EXHIBIT 12.01 SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES (THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS) FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, -------------------------------------------------------- 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- 1. Fixed charges: A) Interest expense $ 80,139 $ 70,659 $ 63,110 $ 63,416 $ 63,247 B) Amortization 1,886 1,564 1,366 1,243 1,164 C) Interest portion of rentals 9,346 8,572 8,217 7,531 6,973 D) Preferred securities distributions 5,475 5,475 5,475 5,475 5,475 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total fixed charges $ 96,846 $ 86,270 $ 78,168 $ 77,665 $ 76,859 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== 2. Earnings (as defined): E) Pretax income from continuing operations $ 56,741 $ 51,939 $ 60,955 $ 83,951 $ 21,328 Fixed Charges (1. above) 96,846 86,270 78,168 77,665 76,859 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total earnings as defined $153,587 $138,209 $139,123 $161,616 $ 98,187 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== 3. Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 1.59 1.60 1.78 2.08 1.28 ======== ======== ======== ======== ========