FERC Account 365 – Overhead Conductors and Devices
FERC Account 365 is used to record the installed cost of conductors and related devices in the overhead electric distribution system.
Definition
Record in this account the cost installed of overhead conductors and devices used in electric distribution operations.
Account 365 generally captures the energized line components installed on the utility’s overhead distribution system, including primary and secondary conductors, insulators, cutouts, and related line devices. It is typically paired with Account 364, which captures the supporting poles and fixtures.
What is typically included
- Primary and secondary overhead conductors
- Insulators, dead-ends, splices, switches, cutouts, and related line devices
- Fuses, jumpers, connectors, and associated materials installed on overhead lines
- Installed costs, including direct labor and capitalizable overheads, when applicable
- Capital line rebuilds and replacements that meet capitalization policy
What is generally not included
- Poles, towers, and fixtures recorded in Account 364
- Service lines recorded in Account 369 when separately classified there
- Street lighting and signal systems recorded in Account 373
- Routine line maintenance and storm restoration expense
- Substation equipment recorded in Account 362
Why Account 365 matters
- This account is central to overhead line construction, renewal, and retirement accounting
- Proper separation from Account 364 improves unit-cost analysis and continuing property records
- Overhead conductor balances directly affect depreciation studies and rate-base reporting
- Reliable classification supports line extension and rebuild project accounting
Utilities should apply their own capitalization policy, retirement procedures, and continuing property record practices when determining the final accounting treatment for a specific project or transaction.
Examples
Reconductor project
A utility replaces aging overhead primary conductor on an existing line. If the project meets capitalization policy, the installed conductor and device costs would generally be recorded in Account 365.
New switch installation
A new sectionalizing switch is installed on an overhead feeder as part of a capital reliability project. The installed cost would generally be recorded in Account 365.
Storm repairs
Emergency storm repairs that restore service without meeting capitalization criteria would generally be charged to expense rather than Account 365.
Related FERC distribution plant accounts
- Account 364 – Poles, Towers, and Fixtures
- Account 369 – Services
- Account 373 – Street Lighting and Signal Systems
- Account 362 – Station Equipment
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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.