PAGE 1 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 quarterly period ended December 31, 1995, or Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the transition period from ____________ to ____________. I.R.S. Commission Employer File Exact Name of Registrant as State of Identification Number Specified in Its Charter Incorporation Number - ---------- ------------------------------ ------------- ------------ 001-11227 Washington Energy Company Washington 91-1005304 001-11271 Washington Natural Gas Company Washington 91-1005303 Address of Principal Executive Offices Zip Code -------------------------------------- -------- 815 Mercer Street 98109 Registrants' Telephone Number, Including Area Code -------------------------------------------------- (206) 622-6767 Indicate by check mark whether the registrants (1) have filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days Yes X No . Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuers' classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. Outstanding Registrant Title of Stock January 31, 1996 - ------------------------------ -------------- --------------- Washington Energy Company $5 par value 24,128,432 Washington Natural Gas Company $5 par value 11,020,117 PAGE 2 INTRODUCTION Washington Energy Company ("Company" or "Washington Energy") is a holding company whose principal subsidiary, Washington Natural Gas Company ("Washing- ton Natural") is engaged primarily in the retail distribution of natural gas. The Company holds an equity position in a publicly traded oil and gas explora- tion and production company, and through various subsidiaries, is also engaged in the business of selling gas appliances, energy efficient and security products for the home. The Company is exempt from the provisions of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 ("Act"), except with respect to acquisition of securities of other public utility companies as defined in such Act. This Form 10-Q is filed on behalf of Company and Washington Natural, which companies are referred to herein as Registrants. DOCUMENTS TO BE FURNISHED The Company will provide you, upon your written request, with a copy of any and all information that has been incorporated by reference herein. Any such request for copies should be directed to the Company's Treasury Department, 815 Mercer Street, (P.O. Box 1869), Seattle, Washington 98111 (Telephone: (206) 622-6767). INDEX Page PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Item 1. Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements . . .. . . . . . . . 4 Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements of Washington Energy Company and Subsidiaries (All statements are unaudited except for the September 30, 1995 Consolidated Balance Sheet, which has been audited.) Consolidated Statements of Income - Three Months Ended December 31, 1995 and 1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets - December 31, 1995, September 30, 1995 and December 31, 1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Consolidated Statements of Capitalization - December 31, 1995 and 1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows - Three Months Ended December 31, 1995 and 1994 . . . . . . 10 PAGE 3 INDEX (Continued) Page Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Earnings (Deficit) Reinvested in the Business and Premium on Capital Stock - Three Months Ended December 31, 1995 and 1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements of Washington Natural Gas Company and Subsidiaries (All state- ments are unaudited except for the September 30, 1995 Consolidated Balance Sheet, which has been audited.) Consolidated Statements of Income - Three Months Ended December 31, 1995 and 1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets - December 31, 1995, September 30, 1995 and December 31, 1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Consolidated Statements of Capitalization - December 31, 1995 and 1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows - Three Months Ended December 31, 1995 and 1994 . . . . . . 18 Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's Earnings Reinvested in the Business and Premium on Capital Stock - Three Months Ended December 31, 1995 and 1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Unaudited) . . . . . . 27 Part II - OTHER INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Signatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 PAGE 4 PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1. Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements The consolidated condensed financial statements included herein have been pre- pared by the Registrants, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Registrants believe that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. It is suggested that these consolidated condensed financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in Registrants' latest annual report on Form 10-K. Because of seasonal and other factors, the results of operations for the in- terim period presented should not be considered indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year. PAGE 5 WASHINGTON ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994 (Unaudited) 1995 1994 -------- -------- (in thousands except per share amounts) OPERATING REVENUES: Regulated utility sales $120,525 $149,747 Merchandise, conservation products and other 6,970 6,498 -------- -------- Total operating revenues 127,495 156,245 -------- -------- OPERATING EXPENSES: Cost of gas sold 55,777 81,824 Operations and maintenance 23,367 21,867 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 9,050 8,948 General taxes 11,530 12,115 Federal income taxes 5,487 7,180 -------- -------- Total operating expenses 105,211 131,934 -------- -------- OPERATING INCOME 22,284 24,311 OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Preferred dividend requirement - Washington Natural Gas Company (1,755) (1,862) Other, net 241 340 -------- -------- GROSS INCOME 20,770 22,789 INTEREST CHARGES 10,635 9,534 -------- -------- NET INCOME $ 10,135 $ 13,255 ======== ======== EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE $ .42 $ .56 AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING 24,080 23,737 DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE OUTSTANDING $ .25 $ .25 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements. PAGE 