CIAC accounting is accounting for amounts paid by developers, customers, and governments for reimbursement of electric assets that a utility or co-op is constructing to serve them. CIAC accounting is straightforward for electric co-ops and private sector utilities, but complicated for GASB-following municipal utilities. We discuss the methods and some alternatives.

The FERC Chart of Accounts sets the standard for electric fixed assets accounting. This case study presents an electric utility seeking to strengthen its work order fixed asset processes. The solution took time, but the outcome was spot-on. This article is a bit technical, but if your electric co-op or utility is considering addressing deficiencies in its fixed assets, this is a detailed approach that will be a winner.