FERC Account 354 – Towers and Fixtures
FERC Account 354 records the cost of transmission line towers, poles, and related fixtures used to support overhead transmission conductors.
Definition
Record in this account the cost of towers, poles, and fixtures used to support overhead electric transmission lines.
Account 354 captures the installed cost of steel lattice towers, H-frame structures, single-pole structures, and all related hardware used to support high-voltage overhead transmission conductors. This includes the cost of foundations, anchor bolts, guys, braces, and hardware that are integral to the tower or pole structure. Conductors themselves are recorded in Account 356.
What is typically included
- Steel lattice transmission towers and their foundations
- H-frame and single-pole structures for transmission lines
- Guys, anchors, and bracing associated with transmission structures
- Tower hardware including cross arms, insulator pins, and attachment hardware
- Painting and protective coatings applied as part of initial installation
What is generally not included
- Transmission conductors, insulators, and overhead ground wires (Account 356)
- Distribution line poles and structures (Account 364 or 365)
- Land and rights-of-way for transmission lines (Account 350)
- Replacement of individual tower components charged to maintenance
- Temporary structures used during construction (charged to CWIP)
Why this account matters
- Separates the tower/structure investment from conductor investment for depreciation purposes
- Supports accurate useful life and depreciation studies for transmission structures
- Required for FERC Form 1 detailed transmission plant reporting
- Provides data for transmission cost allocations in wholesale rate proceedings
- Enables proper tracking of mass property retirement units for transmission structures
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Disclaimer: The material in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal or accounting advice provided by Utility Accounting & Rates Specialists, LLC. You should seek formal advice on this topic from your accounting or legal advisor.