UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
[X]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarter ended June 30, 2005
[ ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ___ to ___
Commission File Number 1-935
QUESTAR GAS COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
STATE OF UTAH 87-0155877
(State of other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
180 East 100 South Street, P.O. Box 45360 Salt Lake City, Utah 84145-0360
(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code(801) 324-2556
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 of 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the exchange Act). Yes [ ] No [X]
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class
Outstanding as of July 31, 2005
Common Stock, $1.00 par value
9,189,626 Shares
Registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction H (1) (a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is filing this Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format.
#
Questar Gas Company
Form 10-Q for the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
3
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND RISK FACTORS
3
GLOSSARY OF COMMONLY USED TERMS
4
SEC FILINGS AND WEBSITE INFORMATION
4
6
6
Statements of Income for the three, six and twelve months ended
June 30, 2005 and 2004
6
Condensed Balance Sheets at June 30, 2005, June 30, 2004,
and December 31, 2004
7
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended
June 30, 2005 and 2004
8
Notes Accompanying the Financial Statements
9
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations
12
14
15
15
15
#
NATURE OF BUSINESS
Questar Gas Company (Questar Gas or the Company) distributes natural gas as a public utility in Utah, southwestern Wyoming and a small portion of southeastern Idaho. Questar Gas is regulated by the Public Service Commission of Utah (PSCU) and the Public Service Commission of Wyoming (PSCW). The Public Utility Commission of Idaho has contracted with the PSCU for rate oversight of Questar Gas’s Idaho operations. Questar Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Questar Corporation (Questar) headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND RISK FACTORS
This report includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended. All statements other than statements of historical facts included or incorporated by reference in this report, including, without limitation, statements regarding the future financial position, business strategy, budgets, projected costs and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “expect,” “intend,” “project,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “forecast,” or “continue” or the negative ther eof or variations thereon or similar terminology. Although these statements are made in good faith and are reasonable representations of Questar Gas’s expected performance at the time, actual results may vary from management’s stated expectations and projections due to a variety of factors.
Important assumptions and other significant factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following:
Questar Gas must comply with numerous regulations from the federal, state and local level
Questar Gas is subject to federal, state and local environmental, health and safety laws and regulations. Environmental laws and regulations are complex, change frequently and tend to become more onerous over time. In addition to the costs of compliance, the Company may incur substantial costs to take corrective actions at both owned and previously owned facilities. Accidental spills and leaks requiring cleanup may occur in the ordinary course of business. As standards change, the Company may incur significant costs in cases where past operations followed practices that were considered acceptable at the time but that now require remedial work to meet current standards. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in fines, significant costs for remedial activities, or injunctions.
Questar Gas must comply with numerous and complex regulations governing activities on federal and state lands in the Rocky Mountain region, notably the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act and the National Historic Preservation Act. Federal and state agencies frequently impose conditions on the Company’s activities. These restrictions tend to become more stringent over time.
Questar Gas incurs significant costs to comply with federal pipeline-safety regulations. The Company may also be affected by possible future regulations requiring the tracking, reporting and reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions.
State agencies regulate the distribution of natural gas
Questar Gas’s natural gas-distribution business is regulated by the PSCU and the PSCW. These commissions set rates for distribution services and establish policies and procedures for services, accounting, purchase, sale and other activities. PSCU and PSCW policies may adversely affect Questar Gas profitability.
Other factors may affect Questar Gas’s results
Other factors may affect Questar Gas’s results such as changes in general economic conditions; changes in regulation; availability and economic viability of gas and oil properties for sale or exploration; creditworthiness of counterparties; rate of inflation and interest rates; assumptions used in business combinations; weather and natural disasters; changes in customers’ credit ratings; competition from other forms of energy, other pipelines and storage facilities; effects of accounting policies issued periodically by accounting standard-setting bodies; terrorist attacks or acts of war; changes in the business or financial condition of the Company; changes in credit ratings; and availability of financing.
The Company cannot predict these factors nor can it assess the impact, if any, of such factors on its financial position or its results of operations. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. Questar Gas undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement provided in this report.
