regulatory commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms and therefore, recovery of these costs has no impact on earnings. Costs recovered through cost tracking mechanisms include, among others, energy supply procurement, state mandated energy purchase agreements and other energy-related costs, retail transmission charges, energy efficiency program costs, electric restructuring and stranded cost recovery revenues (including securitized RRB charges), certain capital tracking mechanisms for infrastructure improvements, and additionally for NSTAR Electric, pension and PBOP benefits, net metering for distributed generation, and solar-related programs. Revenues from certain of these cost tracking mechanisms also include certain incentives earned, return on capital tracking mechanisms, and carrying charges that are billed in rates to customers, which do impact earnings. Tracked revenues also include wholesale market sales transactions, such as sales of energy and energy-related products into the ISO-NE wholesale electricity market and the sale of RECs to various counterparties.

Customers have the choice to purchase electricity from their Eversource electric utility or from a competitive third party supplier. For customers who have contracted separately with these competitive suppliers, revenue is not recorded for the sale of the electricity commodity, as the utility is acting as an agent on behalf of the third party supplier. For customers that choose to purchase electric generation from CL&P, NSTAR Electric or PSNH, each utility purchases power on behalf of, and is permitted to recover the related energy supply cost without mark-up from, its customers, and records offsetting amounts in revenues and purchased power related to this energy supply procurement. CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH each remain as the distribution service provider for all customers and charge a regulated rate for distribution delivery service recorded in revenues.

The variance in tracked distribution revenues in 2024, as compared to 2023, is due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)CL&PNSTAR ElectricPSNH
Retail Tariff Tracked Revenues:
Energy supply procurement$(710.5)$(253.9)$(275.2)
CL&P NBFMCC544.9
NSTAR Electric net metering133.1
Stranded costs6.677.742.8
Retail transmission(9.8)60.248.5
CL&P System Benefit Charge88.4
Other distribution tracking mechanisms69.777.212.3
Wholesale Market Sales Revenue62.8(0.7)(28.2)

Fluctuations in retail tariff tracked revenues are driven by adjustments to retail rates to recover costs and changes in sales volumes.

The decrease in energy supply procurement at CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH was driven by lower average prices and lower average supply-related sales volumes.

The increase in CL&P’s NBFMCC revenues was driven by an increase in the retail Non-Bypassable Federally Mandated Congestion Charge (NBFMCC) rate. The CL&P NBFMCC rate includes the recovery of costs incurred under long-term state mandated energy purchase contracts with the Millstone and Seabrook nuclear power plants, net of the benefits received from selling this energy into the ISO-NE wholesale market. Effective January 1, 2023, CL&P reduced the average NBFMCC rate to a credit of $0.01524 per kWh. The rate reduction returned to customers the net benefits of higher wholesale market sales received in the ISO-NE market for these energy contracts. The average NBFMCC rate changed to $0.00000 per kWh effective July 1, 2023 and then to $0.00293 per kWh effective September 1, 2023. As a result of the April 2024 interim decision in the 2024 CL&P RAM filing, the average NBFMCC rate increased to $0.03906 per kWh effective July 1, 2024. As a result of the August final decision in the 2024 CL&P RAM filing, the average NBFMCC rate increased to $0.04290 per kWh effective September 1, 2024. The rate increases primarily resulted from higher net costs associated with power purchase agreements with the Millstone and Seabrook nuclear power plants.

CL&P is required by regulation to purchase electric generation from Millstone and Seabrook under PURA-approved PPAs entered into in 2019. CL&P does not have legislative authority to use this purchased output to serve its customer load and therefore sells the energy into the wholesale market and uses the proceeds from the energy sales to offset the contract costs. The net cost or net sales amount is recovered from, or refunded to, customers in the non-bypassable component of the CL&P FMCC rate.

Transmission Revenues: Transmission revenues increased $69.6 million at CL&P, $89.5 million at NSTAR Electric and $46.0 million at PSNH due primarily to a higher transmission rate base as a result of our continued investment in our transmission infrastructure and the impact of the annual rate reconciliation filing with FERC.

Eliminations: Eliminations are primarily related to the Eversource electric transmission revenues that are derived from ISO-NE regional transmission charges to the distribution businesses of CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH that recover the costs of the wholesale transmission business in rates charged to their customers. The impact of eliminations decreased revenues by $86.3 million at CL&P, $86.0 million at NSTAR Electric and $38.2 million at PSNH.

55

Purchased Power and Transmission expense includes costs associated with providing electric generation service supply to all customers who have not migrated to third party suppliers, the cost of energy purchase contracts entered into as required by regulation, and transmission costs. These energy supply procurement costs, other energy-related costs, and transmission costs are recovered from customers in rates through commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms, which have no impact on earnings (tracked costs). The variance in Purchased Power and Transmission expense in 2024, as compared to 2023, is due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)CL&PNSTAR ElectricPSNH
Energy supply procurement costs$(710.2)$(259.9)$(273.1)
Other electric distribution costs43.6176.6(89.6)
Transmission costs(23.1)60.640.3
Eliminations(86.3)(86.0)(38.2)
Total Purchased Power and Transmission$(776.0)$(108.7)$(360.6)

The variance in energy supply procurement costs is offset in Operating Revenues (tracked energy supply procurement revenues). The variance in other electric distribution costs at CL&P is due to higher long-term contractual energy-related costs that are recovered in the non-bypassable component of the FMCC mechanism, at NSTAR Electric is due to higher net metering costs and an increase in long-term renewable contract costs, and at PSNH is due primarily to a decrease in long-term renewable energy purchase contract costs.

Included in transmission costs are charges that recover the cost of transporting electricity over high-voltage lines from generation facilities to substations, including costs allocated by ISO-NE to maintain the wholesale electric market.

•The decrease in transmission costs at CL&P was due primarily to a decrease resulting from the retail transmission cost deferral, which reflects the actual costs of transmission service compared to estimated amounts billed to customers. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in costs billed by ISO-NE that support regional grid investments and an increase in Local Network Service charges, which reflect the cost of transmission service provided by Eversource over our local transmission network.

•The increase in transmission costs at NSTAR Electric was due primarily to an increase resulting from the retail transmission cost deferral, an increase in costs billed by ISO-NE, and an increase in Local Network Service charges.

•The increase in transmission costs at PSNH was due primarily to an increase in costs billed by ISO-NE and an increase in Local Network Service charges. These increases were partially offset by a decrease resulting from the retail transmission cost deferral.

Operations and Maintenance expense includes tracked costs and costs that are part of base distribution rates with changes impacting earnings (non-tracked costs).  The variance in Operations and Maintenance expense in 2024, as compared to 2023, is due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)CL&PNSTAR ElectricPSNH
Base Electric Distribution (Non-Tracked Costs):
Employee-related expenses (including labor and benefits)$13.0$7.8$1.9
Uncollectible expense5.411.2(1.7)
Shared corporate costs (including IT system depreciation at Eversource Service)5.14.02.1
Operations-related expenses (including vegetation management, vendor services, vehicles and materials)3.84.5(2.0)
Storm-related costs(2.2)3.5(5.8)
General costs (including vendor services in corporate areas, insurance, fees and assessments)(11.8)3.612.0
Total Base Electric Distribution (Non-Tracked Costs)13.334.66.5
Total Tracked Costs - Increase at CL&P due to higher uncollectible expense and at NSTAR Electric due to an increase in grid modernization costs68.731.9(2.6)
Total Operations and Maintenance$82.0$66.5$3.9

Depreciation expense increased for CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH due to higher net plant in service balances.

Amortization of Regulatory Assets/(Liabilities), Net expense includes the deferral of energy-related costs and other costs that are included in certain regulatory commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms. This deferral adjusts expense to match the corresponding revenues compared to the actual costs incurred. These costs are recovered from customers in rates and have no impact on earnings. Amortization expense also includes the amortization of certain costs as those costs are collected in rates. The variance in Amortization of Regulatory Assets/(Liabilities), Net is due primarily to the following:

•The variance at CL&P was due primarily to the deferral adjustment of energy-related and other tracked costs that are included in the non-bypassable component of the FMCC mechanism, which can fluctuate from period to period based on the timing of costs incurred and related rate changes to recover these costs. The CL&P non-bypassable FMCC retail rate increased in 2024 as compared to 2023, and the higher collections lowered the regulatory under-recovery deferral adjustment recorded in the same period, resulting in an increase to amortization expense of $548.5 million.

•The increase in expense at NSTAR Electric was due to the deferral adjustment of energy-related and other tracked costs that are included in the transition and solar facilities regulatory mechanisms, and higher amortization of storm costs recovered in rates.

56

•The increase in expense at PSNH was due to the deferral adjustment of energy-related and other tracked costs that are included in the stranded cost recovery charge regulatory mechanism and the absence of a 2023 benefit related to the establishment of a new regulatory tracking mechanism that allowed for the recovery of previously incurred operating expenses associated with poles acquired from Consolidated Communications on May 1, 2023. The establishment of the PPAM regulatory asset resulted in a pre-tax benefit of $16.9 million recorded in Amortization expense on the PSNH statement of income in 2023.

Energy Efficiency Programs expense includes costs of various state energy policy initiatives and expanded energy efficiency programs that are recovered from customers in rates, most of which have no impact on earnings. Energy Efficiency Programs expense includes a deferral adjustment that reflects the actual costs of energy efficiency programs compared to the amounts billed to customers, which can fluctuate from period to period based on the timing of costs incurred and related rate changes to recover these costs. The variance in Energy Efficiency Programs expense is due primarily to the following:

•The increase at CL&P was due to the deferral adjustment and higher program spending.

•The decrease at NSTAR Electric was due to the deferral adjustment, partially offset by higher program spending.

•The increase at PSNH was due to higher program spending, partially offset by the deferral adjustment.

Taxes Other Than Income Taxes - the variance is due primarily to the following:

•The increase at CL&P was due to higher Connecticut gross earnings taxes and higher property taxes as a result of higher utility plant balances.

•The increase at NSTAR Electric was due to higher property taxes as a result of higher utility plant balances and higher assessments.

•The increase at PSNH was due to higher property taxes as a result of higher utility plant balances.

Interest Expense - the variance is due primarily to the following:

•The increase at CL&P was due to higher interest on long-term debt as a result of debt issuances ($26.0 million), an increase in interest expense on regulatory deferrals ($5.8 million), higher interest on short-term notes payable due to increased borrowings ($4.6 million) and higher amortization of debt discounts and premiums, net ($0.9 million), partially offset by an increase in capitalized AFUDC related to debt funds ($0.4 million).

•The increase at NSTAR Electric was due to higher interest on long-term debt as a result of debt issuances ($23.2 million), an increase in interest expense on regulatory deferrals ($11.8 million), higher interest on short-term notes payable due to increased borrowings ($7.8 million) and higher amortization of debt discounts and premiums, net ($0.6 million), partially offset by an increase in capitalized AFUDC related to debt funds ($10.0 million).

•The increase at PSNH was due primarily to higher interest on long-term debt as a result of a debt issuance ($14.8 million), partially offset by a decrease in interest expense on regulatory deferrals ($4.3 million), an increase in capitalized AFUDC related to debt funds ($2.8 million), a decrease in RRB interest expense ($1.4 million), lower interest on short-term notes payable ($0.8 million) and lower amortization of debt discounts and premiums, net ($0.6 million).

Other Income, Net - the variance is due primarily to the following:

•The increase at CL&P was due primarily to an increase in interest income primarily on regulatory deferrals ($19.3 million), an increase in capitalized AFUDC related to equity funds ($2.4 million) and a decrease in investment losses driven by market volatility ($1.0 million), partially offset by a decrease related to pension, SERP and PBOP non-service income components ($6.7 million).

•The increase at NSTAR Electric was due primarily to an increase in interest income primarily on regulatory deferrals ($16.4 million), an increase in capitalized AFUDC related to equity funds ($13.1 million) and investment income in 2024 compared to investment losses in 2023 driven by market volatility ($2.1 million), partially offset by a decrease related to pension, SERP and PBOP non-service income components ($4.6 million).

•The increase at PSNH was due primarily to an increase in interest income primarily on regulatory deferrals ($4.3 million), an increase in capitalized AFUDC related to equity funds ($1.6 million) and a decrease in investment losses driven by market volatility ($0.2 million), partially offset by a decrease related to pension, SERP and PBOP non-service income components ($1.3 million).

Income Tax Expense - the variance is due primarily to the following:

•The increase at CL&P was due primarily to higher pre-tax earnings ($3.7 million), a decrease in amortization of EDIT ($1.3 million), an increase in valuation allowances ($8.8 million), higher share-based payment tax deficiency ($0.6 million), and an increase in items that impact our tax rate as a result of regulatory treatment (flow-through items) and permanent differences ($10.6 million), partially offset by lower state taxes ($0.2 million), and lower return to provision adjustments ($1.2 million).

•The increase at NSTAR Electric was due primarily to higher pre-tax earnings ($27.3 million), higher state taxes ($7.4 million), higher share-based payment tax deficiency ($0.6 million), and a decrease in amortization of EDIT ($8.4 million), partially offset by lower return to provision adjustments ($1.4 million) and a decrease in items that impact our tax rate as a result of regulatory treatment (flow-through items) and permanent differences ($4.7 million).

•The increase at PSNH was due primarily to higher pre-tax earnings ($6.4 million), a decrease in amortization of EDIT ($0.3 million), higher state taxes ($1.5 million), and higher return to provision adjustments ($3.0 million).

57

EARNINGS SUMMARY

CL&P's earnings decreased $6.1 million in 2024, as compared to 2023, due primarily to higher interest expense, a higher effective tax rate, higher depreciation expense, higher operations and maintenance expense, and higher property tax expense. The earnings decrease was partially offset by higher revenues from its capital tracking mechanism due to increased electric system improvements, an increase in transmission earnings driven primarily by a higher transmission rate base, and an increase in interest income primarily on regulatory deferrals.

NSTAR Electric's earnings increased $91.9 million in 2024, as compared to 2023, due primarily to higher revenues as a result of the base distribution rate increase effective January 1, 2024, an increase in transmission earnings driven primarily by a higher transmission rate base, an increase in interest income primarily on regulatory deferrals, higher revenues from its capital tracking mechanisms due to increased investments, a lower effective tax rate, and higher AFUDC equity income. The earnings increase was partially offset by higher operations and maintenance expense, higher interest expense, higher property tax expense, and higher depreciation expense.

PSNH's earnings increased $19.2 million in 2024, as compared to 2023, due primarily to higher revenues as a result of the base distribution rate increase effective August 1, 2024 and an increase in transmission earnings driven primarily by a higher transmission rate base. The earnings increase was partially offset by the absence of a prior year benefit related to the establishment of a new regulatory tracking mechanism that allowed for the recovery of previously incurred operating expenses associated with poles acquired on May 1, 2023, higher operations and maintenance expense, higher depreciation expense, higher interest expense, and a higher effective tax rate.

LIQUIDITY

Cash Flows: CL&P had cash flows provided by operating activities of $683.4 million in 2024, as compared to $449.6 million in 2023.  The increase in operating cash flows was due primarily to an improvement in regulatory recoveries driven primarily by the timing of collections for the non-bypassable FMCC and other regulatory tracking mechanisms partially offset by the unfavorable impact in the timing of collections for energy supply costs, the timing of cash payments made on our accounts payable, a $19.9 million decrease in cost of removal expenditures, an $18.9 million decrease in cash payments to vendors for storm costs, and a $3.3 million increase in income tax refunds received in 2024 compared to 2023. The impacts of regulatory collections are included in both Regulatory Recoveries and Amortization of Regulatory Assets/(Liabilities) on the statements of cash flows. These favorable impacts were partially offset by the timing of cash collections on our accounts receivable and the timing of other working capital items.

NSTAR Electric had cash flows provided by operating activities of $687.6 million in 2024, as compared to $713.6 million in 2023.  The decrease in operating cash flows was due primarily to the timing of cash collections on our accounts receivable, an $87.4 million increase in income tax payments made, an increase in regulatory under-recoveries driven by the timing of collections for energy efficiency, residential assistance and other regulatory tracking mechanisms partially offset by the favorable impact in the timing of collections for net metering costs, and the timing of cash payments made on our accounts payable. The impacts of regulatory collections are included in both Regulatory Recoveries and Amortization of Regulatory Assets on the statements of cash flows. These unfavorable impacts were partially offset by a $9.1 million decrease in cost of removal expenditures and the timing of other working capital items.

PSNH had cash flows provided by operating activities of $321.3 million in 2024, as compared to $32.0 million in 2023.  The increase in operating cash flows was due primarily to an improvement in regulatory recoveries driven by the timing of collections for stranded costs, net metering and other regulatory tracking mechanisms, the timing of cash payments made on our accounts payable, and the timing of other working capital items. The impacts of regulatory collections are included in both Regulatory Recoveries and Amortization of Regulatory Assets/(Liabilities) on the statements of cash flows. These favorable impacts were partially offset by the timing of cash collections on our accounts receivable, a $23.9 million decrease in income tax refunds received in 2024 compared to 2023, a $5.6 million increase in cash payments to vendors for storm costs, and a $2.5 million increase in cost of removal expenditures.

For further information on CL&P's, NSTAR Electric's and PSNH's liquidity and capital resources, see "Liquidity" and "Business Development and Capital Expenditures" included in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

58

FY 2023 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0000072741-24-000005.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2024-02-14. Report date: 2023-12-31.

Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

EVERSOURCE ENERGY AND SUBSIDIARIES

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related combined notes included in this combined Annual Report on Form 10-K.  References in this combined Annual Report on Form 10-K to "Eversource," the "Company," "we," "us," and "our" refer to Eversource Energy and its consolidated subsidiaries.  All per-share amounts are reported on a diluted basis.  The consolidated financial statements of Eversource, NSTAR Electric and PSNH and the financial statements of CL&P are herein collectively referred to as the "financial statements."  Our discussion of fiscal year 2023 compared to fiscal year 2022 is included herein. Unless expressly stated otherwise, for discussion and analysis of fiscal year 2021 items and of fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021, please refer to Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in our combined 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Refer to the Glossary of Terms included in this combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for abbreviations and acronyms used throughout this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The only common equity securities that are publicly traded are common shares of Eversource. Our earnings discussion includes financial measures that are not recognized under GAAP (non-GAAP) referencing our earnings and EPS excluding the impairment charges for the offshore wind investments, a loss on the disposition of land that was initially acquired to construct the Northern Pass Transmission project and was subsequently abandoned, certain transaction and transition costs, and our earnings and EPS excluding charges at CL&P related to an October 2021 settlement agreement that included credits to customers and funding of various customer assistance initiatives and a 2021 storm performance penalty imposed on CL&P by PURA. EPS by business is also a non-GAAP financial measure and is calculated by dividing the Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders of each business by the weighted average diluted Eversource common shares outstanding for the period. The earnings and EPS of each business do not represent a direct legal interest in the assets and liabilities of such business, but rather represent a direct interest in our assets and liabilities as a whole.

We use these non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate and provide details of earnings results by business and to more fully compare and explain our results without including these items. This information is among the primary indicators we use as a basis for evaluating performance and planning and forecasting of future periods. We believe the impacts of the impairment charges for the offshore wind investments, the loss on the disposition of land associated with an abandoned project, transaction and transition costs, and the CL&P October 2021 settlement agreement, and the 2021 storm performance penalty imposed on CL&P by PURA are not indicative of our ongoing costs and performance. We view these charges as not directly related to the ongoing operations of the business and therefore not an indicator of baseline operating performance. Due to the nature and significance of the effect of these items on Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders and EPS, we believe that the non-GAAP presentation is a more meaningful representation of our financial performance and provides additional and useful information to readers of this report in analyzing historical and future performance of our business. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as alternatives to reported Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders or EPS determined in accordance with GAAP as indicators of operating performance.

Financial Condition and Business Analysis

Executive Summary

Eversource Energy is a public utility holding company primarily engaged, through its wholly-owned regulated utility subsidiaries, in the energy delivery business.  Eversource Energy's wholly-owned regulated utility subsidiaries consist of CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH (electric utilities), Yankee Gas, NSTAR Gas and EGMA (natural gas utilities) and Aquarion (water utilities). Eversource is organized into the electric distribution, electric transmission, natural gas distribution, and water distribution reportable segments.

The following items in this executive summary are explained in more detail in this combined Annual Report on Form 10-K:

Earnings Overview and Future Outlook:

•We had a loss of $442.2 million, or $1.26 per share, in 2023, compared with earnings of $1.40 billion, or $4.05 per share, in 2022. Our 2023 results include after-tax impairment charges of $1.95 billion, or $5.58 per share, recorded at Eversource parent to reflect our current estimate of the fair value of the offshore wind projects. Our 2023 results also include after-tax land abandonment and other charges recorded at Eversource parent of $6.9 million, or $0.02 per share. Our 2022 results include after-tax transaction and transition costs of $15.0 million, or $0.04 per share. Excluding the offshore wind impairments and these other charges, our non-GAAP earnings were $1.52 billion, or $4.34 per share, in 2023, compared with $1.42 billion, or $4.09 per share, in 2022.

•We project that we will earn within a 2024 non-GAAP earning guidance range of between $4.50 per share and $4.67 per share, which excludes the impact of the expected sales of our 50 percent interests in three jointly-owned offshore wind projects and related transaction costs. We also project that our long-term EPS growth rate through 2028 from our regulated utility businesses will be in a 5 to 7 percent range.

29

Liquidity:

•Cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $1.65 billion in 2023, compared with $2.40 billion in 2022.  Investments in property, plant and equipment totaled $4.34 billion in 2023 and $3.44 billion in 2022.

•Cash and Cash Equivalents totaled $53.9 million as of December 31, 2023, compared with $374.6 million as of December 31, 2022.  Our available borrowing capacity under our commercial paper programs totaled $512.3 million as of December 31, 2023.

•In 2023, we issued $5.20 billion of new long-term debt and we repaid $2.01 billion of long-term debt.

•In 2023, we paid dividends totaling $2.70 per common share, compared with dividends of $2.55 per common share in 2022. Our quarterly common share dividend payment was $0.675 per share in 2023, as compared to $0.6375 per share in 2022.  On January 31, 2024, our Board of Trustees approved a common share dividend payment of $0.715 per share, payable on March 29, 2024 to shareholders of record as of March 5, 2024.

•We project to make capital expenditures of $23.12 billion from 2024 through 2028, of which we expect $9.71 billion to be in our electric distribution segment, $5.44 billion to be in our natural gas distribution segment, $5.77 billion to be in our electric transmission segment, and $1.08 billion to be in our water distribution segment.  We also project to invest $1.12 billion in information technology and facilities upgrades and enhancements.

•On February 13, 2024, we initiated an exploratory assessment of monetizing our water distribution business and are exploring the potential sale of the business.

Strategic Developments:

•On February 13, 2024, Eversource announced that it has executed an agreement to sell its existing 50 percent interests in the South Fork Wind and Revolution Wind projects to Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP). As part of this transaction, Eversource expects to receive approximately $1.1 billion of cash proceeds upon closing, which includes the sales value related to the 10 percent energy community ITC adder of approximately $170 million related to Revolution Wind, and to exit these projects while retaining certain cost sharing obligations for the construction of Revolution Wind. The purchase price is subject to future post-closing adjustment payments based on, among other things, the progress, timing and expense of construction at each project. The cost sharing obligations provide that Eversource would share equally with GIP in GIP’s funding obligations for up to approximately $240 million of incremental capital expenditure overruns incurred during the construction phase for the Revolution Wind project, after which GIP’s obligations for any additional capital expenditure overruns would be shared equally by Eversource and Ørsted. Additionally, Eversource’s financial exposure will be adjusted by certain purchase price adjustments to be made following commercial operation of the Revolution Wind project and closing of South Fork as a result of final project economics, which includes Eversource’s obligation to maintain GIP’s internal rate of return for each project as specified in the agreement. Eversource currently expects that South Fork Wind will reach full commercial operation prior to closing of the sale with GIP and Eversource does not expect any material cost sharing or other purchase price adjustment payments for South Fork Wind. Closing of the transaction is currently expected to occur in mid-2024.

•On January 24, 2024, Ørsted signed an agreement with Eversource to acquire Eversource’s 50 percent share of Sunrise Wind. The sale is subject to the successful selection of Sunrise Wind in the ongoing New York fourth solicitation for offshore wind capacity, signing of an OREC contract with NYSERDA, finalization of sale agreements, receipt of final federal construction permits, and relevant regulatory approvals. If Sunrise Wind is not successful in the solicitation, then the existing OREC contract for Sunrise Wind will be cancelled according to the state’s requirements, and Eversource and Ørsted’s joint venture for Sunrise Wind will remain in place. In that scenario, Ørsted and Eversource would then assess their options in determining the best path forward for Sunrise Wind and its assets, which include the BOEM offshore lease area.

•On January 25, 2024, Eversource and Ørsted submitted a new proposal for Sunrise Wind in the New York fourth offshore wind solicitation.

•Four of South Fork Wind’s twelve turbines were installed and placed into service by January 1, 2024, meeting the project commercial operation date requirements under the power purchase agreement with LIPA. All wind turbines are expected to be installed and placed into service by the end of March 2024.

30

Earnings Overview

Consolidated:  Below is a summary of our earnings/(loss) by business, which also reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures of consolidated non-GAAP earnings and EPS, as well as EPS by business, to the most directly comparable GAAP measures of consolidated Net (Loss)/Income Attributable to Common Shareholders and diluted EPS.

For the Years Ended December 31,
202320222021
(Millions of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts)AmountPer ShareAmountPer ShareAmountPer Share
Net (Loss)/Income Attributable to Common Shareholders (GAAP)$(442.2)$(1.26)$1,404.9$4.05$1,220.5$3.54
Regulated Companies (Non-GAAP)$1,509.3$4.31$1,460.4$4.21$1,342.4$3.89
Eversource Parent and Other Companies (Non-GAAP)8.40.03(40.5)(0.12)(12.2)(0.03)
Non-GAAP Earnings$1,517.7$4.34$1,419.9$4.09$1,330.2$3.86
Impairments of Offshore Wind Investments (after-tax) (1)(1,953.0)(5.58)
Land Abandonment Loss and Other Charges (after-tax) (2)(6.9)(0.02)
Transaction and Transition Costs (after-tax) (3)(15.0)(0.04)(23.6)(0.07)
CL&P Settlement Impacts (after-tax) (4)(86.1)(0.25)
Net (Loss)/Income Attributable to Common Shareholders (GAAP)$(442.2)$(1.26)$1,404.9$4.05$1,220.5$3.54

(1)    We recorded impairment charges resulting from the expected sales of our offshore wind investments and to reflect our current estimate of the fair value of the offshore wind projects. For further information, see "Business Development and Capital Expenditures – Offshore Wind Business" included in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

(2)    The 2023 charges primarily include a loss on the disposition of land. The land was initially acquired to construct the Northern Pass Transmission project and was subsequently abandoned.

(3) Transaction costs in 2022 and 2021 primarily include costs associated with the transition of systems as a result of our purchase of the assets of Columbia Gas of Massachusetts (CMA) on October 9, 2020 and integrating the CMA assets onto Eversource’s systems.

(4) The 2021 after-tax costs are associated with the October 1, 2021 CL&P settlement agreement approved by PURA that included credits to customers and funding of various customer assistance initiatives and a 2021 storm performance penalty imposed on CL&P by PURA.

Regulated Companies:  Our regulated companies comprise the electric distribution, electric transmission, natural gas distribution and water distribution segments. A summary of our segment earnings and EPS is as follows:

For the Years Ended December 31,
202320222021
(Millions of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts)AmountPer ShareAmountPer ShareAmountPer Share
Net Income - Regulated Companies (GAAP)$1,509.3$4.31$1,460.4$4.21$1,256.3$3.64
Electric Distribution, excluding CL&P Settlement Impacts (Non-GAAP)$608.0$1.74$592.8$1.71$556.2$1.61
Electric Transmission643.41.84596.61.72544.61.58
Natural Gas Distribution224.80.64234.20.67204.80.59
Water Distribution33.10.0936.80.1136.80.11
Net Income - Regulated Companies (Non-GAAP)$1,509.3$4.31$1,460.4$4.21$1,342.4$3.89
CL&P Settlement Impacts (after-tax)(86.1)(0.25)
Net Income - Regulated Companies (GAAP)$1,509.3$4.31$1,460.4$4.21$1,256.3$3.64

Our electric distribution segment earnings increased $15.2 million in 2023, as compared to 2022, due primarily to a base distribution rate increase effective January 1, 2023 at NSTAR Electric, higher earnings from CL&P's capital tracking mechanism due to increased electric system improvements, an increase in interest income primarily on regulatory deferrals, the impact of a new regulatory tracking mechanism at PSNH that allows for the recovery of previously incurred operating expenses associated with poles acquired on May 1, 2023, and higher AFUDC equity income. Those earnings increases were partially offset by higher operations and maintenance expense, higher interest expense, higher property and other tax expense, higher depreciation expense and lower pension income.

Our electric transmission segment earnings increased $46.8 million in 2023, as compared to 2022, due primarily to a higher transmission rate base as a result of our continued investment in our transmission infrastructure and a lower effective tax rate.

31

Our natural gas distribution segment earnings decreased $9.4 million in 2023, as compared to 2022, due primarily to higher depreciation expense, higher interest expense, a higher effective tax rate, an unfavorable regulatory adjustment resulting from NSTAR Gas’ GSEP reconciliation filing, higher operations and maintenance expense arising primarily from higher uncollectible expense, and higher property tax expense. Those earnings decreases were partially offset by higher earnings from capital tracking mechanisms due to continued investments in natural gas infrastructure, base distribution rate increases effective November 1, 2023 and November 1, 2022 at NSTAR Gas and effective November 1, 2022 at EGMA, and an increase in interest income primarily on regulatory deferrals.

Our water distribution segment earnings decreased $3.7 million in 2023, as compared to 2022, due primarily to higher depreciation, operations and maintenance expense and higher interest expense.

Eversource Parent and Other Companies:  Eversource parent and other companies’ losses increased $1.90 billion in 2023, as compared to 2022, due primarily to the 2023 impairments of Eversource parent’s offshore wind investments, which resulted in a total after-tax charge of $1.95 billion, or $5.58 per share. Earnings were also unfavorably impacted by higher interest expense and a loss on the disposition of land in 2023 that was initially acquired to construct the Northern Pass Transmission project and was subsequently abandoned. Earnings benefited by a lower effective tax rate as a result of the ability to utilize tax credits and benefits in 2023, as well as a decrease in after-tax transaction and transition costs. Additionally, 2023 earnings were favorably impacted from the liquidation of Eversource parent’s equity method investment in a renewable energy fund, partially offset by a charitable contribution made with a portion of the proceeds from the liquidation in 2023.

Liquidity

Sources and Uses of Cash: Eversource’s regulated business is capital intensive and requires considerable capital resources. Eversource’s regulated companies’ capital resources are provided by cash flows generated from operations, short-term borrowings, long-term debt issuances, capital contributions from Eversource parent, and existing cash, and are used to fund their liquidity and capital requirements. Eversource’s regulated companies typically maintain minimal cash balances and use short-term borrowings to meet their working capital needs and other cash requirements. Short-term borrowings are also used as a bridge to long-term debt financings. The levels of short-term borrowing may vary significantly over the course of the year due to the impact of fluctuations in cash flows from operations (including timing of storm costs and regulatory recoveries), dividends paid, capital contributions received and the timing of long-term debt financings.

Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH each uses its available capital resources to fund its respective construction expenditures, meet debt requirements, pay operating costs, including storm-related costs, pay dividends, and fund other corporate obligations, such as pension contributions. Eversource's regulated companies recover their electric, natural gas and water distribution construction expenditures as the related project costs are depreciated over the life of the assets. This impacts the timing of the revenue stream designed to fully recover the total investment plus a return on the equity and debt used to finance the investments. Eversource's regulated companies spend a significant amount of cash on capital improvements and construction projects that have a long-term return on investment and recovery period. In addition, Eversource uses its capital resources to fund investments in its offshore wind business, which are recognized as long-term assets. These factors have resulted in current liabilities exceeding current assets by $2.09 billion, $308.5 million and $143.6 million at Eversource, NSTAR Electric and PSNH, respectively, as of December 31, 2023.

We expect the future operating cash flows of Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH, along with our existing borrowing availability and access to both debt and equity markets, will be sufficient to meet any working capital and future operating requirements, and capital investment forecasted opportunities.

As of December 31, 2023, $1.95 billion of Eversource's long-term debt, including $1.35 billion at Eversource parent and $139.8 million at CL&P, matures within the next 12 months. Eversource, with its solid credit ratings, has several options available in the financial markets to repay or refinance these maturities with the issuance of new long-term debt. Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH will reduce their short-term borrowings with operating cash flows or with the issuance of new long-term debt, determined by considering capital requirements and maintenance of Eversource's credit rating and profile.

Cash and Cash Equivalents totaled $53.9 million as of December 31, 2023, compared with $374.6 million as of December 31, 2022.

Short-Term Debt - Commercial Paper Programs and Credit Agreements: Eversource parent has a $2.00 billion commercial paper program allowing Eversource parent to issue commercial paper as a form of short-term debt. Eversource parent, CL&P, PSNH, NSTAR Gas, Yankee Gas, EGMA and Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut are parties to a five-year $2.00 billion revolving credit facility, which terminates on October 13, 2028. This revolving credit facility serves to backstop Eversource parent's $2.00 billion commercial paper program.

NSTAR Electric has a $650 million commercial paper program allowing NSTAR Electric to issue commercial paper as a form of short-term debt. NSTAR Electric is also a party to a five-year $650 million revolving credit facility, which terminates on October 13, 2028, and serves to backstop NSTAR Electric's $650 million commercial paper program.

32

The amount of borrowings outstanding and available under the commercial paper programs were as follows:

Borrowings Outstanding as of December 31,Available Borrowing Capacity as of December 31,Weighted-Average Interest Rate as of December 31,
(Millions of Dollars)202320222023202220232022
Eversource Parent Commercial Paper Program$1,771.9$1,442.2$228.1$557.85.60%4.63%
NSTAR Electric Commercial Paper Program365.8284.2650.05.40%%

There were no borrowings outstanding on the revolving credit facilities as of December 31, 2023 or 2022.

CL&P and PSNH have uncommitted line of credit agreements totaling $375 million and $250 million, respectively, which will expire in 2024. There are no borrowings outstanding on either the CL&P or PSNH uncommitted line of credit agreements as of December 31, 2023.

Amounts outstanding under the commercial paper programs are included in Notes Payable and classified in current liabilities on the Eversource and NSTAR Electric balance sheets, as all borrowings are outstanding for no more than 364 days at one time. As a result of the CL&P long-term debt issuance in January 2024, $207.3 million of commercial paper borrowings under the Eversource parent commercial paper program were reclassified as Long-Term Debt on Eversource parent’s balance sheet as of December 31, 2023.

Intercompany Borrowings: Eversource parent uses its available capital resources to provide loans to its subsidiaries to assist in meeting their short-term borrowing needs. Eversource parent records intercompany interest income from its loans to subsidiaries, which is eliminated in consolidation. Intercompany loans from Eversource parent to its subsidiaries are eliminated in consolidation on Eversource's balance sheets. As of December 31, 2023, there were intercompany loans from Eversource parent to CL&P of $457.0 million and to PSNH of $233.0 million. As of December 31, 2022, there were intercompany loans from Eversource parent to PSNH of $173.3 million. Eversource parent charges interest on these intercompany loans at the same weighted-average interest rate as its commercial paper program. Intercompany loans from Eversource parent are included in Notes Payable to Eversource parent and classified in current liabilities on the respective subsidiary's balance sheets, as these intercompany borrowings are outstanding for no more than 364 days at one time. As a result of the CL&P long-term debt issuance in January 2024, $207.3 million of CL&P’s intercompany borrowings were reclassified to Long-Term Debt on CL&P’s balance sheet as of December 31, 2023.

Availability under Long-Term Debt Issuance Authorizations: On June 14, 2022, the DPU approved NSTAR Gas’ request for authorization to issue up to $325 million in long-term debt through December 31, 2024. On November 30, 2022, the PURA approved CL&P's request for authorization to issue up to $1.15 billion in long-term debt through December 31, 2024. As a result of CL&P’s January 2024 long-term debt issuance, CL&P has now fully utilized this authorization. On June 7, 2023, PURA approved Yankee Gas’ request for authorization to issue up to $350 million in long-term debt through December 31, 2024. On November 21, 2023, NSTAR Electric petitioned the DPU requesting authorization to issue up to $2.4 billion in long-term debt through December 31, 2026. On February 8, 2024, the NHPUC approved PSNH’s request for authorization to issue up to $300 million in long-term debt through December 31, 2024.

33

Long-Term Debt Issuances and Repayments: The following table summarizes long-term debt issuances and repayments:

(Millions of Dollars)Interest RateIssuance/ (Repayment)Issue Date or Repayment DateMaturity DateUse of Proceeds for Issuance/ Repayment Information
CL&P 2023 Series A First Mortgage Bonds5.25%$500.0January 2023January 2053Repaid 2013 Series A Bonds at maturity and short-term debt, and paid capital expenditures and working capital
CL&P 2013 Series A First Mortgage Bonds2.50%(400.0)January 2023January 2023Paid at maturity
CL&P 2023 Series B First Mortgage Bonds4.90%300.0July 2023July 2033Repaid short-term debt, paid capital expenditures and working capital
CL&P 2024 Series A First Mortgage Bonds4.65%350.0January 2024January 2029Repaid short-term debt, paid capital expenditures and working capital
NSTAR Electric 2023 Debentures5.60%150.0September 2023October 2028Repaid Series G Senior Notes at maturity and short-term debt and for general corporate purposes
NSTAR Electric 2013 Series G Senior Notes3.88%(80.0)November 2023November 2023Paid at maturity
PSNH Series W First Mortgage Bonds5.15%300.0January 2023January 2053Repaid short-term debt, paid capital expenditures and working capital
PSNH Series X First Mortgage Bonds5.35%300.0September 2023October 2033Repaid Series S Bonds at maturity and for general corporate purposes
PSNH Series S First Mortgage Bonds3.50%(325.0)November 2023November 2023Paid at maturity
Eversource Parent Series Z Senior Notes5.45%750.0March 2023March 2028Repaid Series F Senior Notes at maturity and short-term debt
Eversource Parent Series F Senior Notes2.80%(450.0)May 2023May 2023Paid at maturity
Eversource Parent Series Z Senior Notes5.45%550.0May 2023March 2028Repaid Series T Senior Notes and Series N Senior Notes at maturity and short-term debt
Eversource Parent Series AA Senior Notes4.75%450.0May 2023May 2026Repaid Series T Senior Notes and Series N Senior Notes at maturity and short-term debt
Eversource Parent Series BB Senior Notes5.125%800.0May 2023May 2033Repaid Series T Senior Notes and Series N Senior Notes at maturity and short-term debt
Eversource Parent Variable Rate Series T Senior NotesSOFR plus 0.25%(350.0)August 2023August 2023Paid at maturity
Eversource Parent Series CC Senior Notes5.95%800.0November 2023February 2029Repaid Series N Senior Notes at maturity and short-term debt
Eversource Parent Series N Senior Notes3.80%(400.0)December 2023December 2023Paid at maturity
Eversource Parent Series DD Senior Notes5.00%350.0January 2024January 2027Repaid short-term debt
Eversource Parent Series EE Senior Notes5.50%650.0January 2024January 2034Repaid short-term debt
Yankee Gas Series V First Mortgage Bonds5.51%170.0August 2023August 2030Repaid short-term debt and general corporate purposes
EGMA Series D First Mortgage Bonds5.73%58.0November 2023November 2028Repaid short-term debt, paid capital expenditures and working capital
Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut Senior Notes5.89%50.0September 2023October 2043Repaid existing indebtedness, paid capital expenditures and general corporate purposes

As a result of the CL&P and Eversource parent long-term debt issuances in January 2024, $139.8 million and $990.9 million, respectively, of current portion of long-term debt were reclassified as Long-Term Debt on CL&P’s and Eversource parent’s balance sheets as of December 31, 2023.

Rate Reduction Bonds: PSNH's RRB payments consist of principal and interest and are paid semi-annually. PSNH paid $43.2 million of RRB principal payments in each of 2023 and 2022, and paid $16.2 million and $17.6 million of interest payments in 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Common Share Issuances and 2022 Equity Distribution Agreement: On May 11, 2022, Eversource entered into an equity distribution agreement pursuant to which it may offer and sell up to $1.2 billion of its common shares from time to time through an “at-the-market” (ATM) equity offering program. In 2023, no shares were issued under this agreement. In 2022, Eversource issued 2,165,671 common shares, which resulted in proceeds of $197.1 million, net of issuance costs. Eversource used the net proceeds received for general corporate purposes.

Cash Flows:  Cash flows from operating activities primarily result from the transmission and distribution of electricity, and the distribution of natural gas and water. Cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $1.65 billion in 2023, compared with $2.40 billion in 2022. Operating cash flows were unfavorably impacted by an increase in regulatory under-recoveries driven primarily by the timing of collections for the CL&P non-bypassable FMCC and other regulatory tracking mechanisms, the timing of cash payments made on our accounts payable, a $26.7 million increase in cash payments to vendors for storm costs, an $11.9 million increase in cost of removal expenditures, and the timing of other working capital items. In 2023, CL&P increased the flow back to customers of net revenues generated by long-term state-approved energy contracts by providing these credits to customers through the non-bypassable FMCC retail rate. The reduction in the CL&P non-bypassable FMCC retail rate decreased the regulatory over-recovery balance and created an under-recovery balance as of December 31, 2023, which resulted in a decrease to amortization expense of $802.3 million in 2023, as compared to 2022, and is presented as a cash outflow in Amortization on the statement of cash

34

flows. The impacts of regulatory collections are included in both Regulatory Recoveries and Amortization on the statements of cash flows. These unfavorable impacts were partially offset by the timing of cash collections on our accounts receivable, the absence in 2023 of $78.4 million of payments in 2022 related to withheld property taxes at our Massachusetts companies, a decrease of $76.3 million in pension contributions made in 2023 compared to 2022, the absence in 2023 of $72.0 million of customer credits distributed in 2022 at CL&P as a result of the October 2021 settlement agreement and the 2021 storm performance penalty for CL&P’s response to Tropical Storm Isaias, and a $38.7 million increase in operating cash flows due to lower income tax payments.

In 2023, we paid cash dividends of $919.0 million and issued non-cash dividends of $23.4 million in the form of treasury shares, totaling dividends of $942.4 million, or $2.70 per common share. In 2022, we paid cash dividends of $860.0 million and issued non-cash dividends of $23.1 million in the form of treasury shares, totaling dividends of $883.1 million, or $2.55 per common share. Our quarterly common share dividend payment was $0.675 per share in 2023, as compared to $0.6375 per share in 2022.  On January 31, 2024, our Board of Trustees approved a common share dividend payment of $0.715 per share, payable on March 29, 2024 to shareholders of record as of March 5, 2024.

Eversource issues treasury shares to satisfy awards under the Company's incentive plans, shares issued under the dividend reinvestment and share purchase plan, and matching contributions under the Eversource 401k Plan.

In 2023, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH paid $330.4 million, $327.4 million and $112.0 million, respectively, in common stock dividends to Eversource parent.

Investments in Property, Plant and Equipment on the statements of cash flows do not include amounts incurred on capital projects but not yet paid, cost of removal, AFUDC related to equity funds, and the capitalized and deferred portions of pension and PBOP income/expense.  In 2023, investments for Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric, and PSNH were $4.34 billion, $1.09 billion, $1.38 billion and $605.1 million, respectively. Capital expenditures were primarily for continuing projects to maintain and improve infrastructure and operations, including enhancing reliability to the transmission and distribution systems.

Capital contributions in the offshore wind investments, including the 2023 contribution for the tax equity investment in South Fork Wind, are included in Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates on the statements of cash flows. Proceeds received from the sale of the uncommitted lease area of $625 million in 2023 and from an October 2023 distribution of $318 million received primarily as a result of being a 50 percent joint owner in the Class B shares of South Fork Wind which was restructured as a tax equity investment, are included in Proceeds from Unconsolidated Affiliates on the statement of cash flows. Proceeds from the October 2023 distribution were used to pay down short-term debt. Proceeds from Unconsolidated Affiliates also includes proceeds received from the liquidation of an equity method investment in a renewable energy investment fund of $147.6 million in 2023.

Contractual Obligations: For information regarding our cash requirements from contractual obligations and payment schedules, see Note 9, "Long-Term Debt," Note 10, "Rate Reduction Bonds and Variable Interest Entities," Note 11A, "Employee Benefits - Pension Benefits and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pension," Note 13, "Commitments and Contingencies," and Note 14, "Leases," to the financial statements.

Estimated interest payments on existing long-term fixed-rate debt are calculated by multiplying the coupon rate on the debt by its scheduled notional amount outstanding for the period of measurement as of December 31, 2023 and are as follows:

(Millions of Dollars)20242025202620272028ThereafterTotal
Eversource$933.3$868.1$827.5$774.5$671.6$6,860.6$10,935.6

Our commitments to make payments in addition to these contractual obligations include other liabilities reflected on our balance sheets, future funding of our offshore wind equity method investments until the expected sales are completed, and guarantees of certain obligations primarily associated with our offshore wind investments. The future funding and guarantee obligations associated with our offshore wind investments will be impacted by the expected sales of our offshore wind investments and related developments.

For information regarding our projected capital expenditures over the next five years, see "Business Development and Capital Expenditures - Projected Capital Expenditures" and for further information on the expected sales of our offshore wind investments, see “Business Development and Capital Expenditures - Offshore Wind Business" included in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Credit Ratings:  A summary of our current corporate credit ratings and outlooks by S&P, Moody's, and Fitch is as follows:

S&PMoody'sFitch
CurrentOutlookCurrentOutlookCurrentOutlook
Eversource ParentA-Watch NegBaa2NegativeBBBStable
CL&PAWatch NegA3StableA-Stable
NSTAR ElectricAWatch NegA2NegativeA-Stable
PSNHAWatch NegA3StableA-Stable

35

A summary of the current credit ratings and outlooks by S&P, Moody's, and Fitch for senior unsecured debt of Eversource parent and NSTAR Electric, and senior secured debt of CL&P and PSNH is as follows:

S&PMoody'sFitch
CurrentOutlookCurrentOutlookCurrentOutlook
Eversource ParentBBB+Watch NegBaa2NegativeBBBStable
CL&PA+Watch NegA1StableA+Stable
NSTAR ElectricAWatch NegA2NegativeAStable
PSNHA+Watch NegA1StableA+Stable

Business Development and Capital Expenditures

Our consolidated capital expenditures, including amounts incurred but not paid, cost of removal, AFUDC, and the capitalized and deferred portions of pension and PBOP income/expense (all of which are non-cash factors), totaled $4.59 billion in 2023, $3.79 billion in 2022, and $3.54 billion in 2021.  These amounts included $214.4 million in 2023, $266.5 million in 2022, and $238.0 million in 2021 related to information technology and facilities upgrades and enhancements, primarily at Eversource Service and The Rocky River Realty Company.

Electric Transmission Business: Our consolidated electric transmission business capital expenditures increased by $240.8 million in 2023, as compared to 2022.  A summary of electric transmission capital expenditures by company is as follows:

For the Years Ended December 31,
(Millions of Dollars)202320222021
CL&P$470.4$416.8$400.0
NSTAR Electric567.4438.4480.3
PSNH410.0351.8235.0
Total Electric Transmission$1,447.8$1,207.0$1,115.3

Our transmission projects are designed to improve the reliability of the electric grid, meet customer demand for power and increases in electrification of municipal infrastructure, strengthen the electric grid's resilience against extreme weather and other safety and security threats, and enable integration of increasing amounts of clean power generation from renewable sources, such as solar, battery storage, and offshore wind. In Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, our transmission projects include transmission line upgrades, the installation of new transmission interconnection facilities, substations and lines, and transmission substation enhancements.

Distribution Business:  A summary of distribution capital expenditures is as follows:

For the Years Ended December 31,
(Millions of Dollars)CL&PNSTAR ElectricPSNHTotal ElectricNatural GasWaterTotal
2023
Basic Business$280.3$376.6$91.1$748.0$208.2$18.5$974.7
Aging Infrastructure260.7310.086.4657.1719.5142.31,518.9
Load Growth and Other138.0191.337.2366.570.10.9437.5
Total Distribution$679.0$877.9$214.7$1,771.6$997.8$161.7$2,931.1
2022
Basic Business$267.8$202.4$68.6$538.8$175.2$16.8$730.8
Aging Infrastructure199.9245.170.8515.8562.3137.61,215.7
Load Growth and Other90.7177.031.3299.066.40.9366.3
Total Distribution$558.4$624.5$170.7$1,353.6$803.9$155.3$2,312.8
2021
Basic Business$256.2$179.9$56.0$492.1$206.1$16.5$714.7
Aging Infrastructure178.0219.167.7464.8509.6127.11,101.5
Load Growth and Other80.2169.937.1287.283.30.6371.1
Total Distribution$514.4$568.9$160.8$1,244.1$799.0$144.2$2,187.3

For the electric distribution business, basic business includes the purchase of meters, tools, vehicles, information technology, transformer replacements, equipment facilities, and the relocation of plant. Aging infrastructure relates to reliability and the replacement of overhead lines, plant substations, underground cable replacement, and equipment failures. Load growth and other includes requests for new business and capacity additions on distribution lines and substation additions and expansions.

36

For the natural gas distribution business, basic business addresses daily operational needs including meters, pipe relocations due to public works projects, vehicles, and tools. Aging infrastructure projects seek to improve the reliability of the system through enhancements related to cast iron and bare steel replacement of main and services, corrosion mediation, and station upgrades. Load growth and other reflects growth in existing service territories including new developments, installation of services, and expansion.

For the water distribution business, basic business addresses daily operational needs including periodic meter replacement, water main relocation, facility maintenance, and tools. Aging infrastructure relates to reliability and the replacement of water mains, regulators, storage tanks, pumping stations, wellfields, reservoirs, and treatment facilities. Load growth and other reflects growth in our service territory, including improvements of acquisitions, installation of new services, and interconnections of systems.

