Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company recognized a net after-tax non-recurring charge of $75 million, or $0.20 per share, related to offshore wind liability, which increased the estimated liability for future payments to GIP by approximately $285 million, offset by $210 million of tax benefits [16][17] - GAAP earnings for Q3 were $0.99 per share, compared to a loss of $0.33 per share in the same quarter last year, while non-GAAP recurring earnings were $1.19 per share, up from $1.13 per share year-over-year [17][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Electric transmission earnings increased by $0.01 per share due to higher revenues from continued investment in the transmission system [18] - Electric distribution earnings rose by $0.03 per share, reflecting distribution rate increases in New Hampshire and Massachusetts [18] - Natural gas segment earnings improved by $0.04 per share, primarily due to base distribution rate increases [18] - Water distribution earnings decreased by $0.02 per share due to higher O&M and depreciation expenses [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Year-to-date weather-normalized load growth was 2%, with a peak of over 12 gigawatts recorded this summer, the highest since 2013 [11] - The evolving electric demand landscape necessitates numerous transmission projects to improve regional reliability and address congestion [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing key strategic initiatives to drive sustainable growth and strengthen its balance sheet [4] - There is a strong emphasis on infrastructure investments, with nearly $5 billion planned for the year [9] - The company is pursuing various transmission projects to support future growth, including the Cambridge Underground Substation [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the regulatory environment in Connecticut, highlighting opportunities for collaboration with the new PURA commissioners [5][7] - The company aims to deliver reliable, sustainable energy while maintaining affordability for customers through cost-effective investments and efficient operations [14] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 recurring earnings per share guidance to a range of $4.72-$4.80, with a long-term EPS growth rate of 5%-7% [25] Other Important Information - The company is on track to close the sale of Aquarion Water by the end of the year, with a final decision from PURA expected on November 19 [7][21] - The company has installed over 40,000 AMI meters in Massachusetts and completed the communication network deployment in the western portion of its service territory [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Yankee Gas and alternative resolution - Management indicated that the decision from PURA was better than the draft decision, and they will provide more information later [32] Question: NSTAR Gas PBR proposal denial - Management explained that the denial was due to a roll-in of GSEP and indicated plans to file a general rate case if necessary [35][36] Question: Regulatory updates and credit agency views - Management noted that credit agencies are in a wait-and-see mode regarding regulatory outcomes [42] Question: Land acquisition strategy - Management clarified that land acquisitions are for their own regulated business and strategic energy injection [60][61] Question: Timing for storm cost securitization resolution - Management expects a decision on storm cost securitization in the second or third quarter of the following year [72] Question: Completion of Revolution Wind project - Management reported significant progress, with 52 of 65 turbines installed and an improved project schedule [68] Question: Tax rate expectations - Management anticipates the tax rate to be in the low 20% for the current year, moving towards a more normal level in 2026 [92]