6 WASHINGTON ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS DECEMBER 31, 1995 (Unaudited), SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 AND DECEMBER 31, 1994 (Unaudited) ASSETS December September December 31, 1995 30, 1995 31, 1994 ---------- ---------- ---------- (in thousands) PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT: Utility plant, at original cost $1,072,267 $1,055,322 $ 991,696 Coal and other 15,647 15,621 54,720 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (281,726) (273,735) (256,866) ---------- ---------- ---------- Net property, plant and equipment 806,188 797,208 789,550 ---------- ---------- ---------- INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES 69,162 70,313 97,733 ---------- ---------- ---------- CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents 7,692 9,315 5,764 Receivables, net 42,911 20,437 52,700 Federal income taxes receivable 10,454 10,942 7,347 Deferred income taxes 2,958 3,707 4,663 Purchased gas receivable - - 506 Materials and supplies, at average cost 26,509 31,968 23,882 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total current assets 90,524 76,369 94,862 ---------- ---------- ---------- OTHER ASSETS AND DEFERRED CHARGES: Environmental receivables 8,715 8,116 33,947 Regulatory tax asset 17,605 17,605 18,810 Deferred charges and other 23,390 19,879 17,328 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total other assets and deferred charges 49,710 45,600 70,085 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total assets $1,015,584 $ 989,490 $1,052,230 ========== ========== ========== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance sheets. PAGE 7 WASHINGTON ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS DECEMBER 31, 1995 (Unaudited), SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 AND DECEMBER 31, 1994 (Unaudited) (continued) CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES December September December 31, 1995 30, 1995 31, 1994 ---------- ---------- ---------- (in thousands) CAPITALIZATION (see Consolidated Statements of Capitalization): Common shareholders' interest $ 195,804 $ 196,686 $ 259,606 Redeemable preferred stock of subsidiary 90,000 90,000 90,000 Long-term debt 344,920 310,060 290,060 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total capitalization 630,724 596,746 639,666 ---------- ---------- ---------- CURRENT LIABILITIES: Notes payable and commercial paper 161,846 161,994 121,516 Current sinking fund requirements and debt maturities 140 30,140 60,140 Accounts payable 26,079 32,755 34,678 Purchased gas liability 29,633 15,554 - Accrued general taxes 14,967 12,556 14,818 Environmental remediation liabilities 4,491 4,578 6,199 Other current liabilities 37,672 28,939 34,974 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total current liabilities 274,828 286,516 272,325 ---------- ---------- ---------- DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES: Deferred income taxes 63,565 59,450 85,404 Regulatory tax liability 11,017 11,017 12,560 Unamortized investment tax credits 9,157 9,352 9,937 Contributions in aid of construction 14,633 14,252 12,958 Contingency reserves and other 11,660 12,157 19,380 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total deferred credits and other liabilities 110,032 106,228 140,239 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total capitalization and liabilities $1,015,584 $ 989,490 $1,052,230 ========== ========== ========== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance sheets. PAGE 8 WASHINGTON ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994 (Unaudited) Shares Outstanding at December 31, December 31, ------------------- ------------------ 1995 1994 1995 1994 -------- -------- -------- -------- (in thousands) (in thousands) COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' INTEREST: Common stock, $5 par value; authorized 50,000,000 shares 24,128 23,840 $120,639 $119,199 Premium on common stock 203,354 200,380 Shareholders' accumulated deficit (128,189) (59,973) -------- -------- Total common shareholders' interest 195,804 259,606 -------- -------- REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK: Washington Energy Company - cumulative; authorized 200,000 shares of $100 par value and 800,000 shares of $25 par value - - - - no shares outstanding Washington Natural Gas Company - cumulative; authorized 1,000,000 shares of $100 par value and 4,000,000 shares of $25 par value 7.45%, Series II, $25 par value 2,400 2,400 60,000 60,000 8.50%, Series III, $25 par value 1,200 1,200 30,000 30,000 -------- -------- Total preferred stock 90,000 90,000 -------- -------- PAGE 9 WASHINGTON ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994 (Unaudited) (Continued) December 31, ------------------- 1995 1994 -------- -------- (in thousands) LONG-TERM DEBT: First mortgage bonds 9.96% due 1995 $ $ 40,000 8.80% called in 1995 - 25,000 8-1/8% due 1997 3,060 3,200 10-1/4% called in 1995 - 30,000 9.60% due 2000 25,000 25,000 9.57% due 2020 25,000 25,000 Secured medium-term notes, series A 5.55% and 5.67% due 1995 - 20,000 8.25% due 1998 11,000 11,000 7.08% due 1999 10,000 10,000 8.51% through 8.55% due 2001 19,000 19,000 7.53% and 7.91% due 2002 30,000 30,000 8.25% through 8.40% due 2022 35,000 35,000 Secured medium-term notes, series B 6.23% through 6.31% due 2003 28,000 28,000 6.07% and 6.10% due 2004 18,500 18,500 6.51% and 6.53% due 2008 4,500 4,500 6.83% and 6.90% due 2013 13,000 13,000 7.19% due 2023 13,000 13,000 Secured medium-term notes, series C 6.92% and 6.93% due 2005 31,000 - 7.02% and 7.04% due 2007 25,000 - 7.12% due 2010 7,000 - 7.35% and 7.36% due 2015 12,000 - 6.58% due 2006 10,000 - 6.61% and 6.62% due 2009 8,000 - 7.15% and 7.20% due 2025 17,000 - -------- -------- 345,060 350,200 Less sinking-fund requirements and maturities included in current liabilities (140) (60,140) -------- -------- Total long-term debt 344,920 290,060 -------- -------- TOTAL CAPITALIZATION $630,724 $639,666 ======== ======== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements. PAGE 10 WASHINGTON ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994 (Unaudited) 1995 1994 -------- -------- (in thousands) CASH FLOW PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income $ 10,135 $ 13,255 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation, depletion and amortization 9,141 