GLOSSARY OF COMMONLY USED TERMS
Btu
One British thermal unit – a measure of the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit at sea level.
cf
Cubic foot is a common unit of gas measurement. One standard cubic foot equals the volume of gas in one cubic foot measured at standard conditions – a temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit and a pressure of 30 inches of mercury (approximately 14.73 pounds per square inch).
dth
Decatherms or ten therms. One dth equals one million Btu or approximately one Mcf.
gas
All references to “gas” in this report refer to natural gas.
heating-degree days
A measure of the number of degrees the average-daily outside temperature is below 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mbbl
One thousand barrels.
Mcf
One thousand cubic feet.
Mdth
One thousand decatherms.
proved reserves
Those quantities of natural gas, crude oil, condensate and NGL on a net-revenue-interest basis, which geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be recoverable under existing economic and operating conditions. See 17 C.F.R. Section 4-10(a)(2) for a complete definition.
proved-developed
Reserves that include proved developed-producing reserves
reserves
and proved-developed behind-pipe reserves. See 17 C.F.R. Section 4-10(a)(3).
proved-developed-
Reserves expected to be recovered from existing completion intervals in
producing reserves
existing wells.
proved-undeveloped
Reserves expected to be recovered from new wells on proved-undrilled acreage
reserves
or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion. See 17 C.F.R. Section 4-10(a)(4).
SEC FILINGS AND WEBSITE INFORMATION
Questar Gas files annual, quarterly, and current reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Questar also regularly files proxy statements and other documents with the SEC. Investors can read and copy any materials filed with the SEC at its Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and can obtain information about the operations of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0300. The SEC also maintains a website that contains information filed electronically that can be accessed over the Internet at www.sec.gov.
Investors can also access financial and other information for Questar Gas at www.questar.com. Questar's website contains Statements of Responsibility for Board Committees, Corporate Governance Guidelines and its Business Ethics Policy.
Questar Gas makes available, free of charge through Questar’s website, copies of Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to such reports. Access to these reports is provided as soon as reasonably practical after such reports are electronically filed with the commission.
#
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
QUESTAR GAS COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||||
June 30, | June 30, | June 30, | ||||
2005 | 2004 | 2005 | 2004 | 2005 | 2004 | |
(in thousands) | ||||||
REVENUES | ||||||
From unaffiliated customers | $151,043 | $102,235 | $494,733 | $409,114 | $845,105 | $702,797 |
From affiliates | 1,370 | 1,017 | 2,631 | 2,154 | 5,184 | 2,901 |
TOTAL REVENUES | 152,413 | 103,252 | 497,364 | 411,268 | 850,289 | 705,698 |
OPERATING EXPENSES | ||||||
Cost of natural gas sold | 112,359 | 65,697 | 363,956 | 282,427 | 617,657 | 477,834 |
Operating and maintenance | 28,006 | 25,043 | 56,917 | 53,465 | 108,238 | 101,074 |
Depreciation and amortization | 10,892 | 10,357 | 22,198 | 20,666 | 43,488 | 40,388 |
Rate-refund obligation | 1,505 | 2,995 | 1,095 | 5,934 | ||
Other taxes | 3,278 | 3,078 | 6,464 | 6,244 | 9,987 | 10,236 |
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES | 154,535 | 105,680 | 449,535 | 365,797 | 780,465 | 635,466 |
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) | (2,122) | (2,428) | 47,829 | 45,471 | 69,824 | 70,232 |
Interest and other income | 1,272 | 775 | 2,546 | 1,436 | 4,618 | 3,541 |
Debt expense | (4,855) | (4,945) | (9,919) | (9,857) | (19,795) | (19,681) |
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES | (5,705) | (6,598) | 40,456 | 37,050 | 54,647 | 54,092 |
Income taxes | (2,259) | (2,599) | 15,190 | 14,738 | 20,232 | 20,810 |
NET INCOME (LOSS) | $ (3,446) | $ (3,999) | $ 25,266 | $ 22,312 | $ 34,415 | $ 33,282 |
See notes accompanying the financial statements
#
QUESTAR GAS COMPANY
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
June 30, | December 31, | ||
2005 | 2004 | 2004 | |
(Unaudited) |
| ||
(in thousands) | |||
ASSETS | |||