Projected Capital Expenditures:  A summary of the projected capital expenditures for the regulated companies' electric transmission and for the total electric distribution, natural gas distribution and water distribution for 2024 through 2028, including information technology and facilities upgrades and enhancements on behalf of the regulated companies, is as follows:

Years
(Millions of Dollars)202420252026202720282024 - 2028 Total
CL&P Transmission$393$332$255$279$194$1,453
NSTAR Electric Transmission4505266408389033,357
PSNH Transmission3573491584949962
Total Electric Transmission1,2001,2071,0531,1661,1465,772
Electric Distribution2,0091,8692,0512,0061,7709,705
Natural Gas Distribution1,0441,0871,1421,0891,0795,441
Total Electric and Natural Gas Distribution3,0532,9563,1933,0952,84915,146
Water Distribution1692042182342511,076
Information Technology and All Other2252342232022391,123
Total$4,647$4,601$4,687$4,697$4,485$23,117

The projections do not include investments related to offshore wind projects.  Actual capital expenditures could vary from the projected amounts for the companies and years above.

Offshore Wind Business: Eversource’s offshore wind business includes 50 percent ownership interests in wind partnerships, which collectively hold the Revolution Wind, South Fork Wind and Sunrise Wind projects, and a tax equity investment in South Fork Wind. The offshore wind projects are being developed and constructed through joint and equal partnerships with Ørsted.

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, Eversource's total equity investment balance in its offshore wind business was $515.5 million and $1.95 billion, respectively.

Expected Sales of Offshore Wind Investments: On May 25, 2023, Eversource announced that it had completed a strategic review of its offshore wind investments and determined that it would pursue the sale of its offshore wind investments. On September 7, 2023, Eversource completed the sale of its 50 percent interest in an uncommitted lease area consisting of approximately 175,000 developable acres located 25 miles off the south coast of Massachusetts to Ørsted for $625 million in an all-cash transaction.

In September of 2023, Eversource made a contribution of $528 million using the proceeds from the lease area sale to invest in a tax equity interest for South Fork Wind. South Fork Wind was restructured as a tax equity investment, with Eversource purchasing 100 percent ownership of a new Class A tax equity membership interest. As a result of this investment, Eversource expects to receive investment tax credits after the turbines are placed in service for South Fork Wind and meet the requirements to qualify for the ITC. These credits will be utilized to reduce Eversource’s federal tax liability or generate tax refunds over the next 24 months. All of South Fork Wind’s twelve turbines are expected to be installed and placed into service by the end of March 2024.

On January 24, 2024, Ørsted signed an agreement with Eversource to acquire Eversource’s 50 percent share of Sunrise Wind. The sale is subject to the successful selection of Sunrise Wind in the ongoing New York fourth solicitation for offshore wind capacity, signing of an OREC contract with NYSERDA, finalization of sale agreements, receipt of final federal construction permits, and relevant regulatory approvals. If Sunrise Wind is not successful in the solicitation, then the existing OREC contract for Sunrise Wind will be cancelled according to the state’s requirements, and Eversource and Ørsted’s joint venture for Sunrise Wind will remain in place. In that scenario, Ørsted and Eversource would then assess their options in determining the best path forward for Sunrise Wind and its assets, which include the BOEM offshore lease area. If Sunrise Wind’s revised bid is successful in the new solicitation, Sunrise Wind would have 90 days to negotiate a new OREC agreement at the re-bid price. In a successful re-bid, Ørsted would become the sole owner of Sunrise Wind, while Eversource would remain contracted to lead the project’s onshore construction. If Sunrise Wind is successful in the re-bid, Ørsted would pay Eversource 50 percent of the negotiated purchase price upon closing the sale transaction, with the remaining 50 percent paid when onshore construction is completed and certain other milestones are achieved. On January 25, 2024, Eversource and Ørsted submitted a new proposal for Sunrise Wind in the New York fourth offshore wind solicitation.

37

On February 13, 2024, Eversource announced that it has executed an agreement to sell its existing 50 percent interests in the South Fork Wind and Revolution Wind projects to Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP). As part of this transaction, Eversource expects to receive approximately $1.1 billion of cash proceeds upon closing, which includes the sales value related to the 10 percent energy community ITC adder of approximately $170 million related to Revolution Wind, and to exit these projects while retaining certain cost sharing obligations for the construction of Revolution Wind. The purchase price is subject to future post-closing adjustment payments based on, among other things, the progress, timing and expense of construction at each project. The cost sharing obligations provide that Eversource would share equally with GIP in GIP’s funding obligations for up to approximately $240 million of incremental capital expenditure overruns incurred during the construction phase for the Revolution Wind project, after which GIP’s obligations for any additional capital expenditure overruns would be shared equally by Eversource and Ørsted. Additionally, Eversource’s financial exposure will be adjusted by certain purchase price adjustments to be made following commercial operation of the Revolution Wind project and closing of South Fork as a result of final project economics, which includes Eversource’s obligation to maintain GIP’s internal rate of return for each project as specified in the agreement. Eversource currently expects that South Fork Wind will reach full commercial operation prior to closing of the sale with GIP and Eversource does not expect any material cost sharing or other purchase price adjustment payments for South Fork Wind.

Factors that could result in Eversource’s total net proceeds from the transaction to be lower or higher include Revolution Wind’s eligibility for federal investment tax credits at other than the anticipated 40 percent level; the ultimate cost of construction and extent of cost overruns for Revolution Wind; delays in constructing Revolution Wind, which would impact the economics associated with the purchase price adjustment; and a benefit due to Eversource if there are lower operation costs or higher availability of the projects through the period that is four years following the commercial operation date of the Revolution Wind project.

Closing a transaction with GIP would be subject to customary conditions, including certain regulatory approvals under the Hart Scott Rodino Act and by the New York Public Service Commission and the FERC, as well as other conditions, among which is the completion and execution of the partnership agreements between GIP and Ørsted that will govern GIP’s new ownership interest in those projects following Eversource’s divestiture. Closing of the transaction is currently expected to occur in mid-2024. If closing of the sale is delayed, additional capital contributions made by Eversource would be recovered in the sales price. Under the agreement, Eversource’s existing credit support obligations are expected to roll off for each project around the time that each project completes its expected capital spend.

Impairment: Equity method investments are assessed for impairment when conditions exist as of the balance sheet date that indicate that the fair value of the investment may be less than book value. Eversource continually monitors and evaluates its equity method investments to determine if there are indicators of an other-than-temporary impairment. If the decline in value is considered to be other-than-temporary, the investment is written down to its estimated fair value, which establishes a new cost basis in the investment. Subsequent declines or recoveries after the reporting date are not considered in the impairment recognized. Investments that are other-than-temporarily impaired and written down to their estimated fair value cannot subsequently be written back up for increases in estimated fair value. Impairment evaluations involve a significant degree of judgment and estimation, including identifying circumstances that indicate an impairment may exist at the equity method investment level, selecting discount rates used to determine fair values, and developing an estimate of discounted future cash flows expected from investment operations or the sale of the investment.

In connection with the process to divest its offshore wind business, Eversource identified indicators for impairment in both the second and fourth quarters of 2023. In each impairment assessment, Eversource evaluated its investments and determined that the carrying value of the equity method offshore wind investments exceeded the fair value of the investments and that the decline in fair value was other-than-temporary. The completion of the strategic review in the second quarter of 2023 resulted in Eversource recording a pre-tax other-than-temporary impairment charge of $401 million ($331 million after-tax) to reflect the investment at estimated fair value based on the expected sales price at that time. This established a new cost basis in the investments. Negative developments in the fourth quarter of 2023, including a lower expected sales price, additional projected construction cost increases, and the October 2023 OREC pricing denial for Sunrise Wind, resulted in Eversource conducting an impairment evaluation and recognizing an additional pre-tax other-than-temporary impairment charge of $1.77 billion ($1.62 billion after-tax) and establishing a new cost basis in the investments as of December 31, 2023. The Eversource statement of income reflects a total pre-tax other-than-temporary impairment charge of $2.17 billion ($1.95 billion after-tax) in its offshore wind investments for the year ended 2023.

The impairment evaluations involved judgments in developing the estimates and timing of the future cash flows arising from the expected sales price of Eversource’s 50 percent interest in the wind projects, including expected sales value from investment tax credit adder amounts, less estimated costs to sell, and uncertainties related to the Sunrise Wind re-bid process in New York’s offshore wind solicitation. Additional assumptions in the fourth quarter assessment included revised projected construction costs and estimated project cost overruns, estimated termination costs, salvage values of Sunrise Wind assets, and the value of the tax equity ownership interest. The assumptions used in the discounted cash flow analyses are subject to inherent uncertainties and subjectivity. The use of different assumptions, estimates, or judgments with respect to the estimation of future cash flows could materially change the impairment charges. The impairment evaluations were based on best information available at the impairment assessment dates. New information from events or circumstances arising after the balance sheet date, such as the January 25, 2024 re-bid of Sunrise Wind in the New York solicitation, are not included in the December 31, 2023 impairment evaluation. All significant inputs into the impairment evaluations were Level 3 fair value measurements.

38

The expected cash flows arising from the anticipated sales are a significant input in the impairment evaluation. In the fourth quarter of 2023, project construction forecasts were updated, and these new forecasts reflected additional expenditures for construction and scheduling related pressures, including the availability and increased cost of installation vessels and supply chain cost increases related to foundation fabrication. In determining the current fair value of the investments, these updated projections exceeded the previously estimated projections for construction expenditures, which resulted in a revised sales price that was significantly lower than the previous bid value. Another significant assumption in the impairment evaluation includes the probability of payment of future cost overruns on the three wind projects through each project's respective commercial operation date, which would not be recovered in the expected sales price. This assumption was based on construction projections updated in the fourth quarter of 2023 exceeding prior estimates. An increase in expected cost overruns could result in a significant impairment in a future period.

Another key assumption in the impairment model of our offshore wind investments was investment tax credit (“ITC”) adders that were included in the Inflation Reduction Act and were a separate part of the sales price value offered by GIP. An ITC adder is an additional 10 percent of credit value for ITC eligible costs and include two distinct qualifications related to either using domestic sourced materials (domestic content) or construction of an onshore substation in a designated community (energy community). Similar to the base ITC of 30 percent of the eligible costs, any ITC adders generated would be used to reduce an owner’s federal tax liability and could be used to receive tax refunds from prior years as well. Management believes there is a high likelihood that the 10 percent energy community ITC adder is realizable, and that ITC adder would amount to approximately $170 million of additional sales value related to Revolution Wind and that it would qualify for the ITC adder after it reaches commercial operation in 2025. Although management believes the ITC adder value is realizable, there is some uncertainty at this time as to whether or not those ITC adders can be achieved, and management continues to evaluate the project’s qualifications and to monitor guidance issued by the United States Treasury Department. A change in the expected value or qualification of ITC adders could result in a significant impairment in a future period.

Another fourth quarter 2023 development included in the impairment evaluation is the key judgment regarding the probability of future cash inflows and outflows associated with the sale or abandonment of the Sunrise Wind project and the expected outcome of the New York fourth offshore wind solicitation in 2024. In June 2023, Sunrise Wind filed a petition with the New York State Public Service Commission for an order authorizing NYSERDA to amend the Sunrise Wind OREC contract to increase the contract price to cover increased costs and inflation. At that time, management expected the contract repricing would be successful given NYSERDA’s public support for pricing adjustments. On October 12, 2023, the New York State Public Service Commission denied this petition. Subsequent to the denial, on November 30, 2023, the general terms of an expedited offshore wind renewable energy solicitation in New York were released. A primary condition for Sunrise Wind to participate in this new solicitation was to agree to terminate its existing OREC agreement. As of December 31, 2023, Eversource and Ørsted were considering whether to submit a new bid for Sunrise Wind, the price at which a new bid would be made, and the probability of success in the new bidding process. The December 31, 2023 impairment evaluation included management’s judgment of the likelihood of possible future scenarios that included the Sunrise Wind project continuing with its existing OREC contract, the project re-bidding and being selected in the new solicitation, the project re-bidding and not being selected, or the project not moving forward. The unfavorable development of the October 2023 denial of the OREC pricing petition, management’s assessment of the likelihood of success in the competitive New York re-bidding process, and the increased costs to build the project, have resulted in management’s assumption that the Sunrise Wind project will ultimately be abandoned, and therefore, no sales value was modeled in the impairment evaluation. Additionally, in the abandonment assumption, management has assumed the loss of contingent sales value associated with any related ITC adders and has estimated future cash outflows for Eversource’s share of cancellation costs required under Sunrise Wind’s supplier contracts, partially offset by expected salvage value and expected cost overruns not incurred in the case of abandonment that are included in the fourth quarter 2023 impairment charge. An increase in expected cancellation costs could result in a significant impairment in a future period.

A summary of the significant estimates and assumptions included in the 2023 impairment charges is as follows:

Second Quarter 2023Fourth Quarter 2023Total
(Millions of Dollars)
Lower expected sales proceeds across all three wind projects$401$525$926
Expected cost overruns not recovered in the sales price441441
Loss of sales value from the sale price offered by GIP, including loss of ITC adders value, cancellation costs and other impacts assuming Sunrise Wind project is abandoned800800
Impairment Charges, pre-tax4011,7662,167
Tax Benefit(70)(144)(214)
Impairment Charges, after-tax$331$1,6221,953

A summary of the carrying value by investee and by project as of December 31, 2023 is as follows:

Investments Expected to be Disposed ofInvestment to be Held
North East OffshoreSouth Fork Class B Member, LLCSouth Fork Wind Holdings, LLC Class ATotal Offshore Wind Investments
(Millions of Dollars)Sunrise WindRevolution Wind
Carrying Value as of December 31, 2023, before Impairment Charge$699$799$299$485$2,282
Fourth Quarter 2023 Impairment Charge(1,218)(544)(4)(1,766)
Carrying Value as of December 31, 2023$(519)$255$299$481$516

39

Management will continue to monitor and evaluate all facts and circumstances in the offshore wind sales process and the impact on its investment balance. Adverse changes in facts and circumstances of estimates and timing of future cash flows and the factors described above could result in the recognition of additional, significant impairment charges that could be material to the financial statements.

The impairment charge was a non-cash charge and did not impact Eversource’s cash position. Eversource will continue to make future cash expenditures for required cash contributions to its offshore wind investments up to the time of disposition of each of the offshore wind projects. Capital contributions are expected until the sales are completed and changes in the timing and amounts of these contributions would be adjusted in the sales prices and therefore not result in an additional impairment charge. Proceeds from the transactions will be used to pay off parent company debt. Eversource’s offshore wind investments do not meet the criteria to qualify for presentation as a discontinued operation.

Contracts, Permitting and Construction of Offshore Wind Projects: The following table provides a summary of the Eversource and Ørsted major projects with announced contracts:

Wind ProjectState ServicingSize (MW)Term (Years)Price per MWhPricing TermsContract Status
Revolution WindRhode Island40020$98.43Fixed price contract; no price escalationApproved
Revolution WindConnecticut30420$98.43 - $99.50Fixed price contracts; no price escalationApproved
South Fork WindNew York (LIPA)9020$160.332 percent average price escalationApproved
South Fork WindNew York (LIPA)4020$86.252 percent average price escalationApproved

The offshore wind projects require receipt of federal, state and local approvals necessary to construct and operate the projects. The federal permitting process is led by BOEM, and state approvals are required from New York, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. South Fork Wind and Revolution Wind have received all required approvals to start construction. Significant delays in the siting and permitting process resulting from the timeline for obtaining approval from BOEM and the state and local agencies could adversely impact the timing of Sunrise Wind’s' in-service date.

Federal Siting and Permitting Process: The federal siting and permitting process for each of our offshore wind projects commence with the filing of a Construction and Operations Plan (COP) application with BOEM. BOEM provides a review schedule for the project’s COP approval and conducts environmental and technical reviews of the COP. BOEM issues an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that assesses the environmental, social, and economic impacts of constructing the project and recommends measures to minimize impacts. The Final EIS will inform BOEM in deciding whether to approve the project or to approve with modifications and BOEM will then issue its Record of Decision. BOEM issues its final approval of the COP following the Record of Decision.

Revolution Wind and Sunrise Wind filed their COP applications with BOEM in March 2020 and September 2020, respectively. For the Revolution Wind project, BOEM released its Draft EIS on September 2, 2022 and its Final EIS on July 17, 2023. On August 21, 2023, BOEM issued its Record of Decision, which concluded BOEM’s environmental review of the project and identified the recommended configuration. Final approval of the Revolution Wind project was received on November 20, 2023. For the Sunrise Wind project, BOEM released its Draft EIS on December 16, 2022 and its Final EIS on December 15, 2023. The Record of Decision is expected in the first quarter of 2024 and final approval of Sunrise Wind is expected in the second quarter of 2024.

South Fork Wind, Revolution Wind and Sunrise Wind are each designated as a “Covered Project” pursuant to Title 41 of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST41) and a Major Infrastructure Project under Section 3(e) of Executive Order 13807, which provides greater federal attention on meeting the projects’ permitting timelines.

State and Local Siting and Permitting Process: State permitting applications in Rhode Island for Revolution Wind and in New York for Sunrise Wind were filed in December 2020. On July 8, 2022, the Rhode Island Energy Facilities Siting Board issued a Final Decision and Order approving the Revolution Wind project and granting a license to construct and operate.

On November 17, 2022, the New York Public Service Commission approved an order adopting a Joint Proposal filed by Sunrise Wind and granting a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need. On November 18, 2022, Sunrise Wind filed its Phase 1 Environmental Management and Construction Plan (EM&CP) with the New York Public Service Commission, which details the plans on limited onshore construction activities subject to state and local jurisdiction. On March 27, 2023, Sunrise Wind filed its EM&CP for Phase 2, which covers the remainder of the project components. On June 22, 2023, Sunrise Wind received approval of the Phase 1 EM&CP. On July 13, 2023, the New York State Public Service Commission approved Sunrise Wind’s notice for authorization to proceed with construction for Phase 1. On December 18, 2023, Sunrise Wind received approval of the Phase 2 EM&CP.

On November 9, 2022, the Towns of Brookhaven and Suffolk County executed the easements and other real estate rights necessary to construct the Sunrise Wind project. On November 28, 2022, the Town of North Kingstown and the Quonset Development Corporation approved Revolution Wind’s real estate PILOT terms and the personal property PILOT agreement necessary to construct the Revolution Wind project.

Construction Process: South Fork Wind received all required approvals to start construction and the project entered the construction phase in early 2022. All major onshore construction activities, including the project’s underground onshore transmission line and the onshore interconnection facility located in East Hampton, New York are complete. Offshore construction activities began in the fourth quarter of 2022, and installation of the subsea transmission cable, the monopile foundations and offshore substation was completed in 2023. Installation of the project’s 11-megawatt wind turbines continued throughout 2023 and four of South Fork Wind’s twelve turbines were placed into service by January 1, 2024, meeting the project commercial operation date requirements under the power purchase agreement with LIPA. All wind turbines are expected to be installed

40

and placed into service by the end of March 2024. South Fork Wind faces several challenges and appeals of New York State and federal agency approvals, however we believe it is probable we will be able to overcome these challenges.

For Revolution Wind, on October 31, 2023, the joint venture made its final investment decision to advance to full onshore and offshore construction and installation, and major construction began in the fourth quarter of 2023 upon receipt of all necessary federal, state and local approvals. For Sunrise Wind, once all necessary federal, state and local approvals are received and the joint venture has made its final investment decision, informed in part by the outcome of the New York fourth solicitation, then major construction is expected to begin. Sunrise Wind has started limited onshore construction activities.

Projected In-Service Dates: We expect the South Fork Wind project to be in-service by the end of March 2024 and the Revolution Wind project to be in-service in late 2025. For Sunrise Wind, based on the updated BOEM permit schedule outlining when BOEM will complete its review of the COP, we currently expect an in-service date in 2026.

FERC Regulatory Matters

FERC ROE Complaints: Four separate complaints were filed at the FERC by combinations of New England state attorneys general, state regulatory commissions, consumer advocates, consumer groups, municipal parties and other parties (collectively, the Complainants). In each of the first three complaints, filed on October 1, 2011, December 27, 2012, and July 31, 2014, respectively, the Complainants challenged the NETOs' base ROE of 11.14 percent that had been utilized since 2005 and sought an order to reduce it prospectively from the date of the final FERC order and for the separate 15-month complaint periods. In the fourth complaint, filed April 29, 2016, the Complainants challenged the NETOs' base ROE billed of 10.57 percent and the maximum ROE for transmission incentive (incentive cap) of 11.74 percent, asserting that these ROEs were unjust and unreasonable.

The ROE originally billed during the period October 1, 2011 (beginning of the first complaint period) through October 15, 2014 consisted of a base ROE of 11.14 percent and incentives up to 13.1 percent. On October 16, 2014, FERC issued Opinion No. 531-A and set the base ROE at 10.57 percent and the incentive cap at 11.74 percent for the first complaint period. This was also effective for all prospective billings to customers beginning October 16, 2014. This FERC order was vacated on April 14, 2017 by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit (the Court).

All amounts associated with the first complaint period have been refunded. Eversource has recorded a reserve of $39.1 million (pre-tax and excluding interest) for the second complaint period as of both December 31, 2023 and 2022. This reserve represents the difference between the billed rates during the second complaint period and a 10.57 percent base ROE and 11.74 percent incentive cap. The reserve consisted of $21.4 million for CL&P, $14.6 million for NSTAR Electric and $3.1 million for PSNH as of both December 31, 2023 and 2022.

On October 16, 2018, FERC issued an order on all four complaints describing how it intends to address the issues that were remanded by the Court. FERC proposed a new framework to determine (1) whether an existing ROE is unjust and unreasonable and, if so, (2) how to calculate a replacement ROE. Initial briefs were filed by the NETOs, Complainants and FERC Trial Staff on January 11, 2019 and reply briefs were filed on March 8, 2019. The NETOs' brief was supportive of the overall ROE methodology determined in the October 16, 2018 order provided the FERC does not change the proposed methodology or alter its implementation in a manner that has a material impact on the results.

The FERC order included illustrative calculations for the first complaint using FERC's proposed frameworks with financial data from that complaint. Those illustrative calculations indicated that for the first complaint period, for the NETOs, which FERC concludes are of average financial risk, the preliminary just and reasonable base ROE is 10.41 percent and the preliminary incentive cap on total ROE is 13.08 percent. If the results of the illustrative calculations were included in a final FERC order for each of the complaint periods, then a 10.41 percent base ROE and a 13.08 percent incentive cap would not have a significant impact on our financial statements for all of the complaint periods. These preliminary calculations are not binding and do not represent what we believe to be the most likely outcome of a final FERC order.

On November 21, 2019, FERC issued Opinion No. 569 affecting the two pending transmission ROE complaints against the Midcontinent ISO (MISO) transmission owners, in which FERC adopted a new methodology for determining base ROEs. Various parties sought rehearing. On December 23, 2019, the NETOs filed supplementary materials in the NETOs' four pending cases to respond to this new methodology because of the uncertainty of the applicability to the NETOs' cases. On May 21, 2020, the FERC issued its order in Opinion No. 569-A on the rehearing of the MISO transmission owners' cases, in which FERC again changed its methodology for determining the MISO transmission owners' base ROEs. On November 19, 2020, the FERC issued Opinion No. 569-B denying rehearing of Opinion No. 569-A and reaffirmed the methodology previously adopted in Opinion No. 569-A. The new methodology differs significantly from the methodology proposed by FERC in its October 16, 2018 order to determine the NETOs' base ROEs in its four pending cases. FERC Opinion Nos. 569-A and 569-B were appealed to the Court. On August 9, 2022, the Court issued its decision vacating MISO ROE FERC Opinion Nos. 569, 569-A and 569-B and remanded to FERC to reopen the proceedings. The Court found that FERC’s development of the new return methodology was arbitrary and capricious due to FERC’s failure to offer a reasonable explanation for its decision to reintroduce the risk-premium financial model in its new methodology for calculating a just and reasonable return. At this time, Eversource cannot predict how and when FERC will address the Court’s findings on the remand of the MISO FERC opinions or any potential associated impact on the NETOs’ four pending ROE complaint cases.

Given the significant uncertainty regarding the applicability of the FERC opinions in the MISO transmission owners’ two complaint cases to the NETOs’ pending four complaint cases, Eversource concluded that there is no reasonable basis for a change to the reserve or recognized ROEs for any of the complaint periods at this time. As well, Eversource cannot reasonably estimate a range of loss for any of the four complaint proceedings at this time. Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH currently record revenues at the 10.57 percent base ROE and incentive cap at 11.74 percent established in the October 16, 2014 FERC order.

41

A change of 10 basis points to the base ROE used to establish the reserves would impact Eversource’s after-tax earnings by an average of approximately $3 million for each of the four 15-month complaint periods. Prospectively from the date of a final FERC order implementing a new base ROE, based off of estimated 2023 rate base, a change of 10 basis points to the base ROE would impact Eversource’s future annual after-tax earnings by approximately $5.5 million per year, and will increase slightly over time as we continue to invest in our transmission infrastructure.

FERC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Transmission Incentives: On March 20, 2020, FERC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) on transmission incentives. The NOPR intends to revise FERC’s electric transmission incentive policies to reflect competing uses of transmission due to generation resource mix, technological innovation and shifts in load patterns. FERC proposes to grant transmission incentives based on measurable project economics and reliability benefits to consumers rather than its current project risks and challenges framework.  On July 1, 2020, Eversource filed comments generally supporting the NOPR.

On April 15, 2021, FERC issued a Supplemental NOPR that proposes to eliminate the existing 50 basis point return on equity for utilities that have been participating in a regional transmission organization (RTO ROE incentive) for more than three years. On June 25, 2021, the NETOs jointly filed comments strongly opposing FERC’s proposal. On July 26, 2021, the NETOs filed Supplemental NOPR reply comments responding to various parties advocating for the elimination of the RTO Adder. If FERC issues a final order eliminating the RTO ROE incentive as proposed in the Supplemental NOPR, the estimated annual impact (using 2023 estimated rate base) on Eversource's after-tax earnings is approximately $19.5 million. The Supplemental NOPR contemplates an effective date 30 days from the final order.

At this time, Eversource cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these proceedings, including possible appellate review, and the resulting impact on its transmission incentives.

Regulatory Developments and Rate Matters

Electric, Natural Gas and Water Utility Retail Tariff Rates: Each Eversource utility subsidiary is subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the state in which it operates:  CL&P, Yankee Gas and Aquarion operate in Connecticut and are subject to PURA regulation; NSTAR Electric, NSTAR Gas, EGMA and Aquarion operate in Massachusetts and are subject to DPU regulation; and PSNH and Aquarion operate in New Hampshire and are subject to NHPUC regulation.  The regulated companies' distribution rates are set by their respective state regulatory commissions, and their tariffs include mechanisms for periodically adjusting their rates for the recovery of specific incurred costs.

Base Distribution Rates:  In Connecticut, electric, natural gas and water utilities serving more than seventy-five thousand customers are required to file a distribution rate case within four years of the last rate case. PURA can elect to convene a general rate hearing at an interval of less than four years unless prohibited from doing so by an agency decision or other law. CL&P's and Yankee Gas' base distribution rates were each established in 2018 PURA-approved rate case settlement agreements. On October 27, 2021, PURA approved a settlement agreement for CL&P that included a current base distribution rate freeze until no earlier than January 1, 2024. The approval of the settlement agreement satisfied the Connecticut statute of rate review requirements that requires electric utilities to file a distribution rate case within four years of the last rate case.

On March 15, 2023, PURA issued a final decision that rejected Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut’s (AWC-CT) application with PURA to amend its existing rate schedules. AWC-CT filed an appeal on the decision and on May 25, 2023, the State of Connecticut Superior Court granted a permanent stay of certain orders affecting base rates, which will keep existing rates in place until the appeal is completed. For further information, see "Regulatory Developments and Rate Matters - Connecticut," below.

In Massachusetts, electric distribution companies are required to file distribution rate schedules every five years, and natural gas local distribution companies to file distribution rate schedules every 10 years, and those companies are limited to one settlement agreement in any 10-year period. NSTAR Electric's base distribution rates were established in a November 2022 DPU-approved rate case. NSTAR Gas' base distribution rates were established in an October 2020 DPU-approved rate case. EGMA's base distribution rates were established in an October 2020 DPU-approved rate settlement agreement. Aquarion is not required to initiate a rate review with the DPU. Aquarion’s base distribution rates were established in a 2018 DPU-approved rate case.

In New Hampshire, PSNH's base distribution rates were established in a December 2020 NHPUC-approved rate case settlement agreement. Aquarion's base distribution rates were established in a July 2022 NHPUC-approved rate case settlement agreement, with a single step adjustment approved on January 19, 2023. Rates were effective March 1, 2023.

Rate Reconciling Mechanisms: The Eversource electric distribution companies obtain and resell power to retail customers who choose not to buy energy from a competitive energy supplier.  CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH enter into full requirements energy supply procurement contracts for its customers that choose to purchase power from the electric distribution company (standard offer, basic service or default energy service, respectively). The natural gas distribution companies procure natural gas for firm and seasonal customers. These energy supply and natural gas supply procurement costs are recovered from customers in supply rates that are approved by the respective state regulatory commission.  The rates are reset periodically (every six months for electric residential customers) and are fully reconciled to their costs.  New energy supply rates for residential customers are established effective July 1st at CL&P and NSTAR Electric and effective August 1st at PSNH. Each electric and natural gas distribution company fully recovers its energy supply costs through approved regulatory rate mechanisms on a timely basis and, therefore, such costs have no impact on earnings. Increases or decreases in energy supply retail rates result in corresponding fluctuations in both energy supply procurement revenues and purchased power or purchased natural gas expenses on the statements of income.

42

The electric and natural gas distribution companies also recover certain other costs in retail rates on a fully reconciling basis through regulatory commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms and, therefore, recovery of these costs has no impact on earnings. Costs recovered through cost tracking mechanisms include, among others, electric retail transmission charges, energy efficiency program costs, electric restructuring and stranded cost recovery revenues (including securitized RRB charges), certain capital tracking mechanisms for infrastructure improvements, and additionally for the Massachusetts utilities, pension and PBOP benefits, net metering for distributed generation, and solar-related programs. The reconciliation filings compare the total actual costs allowed to revenue requirements related to these services and the difference between the costs incurred (or the rate recovery allowed) and the actual costs allowed is deferred and included, to be either recovered or refunded, in future customer rates.  These cost tracking mechanisms also include certain incentives earned, return on capital tracking mechanisms, and carrying charges that are billed in rates to customers, which do impact earnings.

Connecticut:

CL&P Performance Based Rate Making: On May 26, 2021, in accordance with an October 2020 Connecticut law, PURA opened a proceeding to begin to evaluate and eventually implement performance based regulation (PBR) for electric distribution companies. PURA is conducting the proceeding in two phases. On January 25, 2023, PURA staff issued a proposal outlining a suggested portfolio of PBR elements for further exploration and potential implementation in the second phase of the proceeding. On April 26, 2023, PURA issued a final decision on the first phase and identified various objectives to guide PBR development and evaluate adoption of a PBR framework. The decision commenced Phase 2 by initiating three reopener dockets focused on revenue adjustment mechanisms, performance metrics and integrated distribution system planning with final decisions expected in 2025.

On November 16, 2023, PURA issued a straw proposal in the first reopener that focused on revenue adjustment mechanisms. The proposal outlines potential additions and reforms to the current revenue adjustment mechanisms, such as multi-year rate plans, earnings sharing mechanisms and the revenue decoupling mechanism, which would apply at the time of CL&P’s next distribution rate case. The straw proposal is not authoritative and technical sessions are continuing prior to a final decision. PURA is expected to issue a straw proposal in the second reopener focusing on performance incentive mechanisms (PIMs) in the first quarter of 2024. The three reopener dockets continue to progress through the Phase 2 process. We continue to monitor developments in this proceeding, and at this time, we cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this proceeding and the resulting impact to CL&P.

CL&P Storm Filing: On December 22, 2023, CL&P initiated a docket seeking a prudency review of approximately $634 million of catastrophic storm costs for twenty-four weather events from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2021. In the filing, CL&P requested PURA establish a rate to collect $50 million annually from customers from the date of the final decision in this proceeding. This rate would be effective until the next distribution rate case and would replenish the under-collected storm reserve and reduce future carrying charges for customers.

CL&P Advanced Metering Infrastructure Filing: On July 31, 2020, CL&P submitted to PURA its proposed $512 million Advanced Metering Infrastructure investment and implementation plan. On August 17, 2021, PURA issued a Notice of Request for an Amended EDC Advanced Metering Infrastructure Proposal. On November 8, 2021, CL&P submitted an Amended Proposal in response to this request with an updated schedule for the years 2022 through 2028, which included additional information as required by PURA. As required, the plan includes a full deployment of advanced metering functionality and a composite business case in support of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure plan. On January 3, 2024, PURA issued a final decision regarding CL&P’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure investment and implementation plan, which CL&P most recently estimated at $766.4 million for capital costs and one-time operating expenses. In CL&P’s view, the final decision does not provide a reasonable path for cost recovery and delays implementation by a year. In addition, the final decision modifies the prudence standard for recovery of costs expended on the project, improperly linking recovery to outcomes not known at the outset of the project. On January 18, 2024, CL&P submitted a motion for reconsideration to PURA asking that the agency modify these aspects of the decision.

Termination of Park City Wind’s Power Purchase Agreement with CL&P: On October 2, 2023, Park City Wind LLC and CL&P signed an agreement to terminate the Park City Wind offshore wind generation PPA, at the request of Park City Wind LLC. The termination agreement was effective on October 13, 2023, the date of PURA approval. In October 2023, Park City Wind LLC paid a termination payment of $12.9 million to CL&P resulting from the termination of the PPA, which CL&P will return to customers.

Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut Distribution Rate Case: On August 29, 2022, Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut (AWC-CT) filed an application with PURA to amend its existing rate schedules to address an operating revenue deficiency. AWC-CT’s rate application requested approval of rate increases of $27.5 million, an additional $13.6 million, and an additional $8.8 million, effective March 15, 2023, 2024, and 2025, respectively. On March 15, 2023, PURA issued a final decision that rejected this request. In this decision, PURA ordered a base distribution rate decrease of $2.0 million effective March 15, 2023. The decision allows an authorized regulatory ROE of 8.70 percent. On March 30, 2023, AWC-CT filed an appeal on the decision and requested a stay of the decision with the State of Connecticut Superior Court. On April 5, 2023, the Court temporarily granted AWC-CT’s request to stay and on May 25, 2023 granted a permanent stay of certain orders affecting base rates, which will keep existing rates in place until the appeal is completed. The stay included the condition that AWC-CT place any revenue received from customers above the rates and amounts authorized in the March 15, 2023 decision in a separate, interest bearing account until further order. A hearing on the merits of the appeal was held on January 11, 2024. A decision from the State of Connecticut Superior Court is pending.

Massachusetts:

NSTAR Electric Distribution Rates: On November 30, 2022, the DPU issued its decision in the NSTAR Electric distribution rate case and approved a base distribution rate increase of $64 million effective January 1, 2023.

43

NSTAR Electric’s PBR mechanism allows for an annual adjustment to base distribution rates for inflation, exogenous events and future capital additions based on a historical five-year average of total capital additions. NSTAR Electric submitted its first annual PBR Adjustment filing on September 15, 2023 and on December 26, 2023, the DPU approved a $104.9 million increase to base distribution rates effective January 1, 2024. The base distribution rate increase was comprised of a $50.6 million inflation-based adjustment and a $54.3 million K-bar adjustment for capital additions based on the difference between the historical five-year average of total capital additions and the base capital revenue requirement.

NSTAR Electric’s Electric Sector Modernization Plan (ESMP) Filing: Massachusetts state law requires the electric distribution companies to file a comprehensive distribution system plan by January 29, 2024, to proactively upgrade the distribution system (and, where applicable, the associated transmission system) to: (i) improve grid reliability, communications and resiliency; (ii) enable increased, timely adoption of renewable energy and distributed energy resources; (iii) promote energy storage and electrification technologies necessary to decarbonize the environment and economy; (iv) prepare for future climate-driven impacts on the transmission and distribution systems; (v) accommodate increased transportation electrification, increased building electrification and other potential future demands on distribution and, where applicable, the transmission system; and (vi) minimize or mitigate impacts on Massachusetts ratepayers, thereby helping the state realize its statewide greenhouse gas emissions limits and sublimits under the law. On January 29, 2024, NSTAR Electric filed its ESMP with the DPU. NSTAR Electric’s plan meets these requirements by providing a comprehensive view of all the investments required to build a safer, more reliable, more resilient electric distribution system taking into account the needs of environmental justice communities. For the five-year period from 2025 through 2029, the proposed incremental capital investment is $608 million and the incremental expense amount is $211 million. The DPU must approve, approve with modification, or reject the ESMP filing within seven months after filing.

Termination of SouthCoast Wind’s Power Purchase Agreements with NSTAR Electric: On August 28, 2023, SouthCoast Wind Energy LLC and NSTAR Electric signed agreements to terminate three SouthCoast Wind offshore wind generation PPAs, at the request of SouthCoast Wind Energy LLC. The termination agreements were effective on September 29, 2023, the date of DPU approval. In October 2023, SouthCoast Wind Energy, LLC paid a termination payment totaling $32.5 million to NSTAR Electric resulting from the termination of the PPAs, which NSTAR Electric will return to customers.

Termination of Commonwealth Wind’s Power Purchase Agreement with NSTAR Electric: On July 13, 2023, Commonwealth Wind, LLC and NSTAR Electric signed an agreement to terminate the Commonwealth Wind offshore wind generation PPA, at the request of Commonwealth Wind, LLC. The termination agreement was effective on August 23, 2023, the date of DPU approval. In October 2023, Commonwealth Wind, LLC paid a termination payment of $25.9 million to NSTAR Electric, which NSTAR Electric will return to customers.

NSTAR Gas Distribution Rates: NSTAR Gas’ PBR mechanism allows for an annual adjustment to base distribution rates for inflation and exogenous events. NSTAR Gas submitted its third annual PBR Adjustment filing on September 15, 2023 and on October 30, 2023, the DPU approved a $25.4 million increase to base distribution rates, of which, $15.5 million was associated with a base rate adjustment and the remainder for a prior period exogenous cost adjustment, for effect on November 1, 2023.

New Hampshire:

PSNH Pole Acquisition Approval: On November 18, 2022, the NHPUC issued a decision that approved a proposed purchase agreement between PSNH and Consolidated Communications, in which, PSNH would acquire both jointly-owned and solely-owned poles and pole assets. The NHPUC also authorized PSNH to recover certain expenses associated with the operation and maintenance of the transferred poles, pole inspections, and vegetation management expenses through a new cost recovery mechanism, the PPAM, subject to consummation of the purchase agreement. The purchase agreement was finalized on May 1, 2023 for a purchase price of $23.3 million. Upon consummation of the purchase agreement, PSNH established a regulatory asset of $16.9 million for operation and maintenance expenses and vegetation management expenses associated with the purchased poles incurred from February 10, 2021 through April 30, 2023 that PSNH is authorized to collect through the PPAM regulatory tracking mechanism. The establishment of the PPAM regulatory asset resulted in a pre-tax benefit recorded in Amortization expense on the PSNH statement of income in 2023.

PSNH Energy Efficiency Plan: On February 24, 2022, a state law was enacted that directed that the joint utility energy efficiency plan and programming framework in effect on January 1, 2021 be utilized going forward, including utility performance incentive payments, lost base revenue calculations, and Evaluation, Measurement, and Verification process. Additionally, the law established a process for future plan proposals, including the 2024 through 2026 triennial plan, and includes a mechanism for future rate increases based on the consumer price index.

On November 30, 2023, the NHPUC approved a three-year joint utility energy efficiency plan for 2024 through 2026, of which, $158 million is the PSNH program budget over the next three years. Additionally, on December 22, 2023, the NHPUC approved the annual LBR rate for 2024, allowing PSNH to recover approximately $14 million in revenue that would have been collected if not for the implementation of energy efficiency measures.

Legislative and Policy Matters

Connecticut: On June 29, 2023, Connecticut enacted Public Act No. 23-102 (Substitute Senate Bill No. 7) (the Act) that encompasses 40 sections. The Act prohibits recovery in retail rates of certain costs incurred by utilities, including costs for consultants and outside counsel for rate cases, membership dues, and lobbying. None of the rate-setting provisions will result in an immediate change to rates, as all will require some future process, primarily a general distribution rate proceeding before PURA.

44

The Act also makes prospective adjustments to the timing and procedures used in the retail rate setting process, including (1) requiring additional procedural steps to be satisfied for proposed settlements of cases; (2) increasing the deadline to issue a final decision on an application from a water company to amend base rates from 200 days to 270 days; (3) authorizing PURA to elect to evaluate if rates should be reduced on an interim basis if a utility earns an ROE that exceeds its authorized ROE by 50 basis points over a rolling 12-month period ending with the two most recent consecutive financial quarters (instead of the current standard of 100 basis points); and (4) authorizing PURA to elect to convene a general rate hearing at an interval of less than four years unless prohibited from doing so by an agency decision or other law. The Act is prospective, not retroactive and therefore, does not change obligations or rate provisions established by settlements implemented prior to the Act.

The Act also prohibits CL&P’s electric system improvements (ESI) capital tracking mechanism from being reauthorized in the next general distribution proceeding. The ESI will therefore remain in place until base distribution rates are adjusted in CL&P’s next general distribution rate proceeding. The Act also excludes storms and other emergencies affecting 70 percent or more of an electric distribution company’s customers from the 2020 law requiring credits for residential customers who are without power for 96 or more consecutive hours.

Lastly, the Act was amended by Public Act No. 23-204 (House Bill No. 6941) to require the Governor to designate the chairperson of PURA from among the sitting commissioners by June 30, 2023 and every two years thereafter; and to delete the changes in Section 21 of the Act to the duties and powers of PURA commissioners. Designation of the chairperson does not constitute a renomination for a full commission term, as otherwise provided by law.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates, assumptions and, at times, difficult, subjective or complex judgments. Changes in these estimates, assumptions and judgments, in and of themselves, could materially impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Our management discusses with the Audit Committee of our Board of Trustees significant matters relating to critical accounting policies. Our critical accounting policies are discussed below. See the combined notes to our financial statements for further information concerning the accounting policies, estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of our financial statements.

Regulatory Accounting:  Our regulated companies are subject to rate regulation that is based on cost recovery and meets the criteria for application of accounting guidance for rate-regulated operations, which considers the effect of regulation on the timing of the recognition of certain revenues and expenses. The regulated companies' financial statements reflect the effects of the rate-making process. The rates charged to the customers of our regulated companies are designed to collect each company's costs to provide service, plus a return on investment.

We believe that the operations of each of our regulated companies currently satisfy the criteria for application of regulatory accounting. If events or circumstances should change in a future period so that those criteria are no longer satisfied, we would be required to eliminate any associated regulatory assets and liabilities and the impact would be recognized in the statement of income and may result in a material adverse effect on results of operations and financial condition.

The application of accounting guidance for rate-regulated enterprises results in recording regulatory assets and liabilities. Regulatory assets represent the deferral of incurred costs that are probable of future recovery in customer rates. Regulatory assets are amortized as the incurred costs are recovered through customer rates. In some cases, we record regulatory assets before approval for recovery has been received from the applicable regulatory commission. We must use judgment to conclude that costs deferred as regulatory assets are probable of future recovery. We base our conclusion on certain factors, including, but not limited to, regulatory precedent.

Regulatory liabilities represent either revenues received from customers to fund expected costs that have not yet been incurred or probable future refunds to customers. We make judgments regarding the future outcome of regulatory proceedings that involve potential future refund to customers and record liabilities for these loss contingencies when probable and reasonably estimable based upon available information. Regulatory liabilities are recorded at the best estimate, or at a low end of the range of possible loss. The amount recorded may differ from when the uncertainty is resolved. Such differences could have a significant impact on our financial statements.

We continually assess whether the regulatory assets and liabilities continue to meet the criteria for probable future recovery or refund. This assessment includes consideration of recent orders issued by regulatory commissions, the passage of new legislation, historical regulatory treatment for similar costs in each of our jurisdictions, discussions with legal counsel, the status of any appeals of regulatory decisions, and changes in applicable regulatory and political environments. We believe that we will continue to be able to defer and recover prudently incurred costs, including additional storm costs, based on the legal and regulatory framework.

We use judgment when recording regulatory assets and liabilities; however, regulatory commissions can reach different conclusions about the recovery of costs, and those conclusions could have a material impact on our financial statements. The ultimate outcome of regulatory rate proceedings could have a significant effect on our ability to recover costs or earn an adequate return. Established rates are also often subject to subsequent prudency reviews by state regulators, whereby various portions of rates could be adjusted, subject to refund or disallowed. Storm restoration and pre-staging costs are subject to prudency reviews from our regulators. We have $1.75 billion of deferred storm costs that either have yet to be filed with the applicable regulatory commission, are pending regulatory approval, or are subject to prudency review as of December 31, 2023. Tropical Storm Isaias resulted in deferred storm restoration costs of approximately $232 million at CL&P as of December 31, 2023. While it is possible that some amount of the Tropical Storm Isaias costs may be disallowed by PURA, any such amount cannot be estimated at this time. We believe that our storm restoration costs were prudently incurred, meet the criteria for cost recovery and are probable of recovery.

45

We believe it is probable that each of our regulated companies will recover its respective investments in long-lived assets and the regulatory assets that have been recorded. If we determine that we can no longer apply the accounting guidance applicable to rate-regulated enterprises, or that we cannot conclude it is probable that costs will be recovered from customers in future rates, the applicable costs would be charged to net income in the period in which the determination is made.

Pension, SERP and PBOP:  We sponsor Pension, SERP and PBOP Plans to provide retirement benefits to our employees.  Plan assets and the benefit obligation are presented on a net basis and we recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of the plans as an asset or liability on the balance sheet. These amounts are remeasured annually using a December 31st measurement date. For each of these plans, several significant assumptions are used to determine the projected benefit obligation, funded status and net periodic benefit expense/income. These assumptions include the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, discount rate, compensation/progression rate and mortality and retirement assumptions.  We evaluate these assumptions annually and adjust them as necessary.  Changes in these assumptions could have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Expected Long-Term Rate of Return on Plan Assets Assumption:  In developing the expected long-term rate of return, we consider historical and expected returns, as well as input from our consultants.  Our expected long-term rate of return on assets is based on assumptions regarding target asset allocations and corresponding expected rates of return for each asset class.  We routinely review the actual asset allocations and periodically rebalance the investments to the targeted asset allocations.  For the year ended December 31, 2023, our expected long-term rate-of-return assumption used to determine our pension and PBOP expense was 8.25 percent for the Eversource Service Pension and PBOP plans.  For the forecasted 2024 pension and PBOP expense, an expected long-term rate of return of 8.25 percent for the Eversource Service Pension and PBOP plans will be used reflecting our target asset allocations.

Discount Rate Assumptions:  Payment obligations related to the Pension, SERP and PBOP Plans are discounted at interest rates applicable to the expected timing of each plan's cash flows.  The discount rate that was utilized in determining the pension, SERP and PBOP obligations was based on a yield-curve approach.  This approach utilizes a population of bonds with an average rating of AA based on bond ratings by Moody's, S&P and Fitch, and uses bonds with above median yields within that population.  As of December 31, 2023, the discount rates used to determine the funded status were within a range of 4.9 percent to 5.0 percent for the Pension and SERP Plans, and 5.0 percent to 5.2 percent for the PBOP Plans.  As of December 31, 2022, the discount rates used were within a range of 5.1 percent to 5.2 percent for the Pension and SERP Plans, and 5.2 percent for the PBOP Plans.  The decrease in the discount rates used to calculate the funded status resulted in an increase to the Pension and SERP Plans’ projected benefit obligation of $98.9 million and an increase to the PBOP Plans' projected benefit obligation of $12.0 million as of December 31, 2023.

The Company uses the spot rate methodology for the service and interest cost components of Pension, SERP and PBOP expense because it provides a relatively precise measurement by matching projected cash flows to the corresponding spot rates on the yield curve.  The discount rates used to estimate the 2023 expense were within a range of 4.9 percent to 5.3 percent for the Pension and SERP Plans, and within a range of 5.1 percent to 5.4 percent for the PBOP Plans.

Mortality Assumptions:  Assumptions as to mortality of the participants in our Pension, SERP and PBOP Plans are a key estimate in measuring the expected payments a participant may receive over their lifetime and the corresponding plan liability we need to record. The mortality assumption is composed of a base table that represents the current expectation of life expectancy of the population adjusted by an improvement scale that attempts to anticipate future improvements in life expectancy. In 2023, our mortality assumption utilized the Society of Actuaries base mortality tables (Pri-2012), adjusted to reflect Eversource’s own mortality experience, and projected generationally using the MP-2021 improvement scale.

Compensation/Progression Rate Assumptions:  This assumption reflects the expected long-term salary growth rate, including consideration of the levels of increases built into collective bargaining agreements, and impacts the estimated benefits that Pension and SERP Plan participants will receive in the future.  As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the compensation/progression rates used to determine the funded status were within a range of 3.5 percent to 4.0 percent.

Health Care Cost Assumptions: The Eversource Service PBOP Plan is not subject to health care cost trends. As of December 31, 2023, for the Aquarion PBOP Plan, the health care trend rate used to determine the funded status for pre-65 retirees is 6.75 percent, with an ultimate rate of 5 percent in 2031, and for post-65 retirees, the health care trend rate and ultimate rate is 3.5 percent.

Actuarial Gains and Losses:  Actuarial gains and losses represent the differences between actuarial assumptions and actual information or updated assumptions. Unamortized actuarial gains or losses arising at the December 31st measurement date are primarily from differences in actual investment performance compared to our expected return and changes in the discount rate assumption. The Eversource Service Pension and PBOP Plans use the corridor approach to determine the amount of gain or loss to amortize into net periodic benefit expense/income. The corridor approach defers all actuarial gains and losses arising at remeasurement and the net unrecognized actuarial gain or loss balance is amortized as a component of expense if, as of the beginning of the year, that net gain or loss exceeds 10 percent of the greater of the market value of the plan’s assets or the projected benefit obligation. The amount of net unrecognized actuarial gain or loss in excess of the 10 percent corridor is amortized to expense over the estimated average future employee service period. For the Eversource Service Pension Plan, the net actuarial gain or loss is amortized as a component of expense over the estimated average future employee service period of seven years. For the Eversource Service PBOP Plan, the net unrecognized actuarial gain or loss was within the 10 percent corridor and therefore there was no amortization to expense during 2023.