9,201 Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable 250 703 Equity in undistributed losses of unconsolidated affiliate 1,151 406 Deferred federal income tax 4,669 7,003 Increase (decrease) in: Accounts receivable (22,725) (36,909) Current federal income taxes receivable 488 4,787 Purchased gas receivable/liability 14,079 20,755 Environmental expenditures (686) - Accounts payable (6,676) 6,551 Materials and supplies 5,459 4,187 Deferred charges (3,194) (1,771) Other operating assets and liabilities 5,000 (3,310) Other - (450) -------- -------- Total adjustments 6,956 11,153 -------- -------- Net cash provided by operating activities 17,091 24,408 -------- -------- CASH FLOW USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Utility plant additions (18,101) (15,414) Other property expenditures (25) (322) Proceeds from disposition of fixed assets 96 - -------- -------- Net cash used in investing activities $(18,030) $(15,736) -------- -------- PAGE 11 WASHINGTON ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994 (Unaudited) (Continued) 1995 1994 -------- -------- (in thousands) CASH FLOW PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from issuance of: Common stock $ 1,030 $ 1,440 First mortgage bonds 34,592 - Reductions of commercial paper, net (148) (3,666) Redemptions of first mortgage bonds (30,140) (140) Common stock dividends (6,018) (5,929) -------- -------- Net cash used in financing activities (684) (8,295) -------- -------- NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (1,623) 377 Beginning cash and cash equivalents 9,315 5,387 -------- -------- Ending cash and cash equivalents $ 7,692 $ 5,764 ======== ======== SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION - Cash paid during the period for: Interest (net of amount capitalized) $ 8,442 $ 6,431 Income taxes - - PAGE 12 WASHINGTON ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EARNINGS (DEFICIT) REINVESTED IN THE BUSINESS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994 (Unaudited) 1995 1994 --------- --------- (in thousands) Balance at beginning of period $(126,278) $ (61,339) Net income 10,135 13,255 Common stock dividends declared (12,046) (11,889) --------- -------- Balance at end of period $(128,189) $ (59,973) ========= ========= WASHINGTON ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PREMIUM ON COMMON STOCK FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994 1995 1994 --------- --------- (in thousands) Balance at beginning of period $ 202,616 $ 199,571 Excess of purchase price over par value of shares of common stock issued under the Employee Stock Purchase and Ownership Plans 116 115 Excess of purchase price over par value of shares of common stock issued under the Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan 614 823 Excess of purchase price over par value of shares of common stock issued under the Incentive Stock Option Plan 10 - Common and preferred stock expense (2) (129) --------- --------- Balance at end of period $ 203,354 $ 200,380 ========= ========= The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements. PAGE 13 WASHINGTON NATURAL GAS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994 (Unaudited) 1995 1994 -------- -------- (in thousands) OPERATING REVENUES: Regulated utility sales $120,525 $149,747 -------- -------- OPERATING EXPENSES: Cost of gas sold 55,777 81,824 Utility operations and maintenance 16,500 15,043 Depreciation 8,954 8,881 General taxes 11,460 12,038 Federal income taxes 6,442 8,028 -------- -------- Total operating expenses 99,133 125,814 -------- -------- OPERATING INCOME 21,392 23,933 OTHER INCOME, NET 283 63 -------- -------- GROSS INCOME 21,675 23,996 INTEREST CHARGES 7,802 7,854 -------- -------- NET INCOME 13,873 16,142 Dividends on preferred stock 3,511 1,862 -------- -------- Earnings on common stock $ 10,362 $ 14,280 ======== ======== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements. PAGE 14 WASHINGTON NATURAL GAS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS - DECEMBER 31, 1995 (Unaudited), SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 AND DECEMBER 31, 1994 (Unaudited) ASSETS December September December 31, 1995 30, 1995 31, 1994 ---------- ---------- -------- (in thousands) UTILITY PLANT, at original cost $1,072,267 $1,055,322 $991,696 Accumulated depreciation (271,559) (263,664) (247,079) ---------- ---------- -------- Net utility plant 800,708 791,658 744,617 ---------- ---------- -------- RECEIVABLES FROM AFFILIATED COMPANIES 219 102 108 ---------- ---------- -------- CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents 2,589 3,571 269 Accounts receivable, net 36,096 16,644 48,410 Federal income taxes receivable 1,383 1,416 1,415 Deferred income taxes 2,958 3,707 4,650 Purchased gas receivable - - 506 Materials and supplies, at average cost 24,204 29,706 21,089 ---------- ---------- -------- Total current assets 67,230 55,044 76,339 ---------- ---------- -------- OTHER ASSETS AND DEFERRED CHARGES: Environmental receivables 8,715 8,116 33,947 Regulatory tax asset 17,605 17,605 18,810 Deferred charges and other 20,195 18,073 16,486 ---------- ---------- -------- Total other assets and deferred charges 46,515 43,794 69,243 ---------- ---------- -------- Total assets $ 914,672 $ 890,598 $890,307 ========== ========== ======== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance sheets. PAGE 15 WASHINGTON NATURAL GAS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS - DECEMBER 31, 1995 (Unaudited), SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 AND DECEMBER 31, 1994 (Unaudited) (Continued) CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES December September December 31, 1995 30, 1995 31, 1994 -------- --------- -------- (in thousands) CAPITALIZATION (see Consolidated Statements of Capitalization): Common shareholder's interest $262,904 $251,528 $251,708 Redeemable preferred stock 90,000 90,000 90,000 Long-term debt 344,920 310,060 290,060 -------- -------- -------- Total capitalization 697,824 651,588 631,768 -------- -------- -------- CURRENT LIABILITIES: Current sinking fund requirements and debt maturities 140 30,140 60,140 Accounts payable 24,973 31,253 32,023 Purchased gas liability 29,633 15,554 - Accrued general taxes 14,756 12,381 14,606 Environmental remediation liabilities 4,491 4,578 6,199 Other current liabilities 25,322 23,958 24,182 -------- -------- -------- Total