Current assets | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 2,131 | ||
Accounts receivable, net | $ 47,998 | $ 36,191 | 76,352 |
Unbilled gas accounts receivable | 9,024 | 6,850 | 59,160 |
Accounts receivable from affiliates | 2,464 | 319 | 544 |
Federal income taxes recoverable | 980 | 6,701 | |
Inventories, at lower of average cost or market | |||
Gas stored underground | 18,411 | 23,955 | 44,340 |
Materials and supplies | 6,311 | 5,838 | 5,660 |
Prepaid expenses and other | 1,816 | 1,222 | 2,188 |
Purchased -gas adjustments | 14,642 | 25,323 | 35,853 |
Total current assets | 100,666 | 100,678 | 232,929 |
Property, plant and equipment | 1,348,365 | 1,267,647 | 1,315,537 |
Less accumulated depreciation | |||
and amortization | 595,456 | 551,300 | 572,290 |
Net property, plant and equipment | 752,909 | 716,347 | 743,247 |
Regulatory assets | 19,059 | 19,232 | 22,011 |
Goodwill and other assets | 11,329 | 11,414 | 13,609 |
$ 883,963 | $ 847,671 | $1,011,796 | |
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY | |||
Current liabilities | |||
Checks in excess of cash balances | $ 889 | $ 2,583 | |
Notes payable to Questar | 45,400 | 44,100 | $ 95,200 |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 50,375 | 27,700 | 98,836 |
Accounts payable to affiliates | 21,657 | 21,843 | 31,981 |
Customer-credit balances | 12,223 | 4,792 | 24,771 |
Rate-refund obligation | 3,341 | 27,934 | 20,633 |
Deferred income taxes - current | 5,564 | 9,623 | 13,624 |
Total current liabilities | 139,449 | 138,575 | 285,045 |
Long-term debt | 273,000 | 273,000 | 273,000 |
Deferred income taxes | 114,914 | 103,547 | 117,761 |
Other long-term liabilities | 35,983 | 13,977 | 21,019 |
Common shareholder's equity | |||
Common stock | 22,974 | 22,974 | 22,974 |
Additional paid-in capital | 115,255 | 121,875 | 121,875 |
Retained earnings | 182,388 | 173,723 | 170,122 |
Total common shareholder's equity | 320,617 | 318,572 | 314,971 |
$ 883,963 | $ 847,671 | $1,011,796 |
See notes accompanying the financial statements
#
QUESTAR GAS COMPANY
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
6 Months Ended | ||
June 30, | ||
2005 | 2004 | |
(in thousands) | ||
OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||
Net income | $ 25,266 | $ 22,312 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net | ||
cash provided from operating activities: | ||
Depreciation and amortization | 24,420 | 22,215 |
Deferred income taxes | (7,948) | 14,066 |
Net loss from asset sales | 41 | 207 |
41,779 | 58,800 | |
Change in operating assets and liabilities | 52,689 | 7,031 |
NET CASH PROVIDED FROM | ||
OPERATING ACTIVITIES | 94,468 | 65,831 |
INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ||
Capital expenditures | (35,151) | (35,406) |
Proceeds from disposition of assets | 463 | 648 |
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES | (34,688) | (34,758) |
FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||
Checks in excess of cash balance | 889 | 2,583 |
Decrease in notes payable to Questar | (49,800) | (7,800) |
Long-term debt repaid | (17,000) | |
Dividends paid | (13,000) | (12,750) |
NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES | (61,911) | (34,967) |
Change in cash and cash equivalents | (2,131) | (3,894) |
Beginning cash and cash equivalents | 2,131 | 3,894 |
Ending cash and cash equivalents | $ - | $ - |
See notes accompanying the financial statements
#
QUESTAR GAS COMPANY
NOTES ACCOMPANYING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
June 30, 2005
(Unaudited)
Note 1 – Basis of Presentation of Interim Financial Statements
The accompanying interim financial statements of Questar Gas have not been audited by an independent registered public accounting firm with the exception of the condensed balance sheet at December 31, 2004, which was derived from audited financial statement at that date. The unaudited financial statements were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the SEC’s instructions for Form 10-Q. The interim financial statements reflect all normal, recurring adjustments and accruals that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the interim periods presented. The preparation of financial statements and notes in conformity with GAAP requires that management make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets and liabilitie s and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from estimates. Certain reclassifications were made to the 2004 financial statements to conform with the 2005 presentation.
