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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004
or
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number 1-7296
NORTHERN ILLINOIS GAS COMPANY
(Doing Business as NICOR GAS COMPANY)
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Illinois 36-2863847
(State of Incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
1844 Ferry Road
Naperville, Illinois 60563-9600 (630) 983-8888
(Address of principal executive offices) (Registrant's telephone number)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Act: None
----
The registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction
I(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K and is therefore filing this Form with the reduced
disclosure format.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has 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 and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [X]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer
(as defined in rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes [ ] No [X]
All shares of common stock are owned by Nicor Inc.
Nicor Gas Company Page i
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Table of Contents
Item No. Description Page No.
Glossary ii
Part I
1. Business........................................................ 1
2. Properties...................................................... 4
3. Legal Proceedings............................................... 4
4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders............. *
Part II
5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder
Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities............. 5
6. Selected Financial Data......................................... *
7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations........................... 5
7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk...... 20
8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data..................... 21
9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure........................... 45
9A. Controls and Procedures......................................... 45
9B. Other Information............................................... 46
Part III
10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.............. *
11. Executive Compensation.......................................... *
12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
and Related Stockholder Matters............................... *
13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.................. *
14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.......................... 47
Part IV
15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules...................... 48
Signatures...................................................... 50
Supplemental Information........................................ 51
Exhibit Index................................................... 52
* The Registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction I(1)(a)
and (b) of Form 10-K and is therefore omitting the information called for by
the otherwise required item.
Nicor Gas Company Page ii
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Glossary
Chicago Hub........A wholly owned venture of Nicor Gas which provides natural
gas storage and transmission-related services to marketers
and other gas distribution companies.
Degree day.........The extent to which the daily average temperature falls below
65 degrees Fahrenheit. Normal weather for Nicor Gas' service
territory, for purposes of this report, is considered to be
about 6,000 degree days per year.
FERC...............Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the agency that
regulates the interstate transportation of natural gas, oil
and electricity.
ICC................Illinois Commerce Commission, the agency that establishes
the rules and regulations governing utility rates and
services in Illinois.
Mcf, MMcf, Bcf.....Thousand cubic feet, million cubic feet, billion cubic feet.
PBR................Performance-based rate, a regulatory plan which ended on
January 1, 2003, that provided economic incentives based on
natural gas cost performance.
Nicor Gas Company Page 1
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PART I
Item 1. Business
Northern Illinois Gas Company (doing business as Nicor Gas Company (Nicor Gas)),
an Illinois corporation formed in 1954, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nicor
Inc. (Nicor), a holding company. Certain terms used herein are defined in the
glossary on page ii.
GENERAL
Nicor Gas, a regulated natural gas distribution utility, serves over 2.1 million
customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of
Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. The company's service territory is
diverse and its customer base has grown steadily over the years, providing the
company with a well-balanced mix of residential, commercial and industrial
customers. Residential customers typically account for approximately 45 to 50
percent of natural gas deliveries, while commercial and industrial customers
each typically account for about 25 to 30 percent. See Operating Statistics on
page 8 for operating revenues, deliveries and number of customers by customer
classification. Nicor Gas had approximately 2,300 employees at year-end 2004.
Nicor Gas maintains franchise agreements with most of the communities it serves,
allowing it to construct, operate and maintain distribution facilities in those
communities. Franchise agreement terms range up to 50 years. Currently, about 15
percent of the agreements will expire within five years.
Customers have the option of purchasing their own gas supplies, with delivery of
the gas by Nicor Gas. The larger of these transportation customers also have
options that include the use of Nicor Gas' storage system and the ability to
choose varying supply backup levels. The choice of transportation service as
compared to gas sales service results in less revenue for Nicor Gas but has no
direct impact on net operating results.
Nicor Gas also operates other ventures, such as the Chicago Hub, which provides
natural gas storage and transmission-related services to marketers and other gas
distribution companies.
SOURCES OF NATURAL GAS SUPPLY
Nicor Gas purchases natural gas supplies in the open market by contracting with
producers and marketers. Pipeline transportation and purchased storage services
are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). When firm
pipeline services are temporarily not needed, Nicor Gas may release the services
in the secondary market under FERC-mandated capacity release provisions, with
proceeds reducing the company's cost of gas charged to customers.
Peak-use requirements are met through utilization of company-owned storage
facilities, pipeline transportation capacity, purchased storage services and
other supply sources, arranged by either Nicor Gas or its transportation
customers. Nicor Gas has been able to obtain sufficient supplies of natural gas
to meet customer requirements. The company believes natural gas supply and
pipeline capacity will be sufficiently available to meet market demands in the
foreseeable future.
Natural gas supply. Nicor Gas maintains a diversified portfolio of natural gas
supply contracts. Supply purchases are diversified by supplier, producing
region, quantity, credit limits and available transportation. Gas supply pricing
is generally tied to published price indices so as to approximate current market
prices. These supply contracts also may provide for the payment of fixed demand
charges to ensure the availability of supplies on any given day and are
typically negotiated annually.
Nicor Gas Company Page 2
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Item 1. Business (continued)
The company also purchases gas supplies on the spot market to fulfill its supply
requirements or to take advantage of favorable short-term pricing. Spot gas
purchases accounted for about one-half of the company's total gas purchases in
the last three years. The majority of such spot purchases are made during the
summer months and are directed toward satisfying storage injection requirements.
As part of its purchasing policy, Nicor Gas maintains a price risk hedging
strategy to reduce the risk of short-term price volatility. A disciplined
approach is used to systematically forward hedge a predetermined portion of
forecasted monthly volumes.
As noted previously, transportation customers purchase their own gas supplies.
About one-half of the gas that the company delivers is purchased by
transportation customers directly from producers and marketers rather than from
Nicor Gas.
Pipeline transportation. Nicor Gas is directly connected to eight interstate
pipelines, providing access to most of the major natural gas producing regions
in North America. The company's primary long-term transportation contracts are
as follows (daily availability in MMBtus):
Availability Contract Expiration
Natural Gas Pipeline Company (NGPL) 698,000 March 2006
Horizon Pipeline 300,000 May 2012
Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company (TGPC) 300,000 October 2009
Midwestern Gas Transmission Company (MGT) 297,000 October 2006
Northern Natural Gas Company 206,000 October 2008
Natural Gas Pipeline Company (NGPL) 200,000 March 2007
ANR Pipeline (ANR) 25,000 October 2009
The company has a right of first refusal for contract extensions except for the
TGPC contract. In addition, Nicor Gas enters into short-term transportation
contracts that extend for one heating season only. Nicor Gas has also entered
into agreements with NGPL, Northern Border Pipeline, ANR and MGT for additional
capacity that is generally for the purpose of transporting natural gas within
Illinois, after receiving the natural gas from producing regions.
Storage. Nicor Gas owns and operates eight underground natural gas storage
facilities. This storage system is one of the largest in the gas distribution
industry. With about 140 Bcf of annual storage capacity, the system is designed
to meet about 50 percent of the company's estimated peak-day deliveries and
approximately 30 percent of its normal winter deliveries. In addition to
company-owned facilities, Nicor Gas has about 40 Bcf of purchased storage
services under contracts with NGPL that expire in 2006 and 2007. This level of
storage capability provides Nicor Gas with supply flexibility, improves the
reliability of deliveries and can mitigate the risk associated with seasonal
price movements.
COMPETITION/DEMAND
Nicor Gas is the largest natural gas distributor in Illinois and, as a regulated
monopoly, has the exclusive right to distribute natural gas in its service
territory. Substantially all single-family homes in Nicor Gas' service territory
are heated with natural gas. In the commercial and industrial markets, the
company's natural gas services compete with other forms of energy, such as
electricity, coal, propane and oil, based on such factors as price, service,
reliability and environmental impact. Other significant factors that impact
demand for natural gas include weather and economic conditions.
Nicor Gas Company Page 3
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Item 1. Business (continued)
Natural gas deliveries are temperature-sensitive and seasonal since about
one-half of all deliveries are used for space heating. Typically, about 70
percent of deliveries and revenues occur from October through March.
Fluctuations in weather have the potential to significantly impact year-to-year
comparisons of operating income and cash flow.
In 2002 and in the first quarter of 2003, Nicor Gas purchased earnings
protection against the impact of significantly warmer-than-normal or
colder-than-normal weather. No such protection has been in effect since the
first quarter of 2003.
Nicor Gas' large residential customer base provides for a relatively stable
level of natural gas deliveries during weak economic conditions. The company's
industrial and commercial customer base is well diversified, lessening the
impact of industry-specific economic swings. However, management believes that
declines since 2000 in natural gas deliveries to industrial customers may be
permanent. Management also believes that deliveries for power generation, which
have declined in recent years, will remain relatively flat.
