FERC Account 398 – Miscellaneous Equipment
FERC Account 398 records the cost of general plant equipment not classifiable in other specific general plant accounts.
Definition
Record in this account the cost of general plant equipment that cannot be classified in other specific general plant equipment accounts.
Account 398 is a catch-all for capitalized general plant equipment that does not fit neatly into Accounts 391-397. This might include specialized equipment unique to a particular utility's operations, safety equipment, emergency generators for office facilities, or other equipment serving general utility purposes without a more specific account designation.
What is typically included
- Safety and emergency equipment for general utility facilities
- Backup generators for office buildings and general facilities
- Specialized equipment not fitting other general plant categories
- Security systems and access control equipment for general facilities
- Environmental monitoring equipment for general utility facilities
What is generally not included
- Office furniture and equipment (Account 391)
- Transportation equipment (Account 392)
- Stores equipment (Account 393)
- Tools, shop and garage equipment (Account 394)
- Laboratory, communication, and power operated equipment (Accounts 395-397)
Why this account matters
- Provides a home for miscellaneous general plant equipment not fitting other accounts
- Prevents misclassification of equipment into inappropriate specific accounts
- Required for complete FERC Form 1 general plant-in-service reporting
- Enables proper depreciation of miscellaneous general plant assets
- Supports comprehensive cost allocation of general plant to operating departments
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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.