current liabilities 99,315 117,864 137,150 -------- -------- -------- PAYABLES TO AFFILIATED COMPANIES 6,909 16,699 16,354 -------- -------- -------- DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES: Deferred income taxes 75,817 69,826 69,580 Regulatory tax liability 11,017 11,017 12,560 Unamortized investment tax credits 9,157 9,352 9,937 Contributions in aid of construction 14,633 14,252 12,958 -------- -------- -------- Total deferred credits and other liabilities 110,624 104,447 105,035 -------- -------- -------- Total capitalization and liabilities $914,672 $890,598 $890,307 ======== ======== ======== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance sheets. PAGE 16 WASHINGTON NATURAL GAS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994 (Unaudited) Shares Outstanding at December 31, December 31, -------------------- -------------------- 1995 1994 1995 1994 -------- -------- -------- -------- (in thousands) (in thousands) COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S INTEREST: Common stock, $5 par value; authorized 25,000,000 shares 11,020 10,842 $ 55,101 $ 54,211 Premium on common stock 168,576 165,080 Shareholder's earnings reinvested in the business 39,227 32,417 -------- -------- Total common shareholder's interest 262,904 251,708 -------- -------- REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK, cumulative; authorized 1,000,000 shares of $100 par value and 4,000,000 shares of $25 par value 7.45%, Series II, $25 par value 2,400 2,400 60,000 60,000 8.50%, Series III, $25 par value 1,200 1,200 30,000 30,000 -------- -------- Total preferred stock 90,000 90,000 -------- -------- PAGE 17 WASHINGTON NATURAL GAS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994 (Unaudited) (Continued) December 31, -------------------- 1995 1994 -------- -------- (in thousands) LONG-TERM DEBT: First mortgage bonds 9.96% due 1995 $ - $ 40,000 8.80% called in 1995 - 25,000 8-1/8% due 1997 3,060 3,200 10-1/4% called in 1995 - 30,000 9.60% due 2000 25,000 25,000 9.57% due 2020 25,000 25,000 Secured medium-term notes, series A 5.55% and 5.67% due 1995 - 20,000 8.25% due 1998 11,000 11,000 7.08% due 1999 10,000 10,000 8.51% to 8.55% due 2001 19,000 19,000 7.53% and 7.91% due 2002 30,000 30,000 8.25% to 8.40% due 2022 35,000 35,000 Secured medium-term notes, series B 6.23% through 6.31% due 2003 28,000 28,000 6.07% and 6.10% due 2004 18,500 18,500 6.51% and 6.53% due 2008 4,500 4,500 6.83% and 6.90% due 2013 13,000 13,000 7.19% due 2023 13,000 13,000 Secured medium-term notes, series C 6.92% and 6.93% due 2005 31,000 - 7.02% and 7.04% due 2007 25,000 - 7.12% due 2010 7,000 - 7.35% and 7.36% due 2015 12,000 - 6.58% due 2006 10,000 - 6.61% and 6.62% due 2009 8,000 - 7.15% and 7.20% due 2025 17,000 - -------- -------- 345,060 350,200 Less sinking-fund requirements and maturities included in current liabilities (140) (60,140) -------- -------- Total long-term debt 344,920 290,060 -------- -------- TOTAL CAPITALIZATION $697,824 $631,768 ======== ======== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements. PAGE 18 WASHINGTON NATURAL GAS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994 (Unaudited) 1995 1994 -------- -------- (in thousands) CASH FLOW PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income $ 13,873 $ 16,142 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 9,045 9,133 Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable 234 214 Deferred federal income tax 6,545 7,930 Increase (decrease) in: Accounts receivable (19,686) (34,890) Current federal income taxes receivable 33 - Purchased gas receivable/liability 14,079 20,755 Environmental expenditures (686) - Accounts payable (6,280) 7,308 Materials and supplies 5,502 4,271 Deferred charges (1,804) (2,282) Other operating assets and liabilities 2,365 (1,709) Other - (448) -------- -------- Total adjustments 9,347 10,282 -------- -------- Net cash provided by operating activities 23,220 26,424 -------- -------- CASH FLOW PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Utility plant additions (18,101) (15,414) Proceeds from disposition of fixed assets 96 - -------- -------- Net cash used in investing activities (18,005) (15,414) -------- -------- PAGE 19 WASHINGTON NATURAL GAS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994 (Unaudited) (Continued) 1995 1994 -------- -------- (in thousands) CASH FLOW PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from issuance of: Common stock $ 1,014 $ 1,440 First mortgage bonds 34,592 - Payables to affiliated companies, net (9,907) (11,351) Redemptions of first mortgage bonds (30,140) (140) Cash dividend payments: Common - - Preferred (1,756) (1,117) -------- -------- Net cash used in financing activities (6,197) (11,168) -------- -------- NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (982) (158) Beginning cash and cash equivalents 3,571 427 -------- -------- Ending cash and cash equivalents $ 2,589 $ 269 ======== ======== SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION - Cash paid during the period for: Interest (net of amount capitalized) $ 5,993 $ 4,549 Income taxes - - The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements. PAGE 20 WASHINGTON NATURAL GAS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER'S EARNINGS REINVESTED IN THE BUSINESS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994 (Unaudited) 1995 1994 -------- -------- (in thousands) Balance at beginning of period $ 28,865 $ 18,137 Net income 13,873 16,142 Dividends declared: Common stock - - Cumulative preferred stock: 7.45%, Series II (2,236) (1,118) 8.50%, Series III (1,275) (744) -------- -------- Balance at end of period $ 39,227 $ 32,417 ======== ======== WASHINGTON NATURAL GAS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PREMIUM ON COMMON STOCK FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994 1995 1994 -------- -------- (in thousands) Balance at beginning of period $167,752 $163,978 Excess of purchase price over par value of shares of common stock issued under the parent company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan 135 138 Excess of purchase price over par value of shares of common stock issued under the parent company's Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan 689 1,093 Common and preferred stock expense - (129) -------- -------- Balance at end of period $168,576 $165,080 ======== ======== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements. PAGE 21 WASHINGTON ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES WASHINGTON NATURAL GAS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (1) SUMMARY OF CONSOLIDATION POLICY The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Washington Energy Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, after elimination of intercompany items and transactions. The Company's subsidiaries are: 1. Washington Natural Gas Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries; 2. Washington Energy Services Company; 3. Washington Energy Gas Marketing Company; 4. WECO Finance Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary; 5. Thermal Energy, Inc., and its wholly-owned subsidiary; and 6. ThermRail, Inc. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods have been reflected and were of a normal recurring nature. (2) REFERENCE TO FORM 10-K FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 Reference is made to the notes to the consolidated financial statements included on pages 61 through 90 in the Registrants' Form 10-K annual report for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995. Those notes include a summary of significant accounting policies and a description of other events and transactions which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements. (3) DIVIDENDS (a) Restriction There are no restrictions on payment of dividends by the Company, but as a practical matter, its long-term ability to pay dividends is limited by the restrictions on dividend payments in the first mortgage bond indentures of Washington Natural. Washington Natural has not paid dividends to Washington Energy since April 1994 due to these restrictions. At December 31, 1995, Washington Natural was restricted from paying dividends to Washington Energy until its retained earnings increased by more than $2,141,000. (b) Preferred Dividend Declaration Washington Energy's accounting method is to expense the preferred dividend requirement of Washington Natural on a ratable method during the fiscal year. During the quarter ended December 31, 1995, Washington Natural's Board of Directors declared dividends payable on January 1, 1996 and April 1, 1996. The dividend payable on January 1, 1996 was expensed in the consolidated financial statements of Washington Energy in the first fiscal quarter. The dividend payable on April 1, 1996 will be expensed in the second fiscal quarter. Page 22 (4) LIABILITY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS (a) General The distribution of natural gas by Washington Natural involves certain controllable environmental risks. Washington Natural conducts its natural gas distribution business using accepted industry practices and procedures. Washington Natural is not aware of any material environmental exposures related to its natural gas distribution activities. However, Washington Natural, as the former operator of, or the successor to a former operator of, several manufactured gas plants in western Washington prior to 1957, has several existing environmental exposures and one recently resolved environmental insurance action. Former manufactured gas plant sites in the following areas are currently undergoing investigation, remedial actions or monitoring actions relating to environmental contamination: 1) the Tideflats area of Tacoma, Washington; 2) Everett, Washington; 3) Chehalis, Washington and 4) "Gas Works Park" in Seattle. As discussed in Note 5(a), there is another former manufactured gas plant site situated at 22nd and "A" Streets in Tacoma, where Washington Natural has incurred costs, primarily for legal defense of litigation brought by the Washington State Department of Transportation, because Washington Natural does not believe that it has responsibility for remediation related to this site and it is not expected to result in a significant liability to Washington Natural. The financial statements reflect actual costs to date and management's estimates of the costs to be incurred, based on known and available information with regard to the extent of contamination and the potential methods of cleanup or containment believed to be feasible at each site. Washington Natural is continually evaluating the progress at each site and the cost estimates will be revised, if necessary, as new information is available. The financial statements reflect receivables for the expected recoveries from insurance carriers and other third parties of substantially all of the cleanup costs as discussed in greater detail below. Page 23 The following table summarizes total expected costs, the costs incurred and recorded through December 31, 1995, the expected recoveries from insurance companies and other parties and the actual recoveries through December 31, 1995, for each of the Washington Natural's four significant sites (in thousands): Gas Works Tideflats Everett Chehalis Park --------- -------- -------- --------- Estimated total investigation, legal, remediation, and financing costs $43,355 $ 3,250 $ 2,000 $ 1,000 Actual costs to date 43,355 400 1,624 12 ------- ------- ------- ------- Balance expected to be incurred $ - $ 2,850 $ 376 $ 988 ======= ======= ======= ======= Expected recoveries from insurance companies and other parties $42,088 $ 3,250 $ 2,000 $ 1,000 Actual recoveries to date 40,315 -- -- -- ------- ------- ------- ------- Balance expected to be recovered $ 1,773 $ 3,250 $ 2,000 $ 1,000 ======= ======= ======= ======= (b) Tideflats The remediation activities at the Tideflats site were completed as of July 1995, and confirmed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in a letter dated September 28, 1995. Monitoring equipment has been installed at the site. In the future, ongoing monitoring and maintenance costs will be expensed as incurred and are not estimated to be material. Washington Natural as of December 31, 1995, expects to receive approximately $1,773,000 million in equipment salvage value and reimbursement from another responsible party at the site. Including the collection of these receivables, Washington Natural has collected or will recover all but $1,267,000 of the costs incurred to remediate the Tideflats site. Washington Natural, under an agreement with the WUTC, will seek recovery in future customer rates of the remediation costs which are not reimbursed by third parties. (c) Everett A remedial investigation study