46

A decrease in the discount rate used to determine our pension funded status would increase our projected benefit obligation at December 31st, resulting in a higher unamortized actuarial loss to be recognized in future years’ pension expense, subject to exceeding the 10 percent corridor. A decrease in the discount rate at December 31st would also result in a decrease in the interest cost component and an increase in the service cost component of the subsequent year’s benefit plan expense.

The calculated expected return on plan assets is compared to the actual return or loss on plan assets at the end of each year to determine the investment gains or losses to be immediately reflected in unamortized actuarial gains and losses.  An underperformance of our pension plan investment returns relative to the expected returns would increase our pension liability at December 31st, resulting in a higher unamortized actuarial loss to be recognized in future years’ pension expense, subject to exceeding the 10 percent corridor, and a lower expected return on assets component of pension expense in future years’ pension expense.

Net Periodic Benefit Expense/Income: Pension, SERP and PBOP expense/income is determined by our actuaries and consists of service cost and prior service cost/credit, interest cost based on the discounting of the obligations, amortization of actuarial gains and losses, and the expected return on plan assets. For the Pension and SERP Plans, pre-tax net periodic benefit income was $108.4 million and $181.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and there was pre-tax net periodic benefit expense of $23.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.  For the PBOP Plans, pre-tax net periodic benefit income was $57.3 million, $79.8 million and $60.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

The change in pension, SERP and PBOP expense/income arising from the annual remeasurement does not fully impact earnings. Our Massachusetts utilities recover qualified pension and PBOP expenses related to their distribution operations through a rate reconciling mechanism that fully tracks the change in net pension and PBOP expenses each year, therefore the change in their pension and PBOP expense does not impact earnings. Our electric transmission companies' rates provide for an annual true-up of estimated to actual costs, which include pension expenses, therefore the change in their pension expense does not impact earnings. Any differences between the fixed level of PBOP expense included in our formula rate and the PBOP expense calculated in accordance with authoritative accounting guidance is accumulated as a regulatory asset or liability, and is expected, over time, to be recovered from or returned to customers. Additionally, the portion of our pension and PBOP expense that relates to company labor devoted to capital projects is capitalized on the balance sheet instead of being charged to expense.

Forecasted Expense/Income and Expected Contributions:  We estimate that net periodic benefit income in 2024 for the Pension and SERP Plans will be approximately $90 million and for the PBOP Plans will be approximately $65 million. The decrease in pension income from 2023 to 2024 is driven primarily by higher amortization of actuarial loss due to unrecognized actuarial loss arising in 2023, partially offset by the absence in 2024 of a 2023 SERP settlement charge and a decrease in the interest cost component due to a lower discount rate. The increase in PBOP income from 2023 to 2024 is driven primarily by favorable expected return on assets due to a higher asset balance and a decrease in the interest cost component due to a lower discount rate. For the PBOP Plans, there is no amortization of actuarial loss in 2024. Pension, SERP and PBOP expense/income for subsequent years will depend on future investment performance, changes in future discount rates and other assumptions, and various other factors related to the populations participating in the plans.

Our policy is to fund the Pension Plans annually in an amount at least equal to the amount that will satisfy all federal funding requirements. Based on the current status of the Pension Plans and federal pension funding requirements, there is no minimum funding requirement for our Eversource Service Pension Plan in 2024 and we do not expect to make pension contributions in 2024. It is our policy to fund the PBOP Plans annually through tax deductible contributions to external trusts. We do not expect to make any contributions to the Eversource Service PBOP Plan in 2024.

Sensitivity Analysis:  The following table illustrates the hypothetical effect on reported annual net periodic benefit income as a result of a change in the following assumptions by 50 basis points:

Pension Plans (excluding SERP Plans)PBOP Plans
Decrease in Plan IncomeDecrease in Plan Income
(Millions of Dollars)For the Years Ended December 31,For the Years Ended December 31,
Eversource2023202220232022
Lower expected long-term rate of return$29.1$32.5$0.2$5.6
Lower discount rate24.732.64.71.7
Higher compensation rate8.17.6N/AN/A

Goodwill:  We recorded goodwill on our balance sheet associated with previous mergers and acquisitions, all of which totaled $4.53 billion as of December 31, 2023. We have identified our reporting units for purposes of allocating and testing goodwill as Electric Distribution, Electric Transmission, Natural Gas Distribution and Water Distribution.  Electric Distribution and Electric Transmission reporting units include carrying values for the respective components of CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH.  The Natural Gas Distribution reporting unit includes the carrying values of NSTAR Gas, Yankee Gas and EGMA. The Water Distribution reporting unit includes the Aquarion water utility businesses.  As of December 31, 2023, goodwill was allocated to the reporting units as follows: $2.54 billion to Electric Distribution, $577 million to Electric Transmission, $451 million to Natural Gas Distribution and $961 million to Water Distribution.

We are required to test goodwill balances for impairment at least annually by considering the fair values of the reporting units, which requires us to use estimates and judgments. Additionally, we monitor all relevant events and circumstances during the year to determine if an interim impairment test is required. We have selected October 1st of each year as the annual goodwill impairment test date. Goodwill impairment is deemed to exist if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value. If goodwill were deemed to be impaired, it would be written down in the current period to the extent of the impairment.

47

In assessing goodwill for impairment, an entity is permitted to first assess qualitatively whether it is more likely than not that goodwill impairment exists as of the annual impairment test date. A quantitative impairment test is required only if it is concluded that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount.

We performed an impairment assessment of goodwill as of October 1, 2023 for the Electric Distribution, Electric Transmission, Natural Gas Distribution and Water Distribution reporting units. Our qualitative assessment included an evaluation of multiple factors that impact the fair value of the reporting units, including general, macroeconomic and market conditions, and entity-specific assumptions that affect the future cash flows of the reporting units. Key considerations include discount rates, utility sector market performance and merger transaction multiples, the Company's share price and credit ratings, analyst reports, financial performance, cost and risk factors, internal estimates and projections of future cash flows and net income, long-term strategy, the timing and outcome of rate cases, and recent regulatory and legislative proceedings.

The 2023 goodwill impairment assessment resulted in a conclusion that goodwill is not impaired. We believe that the fair value of the reporting units was substantially in excess of carrying value. Adverse regulatory actions, changes in the regulatory and political environment, or changes in significant assumptions could potentially result in future goodwill impairment indicators.

Long-Lived Assets: Impairment evaluations of long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and other assets, involve a significant degree of estimation and judgment, including identifying circumstances that indicate an impairment may exist. An impairment analysis is required when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a long-lived asset may not be recoverable. Indicators of potential impairment include a deteriorating business climate, unfavorable regulatory action, decline in value that is other than temporary in nature, plans to dispose of a long-lived asset significantly before the end of its useful life, and accumulation of costs that are in excess of amounts allowed for recovery. The review of long-lived assets for impairment utilizes significant assumptions about operating strategies and external developments, including assessment of current and projected market conditions that can impact future cash flows. If indicators are present for a long-lived asset or asset group, a comparison of the undiscounted expected future cash flows to the carrying value is performed. No impairments occurred during the year 2023.

Equity Method Investments: Investments in affiliates where we have the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over an investee are initially recognized as an equity method investment at cost. Any differences between the cost of an investment and the amount of underlying equity in net assets of an investee are considered basis differences and are determined based upon the estimated fair values of the investee's identifiable assets and liabilities.

Equity method investments are assessed for impairment when conditions exist as of the balance sheet date that indicate that the fair value of the investment may be less than book value. Eversource continually monitors and evaluates its equity method investments to determine if there are indicators of an other-than-temporary impairment. If the decline in value is considered to be other-than-temporary, the investment is written down to its estimated fair value, which establishes a new cost basis in the investment. Subsequent declines or recoveries after the reporting date are not considered in the impairment recognized. Investments that are other-than-temporarily impaired and written down to their estimated fair value cannot subsequently be written back up for increases in estimated fair value. Impairment evaluations involve a significant degree of judgment and estimation, including identifying circumstances that indicate an impairment may exist at the equity method investment level, selecting discount rates used to determine fair values, and developing an estimate of discounted future cash flows expected from investment operations or the sale of the investment.

In connection with the process to divest its offshore wind business, Eversource identified indicators for impairment in both the second and fourth quarters of 2023. In each impairment assessment, Eversource evaluated its investments and determined that the carrying value of the equity method offshore wind investments exceeded the fair value of the investments and that the decline was other-than-temporary. The impairment evaluations involved judgments in developing the estimate and timing of future cash flows, including key judgments in determining the most likely outcome of the projects, the likelihood of realization of investment tax credit adders, and the likelihood of future spending amounts and cost overruns, as well as potential cancellation costs and salvage values of Sunrise Wind assets. The assumptions used in the discounted cash flow analyses are subject to inherent uncertainties and subjectivity. The use of different assumptions, estimates, or judgments with respect to the estimation of future cash flows could materially change the impairment charges. The impairment evaluations were based on best information available at the impairment assessment date.

Management will continue to monitor and evaluate all facts and circumstances in the offshore wind sales process and the impact on its investment balance. Adverse changes in facts and circumstances of estimates and timing of future cash flows and the factors described above could result in the recognition of additional, significant impairment charges and could be material to the financial statements. See Note 6, “Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates,” to the financial statements for further information on the impairments to Eversource’s offshore wind equity method investments carrying value.

Income Taxes: Income tax expense is estimated for each of the jurisdictions in which we operate and is recorded each quarter using an estimated annualized effective tax rate. This process to record income tax expense involves estimating current and deferred income tax expense or benefit and the impact of temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for financial reporting and income tax return reporting purposes. Such differences are the result of timing of the deduction for expenses, as well as any impact of permanent differences, or other items that directly impact income tax expense as a result of regulatory activity (flow-through items). The temporary differences and flow-through items result in deferred tax assets and liabilities that are included in the balance sheets.

48

We also account for uncertainty in income taxes, which applies to all income tax positions previously filed in a tax return and income tax positions expected to be taken in a future tax return that have been reflected on our balance sheets. The determination of whether a tax position meets the recognition threshold under applicable accounting guidance is based on facts and circumstances available to us.

The interpretation of tax laws and associated regulations involves uncertainty since tax authorities may interpret the laws differently. Ultimate resolution or clarification of income tax matters may result in favorable or unfavorable impacts to net income and cash flows, and adjustments to tax-related assets and liabilities could be material.

Significant management judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes, primarily due to the uncertainty related to tax positions taken, as well as deferred tax assets and liabilities and valuation allowances. We evaluate the probability of realizing deferred tax assets by reviewing a forecast of future taxable income and our intent and ability to implement tax planning strategies, if necessary, to realize deferred tax assets. We also assess negative evidence, such as the expiration of historical operating loss or tax credit carryforwards, that could indicate the inability to realize the deferred tax assets. Valuation allowances are provided to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that will more likely than not be realized in future periods. This requires management to make judgments and estimates regarding the amount and timing of the reversal of taxable temporary differences, expected future taxable income, and the impact of tax planning strategies.

Actual income taxes could vary from estimated amounts due to the future impacts of various items, including future changes in income tax laws, not realizing expected tax planning strategy amounts, as well as results of audits and examinations of filed tax returns by taxing authorities.

Accounting for Environmental Reserves:  Environmental reserves are accrued when assessments indicate it is probable that a liability has been incurred and an amount can be reasonably estimated. Increases to estimates of environmental liabilities could have an adverse impact on earnings. We estimate these liabilities based on findings through various phases of the assessment, considering the most likely action plan from a variety of available remediation options (ranging from no action required to full site remediation and long-term monitoring), current site information from our site assessments, remediation estimates from third party engineering and remediation contractors, and our prior experience in remediating contaminated sites.  If a most likely action plan cannot yet be determined, we estimate the liability based on the low end of a range of possible action plans. A significant portion of our environmental sites and reserve amounts relate to former MGP sites that were operated several decades ago and manufactured natural gas from coal and other processes, which resulted in certain by-products remaining in the environment that may pose a potential risk to human health and the environment, for which we may have potential liability.  Estimates are based on the expected remediation plan. Our estimates are subject to revision in future periods based on actual costs or new information from other sources, including the level of contamination at the site, the extent of our responsibility or the extent of remediation required, recently enacted laws and regulations or a change in cost estimates.

Fair Value Measurements:  We follow fair value measurement guidance that defines fair value as the price that would be received for the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price).  We have applied this guidance to our Company's derivative contracts that are not elected or designated as "normal purchases” or “normal sales,” to marketable securities held in trusts, and to our investments in our Pension and PBOP Plans. Fair value measurements are also incorporated into the accounting for goodwill, long-lived assets, equity method investments, AROs, and in the valuation of business combinations and asset acquisitions. The fair value measurement guidance was also applied in estimating the fair value of preferred stock, long-term debt and RRBs.

Changes in fair value of our derivative contracts are recorded as Regulatory Assets or Liabilities, as we recover the costs of these contracts in rates charged to customers.  These valuations are sensitive to the prices of energy-related products in future years and assumptions made.

We use quoted market prices when available to determine the fair value of financial instruments.  When quoted prices in active markets for the same or similar instruments are not available, we value derivative contracts using models that incorporate both observable and unobservable inputs.  Discounted cash flow valuations incorporate estimates of premiums or discounts, reflecting risk-adjusted profit that would be required by a market participant to arrive at an exit price, using available historical market transaction information. Valuations of derivative contracts also reflect our estimates of nonperformance risk, including credit risk.

49

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – EVERSOURCE ENERGY AND SUBSIDIARIES

The following provides the amounts and variances in operating revenues and expense line items in the statements of income for Eversource for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

For the Years Ended December 31,
(Millions of Dollars)20232022Increase/(Decrease)
Operating Revenues$11,910.7$12,289.3$(378.6)
Operating Expenses:
Purchased Power, Purchased Natural Gas and Transmission5,168.25,014.1154.1
Operations and Maintenance1,895.71,865.330.4
Depreciation1,305.81,194.2111.6
Amortization(490.1)448.9(939.0)
Energy Efficiency Programs691.4658.033.4
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes940.4910.629.8
Total Operating Expenses9,511.410,091.1(579.7)
Operating Income2,399.32,198.2201.1
Interest Expense855.4678.3177.1
Impairments of Offshore Wind Investments2,167.02,167.0
Other Income, Net348.1346.12.0
(Loss)/Income Before Income Tax Expense(275.0)1,866.0(2,141.0)
Income Tax Expense159.7453.6(293.9)
Net (Loss)/Income(434.7)1,412.4(1,847.1)
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests7.57.5
Net (Loss)/Income Attributable to Common Shareholders$(442.2)$1,404.9$(1,847.1)

Operating Revenues

Sales Volumes: A summary of our retail electric GWh sales volumes, our firm natural gas MMcf sales volumes, and our water MG sales volumes, and percentage changes, is as follows:

ElectricFirm Natural GasWater
Sales Volumes (GWh)Percentage DecreaseSales Volumes (MMcf)Percentage DecreaseSales Volumes (MG)Percentage Decrease
202320222023202220232022
Traditional7,5907,764(2.2)%%1,4881,857(19.9)%
Decoupled41,97843,493(3.5)%142,328152,291(6.5)%23,12923,154(0.1)%
Total Sales Volumes49,56851,257(3.3)%142,328152,291(6.5)%24,61725,011(1.6)%

Weather, fluctuations in energy supply rates, conservation measures (including utility-sponsored energy efficiency programs), and economic conditions affect customer energy usage and water consumption. Industrial sales volumes are less sensitive to temperature variations than residential and commercial sales volumes. In our service territories, weather impacts both electric and water sales volumes during the summer and both electric and natural gas sales volumes during the winter; however, natural gas sales volumes are more sensitive to temperature variations than electric sales volumes. Customer heating or cooling usage may not directly correlate with historical levels or with the level of degree-days that occur.

Fluctuations in retail electric sales volumes at PSNH impact earnings ("Traditional" in the table above). For CL&P, NSTAR Electric, NSTAR Gas, EGMA, Yankee Gas, and our Connecticut water distribution business, fluctuations in retail sales volumes do not materially impact earnings due to their respective regulatory commission-approved distribution revenue decoupling mechanisms ("Decoupled" in the table above). These distribution revenues are decoupled from their customer sales volumes, which breaks the relationship between sales volumes and revenues recognized.

Operating Revenues: The variance in Operating Revenues by segment in 2023, as compared to 2022, is as follows:

(Millions of Dollars)Increase/(Decrease)
Electric Distribution$(431.8)
Natural Gas Distribution6.1
Electric Transmission107.2
Water Distribution10.0
Other201.1
Eliminations(271.2)
Total Operating Revenues$(378.6)

50

Electric and Natural Gas Distribution Revenues:

Base Distribution Revenues:

•Base electric distribution revenues increased $36.6 million due primarily to a base distribution rate increase at NSTAR Electric effective January 1, 2023.

•Base natural gas distribution revenues increased $18.5 million due primarily to base distribution rate increases effective November 1, 2023 and November 1, 2022 at NSTAR Gas and effective November 1, 2022 at EGMA.

Tracked Distribution Revenues: Tracked distribution revenues consist of certain costs that are recovered from customers in retail rates through regulatory commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms and therefore, recovery of these costs has no impact on earnings. Revenues from certain of these cost tracking mechanisms also include certain incentives earned, return on capital tracking mechanisms, and carrying charges that are billed in rates to customers, which do impact earnings. Costs recovered through cost tracking mechanisms include, among others, energy supply and natural gas supply procurement and other energy-related costs, electric retail transmission charges, energy efficiency program costs, electric restructuring and stranded cost recovery revenues (including securitized RRB charges), certain capital tracking mechanisms for infrastructure improvements, and additionally for the Massachusetts utilities, pension and PBOP benefits, net metering for distributed generation, and solar-related programs. Tracked revenues also include wholesale market sales transactions, such as sales of energy and energy-related products into the ISO-NE wholesale electricity market, sales of natural gas to third party marketers, and the sale of RECs to various counterparties.

Customers have the choice to purchase electricity from each Eversource electric utility or from a competitive third party supplier. For customers who have contracted separately with these competitive suppliers, revenue is not recorded for the sale of the electricity commodity, as the utility is acting as an agent on behalf of the third party supplier. For customers that choose to purchase electric generation from CL&P, NSTAR Electric or PSNH, each purchases power on behalf of, and is permitted to recover the related energy supply cost without mark-up from, its customers, and records offsetting amounts in revenues and purchased power related to this energy supply procurement. CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH each remain as the distribution service provider for all customers and charge a regulated rate for distribution delivery service recorded in revenues. Certain eligible natural gas customers may elect to purchase natural gas from each Eversource natural gas utility or may contract separately with a

gas supply operator. Revenue is not recorded for the sale of the natural gas commodity to customers who have contracted separately with these

operators, only the delivery to a customer, as the utility is acting as an agent on behalf of the gas supply operator.

Tracked distribution revenues increased/(decreased) in 2023, as compared to 2022, due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)Electric DistributionNatural Gas Distribution
Retail Tariff Tracked Revenues:
Energy supply procurement$506.4$(153.5)
CL&P FMCC(330.1)
Retail transmission(80.9)
Energy efficiency2.338.1
Other distribution tracking mechanisms(11.4)36.7
Wholesale Market Sales Revenue(565.9)65.9

The increase in energy supply procurement within electric distribution was driven by higher average prices, partially offset by lower average supply-related sales volumes. The decrease in energy supply procurement within natural gas distribution was driven by lower average prices and lower average supply-related sales volumes. Fluctuations in retail transmission revenues are driven by the recovery of the costs of our wholesale transmission business, such as those billed by ISO-NE and Local and Regional Network Service charges. For further information, see "Purchased Power, Purchased Natural Gas and Transmission" expense below.

The decrease in CL&P’s FMCC revenues was driven by a decrease in the retail Non-Bypassable Federally Mandated Congestion Charge (NBFMCC) rate, which reflects the impact of returning net benefits of higher wholesale market sales received in the ISO-NE market for long-term state approved energy contracts at CL&P, which are then credited back to customers through the retail NBFMCC rate. CL&P’s average NBFMCC rate in effect from January 1, 2022 through April 30, 2022 was $0.01423 per kWh and from May 1 through August 31, 2022 was $0.01251 per kWh. As a result of the CL&P RAM proceeding in Docket No. 22-01-03, CL&P reduced the average NBFMCC rate effective September 1, 2022 from $0.01251 per kWh to $0.00000 per kWh. As part of a November 2022 rate relief plan, CL&P further reduced the average NBFMCC rate effective January 1, 2023 to a credit of $0.01524 per kWh. These rate reductions returned to customers the net revenues generated by long-term state-approved energy contracts with the Millstone and Seabrook nuclear power plants. The average NBFMCC rate changed to $0.00000 per kWh effective July 1, 2023. As a result of the 2023 CL&P RAM decision, the average NBFMCC rate changed to $0.00293 per kWh effective September 1, 2023.

The decrease in electric distribution wholesale market sales revenue was due primarily to lower average electricity market prices received for wholesale sales at CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH. ISO-NE average market prices received for CL&P’s wholesale sales decreased to an average price of $36.60 per MWh in 2023, as compared to $82.88 per MWh in 2022, driven primarily by lower natural gas prices in New England. Volumes sold into the market were primarily from the sale of output generated by the Millstone PPA and Seabrook PPA that CL&P entered into in 2019, as required by regulation. CL&P sells the energy purchased from Millstone and Seabrook into the wholesale market and uses the proceeds from the energy sales to offset the contract costs. The net sales or net cost amount is refunded to, or recovered from, customers in the non-bypassable component of the CL&P FMCC rate.

51

Electric Transmission Revenues:  Electric transmission revenues increased $107.2 million due primarily to a higher transmission rate base as a result of our continued investment in our transmission infrastructure.

Other Revenues and Eliminations: Other revenues primarily include the revenues of Eversource's service company, most of which are eliminated in consolidation. Eliminations are also primarily related to the Eversource electric transmission revenues that are derived from ISO-NE regional transmission charges to the distribution businesses of CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH that recover the costs of the wholesale transmission business in rates charged to their customers.

Purchased Power, Purchased Natural Gas and Transmission expense includes costs associated with providing electric generation service

supply and natural gas to all customers who have not migrated to third party suppliers, the cost of energy purchase contracts entered into as

required by regulation, and transmission costs. These electric and natural gas supply procurement costs, other energy-related costs, and

transmission costs are recovered from customers in rates through commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms, which have no impact on

earnings (tracked costs). The variance in Purchased Power, Purchased Natural Gas and Transmission expense in 2023, as compared to 2022, is due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)Increase/(Decrease)
Energy supply procurement costs$495.3
Other electric distribution costs(68.7)
Natural gas supply costs(113.9)
Transmission costs(87.1)
Eliminations(71.5)
Total Purchased Power, Purchased Natural Gas and Transmission$154.1

The variance in energy supply procurement costs is offset in Operating Revenues (tracked energy supply procurement revenues). The decrease in other electric distributions costs was primarily the result of a decrease in long-term renewable contract costs and lower net metering costs at NSTAR Electric, partially offset by higher long-term contractual energy-related costs at CL&P that are recovered in the non-bypassable component of the FMCC mechanism, and by higher net metering costs at PSNH.

Costs at the natural gas distribution segment relate to supply procurement costs for retail customers. Total natural gas costs decreased due primarily to lower average prices and lower average purchased supply volumes, partially offset by an increase in the retail cost deferral.

The decrease in transmission costs was primarily the result of a decrease in the retail transmission cost deferral, which reflects the actual cost of transmission service compared to estimated amounts billed to customers and a decrease in costs billed by ISO-NE that support regional grid investments. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in Local Network Service charges, which reflect the cost of transmission service provided by Eversource over our local transmission network.

52

Operations and Maintenance expense includes tracked costs and costs that are part of base electric, natural gas and water distribution rates with changes impacting earnings (non-tracked costs).  The variance in Operations and Maintenance expense in 2023, as compared to 2022, is due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)Increase/(Decrease)
Base Electric Distribution (Non-Tracked Costs):
Shared corporate costs (including IT system depreciation at Eversource Service)$41.4
Storm costs13.3
Uncollectible expense5.1
General costs (including vendor services in corporate areas, insurance, fees and assessments)4.7
Absence in 2023 of energy assistance program as part of CL&P rate relief plan(10.0)
Employee-related expenses, including labor and benefits(9.2)
Operations-related expenses (including vegetation management, vendor services and vehicles)(7.8)
Total Base Electric Distribution (Non-Tracked Costs)37.5
Tracked Electric Costs (Electric Distribution and Electric Transmission) - Increase due primarily to higher uncollectible expense and higher funding of NSTAR Electric storm reserve as part of January 1, 2023 rate change, partially offset by lower pension tracking mechanism at NSTAR Electric44.7
Total Electric Distribution and Electric Transmission82.2
Natural Gas Distribution:
Base (Non-Tracked Costs) - Increase due primarily to higher uncollectible expense and shared corporate costs, partially offset by lower employee-related expenses6.5
Tracked Costs(0.1)
Total Natural Gas Distribution6.4
Water Distribution4.8
Parent and Other Companies and Eliminations:
Eversource Parent and Other Companies - other operations and maintenance158.8
Transaction and Transition Costs(17.8)
Eliminations(204.0)
Total Operations and Maintenance$30.4

Depreciation expense increased due primarily to higher net plant in service balances, partially offset by a decrease in approved depreciation rates as part of the rate case decision effective January 1, 2023 at NSTAR Electric.

Amortization expense includes the deferral of energy-related costs and other costs that are included in certain regulatory commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms.  This deferral adjusts expense to match the corresponding revenues compared to the actual costs incurred. These costs are recovered from customers in rates and have no impact on earnings. Amortization expense also includes the amortization of certain costs as those costs are collected in rates.

Amortization decreased due primarily to the deferral adjustment of energy-related and other tracked costs at CL&P (included in the non-bypassable component of the FMCC mechanism), NSTAR Electric and PSNH, which can fluctuate from period to period based on the timing of costs incurred and related rate changes to recover these costs. The decrease in the CL&P FMCC mechanism was driven primarily by the November 2022 rate relief plan, which reduced the non-bypassable FMCC rate effective January 1, 2023. The reduction in the CL&P non-bypassable FMCC retail rate decreased the regulatory over-recovery balance and created an under-recovery balance as of December 31, 2023, which resulted in a decrease to amortization expense of $802.3 million. The decrease was also driven by the impact of a new regulatory tracking mechanism at PSNH that allows for the recovery of operating expenses associated with poles acquired from Consolidated Communications on May 1, 2023. The establishment of the PPAM regulatory asset resulted in a pre-tax benefit of $16.9 million recorded in Amortization expense on the statement of income in 2023.

The decrease was partially offset by the amortization of historical exogenous property taxes that were approved for recovery effective January 1, 2023 at NSTAR Electric and effective November 1, 2022 at NSTAR Gas and EGMA, and an unfavorable regulatory adjustment resulting from NSTAR Gas’ GSEP reconciliation filing that resulted in an increase to amortization expense of $9.0 million recorded in 2023.

Energy Efficiency Programs expense increased due primarily to the deferral adjustment and the timing of the recovery of energy efficiency costs at NSTAR Gas and EGMA, partially offset by a decrease at NSTAR Electric. The deferral adjustment reflects the actual costs of energy efficiency programs compared to the amounts billed to customers. The costs for the majority of the state energy policy initiatives and expanded energy efficiency programs are recovered from customers in rates and have no impact on earnings.

Taxes Other Than Income Taxes expense increased due primarily to higher employment-related taxes based on the timing of payroll pay periods, higher property taxes as a result of higher assessments and higher utility plant balances, and higher Connecticut gross earnings taxes.

Interest Expense increased due primarily to an increase in interest on long-term debt as a result of new debt issuances ($200.3 million), an increase in interest on short-term notes payable ($43.8 million), higher amortization of debt discounts and premiums, net ($2.7 million), and an increase in interest expense on regulatory deferrals ($1.3 million), partially offset by an increase in capitalized AFUDC related to debt funds and other capitalized interest ($63.1 million), and a decrease in RRB interest expense ($1.3 million).

53

Impairments of Offshore Wind Investments relates to impairment charges in the second and fourth quarters of 2023 associated with Eversource’s offshore wind equity method investments resulting from the expected sale of the 50 percent interests in three jointly-owned offshore wind projects. See "Business Development and Capital Expenditures – Offshore Wind Business" included in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Other Income, Net increased due primarily to an increase in interest income primarily from regulatory deferrals ($43.7 million) and an increase in capitalized AFUDC related to equity funds ($30.8 million), partially offset by a decrease related to pension, SERP and PBOP non-service income components ($86.9 million), a loss on the disposition of land in 2023 compared to gains on the sales of property in 2022 ($9.0 million), a decrease in equity in earnings related to Eversource’s equity method investments ($7.4 million), and investment losses in 2023 compared to investment income in 2022 driven by market volatility ($6.8 million). Other Income, Net also increased due to a benefit in 2023 from the liquidation of Eversource’s equity method investment in a renewable energy fund in excess of its carrying value, partially offset by a charitable contribution made with a portion of the proceeds from the liquidation in 2023.

Income Tax Expense decreased due primarily to lower pre-tax earnings ($449.6 million), lower state taxes ($3.4 million), a decrease in items that impact our tax rate as a result of regulatory treatment (flow-through items) and permanent differences ($7.4 million), an increase in amortization of EDIT ($2.4 million), and lower return to provision adjustments ($66.7 million), partially offset by lower share-based payment excess tax benefits ($2.6 million), and an increase in reserves ($233.0 million) primarily related to the impairment of Eversource’s offshore wind investment valuation allowance reserve of $224.0 million and $8.8 million relating to an uncertain tax position.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS –

THE CONNECTICUT LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY

NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY

PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AND SUBSIDIARIES

The following provides the amounts and variances in operating revenues and expense line items in the statements of income for CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

For the Years Ended December 31,
CL&PNSTAR ElectricPSNH
(Millions of Dollars)20232022Increase/ (Decrease)20232022Increase/ (Decrease)20232022Increase/ (Decrease)
Operating Revenues$4,578.8$4,817.7$(238.9)$3,515.5$3,583.1$(67.6)$1,447.9$1,474.8$(26.9)
Operating Expenses:
Purchased Power and Transmission2,612.92,110.3502.61,154.01,264.8(110.8)605.0665.5(60.5)
Operations and Maintenance733.3707.226.1668.5640.827.7284.4256.028.4
Depreciation376.9355.521.4372.6362.010.6140.4128.012.4
Amortization of Regulatory (Liabilities)/Assets, Net(500.3)335.6(835.9)16.183.9(67.8)(16.3)42.9(59.2)
Energy Efficiency Programs133.5134.2(0.7)325.6332.3(6.7)39.637.42.2
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes401.1384.716.4256.1246.79.493.995.3(1.4)
Total Operating Expenses3,757.44,027.5(270.1)2,792.92,930.5(137.6)1,147.01,225.1(78.1)
Operating Income821.4790.231.2722.6652.670.0300.9249.751.2
Interest Expense193.4169.424.0189.2162.926.372.859.513.3
Other Income, Net61.683.3(21.7)164.1142.721.426.632.7(6.1)
Income Before Income Tax Expense689.6704.1(14.5)697.5632.465.1254.7222.931.8
Income Tax Expense170.9171.2(0.3)153.0140.013.059.051.37.7
Net Income$518.7$532.9$(14.2)$544.5$492.4$52.1$195.7$171.6$24.1

Operating Revenues

Sales Volumes: A summary of our retail electric GWh sales volumes is as follows:

For the Years Ended December 31,
20232022DecreasePercentage Decrease
CL&P19,57720,560(983)(4.8)%
NSTAR Electric22,40122,933(532)(2.3)%
PSNH7,5907,764(174)(2.2)%

Fluctuations in retail electric sales volumes at PSNH impact earnings.  For CL&P and NSTAR Electric, fluctuations in retail electric sales volumes do not impact earnings due to their respective regulatory commission-approved distribution revenue decoupling mechanisms.

54

Operating Revenues: Operating Revenues, which consist of base distribution revenues and tracked revenues further described below, decreased $238.9 million at CL&P, $67.6 million at NSTAR Electric, and $26.9 million at PSNH in 2023, as compared to 2022.

Base Distribution Revenues:

•CL&P's distribution revenues were flat.

•NSTAR Electric's distribution revenues increased $37.4 million due primarily to a base distribution rate increase effective January 1, 2023.

•PSNH's distribution revenues decreased $0.8 million due primarily to a decrease in sales volumes as a result of milder weather in 2023 compared to 2022, partially offset by a base distribution rate increase effective August 1, 2022.

Tracked Distribution Revenues: Tracked distribution revenues consist of certain costs that are recovered from customers in retail rates through regulatory commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms and therefore, recovery of these costs has no impact on earnings. Revenues from certain of these cost tracking mechanisms also include certain incentives earned, return on capital tracking mechanisms, and carrying charges that are billed in rates to customers, which do impact earnings. Costs recovered through cost tracking mechanisms include, among others, energy supply procurement and other energy-related costs, retail transmission charges, energy efficiency program costs, electric restructuring and stranded cost recovery revenues (including securitized RRB charges), certain capital tracking mechanisms for infrastructure improvements, and additionally for NSTAR Electric, pension and PBOP benefits, net metering for distributed generation, and solar-related programs. Tracked revenues also include wholesale market sales transactions, such as sales of energy and energy-related products into the ISO-NE wholesale electricity market and the sale of RECs to various counterparties.

Customers have the choice to purchase electricity from each Eversource electric utility or from a competitive third party supplier. For customers who have contracted separately with these competitive suppliers, revenue is not recorded for the sale of the electricity commodity, as the utility is acting as an agent on behalf of the third party supplier. For customers that choose to purchase electric generation from CL&P, NSTAR Electric or PSNH, each purchases power on behalf of, and is permitted to recover the related energy supply cost without mark-up from, its customers, and records offsetting amounts in revenues and purchased power related to this energy supply procurement. CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH each remain as the distribution service provider for all customers and charge a regulated rate for distribution delivery service recorded in revenues.

The variance in tracked distribution revenues in 2023, as compared to 2022, is due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)CL&PNSTAR ElectricPSNH
Retail Tariff Tracked Revenues:
Energy supply procurement$442.8$119.8$(56.2)
CL&P FMCC(330.1)
Retail transmission40.4(100.7)(20.6)
Other distribution tracking mechanisms22.0(61.6)30.5
Wholesale Market Sales Revenue(444.6)(83.2)(38.1)

The increase in energy supply procurement at CL&P and NSTAR Electric was driven by higher average prices, partially offset by lower average supply-related sales volumes. The decrease in energy supply procurement at PSNH was driven by lower average supply-related sales volumes, partially offset by higher average prices. Fluctuations in retail transmission revenues are driven by the recovery of the costs of our wholesale transmission business, such as those billed by ISO-NE and Local and Regional Network Service charges. For further information, see "Purchased Power and Transmission" expense below.

The decrease in CL&P’s FMCC revenues was driven by a decrease in the retail Non-Bypassable Federally Mandated Congestion Charge (NBFMCC) rate, which reflects the impact of returning net benefits of higher wholesale market sales received in the ISO-NE market for long-term state approved energy contracts at CL&P, which are then credited back to customers through the retail NBFMCC rate. CL&P’s average NBFMCC rate in effect from January 1, 2022 through April 30, 2022 was $0.01423 per kWh and from May 1 through August 31, 2022 was $0.01251 per kWh. As a result of the CL&P RAM proceeding in Docket No. 22-01-03, CL&P reduced the average NBFMCC rate effective September 1, 2022 from $0.01251 per kWh to $0.00000 per kWh. As part of a November 2022 rate relief plan, CL&P further reduced the average NBFMCC rate effective January 1, 2023 to a credit of $0.01524 per kWh. These rate reductions returned to customers the net revenues generated by long-term state-approved energy contracts with the Millstone and Seabrook nuclear power plants. The average NBFMCC rate changed to $0.00000 per kWh effective July 1, 2023. As a result of the 2023 CL&P RAM decision, the average NBFMCC rate changed to $0.00293 per kWh effective September 1, 2023.

The decrease in wholesale market sales revenue was due primarily to lower average electricity market prices received for wholesale sales at CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH. ISO-NE average market prices received for CL&P’s wholesale sales decreased to an average price of $36.60 per MWh in 2023, as compared to $82.88 per MWh in 2022, driven primarily by lower natural gas prices in New England. CL&P’s volumes sold into the market were primarily from the sale of output generated by the Millstone PPA and Seabrook PPA that CL&P entered into in 2019, as required by regulation. CL&P sells the energy purchased from Millstone and Seabrook into the wholesale market and uses the proceeds from the energy sales to offset the contract costs. The net sales or net cost amount is refunded to, or recovered from, customers in the non-bypassable component of the CL&P FMCC rate.

Transmission Revenues: Transmission revenues increased $21.9 million at CL&P, $36.1 million at NSTAR Electric and $49.2 million at PSNH due primarily to a higher transmission rate base as a result of our continued investment in our transmission infrastructure.

55

Eliminations: Eliminations are primarily related to the Eversource electric transmission revenues that are derived from ISO-NE regional transmission charges to the distribution businesses of CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH that recover the costs of the wholesale transmission business in rates charged to their customers. The impact of eliminations increased revenues by $8.6 million at CL&P and $2.9 million at PSNH and decreased revenues by $18.2 million at NSTAR Electric.

Purchased Power and Transmission expense includes costs associated with providing electric generation service supply to all customers who have not migrated to third party suppliers, the cost of energy purchase contracts entered into as required by regulation, and transmission costs. These energy supply procurement, other energy-related costs, and transmission costs are recovered from customers in rates through commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms, which have no impact on earnings (tracked costs). The variance in Purchased Power and Transmission expense in 2023, as compared to 2022, is due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)CL&PNSTAR ElectricPSNH
Energy supply procurement costs$437.2$117.6$(59.5)
Other electric distribution costs22.6(109.6)18.3
Transmission costs35.7(100.8)(22.0)
Eliminations7.1(18.0)2.7
Total Purchased Power and Transmission$502.6$(110.8)$(60.5)

The variance in energy supply procurement costs is offset in Operating Revenues (tracked energy supply procurement revenues). The variance in other electric distribution costs at CL&P is due to higher long-term contractual energy-related costs that are recovered in the non-bypassable component of the FMCC mechanism, at NSTAR Electric is due to a decrease in long-term renewable contract costs and lower net metering costs, and at PSNH is due primarily to higher net metering costs.

Included in transmission costs are charges that recover the cost of transporting electricity over high-voltage lines from generation facilities to substations, including costs allocated by ISO-NE to maintain the wholesale electric market.

•The increase in transmission costs at CL&P was due primarily to an increase in Local Network Service charges, which reflect the cost of transmission service provided by Eversource over our local transmission network, and an increase resulting from the retail transmission cost deferral, which reflects the actual costs of transmission service compared to estimated amounts billed to customers. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in costs billed by ISO-NE that support regional grid investments.

•The decrease in transmission costs at NSTAR Electric and PSNH was due primarily to a decrease resulting from the retail transmission cost deferral and a decrease in costs billed by ISO-NE. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in Local Network Service charges.

Operations and Maintenance expense includes tracked costs and costs that are part of base distribution rates with changes impacting earnings (non-tracked costs).  The variance in Operations and Maintenance expense in 2023, as compared to 2022, is due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)CL&PNSTAR ElectricPSNH
Base Electric Distribution (Non-Tracked Costs):
Shared corporate costs (including IT system depreciation at Eversource Service)$14.2$22.5$4.7
Storm costs17.4(0.8)(3.3)
General costs (including vendor services in corporate areas, insurance, fees and assessments)6.60.2(2.1)
Absence in 2023 of energy assistance program as part of CL&P rate relief plan(10.0)
Employee-related expenses, including labor and benefits(5.3)(5.2)1.3
Operations-related expenses (including vegetation management, vendor services and vehicles)(4.7)3.3(6.4)
Uncollectible expense(4.5)4.55.1
Total Base Electric Distribution (Non-Tracked Costs)13.724.5(0.7)
Total Tracked Costs12.43.229.1
Total Operations and Maintenance$26.1$27.7$28.4

Depreciation expense increased for CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH due to higher net plant in service balances. The increase at NSTAR Electric was partially offset by a decrease in approved depreciation rates as part of the rate case decision effective January 1, 2023.

Amortization of Regulatory (Liabilities)/Assets, Net expense includes the deferral of energy-related costs and other costs that are included in certain regulatory commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms. This deferral adjusts expense to match the corresponding revenues compared to the actual costs incurred. These costs are recovered from customers in rates and have no impact on earnings. Amortization expense also includes the amortization of certain costs as those costs are collected in rates. The variance in Amortization of Regulatory (Liabilities)/Assets, Net is due primarily to the following:

•The decrease at CL&P was due primarily to the deferral adjustment of energy-related and other tracked costs that are included in the non-bypassable component of the FMCC mechanism, which can fluctuate from period to period based on the timing of costs incurred and related rate changes to recover these costs. The decrease in the FMCC mechanism was driven primarily by the CL&P November 2022 rate relief plan, which reduced the non-bypassable FMCC rate effective January 1, 2023. The reduction in the CL&P non-

56

bypassable FMCC retail rate decreased the regulatory over-recovery balance and created an under-recovery balance as of December 31, 2023, which resulted in a decrease to amortization expense of $802.3 million.

•The decrease at NSTAR Electric was due to the deferral adjustment of energy-related costs and other tracked costs, partially offset by an increase due to the amortization of historical exogenous property taxes that were approved for recovery effective January 1, 2023 in the November 2022 NSTAR Electric distribution rate case decision.

•The decrease at PSNH was due to the deferral adjustment of energy-related and other tracked costs, as well as the impact of a new regulatory tracking mechanism at PSNH that allows for the recovery of operating expenses associated with poles acquired from Consolidated Communications on May 1, 2023. The establishment of the PPAM regulatory asset resulted in a pre-tax benefit of $16.9 million recorded in Amortization expense on the PSNH statement of income in 2023.

Energy Efficiency Programs expense includes costs of various state energy policy initiatives and expanded energy efficiency programs that are recovered from customers in rates, most of which have no impact on earnings. The variance in Energy Efficiency Programs expense is due primarily to the following:

•The decrease at NSTAR Electric was due to the deferral adjustment, which reflects the actual costs of energy efficiency programs compared to the amounts billed to customers, and the timing of the recovery of energy efficiency costs.

•The increase at PSNH was due to the deferral adjustment and the timing of the recovery of energy efficiency costs.

Taxes Other Than Income Taxes - the variance is due primarily to the following:

•The increase at CL&P was related to higher Connecticut gross earnings taxes, higher employment-related taxes based on the timing of payroll pay periods, and higher property taxes as a result of higher utility plant balances.

•The increase at NSTAR Electric was due to higher property taxes as a result of higher assessments and higher utility plant balances and higher employment-related taxes based on the timing of payroll pay periods.

•The decrease at PSNH was due to lower property taxes as a result of lower assessments accompanied by lower mill rates, partially offset by an increase due to higher employment-related taxes based on the timing of payroll pay periods.

Interest Expense - the variance is due primarily to the following:

•The increase at CL&P was due to higher interest on long-term debt ($23.2 million) and higher interest on short-term notes payable ($9.5 million), partially offset by a decrease in interest expense on regulatory deferrals ($4.6 million), an increase in capitalized AFUDC related to debt funds ($2.9 million), and lower amortization of debt discounts and premiums, net ($0.3 million).

•The increase at NSTAR Electric was due primarily to higher interest on long-term debt ($16.0 million), higher interest on short-term notes payable ($10.1 million), and an increase in interest expense on regulatory deferrals ($8.0 million), partially offset by an increase in capitalized AFUDC related to debt funds ($6.5 million).

•The increase at PSNH was due primarily to higher interest on long-term debt ($17.4 million) and higher interest on short-term notes payable ($5.4 million), partially offset by an increase in capitalized AFUDC related to debt funds ($4.7 million), a decrease in interest expense on regulatory deferrals ($3.7 million), and a decrease in RRB interest expense ($1.3 million).

Other Income, Net - the variance is due primarily to the following:

•The decrease at CL&P was due primarily to a decrease related to pension, SERP and PBOP non-service income components ($29.5 million) and an increase in investment losses driven by market volatility ($1.1 million), partially offset by an increase in capitalized AFUDC related to equity funds ($6.4 million) and an increase in interest income primarily on regulatory deferrals ($2.5 million).

•The increase at NSTAR Electric was due primarily to an increase in interest income primarily on regulatory deferrals ($29.9 million) and an increase in capitalized AFUDC related to equity funds ($21.1 million), partially offset by a decrease related to pension, SERP and PBOP non-service income components ($28.1 million) and investment losses in 2023 compared to investment income in 2022 driven by market volatility ($1.4 million).

•The decrease at PSNH was due primarily to a decrease related to pension, SERP and PBOP non-service income components ($10.6 million) and investment losses in 2023 compared to investment income in 2022 driven by market volatility ($0.9 million), partially offset by an increase in capitalized AFUDC related to equity funds ($2.9 million) and an increase in interest income primarily on regulatory deferrals ($2.2 million).

Income Tax Expense - the variance is due primarily to the following:

•The decrease at CL&P was due primarily to lower pre-tax earnings ($3.0 million), lower state taxes ($3.0 million), an increase in amortization of EDIT ($1.3 million), and a decrease in items that impact our tax rate as a result of regulatory treatment (flow-through items) and permanent differences ($1.4 million), partially offset by higher return to provision adjustments ($7.3 million), lower share-based payment excess tax benefits ($0.9 million), and an increase in valuation allowances ($0.2 million).

•The increase at NSTAR Electric was due primarily to higher pre-tax earnings ($13.7 million), higher state taxes ($1.6 million), lower share-based payment excess tax benefits ($1.0 million), and a decrease in amortization of EDIT ($0.8 million), partially offset by a decrease in items that impact our tax rate as a result of regulatory treatment (flow-through items) and permanent differences ($4.1 million).

57

•The increase at PSNH was due primarily to higher pre-tax earnings ($6.7 million), higher state taxes ($1.6 million), and a decrease in amortization of EDIT ($0.9 million), partially offset by a decrease in items that impact our tax rate as a result of regulatory treatment (flow-through items) and permanent differences ($1.0 million), and lower return to provision adjustments ($0.5 million).

EARNINGS SUMMARY

CL&P's earnings decreased $14.2 million in 2023, as compared to 2022, due primarily to higher operations and maintenance expense, higher interest expense, higher depreciation expense, lower pension income, a higher effective tax rate, and higher property and other tax expense. The earnings decrease was partially offset by higher earnings from its capital tracking mechanism due to increased electric system improvements.

NSTAR Electric's earnings increased $52.1 million in 2023, as compared to 2022, due primarily to higher revenues as a result of the base distribution rate increase effective January 1, 2023, an increase in transmission earnings driven by a higher transmission rate base, an increase in interest income primarily on regulatory deferrals, and higher AFUDC equity income. The earnings increase was partially offset by higher operations and maintenance expense, higher property and other tax expense, higher interest expense, and higher depreciation expense.

PSNH's earnings increased $24.1 million in 2023, as compared to 2022, due primarily to an increase in transmission earnings driven by a higher transmission rate base and the impact of a new regulatory tracking mechanism at PSNH that allows for the recovery of previously incurred operating expenses associated with poles acquired on May 1, 2023. The earnings increase was partially offset by higher interest expense, higher depreciation expense, and lower pension income.

LIQUIDITY

Cash Flows: CL&P had cash flows provided by operating activities of $449.6 million in 2023, as compared to $869.6 million in 2022.  The decrease in operating cash flows was due primarily to an increase in regulatory under-recoveries driven primarily by the timing of collections for the non-bypassable FMCC, the SBC and other regulatory tracking mechanisms, the timing of cash payments made on our accounts payable, and an $8.9 million increase in cost of removal expenditures. In 2023, CL&P increased the flow back to customers of net revenues generated by long-term state-approved energy contracts by providing these credits to customers through the non-bypassable FMCC retail rate. The reduction in the non-bypassable FMCC retail rate decreased the regulatory over-recovery balance and created an under-recovery balance as of December 31, 2023, which resulted in a decrease to amortization expense of $802.3 million in 2023, as compared to 2022, and is presented as a cash outflow in Amortization of Regulatory (Liabilities)/Assets on the statement of cash flows. The impacts of regulatory collections are included in both Regulatory Recoveries and Amortization of Regulatory (Liabilities)/Assets on the statements of cash flows. These unfavorable impacts were partially offset by a $161.7 million increase in operating cash flows due to income tax refunds received in 2023 compared to income tax payments in 2022, the timing of cash collections on our accounts receivable, the absence in 2023 of $72.0 million of customer credits distributed in 2022 as a result of the October 2021 settlement agreement and the 2021 storm performance penalty for CL&P’s response to Tropical Storm Isaias, a $32.4 million decrease in cash payments to vendors for storm costs, and the timing of other working capital items.

NSTAR Electric had cash flows provided by operating activities of $713.6 million in 2023, as compared to $771.5 million in 2022.  The decrease in operating cash flows was due primarily to an increase in regulatory under-recoveries driven by the timing of collections for regulatory tracking mechanisms including transmission and net metering, the timing of other working capital items, the timing of cash collections on our accounts receivable, an $11.0 million increase in cost of removal expenditures, and a $7.5 million increase in income tax payments made. The impacts of regulatory collections are included in both Regulatory Recoveries and Amortization of Regulatory Assets on the statements of cash flows. These unfavorable impacts were partially offset by the absence in 2023 of $76.3 million of payments in 2022 related to withheld property taxes, a $59.1 million decrease in cash payments to vendors for storm costs, the absence in 2023 of pension contributions of $15.0 million made in 2022, and the timing of cash payments made on our accounts payable.

PSNH had cash flows provided by operating activities of $32.0 million in 2023, as compared to $361.5 million in 2022.  The decrease in operating cash flows was due primarily to an increase in regulatory under-recoveries driven by the timing of collections for regulatory tracking mechanisms including energy supply, stranded costs, retail transmission and wholesale transmission, the timing of cash payments made on our accounts payable, a $118.2 million increase in cash payments to vendors for storm costs, and the timing of other working capital items. The impacts of regulatory collections are included in both Regulatory Recoveries and Amortization of Regulatory (Liabilities)/Assets on the statements of cash flows. These unfavorable impacts were partially offset by a $118.2 million increase in operating cash flows due to income tax refunds received in 2023 compared to income tax payments in 2022, and the timing of cash collections on our accounts receivable.