The results of operations for the three-, six- and twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2005, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2005, due to a variety of factors listed in the Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors section of this report. Interim financial statements do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for audited annual financial statements. For further information please refer to the financial statements and notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.
Note 2 – Rate Refund Obligation
On August 1, 2003, the Utah Supreme Court issued an order reversing an August 2000 decision made by the PSCU concerning certain natural gas-processing costs incurred by Questar Gas to manage the heat content of its gas supply. The court ruled that the PSCU did not comply with its statutory responsibilities and regulatory procedures when approving a stipulation in Questar Gas’s 1999 general rate case. The stipulation permitted Questar Gas to collect $5.0 million per year, a portion of the processing costs, through May 2004. The Committee of Consumer Services, a Utah state agency, appealed the PSCU’s decision, arguing that the PSCU had failed to explicitly address whether the costs were prudent.
As a result of the court’s order, Questar Gas recorded a liability for a potential refund to gas-distribution customers. A total liability of $29.0 million included revenue received for processing costs and interest from June 1999 through September 2004.
On August 30, 2004, the PSCU ruled that Questar Gas failed in 1999 to prove that its decision to contract for gas processing with an affiliate was prudent. The PSCU rejected the stipulation, denied the request for rate recovery and ordered the refund of gas-processing costs previously collected in rates. Because Questar Gas had previously accrued a liability for the refund, the order did not have a material impact on 2004 earnings. Questar Gas reduced its rates on September 1, 2004, to eliminate the collection of gas-processing costs and on October 1 began refunding previously collected costs, plus interest, over a 12-month period. As of June 30, 2005, Questar Gas had a refund liability of $3.3 million.
In response to a Questar Gas petition, the PSCU clarified that its order did not preclude recovery of ongoing and certain past-processing costs. Ongoing processing costs are approximately $6.0 million per year. Questar Gas has requested ongoing rate coverage for gas-processing costs in its pass-through filings, but is not currently collecting these costs in rates. The PSCU has conducted several technical conferences to determine what actions should be taken to manage the heat content of the gas supply. On January 31, 2005, Questar Gas filed a rate request with the PSCU to recover $5.7 million per year of gas-processing costs through its gas-balance account. The $5.7 million is Utah’s share of the estimated $6 million cost of operating the gas-processing plant. The Wyoming share has been recovered in rates. Questar Gas filed expert testimony supporting the rate request on April 15, 2005, a nd hearings before the PSCU are scheduled for fourth quarter 2005.
Note 3 – Questar Regulated Services Merger
Questar Gas and its parent company, Questar Regulated Services Company (Regulated Services) merged effective March 31, 2005, with Questar Gas the surviving company. Regulated Services was a holding company that provided management, engineering and accounting services for its wholly owned subsidiaries, Questar Gas and its affiliated company, Questar Pipeline. Regulated Services was a wholly owned subsidiary of Questar. Questar Gas and Questar Pipeline became wholly owned subsidiaries of Questar as a result of the merger.
Note 4 – Recent Accounting Developments
In March 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Interpretation No. 47 (FIN 47), “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations – an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143” (SFAS 143). FIN 47 clarifies the term conditional asset retirement obligation as used in SFAS 143 and requires a liability to be recorded if the fair value of the obligation can be reasonably estimated. The types of asset retirement obligations that are covered by FIN 47 are those for which an entity has a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity; however the timing and/or method of settling the obligation are conditional on a future event that may or may not be within the control of the entity. FIN 47 also clarifies when an entity would have sufficient information to reasonably estimate the fair value of an asset retirement obligation. FIN 47 is effective no l ater than fiscal years ending after December 15, 2005. The Company does not expect the guidelines of FIN 47 will have a significant impact on its results of operations or financial position.