of the Everett site was completed in August 1995. A feasibility study to determine the appropriate method of remediation or containment is scheduled for completion in February 1996. Washington Natural cannot estimate the full extent of future remediation costs at the Everett site until more information is available from the feasibility study. However, a reserve for investigation and remediation costs of $3,250,000 has been established based on the preliminary information obtained during the remedial investigation. The Everett site was previously owned and operated by other companies who are potentially liable parties ("PLPs") for the remediation of the site. The cost estimate reflects the total cost expected to remediate the site before contributions by other PLPs. Page 24 (d) Chehalis The Chehalis site has been undergoing investigation and remediation activities since September 1992. As of the fall of 1995, Washington Natural has completed source control and installed groundwater monitoring wells. Washington Natural is currently compiling seasonal groundwater data to determine if further remedial measures are required. (e) Gas Works Park Washington Natural sold the site of a former manufactured gas plant at Lake Union, now known as "Gas Works Park," to the City of Seattle on September 4, 1962. The City of Seattle, in a letter from the Seattle City Attorney dated February 24, 1995, requested that Washington Natural participate in a cleanup of this site. The letter also indicated that if Washington Natural does not participate, the City of Seattle will pursue legal remedies which the City of Seattle believes are available. Washington Natural believes that the contract, which sold the land to the City of Seattle, presents substantial defenses against any claims the City of Seattle may make for environmental remediation costs, which may be incurred at this site. To date, the City of Seattle has not formally initiated any legal proceedings and the course of events at this site cannot be predicted. However, Washington Natural has met with and has exchanged correspondence with the City of Seattle seeking a solution to Washington Natural's participation in the cleanup at the Gas Works Park site. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1995, a reserve for $1,000,000 for the potential resolution of this matter with the City of Seattle was established. A receivable of $1,000,000 was also established to reflect the probable recovery of the estimated costs from Washington Natural's insurance carriers. (f) Expected Recoveries Washington Natural's financial statements as of December 31, 1995, include environmental receivables in the amount of $8,715,000 primarily for recoveries from insurance carriers, based upon the successful litigation against its insurers regarding the Tideflats site, and other PLPs. Although the factual situations at the other sites differ in some respects from the factual situation at the Tideflats site, Washington Natural believes, based on the precedents established in the Tideflats case and discussion with legal counsel, that it is probable that it has insurance coverage sufficient to recover costs not recovered from other PLPs. Based on all known facts and analyses, the Company and Washington Natural believe it is not likely that the identified environmental liabilities will result in a material adverse impact on the Company's or Washington Natural's financial position, operating results or cash flow trends. (5) LITIGATION (a) Washington State Department of Transportation Lawsuits On August 8, 1989, the Washington State Department of Transportation (the "WDOT") commenced a lawsuit ("Federal Action") in the U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington ("District Court"), against Washington Natural and other defendants. The suit sought from Washington Natural and the other Page 25 defendants, the recovery of approximately $7 million in costs incurred by the WDOT in cleaning up contamination at the site of a former manufactured gas plant which discontinued operations in the early 1900s. The trial court ruled that WDOT's claim was barred due to its failure to comply with federal law governing the cleanup of hazardous waste sites, and ordered that judgment be entered in favor of Washington Natural and the other defendants. The trial court's decision was affirmed by the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ("Court of Appeals") on July 13, 1995. The WDOT did not initiate an appeal of the Federal Action to the United States Supreme Court within the prescribed time for appeal of the Court of Appeals decision thereby finalizing the District Court's decision in favor of Washington Natural. On May 10, 1994, the WDOT filed an action in the state Superior Court for Pierce County, Washington ("State Action") against Washington Natural and other defendants arising out of the same occurrence and seeking the same damages as sought in the Federal Action described above. The State Action alleges a claim under Washington's Model Toxics Control Act, which was recently amended to allow a private right of action for cost recovery. The State Action was stayed by Stipulation and Order dated June 10, 1994 pending the outcome of the Federal Action. The WDOT has indicated that it would pursue the State Action if the appeal was denied by the Court of Appeals. As of February 13, 1995 the WDOT has not requested the Superior Court for Pierce County to lift its stay. If the WDOT pursues the State Action, Washington Natural intends to mount a vigorous defense on several grounds and believes that the State Action will not be successful. (b) Alleged Securities Violations A class-action lawsuit was filed against Washington Energy and two of its officers, one of whom has subsequently retired, (collectively, "the Defendants") in District Court, in February 1994, alleging violations of state and federal securities act provisions and associated violations of Washington state law. The essence of the complaint concerned alleged disclosure violations regarding the nature or the extent of the downside financial risk associated with the 1992 utility rate request filing of Washington Natural. In May 1994, the Defendants filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. Discovery in the case was stayed pending resolution of this motion and on July 25, 1994, the District Court issued its Order Granting