During periods of high natural gas prices, deliveries of natural gas can be
negatively affected by conservation and the use of alternative energy sources.
While natural gas prices have fluctuated greatly over the last several years,
natural gas has traditionally maintained a pricing advantage over electricity
and it is expected to maintain an advantage in the foreseeable future.
REGULATION
Nicor Gas is regulated by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), which
establishes the rules and regulations governing utility rates and services in
Illinois. Those rules or regulations that may significantly affect business
performance include the following:
o Base rates, which are set by the ICC, are designed to allow the company an
opportunity to recover its costs and earn a fair return for investors. On
November 4, 2004, Nicor Gas filed with the ICC for an overall increase in
rates of approximately $83 million (or about 16.5 percent of base rates
revenue). For additional information about the rate proceeding, see the Notes
to the Consolidated Financial Statements - Note 11 Rate Proceeding.
o The company's ICC-approved tariffs provide that the cost of natural gas
purchased for customers will be fully charged to customers without markup.
Therefore, the company does not make any profit from the sale of natural gas.
Rather, the company earns income from a fixed monthly charge and from
variable transportation charges for delivering the natural gas to customer
premises. The ICC annually reviews the company's natural gas purchasing
practices for prudence, and may disallow the pass-through of costs considered
imprudent.
o As with the cost of natural gas, the company has a tariff that provides for
the pass-through of prudently incurred environmental clean-up costs related
to former manufactured gas plant sites. This pass-through is also subject to
annual ICC review.
o The ICC also has other rules that impact the company's operations. Changes in
these rules can impact operating and capital costs. For example, past changes
relating to customer payment plans and credit/collection policies have
impacted the company's accounts receivable write-off experience.
Nicor Gas Company Page 4
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Item 1. Business (concluded)
A performance-based rate (PBR) plan for natural gas costs went into effect in
2000 and was terminated by the company effective January 1, 2003. Under the PBR
plan, Nicor Gas' total gas supply costs were compared to a market-sensitive
benchmark. Savings and losses relative to the benchmark were determined annually
and shared equally with sales customers. The results of the PBR plan are
currently under ICC review. Additional information on the plan and the ICC
review are presented in Management's Discussion and Analysis - Contingencies -
Performance-Based Rate Plan.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
Nicor Gas files various reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC). These reports include the annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports
on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed
or furnished pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Nicor Gas makes all of these reports available without charge to the public on
the investor relations section of the company's internet site at www.nicor.com
as soon as reasonably practicable after Nicor Gas files them with, or furnishes
them to, the SEC.
Additional information about Nicor Gas' business is presented in Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Item 2. Properties
The company's properties are located in the territory described under Item 1,
Business, and are suitable, adequate and utilized in its operations.
The gas distribution, transmission and storage system includes approximately
32,000 miles of steel, plastic and cast iron main; approximately 1.9 million
steel, plastic/aluminum composite, plastic and copper services connecting the
mains to customers' premises; and eight underground storage fields. Other
properties include buildings, land, motor vehicles, meters, regulators,
compressors, construction equipment, tools, communication and computer
equipment, software and office equipment.
Most of the company's distribution and transmission property, and underground
storage fields are located on property owned by others and used by the company
through easements, permits or licenses. The company owns most of the buildings
housing its administrative offices and the land on which they sit.
Substantially all properties are subject to the lien of the indenture securing
the company's first mortgage bonds.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
See the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements - Note 11 Rate Proceeding
and Note 13 Contingencies, which are incorporated herein by reference.
Nicor Gas Company Page 5
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PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
All of the outstanding common stock of Nicor Gas is owned by Nicor Inc. There is
no public trading market for the company's common stock. During 2004 and 2003,
the company declared dividends on its common stock totaling $49 million and $65
million, respectively.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations
The purpose of this financial review is to explain changes in Nicor Gas'
operating results and financial condition from 2002 to 2004 and to discuss
business trends and uncertainties that might affect Nicor Gas. Certain terms
used herein are defined in the glossary on page ii. The discussion is organized
into five sections - Summary, Results of Operations, Financial Condition and
Liquidity, Critical Accounting Estimates and Other Factors That May Affect
Business Performance.
SUMMARY
Nicor Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nicor Inc., is one of the nation's
largest natural gas distribution companies, and it is Nicor's primary business.
Results for 2004 were lower as compared to 2003 due mainly to lower operating
income. Operating income decreased $22.1 million in 2004 due primarily to
decreased insurance recoveries relating to the mercury inspection and repair
program, higher operating and maintenance expenses, the negative impact of
warmer weather than in 2003 and higher depreciation expense. These negative
factors were partially offset by the impact of an increased number of customers.
Results for 2003 were lower as compared to 2002 due mainly to lower operating
income. Operating income decreased $25.2 million in 2003 due primarily to
increased operating and maintenance expenses, lower Chicago Hub results and
higher depreciation. Operating income also reflects $17.8 million of
mercury-related insurance recoveries in 2003 as compared to $29.0 million of
mercury-related insurance recoveries and reserve reductions in 2002. The impact
of weather colder than the prior year was an increase in operating income of
about $3 million.
In late 2004, Nicor Gas filed a proposal for a rate increase with the Illinois
Commerce Commission (ICC). For more information, see Other Factors That May
Affect Business Performance - Rate Proceeding.
These factors are discussed in more detail in the Results of Operations section
which follows.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion summarizes the major items impacting Nicor Gas'
operating income.
Operating revenues. Gas distribution revenues are impacted by changes in natural
gas costs, which are passed directly through to customers without markup,
subject to ICC review. Operating revenues increased $12.3 million as compared to
2003 due primarily to higher natural gas costs ($96.5 million) and higher
revenue taxes ($16.5 million). These positive factors were largely offset by the
negative effect of warmer weather than in 2003 (approximately $100 million).
Nicor Gas Company Page 6
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Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (continued)
Operating revenues increased nearly 50 percent to $2.4 billion in 2003 compared
to $1.6 billion in 2002 due primarily to higher natural gas costs, which are
passed directly through to customers without markup, subject to ICC review. The
revenue effect of higher natural gas costs was approximately $680 million.
Revenues also increased in 2003 by about $40 million due to colder weather.
While residential deliveries rose on colder weather, industrial deliveries fell
due largely to lower power-generation load affected by mild summer weather.
Margin. Nicor Gas utilizes a measure it refers to as "margin" to evaluate the
operating income impact of gas distribution revenues. Gas distribution revenues
include natural gas costs, which are passed directly through to customers
without markup, subject to ICC review, and revenue taxes, for which Nicor Gas
earns a small administrative fee. These items often cause significant
fluctuations in gas distribution revenues, and yet they have virtually no direct
impact on gas distribution operating income.
A reconciliation of gas distribution revenues and margin follows (in millions):
2004 2003 2002
---------- ---------- ----------
Revenues $2,363.9 $2,351.6 $1,594.8
Cost of gas (1,695.0) (1,692.7) (970.1)
Revenue tax expense (139.4) (130.9) (92.4)
---------- ---------- ----------
Margin $ 529.5 $ 528.0 $ 532.3
========== ========== ==========
For the year 2004, margin was essentially unchanged from 2003, although affected
by a number of offsetting factors. Warmer weather than in 2003 (approximately $6
million) had a negative effect on margin. This negative factor was more than
offset by the impact of an increased number of customers ($3.3 million), higher
average rates charged during the period ($2.2 million), higher revenue tax
administration fees ($1.0 million) and increased Chicago Hub results ($0.5
million).
Negatively impacting margin in 2003 was a smaller contribution from the Chicago
Hub and other gas supply-related activities ($10.9 million) and lower industrial
deliveries, mainly for power generation ($2.9 million). The company believes
commercial and industrial deliveries were unfavorably impacted by general
economic conditions and higher natural gas prices. Positively impacting margin
were increased customer finance and late payment charges ($8 million) related to
higher natural gas prices in 2003. Increased deliveries due to colder weather
than the prior year (about $7 million), partially offset by an unfavorable
variance from the company's weather hedge in 2003 compared to 2002 ($3.5
million), also positively impacted margin.
Operating and maintenance expense. Operating and maintenance expense increased
$13.5 million to $233.6 million in 2004 from $220.1 million in 2003. This
increase was due primarily to higher legal defense costs associated with the
PBR-related litigation ($5.4 million), payroll costs ($3.5 million), adjustments
related to customer reimbursements ($3.1 million), higher bad debt expense ($2.7
million) due in part to high natural gas prices and higher compliance costs
($2.6 million). These negative factors were partially offset by higher pension
credits ($3.6 million).