In June 2005 the FASB issued SFAS 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections,” a replacement of existing accounting pronouncements. SFAS 154 modifies accounting and reporting requirements when a company voluntarily chooses to change an accounting principle or correct an accounting error. SFAS 154 requires retroactive restatement of prior period financial statements unless it is impractical. Previous accounting guidelines allowed recognition by cumulative effect in the period of the accounting change. SFAS 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. Earlier application is permitted for accounting changes and corrections of errors made occurring in fiscal years beginning after June 1, 2005. SFAS 154 does not change the transition provisions of any existing accounting pronouncements, including tho se that are in a transition phase as of the effective date of SFAS 154.
In July 2005, the FASB issued an exposure draft of a Proposed Interpretation “Accounting for Uncertain Tax Positions,” an Interpretation of FASB Statement 109. The exposure draft seeks to reduce perceived diversity in practice associated with recognition and measurement in the accounting for income taxes. The exposure draft would apply to all tax positions accounted for in accordance with SFAS 109 “Accounting for Income Taxes.” The exposure draft requires that a tax position meet a “probable recognition threshold” for the benefit of the uncertain tax position to be recognized in the financial statements. This threshold is to be met assuming that the tax authorities will examine the uncertain tax position. The exposure draft contains guidance with respect to the measurement of the benefit that is recognized for an uncertain tax position, when that benefit should be derecognized, and other matters. This interpretation is effective for Questar Gas beginning January 1, 2006 under the timeframe in the proposed statement. The Company has not evaluated the potential effect of this proposed change in accounting principle.
Questar has granted and may continue to grant stock-based compensation to certain Questar Gas employees.In December 2004 the FASB issued Statement 123 (revised 2004), (SFAS 123R), “Share Based Payment,” which replaces SFAS 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” and supersedes APB Opinion 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”. SFAS 123R eliminates the alternative to use APB Opinion 25’s intrinsic value method of accounting that was provided in SFAS 123 as originally issued. The effective date for implementation of SFAS 123R is January 1, 2006, and alternative phase-in methods are allowed. Questar currently anticipates using the modified prospective phase-in method that requires entities to recognize compensation costs for all share-based payments granted, modified or settled after the date of implementation as well as for any awards that were granted prior to the implementation date for which the required service has not yet been performed. The Company does not currently expect that any of the alternative phase-in methods for the recognition of stock-based compensation would have a material effect on its operating results or financial position.
#
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
SUMMARY
Questar Gas incurred a seasonal loss of $3.4 million in the second quarter of 2005 compared with a loss of $4.0 million in the second quarter of 2004. For the first half of 2005 Questar Gas earned $25.3 million compared with $22.3 million in the first half of 2004.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Following is a summary of financial and operating results for the second quarter, first half and 12-month ended June 30, 2005, compared with the same periods of 2004.