Defendants' Motion To Dismiss and entered a judgment dismissing the action. The plaintiffs have appealed to the Court of Appeals. On October 19, 1995 the Court of Appeals heard oral arguments. A decision is expected sometime in 1996. In management's opinion, the District Court's decision should be upheld on appeal. (c) Alleged Anti-Trust Violations On September 6, 1994, Cost Management Services, Inc. ("Cost Management"), a Mercer Island, Washington, company involved in the purchase and resale of natural gas, filed an action against Washington Natural in District Court. Cost Management alleged that Washington Natural has monopolized or attempted to monopolize the market for natural gas in central western Washington. Cost Management also alleged Washington Natural failed to charge its customers in accordance with the prices, terms and conditions set forth in tariffs filed by Washington Natural with the WUTC and that it wrongfully interfered with Cost Management's relationships with its customers. Cost Management sought injunctive relief and damages in an unspecified amount. Washington Natural filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit which was granted on May 5, 1995. In dismissing Page 26 Cost Management's action the court ruled that the state action doctrine provides antitrust immunity for conduct done pursuant to a clearly articulated and actively supervised state policy, where unfettered competition is replaced with regulation. In dismissing the federal antitrust claims, the court declined to retain jurisdiction over Cost Management's state law claims which were dismissed without prejudice. Cost Management has filed an appeal in the Court of Appeals and it has filed a new lawsuit in Superior Court in King County, which was stayed pending the District Court appeal. The parties, as of November 22, 1995, have filed briefs with the Court of Appeals on the issue of the District Court's judgment dismissing the federal antitrust claims. A hearing date for oral arguments has not been set. In management's opinion, the District Court decision should be upheld on appeal and the suit in the Superior Court is unlikely to succeed. (6) RESTRUCTURING AND SEVERANCE CHARGES In the fiscal years ended September 30, 1994 and 1995 Washington Natural established reserves for restructuring charges and employee severance of $3,500,000 and $3,150,000, respectively. During the quarter ended December 31, 1995, payments of approximately $2,000,000 were made to former employees. The remaining reserve of $2,300,000 at December 31, 1995 will be fully utilized to fund the future payment of severance benefits which are being paid over time based on the terms of individual severance agreements. Page 27 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Washington Energy Company ("the Company") reported net income of $10.1 million for the quarter ended December 31, 1995, down $3.1 million from the same quarter a year ago. Earnings per share of $.42 for the first quarter of 1995 were down from $.56 a year ago. Net income of the principal subsidiary, Washington Natural Gas Company ("Washington Natural"), was $13.9 million for the quarter, down $2.3 million from the same period last year. The decrease in net income was primarily due to unseasonably warm weather. The average temperatures during the current quarter ended December 31, were the warmest on record for the last 15 years. The weather, based on the number of degree days during the quarter, was 13% warmer than the prior year and 10% warmer than normal. The earnings effect of the unseasonably warm weather was partially offset by the earnings impact of the May 1995 general rate order and continuing customer growth. Operating Revenues The Company's operating revenues of $127.5 million for the quarter ended December 31, 1995, were down $28.7 million compared with the same period a year ago. Regulated utility sales of $120.5 million were down $29.2 million or 20% from the same period last year, due primarily to the negative impact of warmer than normal weather and the purchase gas adjustment. As a result of the warm weather, total gas volumes were down 10% from the same period a year ago even though the utility served 16,000 or 4% more customers. The May 1995 purchased gas adjustment passed on to customers, in the form of lower rates, the expected cost savings of the decline in natural gas prices. Although the purchased gas adjustment reduces revenues it does not impact utility gross margin or net income. Utility margin (regulated utility sales less cost of gas sold) of $64.7 million decreased of $3.2 million compared to the same quarter last year. The May 1995 general rate order increased utility margin by an estimated $4 million compared to the same period last year. In addition, the growth in the number of customers served provided approximately $2 million in utility margin. However, the effect of warm weather on the volume of gas sold was a reduction in utility margin of approximately $9 million. Operating Expenses The Company's operating expenses of $105.2 million, including federal income taxes, were down $26.7 million from the three months ended December 31, 1994. The decrease in operating expenses was due primarily to a $26.0 million decrease in the cost of gas sold. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Capital expenditures typically represent the largest cash flow item for the Company due to the capital-intensive nature and growth rate of the utility. The bulk of the Company's gross capital expenditures of $18.1 million was for utility plant. Washington Natural makes capital expenditures to add new customers to its gas distribution system and to replace and enhance components Page 28 of the system to insure its reliability and safety. Washington Natural's financing strategy is to fund capital expenditures with a combination of cash flow from operations, after dividend payments, and short-term borrowings on an interim basis. The short-term borrowings are reduced periodically with the proceeds from issuing long-term debt and equity securities, the choice and timing of which are dependent on management's evaluation of need, financial market conditions and other factors. During the current quarter, 62% of the capital expenditures were funded by cash flow from operations after dividends. The balance of the capital expenditures were funded primarily by the issuance of long-term debt under a $150,000,000 shelf offering of secured medium-term notes. At December 31, 1995, Washington Natural had issued $110,000,000 of secured medium-term notes under this registration statement. The Company has several short-term financing arrangements in place: an aggregate of $250 million of commercial paper and similar programs backed by a committed revolving credit agreement, of which $88 million was unused at December 31, 1995; an uncommitted bank credit arrangement of $25 million, all of which was available at December 31, 1995; and a committed agreement to sell up to $90 million of merchandise and gas receivables, of which $41 million was unused at December 31, 1995. The borrowing capacity under the latter agreement is effectively limited by the availability of receivables to sell. At December 31, 1995, Washington Natural had $24 million of eligible receivables which had not been sold under the arrangement. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS In management's opinion, based on all know facts and analyses, it is not likely that environmental liabilities identified to date will result in a material adverse impact on the Company's or Washington Natural's financial position or operating results and cash flow trends. (See Note 4 of the Notes to Condensed Financial Statements.) SIGNIFICANT BALANCE SHEET CHANGES The December 31, 1995 accounts receivable balance of $42.9 million reflects an increase of $22.5 million caused by the normal seasonal increase in gas sales over a seasonal low point in Washington Natural's operating cycle at September 30, 1995. This balance is $9.8 million lower than the prior year due to the lower level of revenues in 1995 versus 1994 as a result of the warmer weather and the purchased gas adjustment discussed above. The purchased gas liability (a liability to customers to pass on the effect of the purchased gas adjustment mechanism) of $29.6 million at December 31, 1995 is almost double the September 30, 1995 balance of $15.6 million. This is due to the actual purchase of gas during the quarter at a cost lower than the cost of gas sold authorized in rates. Page 29 During the quarter ended December 31, 1995, Washington Natural called early $30,000,000 of first mortgage bonds with an interest rate of 10.25%. This redemption was refinanced by the issuance of $35,000,000 of secured medium- term notes with interest rates between 6.58% and 7.20%. FUTURE OUTLOOK (a) Proposed Merger On October 18, 1995, a definitive agreement was approved by Washington Energy's and Washington Natural's Boards of Directors to merge Washington Energy and Washington Natural into Puget Sound Power & Light Company, ("Puget"), which, as the surviving corporation will be renamed at the effective time of the merger. The merger would create a combination utility serving more than 830,000 electric and more than 475,000 gas customers in the state of Washington. The agreement must be approved by the holders of the common stock of Washington Energy, the holders of the preferred stock of Washington Natural, and the holders of the common stock of Puget. In addition, the WUTC, which regulates both utilities, must approve the merger, and certain other conditions in the merger agreement must be satisfied or waived. Shareholders of the three companies will be asked to vote on the merger on March 20, 1996. Regulatory approval is expected prior to the end of calendar 1996. The synergies from the merger are expected to generate substantial cost savings that would not be available absent the merger. Preliminary estimate of such potential savings, by the management of Washington Energy and Puget with the assistance of Deloitte & Touche LLP, (after taking into account the costs incurred to achieve such savings), is approximately $370 million over the ten-year period following the merger. (b) Expected Improvement in Earnings Although the expected timing for completion of the merger precludes realizing significant benefits from the synergies of the proposed merger with Puget in 1996, other decisions and actions taken in recent fiscal years should have a favorable impact on the Company's future earnings. Operating earnings have and will continue to benefit from the $17.7 million rate increase approved in May 1995. Because the weather in calendar 1995 was the warmest in at least the last 30 years, Washington Natural's results of operations have not been fully reflected the utility's earning power. Washington Natural's earnings should be positively impacted if weather patterns return to normal and the current cost structure remains constant. Also, the Company expects utility customer growth of about 4%, or 16,000 to 19,000 new customers for fiscal 1996. COMMON DIVIDEND The Company paid a dividend of 25 cents in each of the quarters ended December 31, 1995 and 1994. The Company expects that the quarterly dividend of 25 cents per share will be maintained. Page 30 PART II - OTHER INFORMATION Item 5. Other Information - Washington Natural Gas Company The ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the twelve months ended December 31, 1995 was 1.20. For the 12 months ended December 31, 1994, earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges. The earnings deficiency was $11,213,000. Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K (a) Exhibits - None (b) Reports on Form 8-K. (1) A report on Form 8-K was filed by Washington Energy and Washington Natural on October 23, 1995, regarding the definitive agreement to merge Washington Energy and Washington Natural into Puget Sound Power & Light Company. (2) A report on Form 8-K was filed by Washington Energy and Washington Natural on October 30, 1995, regarding the Company's operating results for the quarter and year ended September 30, 1995. PAGE 31 Signatures Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. WASHINGTON ENERGY COMPANY By /s/ William P. Vititoe William P. Vititoe Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and President By /s/ James P. Torgerson James P. Torgerson Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer; the Principal Financial Officer WASHINGTON NATURAL GAS COMPANY By /s/ William P. Vititoe William P. Vititoe Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and President By /s/ James P. Torgerson James P. Torgerson Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer; the Principal Financial Officer February 14, 1996