For further information on CL&P's, NSTAR Electric's and PSNH's liquidity and capital resources, see "Liquidity" and "Business Development and Capital Expenditures" included in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

58

FY 2022 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0000072741-23-000004.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2023-02-15. Report date: 2022-12-31.

Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

EVERSOURCE ENERGY AND SUBSIDIARIES

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related combined notes included in this combined Annual Report on Form 10-K.  References in this combined Annual Report on Form 10-K to "Eversource," the "Company," "we," "us," and "our" refer to Eversource Energy and its consolidated subsidiaries.  All per-share amounts are reported on a diluted basis.  The consolidated financial statements of Eversource, NSTAR Electric and PSNH and the financial statements of CL&P are herein collectively referred to as the "financial statements."  Our discussion of fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021 is included herein. Unless expressly stated otherwise, for discussion and analysis of fiscal year 2020 items and of fiscal year 2021 compared to fiscal year 2020, please refer to Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in our combined 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Refer to the Glossary of Terms included in this combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for abbreviations and acronyms used throughout this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The only common equity securities that are publicly traded are common shares of Eversource. The earnings and EPS of each business do not represent a direct legal interest in the assets and liabilities of such business, but rather represent a direct interest in our assets and liabilities as a whole. EPS by business is a financial measure that is not recognized under GAAP (non-GAAP) and is calculated by dividing the Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders of each business by the weighted average diluted Eversource common shares outstanding for the period. Our earnings discussion also includes non-GAAP financial measures referencing our earnings and EPS excluding certain transaction and transition costs, and our 2021 earnings and EPS excluding charges at CL&P related to an October 2021 settlement agreement that included credits to customers and funding of various customer assistance initiatives and a 2021 storm performance penalty imposed on CL&P by PURA.

We use these non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate and provide details of earnings results by business and to more fully compare and explain our results without including these items. This information is among the primary indicators we use as a basis for evaluating performance and planning and forecasting of future periods. We believe the impacts of transaction and transition costs, the CL&P October 2021 settlement agreement, and the 2021 storm performance penalty imposed on CL&P by PURA, are not indicative of our ongoing costs and performance. We view these charges as not directly related to the ongoing operations of the business and therefore not an indicator of baseline operating performance. Due to the nature and significance of the effect of these items on Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders and EPS, we believe that the non-GAAP presentation is a more meaningful representation of our financial performance and provides additional and useful information to readers of this report in analyzing historical and future performance of our business. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as alternatives to reported Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders or EPS determined in accordance with GAAP as indicators of operating performance.

Financial Condition and Business Analysis

Executive Summary

Eversource Energy is a public utility holding company primarily engaged, through its wholly-owned regulated utility subsidiaries, in the energy delivery business.  Eversource Energy's wholly-owned regulated utility subsidiaries consist of CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH (electric utilities), Yankee Gas, NSTAR Gas and EGMA (natural gas utilities) and Aquarion (water utilities). Eversource is organized into the electric distribution, electric transmission, natural gas distribution, and water distribution reportable segments.

The following items in this executive summary are explained in more detail in this combined Annual Report on Form 10-K:

Earnings Overview and Future Outlook:

•We earned $1.40 billion, or $4.05 per share, in 2022, compared with $1.22 billion, or $3.54 per share, in 2021.

•Our results include after-tax transaction and transition costs recorded at Eversource parent of $15.0 million, or $0.04 per share, in 2022, compared with $23.6 million, or $0.07 per share, in 2021. Our 2021 results also include after-tax charges of $86.1 million, or $0.25 per share, resulting from a PURA-approved CL&P settlement agreement and a PURA assessment as a result of CL&P’s preparation for, and response to, Tropical Storm Isaias in August 2020, which were recorded within the electric distribution segment. Excluding these costs, our non-GAAP earnings were $1.42 billion, or $4.09 per share, in 2022, compared with $1.33 billion, or $3.86 per share, in 2021.

•We project that we will earn within a 2023 non-GAAP earning guidance range of between $4.25 per share and $4.43 per share, which excludes the potential impact of the strategic review of our offshore wind investment portfolio. We also project that our long-term EPS growth rate through 2027 from our regulated utility businesses will be in the upper half of a 5 to 7 percent range.

27

Liquidity:

•Cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $2.40 billion in 2022, compared with $1.96 billion in 2021.  Investments in property, plant and equipment totaled $3.44 billion in 2022 and $3.18 billion in 2021.

•Cash and Cash Equivalents totaled $374.6 million as of December 31, 2022, compared with $66.8 million as of December 31, 2021.  Our available borrowing capacity under our commercial paper programs totaled $1.21 billion as of December 31, 2022.

•In 2022, we issued $4.05 billion of new long-term debt and we repaid $1.18 billion of long-term debt.

•In 2022, we issued 2,165,671 common shares, which resulted in proceeds of $197.1 million, net of issuance costs.

•In 2022, we paid dividends totaling $2.55 per common share, compared with dividends of $2.41 per common share in 2021. Our quarterly common share dividend payment was $0.6375 per share in 2022, as compared to $0.6025 per share in 2021.  On February 1, 2023, our Board of Trustees approved a common share dividend payment of $0.675 per share, payable on March 31, 2023 to shareholders of record as of March 2, 2023.

•We project to make capital expenditures of $21.52 billion from 2023 through 2027, of which we expect $8.86 billion to be in our electric distribution segment, $5.25 billion to be in our natural gas distribution segment, $5.29 billion to be in our electric transmission segment, and $1.02 billion to be in our water distribution segment.  We also project to invest $1.10 billion in information technology and facilities upgrades and enhancements. Additionally, we currently expect to make investments in our offshore wind business between $1.9 billion and $2.1 billion in 2023 and expect to make investments for our three projects in total between $1.6 billion and $1.9 billion from 2024 through 2026. These estimates assume that the three projects are completed and are in-service by the end of 2025, as planned. These projected investments could be impacted by the strategic review of our offshore wind investment.

Strategic and Regulatory Transactions and Developments:

•On May 4, 2022, we announced that we had initiated a strategic review of our offshore wind investment portfolio. As part of that review, we are exploring strategic alternatives that could result in a potential sale of all, or part, of our 50 percent interest in our offshore wind partnership with Ørsted. We continue to work with interested parties through this ongoing process and expect to complete this review in the second quarter of 2023.

•On November 30, 2022, the DPU issued its decision in the NSTAR Electric distribution rate case and approved a base distribution rate increase of $64 million effective January 1, 2023. The DPU approved a renewal of the performance-based ratemaking (PBR) plan originally authorized in its previous rate case for a five-year term, with a corresponding stay out provision. The PBR plan term has the possibility of a five-year extension. The PBR mechanism allows for an annual adjustment to base distribution rates for inflation and exogenous events. The DPU also allowed for adjustments to the PBR mechanism for the recovery of future capital additions based on a historical five-year average of total capital additions, beginning with the January 1, 2024 PBR adjustment. The decision allows an authorized regulatory ROE of 9.80 percent on a capital structure including 53.2 percent equity.

Earnings Overview

Consolidated:  Below is a summary of our earnings by business, which also reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures of consolidated non-GAAP earnings and EPS, as well as EPS by business, to the most directly comparable GAAP measures of consolidated Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders and diluted EPS.

For the Years Ended December 31,
202220212020
(Millions of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts)AmountPer ShareAmountPer ShareAmountPer Share
Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders (GAAP)$1,404.9$4.05$1,220.5$3.54$1,205.2$3.55
Regulated Companies (Non-GAAP)$1,460.4$4.21$1,342.4$3.89$1,223.3$3.60
Eversource Parent and Other Companies (Non-GAAP)(40.5)(0.12)(12.2)(0.03)14.00.04
Non-GAAP Earnings$1,419.9$4.09$1,330.2$3.86$1,237.3$3.64
CL&P Settlement Impacts (after-tax) (1)(86.1)(0.25)
Transaction and Transition Costs (after-tax) (2)(15.0)(0.04)(23.6)(0.07)(32.1)(0.09)
Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders (GAAP)$1,404.9$4.05$1,220.5$3.54$1,205.2$3.55

(1)    The 2021 after-tax costs are associated with the October 1, 2021 CL&P settlement agreement approved by PURA on October 27, 2021, which included a pre-tax $65 million charge to earnings for customer credits provided to customers over a two-month billing period from December 1, 2021 to January 31, 2022 and a $10 million pre-tax charge to earnings to establish a fund that provided bill payment assistance to certain existing non-hardship and hardship customers carrying arrearages. The 2021 after-tax costs also include a charge recorded at CL&P as a result of PURA’s April 28, 2021 and July 14, 2021 decisions, which included a pre-tax $28.4 million penalty for storm performance results provided as credits to customer bills over a one-year period that began September 1, 2021 and a pre-tax $0.2 million fine to the State of Connecticut’s general fund. As a result of the October 1, 2021 settlement agreement, CL&P agreed to withdraw its pending appeals related to

28

the storm performance penalty imposed in PURA’s April 28, 2021 and July 14, 2021 decisions. Management views these collective charges as not directly related to the ongoing operations of the business and therefore not an indicator of baseline operating performance.

(2) The after-tax costs are for the transition of systems as a result of our purchase of the assets of Columbia Gas of Massachusetts (CMA) on October 9, 2020 and integrating the CMA assets onto Eversource’s systems. The after-tax costs also include costs associated with our water business acquisitions and the strategic review of our offshore wind investment portfolio. We expect transaction costs in 2023 as a result of the wind strategic review.

Regulated Companies:  Our regulated companies comprise the electric distribution, electric transmission, natural gas distribution and water distribution segments. A summary of our segment earnings and EPS is as follows:

For the Years Ended December 31,
202220212020
(Millions of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts)AmountPer ShareAmountPer ShareAmountPer Share
Net Income - Regulated Companies (GAAP)$1,460.4$4.21$1,256.3$3.64$1,221.8$3.60
Electric Distribution, excluding CL&P Settlement Impacts (Non-GAAP)$592.8$1.71$556.2$1.61$544.0$1.60
Electric Transmission596.61.72544.61.58502.51.48
Natural Gas Distribution, excluding Transaction-Related Costs (Non-GAAP)234.20.67204.80.59135.60.40
Water Distribution36.80.1136.80.1141.20.12
Net Income - Regulated Companies (Non-GAAP)$1,460.4$4.21$1,342.4$3.89$1,223.3$3.60
CL&P Settlement Impacts (after-tax)(86.1)(0.25)
Transaction and Transition Costs (after-tax)(1.5)
Net Income - Regulated Companies (GAAP)$1,460.4$4.21$1,256.3$3.64$1,221.8$3.60

Our electric distribution segment earnings increased $122.7 million in 2022, as compared to 2021, due primarily to the absence in 2022 of CL&P’s October 1, 2021 settlement agreement that resulted in a $75 million pre-tax charge to earnings and a $28.6 million pre-tax charge to earnings at CL&P for a 2021 storm performance penalty imposed by PURA as a result of CL&P’s preparation for, and response to, Tropical Storm Isaias. The after-tax impact of the CL&P settlement agreement and CL&P storm performance penalty imposed by PURA was $86.1 million, or $0.25 per share. Excluding those 2021 charges, electric distribution segment earnings increased $36.6 million due primarily to a base distribution rate increase at NSTAR Electric effective January 1, 2022, higher earnings from CL&P's capital tracking mechanism due to increased electric system improvements, lower pension plan expense in Connecticut and New Hampshire, and an increase in interest income primarily on regulatory deferrals. Those earnings increases were partially offset by higher operations and maintenance expense driven primarily by higher shared corporate costs resulting from the implementation of new information technology systems, higher storm costs, a $10 million pre-tax charge to earnings as a result of CL&P’s commitment to contribute to an energy assistance program as part of its 2022 rate relief plan, and higher insurance reserves. Earnings were also unfavorably impacted by higher depreciation expense, higher property and other tax expense, and higher interest expense.

Our electric transmission segment earnings increased $52.0 million in 2022, as compared to 2021, due primarily to a higher transmission rate base as a result of our continued investment in our transmission infrastructure, partially offset by a higher effective income tax rate and higher interest expense on short-term debt.

Our natural gas distribution segment earnings increased $29.4 million in 2022, as compared to 2021, due primarily to base distribution rate increases effective November 1, 2021 and November 1, 2022 at each of EGMA and NSTAR Gas, higher earnings from capital tracking mechanisms due to continued investments in natural gas infrastructure, and lower pension plan expense at Yankee Gas. Those earnings increases were partially offset by higher operations and maintenance expense, higher property tax expense, higher interest expense, and higher depreciation expense.

Our water distribution segment earnings were flat in 2022, as compared to 2021.

Eversource Parent and Other Companies:  Eversource parent and other companies’ losses increased $19.7 million in 2022, as compared to 2021, due primarily to higher interest expense and a higher effective tax rate, partially offset by higher unrealized gains associated with our equity method investment in a renewable energy fund and an after-tax decrease of $8.6 million in transition costs associated with EGMA integration and transaction costs in 2022, as compared to 2021.

29

Liquidity

Sources and Uses of Cash: Eversource’s regulated business is capital intensive and requires considerable capital resources. Eversource’s regulated companies’ capital resources are provided by cash flows generated from operations, short-term borrowings, long-term debt issuances, capital contributions from Eversource parent, and existing cash, and are used to fund their liquidity and capital requirements. Eversource’s regulated companies typically maintain minimal cash balances and use short-term borrowings to meet their working capital needs and other cash requirements. Short-term borrowings are also used as a bridge to long-term debt financings. The levels of short-term borrowing may vary significantly over the course of the year due to the impact of fluctuations in cash flows from operations, dividends paid, capital contributions received and the timing of long-term debt financings.

Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH each uses its available capital resources to fund its respective construction expenditures, meet debt requirements, pay operating costs, including storm-related costs, pay dividends, and fund other corporate obligations, such as pension contributions. Eversource's regulated companies recover their electric, natural gas and water distribution construction expenditures as the related project costs are depreciated over the life of the assets. This impacts the timing of the revenue stream designed to fully recover the total investment plus a return on the equity and debt used to finance the investments. Eversource's regulated companies spend a significant amount of cash on capital improvements and construction projects that have a long-term return on investment and recovery period. In addition, Eversource uses its capital resources to fund investments in its offshore wind business, which are recognized as long-term assets. These factors have resulted in current liabilities exceeding current assets by $2.58 billion, $168.6 million, and $330.0 million at Eversource, CL&P, and PSNH, respectively, as of December 31, 2022.

We expect the future operating cash flows of Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH, along with our existing borrowing availability and access to both debt and equity markets, will be sufficient to meet any working capital and future operating requirements, and capital investment forecasted opportunities.

As of December 31, 2022, $2.01 billion of Eversource's long-term debt, including $1.20 billion at Eversource parent, $400.0 million at CL&P, $80.0 million at NSTAR Electric, and $325.0 million at PSNH, matures within the next 12 months. CL&P repaid this long-term debt at maturity in January 2023. Eversource, with its strong credit ratings, has several options available in the financial markets to repay or refinance these maturities with the issuance of new long-term debt. Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH will reduce their short-term borrowings with operating cash flows or with the issuance of new long-term debt, determined by considering capital requirements and maintenance of Eversource's credit rating and profile.

Cash and Cash Equivalents totaled $374.6 million as of December 31, 2022, compared with $66.8 million as of December 31, 2021.

Short-Term Debt - Commercial Paper Programs and Credit Agreements: Eversource parent has a $2.00 billion commercial paper program allowing Eversource parent to issue commercial paper as a form of short-term debt. Eversource parent, CL&P, PSNH, NSTAR Gas, Yankee Gas, EGMA and Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut are parties to a five-year $2.00 billion revolving credit facility, which terminates on October 15, 2027. This revolving credit facility serves to backstop Eversource parent's $2.00 billion commercial paper program.

NSTAR Electric has a $650 million commercial paper program allowing NSTAR Electric to issue commercial paper as a form of short-term debt. NSTAR Electric is also a party to a five-year $650 million revolving credit facility, which terminates on October 15, 2027. This revolving credit facility serves to backstop NSTAR Electric's $650 million commercial paper program.

The amount of borrowings outstanding and available under the commercial paper programs were as follows:

Borrowings Outstanding as of December 31,Available Borrowing Capacity as of December 31,Weighted-Average Interest Rate as of December 31,
(Millions of Dollars)202220212022202120222021
Eversource Parent Commercial Paper Program$1,442.2$1,343.0$557.8$657.04.63%0.31%
NSTAR Electric Commercial Paper Program162.5650.0487.5%0.14%

There were no borrowings outstanding on the revolving credit facilities as of December 31, 2022 or 2021.

CL&P and PSNH have uncommitted line of credit agreements totaling $450 million and $300 million, respectively, which will expire on May 12, 2023. There are no borrowings outstanding on either the CL&P or PSNH uncommitted line of credit agreements as of December 31, 2022.

Amounts outstanding under the commercial paper programs are included in Notes Payable and classified in current liabilities on the Eversource and NSTAR Electric balance sheets, as all borrowings are outstanding for no more than 364 days at one time.

Intercompany Borrowings: Eversource parent uses its available capital resources to provide loans to its subsidiaries to assist in meeting their short-term borrowing needs. Eversource parent records intercompany interest income from its loans to subsidiaries, which is eliminated in consolidation. Intercompany loans from Eversource parent to its subsidiaries are eliminated in consolidation on Eversource's balance sheets. As of December 31, 2022, there were intercompany loans from Eversource parent to PSNH of $173.3 million. As of December 31, 2021, there were intercompany loans from Eversource parent to PSNH of $110.6 million. Intercompany loans from Eversource parent are included in Notes Payable to Eversource Parent and classified in current liabilities on the respective subsidiary's balance sheets.

30

Availability under Long-Term Debt Issuance Authorizations: On December 14, 2022, the NHPUC approved PSNH’s request for authorization to issue up to $600 million in long-term debt through December 31, 2023. On November 30, 2022, the PURA approved CL&P's request for authorization to issue up to $1.15 billion in long-term debt through December 31, 2024. On June 14, 2022, the DPU approved NSTAR Gas’ request for authorization to issue up to $325 million in long-term debt through December 31, 2024. The remaining Eversource operating companies, including NSTAR Electric, have utilized the long-term debt authorizations in place with the respective regulatory commissions.

Long-Term Debt Issuances and Repayments: The following table summarizes long-term debt issuances and repayments:

(Millions of Dollars)Interest RateIssuance/ (Repayment)Issue Date or Repayment DateMaturity DateUse of Proceeds for Issuance/ Repayment Information
CL&P 2023 Series A First Mortgage Bonds5.25%$500.0January 2023January 2053Repaid 2013 Series A Bonds at maturity and short-term debt, and paid capital expenditures and working capital
CL&P 2013 Series A First Mortgage Bonds2.50%(400.0)January 2023January 2023Paid at maturity
NSTAR Electric 2022 Debentures4.55%450.0May 2022June 2052Repaid short-term debt, paid capital expenditures and working capital
NSTAR Electric 2022 Debentures4.95%400.0September 2022September 2052Refinanced investments in eligible green expenditures, which were previously financed using short-term debt from October 1, 2020 through June 30, 2022
NSTAR Electric 2012 Debentures2.375%(400.0)October 2022October 2022Paid at maturity
PSNH Series W First Mortgage Bonds5.15%300.0January 2023January 2053Repaid short-term debt, paid capital expenditures and working capital
Eversource Parent Series V Senior Notes2.90%650.0February 2022March 2027Repaid Series K Senior Notes at maturity and short-term debt
Eversource Parent Series W Senior Notes3.375%650.0February 2022March 2032Repaid Series K Senior Notes at maturity and short-term debt
Eversource Parent Series X Senior Notes4.20%900.0June 2022June 2024Repaid short-term debt and paid working capital
Eversource Parent Series Y Senior Notes4.60%600.0June 2022July 2027Repaid short-term debt and paid working capital
Eversource Parent Series K Senior Notes2.75%(750.0)March 2022March 2022Paid at maturity
Yankee Gas Series B First Mortgage Bonds8.48%(20.0)March 2022March 2022Paid at maturity
Yankee Gas Series U First Mortgage Bonds4.31%100.0September 2022September 2032Repaid short-term debt, paid capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes
EGMA Series C First Mortgage Bonds4.70%100.0June 2022June 2052Repaid short-term debt, paid capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes
NSTAR Gas Series V First Mortgage Bonds4.40%125.0July 2022August 2032Repaid short-term debt, paid capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes
Aquarion Water Company of New Hampshire General Mortgage Bonds4.45%(5.0)July 2022July 2022Paid at maturity
Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut Senior Notes4.69%70.0August 2022September 2052Repaid short-term debt

As a result of the CL&P and PSNH long-term debt issuances in January 2023, $400 million and $295.3 million, respectively, of current portion of long-term debt were reclassified as Long-Term Debt on CL&P’s and PSNH’s balance sheets as of December 31, 2022.

Rate Reduction Bonds: PSNH's RRB payments consist of principal and interest and are paid semi-annually. PSNH paid $43.2 million of RRB principal payments and $17.6 million of interest payments in 2022, and paid $43.2 million of RRB principal payments and $18.9 million of interest payments in 2021.

Common Share Issuances and 2022 Equity Distribution Agreement: On May 11, 2022, Eversource entered into an equity distribution agreement pursuant to which it may offer and sell up to $1.2 billion of its common shares from time to time through an “at-the-market” (ATM) equity offering program. Eversource may issue and sell its common shares through its sales agents during the term of this agreement. Shares may be offered in transactions on the New York Stock Exchange, in the over-the-counter market, through negotiated transactions or otherwise. Sales may be made at either market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. In 2022, Eversource issued 2,165,671 common shares, which resulted in proceeds of $197.1 million, net of issuance costs. Eversource used the net proceeds received for general corporate purposes.

Cash Flows:  Cash flows from operating activities primarily result from the transmission and distribution of electricity, and the distribution of natural gas and water. Cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $2.40 billion in 2022, compared with $1.96 billion in 2021. Changes in Eversource’s cash flows from operations were generally consistent with changes in its results of operations, after adjustment for non-cash items and as adjusted by changes in working capital in the normal course of business. Operating cash flows were favorably impacted by the timing of cash payments made on our accounts payable, an increase in regulatory over-recoveries driven by the timing of collections for the non-bypassable FMCC at CL&P and other regulatory tracking mechanisms, a decrease of $99.2 million in pension and PBOP contributions made in 2022, as compared to 2021, and a $43.7 million decrease in income tax payments made in 2022, as compared to 2021. The impact of regulatory collections are included in both Regulatory Over/Under Recoveries and Amortization on the statements of cash flows. These favorable impacts were partially

31

offset by the timing of cash collections on our accounts receivable, $78.4 million of payments in 2022 related to withheld property taxes at our Massachusetts companies, primarily at NSTAR Electric, $72.0 million of customer credits distributed to CL&P’s customers in 2022 as a result of the October 2021 settlement agreement and the 2021 storm performance penalty for CL&P’s response to Tropical Storm Isaias, a $61.6 million increase in cost of removal expenditures, and an increase of $34.0 million in cash payments for storm costs at NSTAR Electric.

In 2022, we paid cash dividends of $860.0 million and issued non-cash dividends of $23.1 million in the form of treasury shares, totaling dividends of $883.1 million, or $2.55 per common share. In 2021, we paid cash dividends of $805.4 million and issued non-cash dividends of $22.9 million in the form of treasury shares, totaling dividends of $828.3 million, or $2.41 per common share. Our quarterly common share dividend payment was $0.6375 per share in 2022, as compared to $0.6025 per share in 2021.  On February 1, 2023, our Board of Trustees approved a common share dividend payment of $0.675 per share, payable on March 31, 2023 to shareholders of record as of March 2, 2023.

Eversource issues treasury shares to satisfy awards under the Company's incentive plans, shares issued under the dividend reinvestment and share purchase plan, and matching contributions under the Eversource 401k Plan.

In 2022, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH paid $292.4 million, $287.6 million and $104.0 million, respectively, in common stock dividends to Eversource parent.

Investments in Property, Plant and Equipment on the statements of cash flows do not include amounts incurred on capital projects but not yet paid, cost of removal, AFUDC related to equity funds, and the capitalized and deferred portions of pension and PBOP income/expense.  In 2022, investments for Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric, and PSNH were $3.44 billion, $876.7 million, $954.3 million and $485.6 million, respectively.  Capital expenditures were primarily for continuing projects to maintain and improve infrastructure and operations, including enhancing reliability to the transmission and distribution systems.

Contractual Obligations: For information regarding our cash requirements from contractual obligations and payment schedules, see Note 9, "Long-Term Debt," Note 10, "Rate Reduction Bonds and Variable Interest Entities," Note 11A, "Employee Benefits - Pension Benefits and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pension," Note 13, "Commitments and Contingencies," and Note 14, "Leases," to the financial statements.

Estimated interest payments on existing long-term fixed-rate debt are calculated by multiplying the coupon rate on the debt by its scheduled notional amount outstanding for the period of measurement as of December 31, 2022 and are as follows:

(Millions of Dollars)20232024202520262027ThereafterTotal
Eversource$722.6$654.7$589.6$559.7$517.3$5,864.4$8,908.3
CL&P154.7149.7138.6135.6127.61,657.22,363.4

Our commitments to make payments in addition to these contractual obligations include other liabilities reflected on our balance sheets, future funding of our offshore wind equity method investment, and guarantees of certain obligations primarily associated with our offshore wind investment. The future funding and guarantee obligations associated with our offshore wind investment could be impacted by the strategic review of our offshore wind investment.

For information regarding our projected capital expenditures over the next five years, see "Business Development and Capital Expenditures - Projected Capital Expenditures" and for projected investments in our offshore wind business, see Business Development and Capital Expenditures - Offshore Wind Business" included in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Credit Ratings:  A summary of our corporate credit ratings and outlooks by S&P, Moody's, and Fitch is as follows:

S&PMoody'sFitch
CurrentOutlookCurrentOutlookCurrentOutlook
Eversource ParentA-PositiveBaa1NegativeBBB+Stable
CL&PAPositiveA3StableA-Stable
NSTAR ElectricAPositiveA1NegativeAStable
PSNHAStableA3StableA-Stable

A summary of the current credit ratings and outlooks by S&P, Moody's, and Fitch for senior unsecured debt of Eversource parent and NSTAR Electric, and senior secured debt of CL&P and PSNH is as follows:

S&PMoody'sFitch
CurrentOutlookCurrentOutlookCurrentOutlook
Eversource ParentBBB+PositiveBaa1NegativeBBB+Stable
CL&PA+PositiveA1StableA+Stable
NSTAR ElectricAPositiveA1NegativeA+Stable
PSNHA+StableA1StableA+Stable

32

Impact of COVID-19

The financial impacts of COVID-19 as it relates to our businesses primarily relate to collectability of customer receivables and the outcome of future proceedings before our state regulatory commissions to recover our incremental uncollectible customer receivable costs associated with COVID-19.

As of December 31, 2022, our allowance for uncollectible customer receivable balance of $486.3 million, of which $284.4 million relates to hardship accounts that are specifically recovered in rates charged to customers, adequately reflected the collection risk and net realizable value for our receivables. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the total amount incurred as a result of COVID-19 included in the allowance for uncollectible accounts was $50.9 million and $55.3 million at Eversource, $16.0 million and $23.9 million at CL&P, and $4.1 million and $9.0 million at NSTAR Electric, respectively. At our Connecticut and Massachusetts utilities, the COVID-19 related uncollectible amounts were deferred either as incremental regulatory costs or deferred through existing regulatory tracking mechanisms that recover uncollectible energy supply costs, as management believes it is probable that these costs will ultimately be recovered from customers in future rates. No COVID-19 related uncollectible amounts were deferred at PSNH as a result of a July 2021 NHPUC order. Based on the status of our COVID-19 regulatory dockets, policies and practices in the jurisdictions in which we operate, we believe the state regulatory commissions in Connecticut and Massachusetts will allow us to recover our incremental uncollectible customer receivable costs associated with COVID-19.

Business Development and Capital Expenditures

Our consolidated capital expenditures, including amounts incurred but not paid, cost of removal, AFUDC, and the capitalized and deferred portions of pension and PBOP income/expense (all of which are non-cash factors), totaled $3.79 billion in 2022, $3.54 billion in 2021, and $3.06 billion in 2020.  These amounts included $266.5 million in 2022, $238.0 million in 2021, and $239.1 million in 2020 related to information technology and facilities upgrades and enhancements, primarily at Eversource Service and The Rocky River Realty Company.

Electric Transmission Business: Our consolidated electric transmission business capital expenditures increased by $91.7 million in 2022, as compared to 2021.  A summary of electric transmission capital expenditures by company is as follows:

For the Years Ended December 31,
(Millions of Dollars)202220212020
CL&P$416.8$400.0$402.9
NSTAR Electric438.4480.3366.8
PSNH351.8235.0193.9
Total Electric Transmission Segment$1,207.0$1,115.3$963.6

Our transmission projects are designed to improve the reliability of the electric grid, meet customer demand for power and increases in electrification of municipal infrastructure, strengthen the electric grid's resilience against extreme weather and other safety and security threats, and enable integration of increasing amounts of clean power generation from renewable sources, such as solar, battery storage, and offshore wind. In Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, our transmission projects include transmission line upgrades, the installation of new transmission interconnection facilities, substations and lines, and transmission substation enhancements.

Our transmission projects in Massachusetts include electric transmission upgrades in the greater Boston metropolitan area. Two of these upgrades, the Mystic-Woburn and the Wakefield-Woburn reliability projects, are under construction and are expected to be placed in service by the fourth quarter of 2023. Construction on the last remaining upgrade, the Sudbury-Hudson Reliability Project, commenced in the fourth quarter of 2022. We spent $71.9 million during 2022 and we expect to make additional capital expenditures of approximately $115 million on these remaining transmission upgrades. There are also several transmission projects underway in southeastern Massachusetts, including Cape Cod, required to reinforce the Southeastern Massachusetts transmission system and bring the system into compliance with applicable national and regional reliability standards. We spent $23.2 million during 2022 and we expect to make additional capital expenditures of approximately $110 million on these transmission upgrades.

33

Distribution Business:  A summary of distribution capital expenditures is as follows:

For the Years Ended December 31,
(Millions of Dollars)CL&PNSTAR ElectricPSNHTotal ElectricNatural GasWaterTotal
2022
Basic Business$267.8$202.4$68.6$538.8$175.2$16.8$730.8
Aging Infrastructure199.9245.170.8515.8562.3137.61,215.7
Load Growth and Other90.7177.031.3299.066.40.9366.3
Total Distribution$558.4$624.5$170.7$1,353.6$803.9$155.3$2,312.8
2021
Basic Business$256.2$179.9$56.0$492.1$206.1$16.5$714.7
Aging Infrastructure178.0219.167.7464.8509.6127.11,101.5
Load Growth and Other80.2169.937.1287.283.30.6371.1
Total Distribution$514.4$568.9$160.8$1,244.1$799.0$144.2$2,187.3
2020
Basic Business$233.4$195.1$52.4$480.9$88.2$10.9$580.0
Aging Infrastructure179.9237.180.2497.2391.3115.51,004.0
Load Growth and Other77.8112.221.3211.365.60.8277.7
Total Distribution$491.1$544.4$153.9$1,189.4$545.1$127.2$1,861.7

For the electric distribution business, basic business includes the purchase of meters, tools, vehicles, information technology, transformer replacements, equipment facilities, and the relocation of plant. Aging infrastructure relates to reliability and the replacement of overhead lines, plant substations, underground cable replacement, and equipment failures. Load growth and other includes requests for new business and capacity additions on distribution lines and substation additions and expansions.

For the natural gas distribution business, basic business addresses daily operational needs including meters, pipe relocations due to public works projects, vehicles, and tools. Aging infrastructure projects seek to improve the reliability of the system through enhancements related to cast iron and bare steel replacement of main and services, corrosion mediation, and station upgrades. Load growth and other reflects growth in existing service territories including new developments, installation of services, and expansion.

For the water distribution business, basic business addresses daily operational needs including periodic meter replacement, water main relocation, facility maintenance, and tools. Aging infrastructure relates to reliability and the replacement of water mains, regulators, storage tanks, pumping stations, wellfields, reservoirs, and treatment facilities. Load growth and other reflects growth in our service territory, including improvements of acquisitions, installation of new services, and interconnections of systems.

Projected Capital Expenditures:  A summary of the projected capital expenditures for the regulated companies' electric transmission and for the total electric distribution, natural gas distribution and water distribution for 2023 through 2027, including information technology and facilities upgrades and enhancements on behalf of the regulated companies, is as follows:

Years
(Millions of Dollars)202320242025202620272023 - 2027 Total
CL&P Transmission$406$312$324$263$136$1,441
NSTAR Electric Transmission4615274365757482,747
PSNH Transmission329270252174721,097
Total Electric Transmission$1,196$1,109$1,012$1,012$956$5,285
Electric Distribution$1,847$1,750$1,768$1,870$1,628$8,863
Natural Gas Distribution1,0351,0381,1461,1159185,252
Total Electric and Natural Gas Distribution$2,882$2,788$2,914$2,985$2,546$14,115
Water Distribution$170$194$203$218$235$1,020
Information Technology and All Other$215$213$244$219$208$1,099
Total$4,463$4,304$4,373$4,434$3,945$21,519

The projections do not include investments related to offshore wind projects.  Actual capital expenditures could vary from the projected amounts for the companies and years above.

Acquisition of The Torrington Water Company: On October 3, 2022, Aquarion acquired The Torrington Water Company (TWC) following the receipt of all required approvals. The acquisition was structured as a stock-for-stock exchange, and Eversource issued 925,264 treasury shares at closing for a purchase price of $72.1 million. TWC provides regulated water service to approximately 10,100 customers in Connecticut.

34

Offshore Wind Business: Our offshore wind business includes a 50 percent ownership interest in North East Offshore, which holds PPAs and contracts for the Revolution Wind, South Fork Wind and Sunrise Wind projects, as well as an undeveloped offshore lease area. Our offshore wind projects are being developed and constructed through a joint and equal partnership with Ørsted.

The offshore leases include a 257 square-mile ocean lease off the coasts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island and a separate, adjacent 300-square-mile ocean lease located approximately 25 miles south of the coast of Massachusetts. In aggregate, these ocean lease sites jointly-owned by Eversource and Ørsted could eventually develop at least 4,000 MW of clean, renewable offshore wind energy.

As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, Eversource's total equity investment balance in its offshore wind business was $1.95 billion and $1.21 billion, respectively. This equity investment includes capital expenditures for the three projects, as well as capitalized costs related to future development, acquisition costs of offshore lease areas, and capitalized interest.

Strategic Review of Offshore Wind Investments: On May 4, 2022, we announced that we had initiated a strategic review of our offshore wind investment portfolio. As part of that review, we are exploring strategic alternatives that could result in a potential sale of all, or part, of our 50 percent interest in our offshore wind partnership with Ørsted. In late July, we started preliminary and targeted outreach to interested parties. We continue to work with interested parties through this ongoing process and expect to complete this review in the second quarter of 2023. If the recommended path forward following the strategic review is a sale of all, or part, of our interest in the partnership, we expect potential proceeds from such transaction would likely be used to support our regulated investments in strengthening, modernizing and decarbonizing our regulated energy and water delivery systems. We currently believe that the fair market value of our offshore wind investment is greater than the carrying value; however, there could be changes in market conditions that would impact our ability to sell this investment or realize a value in excess of our carrying value. As the strategic review proceeds, we remain committed to continue providing oversight of the siting and construction of onshore elements of our South Fork Wind, Revolution Wind and Sunrise Wind offshore wind projects.

Contracts, Permitting and Construction of Offshore Wind Projects: The following table provides a summary of the Eversource and Ørsted major projects with announced contracts:

Wind ProjectState ServicingSize (MW)Term (Years)Price per MWhPricing TermsContract Status
Revolution WindRhode Island40020$98.43Fixed price contract; no price escalationApproved
Revolution WindConnecticut30420$98.43 - $99.50Fixed price contracts; no price escalationApproved
South Fork WindNew York (LIPA)9020$160.332 percent average price escalationApproved
South Fork WindNew York (LIPA)4020$86.252 percent average price escalationApproved
Sunrise WindNew York (NYSERDA)92425$110.37 (1)Fixed price contract; no price escalationApproved

(1)    Index Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Certificate (OREC) strike price.

Revolution Wind and Sunrise Wind projects are subject to receipt of federal, state and local approvals necessary to construct and operate the projects. The federal permitting process is led by BOEM, and state approvals are required from New York, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Significant delays in the siting and permitting process resulting from the timeline for obtaining approval from BOEM and the state and local agencies could adversely impact the timing of these projects' in-service dates.

Federal Siting and Permitting Process: The federal siting and permitting process for each of our offshore wind projects commence with the filing of a Construction and Operations Plan (COP) application with BOEM. The first major milestone in the BOEM review process is an issuance of a Notice of Intent (NOI) to complete an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). BOEM then provides a final review schedule for the project’s COP approval. BOEM conducts environmental and technical reviews of the COP. The EIS assesses the environmental, social, and economic impacts of constructing the project and recommends measures to minimize impacts. The Final EIS will inform BOEM in deciding whether to approve the project or to approve with modifications and BOEM will then issue its Record of Decision. BOEM issues its final approval of the COP following the Record of Decision.

Revolution Wind and Sunrise Wind filed their COP applications with BOEM in March 2020 and September 2020, respectively. BOEM released its Draft EIS on September 2, 2022 for the Revolution Wind project and on December 16, 2022 for the Sunrise Wind project. The Draft EIS analyzes the potential environmental impacts of the project and the alternatives to the project to be evaluated as part of the process. Each of the identified alternative configurations in the Draft EISs had a similar level of environmental impacts, and if an alternative configuration was selected, the Revolution Wind project and the Sunrise Wind project would each still meet their respective contractual output requirements. For Revolution Wind, a final EIS is expected in the second quarter of 2023, the Record of Decision in the third quarter of 2023, and final approval is expected in the fourth quarter of 2023. For Sunrise Wind, a final EIS and Record of Decision are expected in the third quarter of 2023, and final approval is expected in the fourth quarter of 2023.

South Fork Wind, Revolution Wind and Sunrise Wind are each designated as a “Covered Project” pursuant to Title 41 of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST41) and a Major Infrastructure Project under Section 3(e) of Executive Order 13807, which provides greater federal attention on meeting the projects’ permitting timelines.

35

State and Local Siting and Permitting Process: State permitting applications in Rhode Island for Revolution Wind and in New York for Sunrise Wind were filed in December 2020. On July 8, 2022, the Rhode Island Energy Facilities Siting Board issued a Final Decision and Order approving the Revolution Wind project and granting a license to construct and operate. On September 23, 2022, Sunrise Wind filed a Joint Proposal to the New York State Public Service Commission. Among other things, the Joint Proposal includes proposed mitigation for certain environmental, community and construction impacts associated with constructing the project. The Joint Proposal was signed by the New York Departments of Public Service, Environmental Conservation, Transportation and State as well as the Office of Agriculture and Markets and the Long Island Commercial Fisheries Association. On November 17, 2022, the New York Public Service Commission approved an order adopting the Joint Proposal and granting a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need. On November 18, 2022, Sunrise Wind filed its Environmental Management and Construction Plan (EM&CP) with the New York Public Service Commission, which details the plans on how the project will be constructed in accordance with the conditions of the approved Joint Proposal. Comments from several of the reviewing agencies and parties have been received and Sunrise Wind is in the process of reviewing and addressing those comments in the plan.

On November 9, 2022, the Towns of Brookhaven and Suffolk County executed the easements and other real estate rights necessary to construct the Sunrise Wind project. On November 28, 2022, the Town of North Kingstown and the Quonset Development Corporation approved Revolution Wind’s real estate PILOT terms and the personal property PILOT agreement necessary to construct the Revolution Wind project.

Construction Process: South Fork Wind received all required approvals to start construction and the project entered the construction phase in early 2022. Onshore activities for the project’s underground onshore transmission line and construction of the onshore interconnection facility located in East Hampton, New York are underway. Offshore activities began in the fourth quarter of 2022 with construction of the sea-to-shore conduit system. Other marine construction activities, including the project’s monopile foundations, 11-megawatt wind turbines, cable installation, and offshore substation, are expected to occur in 2023. Construction-related purchase agreements with third-party contractors and materials contracts have largely been secured. South Fork Wind faces several challenges and appeals of New York State and federal agency approvals, however it believes it is probable it will be able to overcome these challenges.

For Revolution Wind and Sunrise Wind, construction is expected to begin in the second half of 2023 once all necessary federal, state and local approvals are received.

Projected In-Service Dates: We expect the South Fork Wind project to be in-service by the end of 2023. For Revolution Wind and Sunrise Wind, based on the BOEM permit schedule included in each respective NOI outlining when BOEM will complete its review of the COP, we currently expect in-service dates in 2025 for both projects.

Projected Investments: For Revolution Wind and Sunrise Wind, we are preparing our final project designs and advancing the appropriate federal, state, and local siting and permitting processes along with our offshore wind partner, Ørsted. Construction of South Fork Wind is underway. Construction-related purchase agreements with third-party contractors and materials contracts have largely been secured. Subject to advancing our final project designs and federal, state and local permitting processes and construction schedules, we currently expect to make investments in our offshore wind business between $1.9 billion and $2.1 billion in 2023 and expect to make investments for our three projects in total between $1.6 billion and $1.9 billion from 2024 through 2026. These estimates assume that the three projects are completed and are in-service by the end of 2025, as planned. These projected investments could be impacted by the strategic review of our offshore wind investment.

FERC Regulatory Matters

FERC ROE Complaints: Four separate complaints were filed at the FERC by combinations of New England state attorneys general, state regulatory commissions, consumer advocates, consumer groups, municipal parties and other parties (collectively, the Complainants). In each of the first three complaints, filed on October 1, 2011, December 27, 2012, and July 31, 2014, respectively, the Complainants challenged the NETOs' base ROE of 11.14 percent that had been utilized since 2005 and sought an order to reduce it prospectively from the date of the final FERC order and for the separate 15-month complaint periods. In the fourth complaint, filed April 29, 2016, the Complainants challenged the NETOs' base ROE billed of 10.57 percent and the maximum ROE for transmission incentive (incentive cap) of 11.74 percent, asserting that these ROEs were unjust and unreasonable.

The ROE originally billed during the period October 1, 2011 (beginning of the first complaint period) through October 15, 2014 consisted of a base ROE of 11.14 percent and incentives up to 13.1 percent. On October 16, 2014, FERC issued Opinion No. 531-A and set the base ROE at 10.57 percent and the incentive cap at 11.74 percent for the first complaint period. This was also effective for all prospective billings to customers beginning October 16, 2014. This FERC order was vacated on April 14, 2017 by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit (the Court).

All amounts associated with the first complaint period have been refunded. Eversource has recorded a reserve of $39.1 million (pre-tax and excluding interest) for the second complaint period as of both December 31, 2022 and 2021. This reserve represents the difference between the billed rates during the second complaint period and a 10.57 percent base ROE and 11.74 percent incentive cap. The reserve consisted of $21.4 million for CL&P, $14.6 million for NSTAR Electric and $3.1 million for PSNH as of both December 31, 2022 and 2021.

On October 16, 2018, FERC issued an order on all four complaints describing how it intends to address the issues that were remanded by the Court. FERC proposed a new framework to determine (1) whether an existing ROE is unjust and unreasonable and, if so, (2) how to calculate a replacement ROE. Initial briefs were filed by the NETOs, Complainants and FERC Trial Staff on January 11, 2019 and reply briefs were filed on March 8, 2019. The NETOs' brief was supportive of the overall ROE methodology determined in the October 16, 2018 order provided the FERC does not change the proposed methodology or alter its implementation in a manner that has a material impact on the results.

36

The FERC order included illustrative calculations for the first complaint using FERC's proposed frameworks with financial data from that complaint. Those illustrative calculations indicated that for the first complaint period, for the NETOs, which FERC concludes are of average financial risk, the preliminary just and reasonable base ROE is 10.41 percent and the preliminary incentive cap on total ROE is 13.08 percent. If the results of the illustrative calculations were included in a final FERC order for each of the complaint periods, then a 10.41 percent base ROE and a 13.08 percent incentive cap would not have a significant impact on our financial statements for all of the complaint periods. These preliminary calculations are not binding and do not represent what we believe to be the most likely outcome of a final FERC order.

On November 21, 2019, FERC issued Opinion No. 569 affecting the two pending transmission ROE complaints against the Midcontinent ISO (MISO) transmission owners, in which FERC adopted a new methodology for determining base ROEs. Various parties sought rehearing. On December 23, 2019, the NETOs filed supplementary materials in the NETOs' four pending cases to respond to this new methodology because of the uncertainty of the applicability to the NETOs' cases. On May 21, 2020, the FERC issued its order in Opinion No. 569-A on the rehearing of the MISO transmission owners' cases, in which FERC again changed its methodology for determining the MISO transmission owners' base ROEs. On November 19, 2020, the FERC issued Opinion No. 569-B denying rehearing of Opinion No. 569-A and reaffirmed the methodology previously adopted in Opinion No. 569-A. The new methodology differs significantly from the methodology proposed by FERC in its October 16, 2018 order to determine the NETOs' base ROEs in its four pending cases. FERC Opinion Nos. 569-A and 569-B were appealed to the Court. On August 9, 2022, the Court issued its decision vacating MISO ROE FERC Opinion Nos. 569, 569-A and 569-B and remanded to FERC to reopen the proceedings. The Court found that FERC’s development of the new return methodology was arbitrary and capricious due to FERC’s failure to offer a reasonable explanation for its decision to reintroduce the risk-premium financial model in its new methodology for calculating a just and reasonable return. At this time, Eversource cannot predict how and when FERC will address the Court’s findings on the remand of the MISO FERC opinions or any potential associated impact on the NETOs’ four pending ROE complaint cases.

Given the significant uncertainty regarding the applicability of the FERC opinions in the MISO transmission owners’ two complaint cases to the NETOs’ pending four complaint cases, Eversource concluded that there is no reasonable basis for a change to the reserve or recognized ROEs for any of the complaint periods at this time. As well, Eversource cannot reasonably estimate a range of loss for any of the four complaint proceedings at this time. Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH currently record revenues at the 10.57 percent base ROE and incentive cap at 11.74 percent established in the October 16, 2014 FERC order.

A change of 10 basis points to the base ROE used to establish the reserves would impact Eversource’s after-tax earnings by an average of approximately $3 million for each of the four 15-month complaint periods. Prospectively from the date of a final FERC order implementing a new base ROE, based off of estimated 2022 rate base, a change of 10 basis points to the base ROE would impact Eversource’s future annual after-tax earnings by approximately $5 million per year, and will increase slightly over time as we continue to invest in our transmission infrastructure.

FERC Notice of Inquiry on ROE: On March 21, 2019, FERC issued a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) seeking comments from all stakeholders on FERC's policies for evaluating ROEs for electric public utilities, and interstate natural gas and oil pipelines. On June 26, 2019, the NETOs jointly filed comments supporting the methodology established in the FERC’s October 16, 2018 order with minor enhancements going forward. The NETOs jointly filed reply comments in the FERC ROE NOI on July 26, 2019. On May 12, 2020, the NETOs filed supplemental comments in the NOI ROE docket. At this time, Eversource cannot predict how this proceeding will affect its transmission ROEs.

FERC Notice of Inquiry and Proposed Rulemaking on Transmission Incentives: On March 21, 2019, FERC issued an NOI seeking comments on FERC's policies for implementing electric transmission incentives. On June 26, 2019, Eversource filed comments requesting that FERC retain policies that have been effective in encouraging new transmission investment and remain flexible enough to attract investment in new and emerging transmission technologies. Eversource filed reply comments on August 26, 2019. On March 20, 2020, FERC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) on transmission incentives. The NOPR intends to revise FERC’s electric transmission incentive policies to reflect competing uses of transmission due to generation resource mix, technological innovation and shifts in load patterns. FERC proposes to grant transmission incentives based on measurable project economics and reliability benefits to consumers rather than its current project risks and challenges framework.  On July 1, 2020, Eversource filed comments generally supporting the NOPR.

On April 15, 2021, FERC issued a Supplemental NOPR that proposes to eliminate the existing 50 basis point return on equity for utilities that have been participating in a regional transmission organization (RTO ROE incentive) for more than three years. On June 25, 2021, the NETOs jointly filed comments strongly opposing FERC’s proposal. On July 26, 2021, the NETOs filed Supplemental NOPR reply comments responding to various parties advocating for the elimination of the RTO Adder. If FERC issues a final order eliminating the RTO ROE incentive as proposed in the Supplemental NOPR, the estimated annual impact (using 2022 estimated rate base) on Eversource’s after-tax earnings is approximately $18 million. The Supplemental NOPR contemplates an effective date 30 days from the final order.

At this time, Eversource cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these proceedings, including possible appellate review, and the resulting impact on its transmission incentives.

Regulatory Developments and Rate Matters

Electric, Natural Gas and Water Utility Retail Tariff Rates: Each Eversource utility subsidiary is subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the state in which it operates:  CL&P, Yankee Gas and Aquarion operate in Connecticut and are subject to PURA regulation; NSTAR Electric, NSTAR Gas, EGMA and Aquarion operate in Massachusetts and are subject to DPU regulation; and PSNH and Aquarion operate in New Hampshire and are subject to NHPUC regulation.  The regulated companies' distribution rates are set by their respective state regulatory commissions, and their tariffs include mechanisms for periodically adjusting their rates for the recovery of specific incurred costs.

37

Base Distribution Rates:  In Connecticut, electric and natural gas utilities are required to file a distribution rate case within four years of the last rate case. CL&P's and Yankee Gas' base distribution rates were each established in 2018 PURA-approved rate case settlement agreements. On October 27, 2021, PURA approved a settlement agreement at CL&P that included a current base distribution rate freeze until no earlier than January 1, 2024. The approval of the settlement agreement satisfies the Connecticut statute of rate review requirements that requires electric utilities to file a distribution rate case within four years of the last rate case. Aquarion is not required to initiate a rate review with PURA on a set schedule. On August 29, 2022, Aquarion filed an application with PURA to amend its existing rate schedules and a final decision is expected March 15, 2023.

