1 NorAm -- EXHIBIT 12 NORAM ENERGY CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES (THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS) NINE MONTHS TWELVE MONTHS ENDED ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, SEPTEMBER 30, --------------- ---------------- 1998 1998 --------------- ---------------- Income from Continuing Operations...................................... $ 51,421 $ 78,914 Income Taxes for Continuing Operations................................. 53,759 78,928 Non-Utility Interest Capitalized....................................... 0 0 --------------- ---------------- Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes.................. 105,180 157,842 Fixed Charges: Interest.......................................................... 78,115 107,134 Distribution on Trust Securities.................................. 533 812 Portion of Rents Considered to Represent an Interest Factor....... 6,747 9,241 --------------- ---------------- Total Fixed Charges........................................... 85,395 117,187 --------------- ---------------- Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes and Fixed Charges................................................. $ 190,575 $ 275,029 =============== ================ Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges..................................... 2.23 2.35 =============== ================