Nicor Gas Company Page 7
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Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (continued)
The $20.5 million increase in operating and maintenance expense for 2003 over
2002 was due primarily to higher pension costs ($9.7 million), higher insurance
expense ($4.2 million), increased bad debt expense ($4.1 million), increased
natural gas costs to operate company equipment and facilities ($3.2 million) and
higher health care costs ($2.7 million). These negative factors were partially
offset by lower expenses related to the review of the company's PBR plan ($6.5
million).
Mercury-related costs (recoveries), net. Mercury-related costs (recoveries), net
reflect the estimated costs, credits and recoveries associated with the
company's mercury inspection and repair program. Recoveries and costs were
insignificant in 2004. However, in 2003 and 2002, Nicor Gas reached agreements
with insurers and independent contractors whereby the company recovered
approximately $18 million and $20 million, respectively, of mercury-related
costs. In addition, in 2002, a $9 million adjustment lowered the mercury-related
reserve and reduced operating expense. Additional information about the
company's mercury inspection and repair program is presented in the Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements - Note 13 Contingencies - Mercury.
Other income (expense). Pretax other income was $4.4 million, $2.0 million and
$2.7 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002 respectively.
Property sale gains and losses vary from year-to-year depending upon property
sales activity. Property sale gains were $5.9 million, $0.4 million and $4.1
million in 2004, 2003 and 2002 respectively. The company continues to assess its
ownership of real estate holdings and anticipates a decrease in property sale
activity in 2005.
Interest income was $1.0 million, $1.5 million and $2.7 million in 2004, 2003
and 2002 respectively. The decrease of $1.2 million in 2003 from 2002 was due
primarily to lower interest income from affiliates.
In 2004 and 2002, losses were recorded of $1.8 million and $4.1 million
respectively related to the former PBR plan. Additional information related to
the PBR plan is described in the Contingencies - Performance-Based Rate Plan.
Income taxes. The decline in the effective income tax rate to 34.8 percent for
2004 from 36.7 percent in 2003 and 37.1 percent in 2002 was primarily a result
of lower pretax income, which causes a lower effective income tax rate since
permanent differences and tax credits are a larger share of pretax income.
Interest expense. Interest on debt for 2004 increased by $1.7 million as
compared to 2003 due to the impact of higher effective interest rates ($7.3
million), partially offset by the impact of lower average borrowing levels ($5.6
million). Other interest expense declined $1.3 million in 2004 due primarily to
the impact of lower average borrowing levels. Interest expense remained
essentially unchanged in 2003 compared with 2002 as the impact of higher average
borrowing levels was offset by the positive effect of lower interest rates.
Nicor Gas Company Page 8
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Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (continued)
Operating Statistics
2004 2003 2002
--------- --------- ---------
Operating revenues (millions)
Sales
Residential $ 1,625.5 $ 1,611.9 $ 1,057.4
Commercial 349.9 351.7 209.4
Industrial 49.3 51.2 32.5
--------- --------- ---------
2,024.7 2,014.8 1,299.3
--------- --------- ---------
Transportation
Residential 23.6 22.7 16.3
Commercial 69.9 71.6 75.6
Industrial 39.9 41.7 45.8
Other 14.0 12.0 7.6
--------- --------- ---------
147.4 148.0 145.3
--------- --------- ---------
Other revenues
Revenue taxes 143.5 134.0 95.3
Environmental cost recovery 20.6 31.3 24.6
Chicago Hub 7.9 7.3 15.4
Other 19.8 16.2 14.9
--------- --------- ---------
191.8 188.8 150.2
--------- --------- ---------
$ 2,363.9 $ 2,351.6 $ 1,594.8
========= ========= =========
Deliveries (Bcf)
Sales
Residential 204.8 214.9 212.9
Commercial 44.3 46.7 41.6
Industrial 6.4 7.0 6.9
--------- --------- ---------
255.5 268.6 261.4
--------- --------- ---------
Transportation
Residential 16.6 16.6 11.0
Commercial 84.1 87.8 97.5
Industrial 117.0 121.2 149.2
--------- --------- ---------
217.7 225.6 257.7
--------- --------- ---------
473.2 494.2 519.1
========= ========= =========
Year-end customers (thousands)
Sales
Residential 1,777.3 1,745.2 1,733.6
Commercial 116.5 114.5 108.9
Industrial 7.4 7.3 7.0
--------- --------- ---------
1,901.2 1,867.0 1,849.5
--------- --------- ---------
Transportation
Residential 147.9 145.1 126.8
Commercial 59.5 58.3 62.4
Industrial 6.0 6.2 6.7
--------- --------- ---------
213.4 209.6 195.9
--------- --------- ---------
2,114.6 2,076.6 2,045.4
========= ========= =========
Other statistics
Degree days (normal 6000) 5,637 6,068 5,779
Colder (warmer) than normal (6)% 1% (4)%
Average gas cost per Mcf sold $ 6.56 $ 6.24 $ 3.67
Nicor Gas Company Page 9
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Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (continued)
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY
The company believes it has access to adequate resources to meet its needs for
capital expenditures, debt redemptions, dividend payments and working capital.
These resources include net cash flow from operating activities, access to
capital markets, lines of credit and short-term investments.
Operating cash flows. The gas distribution business is highly seasonal and
operating cash flow may fluctuate significantly during the year and from
year-to-year due to factors such as weather, natural gas prices, the timing of
collections from customers, and natural gas purchasing, storage and hedging
practices. The company relies on short-term financing to meet seasonal increases
in working capital needs. Cash requirements generally increase over the third
and fourth quarters due to increases in natural gas purchases, gas in storage
and accounts receivable. Over the first and second quarters, positive cash flow
generally results from the sale of gas in storage and the collection of accounts
receivable. This cash is typically used to reduce short-term debt during the
second quarter.
Nicor Gas maintains margin accounts related to financial derivative
transactions. These margin accounts may cause large fluctuations in cash needs
or sources in a relatively short period of time due to daily settlements
resulting from changes in natural gas futures prices. The company manages these
fluctuations with short-term borrowings.
Net cash flow provided from (used for) operating activities was $284.3 million,
$(52.4) million and $221.7 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The
cash flows provided in 2004 and 2002 are at the levels traditionally experienced
by the company. Operating cash flow for 2003 was negative due primarily to
changes in working capital items in the gas distribution segment. Two decisions
in 2003 were the primary factors underlying the working capital changes. First,
the company significantly increased the quantity of owned gas in storage at
December 31, 2003 as compared to December 31, 2002. In addition, to reduce
associated costs, the company chose to fund a significant portion of those
purchases through short-term borrowings (which are shown outside the operating
section, in the financing section, of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows)
instead of through accounts payable. As noted in the financing activities
section of Management's Discussion and Analysis, the company had increased its
short-term debt borrowing capacity in anticipation of these two and other
factors (including higher gas costs), accommodating the funding of these
decisions without impacting the level of long-term borrowing.
In 2003, Nicor Gas received an income tax refund, which adjusted the deferred
income tax liability, of approximately $100 million attributable to a tax loss
carryback associated with a change in tax accounting methods, subject to
Internal Revenue Service review and approval as part of normal ongoing audits.
Decisions by taxing authorities may significantly impact the company's cash
flow.
Investing activities. In 2004, Nicor Gas realized net proceeds of $7.6 million
on the sale of land. Capital expenditures were $178.2 million in 2004 compared
with $172.9 million in 2003 and $169.5 million in 2002. Increased costs in 2004
for information technology system improvements (about $8 million) were largely
offset by adjustments related to customer reimbursements (about $3 million), the
absence of expenditures related to a 2003 service outage (about $2 million) and
reduced storage system expenditures (about $2 million).
Increased costs in 2003 for gas distribution system improvements (about $8
million) and higher capitalized pension costs (about $3 million) were partially
offset by a decrease in storage and
Nicor Gas Company Page 10
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Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (continued)
transmission system expenditures (about $6 million) compared with 2002. Storage
and transmission system expenditures in 2002 included the acquisition of a
compressor for a storage facility.
Capital spending in 2005 is estimated to be about $195 million, an increase of
approximately $20 million over 2004 levels due primarily to planned storage
compressor and real estate expenditures.
Financing activities. Nicor Gas has credit ratings that are among the highest in
the gas distribution industry. As of the filing date of this report, the credit
ratings as assigned by Standard and Poor's Ratings Services (S&P), Moody's
Investors Service (Moody's) and Fitch Ratings (Fitch) are as follows:
S&P Moody's Fitch
---------- ---------- ----------
Commercial Paper A-1+ P-1 F-1+
First Mortgage Bonds AA Aa3 AA-
Unsecured Credit Facilities AA- n/a n/a
Senior Unsecured Debt AA A1 AA-
In June 2004, Fitch changed Nicor Gas' First Mortgage Bonds from AA to AA-, and
affirmed Nicor Gas' commercial paper at F-1+. Fitch also upgraded the ratings
outlook for the company to Stable from Negative. In December 2004, S&P changed
its outlook from Stable to Negative.
