Sophia Ward holds a variable annuity with a current separate account value of $200,000. Her contract specifies an annual Mortality & Expense (M&E) risk charge of 1.20% of the separate account's average daily net asset value, along with a 7-year declining surrender charge schedule. Sophia decides to make a partial withdrawal of $40,000, which exceeds her contract's free withdrawal provision and triggers a 5% surrender charge on the amount withdrawn.

Considering only the immediate effect of this transaction, what is the most accurate description of how this event will directly impact the *calculation basis* for Sophia's future M&E risk charges?