3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||||
June 30, | June 30, | June 30, | ||||
2005 | 2004 | 2005 | 2004 | 2005 | 2004 | |
(in thousands) | ||||||
OPERATING INCOME | ||||||
Revenues | ||||||
Residential and commercial sales | $131,737 | $ 84,805 | $453,783 | $367,859 | $766,582 | $629,120 |
Industrial sales | 8,694 | 10,751 | 19,101 | 27,396 | 40,799 | 49,500 |
Transportation for industrial customers | 1,298 | 1,575 | 2,905 | 3,453 | 5,807 | 6,920 |
Other | 10,684 | 6,121 | 21,575 | 12,560 | 37,101 | 20,158 |
Total revenues | 152,413 | 103,252 | 497,364 | 411,268 | 850,289 | 705,698 |
Cost of natural gas sold | 112,359 | 65,697 | 363,956 | 282,427 | 617,657 | 477,834 |
Margin | 40,054 | 37,555 | 133,408 | 128,841 | 232,632 | 227,864 |
Operating expenses | ||||||
Operating and maintenance | 28,006 | 25,043 | 56,917 | 53,465 | 108,238 | 101,074 |
Depreciation and amortization | 10,892 | 10,357 | 22,198 | 20,666 | 43,488 | 40,388 |
Rate-refund obligation | 1,505 | 2,995 | 1,095 | 5,934 | ||
Other taxes | 3,278 | 3,078 | 6,464 | 6,244 | 9,987 | 10,236 |
Total operating expenses | 42,176 | 39,983 | 85,579 | 83,370 | 162,808 | 157,632 |
Operating income (loss) | $ (2,122) | $ (2,428) | $ 47,829 | $ 45,471 | $ 69,824 | $ 70,232 |
OPERATING STATISTICS | ||||||
Natural gas volumes (in Mdth) | ||||||
Residential and commercial sales | 16,843 | 11,633 | 56,762 | 53,317 | 96,420 | 89,243 |
Industrial sales | 1,394 | 2,011 | 3,097 | 5,025 | 6,895 | 9,210 |
Transportation for industrial customers | 7,068 | 8,208 | 15,723 | 18,146 | 31,855 | 37,514 |
Total deliveries | 25,305 | 21,852 | 75,582 | 76,488 | 135,170 | 135,967 |
Natural gas revenue (per dth) | ||||||
Residential and commercial | $7.82 | $7.29 | $7.99 | $6.90 | $7.95 | $7.05 |
Industrial sales | 6.24 | 5.35 | 6.17 | 5.45 | 5.92 | 5.38 |
Transportation for industrial customers | $0.18 | $0.19 | $0.18 | $0.19 | $0.18 | $0.18 |
Heating degree days | ||||||
colder (warmer) than normal | 6% | (16%) | (3%) | 6% | (2%) | 2% |
Average temperature adjusted usage | ||||||
per customer (dth) | 18.2 | 17.2 | 68.1 | 66.5 | 116.5 | 116.1 |
Customers at June 30, | 798,277 | 771,695 |
Margin Analysis
Questar Gas’s margin (revenues less gas costs) increased $2.5 million in the second quarter of 2005 compared to the second quarter of 2004, increased $4.6 million in the first half of 2005 compared to the same period of 2004 and increased $4.8 million in the 12-month period of 2005 compared with the same period of 2004. Following is a summary of major changes in Questar Gas’s margin.
3 Months Ended June 30, 2005 Compared with 2004 | 6 Months Ended June 30, 2005 Compared with 2004 | 12 Months Ended June 30, 2005 Compared with 2004 | |
(in thousands) | |||
New customers | $ 919 | $ 3,439 | $ 5,884 |
Increased usage per customer | 1,517 | 2,427 | 607 |
2004 carbon dioxide processing revenues collected from customers | (1,505) | (2,995) | (4,839) |
Interest on past-due receivables | 402 | 887 | 1,090 |
Other | 1,166 | 809 | 2,026 |
Increase | $ 2,499 | $ 4,567 | $ 4,768 |
Residential and commercial sales volumes increased 45% in the second quarter of 2005 over the second quarter of 2004 as a result of colder weather, increased customers and increased usage per customer. Residential and commercial sales volumes increased 6% in the first half of 2005 compared with the first half of 2004 and 8% in the 12 months ended June 30, 2005, compared with the year earlier period as increased customer and increased usage per customer offset the impact of warmer weather. At June 30, 2005, Questar Gas was serving 798,277 customers, a 3.4% increase over the prior year. Housing construction in Utah remained strong, driven by population growth and continuing low mortgage-interest rates. Usage per customer, adjusted for normal temperatures, was up 6% in the second quarter of 2005, up 2% in the first half of 2005 and flat in the 12 months ended June 30, 2005, compared with 2004. Ov er the long-term, usage per customer has been decreasing due to more efficient appliances and homes and customer response to higher prices.
Weather, as measured in degree days, was 6% colder than normal in the second quarter of 2005 compared with 16% warmer than normal in the second quarter of 2004. For the first half of 2005, weather was 3% warmer than normal compared with 6% colder than normal in the year-earlier period. For the 12 months ended June 30, 2005, weather was 2% warmer than normal compared with 2% colder than normal in the year earlier period. A weather-normalization adjustment on customer bills generally offsets financial impacts of moderate temperature variations.