In Massachusetts, electric distribution companies are required to file distribution rate schedules every five years, and natural gas local distribution companies to file distribution rate schedules every 10 years, and those companies are limited to one settlement agreement in any 10-year period. NSTAR Electric's base distribution rates were established in a November 2022 DPU-approved rate case. NSTAR Gas' base distribution rates were established in an October 2020 DPU-approved rate case. EGMA's base distribution rates were established in an October 2020 DPU-approved rate settlement agreement. Aquarion is not required to initiate a rate review with the DPU. Aquarion’s base distribution rates were established in a 2018 DPU-approved rate case.

In New Hampshire, PSNH's base distribution rates were established in a December 2020 NHPUC-approved rate case settlement agreement. Aquarion's base distribution rates were established in a July 2022 NHPUC-approved rate case settlement agreement, with a single step adjustment approved on January 19, 2023. Rates are effective March 1, 2023.

Rate Reconciling Mechanisms: The Eversource electric distribution companies obtain and resell power to retail customers who choose not to buy energy from a competitive energy supplier.  The natural gas distribution companies procure natural gas for firm and seasonal customers. These energy supply procurement costs are recovered from customers in energy supply rates that are approved by the respective state regulatory commission.  The rates are reset periodically and are fully reconciled to their costs.  Each electric and natural gas distribution company fully recovers its energy supply costs through approved regulatory rate mechanisms on a timely basis and, therefore, such costs have no impact on earnings.

The electric and natural gas distribution companies also recover certain other costs in retail rates on a fully reconciling basis through regulatory commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms and, therefore, recovery of these costs has no impact on earnings. Costs recovered through cost tracking mechanisms include, among others, electric retail transmission charges, energy efficiency program costs, electric restructuring and stranded cost recovery revenues (including securitized RRB charges), certain capital tracking mechanisms for infrastructure improvements, and additionally for the Massachusetts utilities, pension and PBOP benefits, net metering for distributed generation, and solar-related programs. The reconciliation filings compare the total actual costs allowed to revenue requirements related to these services and the difference between the costs incurred (or the rate recovery allowed) and the actual costs allowed is deferred and included, to be either recovered or refunded, in future customer rates.  These cost tracking mechanisms also include certain incentives earned, return on capital tracking mechanisms, and carrying charges that are billed in rates to customers, which do impact earnings.

Connecticut:

CL&P Advanced Metering Infrastructure Filing: On July 31, 2020, CL&P submitted to PURA its proposed $512 million Advanced Metering Infrastructure investment and implementation plan. On August 17, 2021, PURA issued a Notice of Request for Amended EDC Advanced Metering Infrastructure Proposal. CL&P submitted an Amended Proposal in response to this request on November 8, 2021 with an updated schedule for the years 2022 through 2028, which included additional information as required by PURA. As required, the plan includes a full deployment of advanced metering functionality and a composite business case in support of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure plan. The procedural schedule includes briefs that were filed on April 29, 2022, written comments that were filed July 20, 2022, and a technical session on September 14, 2022.

CL&P Rate Relief Plan: On November 28, 2022, Governor Lamont, DEEP, Office of Consumer Counsel, and CL&P jointly developed a rate relief plan for electric customers for the winter peak season of January 1, 2023 through April 30, 2023. On December 16, 2022, PURA approved the rate relief plan. As part of the rate relief plan, CL&P reduced the Non-Bypassable Federally Mandated Congestion Charge (NBFMCC) rate effective January 1, 2023 to provide customers with an average $10 monthly bill credit from January through April 2023. This rate reduction accelerates the return to customers of net revenues generated by long-term state-approved energy contracts with the Millstone and Seabrook nuclear power plants of approximately $90 million. The rate relief plan also included instituting a temporary, flat monthly discount for qualifying low-income hardship customers effective January 1, 2023. This flat-rate credit will continue until a new low-income discount rate that was approved by PURA in an October 19, 2022 decision is implemented in 2024. These aspects of the rate relief plan do not impact CL&P’s earnings but do impact its future cash flows. Also as part of the rate relief plan, CL&P committed to contribute $10 million to an energy assistance program for qualifying hardship customers, which is expected to be distributed as a bill credit to those customers by the end of the first quarter of 2023. CL&P recorded a current liability of $10 million on the balance sheet and a charge to expense on the statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2022 associated with the customer assistance program.

CL&P Performance Based Rate Making: On May 26, 2021, in accordance with an October 2020 Connecticut law, PURA opened a proceeding to begin to evaluate and eventually implement performance based regulation for electric distribution companies. PURA will conduct the proceeding in two phases, with a draft decision on the first phase expected in March 2023 and then a procedural schedule established for the second phase. On January 25, 2023, PURA staff issued a proposal outlining a suggested portfolio of performance based regulation elements for further exploration and implementation in the second phase of the proceeding. At this time, we cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this proceeding and the resulting impact to CL&P.

38

Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut Distribution Rate Case: On August 29, 2022, Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut (AWC-CT) filed an application with PURA to amend its existing rate schedules to address an operating revenue deficiency. AWC-CT’s rate application requested approval of rate increases of $27.5 million, an additional $13.6 million, and an additional $8.8 million, effective March 15, 2023, 2024, and 2025, respectively. A final decision from PURA is expected March 15, 2023.

Massachusetts:

NSTAR Electric Distribution Rates: As part of an inflation-based mechanism, NSTAR Electric submitted its fourth annual Performance Based

Rate (PBR) Adjustment filing on November 10, 2021 and on December 22, 2021, the DPU approved a $36.8 million increase to base distribution rates effective January 1, 2022.

NSTAR Electric Distribution Rate Case: On November 30, 2022, the DPU issued its decision in the NSTAR Electric distribution rate case and approved a base distribution rate increase of $64 million effective January 1, 2023. The DPU approved a renewal of the performance-based ratemaking (PBR) plan originally authorized in its previous rate case for a five-year term, with a corresponding stay out provision. The PBR plan term has the possibility of a five-year extension. The PBR mechanism allows for an annual adjustment to base distribution rates for inflation and exogenous events. The DPU also allowed for adjustments to the PBR mechanism for the recovery of future capital additions based on a historical five-year average of total capital additions, beginning with the January 1, 2024 PBR adjustment. The decision allows an authorized regulatory ROE of 9.80 percent on a capital structure including 53.2 percent equity.

Among other items, the DPU approved an increase to the annual storm fund contribution collected through base distribution rates from $10 million to $31 million, and allowed for the recovery of storm threshold costs of $1.3 million per storm event subsequent to the eighth storm in a calendar year (six recovered in base rates plus two additional storms). The DPU approved cost recovery of a portion of NSTAR Electric’s outstanding storm costs beginning on January 1, 2023 and January 1, 2024, subject to reconciliation from future prudency reviews. In a subsequent compliance filing, the DPU allowed recovery to commence for outstanding storm costs occurring between 2018 and 2022 and interest in a total of $162.1 million over a five-year period starting January 1, 2023. In addition, NSTAR Electric will begin to recover 2021 exogenous storms and interest in a total of $220.9 million over a five-year period beginning January 1, 2024. The DPU also approved the recovery of historical exogenous property taxes of $30.8 million incurred from 2020 through 2022 over a two-year period and $8.3 million incurred from 2012 through 2015 over a five-year period effective January 1, 2023. NSTAR Electric’s AMI Implementation Plan and a new Advanced Metering Infrastructure tariff (AMIF) reconciling mechanism effective January 1, 2023 were also approved and NSTAR Electric will recover all meter-related capital now through the AMIF as opposed to base distribution rates.

NSTAR Electric Grid Modernization Plan: On October 7, 2022, the DPU issued an order approving continuing investments from the initial 2018 to 2021 Grid Modernization Plan that were included in the 2022 to 2025 Grid Modernization Plan. The DPU established a preauthorized total budget cap of $162.6 million over the four-year plan period for these continuing investments. On November 30, 2022, the DPU issued an order that preauthorized a four-year $43.0 million budget for new grid-facing investments. All of the ongoing and new investments will have targeted cost recovery through NSTAR Electric’s annual grid modernization factor filings.

NSTAR Electric Advanced Metering Infrastructure Plan: On November 30, 2022, the DPU approved NSTAR Electric’s proposed Advanced Metering Infrastructure customer-facing investment and implementation plan (including program operating costs), including a full deployment of advanced metering functionality, for the years 2022 through 2028. The DPU established preauthorized total budget caps of $534.8 million for core AMI investments and corresponding operating costs and $133.1 million for supporting AMI investments and corresponding operating costs over the seven-year plan period. The DPU approved a new AMIF tariff reconciling mechanism effective January 1, 2023 to recover eligible costs associated with both AMI customer-facing investments and implementation costs. Investments above these budget caps can be recovered in a future base distribution rate proceeding.

NSTAR Electric Transmission Support Agreement: On June 17, 2022, FERC approved a transmission support agreement between NSTAR Electric and Park City Wind LLC (PCW). The agreement commits NSTAR Electric to construct certain transmission facilities required to interconnect PCW’s future 800 MW offshore wind generation facility to NSTAR Electric’s transmission system. Of the total estimated $196 million project, NSTAR Electric will finance an estimated $152 million and earn a return on those specific investments over a ten-year period once the facility is in operation based on the authorized return that is in effect at the applicable time for regional transmission service under the ISO-NE Open Access Transmission Tariff. The interconnection transmission facilities are currently expected to be in-service in 2026.

39

NSTAR Electric CIP Filing: On December 30, 2022, the DPU approved a provisional system planning tariff for the recovery of costs associated with a capital investment project (CIP) proposal submitted by NSTAR Electric for one of six geographic study areas in its service territory in accordance with DPU’s directives. The DPU established a new, provisional framework for planning and funding upgrades to the electric power system to foster development and interconnection of distributed energy facilities. Under the DPU program, NSTAR Electric has filed infrastructure upgrade proposals to be built within a four-year construction timeframe that allocate the costs of interconnection upgrades between the interconnecting distributed generation facility and distribution customers. Payments made by the distributed generation facility will be applied against the total capital investment made by NSTAR Electric and NSTAR Electric will earn a return on the net investment. The amount allocated to distribution customers will be recovered through a reconciling mechanism, the Provisional System Planning Tariff. The DPU approved the first of these provisional system planning projects, the Marion-Fairhaven group study area, which will enable 141 MW of distributed energy to be interconnected at a total estimated cost of $119.7 million. Of the total $119.7 million, $65.8 million will be allocated to distribution customers, once the enabled distributed energy facilities capacity is fully subscribed by distributed energy facilities interconnecting customers. Additionally, NSTAR Electric will proceed with construction of $54 million of transmission upgrades necessary to improve local reliability and integrate distribution energy resources in the Marion-Fairhaven area and recover the amount through local transmission rates.

NSTAR Electric Electric Vehicles Program: On December 30, 2022, NSTAR Electric received DPU approval for a new Phase 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure program (including operating costs) totaling $188 million over a four-year period, which includes make-ready costs and other EV expenditures to support the deployment of charging ports and provides incentives for charging infrastructure installed at commercial and residential sites in Massachusetts. NSTAR Electric will recover the cost of this program through an Electric Vehicle Program tariff.

NSTAR Gas Distribution Rates: As part of an inflation-based mechanism, NSTAR Gas submitted its second annual Performance Based Rate Adjustment filing on September 15, 2022 and on October 31, 2022, the DPU approved a $21.7 million increase to base distribution rates for effect on November 1, 2022. The increase is inclusive of a $4.5 million permanent increase related to exogenous property taxes and a $5.4 million increase related to an October 6, 2021 mitigation plan filing that delayed recovery of a portion of a base distribution rate increase originally scheduled to take effect November 1, 2021. The DPU also approved the recovery of historical exogenous property taxes incurred from November 1, 2020 through October 31, 2022 of $8.2 million over a two-year period through a separate reconciling mechanism effective November 1, 2022.

EGMA Distribution Rates: As established in an October 7, 2020 EGMA Rate Settlement Agreement approved by the DPU, on September 16, 2022 EGMA filed for its second base distribution rate increase and on October 31, 2022, the DPU approved a $6.7 million increase to base distribution rates and a $3.3 million increase to the Tax Act Credit Factor for effect on November 1, 2022. The DPU also approved the recovery of historical exogenous property taxes incurred from November 1, 2020 through October 31, 2022 of $8.6 million over a two-year period through a separate reconciling mechanism effective November 1, 2022. EGMA will request recovery of incremental property taxes incurred after October 31, 2022 in future exogenous filings.

New Hampshire:

PSNH Distribution Rates: In connection with an October 9, 2020 settlement agreement, PSNH was permitted three step increases to reflect qualifying plant additions in calendar years 2019, 2020 and 2021. The first two step adjustments had effective dates of January 1, 2021 and August 1, 2021, respectively. On October 20, 2022, the NHPUC approved the third step adjustment for 2021 plant in service to recover a revenue requirement of $8.9 million, with rates effective November 1, 2022. The total approved revenue requirement increase is being collected over the remainder of the rate year (November 1, 2022 – July 31, 2023).

PSNH Pole Acquisition Approval: On November 18, 2022, the NHPUC issued a decision that approved a proposed purchase agreement between PSNH and Consolidated Communications, in which PSNH would acquire approximately 343,000 jointly-owned utility poles and approximately 3,800 solely-owned poles and pole assets. The NHPUC also authorized PSNH to recover certain expenses associated with the operation and maintenance of the transferred poles, pole inspections, and vegetation management expenses through a new cost recovery mechanism, the Pole Plant Adjustment Mechanism (PPAM), subject to consummation of the purchase agreement. On December 16, 2022, a motion for rehearing of NHPUC’s approval was filed by an intervenor, which was denied by the NHPUC on February 8, 2023. PSNH cannot predict the timing of consummation of the proposed purchase agreement.

PSNH Energy Efficiency Plan: On November 12, 2021, the NHPUC issued an order rejecting the proposed 2021 through 2023 energy efficiency plan and significantly reduced funding and operational functions of the program. The order eliminated the recovery of performance incentives and made other key changes to the energy efficiency plan beginning in 2022. PSNH sought a rehearing of the order and was denied, which resulted in PSNH filing a formal appeal to the New Hampshire Supreme Court.

On February 10, 2022, the NHPUC issued an order that restored the 2022 energy efficiency rate to be consistent with the 2021 rate, which PSNH implemented effective March 1, 2022. On February 24, 2022, state legislation was signed into law that undid the most impactful effects of the November 12, 2021 NHPUC order. The legislation directed that the joint utility energy efficiency plan and programming framework in effect on January 1, 2021 be utilized going forward, including utility performance incentive payments, lost base revenue calculations, and Evaluation, Measurement, and Verification process. Additionally, the legislation established a process for future plan proposals, including the 2024 through 2026 triennial plan, and includes a mechanism for future rate increases based on the consumer price index. As a result of the new legislation passed specific to this order, PSNH withdrew its appeal to the New Hampshire Supreme Court. PSNH made the required filing for the remainder of the 2022 through 2023 triennial plan on March 1, 2022, which was approved as filed by the NHPUC on April 29, 2022.

40

Legislative and Policy Matters

Massachusetts: On August 11, 2022, Governor Baker signed into law climate-related legislation which, among other things, affirms the state’s commitment to contract for 5,600 MW of offshore wind by June 30, 2027, modifies the bidding process to encourage more competition among offshore wind developers, and provides incentives to increase the manufacturing and assembly of offshore wind components in Massachusetts. The law also provides incentives to encourage the sale and leasing of electric vehicles, promotes energy storage and electrification technologies, directs electric companies to develop grid modernization plans to upgrade distribution and transmission facilities, and initiates a pilot program that would allow up to ten communities in the state to restrict fossil fuel use in new buildings. Additionally, for long-term contracts that are approved by the DPU between developers of offshore wind generation and the contracting electric distribution company, the law provides for an annual remuneration for the distribution company equal to 2.25 percent of the annual payments under the contract to compensate the distribution company for accepting the financial obligation of the long-term contract.

Federal: On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) was signed into law. This is a broad package of legislation that includes incentives and support for clean energy resource development. Most notable for Eversource, the investment tax credit (ITC) on offshore wind projects increases from 30 percent to 40 percent if certain requirements for labor and domestic content are met. The act also re-establishes the production tax credit for solar and wind energy projects, gives increased credit for projects in certain communities, and sets credits for qualifying clean energy generation and energy storage projects. The tax provisions of the IRA provide additional incentives for offshore wind projects and could reduce retail electricity costs for our customers related to those clean energy investments. The IRA includes other tax provisions focused on implementing a 15 percent minimum tax on adjusted financial statement income and a one percent excise tax on corporate share repurchases. The Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service issued limited guidance in the fourth quarter; however, they are expected to issue additional needed guidance with respect to the application of the newly enacted IRA provisions in the future. We will continue to monitor and evaluate impacts on our consolidated financial statements. We currently do not expect the alternative minimum tax change to have a material impact on our earnings, financial condition or cash flows.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates, assumptions and, at times, difficult, subjective or complex judgments. Changes in these estimates, assumptions and judgments, in and of themselves, could materially impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Our management discusses with the Audit Committee of our Board of Trustees significant matters relating to critical accounting policies. Our critical accounting policies are discussed below. See the combined notes to our financial statements for further information concerning the accounting policies, estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of our financial statements.

Regulatory Accounting:  Our regulated companies are subject to rate regulation that is based on cost recovery and meets the criteria for application of accounting guidance for rate-regulated operations, which considers the effect of regulation on the timing of the recognition of certain revenues and expenses. The regulated companies' financial statements reflect the effects of the rate-making process. The rates charged to the customers of our regulated companies are designed to collect each company's costs to provide service, plus a return on investment.

The application of accounting guidance for rate-regulated enterprises results in recording regulatory assets and liabilities. Regulatory assets represent the deferral of incurred costs that are probable of future recovery in customer rates. Regulatory assets are amortized as the incurred costs are recovered through customer rates. In some cases, we record regulatory assets before approval for recovery has been received from the applicable regulatory commission. We must use judgment to conclude that costs deferred as regulatory assets are probable of future recovery. We base our conclusion on certain factors, including, but not limited to, regulatory precedent.

Regulatory liabilities represent either revenues received from customers to fund expected costs that have not yet been incurred or probable future refunds to customers. We make judgments regarding the future outcome of regulatory proceedings that involve potential future refund to customers and record liabilities for these loss contingencies when probable and reasonably estimable based upon available information. Regulatory liabilities are recorded at the best estimate, or at a low end of the range of possible loss. The amount recorded may differ from when the uncertainty is resolved. Such differences could have a significant impact on our financial statements.

We continually assess whether the regulatory assets and liabilities continue to meet the criteria for probable future recovery or refund. This assessment includes consideration of recent orders issued by regulatory commissions, the passage of new legislation, historical regulatory treatment for similar costs in each of our jurisdictions, discussions with legal counsel, the status of any appeals of regulatory decisions, and changes in applicable regulatory and political environments. We believe that we will continue to be able to defer and recover prudently incurred costs, including additional storm costs, based on the legal and regulatory framework.

We use judgment when recording regulatory assets and liabilities; however, regulatory commissions can reach different conclusions about the recovery of costs, and those conclusions could have a material impact on our financial statements. The ultimate outcome of regulatory rate proceedings could have a significant effect on our ability to recover costs or earn an adequate return. Established rates are also often subject to subsequent prudency reviews by state regulators, whereby various portions of rates could be adjusted, subject to refund or disallowed. Storm restoration and pre-staging costs are subject to prudency reviews from our regulators. We have approximately $1.4 billion of deferred storm costs that either have yet to be filed with the applicable regulatory commission, are pending regulatory approval, or are subject to prudency review as of December 31, 2022. Tropical Storm Isaias resulted in deferred storm restoration costs of approximately $235 million at CL&P as of December 31, 2022. While it is possible that some amount of the Tropical Storm Isaias costs may be disallowed by PURA in a future proceeding, any such

41

amount cannot be estimated at this time. We believe that our storm restoration costs were prudently incurred, meet the criteria for cost recovery and are probable of recovery.

We believe it is probable that each of our regulated companies will recover its respective investments in long-lived assets and the regulatory assets that have been recorded. If we determine that we can no longer apply the accounting guidance applicable to rate-regulated enterprises, or that we cannot conclude it is probable that costs will be recovered from customers in future rates, the applicable costs would be charged to net income in the period in which the determination is made.

Pension, SERP and PBOP:  We sponsor Pension, SERP and PBOP Plans to provide retirement benefits to our employees.  Plan assets and the benefit obligation are presented on a net basis and we recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of the plans as an asset or liability on the balance sheet. These amounts are remeasured annually using a December 31st measurement date. For each of these plans, several significant assumptions are used to determine the projected benefit obligation, funded status and net periodic benefit expense/income. These assumptions include the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, discount rate, compensation/progression rate and mortality and retirement assumptions.  We evaluate these assumptions annually and adjust them as necessary.  Changes in these assumptions could have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Expected Long-Term Rate of Return on Plan Assets Assumption:  In developing the expected long-term rate of return, we consider historical and expected returns, as well as input from our consultants.  Our expected long-term rate of return on assets is based on assumptions regarding target asset allocations and corresponding expected rates of return for each asset class.  We routinely review the actual asset allocations and periodically rebalance the investments to the targeted asset allocations.  For the year ended December 31, 2022, our expected long-term rate-of-return assumption used to determine our pension and PBOP expense was 8.25 percent for the Eversource Service plans and 7 percent for the Aquarion plans.  For the forecasted 2023 pension and PBOP expense, an expected long-term rate of return of 8.25 percent for the Eversource Service plans and 7 percent for the Aquarion plans will be used reflecting our target asset allocations.

Discount Rate Assumptions:  Payment obligations related to the Pension, SERP and PBOP Plans are discounted at interest rates applicable to the expected timing of each plan's cash flows.  The discount rate that was utilized in determining the pension, SERP and PBOP obligations was based on a yield-curve approach.  This approach utilizes a population of bonds with an average rating of AA based on bond ratings by Moody's, S&P and Fitch, and uses bonds with above median yields within that population.  As of December 31, 2022, the discount rates used to determine the funded status were within a range of 5.1 percent to 5.2 percent for the Pension and SERP Plans, and 5.2 percent for the PBOP Plans.  As of December 31, 2021, the discount rates used were within a range of 2.8 percent to 3.0 percent for the Pension and SERP Plans, and within a range of 2.91 percent to 2.92 percent for the PBOP Plans.  The increase in the discount rates used to calculate the funded status resulted in a decrease to the Pension and SERP Plans’ projected benefit obligation and the PBOP Plans' projected benefit obligation of $1.48 billion and $180.1 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2022.

The Company uses the spot rate methodology for the service and interest cost components of Pension, SERP and PBOP expense because it provides a relatively precise measurement by matching projected cash flows to the corresponding spot rates on the yield curve.  The discount rates used to estimate the 2022 expense were within a range of 2.2 percent to 3.2 percent for the Pension and SERP Plans, and within a range of 2.3 percent to 3.3 percent for the PBOP Plans.

Mortality Assumptions:  Assumptions as to mortality of the participants in our Pension, SERP and PBOP Plans are a key estimate in measuring the expected payments a participant may receive over their lifetime and the corresponding plan liability we need to record. The mortality assumption is composed of a base table that represents the current expectation of life expectancy of the population adjusted by an improvement scale that attempts to anticipate future improvements in life expectancy. In 2022, our mortality assumption utilized the Society of Actuaries base mortality tables (Pri-2012), adjusted to reflect Eversource’s own mortality experience, and projected generationally using the MP-2021 improvement scale.

Compensation/Progression Rate Assumptions:  This assumption reflects the expected long-term salary growth rate, including consideration of the levels of increases built into collective bargaining agreements, and impacts the estimated benefits that Pension and SERP Plan participants will receive in the future.  As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the compensation/progression rates used to determine the funded status were within a range of 3.5 percent to 4.0 percent.

Health Care Cost Assumptions: The Eversource Service PBOP Plan is not subject to health care cost trends. As of December 31, 2022, for the Aquarion PBOP Plan, the health care trend rate used to determine the funded status for pre-65 retirees is 7 percent, with an ultimate rate of 5 percent in 2031, and for post-65 retirees, the health care trend rate and ultimate rate is 3.5 percent.

Actuarial Gains and Losses:  Actuarial gains and losses represent the differences between actuarial assumptions and actual information or updated assumptions. Unamortized actuarial gains or losses arising at the December 31st measurement date are primarily from differences in actual investment performance compared to our expected return and changes in the discount rate assumption. The Eversource Service Pension and PBOP Plans use the corridor approach to determine the amount of gain or loss to amortize into net periodic benefit expense/income. The corridor approach defers all actuarial gains and losses arising at remeasurement and the net unrecognized actuarial gain or loss balance is amortized as a component of expense if, as of the beginning of the year, that net gain or loss exceeds 10 percent of the greater of the market value of the plan’s assets or the projected benefit obligation. The amount of net unrecognized actuarial gain or loss in excess of the 10 percent corridor is amortized to expense over the estimated average future employee service period. For the Eversource Service Pension Plan, the net actuarial gain or loss is amortized as a component of expense over the estimated average future employee service period of seven years. For the Eversource Service PBOP Plan, the net unrecognized actuarial gain or loss was within the 10 percent corridor and therefore there was no amortization to expense during 2022.

42

An increase in the discount rate used to determine our pension funded status would decrease our projected benefit obligation at December 31st, resulting in a lower unamortized actuarial loss to be recognized in future years’ pension expense, subject to exceeding the 10 percent corridor. An increase in the discount rate at December 31st would also result in an increase in the interest cost component and a decrease in the service cost component of the subsequent year’s benefit plan expense.

The calculated expected return on plan assets is compared to the actual return or loss on plan assets at the end of each year to determine the investment gains or losses to be immediately reflected in unamortized actuarial gains and losses.  An underperformance of our pension plan investment returns relative to the expected returns would increase our pension liability at December 31st, resulting in a higher unamortized actuarial loss to be recognized in future years’ pension expense, subject to exceeding the 10 percent corridor, and a lower expected return on assets component of pension expense in future years’ pension expense.

Net Periodic Benefit Expense/Income: Pension, SERP and PBOP expense/income is determined by our actuaries and consists of service cost and prior service cost/credit, interest cost based on the discounting of the obligations, amortization of actuarial gains and losses, and the expected return on plan assets. For the Pension and SERP Plans, pre-tax net periodic benefit income was $181.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, and there was pre-tax net periodic benefit expense of $23.6 million and $56.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.  For the PBOP Plans, pre-tax net periodic benefit income was $79.8 million, $60.5 million and $51.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

The change in pension, SERP and PBOP expense/income arising from the annual remeasurement does not fully impact earnings. Our Massachusetts utilities recover qualified pension and PBOP expenses related to their distribution operations through a rate reconciling mechanism that fully tracks the change in net pension and PBOP expenses each year, therefore the change in their pension and PBOP expense does not impact earnings. Our electric transmission companies' rates provide for an annual true-up of estimated to actual costs, which include pension and PBOP expenses, therefore the change in their pension and PBOP expense does not impact earnings. Additionally, the portion of our pension and PBOP expense that relates to company labor devoted to capital projects is capitalized on the balance sheet instead of being charged to expense.

Forecasted Expense/Income and Expected Contributions:  We estimate that net periodic benefit income in 2023 for the Pension and SERP Plans will be approximately $114 million and for the PBOP Plans will be approximately $57 million. The change in pension income from 2022 to 2023 is driven primarily by an increase in the interest cost component due to a higher discount rate and lower expected return on assets due to a lower asset balance, partially offset by lower amortization of actuarial losses due to unrecognized actuarial gains arising in 2022. The change in PBOP income from 2022 to 2023 is driven primarily by an increase in the interest cost component due to a higher discount rate and lower expected return on assets due to a lower asset balance. For the PBOP Plans, there is no amortization of actuarial losses in 2023. Pension, SERP and PBOP expense/income for subsequent years will depend on future investment performance, changes in future discount rates and other assumptions, and various other factors related to the populations participating in the plans.

Our policy is to fund the Pension Plans annually in an amount at least equal to the amount that will satisfy all federal funding requirements.  We contributed $80.0 million to the Pension Plans in 2022.  Based on the current status of the Pension Plans and federal pension funding requirements, there is no minimum funding requirement for our Eversource Service Pension Plan in 2023 and we do not expect to make pension contributions in 2023. It is our policy to fund the PBOP Plans annually through tax deductible contributions to external trusts. We do not expect to make any contributions to the Eversource Service PBOP Plan in 2023. We contributed $3.1 million to the Aquarion PBOP Plan in 2022.  We currently estimate contributing $5.0 million and $2.9 million to the Aquarion Pension and PBOP Plans, respectively in 2023.

Sensitivity Analysis:  The following table illustrates the hypothetical effect on reported annual net periodic benefit income as a result of a change in the following assumptions by 50 basis points:

Pension Plans (excluding SERP Plans)PBOP Plans
Decrease in Plan IncomeIncrease in Plan ExpenseDecrease in Plan Income
(Millions of Dollars)For the Years Ended December 31,For the Years Ended December 31,
Eversource2022202120222021
Lower expected long-term rate of return$32.5$26.5$5.6$4.8
Lower discount rate32.627.01.72.6
Higher compensation rate7.69.9N/AN/A

Goodwill:  We recorded goodwill on our balance sheet associated with previous mergers and acquisitions, all of which totaled $4.52 billion as of December 31, 2022. We have identified our reporting units for purposes of allocating and testing goodwill as Electric Distribution, Electric Transmission, Natural Gas Distribution and Water Distribution.  Electric Distribution and Electric Transmission reporting units include carrying values for the respective components of CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH.  The Natural Gas Distribution reporting unit includes the carrying values of NSTAR Gas, Yankee Gas and EGMA. The Water Distribution reporting unit includes the Aquarion water utility businesses.  As of December 31, 2022, goodwill was allocated to the reporting units as follows: $2.54 billion to Electric Distribution, $577 million to Electric Transmission, $451 million to Natural Gas Distribution and $951 million to Water Distribution.

Goodwill recorded and allocated to the Water Distribution reporting unit included $44.8 million in 2022 arising from the acquisition of The Torrington Water Company on October 3, 2022 and $22.2 million arising from the acquisition of NESC on December 1, 2021, which included measurement period increases in 2022 totaling $0.5 million.

43

We are required to test goodwill balances for impairment at least annually by considering the fair values of the reporting units, which requires us to use estimates and judgments. Additionally, we monitor all relevant events and circumstances during the year to determine if an interim impairment test is required. We have selected October 1st of each year as the annual goodwill impairment test date. Goodwill impairment is deemed to exist if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value. If goodwill were deemed to be impaired, it would be written down in the current period to the extent of the impairment.

In assessing goodwill for impairment, an entity is permitted to first assess qualitatively whether it is more likely than not that goodwill impairment exists as of the annual impairment test date. A quantitative impairment test is required only if it is concluded that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount.

We performed an impairment assessment of goodwill as of October 1, 2022 for the Electric Distribution, Electric Transmission, Natural Gas Distribution and Water Distribution reporting units. Our qualitative assessment included an evaluation of multiple factors that impact the fair value of the reporting units, including general, macroeconomic and market conditions, and entity-specific assumptions that affect the future cash flows of the reporting units. Key considerations include discount rates, utility sector market performance and merger transaction multiples, the Company's share price and credit ratings, analyst reports, financial performance, cost and risk factors, internal estimates and projections of future cash flows and net income, long-term strategy, the timing and outcome of rate cases, and recent regulatory and legislative proceedings.

The 2022 goodwill impairment assessment resulted in a conclusion that goodwill is not impaired and no reporting unit is at risk of a goodwill impairment. We believe that the fair value of the reporting units was substantially in excess of carrying value. Adverse regulatory actions, changes in the regulatory and political environment, or changes in significant assumptions could potentially result in future goodwill impairment indicators.

Long-Lived Assets: Impairment evaluations of long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and other assets, involve a significant degree of estimation and judgment, including identifying circumstances that indicate an impairment may exist. An impairment analysis is required when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a long-lived asset may not be recoverable. Indicators of potential impairment include a deteriorating business climate, unfavorable regulatory action, decline in value that is other than temporary in nature, plans to dispose of a long-lived asset significantly before the end of its useful life, and accumulation of costs that are in excess of amounts allowed for recovery. The review of long-lived assets for impairment utilizes significant assumptions about operating strategies and external developments, including assessment of current and projected market conditions that can impact future cash flows. If indicators are present for a long-lived asset or asset group, a comparison of the undiscounted expected future cash flows to the carrying value is performed. No impairments occurred during the year 2022.

Equity Method Investments: Investments in affiliates where we have the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over an investee are initially recognized as an equity method investment at cost. Any differences between the cost of an investment and the amount of underlying equity in net assets of an investee are considered basis differences and are determined based upon the estimated fair values of the investee's identifiable assets and liabilities. For our offshore wind equity method investment, basis differences are related to intangible assets for PPAs that will be amortized over the term of the PPAs, and equity method goodwill that is not amortized. Capitalized interest associated with our offshore wind equity method investment is included in the investment balance.

Equity method investments are assessed for impairment when conditions exist that indicate that the fair value of the investment is less than book value.  If the decline in value is considered to be other-than-temporary, the investment is written down to its estimated fair value, which establishes a new cost basis in the investment. Impairment evaluations involve a significant degree of judgment and estimation, including identifying circumstances that indicate an impairment may exist at the equity method investment level, selecting discount rates used to determine fair values, and developing an estimate of discounted future cash flows expected from investment operations or the sale of the investment. No impairments occurred during 2022. Eversource continually monitors and evaluates its equity method investments to determine if there are indicators of an other-than-temporary impairment.

Income Taxes: Income tax expense is estimated for each of the jurisdictions in which we operate and is recorded each quarter using an estimated annualized effective tax rate. This process to record income tax expense involves estimating current and deferred income tax expense or benefit and the impact of temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for financial reporting and income tax return reporting purposes. Such differences are the result of timing of the deduction for expenses, as well as any impact of permanent differences, or other items that directly impact income tax expense as a result of regulatory activity (flow-through items). The temporary differences and flow-through items result in deferred tax assets and liabilities that are included in the balance sheets.

We also account for uncertainty in income taxes, which applies to all income tax positions previously filed in a tax return and income tax positions expected to be taken in a future tax return that have been reflected on our balance sheets. The determination of whether a tax position meets the recognition threshold under applicable accounting guidance is based on facts and circumstances available to us.

The interpretation of tax laws and associated regulations involves uncertainty since tax authorities may interpret the laws differently. Ultimate resolution or clarification of income tax matters may result in favorable or unfavorable impacts to net income and cash flows, and adjustments to tax-related assets and liabilities could be material.

Significant management judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes, primarily due to the uncertainty related to tax positions taken, as well as deferred tax assets and liabilities and valuation allowances. We evaluate the probability of realizing deferred tax assets by reviewing a forecast of future taxable income and our intent and ability to implement tax planning strategies, if necessary, to realize deferred tax assets. We also assess negative evidence, such as the expiration of historical operating loss or tax credit carryforwards, that could indicate the

44

inability to realize the deferred tax assets. Valuation allowances are provided to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that will more likely than not be realized in future periods. This requires management to make judgments and estimates regarding the amount and timing of the reversal of taxable temporary differences, expected future taxable income, and the impact of tax planning strategies.

Actual income taxes could vary from estimated amounts due to the future impacts of various items, including future changes in income tax laws, not realizing expected tax planning strategy amounts, as well as results of audits and examinations of filed tax returns by taxing authorities.

Accounting for Environmental Reserves:  Environmental reserves are accrued when assessments indicate it is probable that a liability has been incurred and an amount can be reasonably estimated. Increases to estimates of environmental liabilities could have an adverse impact on earnings. We estimate these liabilities based on findings through various phases of the assessment, considering the most likely action plan from a variety of available remediation options (ranging from no action required to full site remediation and long-term monitoring), current site information from our site assessments, remediation estimates from third party engineering and remediation contractors, and our prior experience in remediating contaminated sites.  If a most likely action plan cannot yet be determined, we estimate the liability based on the low end of a range of possible action plans. A significant portion of our environmental sites and reserve amounts relate to former MGP sites that were operated several decades ago and manufactured natural gas from coal and other processes, which resulted in certain by-products remaining in the environment that may pose a potential risk to human health and the environment, for which we may have potential liability.  Estimates are based on the expected remediation plan. Our estimates are subject to revision in future periods based on actual costs or new information from other sources, including the level of contamination at the site, the extent of our responsibility or the extent of remediation required, recently enacted laws and regulations or a change in cost estimates.

Fair Value Measurements:  We follow fair value measurement guidance that defines fair value as the price that would be received for the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price).  We have applied this guidance to our Company's derivative contracts that are not elected or designated as "normal purchases” or “normal sales,” to marketable securities held in trusts, and to our investments in our Pension and PBOP Plans. Fair value measurements are also incorporated into the accounting for goodwill, long-lived assets, equity method investments, AROs, and in the valuation of business combinations and asset acquisitions. The fair value measurement guidance was also applied in estimating the fair value of preferred stock, long-term debt and RRBs.

Changes in fair value of our derivative contracts are recorded as Regulatory Assets or Liabilities, as we recover the costs of these contracts in rates charged to customers.  These valuations are sensitive to the prices of energy-related products in future years and assumptions made.

We use quoted market prices when available to determine the fair value of financial instruments.  When quoted prices in active markets for the same or similar instruments are not available, we value derivative contracts using models that incorporate both observable and unobservable inputs.  Significant unobservable inputs utilized in the models include energy-related product prices for future years for long-dated derivative contracts and market volatilities.  Discounted cash flow valuations incorporate estimates of premiums or discounts, reflecting risk-adjusted profit that would be required by a market participant to arrive at an exit price, using available historical market transaction information. Valuations of derivative contracts also reflect our estimates of nonperformance risk, including credit risk.

45

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – EVERSOURCE ENERGY AND SUBSIDIARIES

The following provides the amounts and variances in operating revenues and expense line items in the statements of income for Eversource for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

For the Years Ended December 31,
(Millions of Dollars)20222021Increase
Operating Revenues$12,289.3$9,863.1$2,426.2
Operating Expenses:
Purchased Power, Purchased Natural Gas and Transmission5,014.13,372.31,641.8
Operations and Maintenance1,865.31,739.7125.6
Depreciation1,194.21,103.091.2
Amortization448.9232.0216.9
Energy Efficiency Programs658.0592.865.2
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes910.6830.080.6
Total Operating Expenses10,091.17,869.82,221.3
Operating Income2,198.21,993.3204.9
Interest Expense678.3582.495.9
Other Income, Net346.1161.3184.8
Income Before Income Tax Expense1,866.01,572.2293.8
Income Tax Expense453.6344.2109.4
Net Income1,412.41,228.0184.4
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests7.57.5
Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders$1,404.9$1,220.5$184.4

Operating Revenues

Sales Volumes: A summary of our retail electric GWh sales volumes, our firm natural gas MMcf sales volumes, and our water MG sales volumes, and percentage changes, is as follows:

ElectricFirm Natural GasWater
Sales Volumes (GWh)Percentage (Decrease)/IncreaseSales Volumes (MMcf)Percentage IncreaseSales Volumes (MG)Percentage Increase
202220212022202120222021
Traditional7,7647,782(0.2)%%1,8571,25647.9%
Decoupled and Special Contracts (1)43,49343,2280.6%152,291150,1451.4%23,15422,0994.8%
Total Sales Volumes51,25751,0100.5%152,291150,1451.4%25,01123,3557.1%

(1)     Special contracts are unique to Yankee Gas natural gas distribution customers who take service under such an arrangement and generally specify the amount of distribution revenue to be paid to Yankee Gas regardless of the customers' usage.

Weather, fluctuations in energy supply costs, conservation measures (including utility-sponsored energy efficiency programs), and economic conditions affect customer energy usage and water consumption. Industrial sales volumes are less sensitive to temperature variations than residential and commercial sales volumes. In our service territories, weather impacts both electric and water sales volumes during the summer and both electric and natural gas sales volumes during the winter; however, natural gas sales volumes are more sensitive to temperature variations than electric sales volumes. Customer heating or cooling usage may not directly correlate with historical levels or with the level of degree-days that occur.

Fluctuations in retail electric sales volumes at PSNH impact earnings ("Traditional" in the table above). For CL&P, NSTAR Electric, NSTAR Gas, EGMA, Yankee Gas, and our Connecticut water distribution business, fluctuations in retail sales volumes do not materially impact earnings due to their respective regulatory commission-approved distribution revenue decoupling mechanisms ("Decoupled" in the table above). These distribution revenues are decoupled from their customer sales volumes, which breaks the relationship between sales volumes and revenues recognized.

46

Operating Revenues: Operating Revenues by segment increased in 2022, as compared to 2021, as follows:

(Millions of Dollars)Increase/(Decrease)
Electric Distribution$1,981.7
Natural Gas Distribution426.0
Electric Transmission174.1
Water Distribution11.2
Other81.5
Eliminations(248.3)
Total Operating Revenues$2,426.2

Electric and Natural Gas (excluding EGMA) Distribution Revenues:

Base Distribution Revenues:

•Base electric distribution revenues increased $43.4 million in 2022, as compared to 2021, due primarily to the impact of base distribution rate increases at NSTAR Electric effective January 1, 2022 resulting from its annual Performance Based Rate Adjustment filing and at PSNH effective August 1, 2021 and November 1, 2022.

•Base natural gas distribution revenues (excluding EGMA) increased $21.4 million in 2022, as compared to 2021, due primarily to base distribution rate increases at NSTAR Gas effective November 1, 2021 and November 1, 2022.

Electric distribution revenues at CL&P also increased $93.4 million in 2022, as compared to 2021, due to the absence of a 2021 reserve established to provide bill credits to customers as a result of CL&P’s settlement agreement on October 1, 2021 and a storm performance penalty assessed by PURA. In the 2021 settlement agreement, CL&P agreed to provide a total of $65 million of customer credits, which were distributed based on customer sales over a two-month period from December 1, 2021 to January 31, 2022. Additionally, CL&P recorded a $28.4 million reserve in 2021 for a civil penalty for non-compliance with storm performance standards that was provided as credits to customers on electric bills beginning on September 1, 2021 over a one-year period.

Tracked Distribution Revenues: Tracked distribution revenues consist of certain costs that are recovered from customers in retail rates through regulatory commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms and therefore, recovery of these costs has no impact on earnings. Revenues from certain of these cost tracking mechanisms also include certain incentives earned, return on capital tracking mechanisms, and carrying charges that are billed in rates to customers, which do impact earnings. Costs recovered through cost tracking mechanisms include, among others, energy supply and natural gas supply procurement and other energy-related costs, electric retail transmission charges, energy efficiency program costs, electric restructuring and stranded cost recovery revenues (including securitized RRB charges), certain capital tracking mechanisms for infrastructure improvements, and additionally for the Massachusetts utilities, pension and PBOP benefits, net metering for distributed generation, and solar-related programs. Tracked revenues also include wholesale market sales transactions, such as sales of energy and energy-related products into the ISO-NE wholesale electricity market, sales of natural gas to third party marketers, and the sale of RECs to various counterparties.

Customers have the choice to purchase electricity from each Eversource electric utility or from a competitive third party supplier. For customers who have contracted separately with these competitive suppliers, revenue is not recorded for the sale of the electricity commodity, as the utility is acting as an agent on behalf of the third party supplier. For customers that choose to purchase electric generation from CL&P, NSTAR Electric or PSNH, each purchases power on behalf of, and is permitted to recover the related energy supply cost without mark-up from, its customers, and records offsetting amounts in revenues and purchased power and amortization expense related to this energy supply procurement. CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH each remain as the distribution service provider for all customers and charge a regulated rate for distribution delivery service recorded in revenues.

Tracked distribution revenues increased/(decreased) in 2022, as compared to 2021, due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)Electric DistributionNatural Gas Distribution
Retail Tariff Tracked Revenues:
Energy supply procurement$1,032.9$144.1
Retail transmission246.8
CL&P FMCC(87.8)
Energy efficiency52.9(1.4)
Stranded costs(72.5)
Other distribution tracking mechanisms49.831.7
Wholesale Market Sales Revenue615.133.3

The increase in energy supply procurement within electric distribution and natural gas distribution in 2022, as compared to 2021, was driven by higher average prices and higher average supply-related sales volumes. Fluctuations in retail transmission revenues are driven by the recovery of the costs of our wholesale transmission business, such as those billed by ISO-NE and Local and Regional Network Service charges. For further information, see "Purchased Power, Purchased Natural Gas and Transmission Expense" below.

47

The increase in electric distribution wholesale market sales revenue in 2022, as compared to 2021, was due primarily to higher average electricity market prices received for wholesale sales at CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH. ISO-NE average market prices received for CL&P’s wholesale sales increased approximately 90 percent in 2022, as compared to 2021, driven primarily by higher natural gas prices in New England. The increase was also due to higher wholesale sales volumes at CL&P resulting from the sale of output generated by the Seabrook PPA beginning in the first quarter of 2022. Volumes sold into the market were primarily from the sale of output generated by the Millstone PPA and Seabrook PPA that CL&P entered into in 2019, as required by regulation. CL&P sells the energy purchased from Millstone and Seabrook into the wholesale market and uses the proceeds from the energy sales to offset the contract costs. The net sales or net cost amount is refunded to, or recovered from, customers in the non-bypassable component of the CL&P FMCC rate. The increase in electric distribution wholesale market sales revenues was also driven by higher proceeds from the sale of transmission rights over a one-year period under CL&P’s, NSTAR Electric’s and PSNH’s Hydro-Quebec transmission support agreements. Proceeds from these sales are credited back to customers.

The decrease in CL&P’s FMCC revenues and PSNH’s stranded cost revenues was driven by decreases in the retail rate, which reflect the net benefit of higher wholesale market sales received in the ISO-NE market for long-term state approved energy contracts at CL&P and PSNH, which are then credited back to customers through these retail rates. The decrease in PSNH’s stranded cost revenues was also due to lower stranded costs to be recovered due to higher Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) proceeds received, which are credited back to customers.

EGMA Natural Gas Distribution Revenues: EGMA total operating revenues at the natural gas distribution segment increased by $193.8 million in 2022, as compared to 2021. Included in the total operating revenues increase was EGMA’s base natural gas distribution revenues increase of $26.3 million in 2022, as compared to 2021, due primarily to base distribution rate increases effective November 1, 2021 and November 1, 2022.

Electric Transmission Revenues:  Electric transmission revenues increased $174.1 million in 2022, as compared to 2021, due primarily to a higher transmission rate base as a result of our continued investment in our transmission infrastructure.

Other Revenues and Eliminations: Other revenues primarily include the revenues of Eversource's service company, most of which are eliminated in consolidation. Eliminations are also primarily related to the Eversource electric transmission revenues that are derived from ISO-NE regional transmission charges to the distribution businesses of CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH that recover the costs of the wholesale transmission business in rates charged to their customers.

Purchased Power, Purchased Natural Gas and Transmission expense includes costs associated with purchasing electricity and natural gas on behalf of our customers and the cost of energy purchase contracts, as required by regulation.  These electric and natural gas supply costs and other energy-related costs are recovered from customers in rates through commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms, which have no impact on earnings (tracked costs).  Purchased Power, Purchased Natural Gas and Transmission expense increased in 2022, as compared to 2021, due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)Increase
Purchased Power Costs$1,217.5
Natural Gas Costs307.7
Transmission Costs277.1
Eliminations(160.5)
Total Purchased Power, Purchased Natural Gas and Transmission$1,641.8

The increase in purchased power expense at the electric distribution business in 2022, as compared to 2021, was driven primarily by higher energy supply procurement costs resulting from higher average prices and higher average supply-related sales volumes, as well as higher long-term contractual energy-related costs that are recovered in the non-bypassable component of the FMCC mechanism at CL&P, and higher net metering costs at NSTAR Electric and CL&P.

The increase in costs at the natural gas distribution segment in 2022, as compared to 2021, was due primarily to higher average prices and higher average supply-related sales volumes.

The increase in transmission costs in 2022, as compared to 2021, was primarily the result of an increase resulting from the retail transmission cost deferral, which reflects the actual cost of transmission service compared to estimated amounts billed to customers. This was partially offset by a decrease in Local Network Service charges, which reflects the cost of transmission service provided by Eversource over our local transmission network, and a decrease in costs billed by ISO-NE that support regional grid investments.

48

Operations and Maintenance expense includes tracked costs and costs that are part of base electric, natural gas and water distribution rates with changes impacting earnings (non-tracked costs).  Operations and Maintenance expense increased in 2022, as compared to 2021, due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)Increase/(Decrease)
Base Electric Distribution (Non-Tracked Costs):
General costs (including vendor services in corporate areas, insurance, fees and assessments)$26.8
Shared corporate costs (including computer software depreciation at Eversource Service)25.0
Storm costs22.0
Commitment to energy assistance program as part of CL&P rate relief plan10.0
Operations-related expenses (including vegetation management, vendor services and vehicles)4.4
Employee-related expenses, including labor and benefits(20.5)
Absence in 2022 of CL&P charge to fund various customer assistance initiatives associated with the settlement agreement on October 1, 2021(10.0)
Other non-tracked operations and maintenance20.3
Total Base Electric Distribution (Non-Tracked Costs)78.0
Tracked Electric Costs (Electric Distribution and Electric Transmission) - Increase due primarily to higher transmission expenses of $35.1 million and increase of $34.7 million due to higher pension tracking mechanism at NSTAR Electric72.4
Total Electric Distribution and Electric Transmission150.4
Natural Gas Distribution:
Base (Non-Tracked Costs) - Increase due primarily to higher employee-related expenses and higher shared corporate costs12.6
Tracked Costs18.6
Total Natural Gas Distribution31.2
Water Distribution8.3
Parent and Other Companies and Eliminations:
Eversource Parent and Other Companies - other operations and maintenance30.5
Transaction and Transition Costs(11.8)
Eliminations(83.0)
Total Operations and Maintenance$125.6

Depreciation expense increased in 2022, as compared to 2021, due to higher utility plant in service balances.

Amortization expense includes the deferral of energy supply, energy-related costs and other costs that are included in certain regulatory commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms. This deferral adjusts expense to match the corresponding revenues compared to the actual costs incurred. Energy supply and energy-related costs are recovered from customers in rates and have no impact on earnings. Amortization expense also includes the amortization of certain costs as those costs are collected in rates.

Amortization increased in 2022, as compared to 2021, due primarily to the deferral adjustment of energy supply, energy-related and other tracked costs at CL&P (included in the non-bypassable component of the FMCC mechanism), and NSTAR Electric, which can fluctuate from period to period based on the timing of costs incurred and related rate changes to recover these costs. The increase in the FMCC mechanism at CL&P was driven primarily by the net costs and benefits of the long-term state approved contracts that Eversource has executed with Millstone and Seabrook, among others. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in storm amortization expense at CL&P related to the completion of the amortization period of certain storm cost deferred assets.

Energy Efficiency Programs expense increased in 2022, as compared to 2021, due primarily to the deferral adjustment, which reflects the actual costs of energy efficiency programs compared to the amounts billed to customers, and the timing of the recovery of energy efficiency costs. The costs for the majority of the state energy policy initiatives and expanded energy efficiency programs are recovered from customers in rates and have no impact on earnings.

Taxes Other Than Income Taxes expense increased in 2022, as compared to 2021, due primarily to an increase in property taxes as a result of higher utility plant balances and higher Connecticut gross earnings taxes.

Interest Expense increased in 2022, as compared to 2021, due primarily to an increase in interest on long-term debt as a result of new debt issuances ($101.3 million), an increase in interest on short-term notes payable ($10.9 million), an increase in interest expense on regulatory deferrals ($6.7 million), and higher amortization of debt discounts and premiums, net ($3.3 million), partially offset by an increase in capitalized AFUDC related to debt funds and other capitalized interest ($20.0 million), lower interest resulting from the 2022 payment of withheld property taxes at NSTAR Electric ($5.0 million), and a decrease in RRB interest expense ($1.4 million).

Other Income, Net increased in 2022, as compared to 2021, due primarily to an increase related to pension, SERP and PBOP non-service income components ($135.4 million), an increase in interest income primarily from regulatory deferrals ($24.9 million), an increase in capitalized AFUDC related to equity funds ($10.0 million), an increase in equity in earnings related to Eversource’s equity method investments ($8.7 million), a gain on the sale of property in 2022 ($2.5 million) and investment income in 2022 compared to investment losses in 2021 driven by market volatility ($2.1 million).

49

Income Tax Expense increased in 2022, as compared to 2021, due primarily to higher pre-tax earnings ($61.7 million), higher state taxes ($5.9 million), lower share-based payment excess tax benefits ($1.9 million), an increase in return to provision adjustments ($11.2 million), a decrease in amortization of EDIT ($20.0 million), an increase in valuation allowances ($8.5 million), and an increase in items that impact our tax rate as a result of regulatory treatment (flow-through items) and permanent differences ($0.2 million).

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS –

THE CONNECTICUT LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY

NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY

PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AND SUBSIDIARIES

The following provides the amounts and variances in operating revenues and expense line items in the statements of income for CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

For the Years Ended December 31,
CL&PNSTAR ElectricPSNH
(Millions of Dollars)20222021Increase20222021Increase/ (Decrease)20222021Increase/ (Decrease)
Operating Revenues$4,817.7$3,637.4$1,180.3$3,583.1$3,056.4$526.7$1,474.8$1,177.2$297.6
Operating Expenses:
Purchased Power and Transmission2,110.31,393.0717.31,264.8932.5332.3665.5370.3295.2
Operations and Maintenance707.2644.263.0640.8563.277.6256.0237.718.3
Depreciation355.5338.916.6362.0337.524.5128.0120.17.9
Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net335.699.0236.683.955.828.142.986.8(43.9)
Energy Efficiency Programs134.2129.64.6332.3288.643.737.438.7(1.3)
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes384.7363.820.9246.7216.730.095.391.53.8
Total Operating Expenses4,027.52,968.51,059.02,930.52,394.3536.21,225.1945.1280.0
Operating Income790.2668.9121.3652.6662.1(9.5)249.7232.117.6
Interest Expense169.4166.13.3162.9146.016.959.557.02.5
Other Income, Net83.330.253.1142.774.867.932.714.618.1
Income Before Income Tax Expense704.1533.0171.1632.4590.941.5222.9189.733.2
Income Tax Expense171.2131.339.9140.0114.325.751.339.411.9
Net Income$532.9$401.7$131.2$492.4$476.6$15.8$171.6$150.3$21.3

Operating Revenues

Sales Volumes: A summary of our retail electric GWh sales volumes is as follows:

For the Years Ended December 31,
20222021Increase/(Decrease)Percentage Increase/(Decrease)
CL&P20,56020,501590.3%
NSTAR Electric22,93322,7272060.9%
PSNH7,7647,782(18)(0.2)%

Fluctuations in retail electric sales volumes at PSNH impact earnings.  For CL&P and NSTAR Electric, fluctuations in retail electric sales volumes do not impact earnings due to their respective regulatory commission-approved distribution revenue decoupling mechanisms.

Operating Revenues: Operating Revenues, which consist of base distribution revenues and tracked revenues further described below, increased $1.18 billion at CL&P, $526.7 million at NSTAR Electric, and $297.6 million at PSNH in 2022, as compared to 2021.

Base Distribution Revenues:

•CL&P's distribution revenues increased $0.4 million.

•NSTAR Electric's distribution revenues increased $36.9 million due primarily to the impact of its base distribution rate increase effective January 1, 2022 resulting from its annual Performance Based Rate Adjustment filing.

•PSNH's distribution revenues increased $6.1 million due primarily to the impact of its base distribution rate increases effective August 1, 2021 and November 1, 2022.

Electric distribution revenues at CL&P also increased $93.4 million in 2022, as compared to 2021, due to the absence of a 2021 reserve established to provide bill credits to customers as a result of CL&P’s settlement agreement on October 1, 2021 and a storm performance penalty assessed by PURA. In the 2021 settlement agreement, CL&P agreed to provide a total of $65 million of customer credits, which were distributed based on customer sales over a two-month period from December 1, 2021 to January 31, 2022. Additionally, CL&P recorded a $28.4 million reserve in 2021 for a civil penalty for non-compliance with storm performance standards that was provided as credits to customers on electric bills beginning on September 1, 2021 over a one-year period.

50

Tracked Revenues: Tracked distribution revenues consist of certain costs that are recovered from customers in retail rates through regulatory

commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms and therefore, recovery of these costs has no impact on earnings. Revenues from certain of these

cost tracking mechanisms also include certain incentives earned, return on capital tracking mechanisms, and carrying charges that are billed in

rates to customers, which do impact earnings. Costs recovered through cost tracking mechanisms include, among others, energy supply

procurement and other energy-related costs, retail transmission charges, energy efficiency program costs, electric restructuring and stranded cost

recovery revenues (including securitized RRB charges), certain capital tracking mechanisms for infrastructure improvements, and additionally for NSTAR Electric, pension and PBOP benefits, net metering for distributed generation, and solar-related programs. Tracked revenues also include wholesale market sales transactions, such as sales of energy and energy-related products into the ISO-NE wholesale electricity market and the sale of RECs to various counterparties.

Customers have the choice to purchase electricity from each Eversource electric utility or from a competitive third party supplier. For customers who have contracted separately with these competitive suppliers, revenue is not recorded for the sale of the electricity commodity, as the utility is acting as an agent on behalf of the third party supplier. For customers that choose to purchase electric generation from CL&P, NSTAR Electric or PSNH, each purchases power on behalf of, and is permitted to recover the related energy supply cost without mark-up from, its customers, and records offsetting amounts in revenues and purchased power and amortization expense related to this energy supply procurement. CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH each remain as the distribution service provider for all customers and charge a regulated rate for distribution delivery service recorded in revenues.

Tracked revenues increased/(decreased) in 2022, as compared to 2021, due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)CL&PNSTAR ElectricPSNH
Retail Tariff Tracked Revenues:
Energy supply procurement$559.9$178.4$294.6
Retail transmission110.6155.1(18.9)
CL&P FMCC(87.8)
Energy efficiency7.241.93.8
Stranded costs1.1(14.6)(59.0)
Other distribution tracking mechanisms28.222.9(1.3)
Wholesale Market Sales Revenue464.9105.844.4

The increase in energy supply procurement at CL&P was driven by higher average prices and higher average supply-related sales volumes. The increase in energy supply procurement at NSTAR Electric was driven by higher average prices, partially offset by lower average supply-related sales volumes. The increase in energy supply procurement at PSNH was driven by higher average prices. Fluctuations in retail transmission revenues are driven by the recovery of the costs of our wholesale transmission business, such as those billed by ISO-NE and Local and Regional Network Service charges. For further information, see "Purchased Power and Transmission Expense" below.

The increase in wholesale market sales revenue in 2022, as compared to 2021, was due primarily to higher average electricity market prices received for wholesale sales at CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH. ISO-NE average market prices received for CL&P’s wholesale sales increased approximately 90 percent in 2022, as compared to 2021, driven primarily by higher natural gas prices in New England. The increase at CL&P was also due to higher wholesale sales volumes resulting from the sale of output generated by the Seabrook PPA beginning in the first quarter of 2022. CL&P’s volumes sold into the market were primarily from the sale of output generated by the Millstone PPA and Seabrook PPA that CL&P entered into in 2019, as required by regulation. CL&P sells the energy purchased from Millstone and Seabrook into the wholesale market and uses the proceeds from the energy sales to offset the contract costs. The net sales or net cost amount is refunded to, or recovered from, customers in the non-bypassable component of the CL&P FMCC rate. The increase in wholesale market sales revenues at CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH was also driven by higher proceeds from the sale of transmission rights over a one-year period under Hydro-Quebec transmission support agreements. Proceeds from these sales are credited back to customers.

The decrease in CL&P’s FMCC revenues and PSNH’s stranded cost revenues was driven by decreases in the retail rate, which reflect the net benefit of higher wholesale market sales received in the ISO-NE market for long-term state approved energy contracts at CL&P and PSNH, which are then credited back to customers through these retail rates. The decrease in PSNH’s stranded cost revenues was also due to lower stranded costs to be recovered due to higher Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) proceeds received, which are credited back to customers.

Transmission Revenues: Transmission revenues increased $61.5 million at CL&P, $73.5 million at NSTAR Electric and $39.1 million at PSNH in 2022, as compared to 2021, due primarily to a higher transmission rate base as a result of our continued investment in our transmission infrastructure.

Eliminations: Eliminations are primarily related to the Eversource electric transmission revenues that are derived from ISO-NE regional transmission charges to the distribution businesses of CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH that recover the costs of the wholesale transmission business in rates charged to their customers. The impact of eliminations decreased revenues by $60.8 million at CL&P, $78.6 million at NSTAR Electric and $12.9 million at PSNH in 2022, as compared to 2021.

51

Purchased Power and Transmission expense includes costs associated with purchasing electricity on behalf of CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH's customers and the cost of energy purchase contracts, as required by regulation.  These energy supply and other energy-related costs are recovered from customers in rates through commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms, which have no impact on earnings (tracked costs). Purchased Power and Transmission expense increased in 2022, as compared to 2021, due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)CL&PNSTAR ElectricPSNH
Purchased Power Costs$650.6$255.5$311.4
Transmission Costs125.1155.4(3.4)
Eliminations(58.4)(78.6)(12.8)
Total Purchased Power and Transmission$717.3$332.3$295.2

Purchased Power Costs: Included in purchased power costs are the costs associated with providing electric generation service supply to all customers who have not migrated to third party suppliers and the cost of energy purchase contracts, as required by regulation.

•The increase at CL&P was due primarily to higher energy supply procurement costs resulting from higher average prices and higher average supply-related volumes. The increase was also due to higher long-term contractual energy-related costs and higher net metering costs that are recovered in the non-bypassable component of the FMCC mechanism.

•The increase at NSTAR Electric was due primarily to higher energy supply procurement costs resulting from higher average prices, partially offset by lower supply-related sales volumes. The increase was also due to higher net metering costs.

•The increase at PSNH was due primarily to higher energy supply procurement costs resulting from higher average prices.

Transmission Costs: Included in transmission costs are charges that recover the cost of transporting electricity over high-voltage lines from generation facilities to substations, including costs allocated by ISO-NE to maintain the wholesale electric market.

•The increase in transmission costs at CL&P was due primarily to an increase resulting from the retail transmission cost deferral, which reflects the actual cost of transmission service compared to estimated amounts billed to customers. This was partially offset by a decrease in Local Network Service charges, which reflect the cost of transmission service provided by Eversource over our local transmission network, and a decrease in costs billed by ISO-NE that support regional grid investments.

•The increase in transmission costs at NSTAR Electric was due primarily to an increase resulting from the retail transmission cost deferral, an increase in Local Network Service charges, and an increase in costs billed by ISO-NE.

•The decrease in transmission costs at PSNH was due primarily to a decrease in costs billed by ISO-NE and a decrease in Local Network Service charges, partially offset by an increase resulting from the retail transmission cost deferral.

Operations and Maintenance expense includes tracked costs and costs that are part of base distribution rates with changes impacting earnings (non-tracked costs).  Operations and Maintenance expense increased in 2022, as compared to 2021, due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)CL&PNSTAR ElectricPSNH
Base Electric Distribution (Non-Tracked Costs):
General costs (including vendor services in corporate areas, insurance, fees and assessments)$12.3$8.8$5.7
Shared corporate costs (including computer software depreciation at Eversource Service)8.713.23.1
Storm costs9.09.53.5
Commitment to energy assistance program as part of CL&P rate relief plan10.0
Operations-related expenses (including vegetation management, vendor services and vehicles)3.12.2(0.9)
Absence in 2022 of CL&P charge to fund various customer assistance initiatives associated with the settlement agreement on October 1, 2021(10.0)
Employee-related expenses, including labor and benefits(1.5)(11.0)0.5
Other non-tracked operations and maintenance5.615.8(1.1)
Total Base Electric Distribution (Non-Tracked Costs)37.238.510.8
Tracked Costs:
Transmission expenses19.47.48.3
Other tracked operations and maintenance6.431.7(0.8)
Total Tracked Costs25.839.17.5
Total Operations and Maintenance$63.0$77.6$18.3

Depreciation expense increased in 2022, as compared to 2021, for CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH due to higher net plant in service balances.

Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net expense includes the deferral of energy supply, energy-related costs and other costs that are included in certain regulatory-approved cost tracking mechanisms. This deferral adjusts expense to match the corresponding revenues compared to the actual costs incurred. Energy supply and energy-related costs are recovered from customers in rates and have no impact on earnings. Amortization expense also includes the amortization of certain costs as those costs are collected in rates. Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net increased/decreased in 2022, as compared to 2021, due primarily to the following:

•The increase at CL&P was due primarily to the deferral adjustment of energy supply, energy-related and other tracked costs that are included in the non-bypassable component of the FMCC mechanism, which can fluctuate from period to period based on the timing of

52

costs incurred and related rate changes to recover these costs. The increase in the FMCC mechanism was driven primarily by the net costs and benefits of the long-term state approved contracts that CL&P executed with Millstone and Seabrook, among others. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in storm amortization expense related to the completion of the amortization period of certain storm cost deferred assets.

•The increase at NSTAR Electric was due to the deferral adjustment of energy supply, energy-related costs and other tracked costs.

•The decrease at PSNH was due to the deferral adjustment of energy-related and other tracked costs.

Energy Efficiency Programs expense includes costs of various state energy policy initiatives and expanded energy efficiency programs that are recovered from customers in rates, most of which have no impact on earnings. Energy Efficiency Programs expense increased/decreased in 2022, as compared to 2021, due primarily to the following:

•The increases at CL&P and NSTAR Electric were due to the deferral adjustment, which reflects actual costs of energy efficiency programs compared to the estimated amounts billed to customers, and the timing of the recovery of energy efficiency costs.

•The decrease at PSNH was due to the deferral adjustment and the timing of the recovery of energy efficiency costs.

Taxes Other Than Income Taxes increased in 2022, as compared to 2021, due primarily to the following:

•The increase at CL&P was related to higher property taxes as a result of a higher utility plant balance and higher gross earnings taxes.

•The increases at NSTAR Electric and PSNH were due to higher property taxes as a result of higher utility plant balances.

Interest Expense increased in 2022, as compared to 2021, due primarily to the following:

•The increase at CL&P was due primarily to an increase in interest expense on regulatory deferrals ($3.4 million), higher interest on long-term debt ($0.8 million), and higher amortization of debt discounts and premiums, net ($0.3 million), partially offset by an increase in capitalized AFUDC related to debt funds ($1.9 million).

•The increase at NSTAR Electric was due primarily to higher interest on long-term debt ($19.9 million), an increase in interest expense on regulatory deferrals ($3.0 million), and higher amortization of debt discounts and premiums, net ($0.5 million), partially offset by lower interest resulting from the 2022 payment of withheld property taxes ($5.0 million), and an increase in capitalized AFUDC related to debt funds ($1.7 million).

•The increase at PSNH was due primarily to higher interest expense on regulatory deferrals ($3.2 million), higher interest on short-term notes payable ($2.1 million), higher interest on long-term debt ($0.6 million), partially offset by lower amortization of debt discounts and premiums, net ($1.6 million), a decrease in RRB interest expense ($1.4 million), and an increase in capitalized AFUDC related to debt funds ($0.6 million).

Other Income, Net increased in 2022, as compared to 2021, due primarily to the following:

•The increase at CL&P was due primarily to an increase related to pension, SERP and PBOP non-service income components ($49.2 million), an increase in capitalized AFUDC related to equity funds ($5.9 million) and an increase in interest income primarily on regulatory deferrals ($0.6 million), partially offset by investment losses in 2022 compared to investment income in 2021 driven by market volatility ($2.6 million).

•The increase at NSTAR Electric was due primarily to an increase related to pension, SERP and PBOP non-service income components ($45.3 million), an increase in interest income primarily on regulatory deferrals ($17.3 million), an increase in capitalized AFUDC related to equity funds ($4.2 million) and an increase in investment income ($1.1 million).

•The increase at PSNH was due primarily to an increase related to pension, SERP and PBOP non-service income components ($16.5 million), an increase in capitalized AFUDC related to equity funds ($0.9 million) and an increase in interest income primarily on regulatory deferrals ($0.7 million).

Income Tax Expense increased in 2022, as compared to 2021, due primarily to the following:

•The increase at CL&P was due primarily to higher pre-tax earnings ($36.0 million), higher state taxes ($2.3 million), an increase in valuation allowances ($8.0 million), a decrease in amortization of EDIT ($0.6 million) and lower share-based payment excess tax benefits ($0.8 million), partially offset by lower return to provision adjustments ($6.3 million) and a decrease in items that impact our tax rate as a result of regulatory treatment (flow-through items) and permanent differences ($1.5 million).

•The increase at NSTAR Electric was due primarily to a decrease in amortization of EDIT ($14.0 million), an increase in pre-tax earnings ($8.7 million), higher state taxes ($2.8 million), and lower share-based payment excess tax benefits ($0.6 million), partially offset by a decrease in items that impact our tax rate as a result of regulatory treatment (flow-through items) and permanent differences ($0.4 million).

•The increase at PSNH was due primarily to higher pre-tax earnings ($6.9 million), higher state taxes ($3.2 million), a decrease in amortization of EDIT ($2.8 million), and an increase in items that impact our tax rate as a result of regulatory treatment (flow-through items) and permanent differences ($1.3 million), partially offset by a decrease in return to provision adjustments ($2.3 million).

53

EARNINGS SUMMARY

CL&P's earnings increased $131.2 million in 2022, as compared to 2021, due primarily to the absence in 2022 of the October 1, 2021 settlement agreement that resulted in a $75 million pre-tax charge to earnings and a $28.6 million pre-tax charge to earnings for a 2021 storm performance penalty imposed by PURA as a result of CL&P’s preparation for, and response to, Tropical Storm Isaias. The after-tax impact of the settlement agreement and storm performance penalty imposed by PURA was $86.1 million. Earnings were also favorably impacted by higher earnings from its capital tracking mechanism due to increased electric system improvements, an increase in transmission earnings driven by a higher transmission rate base and lower pension plan expense. The earnings increase was partially offset by higher operations and maintenance expense driven primarily by a $10 million pre-tax charge to earnings as a result of CL&P’s commitment to contribute to an energy assistance program as part of its 2022 rate relief plan, higher storm costs, higher shared corporate costs resulting from the implementation of new information technology systems and higher insurance reserves, as well as higher depreciation expense and higher property and other tax expense.

NSTAR Electric's earnings increased $15.8 million in 2022, as compared to 2021, due primarily to the base distribution rate increase effective January 1, 2022, an increase in transmission earnings driven by a higher transmission rate base, and an increase in interest income primarily on regulatory deferrals. The earnings increase was partially offset by higher operations and maintenance expense driven primarily by higher shared corporate costs resulting from the implementation of new information technology systems and higher storm costs, as well as higher property tax expense, higher depreciation expense, and higher interest expense.

PSNH's earnings increased $21.3 million in 2022, as compared to 2021, due primarily to an increase in transmission earnings driven by a higher transmission rate base, lower pension plan expense, and the base distribution rate increases effective August 1, 2021 and November 1, 2022. The earnings increase was partially offset by higher operations and maintenance expense driven primarily by higher storm costs and higher shared corporate costs resulting from the implementation of new information technology systems, the absence in 2022 of a favorable impact of a new tracker mechanism at PSNH approved as part of the 2020 rate settlement agreement that was recorded in 2021, and higher depreciation expense.

LIQUIDITY

Cash Flows: CL&P had cash flows provided by operating activities of $869.6 million in 2022, as compared to $612.9 million in 2021.  The increase in operating cash flows was due primarily to an increase in regulatory over-recoveries driven by the timing of collections for the non-bypassable FMCC and other regulatory tracking mechanisms, the timing of cash payments made on our accounts payable, the absence in 2022 of pension contributions of $98.9 million made in 2021, an increase in earnings after adjustment for non-cash items primarily due to higher revenues, and a $24.2 million decrease in cost of removal expenditures. The impact of regulatory collections are included in both Regulatory Over/Under Recoveries and Amortization of Regulatory Assets on the statements of cash flows. These favorable impacts were partially offset by the timing of cash collections on our accounts receivable, a $79.2 million increase in income tax payments made in 2022, as compared to 2021, $72.0 million of customer credits distributed in 2022 as a result of the October 2021 settlement agreement and the 2021 storm performance penalty for CL&P’s response to Tropical Storm Isaias, and the timing of other working capital items.

NSTAR Electric had cash flows provided by operating activities of $771.5 million in 2022, as compared to $700.9 million in 2021.  The increase in operating cash flows was due primarily to an increase in earnings after adjustment for non-cash items primarily due to higher revenues, a decrease in regulatory under-recoveries driven by the timing of collections for regulatory tracking mechanisms, a $50.4 million decrease in income tax payments made in 2022, as compared to 2021, the timing of cash collections on our accounts receivable, a $15.0 million decrease in pension contributions made in 2022, as compared to 2021, and the timing of other working capital items. The impact of regulatory collections are included in both Regulatory Over/Under Recoveries and Amortization of Regulatory Assets on the statements of cash flows. These favorable impacts were partially offset by $76.3 million of payments in 2022 related to withheld property taxes, a $34.0 million increase in cash payments for storm costs, and the timing of cash payments made on our accounts payable.

PSNH had cash flows provided by operating activities of $361.5 million in 2022, as compared to $336.1 million in 2021.  The increase in operating cash flows was due primarily to the timing of cash payments made on our accounts payable and an increase in earnings after adjustment for non-cash items primarily due to higher revenues. These favorable impacts were partially offset by the timing of cash collections on our accounts receivable, a decrease in regulatory over-recoveries driven by the timing of collections for regulatory tracking mechanisms, the timing of other working capital items, a $9.1 million increase in cost of removal expenditures, and a $7.2 million increase in income tax payments made in 2022, as compared to 2021. The impact of regulatory collections are included in both Regulatory Over/Under Recoveries and Amortization of Regulatory Assets on the statements of cash flows.

For further information on CL&P's, NSTAR Electric's and PSNH's liquidity and capital resources, see "Liquidity" and "Business Development and Capital Expenditures" included in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

54

FY 2021 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0000072741-22-000015.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Published MD&A gate trimmed front/tail over-capture. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2022-02-17. Report date: 2021-12-31.

Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

EVERSOURCE ENERGY AND SUBSIDIARIES

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related combined notes included in this combined Annual Report on Form 10-K.  References in this combined Annual Report on Form 10-K to "Eversource," the "Company," "we," "us," and "our" refer to Eversource Energy and its consolidated subsidiaries.  All per-share amounts are reported on a diluted basis.  The consolidated financial statements of Eversource, NSTAR Electric and PSNH and the financial statements of CL&P are herein collectively referred to as the "financial statements."  Our discussion of fiscal year 2021 compared to fiscal year 2020 is included herein. Unless expressly stated otherwise, for discussion and analysis of fiscal year 2019 items and of fiscal year 2020 compared to fiscal year 2019, please refer to Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in our combined 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Refer to the Glossary of Terms included in this combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for abbreviations and acronyms used throughout this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The only common equity securities that are publicly traded are common shares of Eversource. The earnings and EPS of each business discussed below do not represent a direct legal interest in the assets and liabilities of such business, but rather represent a direct interest in our assets and liabilities as a whole. EPS by business is a financial measure not recognized under GAAP (non-GAAP) that is calculated by dividing the Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders of each business by the weighted average diluted Eversource common shares outstanding for the period. Our earnings discussion also includes non-GAAP financial measures referencing our 2021 earnings and EPS excluding charges at CL&P related to a settlement agreement that included credits to customers and funding of various customer assistance initiatives and a storm performance penalty imposed on CL&P by the PURA and our 2021 and 2020 earnings and EPS excluding certain acquisition and transition costs.

We use these non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate and provide details of earnings results by business and to more fully compare and explain our 2021 and 2020 results without including these items. This information is among the primary indicators we use as a basis for evaluating performance and planning and forecasting of future periods. We believe the impacts of the CL&P settlement agreement, the storm performance penalty imposed on CL&P by the PURA, and acquisition and transition costs are not indicative of our ongoing costs and performance. We view these charges as not directly related to the ongoing operations of the business and therefore not an indicator of baseline operating performance. Due to the nature and significance of the effect of these items on Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders and EPS, we believe that the non-GAAP presentation is a more meaningful representation of our financial performance and provides additional and useful information to readers of this report in analyzing historical and future performance of our business. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as alternatives to reported Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders or EPS determined in accordance with GAAP as indicators of operating performance.

Financial Condition and Business Analysis

Executive Summary

Eversource Energy is a public utility holding company primarily engaged, through its wholly-owned regulated utility subsidiaries, in the energy delivery business. Eversource Energy's wholly-owned regulated utility subsidiaries consist of CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH (electric utilities), Yankee Gas, NSTAR Gas and Eversource Gas Company of Massachusetts (EGMA) (natural gas utilities) and Aquarion (water utilities). Eversource is organized into the electric distribution, electric transmission, natural gas distribution, and water distribution reportable segments.

The following items in this executive summary are explained in more detail in this combined Annual Report on Form 10-K:

Earnings Overview and Future Outlook:

•We earned $1.22 billion, or $3.54 per share, in 2021, compared with $1.21 billion, or $3.55 per share, in 2020.

•Our 2021 results include after-tax costs recorded within the electric distribution segment resulting from a PURA-approved CL&P settlement agreement and an after-tax charge at CL&P for a PURA assessment as a result of CL&P’s preparation for and response to Tropical Storm Isaias in August 2020. Our 2021 results also include after-tax acquisition and transition costs recorded at Eversource parent. In total, these after-tax costs were $109.7 million, or $0.32 per share in 2021. Our 2020 results include after-tax acquisition and transition costs of $32.1 million, or $0.09 per share, recorded primarily at Eversource parent. Excluding those costs, our non-GAAP earnings were $1.33 billion, or $3.86 per share, in 2021, compared with $1.24 billion, or $3.64 per share, in 2020.

•We currently project 2022 non-GAAP earning guidance of between $4.00 per share and $4.17 per share, which excludes the impact of remaining integration costs as a result of transitioning EGMA onto Eversource’s systems. We also project that our long-term EPS growth rate through 2026 from our regulated utility businesses will be in the upper half of a 5 to 7 percent range.

27

Liquidity:

•Cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $1.96 billion in 2021, compared with $1.68 billion in 2020.  Investments in property, plant and equipment totaled $3.18 billion in 2021 and $2.94 billion in 2020.

•Cash totaled $66.8 million as of December 31, 2021, compared with $106.6 million as of December 31, 2020.  Our available borrowing capacity under our commercial paper programs totaled $1.14 billion as of December 31, 2021. In 2021, we issued $3.23 billion of new long-term debt and we repaid $1.14 billion of long-term debt.

•In 2021, we issued dividends totaling $2.41 per common share, compared with dividends of $2.27 per common share in 2020. Our quarterly common share dividend payment was $0.6025 per share in 2021, as compared to $0.5675 per share in 2020.  On February 2, 2022, our Board of Trustees approved a common share dividend payment of $0.6375 per share, payable on March 31, 2022 to shareholders of record as of March 3, 2022.

•We project to make capital expenditures of $18.14 billion from 2022 through 2026, of which we expect $7.02 billion to be in our electric distribution segment, $4.53 billion to be in our natural gas distribution segment, $4.60 billion to be in our electric transmission segment, and $0.89 billion to be in our water distribution segment.  We also project to invest $1.10 billion in information technology and facilities upgrades and enhancements. Additionally, we currently expect to make investments in our offshore wind business between $0.9 billion and $1.0 billion in 2022 and expect to make investments for our three projects in total between $3.0 billion and $3.6 billion from 2023 through 2026. These estimates assume that the three projects are completed and are in-service by the end of 2025, as planned.

Strategic and Regulatory Items:

•On January 18, 2022, South Fork Wind received BOEM’s final approval of its Construction and Operations Plan (COP), following BOEM’s November 2021 issuance of the Record of Decision, which concluded BOEM’s environmental review of the project. The COP approval outlines the project’s one nautical mile turbine spacing, the requirements on the construction methodology for all work occurring in federal ocean waters, and mitigation measures to protect marine habitats and species. The final decision from BOEM was needed to move the project toward the start of construction, and with the decision received, South Fork has now entered the construction phase.

•On October 1, 2021, CL&P entered into a settlement agreement with the DEEP, Office of Consumer Counsel (OCC), Office of the Attorney General (AG) and the Connecticut Industrial Energy Consumers, resolving certain issues that arose in then-pending regulatory proceedings initiated by the PURA. PURA approved the settlement agreement on October 27, 2021. In the settlement agreement, CL&P agreed to provide a total of $65 million of customer credits, which were distributed based on customer sales over a two-month billing period from December 1, 2021 to January 31, 2022. CL&P also agreed to irrevocably set aside $10 million in a fund to provide bill payment assistance to certain existing non-hardship and hardship customers carrying arrearages, as approved by the PURA. In exchange for the $75 million of customer credits and assistance, PURA’s interim rate reduction docket was resolved without findings. As a result of the settlement agreement, neither the 90 basis point reduction to CL&P’s return on equity introduced in PURA’s storm-related decision issued April 28, 2021, nor the 45 basis point reduction to CL&P’s return on equity included in PURA’s decision issued September 14, 2021 in the interim rate reduction docket, will be implemented. Additionally, CL&P agreed to withdraw its pending appeals related to the $28.6 million storm performance penalty imposed in PURA’s April 28, 2021 and July 14, 2021 decisions. CL&P has also agreed to freeze its current base distribution rates until no earlier than January 1, 2024. The cumulative pre-tax impact of the October 1, 2021 settlement agreement and the Storm Isaias penalty imposed by PURA totaled $103.6 million, and the after-tax earnings impact was $86.1 million, or $0.25 per share, in 2021.

Earnings Overview

Consolidated:  Below is a summary of our earnings by business, which also reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures of consolidated non-GAAP earnings and EPS, as well as EPS by business, to the most directly comparable GAAP measures of consolidated Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders and diluted EPS.

For the Years Ended December 31,
202120202019
(Millions of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts)AmountPer ShareAmountPer ShareAmountPer Share
Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders (GAAP)$1,220.5$3.54$1,205.2$3.55$909.1$2.81
Regulated Companies (non-GAAP)$1,342.4$3.89$1,223.3$3.60$1,105.3$3.43
Eversource Parent and Other Companies (non-GAAP)(12.2)(0.03)14.00.048.20.02
Non-GAAP Earnings$1,330.2$3.86$1,237.3$3.64$1,113.5$3.45
CL&P Settlement Impacts (after-tax) (1)(86.1)(0.25)
Acquisition and Transition Costs (after-tax) (2)(23.6)(0.07)(32.1)(0.09)
Impairment of Northern Pass Transmission (after-tax)(204.4)(0.64)
Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders (GAAP)$1,220.5$3.54$1,205.2$3.55$909.1$2.81

28

Regulated Companies:  Our regulated companies comprise the electric distribution, electric transmission, natural gas distribution and water distribution segments. A summary of our segment earnings and EPS is as follows:

For the Years Ended December 31,
202120202019
(Millions of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts)AmountPer ShareAmountPer ShareAmountPer Share
Net Income - Regulated Companies (GAAP)$1,256.3$3.64$1,221.8$3.60$900.9$2.79
Electric Distribution, excluding CL&P Settlement Impacts (Non-GAAP)$556.2$1.61$544.0$1.60$513.3$1.59
Electric Transmission, excluding Impairment of Northern Pass Transmission (Non-GAAP)544.61.58502.51.48460.91.43
Natural Gas Distribution, excluding Acquisition-Related Costs (Non-GAAP)204.80.59135.60.4096.20.30
Water Distribution36.80.1141.20.1234.90.11
Net Income - Regulated Companies (Non-GAAP)$1,342.4$3.89$1,223.3$3.60$1,105.3$3.43
CL&P Settlement Impacts (after-tax) (1)(86.1)(0.25)
Acquisition-Related Costs (after-tax) (2)(1.5)
Impairment of Northern Pass Transmission (after-tax)(204.4)(0.64)
Net Income - Regulated Companies (GAAP)$1,256.3$3.64$1,221.8$3.60$900.9$2.79

(1) The 2021 after-tax costs are associated with the CL&P settlement agreement approved by PURA on October 27, 2021, which included a pre-tax $65 million charge to earnings for customer credits provided to customers over a two-month billing period from December 1, 2021 to January 31, 2022 and a $10 million charge to earnings to establish a fund to provide bill payment assistance to certain existing non-hardship and hardship customers carrying arrearages. The 2021 after-tax costs also include charges recorded at CL&P as a result of the April 28, 2021 and July 14, 2021 PURA decisions, which included a $28.4 million penalty for storm performance results and is currently being provided as credits to customer bills and a $0.2 million fine to the State of Connecticut’s general fund. As a result of the October 1, 2021 settlement agreement, CL&P agreed to withdraw its pending appeals related to the storm performance penalty imposed in PURA’s April 28, 2021 and July 14, 2021 decisions. Management views these collective charges as not directly related to the ongoing operations of the business and therefore not an indicator of baseline operating performance.

(2) The 2021 costs are for the transition of systems as a result of our purchase of the assets of CMA on October 9, 2020 and costs associated with our December 1, 2021 water business acquisition. The 2020 acquisition costs are associated with our CMA acquisition. We expect integration costs in 2022 as a result of continuing to transition the CMA assets onto Eversource’s systems.

Our electric distribution segment earnings decreased $73.9 million in 2021, as compared to 2020, due primarily to CL&P’s settlement agreement on October 1, 2021 resulting in a $75 million pre-tax charge to earnings and a $28.6 million pre-tax charge to earnings at CL&P for a storm performance penalty imposed by PURA as a result of CL&P’s preparation for and response to Tropical Storm Isaias in August 2020 that was recorded in 2021. The after-tax impact of the CL&P settlement agreement and CL&P storm performance penalty imposed by the PURA was $86.1 million, or $0.25 per share. For further information, see "Regulatory Developments and Rate Matters - Connecticut" included in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis. Excluding those charges, electric distribution segment earnings increased $12.2 million due primarily to base distribution rate increases at NSTAR Electric effective January 1, 2021, at PSNH effective January 1, 2021 and August 1, 2021, and at CL&P effective May 1, 2020, and higher earnings from CL&P's capital tracker mechanism due to increased electric system improvements. Those earnings increases were partially offset by higher operations and maintenance expense driven by higher employee-related expenses and higher vegetation management costs, higher depreciation expense, higher property tax expense, and higher interest expense.

Our electric transmission segment earnings increased $42.1 million in 2021, as compared to 2020, due primarily to a higher transmission rate base as a result of our continued investment in our transmission infrastructure.

Our natural gas distribution segment earnings increased $70.7 million in 2021, as compared to 2020, due primarily to the incremental impact of EGMA earnings of $43.0 million. Additionally, the earnings increase was due to base distribution rate increases at NSTAR Gas effective November 1, 2021 and 2020 and at Yankee Gas effective January 1, 2021 (with changes to customer rates beginning March 1, 2021), and higher earnings from capital tracker mechanisms due to continued investments in natural gas infrastructure. The earnings increase was partially offset by higher depreciation expense, higher property tax expense and higher interest expense.

Our water distribution segment earnings decreased $4.4 million in 2021, as compared to 2020, due primarily to the absence in 2021 of an after-tax gain of $3.5 million and lower revenues both as a result of the sale of the water system and treatment plant in Hingham, Massachusetts in July 2020.

Eversource Parent and Other Companies:  Eversource parent and other companies had an increased loss of $19.2 million in 2021, as compared to 2020, due primarily to a higher effective tax rate and higher employee-related costs. The higher loss was partially offset by a decrease of $7.0 million in acquisition and transition costs of EGMA recorded at Eversource parent and a higher return at Eversource Service as a result of increased investments in property, plant and equipment.

29

Impact of COVID-19

COVID-19 has adversely affected customers, workers and the U.S. economy. We provide a critical service to our customers and have taken extensive measures to maintain its safety and reliability. We continue to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and how the related developments affect Eversource. By the end of 2021, we completed the re-entry phase of our pandemic response plan for those of our employees that were working remotely. We have not experienced significant impacts directly related to the pandemic that have materially affected our current operations, our workforce, or results of operations. The extent of the impact to us in the future will vary, and depend on the duration, scope and severity of the pandemic and the resulting impact on economic, health care and capital market conditions. The future impact will also depend on the outcome of future proceedings before our state regulatory commissions to recover our incremental costs associated with COVID-19, which include uncollectible customer receivable expenses.

The current and expected future financial impacts of COVID-19 as it relates to our businesses primarily relate to collectability of customer receivables and customer payment plans and increased expenses for cleaning and supplies for personal protective equipment.

As of December 31, 2021, our allowance for uncollectible customer receivable balance of $417.4 million, of which $226.1 million relates to hardship accounts that are specifically recovered in rates charged to customers, adequately reflected the collection risk and net realizable value for our receivables. Our evaluation of the uncollectible allowance has shown that our operating companies have experienced an increase in aged receivables and lower cash collections from customers because of the length of the moratorium on disconnections in Connecticut and Massachusetts, and the economic slowdown resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. In Connecticut, the moratorium on disconnections of commercial and non-hardship residential customers ended in June 2021 and September 2021, respectively, but is still in place for hardship residential customers. In Massachusetts, the moratorium on disconnections of commercial customers and residential customers ended in September 2020 and July 2021, respectively. Disconnection activities have resumed after these moratoria have expired, which has resulted in recent improved collection experience, more customers applying for, and receiving, hardship status, and higher write-offs of aged receivable amounts. On July 7, 2021, the NHPUC issued an order to New Hampshire utilities that concluded that recovery of incremental bad debt or waived late fees related to the COVID-19 pandemic would be addressed in a future rate case to the extent those costs are relevant at that time. As a result of the order, PSNH removed its $0.6 million deferral of net incremental COVID-19 costs in 2021. In New Hampshire, the moratorium on disconnections of non-hardship residential and commercial customers ended in late 2020 and for hardship residential customers ended in May 2021 and PSNH has resumed disconnection activities, which has resulted in improved collection of outstanding customer receivable balances.

Based upon the evaluation performed, for the year ended December 31, 2021, management increased the allowance for uncollectible accounts for amounts incurred as a result of COVID-19 by $24.1 million for Eversource (increase of $20.1 million for CL&P and $6.6 million at our natural gas businesses, and decrease of $1.3 million at NSTAR Electric). The COVID-19 related uncollectible amounts were deferred either as incremental regulatory costs at our Connecticut and Massachusetts utilities or deferred through existing regulatory tracking mechanisms that recover uncollectible energy supply costs, as management believes it is probable that these costs will ultimately be recovered from customers in future rates. As of December 31, 2021, the total amount incurred as a result of COVID-19 included in the allowance for uncollectible accounts was $55.3 million at Eversource ($23.9 million at CL&P, $9.0 million at NSTAR Electric, and $21.4 million at our natural gas businesses). Based on the status of our COVID-19 regulatory dockets, communications with our state regulatory commissions, and policies and practices in the jurisdictions in which we operate, we believe our state regulatory commissions in Connecticut and Massachusetts will allow us to recover our incremental costs associated with COVID-19, which include uncollectible customer receivable expenses, while balancing the impact on our customers’ bills and our operating cash flows.

We worked closely with our state regulatory commissions and consumer advocates on customer assistance measures, including payment plan options as well as financial hardship and arrearage management programs, in order to mitigate the impact on customer rates in the future. We developed these long-term solutions for customers in order to help minimize the extent of the impact of COVID-19 on customer receivable balances and customers’ affordability in light of the current financial impact they may experience.

For the year ended December 31, 2021, net incremental costs incurred as a result of COVID-19 totaled $20.8 million, and related to uncollectible expense that impacts earnings, facilities and fleet cleaning, sanitizing costs and supplies for personal protective equipment, net of cost savings and benefits under the CARES Act. In 2021, we deferred $15.8 million of these net incremental COVID-19 costs on the balance sheet. Net incremental COVID-19 expenses that reduced pre-tax earnings totaled $5.0 million on the statement of income in 2021.

As of December 31, 2021, a total of $39.8 million of net deferred incremental COVID-19 costs were recorded on the balance sheet, of which $33.0 million of that deferral related to uncollectible expense that impacts earnings and $6.8 million related to cleaning and supplies for personal protective equipment.

Liquidity

Sources and Uses of Cash: Eversource’s regulated business is capital intensive and requires considerable capital resources. Eversource’s regulated companies’ capital resources are provided by cash flows generated from operations, short-term borrowings, long-term debt issuances, capital contributions from Eversource parent, and existing cash, and are used to fund their liquidity and capital requirements. Eversource’s regulated companies typically maintain minimal cash balances and use short-term borrowings to meet their working capital needs and other cash requirements. Short-term borrowings are also used as a bridge to long-term debt financings. The levels of short-term borrowing may vary significantly over the course of the year due to the impact of fluctuations in cash flows from operations, dividends paid, capital contributions received and the timing of long-term debt financings.

30

Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH each uses its available capital resources to fund its respective construction expenditures, meet debt requirements, pay operating costs, including storm-related costs, pay dividends, and fund other corporate obligations, such as pension contributions.  Eversource's regulated companies recover their electric, natural gas and water distribution construction expenditures as the related project costs are depreciated over the life of the assets.  This impacts the timing of the revenue stream designed to fully recover the total investment plus a return on the equity and debt used to finance the investments.  Eversource's regulated companies’ spend a significant amount of cash on capital improvements and construction projects that have a long-term return on investment and recovery period. In addition, Eversource’s investments in its offshore wind business are recognized as long-term assets. These factors have resulted in current liabilities exceeding current assets by $2.58 billion, $537.0 million, and $165.0 million at Eversource, NSTAR Electric and PSNH, respectively, as of December 31, 2021.

As of December 31, 2021, $1.18 billion of Eversource's long-term debt, including $750.0 million at Eversource parent, $400.0 million at NSTAR Electric, $20.0 million at Yankee Gas, and $5.4 million at Aquarion, will mature within the next 12 months. Eversource, with its strong credit ratings, has several options available in the financial markets to repay or refinance these maturities with the issuance of new long-term debt. Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH will reduce their short-term borrowings with operating cash flows or with the issuance of new long-term debt, determined by considering capital requirements and maintenance of Eversource's credit rating and profile.

We expect the future operating cash flows of Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH, along with our existing borrowing availability and access to both debt and equity markets, will be sufficient to meet any working capital and future operating requirements, and capital investment forecasted opportunities.

Cash totaled $66.8 million as of December 31, 2021, compared with $106.6 million as of December 31, 2020.

Short-Term Debt - Commercial Paper Programs and Credit Agreements: Eversource parent has a $2.00 billion commercial paper program allowing Eversource parent to issue commercial paper as a form of short-term debt. Eversource parent, CL&P, PSNH, NSTAR Gas, Yankee Gas, EGMA and Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut are parties to a five-year $2.00 billion revolving credit facility, which terminates on October 15, 2026. This revolving credit facility serves to backstop Eversource parent's $2.00 billion commercial paper program.

NSTAR Electric has a $650 million commercial paper program allowing NSTAR Electric to issue commercial paper as a form of short-term debt. NSTAR Electric is also a party to a five-year $650 million revolving credit facility, which terminates on October 15, 2026. The revolving credit facility serves to backstop NSTAR Electric's $650 million commercial paper program.

The amount of borrowings outstanding and available under the commercial paper programs were as follows:

Borrowings Outstanding as of December 31,Available Borrowing Capacity as of December 31,Weighted-Average Interest Rate as of December 31,
(Millions of Dollars)202120202021202020212020
Eversource Parent Commercial Paper Program$1,343.0$1,054.3$657.0$945.70.31%0.25%
NSTAR Electric Commercial Paper Program162.5195.0487.5455.00.14%0.16%

There were no borrowings outstanding on the revolving credit facilities as of December 31, 2021 or 2020.

CL&P and PSNH have uncommitted line of credit agreements totaling $450 million and $300 million, respectively, which will expire on May 12, 2022. There are no borrowings outstanding on either the CL&P or PSNH uncommitted line of credit agreements as of December 31, 2021.

Amounts outstanding under the commercial paper programs are included in Notes Payable and classified in current liabilities on the Eversource and NSTAR Electric balance sheets, as all borrowings are outstanding for no more than 364 days at one time.

Intercompany Borrowings: Eversource parent uses its available capital resources to provide loans to its subsidiaries to assist in meeting their short-term borrowing needs. Eversource parent records intercompany interest income from its loans to subsidiaries, which is eliminated in consolidation. Intercompany loans from Eversource parent to its subsidiaries are eliminated in consolidation on Eversource's balance sheets. As of December 31, 2021, there were intercompany loans from Eversource parent to PSNH of $110.6 million. As of December 31, 2020, there were intercompany loans from Eversource parent to PSNH of $46.3 million, and to a subsidiary of NSTAR Electric of $21.3 million. Intercompany loans from Eversource parent are included in Notes Payable to Eversource Parent and classified in current liabilities on the respective subsidiary's balance sheets.

Availability under Long-Term Debt Issuance Authorizations: On March 31, 2021, the DPU approved NSTAR Electric's request for authorization to issue up to $1.60 billion in long-term debt through December 31, 2023. On September 10, 2021, the DPU approved EGMA’s request for authorization to issue up to $725.0 million in long-term debt through December 31, 2023. The remaining Eversource operating companies, including CL&P and PSNH, have utilized the long-term debt authorizations in place with the respective regulatory commissions.

31

Long-Term Debt Issuances and Repayments: The following table summarizes long-term debt issuances and repayments:

(Millions of Dollars)Issuance/(Repayment)Issue Date or Repayment DateMaturity DateUse of Proceeds for Issuance/ Repayment Information
CL&P:
2.05% Series A First Mortgage Bonds$425.0June 2021July 2031Repaid short-term debt, paid capital expenditures and working capital
4.38% Series A PCRB(120.5)September 2021September 2028Paid on par call date in advance of maturity
NSTAR Electric:
3.10% 2021 Debentures300.0May 2021June 2051Refinanced investments in eligible greenexpenditures, which were previously financed in 2019 and 2020
3.50% Series F Senior Notes(250.0)June 2021September 2021Paid on par call date in advance of maturity
1.95% 2021 Debentures300.0August 2021August 2031Repaid short-term debt, paid capital expenditures and working capital
PSNH:
4.05% Series Q First Mortgage Bonds(122.0)March 2021June 2021Paid on par call date in advance of maturity
3.20% Series R First Mortgage Bonds(160.0)June 2021September 2021Paid on par call date in advance of maturity
2.20% Series V First Mortgage Bonds350.0June 2021June 2031Repaid short-term debt, including short-term debt used to redeem Series R First Mortgage Bonds, paid capital expenditures and working capital
Other:
Eversource Parent 2.50% Series I Senior Notes(450.0)February 2021March 2021Paid on par call date in advance of maturity
Eversource Parent 2.55% Series S Senior Notes350.0March 2021March 2031Repaid short-term debt, including short-term debt used to redeem Series I Senior Notes
Eversource Parent 1.40% Series U Senior Notes300.0August 2021August 2026Repaid short-term debt
Eversource Parent Variable Rate Series T Senior Notes (1)350.0August 2021August 2023Repaid short-term debt
Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut 3.31% Senior Notes100.0April 2021April 2051Repaid 5.50% Notes, repaid short-term debt, paid capital expenditures and working capital
Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut 5.50% Notes(40.0)April 2021April 2021Paid at maturity
Yankee Gas 1.38% Series S First Mortgage Bonds90.0August 2021August 2026(2)
Yankee Gas 2.88% Series T First Mortgage Bonds35.0August 2021August 2051(2)
EGMA 2.11% Series A First Mortgage Bonds310.0September 2021October 2031(2)
EGMA 2.92% Series B First Mortgage Bonds240.0September 2021October 2051(2)
NSTAR Gas 2.25% Series T First Mortgage Bonds40.0October 2021November 2031(2)
NSTAR Gas 3.03% Series U First Mortgage Bonds40.0October 2021November 2051(2)

(1) On August 13, 2021, Eversource Parent issued $350 million of floating rate Series T Senior Notes with a maturity date of August 15, 2023. The notes have a coupon rate based on Compounded SOFR plus 0.25%. The notes had an interest rate of 0.30% as of December 31, 2021.

(2) The use of proceeds from these various issuances refinanced existing indebtedness, funded capital expenditures and were for general corporate purposes. The EGMA indebtedness that was refinanced included $309.4 million of long-term debt.

Rate Reduction Bonds: PSNH's RRB payments consist of principal and interest and are paid semi-annually. PSNH paid $43.2 million of RRB principal payments and $18.9 million of interest payments in 2021, and paid $43.2 million of RRB principal payments and $20.2 million of interest payments in 2020.

Cash Flows:  Cash flows from operating activities primarily result from the transmission and distribution of electricity, and the distribution of natural gas and water. Cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $1.96 billion in 2021, compared with $1.68 billion in 2020. Changes in Eversource’s cash flows from operations were generally consistent with changes in its results of operations, as adjusted by changes in working capital in the normal course of business and as further discussed. Operating cash flows were favorably impacted by improvements in the timing of cash collections on our accounts receivable, the timing of collections for regulatory tracking mechanisms, and the timing of other working capital items. These favorable impacts were partially offset by the timing of cash payments made on our accounts payable, a $93.8 million increase in cost of removal expenditures, a $72.7 million increase in income tax payments made in 2021, as compared to 2020, and a $70.8 million increase in Pension and PBOP contributions made in 2021, as compared to 2020.

In 2021, we paid cash dividends of $805.4 million and issued non-cash dividends of $22.9 million in the form of treasury shares, totaling dividends of $828.3 million, or $2.41 per common share. In 2020, we paid cash dividends of $744.7 million and issued non-cash dividends of $22.8 million in the form of treasury shares, totaling dividends of $767.5 million, or $2.27 per common share. Our quarterly common share dividend payment was $0.6025 per share in 2021, as compared to $0.5675 per share in 2020.  On February 2, 2022, our Board of Trustees approved a common share dividend payment of $0.6375 per share, payable on March 31, 2022 to shareholders of record as of March 3, 2022.

Eversource issues treasury shares to satisfy awards under the Company's incentive plans, shares issued under the dividend reinvestment and share purchase plan, and matching contributions under the Eversource 401k Plan.

32

In 2021, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH paid $341.4 million, $283.2 million and $260.8 million, respectively, in common stock dividends to Eversource parent.

Investments in Property, Plant and Equipment on the statements of cash flows do not include amounts incurred on capital projects but not yet paid, cost of removal, AFUDC related to equity funds, and the capitalized and deferred portions of pension and PBOP expense.  In 2021, investments for Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH were $3.18 billion, $790.1 million, $960.9 million and $326.4 million, respectively.  Capital expenditures were primarily for continuing projects to maintain and improve infrastructure and operations, including enhancing reliability to the transmission and distribution systems.

Contractual Obligations: For information regarding our cash requirements from contractual obligations and payment schedules, see Note 9, "Long-Term Debt," Note 10, "Rate Reduction Bonds and Variable Interest Entities," Note 11A, "Employee Benefits - Pension Benefits and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pension," Note 13, "Commitments and Contingencies," and Note 14, "Leases," to the financial statements.

Estimated interest payments on existing long-term fixed-rate debt are calculated by multiplying the coupon rate on the debt by its scheduled notional amount outstanding for the period of measurement as of December 31, 2021 and are as follows:

(Millions of Dollars)20222023202420252026ThereafterTotal
Eversource$583.8$551.3$509.4$463.1$433.2$4,923.0$7,463.8
CL&P159.7154.7149.7138.6135.61,784.82,523.1

Our commitments to make payments in addition to these contractual obligations include other liabilities reflected on our balance sheets, future funding of our offshore wind equity method investment, and guarantees of certain obligations primarily associated with our offshore wind investment.

For information regarding our projected capital expenditures over the next five years, see "Business Development and Capital Expenditures - Projected Capital Expenditures" and for projected investments in our offshore wind business, see Business Development and Capital Expenditures - Offshore Wind Business" included in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Credit Ratings:  A summary of our corporate credit ratings and outlooks by S&P, Moody's, and Fitch is as follows:

S&PMoody'sFitch
CurrentOutlookCurrentOutlookCurrentOutlook
Eversource ParentA-StableBaa1NegativeBBB+Stable
CL&PAStableA3NegativeA-Negative
NSTAR ElectricAStableA1StableAStable
PSNHAStableA3StableA-Stable

A summary of the current credit ratings and outlooks by S&P, Moody's, and Fitch for senior unsecured debt of Eversource parent and NSTAR Electric, and senior secured debt of CL&P and PSNH is as follows:

S&PMoody'sFitch
CurrentOutlookCurrentOutlookCurrentOutlook
Eversource ParentBBB+StableBaa1NegativeBBB+Stable
CL&PA+StableA1NegativeA+Negative
NSTAR ElectricAStableA1StableA+Stable
PSNHA+StableA1StableA+Stable

Business Development and Capital Expenditures

Our consolidated capital expenditures, including amounts incurred but not paid, cost of removal, AFUDC, and the capitalized and deferred portions of pension and PBOP expense (all of which are non-cash factors), totaled $3.54 billion in 2021, $3.06 billion in 2020, and $3.06 billion in 2019.  These amounts included $238.0 million in 2021, $239.1 million in 2020, and $239.0 million in 2019 related to information technology and facilities upgrades and enhancements, primarily at Eversource Service and The Rocky River Realty Company.

Electric Transmission Business: Our consolidated electric transmission business capital expenditures increased by $151.7 million in 2021, as compared to 2020.  A summary of electric transmission capital expenditures by company is as follows:

For the Years Ended December 31,
(Millions of Dollars)202120202019
CL&P$400.0$402.9$459.5
NSTAR Electric480.3366.8379.7
PSNH235.0193.9190.4
NPT9.8
Total Electric Transmission Segment$1,115.3$963.6$1,039.4

33

Our transmission projects are designed to improve the reliability of the electric grid, meet customer demand for power, strengthen the electric grid's resilience against extreme weather and other safety and security threats, and increase access to clean power generation from renewable sources, such as solar and offshore wind. In Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, our transmission projects include transmission line upgrades, the installation of new transmission lines, and substation enhancements.

Our transmission projects in Massachusetts include electric transmission upgrades in the greater Boston metropolitan area. Two of these upgrades, the Mystic-Woburn and the Wakefield-Woburn reliability projects, are under construction and are expected to be placed in service by the second quarter of 2023. The last remaining upgrade, the Sudbury-Hudson Reliability Project, received siting approval, however one appeal remains pending with expected resolution in the first quarter of 2022. We spent $53 million during 2021 and we expect to make additional capital expenditures of approximately $170 million on these remaining transmission upgrades. There are also several transmission projects underway in southeastern Massachusetts, including Cape Cod, required to reinforce the Southeastern Massachusetts transmission system and bring the system into compliance with applicable national and regional reliability standards. We spent $20 million during 2021 and we expect to make additional capital expenditures of approximately $140 million on these transmission upgrades.

Distribution Business:  A summary of distribution capital expenditures is as follows:

For the Years Ended December 31,
(Millions of Dollars)CL&PNSTAR ElectricPSNHTotal ElectricNatural GasWaterTotal
2021
Basic Business$256.2$179.9$56.0$492.1$206.1$16.5$714.7
Aging Infrastructure178.0219.167.7464.8509.6127.11,101.5
Load Growth and Other80.2170.537.1287.883.30.6371.7
Total Distribution514.4569.5160.81,244.7799.0144.22,187.9
Solar(0.6)(0.6)(0.6)
Total$514.4$568.9$160.8$1,244.1$799.0144.2$2,187.3
2020
Basic Business$233.4$195.1$52.4$480.9$88.2$10.9$580.0
Aging Infrastructure179.9237.180.2497.2391.3115.51,004.0
Load Growth and Other77.8110.821.3209.965.60.8276.3
Total Distribution491.1543.0153.91,188.0545.1127.21,860.3
Solar1.41.41.4
Total$491.1$544.4$153.9$1,189.4$545.1$127.2$1,861.7
2019
Basic Business$228.7$201.0$47.3$477.0$71.2$15.0$563.2
Aging Infrastructure224.5255.590.8570.8315.293.9979.9
Load Growth and Other59.689.416.8165.866.81.5234.1
Total Distribution512.8545.9154.91,213.6453.2110.41,777.2
Solar and Other7.57.57.5
Total$512.8$553.4$154.9$1,221.1$453.2$110.4$1,784.7

For the electric distribution business, basic business includes the purchase of meters, tools, vehicles, information technology, transformer replacements, equipment facilities, and the relocation of plant. Aging infrastructure relates to reliability and the replacement of overhead lines, plant substations, underground cable replacement, and equipment failures. Load growth and other includes requests for new business and capacity additions on distribution lines and substation additions and expansions.

For the natural gas distribution business, basic business addresses daily operational needs including meters, pipe relocations due to public works projects, vehicles, and tools. Aging infrastructure projects seek to improve the reliability of the system through enhancements related to cast iron and bare steel replacement of main and services, corrosion mediation, and station upgrades. Load growth and other reflects growth in existing service territories including new developments, installation of services, and expansion.

For the water distribution business, basic business addresses daily operational needs including periodic meter replacement, water main relocation, facility maintenance, and tools. Aging infrastructure relates to reliability and the replacement of water mains, regulators, storage tanks, pumping stations, wellfields, reservoirs, and treatment facilities. Load growth and other reflects growth in our service territory, including improvements of acquisitions, installation of new services, and interconnections of systems.

34

Projected Capital Expenditures:  A summary of the projected capital expenditures for the regulated companies' electric transmission and for the total electric distribution, natural gas distribution and water distribution for 2022 through 2026, including information technology and facilities upgrades and enhancements on behalf of the regulated companies, is as follows:

Years
(Millions of Dollars)202220232024202520262022 - 2026 Total
CL&P Transmission$381$240$218$207$201$1,247
NSTAR Electric Transmission4594623824594462,208
PSNH Transmission2782772611681611,145
Total Electric Transmission$1,118$979$861$834$808$4,600
Electric Distribution$1,450$1,469$1,391$1,372$1,338$7,020
Natural Gas Distribution9218499268959384,529
Total Electric and Natural Gas Distribution$2,371$2,318$2,317$2,267$2,276$11,549
Water Distribution$154$163$176$190$206$889
Information Technology and All Other$254$224$208$203$214$1,103
Total$3,897$3,684$3,562$3,494$3,504$18,141

The projections do not include investments related to offshore wind projects.  Actual capital expenditures could vary from the projected amounts for the companies and years above.

Acquisition of New England Service Company: Following receipt of all required approvals, on December 1, 2021, Aquarion acquired New England Service Company (NESC), pursuant to a definitive agreement entered into on April 8, 2021. The acquisition was structured as a stock-for-stock merger and Eversource issued 462,517 treasury shares at closing for a purchase price of $38.1 million. NESC’s utility subsidiaries provided regulated water service to approximately 10,000 customers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.

Offshore Wind Business: Our offshore wind business includes a 50 percent ownership interest in North East Offshore, which holds PPAs and contracts for the Revolution Wind, South Fork Wind and Sunrise Wind projects, as well as offshore leases issued by BOEM. Our offshore wind projects are being developed and constructed through a joint and equal partnership with Ørsted. This partnership also participates in new procurement opportunities for offshore wind energy in the Northeast U.S.

The offshore leases include a 257 square-mile ocean lease off the coasts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island and a separate, adjacent 300-square-mile ocean lease located approximately 25 miles south of the coast of Massachusetts. In aggregate, these ocean lease sites jointly-owned by Eversource and Ørsted could eventually develop at least 4,000 MW of clean, renewable offshore wind energy.

The following table provides a summary of the Eversource and Ørsted major projects with announced contracts:

Wind ProjectState ServicingSize (MW)Term (Years)Price per MWhPricing TermsContract Status
Revolution WindRhode Island40020$98.43Fixed price contract; no price escalationApproved
Revolution WindConnecticut30420$98.43 - $99.50Fixed price contracts; no price escalationApproved
South Fork WindNew York (LIPA)9020$160.332 percent average price escalationApproved
South Fork WindNew York (LIPA)4020$86.252 percent average price escalationApproved
Sunrise WindNew York (NYSERDA)924 (1)25$110.37 (2)Fixed price contract; no price escalationApproved

(1)    The contractual capacity increased from 880 MWs to 924 MWs, as allowed under the original agreement with NYSERDA.

(2)    Index Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Certificate (OREC) strike price.

As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, Eversource's total equity investment balance in its offshore wind business was $1.21 billion and $887 million, respectively. This equity investment includes capital expenditures for the three projects, as well as capitalized costs related to future development, acquisition costs of offshore lease areas, and capitalized interest.

Our offshore wind projects are subject to receipt of federal, state and local approvals necessary to construct and operate the projects. The federal permitting process is led by BOEM, and state approvals are required from New York, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Significant delays in the siting and permitting process resulting from the timeline for obtaining approval from BOEM and the state and local agencies could adversely impact the timing of these projects' in-service dates.

Federal Siting and Permitting Process: The federal siting and permitting process for each of our offshore wind projects commence with the filing of a Construction and Operations Plan (COP) application with BOEM. The first major milestone in the BOEM review process is an issuance of a Notice of Intent (NOI) to complete an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). BOEM then provides a final review schedule for the project’s COP approval. BOEM conducts environmental and technical reviews of the COP. The EIS assesses the environmental, social, and economic impacts of constructing the project and recommends measures to minimize impacts. The Final EIS will inform BOEM in deciding whether to approve the project or to approve with modifications and BOEM will then issue its Record of Decision. BOEM issues its final approval of the COP following the Record of Decision.

35

South Fork Wind filed its COP application with BOEM in 2018 and BOEM issued the NOI in 2018. In August 2020, South Fork Wind received the final review schedule from BOEM regarding its COP approval. In January 2021, BOEM released its Draft EIS for the South Fork Wind project and in August 2021, BOEM released its Final EIS. On November 24, 2021, BOEM issued its Record of Decision, which concluded BOEM’s environmental review of the project and identified the recommended configuration. The Record of Decision supported South Fork Wind’s proposed turbine layout. On January 18, 2022, South Fork Wind received BOEM’s final approval of its COP. The COP approval outlines the project’s one nautical mile turbine spacing, the requirements on the construction methodology for all work occurring in federal ocean waters, and mitigation measures to protect marine habitats and species.

Revolution Wind and Sunrise Wind filed their COP applications with BOEM in March 2020 and September 2020, respectively. On April 30, 2021, Revolution Wind received BOEM’s NOI to prepare an EIS for the review of the COP submitted by Revolution Wind. For Revolution Wind, a final EIS is expected in the first quarter of 2023, the Record of Decision in the second quarter of 2023, and final approval is expected in the third quarter of 2023. On August 31, 2021, Sunrise Wind received BOEM’s NOI to prepare an EIS for the review of the COP. For Sunrise Wind, a final EIS and Record of Decision is expected in the third quarter of 2023, and final approval is expected in the fourth quarter of 2023.

South Fork Wind, Revolution Wind and Sunrise Wind are each designated as a “Covered Project” pursuant to Title 41 of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST41) and a Major Infrastructure Project under Section 3(e) of Executive Order 13807, which provides greater federal attention on meeting the projects’ permitting timelines.

State and Local Siting and Permitting Process: South Fork Wind commenced the New York state siting process in 2018. On September 17, 2020, South Fork Wind filed a Joint Proposal in the New York State Article VII siting application. Among other things, the Joint Proposal included proposed mitigation for certain environmental, community and construction impacts associated with constructing the project. South Fork Wind was joined by PSEG Long Island and several citizens advocacy organizations. On October 9, 2020, the Joint Proposal was signed by the New York Departments of Public Service, Environmental Conservation, Transportation and State as well as the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. On March 18, 2021, the New York Public Service Commission approved an order adopting the Joint Proposal and granting a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need. Two petitions for re-hearing of the New York Public Service Commission decision have been filed, and South Fork Wind responded on May 3, 2021 opposing the re-hearing requests. In April 2021, South Fork Wind filed its Environmental Management and Construction Plan (EM&CP) with the New York Public Service Commission, which details the plans on how the project will be constructed in accordance with the conditions of the approved Joint Proposal. Comments from reviewing agencies and parties have been received and South Fork Wind has responded to and addressed those comments in the plan which was re-submitted in September 2021. The project received approval of the EM&CP in November 2021.

On September 10, 2020, the Town of East Hampton and the East Hampton Town Trustees announced that they had reached an agreement with South Fork Wind to issue the necessary easements and other real estate rights necessary to construct the South Fork Wind project. The Town approved the easements on January 21, 2021, and Trustees approved the real estate lease on January 25, 2021.

State permitting applications in Rhode Island for Revolution Wind and in New York for Sunrise Wind were filed in December 2020. The Revolution Wind state siting application was deemed complete on January 22, 2021, and the preliminary hearing was completed on March 22, 2021. On April 26, 2021, the Rhode Island Energy Facilities Siting Board issued a Preliminary Decision and Order on scheduling with Advisory Opinions for local and state agencies. All advisory opinions were received in August, in accordance with the expedited schedule, and evidentiary hearings began in October 2021. The Sunrise Wind state siting application was deemed complete on July 1, 2021, initiating the formal review process, and Sunrise Wind filed a formal notice of intent to commence settlement negotiations towards a Joint Proposal on August 31, 2021. Settlement negotiations are ongoing.

Construction Process - South Fork Wind: South Fork Wind has received all required approvals to start construction and the project has now entered the construction phase. Site preparation and onshore activities for the project’s underground onshore transmission line and construction of the onshore interconnection facility located in East Hampton, New York will be the first to begin. Offshore installation, including the project’s monopile foundations, 11-megawatt wind turbines, and offshore substation, is expected to occur in 2023. Construction-related purchase agreements with third-party contractors and materials contracts have largely been secured. South Fork Wind faces several challenges and appeals of New York State agency approvals, however it believes it will be able to overcome these challenges.

Projected In-Service Dates: We expect the South Fork Wind project to be in-service by the end of 2023. For Revolution Wind and Sunrise Wind, based on the BOEM permit schedule included in each respective NOI outlining when BOEM will complete its review of the COP, we currently expect in-service dates in 2025 for both projects, and are continuing to analyze the overall project schedules.

Projected Investments: For Revolution Wind and Sunrise Wind, we are preparing our final project designs and advancing the appropriate federal, state, and local siting and permitting processes along with our offshore wind partner, Ørsted. Construction of South Fork Wind is now underway. Construction-related purchase agreements with third-party contractors and materials contracts are approximately 80 percent secured. Subject to advancing our final project designs and federal, state and local permitting processes and construction schedules, we currently expect to make investments in our offshore wind business between $0.9 billion and $1.0 billion in 2022 and expect to make investments for our three projects in total between $3.0 billion and $3.6 billion from 2023 through 2026. These estimates assume that the three projects are completed and are in-service by the end of 2025, as planned.

36

FERC Regulatory Matters

FERC ROE Complaints: Four separate complaints were filed at the FERC by combinations of New England state attorneys general, state regulatory commissions, consumer advocates, consumer groups, municipal parties and other parties (collectively, the Complainants). In each of the first three complaints, filed on October 1, 2011, December 27, 2012, and July 31, 2014, respectively, the Complainants challenged the NETOs' base ROE of 11.14 percent that had been utilized since 2005 and sought an order to reduce it prospectively from the date of the final FERC order and for the separate 15-month complaint periods. In the fourth complaint, filed April 29, 2016, the Complainants challenged the NETOs' base ROE billed of 10.57 percent and the maximum ROE for transmission incentive (incentive cap) of 11.74 percent, asserting that these ROEs were unjust and unreasonable.

The ROE originally billed during the period October 1, 2011 (beginning of the first complaint period) through October 15, 2014 consisted of a base ROE of 11.14 percent and incentives up to 13.1 percent. On October 16, 2014, the FERC set the base ROE at 10.57 percent and the incentive cap at 11.74 percent for the first complaint period. This was also effective for all prospective billings to customers beginning October 16, 2014. This FERC order was vacated on April 14, 2017 by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit (the Court).

All amounts associated with the first complaint period have been refunded. Eversource has recorded a reserve of $39.1 million (pre-tax and excluding interest) for the second complaint period as of both December 31, 2021 and 2020. This reserve represents the difference between the billed rates during the second complaint period and a 10.57 percent base ROE and 11.74 percent incentive cap. The reserve consisted of $21.4 million for CL&P, $14.6 million for NSTAR Electric and $3.1 million for PSNH as of both December 31, 2021 and 2020.

On October 16, 2018, FERC issued an order on all four complaints describing how it intends to address the issues that were remanded by the Court. FERC proposed a new framework to determine (1) whether an existing ROE is unjust and unreasonable and, if so, (2) how to calculate a replacement ROE. Initial briefs were filed by the NETOs, Complainants and FERC Trial Staff on January 11, 2019 and reply briefs were filed on March 8, 2019. The NETOs' brief was supportive of the overall ROE methodology determined in the October 16, 2018 order provided the FERC does not change the proposed methodology or alter its implementation in a manner that has a material impact on the results.

The FERC order included illustrative calculations for the first complaint using FERC's proposed frameworks with financial data from that complaint. Those illustrative calculations indicated that for the first complaint period, for the NETOs, which FERC concludes are of average financial risk, the preliminary just and reasonable base ROE is 10.41 percent and the preliminary incentive cap on total ROE is 13.08 percent. If the results of the illustrative calculations were included in a final FERC order for each of the complaint periods, then a 10.41 percent base ROE and a 13.08 percent incentive cap would not have a significant impact on our financial statements for all of the complaint periods. These preliminary calculations are not binding and do not represent what we believe to be the most likely outcome of a final FERC order.

On November 21, 2019, FERC issued Opinion No. 569 affecting the two pending transmission ROE complaints against the Midcontinent ISO (MISO) transmission owners, in which FERC adopted a new methodology for determining base ROEs. Various parties sought rehearing. On December 23, 2019, the NETOs filed supplementary materials in the NETOs' four pending cases to respond to this new methodology because of the uncertainty of the applicability to the NETOs' cases.

On May 21, 2020, the FERC issued its order in Opinion No. 569-A on the rehearing of the MISO transmission owners' cases, in which FERC again changed its methodology for determining the MISO transmission owners' base ROEs. On November 19, 2020, the FERC issued Opinion No. 569-B denying rehearing of Opinion No. 569-A and reaffirmed the methodology previously adopted in Opinion No. 569-A. The new methodology differs significantly from the methodology proposed by FERC in its October 16, 2018 order to determine the NETOs' base ROEs in its four pending cases. FERC Opinion Nos. 569-A and 569-B are currently under appeal with the Court.

Given the significant uncertainty regarding the applicability of the FERC opinions in the MISO transmission owners' two complaint cases to the NETOs' pending four complaint cases, Eversource concluded that there is no reasonable basis for a change to the reserve or recognized ROEs for any of the complaint periods at this time. As well, Eversource cannot reasonably estimate a range of any gain or loss for any of the four complaint proceedings at this time.

Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH currently record revenues at the 10.57 percent base ROE and incentive cap at 11.74 percent established in the October 16, 2014 FERC order.

A change of 10 basis points to the base ROE used to establish the reserves would impact Eversource’s after-tax earnings by an average of approximately $3 million for each of the four 15-month complaint periods. Prospectively from the date of a final FERC order implementing a new base ROE, based off of estimated 2021 rate base, a change of 10 basis points to the base ROE would impact Eversource’s future annual after-tax earnings by approximately $5 million per year, and will increase slightly over time as we continue to invest in our transmission infrastructure.

FERC Notice of Inquiry on ROE: On March 21, 2019, FERC issued a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) seeking comments from all stakeholders on FERC's policies for evaluating ROEs for electric public utilities, and interstate natural gas and oil pipelines. On June 26, 2019, the NETOs jointly filed comments supporting the methodology established in the FERC’s October 16, 2018 order with minor enhancements going forward. The NETOs jointly filed reply comments in the FERC ROE NOI on July 26, 2019. On May 12, 2020, the NETOs filed supplemental comments in the NOI ROE docket. At this time, Eversource cannot predict how this proceeding will affect its transmission ROEs.

37

FERC Notice of Inquiry and Proposed Rulemaking on Transmission Incentives: On March 21, 2019, FERC issued an NOI seeking comments on FERC's policies for implementing electric transmission incentives. On June 26, 2019, Eversource filed comments requesting that FERC retain policies that have been effective in encouraging new transmission investment and remain flexible enough to attract investment in new and emerging transmission technologies. Eversource filed reply comments on August 26, 2019. On March 20, 2020, FERC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) on transmission incentives. The NOPR intends to revise FERC’s electric transmission incentive policies to reflect competing uses of transmission due to generation resource mix, technological innovation and shifts in load patterns. FERC proposes to grant transmission incentives based on measurable project economics and reliability benefits to consumers rather than its current project risks and challenges framework.  On July 1, 2020, Eversource filed comments generally supporting the NOPR.

On April 15, 2021, FERC issued a Supplemental NOPR that proposes to eliminate the existing 50 basis point return on equity for utilities that have been participating in a regional transmission organization (RTO ROE incentive) for more than three years. On June 25, 2021, the NETOs jointly filed comments strongly opposing the Commission’s proposal. On July 26, 2021, the NETOs filed Supplemental NOPR reply comments responding to various parties advocating for the elimination of the RTO Adder. If the FERC issues a final order eliminating the RTO ROE incentive as proposed in the Supplemental NOPR, the estimated annual impact (using 2021 estimated rate base) on Eversource’s after-tax earnings is approximately $17 million. The Supplemental NOPR contemplates an effective date 30 days from the final order.

At this time, Eversource cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these proceedings, including possible appellate review, and the resulting impact on its transmission incentives.

Regulatory Developments and Rate Matters

Electric, Natural Gas and Water Utility Retail Tariff Rates: Each Eversource utility subsidiary is subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the state in which it operates:  CL&P, Yankee Gas and Aquarion operate in Connecticut and are subject to PURA regulation; NSTAR Electric, NSTAR Gas, EGMA and Aquarion operate in Massachusetts and are subject to DPU regulation; and PSNH and Aquarion operate in New Hampshire and are subject to NHPUC regulation.  The regulated companies' distribution rates are set by their respective state regulatory commissions, and their tariffs include mechanisms for periodically adjusting their rates for the recovery of specific incurred costs.

Base Distribution Rates:  In Connecticut, electric and natural gas utilities are required to file a distribution rate case within four years of the last rate case. CL&P's and Yankee Gas' distribution rates were each established in 2018 PURA-approved rate case settlement agreements. On October 27, 2021, PURA approved a settlement agreement at CL&P that included a current base distribution rate freeze until no earlier than January 1, 2024. The approval of the settlement agreement satisfies the Connecticut statute of rate review requirements that requires electric utilities to file a distribution rate case within four years of the last rate case. Aquarion is not required to initiate a rate review with the PURA on a set schedule. Aquarion rates were established in a 2013 PURA-approved rate case.

In Massachusetts, electric distribution companies are required to file at least one distribution rate case every five years, and natural gas local distribution companies to file at least one distribution rate case every 10 years, and those companies are limited to one settlement agreement in any 10-year period. NSTAR Electric's distribution rates were established in a 2017 DPU-approved rate case. On January 14, 2022, NSTAR Electric filed an application with the DPU for an increase in base distribution rates, effective January 1, 2023. NSTAR Gas' distribution rates were established in an October 2020 DPU-approved rate case. EGMA's distribution rates were established in an October 2020 DPU-approved rate settlement agreement. Aquarion is not required to initiate a rate review with the DPU. Aquarion rates were established in a 2018 DPU-approved rate case.

In New Hampshire, PSNH's distribution rates were established in a December 2020 NHPUC-approved rate case settlement agreement. Aquarion rates were established in a 2013 NHPUC-approved rate case, further revised in 2016. On December 18, 2020, Aquarion filed an application with the NHPUC for a permanent increase in base rates and a decision by the NHPUC is expected in the second quarter of 2022.

Rate Reconciling Mechanisms: The Eversource electric distribution companies obtain and resell power to retail customers who choose not to buy energy from a competitive energy supplier.  The natural gas distribution companies procure natural gas for firm and seasonal customers. These energy supply procurement costs are recovered from customers in energy supply rates that are approved by the respective state regulatory commission.  The rates are reset periodically and are fully reconciled to their costs.  Each electric and natural gas distribution company fully recovers its energy supply costs through approved regulatory rate mechanisms on a timely basis and, therefore, such costs have no impact on earnings.

The electric and natural gas distribution companies also recover certain other costs in retail rates on a fully reconciling basis through regulatory commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms and, therefore, recovery of these costs has no impact on earnings. Costs recovered through cost tracking mechanisms include, among others, electric retail transmission charges, energy efficiency program costs, electric restructuring and stranded cost recovery revenues (including securitized RRB charges), certain capital tracking mechanisms for infrastructure improvements, and additionally for the Massachusetts utilities, pension and PBOP benefits, net metering for distributed generation, and solar-related programs. The reconciliation filings compare the total actual costs allowed to revenue requirements related to these services and the difference between the costs incurred (or the rate recovery allowed) and the actual costs allowed is deferred and included, to be either recovered or refunded, in future customer rates.  These cost tracking mechanisms also include certain incentives earned, return on capital tracking mechanisms, and carrying charges that are billed in rates to customers, which do impact earnings.

38

Excess ADIT Amortization: Eversource amortized excess ADIT (EDIT) of $69.1 million in 2021, $48.7 million in 2020 and $37.4 million in 2019. In 2021, EDIT amortization was $9.8 million at CL&P, $43.2 million at NSTAR Electric, and $10.5 million at PSNH. Of the 2021 total EDIT amortized, the Company’s transmission businesses amortized $15.4 million pursuant to FERC orders issued on December 22, 2021 and December 30, 2021 that approved the refund of EDIT to its transmission customers ($1.6 million at CL&P, $12.0 million at NSTAR Electric and $1.8 million at PSNH). The effective date of these FERC orders was January 27, 2020, resulting in catch-up amortization recorded in 2021. EDIT amortization in 2020 and 2019 pertained solely to the Company’s distribution businesses. The refund of these EDIT regulatory liabilities to customers will generally be made over the same period as the remaining useful lives of the underlying assets that gave rise to the ADIT liabilities. The refund to customers and resulting amortization of the EDIT regulatory liabilities results in lower revenues (for the amortization of the EDIT and the tax gross up portion) and lower income tax expense (for the amortization of EDIT and lower current tax benefits from the tax gross up portion) on the statement of income. The refund of EDIT results in a lower effective tax rate and no impact on net income.

Connecticut:

CL&P Deferred Storm Costs: In 2021 and 2020, multiple tropical and severe storms caused extensive damage to CL&P’s electric distribution systems and customer outages, along with significant pre-staging costs. These storms resulted in deferred pre-staging and storm restoration costs at CL&P of $232 million for 2021 storms and $344 million for 2020 storms, including the catastrophic impact of Tropical Storm Isaias in August 2020, among others. Management believes that all of these storm costs were prudently incurred and meet the criteria for specific cost recovery. As part of CL&P’s October 1, 2021 settlement agreement described below, it agreed to freeze its current base distribution rates (including storm costs) until no earlier than January 1, 2024.

CL&P Tropical Storm Isaias Costs: On August 4, 2020, Tropical Storm Isaias caused catastrophic damage to our electric distribution system, which resulted in significant numbers and durations of customer outages, primarily in Connecticut. In terms of customer outages, this storm was one of the worst in CL&P’s history. PURA will investigate the prudency of costs incurred by CL&P to restore service in response to Tropical Storm Isaias. That investigation is expected to occur either in a separate proceeding not yet initiated or as part of CL&P’s next rate review proceeding. Tropical Storm Isaias resulted in deferred storm restoration costs of approximately $234 million at CL&P and $251 million at Eversource as of December 31, 2021. Although PURA found that CL&P’s performance in its preparation for and response to Tropical Storm Isaias fell below applicable performance standards in certain instances, CL&P believes it will be able to present credible evidence in a future proceeding demonstrating there is no reasonably close causal connection between the alleged sub-standard performance and the storm costs incurred. While it is possible that some amount of storm costs may be disallowed by the PURA in a future proceeding, any such amount cannot be estimated at this time. Eversource and CL&P continue to believe that these storm restoration costs associated with Tropical Storm Isaias were prudently incurred and meet the criteria for cost recovery; and as a result, management does not expect the storm cost review by the PURA to have a material impact on the financial position or results of operations of Eversource or CL&P.

CL&P Tropical Storm Isaias Response Investigation: In August 2020, PURA opened a docket to investigate the preparation for and response to Tropical Storm Isaias by Connecticut utilities, including CL&P. On April 28, 2021, PURA issued a final decision on CL&P’s compliance with its emergency response plan that concluded CL&P failed to comply with certain storm performance standards and was imprudent in certain instances. Specifically, PURA concluded that CL&P did not satisfy the performance standards for managing its municipal liaison program, timely removing electrical hazards from blocked roads, communicating critical information to its customers, or meeting its obligation to secure adequate external contractor and mutual aid resources in a timely manner. Based on its findings, PURA ordered CL&P to adjust its future rates in a pending or future rate proceeding to reflect a monetary penalty in the form of a downward adjustment of 90 basis points in its allowed rate of return on equity (ROE), which is currently 9.25 percent. In its decision, PURA explained that additional monetary penalties and further enforcement orders pursuant to Connecticut statute would be considered in a separate proceeding that was initiated on May 6, 2021.

On May 6, 2021, as part of the penalty proceeding, PURA issued a notice of violation that included an assessment of $30 million, consisting of a $28.4 million civil penalty for non-compliance with storm performance standards to be provided as credits on customer bills and a $1.6 million fine for violations of accident reporting requirements to be paid to the State of Connecticut’s general fund. On July 14, 2021, PURA issued a final decision in this penalty proceeding that included an assessment of $28.6 million, maintaining the $28.4 million performance penalty and reducing the $1.6 million fine for accident reporting to $0.2 million. The $28.4 million performance penalty is currently being credited to customers on electric bills beginning on September 1, 2021 over a one-year period. The $28.4 million is the maximum statutory penalty amount under applicable Connecticut law in effect at the time of Tropical Storm Isaias, which is 2.5 percent of CL&P’s annual distribution revenues. The liability for the performance penalty was recorded as a current regulatory liability on CL&P’s balance sheet and as a reduction to Operating Revenues on the year ended December 31, 2021 statement of income. The after-tax earnings impact of this charge was $0.07 per share.

PURA New Rate Design and Rate Review Proceeding: Pursuant to an October 2020 Connecticut law, PURA opened a proceeding related to new

rate designs to consider the implementation of an interim rate decrease, low-income and economic development rates for electric customers, and a

review of that rate design implementation process. The proceeding has separate phases. In the first phase, PURA issued a final decision on June

23, 2021 directing CL&P to offer new rates to certain small commercial and industrial customers that will reduce demand charges and instead

include volumetric charges for electricity based on kWh used. Customers can elect to transition to these new offered rates, which became effective

November 1, 2021. PURA’s decision in the first phase of the proceeding is not expected to have a material impact on CL&P’s earnings,

financial position, or cash flows. The second phase of this proceeding was addressed in PURA’s September 14, 2021 decision, and would have resulted in an interim rate decrease associated with a 45 basis point reduction in CL&P’s authorized ROE. This phase of the proceeding was resolved as a result of the October 2021 settlement agreement, described below. In addition, PURA is also investigating low-income and other economic development rates. A procedural schedule for this part of the proceeding has not yet been set by the PURA.

39

CL&P Settlement Agreement: On October 1, 2021, CL&P entered into a settlement agreement with the DEEP, Office of Consumer Counsel (OCC), Office of the Attorney General (AG) and the Connecticut Industrial Energy Consumers, resolving certain issues that arose in then-pending regulatory proceedings initiated by the PURA. PURA approved the settlement agreement on October 27, 2021. In the settlement agreement, CL&P agreed to provide a total of $65 million of customer credits, which were distributed based on customer sales over a two-month billing period from December 1, 2021 to January 31, 2022. CL&P also agreed to irrevocably set aside $10 million to provide bill payment assistance to certain existing non-hardship and hardship customers carrying arrearages, as approved by the PURA, with the objective of disbursing the funds prior to April 30, 2022. CL&P recorded a current regulatory liability of $75 million on the balance sheet associated with the provisions of the settlement agreement, with a $65 million pre-tax charge as a reduction to Operating Revenues associated with the customer credits and a $10 million charge to Operations and Maintenance expense associated with the customer assistance fund on the year ended December 31, 2021 statement of income.

In exchange for the $75 million of customer credits and assistance, PURA’s interim rate reduction docket was resolved without findings. As a result of the settlement agreement, neither the 90 basis point reduction to CL&P’s return on equity introduced in PURA’s storm-related decision issued April 28, 2021, nor the 45 basis point reduction to CL&P’s return on equity included in PURA’s decision issued September 14, 2021 in the interim rate reduction docket, will be implemented.

CL&P has also agreed to freeze its current base distribution rates, subject to the customer credits described above, until no earlier than January 1, 2024. The rate freeze applies only to base distribution rates (including storm costs) and not to other rate mechanisms such as the retail rate components, rate reconciling mechanisms, formula rates and any other adjustment mechanisms. The rate freeze also does not apply to any cost recovery mechanism outside of the base distribution rates with regard to grid-modernization initiatives or any other proceedings, either currently pending or that may be initiated during the rate freeze period, that may place additional obligations on CL&P. The approval of the settlement agreement satisfies the Connecticut statute of rate review requirements that requires electric utilities to file a distribution rate case within four years of the last rate case.

As part of the settlement agreement, CL&P agreed to withdraw with prejudice its pending appeals of PURA’s decisions dated April 28, 2021 and July 14, 2021 related to Storm Isaias and agreed to waive its right to file an appeal and seek a judicial stay of the September 14, 2021 decision in the interim rate reduction docket. The settlement agreement assures that CL&P will have the opportunity to petition for and demonstrate the prudency of the storm costs incurred to respond to customer outages associated with Storm Isaias in a future ratemaking proceeding.

The cumulative pre-tax impact of the settlement agreement and the Storm Isaias assessment imposed in PURA’s April 28, 2021 and July 14, 2021 decisions totaled $103.6 million, and the after-tax earnings impact was $86.1 million, or $0.25 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2021.

CL&P Rate Adjustment Mechanisms (RAM) Filing: On July 31, 2020, PURA temporarily suspended its June 26, 2020 approval of certain delivery rate components effective July 1, 2020, and ordered CL&P to restore rates to those in effect as of June 30, 2020 in order to allow PURA time to reexamine the rates. Rates were adjusted effective August 1, 2020. On December 2, 2020, PURA issued a final decision in which it adjusted the timing of the annual rate adjustments for the Transmission Adjustment Clause (TAC) charge, the Non-Bypassable Federally Mandated Congestion Charge (NBFMCC), the Electric System Improvements Tracker (ESI), Competitive Transition Assessment (CTA), System Benefits Charge (SBC) and Revenue Decoupling Mechanism (RDM) so that these rates take effect on May 1st of each year. On April 28, 2021, PURA issued its interim decision on CL&P’s proposal that accepted the May 1, 2021 rate proposals for the CTA, TAC, ESI and RDM, but ordered that these rate changes go into effect on June 1, 2021, as opposed to May 1, 2021. Further, PURA elected to keep in place the current rates for the NBFMCC and SBC until further review of the costs being recovered in those rates could be performed. Finally, PURA indicated it would further review CL&P’s proposal to begin recovery of 2020 under-recoveries associated with these rates on October 1, 2021.

On September 15, 2021, PURA issued its final decision in the 2020 RAM reconciliation filing, which required no adjustment to the GSC, BFMCC, NBFMCC, SBC, CTA, ESI and base distribution rates, but resulted in changes to the TAC and RDM rates effective October 1, 2021. As part of this decision, PURA also approved the recovery of cumulative under-recoveries associated with the NBMFCC, TAC, and RDM of $193 million effective October 1, 2021. The NBFMCC and TAC under-recoveries will be recovered over a 31-month period and the RDM under-recovery will be recovered over a 15-month period.

CL&P Impact of 2021 Rate Changes (Excluding Supply Rates): On June 1, 2021, CL&P implemented an overall rate increase of $0.00411 per kWh for residential customers. The rate increase included delivery rate changes for the CTA, TAC, ESI and RDM charges. Partially offsetting the rate increase was a base distribution rate decrease, which was driven by a reduction to storm cost amortization resulting from a 2019 PURA decision. For residential customers with 700 kWh monthly usage, the impact of the June 1, 2021 rate changes equated to an increase of $2.88 on monthly customer bills.

On September 1, 2021, CL&P adjusted its rates for the $28.4 million penalty imposed by the PURA for non-compliance with performance standards that is being provided as credits on customer bills over a one-year period. On October 1, 2021, CL&P implemented new TAC and RDM delivery rates. In total, CL&P implemented an overall net rate increase of $0.00174 per kWh for residential Rate 1 customers for these rate component charges, net of the rate decrease for the storm penalty credit. The impact of the September 1 and October 1, 2021 rate changes equated to an increase of $1.22 on monthly customer bills for residential customers with 700 kWh monthly usage.

On December 1, 2021, CL&P adjusted its rates for the $65 million of customer credits resulting from the October settlement agreement that were distributed based on customer sales over a two-month period from December 1, 2021 to January 31, 2022. For residential customers with 700 kWh monthly usage, the impact of the settlement credit equated to $34.25 for the two-month period.

40

Residential Customer Bill Credits and Reimbursements for Storm-Related Outages: On June 30, 2021, in accordance with an October 2020

Connecticut law, PURA issued a final decision establishing standards and procedures for residential customers to receive bill credits and other

compensation for spoiled food and medicine from Connecticut utilities, including CL&P, after future weather-related emergencies. The PURA

decision requires, effective after July 1, 2021, that Connecticut utilities provide customers with a $25 bill credit for each 24-hour time period

following the initial 96 consecutive hours of an electric distribution outage after a major storm or emergency. The decision also authorizes residential customers to submit a claim to receive up to $250 in compensation for any medication and food that expired or spoiled due to an electric distribution outage lasting longer than 96 consecutive hours. The decision also establishes a process by which the electric utilities (i) can elect to submit a filing within seven days of a storm event that proposes when the 96-hour time period commenced for that storm event based on relevant weather data, when it was safe to deploy crews into the field, and the other relevant factors identified in the decision; and (ii) can elect to seek within 14 days of a storm event a waiver from providing customer bill credits, for reasons such as line worker safety and continuing emergency or potentially hazardous conditions that prevented or delayed restoration activities.

CL&P Performance Based Rate Making: On May 26, 2021, in accordance with an October 2020 Connecticut law, PURA opened a proceeding to begin to evaluate and eventually implement performance based regulation for electric distribution companies. PURA will conduct the proceeding in two phases, with a draft decision on the first phase and procedural schedule established for the second phase expected in March 2023. At this time, we cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this proceeding and the resulting impact to CL&P.

CL&P Advanced Metering Infrastructure Filing: On July 31, 2020, CL&P submitted to PURA its proposed $512 million Advanced Metering Infrastructure investment and implementation plan for the years 2021 through 2027. On August 17, 2021, PURA issued a Notice of Request for Amended EDC Advanced Metering Infrastructure Proposal. CL&P submitted an Amended Proposal in response to this request on November 8, 2021, which included additional information as required by the PURA. As required, the plan includes a full deployment of advanced metering functionality and a composite business case in support of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure plan. A procedural schedule in this proceeding has not been issued by the PURA.

Massachusetts:

NSTAR Electric Distribution Rates: As part of an inflation-based mechanism, NSTAR Electric submitted its fourth annual Performance Based

Rate Adjustment filing on November 10, 2021 and on December 22, 2021, the DPU approved a $36.8 million increase to base distribution rates for effect on January 1, 2022.

NSTAR Electric Distribution Rate Case: On January 14, 2022, NSTAR Electric filed an application with the DPU for approval of an $89 million increase in base distribution rates, with new rates anticipated to be effective January 1, 2023. As part of this filing, NSTAR Electric is requesting a renewal of the performance-based ratemaking plan originally authorized in its last rate case for up to a ten-year term, alignment with state electrification policy, storm fund refinements, and Advanced Metering Infrastructure tariff approval. A final decision from the DPU is expected on December 1, 2022.

NSTAR Electric Grid Modernization and Advanced Metering Infrastructure Filing: On July 1, 2021, NSTAR Electric submitted for DPU approval its four-year $198.8 million grid modernization plan for the years 2022 through 2025 and proposed $620 million Advanced Metering Infrastructure investment and implementation plan for the years 2023 through 2028. As required, the plan includes a ten-year vision, five-year strategic plan, including a full deployment of advanced metering functionality, separate four-year grid-facing and customer-facing short-term investment plans, and a composite business case in support of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure plan. NSTAR Electric has requested expedited approval of $38.3 million of the $198.8 million grid modernization plan for previously approved continuing investments that are currently in process and are expected to be spent in 2022 so these activities will not be interrupted pending full plan approval. NSTAR Electric expects DPU guidance for all investment years by the second quarter of 2022. For Advanced Metering Infrastructure investments, additional review of the cost recovery mechanism will be conducted in NSTAR Electric’s base distribution rate case that was filed on January 14, 2022 with a decision expected on December 1, 2022.

NSTAR Electric Storm Threshold Filing: On December 22, 2021, the DPU approved NSTAR Electric to defer for future recovery the storm cost threshold amounts associated with six qualifying major storm events that occurred during 2020, totaling $7.2 million. The DPU approved the deferral of threshold costs that exceeded four storms (those recovered in base rates plus one additional storm) until the next rate case proceeding, at which time the DPU will determine the appropriate level of recovery of storm threshold amounts. In its January 14, 2022 distribution rate case filing, NSTAR Electric is also seeking recovery of the deferral of threshold costs for an additional seven storms in 2021. The pre-tax benefit to earnings for the deferral as a regulatory asset of threshold costs for both the 2020 and 2021 major storms was $15.6 million and was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2021.

NSTAR Gas and EGMA Distribution Rates and Mitigation Filings: As part of an inflation-based mechanism, NSTAR Gas submitted its first annual Performance Based Rate Adjustment filing on September 15, 2021, for rates effective November 1, 2021. As established in the October 7, 2020 EGMA Rate Settlement Agreement, EGMA filed for its first base distribution rate increase on September 17, 2021, for rates effective November 1, 2021. Subsequent to those base distribution rate filings, on October 6, 2021, NSTAR Gas and EGMA made filings with the DPU to defer recovery of certain costs for the purpose of mitigating November 1, 2021 bill impacts associated with the new delivery rates as a result of increases in natural gas supply costs, thereby providing rate relief to customers. These adjustments to rates do not impact the recovery of costs, only the timing of when the costs are collected in rates. For NSTAR Gas and EGMA, these adjustments included delaying the decoupling revenue requirement, the recovery of certain prior period under-collections, and portions of the base distribution rate change for NSTAR Gas, until November 1, 2022. These adjustments delay recovery of $16.7 million for NSTAR Gas and $19.7 million for EGMA for a one-year period. These adjustments result in the under-recovery of costs beginning November 1, 2021, with no material impact on the statement of income.

41

For NSTAR Gas, the DPU approved a $13.6 million increase to base distribution rates on October 29, 2021, effective November 1, 2021. For EGMA, the DPU approved a $13 million increase to base distribution rates on October 28, 2021, effective November 1, 2021.

New Hampshire:

PSNH Distribution Rates: In connection with an October 9, 2020 settlement agreement, the NHPUC approved a permanent rate increase of $45.0 million effective January 1, 2021. PSNH was also permitted three step increases, effective January 1, 2021, August 1, 2021, and August 1, 2022, to reflect plant additions in calendar years 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively. On December 23, 2020, the NHPUC approved the first step adjustment for 2019 plant in service to recover a revenue requirement of $10.6 million, effective January 1, 2021. On July 30, 2021, the NHPUC approved the second step adjustment for 2020 plant in service to recover a revenue requirement of $11.0 million, subject to reconciliation after completion of an audit, with rates effective August 1, 2021.

COVID Regulatory Docket: On July 7, 2021, the NHPUC issued an order to New Hampshire utilities that concluded that recovery of incremental bad debt or waived late fees related to the COVID-19 pandemic would be addressed in the context of the utility’s next rate case when related costs, to the extent those costs remain relevant under test year based rate-setting, would be considered in the context of the utility’s full revenue requirement and overall rate of return. The NHPUC concluded that New Hampshire utilities would not be permitted to establish a regulatory asset for these items. As a result of the order, in the second quarter of 2021, PSNH removed its $0.6 million deferral of net incremental COVID-19 costs.

Energy Efficiency Plan: On November 12, 2021, the NHPUC issued an order rejecting the proposed 2021 through 2023 energy efficiency plan and significantly reduced funding and operational functions of the program. PSNH made programmatic adjustments in late November and December 2021 to ensure utilization of the 2021 budget and achievement of the 2021 performance incentive. The order eliminated the recovery of performance incentives beginning in 2022. PSNH sought rehearing of the order and was denied. There is state legislation pending that would undo the most impactful effects of the order. PSNH, as well as various other parties, have appealed the order to the New Hampshire Supreme Court. The energy efficiency rate for 2022 went into effect January 1, 2022 at a level that is 29 percent lower than the 2021 rate. However, effective March 1, 2022, the energy efficiency rate will be restored to the 2021 level. Given the pending legislation that has already passed the New Hampshire Senate and the four Supreme Court appeals filed, it is likely that at least some of the provisions of the NHPUC order will be undone. At this time, PSNH cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this order, and the resulting impact on its financial statements.

Legislative and Policy Matters

Federal: On November 5, 2021, Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The Act provided spending of more than $500 billion on roads, highways, bridges, public transit, and utilities. For water and sewer utilities, the Act restored the exclusion from a corporation’s income for contributions in aid of construction where the corporation is a water or sewer utility eliminated by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Under the Act, a regulated public utility that provides water or sewage disposal services can treat money or property received from any person as a tax-free contribution to capital if it meets certain criteria for contributions made after 2020. The Act did not have a material impact on Eversource in 2021.

Massachusetts: On March 26, 2021, Governor Baker signed into law a climate change bill which permits electric or natural gas distribution companies to assist Massachusetts municipalities in responding to the risks of climate change by owning solar facilities equal to up to 10 percent of the total installed solar generating capacity in Massachusetts as of July 31, 2020. Such facilities may be paired with energy storage where feasible to do so. This law will allow each of Eversource’s Massachusetts operating companies to own up to approximately 280 MWs of solar generating facilities in addition to the 70 MWs previously constructed at NSTAR Electric.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates, assumptions and, at times, difficult, subjective or complex judgments. Changes in these estimates, assumptions and judgments, in and of themselves, could materially impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Our management discusses with the Audit Committee of our Board of Trustees significant matters relating to critical accounting policies. Our critical accounting policies are discussed below. See the combined notes to our financial statements for further information concerning the accounting policies, estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of our financial statements.

Regulatory Accounting:  Our regulated companies are subject to rate regulation that is based on cost recovery and meets the criteria for application of accounting guidance for rate-regulated operations, which considers the effect of regulation on the timing of the recognition of certain revenues and expenses. The regulated companies' financial statements reflect the effects of the rate-making process. The rates charged to the customers of our regulated companies are designed to collect each company's costs to provide service, plus a return on investment.

The application of accounting guidance for rate-regulated enterprises results in recording regulatory assets and liabilities. Regulatory assets represent the deferral of incurred costs that are probable of future recovery in customer rates. Regulatory assets are amortized as the incurred costs are recovered through customer rates. In some cases, we record regulatory assets before approval for recovery has been received from the applicable regulatory commission. We must use judgment to conclude that costs deferred as regulatory assets are probable of future recovery. We base our conclusion on certain factors, including, but not limited to, regulatory precedent.

Regulatory liabilities represent either revenues received from customers to fund expected costs that have not yet been incurred or probable future refunds to customers. We make judgments regarding the future outcome of regulatory proceedings that involve potential future refund to

42

customers and record liabilities for these loss contingencies when probable and reasonably estimable based upon available information. Regulatory liabilities are recorded at the best estimate, or at a low end of the range of possible loss. The amount recorded may differ from when the uncertainty is resolved. Such differences could have a significant impact on our financial statements.

We use judgment when recording regulatory assets and liabilities; however, regulatory commissions can reach different conclusions about the recovery of costs, and those conclusions could have a material impact on our financial statements. The ultimate outcome of regulatory rate proceedings could have a significant effect on our ability to recover costs or earn an adequate return. Established rates are also often subject to subsequent prudency reviews by state regulators, whereby various portions of rates could be adjusted, subject to refund or disallowed. We have approximately $1 billion of storm restoration and pre-staging costs that are subject to prudency reviews from our regulators. We believe that our storm costs were prudently incurred and are probable of recovery.

We continually assess whether the regulatory assets and liabilities continue to meet the criteria for probable future recovery or refund. This assessment includes consideration of recent orders issued by regulatory commissions, the passage of new legislation, historical regulatory treatment for similar costs in each of our jurisdictions, discussions with legal counsel, the status of any appeals of regulatory decisions, and changes in applicable regulatory and political environments. We believe that we will continue to be able to defer and recover prudently incurred costs, including additional storm costs, based on the legal and regulatory framework.

We believe it is probable that each of our regulated companies will recover its respective investments in long-lived assets and the regulatory assets that have been recorded. If we determine that we can no longer apply the accounting guidance applicable to rate-regulated enterprises, or that we cannot conclude it is probable that costs will be recovered from customers in future rates, the applicable costs would be charged to net income in the period in which the determination is made.

Pension, SERP and PBOP:  We sponsor Pension, SERP and PBOP Plans to provide retirement benefits to our employees.  For each of these plans, several significant assumptions are used to determine the projected benefit obligation, funded status and net periodic benefit cost.  These assumptions include the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, discount rate, compensation/progression rate and mortality and retirement assumptions.  We evaluate these assumptions at least annually and adjust them as necessary.  Changes in these assumptions could have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Expected Long-Term Rate of Return on Plan Assets:  In developing the expected long-term rate of return, we consider historical and expected returns, as well as input from our consultants.  Our expected long-term rate of return on assets is based on assumptions regarding target asset allocations and corresponding expected rates of return for each asset class.  We routinely review the actual asset allocations and periodically rebalance the investments to the targeted asset allocations.  For the year ended December 31, 2021, our expected long-term rate-of-return assumption used to determine our pension and PBOP expense was 8.25 percent for the Eversource Service plans and 7 percent for the Aquarion plans.  For the forecasted 2022 pension and PBOP expense, an expected long-term rate of return of 8.25 percent for the Eversource Service plans and 7 percent for the Aquarion plans will be used reflecting our target asset allocations.

Discount Rate:  Payment obligations related to the Pension, SERP and PBOP Plans are discounted at interest rates applicable to the expected timing of each plan's cash flows.  The discount rate that was utilized in determining the pension, SERP and PBOP obligations was based on a yield-curve approach.  This approach utilizes a population of bonds with an average rating of AA based on bond ratings by Moody's, S&P and Fitch, and uses bonds with above median yields within that population.  As of December 31, 2021, the discount rates used to determine the funded status were within a range of 2.8 percent to 3.0 percent for the Pension and SERP Plans, and within a range of 2.91 percent to 2.92 percent for the PBOP Plans.  As of December 31, 2020, the discount rates used were within a range of 2.4 percent to 2.7 percent for the Pension and SERP Plans, and within a range of 2.5 percent to 2.6 percent for the PBOP Plans.  The increase in the discount rates used to calculate the funded status resulted in a decrease to the Pension and PBOP Plans' liability of $286.8 million and $29.8 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2021.

The Company uses the spot rate methodology for the service and interest cost components of Pension, SERP and PBOP expense because it provides a relatively precise measurement by matching projected cash flows to the corresponding spot rates on the yield curve.  The discount rates used to estimate the 2021 expense were within a range of 1.5 percent to 3.0 percent for the Pension and SERP Plans, and within a range of 1.8 percent to 3.1 percent for the PBOP Plans.

Mortality Assumptions:  Assumptions as to mortality of the participants in our Pension, SERP and PBOP Plans are a key estimate in measuring the expected payments a participant may receive over their lifetime and the corresponding plan liability we need to record. In 2021, a revised scale for the mortality table was released, and we utilized it in our measurements.

Compensation/Progression Rate:  This assumption reflects the expected long-term salary growth rate, including consideration of the levels of increases built into collective bargaining agreements, and impacts the estimated benefits that Pension and SERP Plan participants receive in the future.  As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the compensation/progression rates used to determine the funded status were within a range of 3.5 percent to 4.0 percent.

Health Care Cost: The Eversource Service PBOP Plan is not subject to health care cost trends. As of December 31, 2021, for the Aquarion PBOP Plan, the health care trend rate for pre-65 retirees is 6.5 percent, with an ultimate rate of 5 percent in 2028, and for post-65 retirees, the health care trend rate and ultimate rate is 3.5 percent.

43

Actuarial Determination of Expense:  Pension, SERP and PBOP expense is determined by our actuaries and consists of service cost and prior service cost, interest cost based on the discounting of the obligations, and amortization of actuarial gains and losses, offset by the expected return on plan assets. Actuarial gains and losses represent the amortization of differences between assumptions and actual information or updated assumptions. Pre-tax net periodic benefit expense for the Pension and SERP Plans was $23.6 million, $56.9 million and $63.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.  For the PBOP Plans, there was net periodic PBOP income of $60.5 million, $51.6 million and $41.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

The expected return on plan assets is determined by applying the assumed long-term rate of return to the Pension and PBOP Plan asset balances. This calculated expected return is compared to the actual return or loss on plan assets at the end of each year to determine the investment gains or losses to be immediately reflected in unamortized actuarial gains and losses.

Forecasted Expenses and Expected Contributions:  We estimate that income in 2022 for the Pension and SERP Plans will be approximately $177 million and income in 2022 for the PBOP Plans will be approximately $80 million. Pension, SERP and PBOP expense for subsequent years will depend on future investment performance, changes in future discount rates and other assumptions, and various other factors related to the populations participating in the plans.

Our policy is to fund the Pension Plans annually in an amount at least equal to the amount that will satisfy all federal funding requirements.  We contributed $180.0 million to the Pension Plans in 2021.  We currently estimate contributing between $100 million to $175 million to the Pension Plans in 2022, however, there is no minimum funding requirement for our Pension Plans for 2022, and therefore the planned contribution is discretionary and subject to change.  It is our policy to fund the PBOP Plans annually through tax deductible contributions to external trusts.  We contributed $2.3 million to the PBOP Plans in 2021.  We currently estimate contributing $2.4 million to the PBOP Plans in 2022.

Sensitivity Analysis:  The following represents the hypothetical increase to the Pension Plans' (excluding the SERP Plans) reported annual cost and a decrease to the PBOP Plans' reported annual income as a result of a change in the following assumptions by 50 basis points:

(Millions of Dollars)Increase in Pension Plan CostDecrease in PBOP Plan Income
Assumption ChangeFor the Years Ended December 31,For the Years Ended December 31,
Eversource2021202020212020
Lower expected long-term rate of return$26.5$25.0$4.8$4.5
Lower discount rate27.025.42.61.7
Higher compensation rate9.98.8N/AN/A

Goodwill:  We recorded goodwill on our balance sheet associated with previous mergers and acquisitions, all of which totaled $4.48 billion as of December 31, 2021. We have identified our reporting units for purposes of allocating and testing goodwill as Electric Distribution, Electric Transmission, Natural Gas Distribution and Water Distribution.  Electric Distribution and Electric Transmission reporting units include carrying values for the respective components of CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH.  The Natural Gas Distribution reporting unit includes the carrying values of NSTAR Gas, Yankee Gas and EGMA. The Water Distribution reporting unit includes the Aquarion water utility businesses.  As of December 31, 2021, goodwill was allocated to the reporting units as follows: $2.54 billion to Electric Distribution, $577 million to Electric Transmission, $451 million to Natural Gas Distribution and $905 million to Water Distribution.

We recorded $51.9 million of goodwill arising from the acquisition of CMA on October 9, 2020, which included measurement period adjustments in 2021. This goodwill was allocated to the Natural Gas Distribution reporting unit. We recorded $21.7 million of goodwill arising from the acquisition of NESC on December 1, 2021, which was allocated to the Water Distribution reporting unit.

We are required to test goodwill balances for impairment at least annually by considering the fair values of the reporting units, which requires us to use estimates and judgments. Additionally, we monitor all relevant events and circumstances during the year to determine if an interim impairment test is required. We have selected October 1st of each year as the annual goodwill impairment test date. Goodwill impairment is deemed to exist if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value. If goodwill were deemed to be impaired, it would be written down in the current period to the extent of the impairment.

In assessing goodwill for impairment, an entity is permitted to first assess qualitatively whether it is more likely than not that goodwill impairment exists as of the annual impairment test date. A quantitative impairment test is required only if it is concluded that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than it’s carrying amount.

We performed an impairment test of goodwill as of October 1, 2021 for the Electric Distribution, Electric Transmission, Natural Gas Distribution and Water Distribution reporting units. Our qualitative evaluation included an evaluation of multiple factors that impact the fair value of the reporting units, including general, macroeconomic and market conditions, and entity-specific assumptions that affect the future cash flows of the reporting units. Key considerations include discount rates, utility sector market performance and merger transaction multiples, the Company's share price and credit ratings, analyst reports, financial performance, cost and risk factors, internal estimates and projections of future cash flows and net income, long-term strategy, the timing and outcome of rate cases, and recent regulatory and legislative proceedings.

The 2021 goodwill impairment assessment resulted in a conclusion that goodwill is not impaired and no reporting unit is at risk of a goodwill impairment. We believe that the fair value of the reporting units was substantially in excess of carrying value. Adverse regulatory actions, changes in the regulatory and political environment, or changes in significant assumptions could potentially result in future goodwill impairment indicators.

44

Long-Lived Assets: Impairment evaluations of long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and other assets, involve a significant degree of estimation and judgment, including identifying circumstances that indicate an impairment may exist. Impairment analysis is required when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a long-lived asset may not be recoverable. Indicators of potential impairment include a deteriorating business climate, unfavorable regulatory action, decline in value that is other than temporary in nature, plans to dispose of a long-lived asset significantly before the end of its useful life, and accumulation of costs that are in excess of amounts allowed for recovery. The review of long-lived assets for impairment utilizes significant assumptions about operating strategies and external developments, including assessment of current and projected market conditions that can impact future cash flows.

Equity Method Investments: Investments in affiliates where we have the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over an investee are initially recognized as an equity method investment at cost. Any differences between the cost of an investment and the amount of underlying equity in net assets of an investee are considered basis differences and are determined based upon the estimated fair values of the investee's identifiable assets and liabilities. For our offshore wind equity method investment, basis differences are related to intangible assets for PPAs that will be amortized over the term of the PPAs, and equity method goodwill that is not amortized. Capitalized interest associated with our offshore wind equity method investment is included in the investment balance.

Equity method investments are assessed for impairment when conditions exist that indicate that the fair value of the investment is less than book value.  If the decline in value is considered to be other-than-temporary, the investment is written down to its estimated fair value, which establishes a new cost basis in the investment. Impairment evaluations involve a significant degree of judgment and estimation, including identifying circumstances that indicate an impairment may exist and developing an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows.

Income Taxes: Income tax expense is estimated for each of the jurisdictions in which we operate and is recorded each quarter using an estimated annualized effective tax rate. This process to record income tax expense involves estimating current and deferred income tax expense or benefit and the impact of temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for financial reporting and income tax return reporting purposes. Such differences are the result of timing of the deduction for expenses, as well as any impact of permanent differences, non-tax deductible expenses, or other items that directly impact income tax expense as a result of regulatory activity (flow-through items). The temporary differences and flow-through items result in deferred tax assets and liabilities that are included in the balance sheets.

We also account for uncertainty in income taxes, which applies to all income tax positions previously filed in a tax return and income tax positions expected to be taken in a future tax return that have been reflected on our balance sheets. The determination of whether a tax position meets the recognition threshold under applicable accounting guidance is based on facts and circumstances available to us.

The interpretation of tax laws and associated regulations involves uncertainty since tax authorities may interpret the laws differently. Ultimate resolution or clarification of income tax matters may result in favorable or unfavorable impacts to net income and cash flows, and adjustments to tax-related assets and liabilities could be material.

Significant management judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes, primarily due to the uncertainty related to tax positions taken, as well as deferred tax assets and liabilities and valuation allowances. We evaluate the probability of realizing deferred tax assets by reviewing a forecast of future taxable income and our intent and ability to implement tax planning strategies, if necessary, to realize deferred tax assets. We also assess negative evidence, such as the expiration of historical operating loss or tax credit carryforwards, that could indicate the inability to realize the deferred tax assets. Valuation allowances are provided to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that will more likely than not be realized in future periods. This requires management to make judgments and estimates regarding the amount and timing of the reversal of taxable temporary differences, expected future taxable income, and the impact of tax planning strategies.

Actual income taxes could vary from estimated amounts due to the future impacts of various items, including future changes in income tax laws, not realizing expected tax planning strategy amounts, as well as results of audits and examinations of filed tax returns by taxing authorities.

Accounting for Environmental Reserves:  Environmental reserves are accrued when assessments indicate it is probable that a liability has been incurred and an amount can be reasonably estimated. Increases to estimates of environmental liabilities could have an adverse impact on earnings. We estimate these liabilities based on findings through various phases of the assessment, considering the most likely action plan from a variety of available remediation options (ranging from no action required to full site remediation and long-term monitoring), current site information from our site assessments, remediation estimates from third party engineering and remediation contractors, and our prior experience in remediating contaminated sites.  If a most likely action plan cannot yet be determined, we estimate the liability based on the low end of a range of possible action plans. A significant portion of our environmental sites and reserve amounts relate to former MGP sites that were operated several decades ago and manufactured natural gas from coal and other processes, which resulted in certain by-products remaining in the environment that may pose a potential risk to human health and the environment, for which we may have potential liability.  Estimates are based on the expected remediation plan. Our estimates are subject to revision in future periods based on actual costs or new information from other sources, including the level of contamination at the site, the extent of our responsibility or the extent of remediation required, recently enacted laws and regulations or a change in cost estimates.

Fair Value Measurements:  We follow fair value measurement guidance that defines fair value as the price that would be received for the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price).  We have applied this guidance to our Company's derivative contracts that are not elected or designated as "normal purchases or normal sales" (normal), to marketable securities held in trusts, and to our investments in our Pension and PBOP Plans. Fair value measurements are also incorporated into the accounting for goodwill, long-lived assets, equity method investments, and AROs, and in the valuation of the acquisition of CMA in 2020. The fair value measurement guidance was also applied in estimating the fair value of preferred stock, long-term debt and RRBs.

45

Changes in fair value of our derivative contracts are recorded as Regulatory Assets or Liabilities, as we recover the costs of these contracts in rates charged to customers.  These valuations are sensitive to the prices of energy-related products in future years and assumptions made.

We use quoted market prices when available to determine the fair value of financial instruments.  When quoted prices in active markets for the same or similar instruments are not available, we value derivative contracts using models that incorporate both observable and unobservable inputs.  Significant unobservable inputs utilized in the models include energy-related product prices for future years for long-dated derivative contracts and market volatilities.  Discounted cash flow valuations incorporate estimates of premiums or discounts, reflecting risk-adjusted profit that would be required by a market participant to arrive at an exit price, using available historical market transaction information. Valuations of derivative contracts also reflect our estimates of nonperformance risk, including credit risk.

46

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – EVERSOURCE ENERGY AND SUBSIDIARIES

The following provides the amounts and variances in operating revenues and expense line items in the statements of income for Eversource for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

For the Years Ended December 31,
(Millions of Dollars)20212020Increase/(Decrease)
Operating Revenues$9,863.1$8,904.4$958.7
Operating Expenses:
Purchased Power, Fuel and Transmission3,372.32,987.8384.5
Operations and Maintenance1,739.71,480.3259.4
Depreciation1,103.0981.4121.6
Amortization232.0177.754.3
Energy Efficiency Programs592.8535.857.0
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes830.0752.777.3
Total Operating Expenses7,869.86,915.7954.1
Operating Income1,993.31,988.74.6
Interest Expense582.4538.444.0
Other Income, Net161.3108.652.7
Income Before Income Tax Expense1,572.21,558.913.3
Income Tax Expense344.2346.2(2.0)
Net Income1,228.01,212.715.3
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests7.57.5
Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders$1,220.5$1,205.2$15.3

Eversource's consolidated financial information includes the results of EGMA beginning on October 9, 2020. The natural gas distribution assets acquired from CMA on October 9, 2020 were assigned to EGMA.

Operating Revenues

Sales Volumes: A summary of our retail electric GWh sales volumes, our firm natural gas MMcf sales volumes, and our water MG sales volumes, and percentage changes, is as follows:

ElectricFirm Natural GasWater
Sales Volumes (GWh)Percentage IncreaseSales Volumes (MMcf)Percentage IncreaseSales Volumes (MG)Percentage Decrease
202120202021202020212020
Traditional7,7827,6751.4%%1,2562,011(37.5)%
Decoupled and Special Contracts (1)(2)43,22842,5311.6%150,145147,1232.1%22,09923,122(4.4)%
Total Sales Volumes51,01050,2061.6%150,145147,1232.1%23,35525,133(7.1)%

(1)     Special contracts are unique to Yankee Gas natural gas distribution customers who take service under such an arrangement and generally specify the amount of distribution revenue to be paid to Yankee Gas regardless of the customers' usage.

(2) Eversource acquired CMA's natural gas distribution assets on October 9, 2020. Prior year sales volumes have been presented for comparative purposes.

Weather, fluctuations in energy supply costs, conservation measures (including utility-sponsored energy efficiency programs), and economic conditions affect customer energy usage and water consumption. Industrial sales volumes are less sensitive to temperature variations than residential and commercial sales volumes. In our service territories, weather impacts both electric and water sales volumes during the summer and both electric and natural gas sales volumes during the winter; however, natural gas sales volumes are more sensitive to temperature variations than electric sales volumes. Customer heating or cooling usage may not directly correlate with historical levels or with the level of degree-days that occur.

Fluctuations in retail electric sales volumes at PSNH impact earnings ("Traditional" in the table above). For CL&P, NSTAR Electric, NSTAR Gas, EGMA, Yankee Gas, and our Connecticut water distribution business, fluctuations in retail sales volumes do not materially impact earnings due to their respective regulatory commission-approved distribution revenue decoupling mechanisms ("Decoupled" in the table above). These distribution revenues are decoupled from their customer sales volumes, which breaks the relationship between sales volumes and revenues recognized.

47

Operating Revenues: Operating Revenues by segment increased in 2021, as compared to 2020, as follows:

(Millions of Dollars)Increase/(Decrease)
Electric Distribution$291.3
Natural Gas Distribution580.9
Electric Transmission98.5
Water Distribution(4.1)
Other118.1
Eliminations(126.0)
Total Operating Revenues$958.7

Electric and Natural Gas (excluding EGMA) Distribution Revenues:

Base Distribution Revenues:

•Base electric distribution revenues increased $28.8 million in 2021, as compared to 2020, due primarily to the impact of base distribution rate increases at NSTAR Electric effective January 1, 2021, at PSNH effective January 1, 2021 and August 1, 2021, and at CL&P effective May 1, 2020. These increases were partially offset by a base distribution rate decrease at CL&P implemented June 1, 2021. The decrease in the CL&P base distribution rate on June 1, 2021 was due primarily to the completion of the recovery of certain storm cost amortization and therefore the base rate decrease did not impact earnings.

•Base natural gas distribution revenues increased $62.8 million in 2021, as compared to 2020, due primarily to base distribution rate increases at NSTAR Gas effective November 1, 2021 and November 1, 2020, which includes a shift of recovery into base rates of certain GSEP investments, and at Yankee Gas effective January 1, 2021. Although new rates at Yankee Gas were implemented on March 1, 2021 to customers, the provisions of the base distribution rate increase were effective January 1, 2021.

Electric distribution revenues at CL&P also decreased $93.4 million in 2021, as compared to 2020, due to a reserve established to provide bill credits to customers as a result of CL&P’s settlement agreement on October 1, 2021 and a storm performance penalty assessed by PURA in 2021. In the settlement agreement, CL&P agreed to provide a total of $65 million of customer credits, which were distributed based on customer sales over a two-month billing period from December 1, 2021 to January 31, 2022. CL&P recorded a $28.4 million reserve in 2021 for a civil penalty for non-compliance with storm performance standards that is currently being credited to customers on electric bills beginning on September 1, 2021 over a one-year period. CL&P recorded these reserves as a current regulatory liability and a reduction to Operating Revenues. As of December 31, 2021, the remaining reserve that has not yet been issued as customer credits and not yet reflected in rates totaled $71.1 million. For further information, see "Regulatory Developments and Rate Matters - Connecticut" included in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis.

Tracked Distribution Revenues: Tracked distribution revenues consist of certain costs that are recovered from customers in retail rates through regulatory commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms and therefore, recovery of these costs has no impact on earnings. Revenues from certain of these cost tracking mechanisms also include certain incentives earned, return on capital tracking mechanisms, and carrying charges that are billed in rates to customers, which do impact earnings. Costs recovered through cost tracking mechanisms include, among others, energy supply and natural gas supply procurement and other energy-related costs, electric retail transmission charges, energy efficiency program costs, electric restructuring and stranded cost recovery revenues (including securitized RRB charges), certain capital tracking mechanisms for infrastructure improvements, and additionally for the Massachusetts utilities, pension and PBOP benefits, net metering for distributed generation, and solar-related programs. Tracked revenues also include wholesale market sales transactions, such as sales of energy and energy-related products into the ISO-NE wholesale electricity market, sales of natural gas to third party marketers, and the sale of RECs to various counterparties.

Tracked distribution revenues increased/(decreased) in 2021, as compared to 2020, due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)Electric DistributionNatural Gas Distribution
Retail Tariff Tracked Revenues:
Energy supply procurement$(152.1)$70.0
Retail transmission222.2
Other distribution tracking mechanisms47.311.7
Wholesale Market Sales Revenue248.54.9

The decrease in energy supply procurement within electric distribution in 2021 as compared to 2020, was driven primarily by lower average supply-related sales volumes and lower average prices. The increase in energy supply procurement within natural gas distribution in 2021, as compared to 2020, was driven primarily by higher average prices and higher average supply-related sales volumes.

Fluctuations in retail electric transmission revenues are driven by the recovery of the costs of our wholesale transmission business, such as those billed by ISO-NE and Local and Regional Network Service charges. For further information, see "Purchased Power and Transmission Expense" below.

48

The increase in electric distribution wholesale market sales revenue was due primarily to higher average electricity market prices received for

wholesale sales in 2021, as compared to 2020. ISO-NE average market prices received for CL&P’s wholesale sales increased approximately 95 percent in 2021, as compared to 2020, driven primarily by higher natural gas prices in New England. Volumes sold into the market were primarily from the sale of output generated by the Millstone PPA that CL&P entered into in 2019, as required by regulation. The increase in electric distribution wholesale market sales revenues was also driven by higher proceeds from a one-year sale of transmission rights, effective June 2021, under CL&P’s, NSTAR Electric’s and PSNH’s Hydro-Quebec transmission support agreements. Proceeds from these sales are credited back to customers.

EGMA Natural Gas Distribution Revenues: The incremental impact of EGMA increased total operating revenues at the natural gas distribution segment by $431.5 million in 2021, as compared to 2020.

Electric Transmission Revenues:  Electric transmission revenues increased $98.5 million in 2021, as compared to 2020, due primarily to a higher transmission rate base as a result of our continued investment in our transmission infrastructure.

Other Revenues and Eliminations: Other revenues primarily include the revenues of Eversource's service company, most of which are eliminated in consolidation. Eliminations are also primarily related to the Eversource electric transmission revenues that are derived from ISO-NE regional transmission charges to the distribution businesses of CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH that recover the costs of the wholesale transmission business in rates charged to their customers.

Purchased Power, Fuel and Transmission expense includes costs associated with purchasing electricity and natural gas on behalf of our customers and the cost of energy purchase contracts, as required by regulation.  These electric and natural gas supply costs and other energy-related costs are recovered from customers in rates through commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms, which have no impact on earnings (tracked costs).  Purchased Power, Fuel and Transmission expense increased in 2021, as compared to 2020, due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)Increase/(Decrease)
Purchased Power Costs$(56.7)
Natural Gas Costs313.4
Transmission Costs225.2
Eliminations(97.4)
Total Purchased Power, Fuel and Transmission$384.5

The decrease in purchased power expense at the electric distribution business in 2021, as compared to 2020, was driven primarily by lower expense related to the procurement of energy supply resulting from lower average supply-related sales volumes and lower average prices. The lower energy supply expense was partially offset by higher long-term contractual energy-related costs that are recovered in the NBFMCC mechanism at CL&P and higher net metering costs at NSTAR Electric.

The increase in costs at the natural gas distribution segment in 2021, as compared to 2020, was due primarily to the incremental impact of EGMA natural gas supply costs of $145.0 million, as well as higher average prices and higher average supply-related sales volumes.

The increase in transmission costs in 2021, as compared to 2020, was primarily the result of an increase in costs billed by ISO-NE that support regional grid investments and an increase resulting from the retail transmission cost deferral, which reflects the actual costs of transmission service compared to estimated amounts billed to customers. This was partially offset by a decrease in Local Network Service charges, which reflects the cost of transmission service provided by Eversource over our local transmission network.

49

Operations and Maintenance expense includes tracked costs and costs that are part of base electric, natural gas and water distribution rates with changes impacting earnings (non-tracked costs).  Operations and Maintenance expense increased in 2021, as compared to 2020, due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)Increase/(Decrease)
Base Electric Distribution (Non-Tracked Costs):
Employee-related expenses, including labor and benefits$47.9
Shared corporate costs (including computer software depreciation at Eversource Service)21.6
Vegetation Management19.1
Funding of CL&P storm reserve as part of June 1, 2021 rate change (offset by lower Amortization expense; no earnings impact)16.0
CL&P charge to fund customer assistance initiatives associated with the settlement agreement on October 1, 202110.0
Storm restoration costs(24.2)
Operations-related expenses, including vehicles and outside services3.1
Other non-tracked operations and maintenance8.5
Total Base Electric Distribution (Non-Tracked Costs)102.0
Tracked Costs (Electric Distribution and Electric Transmission) - Increase due primarily to higher transmission expenses of $6.5 million and increase of $16.3 million due to higher pension tracking mechanism at NSTAR Electric30.3
Total Electric Distribution and Electric Transmission132.3
Natural Gas Distribution:
Base (Non-Tracked) Costs, excluding EGMA3.5
Tracked Costs, excluding EGMA7.3
EGMA Operations and Maintenance123.1
Total Natural Gas Distribution133.9
Water Distribution:
Absence in 2021 of gain on sale of Hingham water system in July 202016.0
Other(1.1)
Total Water Distribution14.9
Parent and Other Companies and Eliminations:
Eversource Parent and Other Companies - other operations and maintenance106.9
Acquisition and Transition Costs(9.7)
Eliminations(118.9)
Total Operations and Maintenance$259.4

Depreciation expense increased in 2021, as compared to 2020, due to higher utility plant in service balances, the incremental impact of EGMA utility plant balances of $36.8 million and new depreciation rates effective January 1, 2021 resulting from PSNH’s 2020 distribution rate settlement agreement.

Amortization expense includes the deferral of energy supply, energy-related costs and other costs that are included in certain regulatory commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms. This deferral adjusts expense to match the corresponding revenues compared to the actual costs incurred. Energy supply and energy-related costs are recovered from customers in rates and have no impact on earnings. Amortization expense also includes the amortization of certain costs as those costs are collected in rates.

Amortization increased in 2021, as compared to 2020, due primarily to the deferral adjustment of energy supply, energy-related and other tracked costs, which can fluctuate from period to period based on the timing of costs incurred and related rate changes to recover these costs. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in storm amortization expense at CL&P related to the completion of the amortization period of certain storm costs deferred assets.

Energy Efficiency Programs expense increased in 2021, as compared to 2020, due primarily to the incremental impact of EGMA energy efficiency program costs of $48.0 million. The increase was also due to the deferral adjustment at NSTAR Electric, which reflects the actual costs of energy efficiency programs compared to the amounts billed to customers, and the timing of the recovery of energy efficiency costs. The costs for the majority of the state energy policy initiatives and expanded energy efficiency programs are recovered from customers in rates and have no impact on earnings.

Taxes Other Than Income Taxes expense increased in 2021, as compared to 2020, due primarily to an increase in property taxes as a result of higher utility plant balances, the incremental impact of EGMA property and other taxes of $23.5 million, higher Connecticut gross earnings taxes, and the absence in 2021 of a benefit at NSTAR Gas in 2020 relating to the resolution of disputed property taxes for prior years.

Interest Expense increased in 2021, as compared to 2020, due primarily to an increase in interest on long-term debt as a result of new debt issuances ($29.5 million), an increase in interest expense on regulatory deferrals ($12.2 million), the absence in 2021 of a benefit at NSTAR Gas in 2020 relating to the resolution of disputed property taxes and interest thereon for prior years ($5.7 million), and higher amortization of debt discounts and premiums, net ($0.8 million), partially offset by a decrease in interest on notes payable ($3.4 million), a decrease in RRB interest expense ($1.3 million), and an increase in capitalized AFUDC related to debt funds and other capitalized interest ($1.1 million).

50

Other Income, Net increased in 2021, as compared to 2020, due primarily to an increase related to pension, SERP and PBOP non-service income components ($40.0 million) and an increase in interest income primarily from regulatory deferrals ($20.8 million), partially offset by lower AFUDC related to equity funds ($4.7 million) and investment losses in 2021 compared to investment income in 2020 driven by market volatility ($1.3 million).

Income Tax Expense decreased in 2021, as compared to 2020, due primarily to the absence of the sale of the Hingham water system ($12.5 million), an increase in amortization of EDIT ($20.4 million), the CL&P settlement agreement ($17.5 million), a decrease in items that impact our tax rate as a result of regulatory treatment (flow-through items) and permanent differences ($0.6 million), and a decrease in valuation allowance ($17.6 million), partially offset by higher pre-tax earnings excluding the CL&P settlement agreement charges and gain on Hingham sale ($27.8 million), higher state taxes ($31.6 million), lower share-based payment excess tax benefits ($2.6 million), and a lower return to provision adjustment ($4.6 million).

51

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS –

THE CONNECTICUT LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY

NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY

PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AND SUBSIDIARIES

The following provides the amounts and variances in operating revenues and expense line items in the statements of income for CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

For the Years Ended December 31,
CL&PNSTAR ElectricPSNH
(Millions of Dollars)20212020Increase/(Decrease)20212020Increase/(Decrease)20212020Increase/(Decrease)
Operating Revenues$3,637.4$3,547.5$89.9$3,056.4$2,941.1$115.3$1,177.2$1,079.1$98.1
Operating Expenses:
Purchased Power and Transmission1,393.01,369.223.8932.5879.253.3370.3364.16.2
Operations and Maintenance644.2572.971.3563.2534.129.1237.7219.318.4
Depreciation338.9320.718.2337.5319.518.0120.1100.419.7
Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net99.058.440.655.883.2(27.4)86.852.834.0
Energy Efficiency Programs129.6141.5(11.9)288.6264.024.638.737.61.1
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes363.8344.419.4216.7206.89.991.581.69.9
Total Operating Expenses2,968.52,807.1161.42,394.32,286.8107.5945.1855.889.3
Operating Income668.9740.4(71.5)662.1654.37.8232.1223.38.8
Interest Expense166.1153.612.5146.0130.515.557.058.1(1.1)
Other Income, Net30.220.89.474.852.022.814.613.80.8
Income Before Income Tax Expense533.0607.6(74.6)590.9575.815.1189.7179.010.7
Income Tax Expense131.3149.7(18.4)114.3130.8(16.5)39.431.77.7
Net Income$401.7$457.9$(56.2)$476.6$445.0$31.6$150.3$147.3$3.0

Operating Revenues

Sales Volumes: A summary of our retail electric GWh sales volumes is as follows:

For the Years Ended December 31,
20212020IncreasePercentage Increase
CL&P20,50120,1133881.9%
NSTAR Electric22,72722,4183091.4%
PSNH7,7827,6751071.4%

Fluctuations in retail electric sales volumes at PSNH impact earnings.  For CL&P and NSTAR Electric, fluctuations in retail electric sales volumes do not impact earnings due to their respective regulatory commission-approved distribution revenue decoupling mechanisms.

Operating Revenues: Operating Revenues, which consist of base distribution revenues and tracked revenues further described below, increased $89.9 million at CL&P, $115.3 million at NSTAR Electric, and $98.1 million at PSNH in 2021, as compared to 2020.

Base Distribution Revenues:

•CL&P's distribution revenues decreased $12.0 million due primarily to the base distribution rate decrease implemented June 1, 2021. The decrease in the base distribution rate on June 1, 2021 was due primarily to the completion of the recovery of certain storm cost amortization and therefore the base rate decrease did not impact earnings. Excluding the reduction to revenue resulting from the completion of certain storm cost amortization, base distribution revenues increased due to the impact of a base distribution rate increase effective May 1, 2020.

•NSTAR Electric's distribution revenues increased $9.3 million due primarily to the impact of its base distribution rate increase effective January 1, 2021.

•PSNH's distribution revenues increased $31.5 million due primarily to the impact of its base distribution rate increases effective January 1, 2021 and August 1, 2021.

Electric distribution revenues at CL&P also decreased $93.4 million in 2021, as compared to 2020, due to a reserve established to provide bill credits to customers as a result of CL&P’s settlement agreement on October 1, 2021 and a storm performance penalty assessed by PURA in 2021. In the settlement agreement, CL&P agreed to provide a total of $65 million of customer credits, which were distributed based on customer sales over a two-month billing period from December 1, 2021 to January 31, 2022. CL&P recorded a $28.4 million reserve in 2021 for a civil penalty for non-compliance with storm performance standards that is currently being credited to customers on electric bills beginning on September 1, 2021 over a one-year period. CL&P recorded these reserves as a current regulatory liability and a reduction to Operating Revenues. As of December 31, 2021, the remaining reserve that has not yet been issued as customer credits and not yet reflected in rates totaled $71.1 million. For further information, see "Regulatory Developments and Rate Matters - Connecticut" included in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis.

52

Tracked Revenues: Tracked distribution revenues consist of certain costs that are recovered from customers in retail rates through regulatory

commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms and therefore, recovery of these costs has no impact on earnings. Revenues from certain of these

cost tracking mechanisms also include certain incentives earned, return on capital tracking mechanisms, and carrying charges that are billed in

rates to customers, which do impact earnings. Costs recovered through cost tracking mechanisms include, among others, energy supply

procurement and other energy-related costs, retail transmission charges, energy efficiency program costs, electric restructuring and stranded cost

recovery revenues (including securitized RRB charges), certain capital tracking mechanisms for infrastructure improvements, and additionally for NSTAR Electric, pension and PBOP benefits, net metering for distributed generation, and solar-related programs. Tracked revenues also include wholesale market sales transactions, such as sales of energy and energy-related products into the ISO-NE wholesale electricity market and the sale of RECs to various counterparties.

Tracked revenues increased/(decreased) in 2021, as compared to 2020, due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)CL&PNSTAR ElectricPSNH
Retail Tariff Tracked Revenues:
Energy supply procurement$(30.5)$(124.8)$3.2
Retail transmission47.0138.536.7
Other distribution tracking mechanisms(6.4)40.613.1
Wholesale Market Sales Revenue178.750.819.0

The decrease in energy supply procurement at CL&P was driven primarily by lower average prices, partially offset by higher average supply-related sales volumes. The decrease in energy supply procurement at NSTAR Electric was driven by lower average supply-related sales volumes, partially offset by higher average prices. The increase in energy supply procurement at PSNH was driven primarily by higher average supply-related sales volumes, partially offset by lower average prices. Fluctuations in retail transmission revenues are driven by the recovery of the costs of our wholesale transmission business, such as those billed by ISO-NE and Local and Regional Network Service charges. For further information, see "Purchased Power and Transmission Expense" below.

The increase in wholesale market sales revenue was due primarily to higher average electricity market prices received for wholesale sales at CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH in 2021, as compared to 2020. ISO-NE average market prices received for CL&P’s wholesale sales increased approximately 95 percent for the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to 2020, driven primarily by higher natural gas prices in New England. Volumes sold into the market were primarily from the sale of output generated by the Millstone PPA that CL&P entered into in 2019, as required by regulation. The increase in wholesale market sales revenues at CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH was also driven by higher proceeds from a one-year sale of transmission rights, effective June 2021, under CL&P’s, NSTAR Electric’s and PSNH’s Hydro-Quebec transmission support agreements. Proceeds from these sales are credited back to customers.

Transmission Revenues: Transmission revenues increased $42.6 million at CL&P, $30.1 million at NSTAR Electric and $25.8 million at PSNH in 2021, as compared to 2020, due primarily to a higher transmission rate base as a result of our continued investment in our transmission infrastructure.

Eliminations: Eliminations are primarily related to the Eversource electric transmission revenues that are derived from ISO-NE regional transmission charges to the distribution businesses of CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH that recover the costs of the wholesale transmission business in rates charged to their customers. The impact of eliminations decreased revenues by $27.8 million at CL&P, $29.1 million at NSTAR Electric and $29.5 million at PSNH in 2021, as compared to 2020.

Purchased Power and Transmission expense includes costs associated with purchasing electricity on behalf of CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH's customers and the cost of energy purchase contracts, as required by regulation.  These energy supply and other energy-related costs are recovered from customers in rates through commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms, which have no impact on earnings (tracked costs). Purchased Power and Transmission expense increased in 2021, as compared to 2020, due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)CL&PNSTAR ElectricPSNH
Purchased Power Costs$2.1$(55.5)$(3.3)
Transmission Costs48.2138.039.0
Eliminations(26.5)(29.2)(29.5)
Total Purchased Power and Transmission$23.8$53.3$6.2

Purchased Power Costs: Included in purchased power costs are the costs associated with providing electric generation service supply to all customers who have not migrated to third party suppliers and the cost of energy purchase contracts, as required by regulation.

•The increase at CL&P was due primarily to higher long-term contractual energy-related costs that are recovered in the NBFMCC mechanism, partially offset by lower expense related to the procurement of energy supply resulting from lower average prices.

•The decrease at NSTAR Electric was due primarily to lower expense related to the procurement of energy supply resulting from lower average supply-related sales volumes, partially offset by higher net metering costs.

•The decrease at PSNH was due primarily to lower stranded costs resulting from higher Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) proceeds received, which are credited back to customers. The higher RGGI proceeds resulted from an increase in RGGI auction clearing prices for allowances in 2021 as compared to 2020.

53

Transmission Costs: Included in transmission costs are charges that recover the cost of transporting electricity over high-voltage lines from generation facilities to substations, including costs allocated by ISO-NE to maintain the wholesale electric market.

•The increase in transmission costs at CL&P was due primarily to an increase in costs billed by ISO-NE that support regional grid investments. This was partially offset by a decrease resulting from the retail transmission cost deferral, which reflects the actual costs of transmission service compared to estimated amounts billed to customers, and a decrease in Local Network Service charges, which reflect the cost of transmission service provided by Eversource over our local transmission network.

•The increase in transmission costs at NSTAR Electric and PSNH was due primarily to an increase in costs billed by ISO-NE, an increase resulting from the retail transmission cost deferral, and an increase in costs billed by ISO-NE that support regional grid investments. This was partially offset by a decrease in Local Network Service charges.

Operations and Maintenance expense includes tracked costs and costs that are part of base distribution rates with changes impacting earnings (non-tracked costs).  Operations and Maintenance expense increased in 2021, as compared to 2020, due primarily to the following:

(Millions of Dollars)CL&PNSTAR ElectricPSNH
Base Electric Distribution (Non-Tracked Costs):
Employee-related expenses, including labor and benefits$17.2$14.3$7.9
Shared corporate costs (including computer software depreciation at Eversource Service)6.912.72.0
Vegetation Management6.8(0.8)13.1
Funding of CL&P storm reserve as part of June 1, 2021 rate change (offset by lower Amortization expense; no earnings impact)16.0
CL&P charge to fund customer assistance initiatives associated with the settlement agreement10.0
Storm restoration costs(6.9)(15.3)(2.0)
Operations-related expenses, including vehicles and outside services4.8(0.7)(1.0)
Other non-tracked operations and maintenance6.4(3.9)1.0
Total Base Electric Distribution (Non-Tracked Costs)61.26.321.0
Tracked Costs:
Transmission expenses(1.2)1.95.8
Other tracked operations and maintenance11.320.9(8.4)
Total Tracked Costs10.122.8(2.6)
Total Operations and Maintenance$71.3$29.1$18.4

Depreciation expense increased in 2021, as compared to 2020, for CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH due to higher net plant in service balances. The increase at PSNH was also due to new depreciation rates effective January 1, 2021 resulting from the 2020 distribution rate settlement agreement.

Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net expense includes the deferral of energy supply, energy-related costs and other costs that are included in certain regulatory-approved cost tracking mechanisms. This deferral adjusts expense to match the corresponding revenues compared to the actual costs incurred. Energy supply and energy-related costs are recovered from customers in rates and have no impact on earnings. Amortization expense also includes the amortization of certain costs as those costs are collected in rates. Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net increased/decreased in 2021, as compared to 2020, due primarily to the following:

•The increase at CL&P was due primarily to the deferral adjustment of energy supply, energy-related and other tracked costs, which can fluctuate from period to period based on the timing of costs incurred and related rate changes to recover these costs. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in storm amortization expense related to the completion of the amortization period of certain storm cost deferred assets.

•The decrease at NSTAR Electric was due to the deferral adjustment of energy supply, energy-related costs and other tracked costs, which can fluctuate from period to period based on the timing of costs incurred and related rate changes to recover these costs.

•The increase at PSNH was due to the deferral adjustment of energy-related and other tracked costs, which can fluctuate from period to period based on the timing of costs incurred and related rate changes to recover these costs.

Energy Efficiency Programs expense includes costs of various state energy policy initiatives and expanded energy efficiency programs that are recovered from customers in rates, most of which have no impact on earnings. Energy Efficiency Programs expense increased/decreased in 2021, as compared to 2020, due primarily to the following:

•The decrease at CL&P was due to the deferral adjustment, which reflects actual costs of energy efficiency programs compared to the estimated amounts billed to customers, and the timing of the recovery of energy efficiency costs.

•The increases at NSTAR Electric and PSNH were due to the deferral adjustment, which reflects actual costs of energy efficiency programs compared to the estimated amounts billed to customers, and the timing of the recovery of energy efficiency costs.

Taxes Other Than Income Taxes increased in 2021, as compared to 2020, due primarily to the following:

•The increase at CL&P was related to higher property taxes as a result of a higher utility plant balance and higher gross earnings taxes.

•The increases at NSTAR Electric and PSNH were due to higher property taxes as a result of higher utility plant balances.

54

Interest Expense increased/decreased in 2021, as compared to 2020, due primarily to the following:

•The increase at CL&P was due primarily to higher interest on long-term debt ($5.4 million), an increase in interest expense on regulatory deferrals ($3.7 million), a decrease in AFUDC related to debt funds ($3.7 million), and higher amortization of debt discounts and premiums, net ($0.9 million).

•The increase at NSTAR Electric was due primarily to an increase in interest expense on regulatory deferrals ($7.6 million), higher interest on long-term debt ($6.0 million), and higher amortization of debt discounts and premiums, net ($0.4 million).

•The decrease at PSNH was due primarily to a decrease in RRB interest expense ($1.3 million), lower amortization of debt discounts and premiums, net ($0.7 million), and lower interest on long-term debt ($0.5 million), partially offset by a decrease in AFUDC related to debt funds ($1.3 million) and an increase in interest expense on regulatory deferrals ($0.4 million).

Other Income, Net increased in 2021, as compared to 2020, due primarily to the following:

•The increase at CL&P was due primarily to an increase related to pension, SERP and PBOP non-service income components ($11.4 million), higher interest income ($3.9 million), and an increase in investment income ($0.2 million), partially offset by a decrease in AFUDC related to equity funds ($6.1 million).

•The increase at NSTAR Electric was due primarily to higher interest income ($12.5 million) and an increase related to pension, SERP and PBOP non-service income components ($10.9 million), partially offset by a decrease in AFUDC related to equity funds ($1.1 million).

•The increase at PSNH was due primarily to an increase related to pension, SERP and PBOP non-service income components ($3.3 million), partially offset by a decrease in AFUDC related to equity funds ($2.6 million).

Income Tax Expense increased/decreased in 2021, as compared to 2020, due primarily to the following:

•The decrease at CL&P was due primarily to the CL&P settlement agreement ($17.5 million), a decrease in valuation allowance ($17.0 million), and a decrease in items that impact our tax rate as a result of regulatory treatment (flow-through items) and permanent differences ($9.8 million), partially offset by higher pre-tax earnings excluding the settlement agreement charges ($6.2 million), higher state taxes ($18.9 million) and lower share-based payment excess tax benefits ($0.8 million).

•The decrease at NSTAR Electric was due primarily to an increase in amortization of EDIT ($22.8 million), partially offset by higher pre-tax earnings ($3.2 million), higher state taxes ($1.4 million), an increase in items that impact our tax rate as a result of regulatory treatment (flow-through items) and permanent differences ($0.8 million), and lower share-based payment excess tax benefits ($0.9 million).

•The increase at PSNH was due primarily to a decrease in amortization of EDIT ($4.9 million), higher state taxes ($0.4 million), higher pre-tax earnings ($2.2 million), and an increase in items that impact our tax rate as a result of regulatory treatment (flow-through items) and permanent differences ($0.2 million).

EARNINGS SUMMARY

CL&P's earnings decreased $56.2 million in 2021, as compared to 2020, due primarily to the settlement agreement on October 1, 2021 resulting in a total $75 million pre-tax charge to earnings and a $28.6 million pre-tax charge to earnings for a storm performance penalty imposed by the PURA as a result of CL&P’s preparation for and response to Tropical Storm Isaias in August 2020 that was recorded in 2021. The after-tax impact of the settlement agreement and storm performance penalty was $86.1 million. Earnings were also unfavorably impacted by higher operations and maintenance expense primarily driven by higher employee-related expenses, higher shared corporate costs, and higher vegetation management costs, higher depreciation expense, higher property tax expense, and higher interest expense. The earnings decrease was partially offset by higher earnings from its capital tracker mechanism due to increased electric system improvements, the base distribution rate increase effective May 1, 2020, an increase in transmission earnings driven by a higher transmission rate base, and an increase in the non-service income components of pension, SERP and PBOP net periodic benefit plan cost.

NSTAR Electric's earnings increased $31.6 million in 2021, as compared to 2020, due primarily to an increase in transmission earnings driven by a higher transmission rate base, the base distribution rate increase effective January 1, 2021, a lower effective tax rate, and the earnings benefit in 2021 associated with the deferral of threshold costs for certain 2020 and 2021 major storms. The earnings increase was partially offset by higher operations and maintenance expense primarily driven by higher employee-related expenses and higher shared corporate costs, higher depreciation expense, and higher interest expense.

PSNH's earnings increased $3.0 million in 2021, as compared to 2020, due primarily to the base distribution rate increases effective January 1, 2021 and August 1, 2021, an increase in transmission earnings driven by a higher transmission rate base, and the impact in 2021 of a new tracker mechanism at PSNH approved as part of the 2020 rate settlement agreement. The earnings increase was partially offset by higher operations and maintenance expense primarily driven by higher vegetation management costs and higher employee-related expenses, higher depreciation expense, and higher property tax expense.

55

LIQUIDITY

Cash Flows: CL&P had cash flows provided by operating activities of $612.9 million in 2021, as compared to $397.1 million in 2020.  The increase in operating cash flows was due primarily to the timing of collections for regulatory tracking mechanisms, the timing of cash collections on our accounts receivable, the timing of cash payments made on our accounts payable, and the timing of other working capital items. These favorable impacts were partially offset by a $75.7 million increase in pension contributions made in 2021, as compared to 2020, a $38.4 million increase in cost of removal expenditures, and a $27.5 million increase in income tax payments made in 2021, as compared to 2020.

NSTAR Electric had cash flows provided by operating activities of $700.9 million in 2021, as compared to $525.8 million in 2020.  The increase in operating cash flows was due primarily to the timing of collections for regulatory tracking mechanisms, the timing of other working capital items, a $36.5 million decrease in income tax payments made in 2021, as compared to 2020, the timing of cash collections on our accounts receivable, and the timing of cash payments made on our accounts payable. These favorable impacts were partially offset by a $29.4 million increase in pension contributions made in 2021, as compared to 2020, and a $19.8 million increase in cost of removal expenditures.

PSNH had cash flows provided by operating activities of $336.1 million in 2021, as compared to $218.7 million in 2020.  The increase in operating cash flows was due primarily to the timing of collections for regulatory tracking mechanisms, the timing of other working capital items, and the absence in 2021 of pension contributions of $19.5 million made in 2020. These favorable impacts were partially offset by the timing of cash payments made on our accounts payable, a $16.9 million increase in income tax payments made in 2021, as compared to 2020, and an $8.7 million increase in cost of removal expenditures.

For further information on CL&P's, NSTAR Electric's and PSNH's liquidity and capital resources, see "Liquidity" and "Business Development and Capital Expenditures" included in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.