Nicor Gas' debt-related financial statistics at December 31 include:
2004 2003 2002
-------- -------- --------
Long-term debt, net of current maturities,
as a percent of capitalization 43.9% 44.4% 39.2%
Times interest earned, before income taxes 3.5 4.5 5.7
Long-term debt. The company typically uses the net proceeds from long-term debt
for refinancing outstanding debt, for construction programs to the extent not
provided by internally generated funds, and for general corporate purposes.
At December 31, 2004, the company had the capacity to issue about another $365
million of First Mortgage Bonds under the terms of its indenture, of which $75
million was available for immediate issuance under a July 2001 shelf
registration filing. Nicor is in compliance with its debt covenants and believes
it will continue to remain so. Nicor's long-term debt agreements do not include
ratings triggers or material adverse change provisions.
In 2003, Nicor Gas issued the following First Mortgage Bonds: $50 million due in
2023 at 5.80%, $50 million due in 2032 at 5.90% and $50 million due in 2033 at
5.90%. Retirements of First Mortgage Bonds in 2003 were as follows: $50 million
due in 2003 at 5.75% and $50 million due in 2027 at 7.375%.
In April 2003, Nicor Gas refinanced $50 million of 3% unsecured notes due in
April 2003 with $50 million of 1.6% unsecured notes due and paid in October
2003.
Nicor Gas Company Page 11
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Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (continued)
Short-term debt. The company relies on short-term financing to meet temporary
operating cash flow needs resulting from seasonal changes in working capital. In
2004, Nicor Inc. and Nicor Gas established two new revolving credit facilities
with major domestic and foreign banks. These facilities, which serve as backup
for the issuance of commercial paper, consist of a $500 million, 3-year
revolver, expiring September 2007, available to Nicor Inc. and Nicor Gas, and a
$400 million, 210-day seasonal revolver, expiring in April 2005, available to
Nicor Gas.
Common stock. The company paid dividends of $54 million, $71 million and $109
million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
Contractual obligations. As of December 31, 2004, Nicor Gas had contractual
obligations with payments due as follows (in millions):
Payments due by period
------------------------------------------------
Less More
Than 1 1-3 3-5 than 5
Year years years years Total
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Purchase obligations $ 670.1 $ 418.6 $ 137.7 $ 24.6 $1,251.0
Long-term debt - 50.0 125.0 325.0 500.0
Fixed interest on
long-term debt 30.5 58.2 47.0 266.4 402.1
Operating leases .9 1.7 1.6 9.1 13.3
Other long-term obligations .5 .9 1.0 2.5 4.9
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
$ 702.0 $ 529.4 $ 312.3 $ 627.6 $2,171.3
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Purchase obligations consist primarily of natural gas purchase agreements and
natural gas transportation and storage contracts. Purchase obligations also
include obligations to purchase natural gas at future market prices, calculated
using December 31, 2004 New York Mercantile Exchange futures prices.
Operating leases are primarily for office space and equipment. Rental expense
under operating leases was $1.0 million, $1.3 million and $2.3 million in 2004,
2003 and 2002, respectively. Other long-term obligations consist primarily of
redeemable preferred stock.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
Nicor Gas prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which regularly
require Nicor Gas' management to exercise judgment in the selection and
application of accounting methods. The application of accounting methods
includes making estimates using subjective assumptions and judgments about
matters that are inherently uncertain.
The use of estimates and the selection of accounting policies affect Nicor Gas'
reported results and financial condition. The company has adopted several
significant accounting policies and is required to make significant accounting
estimates that are important to understanding its financial statements. These
significant policies and estimates are described throughout the Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements.
Nicor Gas Company Page 12
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Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (continued)
Although there are numerous areas in which Nicor Gas' management makes
significant accounting estimates, it believes its critical estimates are those
that require management's most difficult and subjective or complex judgments.
Nicor Gas' management has a practice of reviewing its critical accounting
estimates and policy decisions with the audit committee of its board of
directors. Its critical estimates typically involve legal contingencies,
derivative instruments, pension and other postretirement benefits, credit risk,
and unbilled revenues because they are estimates which could materially impact
Nicor Gas' financial statements.
Loss contingencies. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (SFAS) No. 5, Nicor Gas records contingent losses as liabilities when
a loss is both probable and the amount or range of loss, including related legal
defense costs, is reasonably estimable. When only a range of potential loss is
estimable, the company records a liability for the minimum anticipated loss.
Nicor Gas is involved in various legal and regulatory proceedings and is exposed
to various loss contingencies. These loss contingencies are in some cases
resolved in stages over time, estimates may change significantly from period to
period, and the company's ultimate obligations may differ materially from its
recorded amounts. Of particular note is the PBR plan contingency at Nicor Gas
and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and U.S. Attorney
inquiries described in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements - Note
13 Contingencies.
Derivative instruments. The rules for determining whether a contract meets the
definition of a derivative instrument or qualifies for hedge accounting
treatment are numerous and complex. The treatment of a single contract may vary
from period to period depending upon accounting elections, changes in
management's assessment of the likelihood of future hedged transactions or new
interpretations of accounting rules. As a result, management judgment is
required in the determination of the appropriate accounting treatment. In
addition, the estimated fair value of derivative instruments may change
significantly from period to period depending upon market projections, and
changes in hedge effectiveness may impact the accounting treatment. These
determinations and changes in estimates may have a material impact on reported
results.
Pension and other postretirement benefits. The company's cost of providing
postretirement benefits is dependent upon various factors and assumptions,
including life expectancies, the discount rate used in determining the projected
benefit obligation, the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the
long-term rate of compensation increase and anticipated health care costs.
Changes in these assumptions typically do not have a significant impact on the
expenses recorded from year to year. However, actual experience in any one
period, particularly the actual return on plan assets, often varies
significantly from these mostly long-term assumptions. When cumulatively
significant, the gains and losses generated from such variances are amortized
over the remaining service lives of employees covered by the plans
(approximately 11 to 14 years). Additional information is presented in the Notes
to the Consolidated Financial Statements - Note 7 Postretirement Benefits.
The company's estimated postretirement benefit cost included in operating income
was $9.1 million, $13.9 million and $1.4 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002,
respectively. Nicor Gas expects to record postretirement benefit cost for 2005
of $8.1 million. Actuarial assumptions affecting 2005 include an expected rate
of return on plan assets of 8.5 percent, consistent with the prior year, and a
discount rate of 5.75 percent compared with 6 percent a year earlier.
Nicor Gas Company Page 13
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Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (continued)
Credit risk. Nicor Gas is required to estimate credit risk in establishing
allowances for doubtful accounts. Actual credit losses could vary materially
from Nicor Gas' estimates. Nicor Gas' allowance for doubtful accounts at
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 was $19.7 million, $19.4 million and $14.4
million, respectively, as presented on Schedule II.
Unbilled revenues. Nicor Gas estimates revenues for gas deliveries not yet
billed to customers from the last billing date to month-end (unbilled revenues).
Unbilled revenue estimates are dependent upon a number of customer-usage factors
which require management judgment, including weather. These estimates are
adjusted when actual billings occur, and changes in estimates can be material.
Estimated unbilled revenues for Nicor Gas at December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
were $204.4 million, $139.0 million and $142.4 million, respectively.
OTHER FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
The following factors can impact year-to-year comparisons and may affect the
future performance of Nicor Gas.
General. Nicor Gas, a regulated natural gas distribution utility, serves over
2.1 million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the
northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. The region's economy
is diverse and its customer base has grown steadily over the years, providing
Nicor Gas with a well-balanced mix of residential, commercial and industrial
customers. Residential customers typically account for approximately 45 to 50
percent of natural gas deliveries, while commercial and industrial customers
each typically account for about 25 to 30 percent.
Regulation. Nicor Gas is regulated by the ICC, which establishes the rules and
regulations governing utility rates and services in Illinois. Certain rates are
updated monthly and designed to recover specific past costs, such as gas supply
and environmental costs, subject to an annual prudence review. Base rates, on
the other hand, are designed to allow the company an opportunity to recover its
costs and to earn a fair return for its investors. Significant changes in the
regulations applicable to Nicor Gas or its affiliates, or the regulatory
environment in general, could affect the performance of Nicor Gas. Information
regarding certain ICC proceedings is presented within the Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements - Note 13 Contingencies - Performance-Based
Rate Plan.
Rate Proceeding. On November 4, 2004, Nicor Gas filed with the ICC for an
overall increase in rates of approximately $83 million (or about 16.5 percent of
base rates revenue). The company's filing provided for a rate of return on
original-cost rate base of 9.34 percent, which reflects an 11.37 percent cost of
common equity. The requested rate increase is needed to recover higher operating
costs and increased capital investments. Nicor Gas has not raised base rates
since 1996.
As part of the requested rate increase, Nicor Gas has proposed that all Chicago
Hub revenues, net of related administrative costs, and approximately two-thirds
of all bad debt expenses be passed directly through to customers, reducing the
earnings variability of both items. In addition, the company has proposed
setting rates assuming normal weather of 5,830 degree days beginning in 2005
versus the 6,000 degree days currently considered by the company as normal.
The ICC normally has 11 months to complete its review of the filing and to issue
an order. The proposed rate increase has been suspended pending the completion
of the ICC's review.
Nicor Gas Company Page 14
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Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (continued)
Operating and maintenance expenses. Operating and maintenance expenses at Nicor
Gas have increased in recent years, and it is expected that they will continue
to rise in the near future.
Weather. Natural gas deliveries are temperature-sensitive and seasonal since
about one-half of all deliveries are used for space heating. Typically, about 70
percent of deliveries and revenues occur from October through March.
Fluctuations in weather have the potential to significantly impact year-to-year
comparisons of operating income and cash flow.
It is estimated that a 100-degree day variation from normal weather (about 6,000
degree days per year for purposes of this report) would affect Nicor gas' net
income by about $1 million. Since the first quarter of 2003, external weather
protection has not been purchased by Nicor.
Demand and natural gas prices. In addition to the impact of weather, significant
changes in economic conditions or natural gas prices can impact customer gas
usage. Nicor Gas' large residential customer base provides relative stability
during weak economic periods, and the industrial and commercial customer base is
well diversified, lessening the impact of industry-specific economic swings.
However, management believes that declines since 2000 in natural gas deliveries
to industrial customers may be permanent. Management also believes that
deliveries for power generation, which have declined in recent years, will
remain relatively flat.
Changes in the price of natural gas have no direct impact on gas distribution
margin since gas costs are passed directly through to customers without markup,
subject to ICC review. However, high natural gas prices can have an adverse
effect on accounts receivable collections, customer demand, company-use gas
expenses, financing costs and customer service expenses.
Competition. Nicor Gas is a regulated monopoly and has no competition for
natural gas distribution. However, Nicor Gas does compete with alternative
energy suppliers based on such factors as price, service and reliability. The
company believes that it is well positioned to deal with the possibility of fuel
switching by customers because it has rates and services designed to compete
against alternative fuels. In addition, the company has a rate that allows
negotiation with potential bypass customers, and no customer has bypassed the
Nicor Gas system since the rate became effective in 1987. Nicor Gas also offers
commercial and industrial customers alternatives in rates and service,
increasing its ability to compete in these markets.
Storage and supply. Nicor Gas has a direct connection to eight interstate
pipelines and extensive underground storage capacity that provides the company
and its transportation customers with flexibility and alternatives for natural
gas supply procurement and storage services. In addition, in an effort to ensure
supply reliability, the company purchases gas from several different producing
regions under varied contract terms.
Customer choice of commodity supplier. Since March 2002, all Nicor Gas customers
have had a choice of natural gas suppliers. The choice of another natural gas
commodity supplier has no direct impact on gas distribution margin because
natural gas costs are passed directly through to customers without markup,
subject to ICC review. Nicor Gas continues to deliver the natural gas, maintain
its distribution system and respond to emergencies.
Customer credit risk. Nicor Gas has a diversified customer base, which limits
its exposure to concentrations of credit risk in any one industry or income
class. The company believes that it maintains prudent credit policies, subject
to ICC regulations. Customers also have options to help them manage
Nicor Gas Company Page 15
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Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (continued)
their bills, such as energy assistance programs for low-income customers and a
budget payment plan that spreads gas bills more evenly throughout the year.
However, high natural gas prices can increase the risk of customer nonpayment.
Nicor Gas experienced increasing bad debt expense in the past few years due in
part to high natural gas prices and an increasingly adverse credit experience
consistent with general economic conditions. It is expected that high natural
gas prices will continue in 2005. See also the Credit Risk section below.
Other activities. Nicor Gas continues to pursue other activities, such as the
Chicago Hub, which provides natural gas transportation and storage services. The
Chicago area is a major market hub for natural gas, and demand exists for
storage and transmission-related services by marketers, other gas distribution
companies and electric power-generation facilities. Nicor Gas' Chicago Hub
addresses that demand. During 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Chicago Hub contributed
to operating income $7.9 million, $7.3 million and $15.4 million, respectively.
The lower income level in 2004 and 2003 compared with 2002 was attributable
primarily to lower Chicago Hub inventory levels and less flexibility. See also
the previous Rate Proceeding section for proposed changes in the rate treatment
of Chicago Hub activities.
Outlook. Due principally to higher operating and maintenance and depreciation
costs, gas distribution results for 2005 are expected to be lower than in 2004.
Also, the ICC's PBR plan review, the related purchased gas adjustment review and
the proposed rate increase (which would be effective in late 2005) could
significantly affect 2005 results, but the outcomes are not estimable.
Market risks. The company is exposed to market risk in the normal course of its
business operations, including the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in
natural gas and fuel commodity prices, and interest rates. It is Nicor Gas'
practice to manage these risks utilizing derivative instruments and other
methods, as deemed appropriate.
Commodity price risk. With regard to commodity price risk, the company has
established policies and procedures governing the management of such risks and
the use of derivative instruments to hedge its exposure to such risks. A risk
management committee oversees compliance with such policies and procedures.
Nicor Gas is not directly exposed to market risk caused by changes in commodity
prices because of Illinois rate regulation allowing for the recovery of
prudently incurred natural gas supply costs from customers. However, substantial
increases in natural gas prices may indirectly impact Nicor Gas' earnings by
increasing the cost of gas used by the company, bad debt expense and other
operating and financing expenses. Higher natural gas prices may also lead to
lower customer gas consumption and margin. The company is mitigating these risks
through the use of fixed-price purchase agreements, futures contracts and swap
agreements.
Credit risk. The company is also exposed to credit risk in the event a
counterparty, customer or supplier defaults on a contract to pay for or deliver
product at agreed-upon terms and conditions. To manage this risk, the company
has established procedures to determine and monitor the creditworthiness of
counterparties, to require guarantees or collateral back-up, and to limit its
exposure to any one counterparty. In some instances, Nicor Gas enters into
netting arrangements to mitigate counterparty credit risk.
Nicor Gas Company Page 16
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Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (continued)
Interest rate risk. Nicor Gas is exposed to changes in interest rates. The
company manages its interest rate risk by issuing long-term fixed-rate debt with
varying maturities, refinancing certain debt and periodically hedging the
interest rate on anticipated short-term borrowings. If market rates were to
hypothetically increase by 10 percent from Nicor Gas' weighted average floating
interest rate, interest expense would have increased causing Nicor's earnings to
decrease by approximately $0.2 million in 2004. For further information about
debt securities, interest rates and fair values, see the Financial Statements -
Consolidated Statements of Capitalization, and the Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements - Note 5 Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Note 4
Short-Term and Long-Term Debt.
Contingencies. The following contingencies of Nicor Gas are in various stages of
investigation or disposition. Although in some cases the company is unable to
estimate the amount of loss reasonably possible in addition to any amounts
already recognized, it is possible that the resolution of these contingencies,
either individually or in aggregate, will require the company to take charges
against, or will result in reductions in, future earnings. It is the opinion of
management that the resolution of these contingencies, either individually or in
aggregate, could be material to earnings in a particular period but is not
expected to have a material adverse impact on Nicor Gas' liquidity or financial
condition.
Performance-based rate plan. Nicor Gas' PBR plan for natural gas costs went into
effect in 2000 and was terminated by the company effective January 1, 2003.
Under the PBR plan, Nicor Gas' total gas supply costs were compared to a
market-sensitive benchmark. Savings and losses relative to the benchmark were
determined annually and shared equally with sales customers. The PBR is
currently under Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) review.
There are allegations that the company acted improperly in connection with the
PBR plan, and the ICC and others are reviewing these allegations. On June 27,
2002 the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) filed a motion to reopen the record in the
ICC's proceedings to review the PBR plan (the ICC Proceedings). As a result of
the motion to reopen, Nicor Gas, the Cook County State's Attorney Office
(CCSAO), the staff of the ICC and CUB entered into a stipulation providing for
additional discovery. The Illinois Attorney General's Office has also intervened
in this matter. In addition, the Illinois Attorney General's Office issued Civil
Investigation Demands (CIDs) to CUB and the ICC staff. The CIDs ordered that CUB
and the ICC staff produce all documents relating to any claims that Nicor Gas
may have presented, or caused to be presented, false information related to its
PBR plan. Parties who were plaintiffs in a dismissed class action proceeding
against the company could potentially intervene in these proceedings. The
company has committed to cooperate fully in the reviews of the PBR plan.
In response to these allegations, on July 18, 2002, the Nicor Board of Directors
appointed a special committee of independent, non-management directors to
conduct an inquiry into issues surrounding natural gas purchases, sales,
transportation, storage and such other matters as may come to the attention of
the special committee in the course of its investigation. The special committee
presented the report of its counsel (Report) to Nicor's Board of Directors on
October 28, 2002. A copy of the report is available at the Nicor website and has
been previously produced to all parties in the ICC Proceedings.
Nicor Gas Company Page 17
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Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (continued)
In response, the Nicor Board of Directors directed the company's management to,
among other things, make appropriate adjustments to account for, and fully
address, the adverse consequences to ratepayers of the items noted in the
Report, and conduct a detailed study of the adequacy of internal accounting and
regulatory controls. The adjustments were made in prior years' financial
statements resulting in a $24.8 million liability. Included in such $24.8
million liability is a $4.1 million loss contingency. A $1.8 million adjustment
to the previously recorded liability, which is discussed below, was made in the
third quarter of 2004 increasing the recorded liability to $26.6 million. In
addition, Nicor Gas estimates that there is $26.9 million due to the company
from the 2002 PBR plan year, which has not been recognized in the financial
statements due to uncertainties surrounding the PBR plan. The net of these items
and interest income on certain components results in a $1.0 million
reimbursement the company is seeking as of December 31, 2004, pending resolution
of the proceedings discussed below. By the end of 2003 the company completed
steps to correct the weaknesses and deficiencies identified in the detailed
study of the adequacy of internal controls.
Pursuant to the agreement of all parties, including the company, the ICC
re-opened the 1999 and 2000 purchased gas adjustment filings for review of
certain transactions related to the PBR plan and consolidated the reviews of the
1999-2002 purchased gas adjustment filings with the PBR plan review.
On February 5, 2003, the CCSAO and CUB filed a motion for $27 million in
sanctions against the company in the ICC Proceedings. In that motion, CCSAO and
CUB alleged that Nicor Gas' responses to certain CUB data requests were false.
Also on February 5, 2003, CUB stated in a press release that, in addition to $27
million in sanctions, it would seek additional refunds to consumers. On March 5,
2003, the ICC staff filed a response brief in support of CUB's motion for
sanctions. On May 1, 2003, the Administrative Law Judges issued a ruling denying
CUB and CCSAO's motion for sanctions. CUB has filed an appeal of the motion for
sanctions with the ICC, and the ICC has indicated that it will not rule on the
appeal until the final disposition of the ICC proceedings. It is not possible to
determine how the ICC will resolve the claims of CCSAO, CUB or other parties to
the ICC Proceedings.
In November 2003, the ICC staff, CUB, CCSAO and the Illinois Attorney General's
Office (IAGO) filed their respective direct testimony in the ICC Proceedings.
The ICC staff is seeking refunds to customers of approximately $108 million and
CUB and CCSAO were jointly seeking refunds to customers of approximately $143
million. The IAGO direct testimony alleges adjustments in a range from $145
million to $190 million. The IAGO testimony as filed is presently unclear as to
the amount which IAGO seeks to have refunded to customers. On February 27, 2004
the above referenced intervenors filed their rebuttal testimony in the ICC
Proceedings. In such rebuttal testimony, CUB and CCSAO amended the alleged
amount to be refunded to customers from approximately $143 million to $190
million. Nicor Gas filed rebuttal testimony in January 2004, which is consistent
with the findings of the special committee Report. Nicor Gas seeks a
reimbursement of approximately $1.0 million as referenced above. The parties to
the ICC Proceedings have agreed to a stay of the evidentiary hearings on this
matter in order to undertake additional third party discovery from Entergy-Koch
Trading, LP (EKT), a natural gas, storage and transportation trader and
consultant with whom Nicor did business under the PBR plan.
During the course of the SEC investigation discussed below, the company became
aware of additional information relating to the activities of individuals
affecting the PBR plan for the period from 1999 through 2002, including
information consisting of third party documents and recordings of telephone
conversations from EKT. The company continues to obtain access to and review
this information. Review of additional information completed in the third
quarter of 2004 resulted in the $1.8 million adjustment to the previously
recorded liability referenced above.
Nicor Gas Company Page 18
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Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (continued)
Although the Report of the special committee's counsel did not find that there
was criminal activity or fraud, a review of this additional information (which
was not available to the independent counsel who prepared the Report) and
re-interviews of certain Nicor Gas personnel indicates that certain former Nicor
Gas personnel may have engaged in potentially fraudulent conduct regarding the
PBR plan in violation of company policy, and in possible violation of SEC rules
and applicable law. Further, certain former Nicor Gas personnel also may have
attempted to conceal their conduct in connection with an ICC review of the PBR
plan. The company continues to cooperate with the SEC, the U.S. Attorney's
office and the ICC on this matter and to review and produce additional documents
as requested by these agencies. The company has reviewed all third party
information it has obtained and will continue to review any additional third
party information the company may obtain. The company terminated four employees
in connection with this matter in the third quarter of 2004.
Nicor is unable to predict the outcome of any of the foregoing reviews or the
company's potential exposure thereunder. Because the PBR plan and historical gas
costs are still under ICC review, the final outcome could be materially
different than the amounts reflected in the company's financial statements as of
December 31, 2004.
SEC and U.S. Attorney Inquiries. In 2002, the staff of the SEC informed the
company that the SEC is conducting a formal inquiry regarding the PBR plan. A
representative of the Office of the United States Attorney for the Northern
District of Illinois has notified the company that that office is conducting an
inquiry on the same matter that the SEC is investigating, and a grand jury is
also reviewing this matter. In April 2004, Nicor was advised by the SEC Division
of Enforcement that it intended to recommend to the SEC that it bring a civil
injunctive action against Nicor, alleging that Nicor violated Sections 17(a) of
the Securities Act of 1933 and Sections 10(b) and 13(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and Rules 10b-5, 12b-20, 13a-1 and 13a-13 thereunder. The
SEC may also seek injunctive relief, disgorgement and civil penalties. The SEC
staff invited Nicor to make a formal response (known as a Wells Submission) with
respect to the proposed recommendation. In June 2004, Nicor Gas filed its Wells
Submission with the SEC. In addition, in connection with the SEC's invitation to
the company to make a Wells Submission, the SEC informed the company of
additional sources of information relating to activities affecting the PBR plan,
the status of which is addressed in detail in the Performance-Based Rate (PBR)
Plan section set forth above. In August 2004, Nicor withdrew its Wells
Submission in light of its continuing review of the additional sources of newly
available information referenced above. Nicor continues in its efforts to
resolve this matter with the SEC and has requested that the SEC allow Nicor to
file an updated Wells Submission if necessary. Nicor Gas is unable to predict
the outcome of these inquiries or Nicor Gas' potential exposure related thereto
and has not recorded a liability associated with the outcome of this
contingency.
Mercury. Future operating results may be impacted by adjustments to the
company's estimated mercury liability or by related recoveries. Additional
information about mercury contingencies is presented in the Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements - Note 13 Contingencies - Mercury.
Manufactured gas plant sites. The company is conducting environmental
investigations and remedial activities at former manufactured gas plant sites.
Additional information about these sites is presented in the Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements - Note 13 Contingencies - Manufactured Gas
Plant Sites.
Nicor Gas Company Page 19
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Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (continued)
FERC Stipulation. Nicor Gas entered into a settlement with the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (FERC). Further information about this settlement is
presented within the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements - Note 13
Contingencies - FERC Stipulation.
Other contingencies. The company is involved in legal or administrative
proceedings before various courts and agencies with respect to general claims,
rates, taxes, environmental, gas costs prudence reviews and other matters. See
the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements - Note 13 Contingencies.
Nicor Gas Company Page 20
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Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations (concluded)
CAUTION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This document includes certain forward-looking statements about the expectations
of Nicor Gas. Although Nicor Gas believes these statements are based on
reasonable assumptions, actual results may vary materially from stated
expectations. Such forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of
forward-looking words or phrases such as "anticipate," "believe," "expect,"
"intend," "may," "planned," "potential," "should," "will," "would," "project,"
"estimate," or similar phrases. Actual results may differ materially from those
indicated in the company's forward-looking statements due to the direct or
indirect effects of legal contingencies (including litigation) and the
resolution of those issues, including the effects of an ICC review and SEC and
U.S. Attorney inquiries, and undue reliance should not be placed on such
statements.
Other factors that could cause materially different results include, but are not
limited to, weather conditions; natural gas prices; health care costs; insurance
costs or recoveries; legal costs; borrowing needs; interest rates; credit
conditions; economic and market conditions; energy conservation; legislative and
regulatory actions; tax rulings or audit results; asset sales; significant
unplanned capital needs; future mercury-related charges or credits; changes in
accounting principles, interpretations, methods, judgments or estimates;
performance of major suppliers and contractors; labor relations; and acts of
terrorism.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking
statements, which speak only as of the date of this filing. Nicor Gas undertakes
no obligation to publicly release any revision to these forward-looking
statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this filing.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
For disclosures about market risk, see Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Market Risks, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
Nicor Gas Company Page 21
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm......................22
Financial Statements:
Consolidated Statements of Operations.....................................24
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.....................................25
Consolidated Balance Sheets...............................................26
Consolidated Statements of Capitalization.................................27
Consolidated Statements of Retained Earnings..............................28
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income...........................28
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements............................29
Nicor Gas Company Page 22
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholder of Northern Illinois Gas Company
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and statements of
capitalization of Northern Illinois Gas Company and subsidiary (the "Company")
as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of
operations, retained earnings, comprehensive income and cash flows for each of
the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004. Our audits also included
the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2). We also
have audited management's assessment, included in the accompanying Management's
Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that the Company maintained
effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004,
based on criteria established in Internal Control--Integrated Framework issued
by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The
Company's management is responsible for these financial statements and financial
statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial
reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over
financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements and financial statement schedule, an opinion on
management's assessment, and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's
internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal
control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our
audits of financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing
the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal
control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal
control over financial reporting, evaluating management's assessment, testing
and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and
performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the
circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinions.
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by,
or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal
financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the
company's board of directors, management, and other personnel 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. A company's internal control over
financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to
the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly
reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2)
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to
permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of
the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely
detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's
assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial
reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management
override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be
prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of
the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future
periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because
of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or
procedures may deteriorate.
Nicor Gas Company Page 23
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (concluded)
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of
December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of its operations and its cash flows
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004, in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in
relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole,
presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
Also in our opinion, management's assessment that the Company maintained
effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, is
fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the criteria established in
Internal Control--Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Furthermore, in our opinion, the
Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over
financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on the criteria established
in Internal Control--Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Chicago, Illinois
February 28, 2005
Nicor Gas Company Page 24
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Consolidated Statements of Operations
(millions)
Year ended December 31
-----------------------------
2004 2003 2002
--------- --------- ---------
Operating revenues (includes revenue taxes of
$143.5, $134.0, and $95.3, respectively) $ 2,363.9 $ 2,351.6 $ 1,594.8
--------- --------- ---------
Operating expenses
Cost of gas 1,695.0 1,692.7 970.1
Operating and maintenance 233.6 220.1 199.6
Depreciation 148.8 143.5 137.6
Taxes, other than income taxes 158.5 147.3 109.5
Mercury-related costs (recoveries), net - (17.8) (29.0)
Income tax expense 31.7 47.4 63.4
--------- --------- ---------
2,267.6 2,233.2 1,451.2
--------- --------- ---------
Operating income 96.3 118.4 143.6
--------- --------- ---------
Other income (expense), net
Property sale gains 5.9 .4 4.1
Interest income 1.0 1.5 2.7
Other income .8 .9 .5
Other expense (1.5) (.8) (.5)
Performance-based rate plan (1.8) - (4.1)
Income taxes on other income (1.4) (.6) (.9)
--------- --------- ---------
3.0 1.4 1.8
--------- --------- ---------
Interest expense
Interest on debt, net of amounts capitalized 36.9 35.2 34.3
Other .3 1.6 2.0
--------- --------- ---------
37.2 36.8 36.3
--------- --------- ---------
Net income 62.1 83.0 109.1
Dividends on preferred stock .1 .2 .3
--------- --------- ---------
Earnings applicable to common stock $ 62.0 $ 82.8 $ 108.8
========= ========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
Nicor Gas Company Page 25
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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(millions)
December 31
---------------------------
2004 2003 2002
-------- -------- -------
Operating activities
Net income $ 62.1 $ 83.0 $ 109.1
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
net cash flow provided from
operating activities:
Depreciation 148.8 143.5 137.6
Deferred income tax expense 20.2 136.7 32.3
Gain on sale of fixed assets (5.9) (.4) (4.1)
Other noncash items 4.8 .9 2.2
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables, less allowances (104.4) (7.4) (99.3)
Gas in storage 18.1 (190.5) 13.4
Deferred/accrued gas costs 21.2 (20.3) (40.7)
Prepaid pension costs (4.4) - (12.8)
Other assets 6.0 4.3 (61.6)
Accounts payable 101.4 (157.6) 63.9
Other liabilities 16.4 (44.6) 81.7
-------- -------- -------
Net cash flow provided from (used for)
operating activities 284.3 (52.4) 221.7
-------- -------- -------
Investing activities
Capital expenditures (178.2) (172.9) (169.5)
Net proceeds from the sale of fixed assets 7.6 .4 4.2
-------- -------- -------
Net cash flow used for investing activities (170.6) (172.5) (165.3)
-------- -------- -------
Financing activities
Net proceeds from issuing long-term debt - 147.8 49.9
Disbursements to retire long-term debt (.5) (152.4) -
Short-term borrowings (repayments), net (200.0) 260.0 48.0
Dividends paid (54.1) (71.3) (109.4)
Other financing activities - (.4) (.4)
-------- -------- -------
Net cash flow provided from (used for)
financing activities (254.6) 183.7 (11.9)
-------- -------- -------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (140.9) (41.2) 44.5
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 141.0 182.2 137.7
-------- -------- -------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ .1 $ 141.0 $ 182.2
======== ======== =======
Supplemental information
Income taxes paid (refunded), net $ 14.1 $ (59.5) $ 17.5
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized 34.7 39.1 32.2
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
Nicor Gas Company Page 26
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(millions)
December 31
--------------------
2004 2003
--------- ---------
Assets
------
Gas distribution plant, at cost $ 3,831.5 $ 3,694.8
Less accumulated depreciation 1,415.1 1,349.6
--------- ---------
2,416.4 2,345.2
--------- ---------
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents - affiliates .1 97.5
Cash and cash equivalents - other - 43.5
Receivables, less allowances of $19.7 and
$19.4, respectively 473.8 371.8
Receivables - affiliates 26.8 24.4
Gas in storage, at last-in, first-out cost 189.0 209.1
Deferred income taxes 41.5 41.9
Other 33.6 40.6
--------- ---------
764.8 828.8
--------- ---------
Prepaid pension costs 181.5 177.1
Other assets 67.3 66.6
--------- ---------
$ 3,430.0 $ 3,417.7
========= =========
Capitalization and Liabilities
------------------------------
Capitalization
Long-term obligations
Long-term bonds $ 495.3 $ 495.1
Mandatorily redeemable preferred stock 4.5 5.1
--------- ---------
499.8 500.2
--------- ---------
Preferred stock
Non-redeemable preferred stock 1.4 1.4
--------- ---------
Common equity
Common stock 76.2 76.2
Paid-in capital 108.1 108.1
Retained earnings 455.3 442.3
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (1.5) (1.5)
--------- ---------
638.1 625.1
--------- ---------
1,139.3 1,126.7
--------- ---------
Current liabilities
Long-term obligations due within one year .5 .5
Short-term borrowings 375.0 575.0
Accounts payable 406.0 304.6
Accrued gas costs 68.2 47.0
Dividends payable 10.0 15.0
Other 47.3 34.7
--------- ---------
907.0 976.8
--------- ---------
Deferred credits and other liabilities
Accrued future removal costs 706.4 670.0
Deferred income taxes 437.0 414.5
Regulatory income tax liability 44.8 48.4
Unamortized investment tax credits 33.8 35.6
Other 161.7 145.7
--------- ---------
1,383.7 1,314.2
--------- ---------
$ 3,430.0 $ 3,417.7
========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
Nicor Gas Company Page 27
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Consolidated Statements of Capitalization
(millions, except share data)
December 31
--------------------------------------
2004 2003
----------------- -----------------
First Mortgage Bonds
5.55% Series due 2006 $ 50.0 $ 50.0
5.875% Series due 2008 75.0 75.0
5.37% Series due 2009 50.0 50.0
6.625% Series due 2011 75.0 75.0
7.20% Series due 2016 50.0 50.0
5.80% Series due 2023 50.0 50.0
6.58% Series due 2028 50.0 50.0
5.90% Series due 2032 50.0 50.0
5.90% Series due 2033 50.0 50.0
------- -------
500.0 500.0
Less: Unamortized debt discount,
net of premium 4.7 4.9
------- -------
495.3 43.5% 495.1 43.9%
------- -------
Preferred stock, cumulative, $100 par
value, 800,000 shares authorized
Mandatorily redeemable preferred
stock, 4.48% and 5.00% series,
51,000 shares outstanding in 2004
and 56,000 shares outstanding in
2003. 5.0 5.6
Less: amount due within one year .5 .5
------- -------
4.5 .4 5.1 .5
------- -------
Nonredeemable preferred stock,
4.60% and 5.00% convertible
series, 14,008 shares
outstanding 1.4 .1 1.4 .1
------- -------
Common equity
Common stock, $5 par value,
25,000,000 shares authorized,
32,365 shares reserved for
conversion and 15,232,414
shares outstanding 76.2 76.2
Paid-in capital 108.1 108.1
Retained earnings 455.3 442.3
Accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss)
Minimum pension liability (1.5) (1.5)
------- -------
(1.5) (1.5)
------- -------
638.1 56.0 625.1 55.5
-------- ------ -------- ------
$1,139.3 100.0% $1,126.7 100.0%
======== ====== ======== ======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
Nicor Gas Company Page 28
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Consolidated Statements of Retained Earnings
(millions)
Year ended December 31
---------------------------
2004 2003 2002
-------- ------- --------
Balance at beginning of year $ 442.3 $ 424.5 $ 400.7
Net income 62.1 83.0 109.1
Dividends declared on common stock (49.0) (65.0) (85.0)
Dividends declared on preferred stock (.1) (.2) (.3)
-------- ------- --------
Balance at end of year $ 455.3 $ 442.3 $ 424.5
======== ======= ========
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(millions)
Year ended December 31
---------------------------
2004 2003 2002
-------- ------- --------
Net income $ 62.1 $ 83.0 $ 109.1
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net - (2.8) 2.0
Reclassifications to net income - 1.9 (.7)
Decrease (increase) to minimum pension
liability - (.1) (.6)
-------- ------- --------
- (1.0) .7
Related income tax benefit (expense) - .4 (.3)
-------- ------- --------
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax - (.6) .4
-------- ------- --------
Comprehensive income $ 62.1 $ 82.4 $ 109.5
======== ======= ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
Nicor Gas Company Page 29
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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Nicor Gas is one of the nation's largest distributors of natural gas, serving
over 2.1 million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the
northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago.