Industrial deliveries declined 17% in the second quarter of 2005, 19% in the first half of 2005 and 17% in the 12 months ended June 30, 2005, compared with 2004 primarily driven by lower power-generation requirements in the current period. This did not have a significant impact on the financial results because of lower margin on industrial deliveries.
Expenses
Cost of natural gas sold increased 71% in the second quarter of 2005, 29% in the first half of 2005 and 29% in the 12 months ended June 30, 2005, compared with 2004 due to increased gas purchase costs and increased volumes. Questar Gas accounts for purchased-gas costs in accordance with procedures authorized by the PSCU and the PSCW. Purchased-gas costs that are different from those provided for in present rates are accumulated and recovered or credited through future rate changes. As of June 30, 2005, Questar Gas had a $14.6 million balance in the purchased-gas adjustment account representing gas costs incurred but not yet recovered from customers.
Operating and maintenance expenses increased 12% in the second quarter of 2005, 6% in the first half of 2005 and 7% in the 12 months ended June 30, 2005, compared with 2004. The increases are due to higher labor and labor overhead costs and bad debt costs.
Depreciation expense increased 5% in the second quarter of 2005, 7% in the first half of 2005 and 8% in the 12 months ended June 30, 2005 compared with 2004, due to plant additions, including a customer information system that was placed in service in July 2004 and transfers of information-technology assets from affiliates.
Rate-refund Obligation
See Note 2 in the Notes Accompanying Financial Statements under Item 1. Financial Statements in Part I of this report for a discussion of the regulatory proceedings involving Questar Gas’s processing costs.
Regulation
Questar Gas is subject to the requirements of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act. Questar Gas estimates that it will cost $4.0 to $5.0 million per year to comply with the act, not including costs of pipeline replacement if necessary. The PSCU has allowed Questar Gas to record a regulatory asset for these incremental operating costs incurred to comply with this act until the next rate case or 2007, whichever is sooner.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) as of the end of the period covered by the report (the Evaluation Date). Based on such evaluation, such officers have concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in alerting them on a timely basis to material information relating to the Company, required to be included in the Company’s reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer also concluded that the controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management including its principal executive and financial officers or persons performing similar functions as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Controls. Since the Evaluation Date, there have not been any changes in the Company’s internal controls or other factors during the most recent fiscal quarter that could materially affect such controls.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS
a.
The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:
Exhibit No.
Exhibit
31.1.
Certification signed by Alan K. Allred, Questar Gas Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2.
Certification signed by S. E. Parks, Questar Gas Company’s Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.
Certification signed by Alan K. Allred and S. E. Parks, Questar Gas Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, respectively, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
QUESTAR GAS COMPANY
(Registrant)
August 11, 2005
/s/Alan K. Allred
Date
Alan K. Allred
President and Chief Executive Officer
August 11, 2005
/s/S/ E. Parks
Date
S. E. Parks
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Exhibits List
Exhibit No.
Exhibit
31.1.
Certification signed by Alan K. Allred, Questar Gas Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2.
Certification signed by S. E. Parks, Questar Gas Company’s Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.
Certification signed by Alan K. Allred and S. E. Parks, Questar Gas Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, respectively, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 31.1.
CERTIFICATION
I, A. K. Allred, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report of Questar Gas Company on Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2005;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have:
a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)
designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)
disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting;
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):
a)
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
August 11, 2005
By: /s/A. K. Allred
Date
A. K. Allred,
President and Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 31.2.
CERTIFICATION
I, S. E. Parks, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report of Questar Gas Company on Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2005;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have:
a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)
designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)
disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting;
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):
a)
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
August 11, 2005
By /s/S. E. Parks
Date
S. E. Parks
Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
Exhibit No. 32.
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Questar Gas Company (the Company) on Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2005, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), Alan K. Allred, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and S. E. Parks, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, each hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of his knowledge:
(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
QUESTAR GAS COMPANY
August 11, 2005
/s/Alan K. Allred
Date
Alan K. Allred
President and Chief Executive Officer
August 11, 2005
/s/S. E. Parks
Date
S. E. Parks
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer