FERC Account 391: Office Furniture and Equipment

FERC Account 391 records the cost of office furniture and equipment used in general utility administrative operations.

Definition

Record in this account the cost of office furniture, fixtures, and equipment used in the general administrative operations of the utility.

Account 391 captures the cost of desks, chairs, file cabinets, computers, printers, copiers, and other office equipment used in administrative and general functions. Equipment specifically dedicated to technical operational functions (such as engineering workstations for system operations) may be recorded in other accounts depending on their primary function.

What is typically included

• Desks, chairs, tables, and general office furniture
• Computers, monitors, and related peripheral equipment for administrative use
• Printers, copiers, and imaging equipment
• Telephone systems and switchboards for general office use
• Filing systems, storage cabinets, and office fixtures

What is generally not included

• Communication equipment for operational use (Account 397)
• Computers and equipment dedicated to system operations (may be Account 397)
• Office structures and buildings (Account 390)
• Laboratory equipment (Account 395)
• Tools and equipment in field operations (Account 394)

Why this account matters

• Provides detailed tracking of general administrative equipment investment
• Supports depreciation calculations for office equipment with shorter useful lives
• Required for FERC Form 1 general plant-in-service reporting
• Enables cost allocation of general plant between operating departments
• Distinguishes administrative equipment from operational and technical equipment