EXHIBIT 12 NORTHWEST NATURAL GAS COMPANY Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges January 1, 1994 - September 30, 1999 Twelve Months Year Ended December 31, Ended ------------------------------------------------------ Sept. 30, 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Fixed Charges, as Defined: Interest on Long-Term Debt ................... $ 21,921 $ 23,141 $ 23,176 $ 24,918 $ 27,567 $ 27,758 Other Interest ........... 2,473 2,252 3,448 4,500 4,902 3,307 Amortization of Debt Discount and Expense ... 850 882 865 730 714 706 Interest Portion of Rentals ................ 1,697 1,764 1,798 2,111 1,986 1,986 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total Fixed Charges, as defined ................ $ 26,941 $ 28,039 $ 29,287 $ 32,259 $ 35,169 $ 33,757 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== Earnings, as defined: Net Income ............... $ 35,461 $ 38,065 $ 46,793 $ 43,059 $ 27,301 $ 37,209 Taxes on Income .......... 20,473 22,120 27,347 21,106 12,254 20,260 Fixed Charges, as above .. 26,941 28,039 29,287 32,259 35,169 33,757 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total Earnings, as defined $ 82,875 $ 88,224 $103,427 $ 96,424 $ 74,724 $ 91,226 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges ..................... 3.08 3.15 3.53 2.99 2.12 2.70 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========