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
General. Nicor Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nicor Inc. Nicor Gas and its
affiliates reimburse each other for transactions between the companies.
Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
Nicor Gas and its wholly owned subsidiary. All significant intercompany balances
and transactions have been eliminated.
Use of estimates. The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires
management to make estimates that affect reported amounts. Actual results could
differ from those estimates, and such differences could be material. Accounting
estimates requiring significant management judgment involve accruals for legal,
regulatory, environmental, and tax loss contingencies, unbilled revenues,
postretirement benefit assets and liabilities, income tax assets and
liabilities, the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, the identification
and valuation of derivative instruments, and potential asset impairments.
Reclassifications. Certain reclassifications have been made to conform the prior
years' financial statements to the current year's presentation.
Cash and cash equivalents. The company considers investments purchased with an
initial maturity of three months or less, or that are due on demand from an
affiliate (labeled "Cash and cash equivalents - affiliates" on the Consolidated
Balance Sheets), to be cash equivalents.
Regulatory assets and liabilities. Nicor Gas is regulated by the Illinois
Commerce Commission (ICC), which establishes the rules and regulations governing
utility rates and services in Illinois. The company applies accounting standards
that recognize the economic effects of rate regulation and, accordingly, has
recorded regulatory assets and liabilities. The company had regulatory assets
and liabilities at December 31 as follows (in millions):
2004 2003
---------- ----------
Regulatory assets
Deferred environmental costs $ 35.4 $ 37.0
Unamortized losses on reacquired debt 19.9 20.9
Deferred rate case costs 2.9 -
---------- ----------
$ 58.2 $ 57.9
========== ==========
Regulatory liabilities
Accrued future removal costs-current $ 11.6 $ -
Accrued future removal costs - noncurrent 706.4 670.0
Accrued gas costs 68.2 47.0
Regulatory income tax liability 44.8 48.4
Other noncurrent regulatory liabilities .7 -
---------- ----------
$ 831.7 $ 765.4
========== ==========
All regulatory assets noted above are classified in noncurrent other assets. The
current portion of the asset retirement obligation is classified in other
current liabilities.
Nicor Gas Company Page 30
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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Asset retirement obligations. The obligation of retiring gas distribution,
transmission, storage and certain general plant assets at Nicor Gas meets the
definition of a legal obligation. However, the company has determined that due
to the indefinite life of such assets a fair value liability is generally not
measurable. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, Nicor Gas had recorded an asset
retirement obligation of $0.9 million and $1.9 million, respectively, for the
expected replacement of inside mercury regulators. Certain costs associated with
the retirement of other items, including polychlorinated biphenyls, aboveground
and underground storage tanks, oil seals and asbestos abatement, are determined
to be immaterial or cannot be measured at this time.
Nicor Gas continues its practice of accruing for future removal costs through
depreciation, subject to cost-of-service utility rate regulation, even when a
legal asset retirement obligation does not exist or its fair value cannot be
measured.
Derivative instruments. At Nicor Gas, derivative instruments, such as
fixed-price purchase agreements, futures contracts and swap agreements, are
utilized primarily in the procurement of natural gas for customers. These
derivative instruments are reflected on the balance sheet at fair value.
Realized gains or losses on such instruments are included in the cost of gas
delivered and are passed directly through to customers, subject to ICC review,
having no direct impact on earnings. Unrealized changes in the fair value of
these derivative instruments are deferred as regulatory assets or liabilities
and classified on the balance sheet as deferred or accrued gas costs,
respectively.
At times, Nicor Gas enters into futures contracts, options and swap agreements
to reduce the earnings impact of certain forecasted operating costs arising from
fluctuations in natural gas prices. These derivative instruments are carried at
fair value, unless they qualify for the normal purchases and normal sales
exception, in which case they are carried at cost. To the extent that hedge
accounting is elected, unrealized changes in the fair market value of these
derivative instruments are reported as a component of accumulated other
comprehensive income or loss. When the forecasted expenses are incurred, the
accumulated other comprehensive income or loss component is reclassified to
operating and maintenance expense.
Through early 2003, Nicor Gas held weather-related swap agreements to limit the
earnings impact of weather fluctuations. The benefits or losses on these
agreements were recorded in operating revenues.
Derivative instruments are classified as other current or noncurrent assets or
liabilities as appropriate. Where hedge accounting is elected, hedge
ineffectiveness is immediately recognized in operating income. Such
ineffectiveness was immaterial for the three years ended December 31, 2004.
Cash flows, gains and losses from derivative instruments are recognized in the
consolidated statements of cash flows and the consolidated statements of
operations in the same categories as the underlying transactions.
Credit risk. Nicor Gas has a diversified customer base and prudent credit
policies which mitigate customer receivable and derivative counterparty credit
risk. In some instances, Nicor Gas enters into netting agreements to mitigate
counterparty credit risk. Credit losses are accrued as liabilities when
probable and reasonably estimable.
Operating revenues and gas costs. Operating revenues are recognized when natural
gas is delivered to customers. In accordance with ICC regulations, the cost of
gas delivered is charged to customers without markup, although the timing of
cost recovery can vary, and is subject to ICC review. Temporary undercollections
and overcollections of gas costs are deferred or accrued as a regulatory asset
or liability with a corresponding decrease or increase to cost of gas,
respectively.
Nicor Gas Company Page 31
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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Nicor Gas accrues revenues and related gas costs for estimated deliveries to
customers from the date of their last bill until the balance sheet date.
Receivables include accrued unbilled revenues of $204.4 million and $139.0
million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
Legal defense costs. Nicor Gas accrues estimated legal defense costs associated
with loss contingencies in the period in which it determines that such costs are
probable of being incurred and are reasonably estimable.
Depreciation. Property, plant and equipment are depreciated over estimated
useful lives on a straight-line basis. The composite depreciation rate is 4.1
percent, which includes estimated future removal costs.
Revenue taxes. Nicor Gas classifies revenue taxes billed to customers as
operating revenues and related taxes incurred as operating expenses. Revenue
taxes included in operating expense for 2004, 2003 and 2002 were $139.4 million,
$130.9 million and $92.5 million, respectively.
Income taxes. Nicor Gas files a consolidated federal income tax return with
Nicor Inc. Income taxes are allocated to Nicor Gas based upon the tax liability
which would have been incurred on a separate company basis. Deferred income
taxes are provided at the current statutory income tax rate for temporary
differences between the tax basis of an asset or liability and its reported
amount in the financial statements. Nicor Gas amortizes investment tax credits
and regulatory income tax liabilities for excess deferred taxes to income over
the lives of the related properties.
2. CONSOLIDATION OF VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
In December 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
Interpretation No. 46(R), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (FIN 46R).
FIN 46R addresses the application of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51,
Consolidated Financial Statements, to certain entities in which equity investors
do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not
have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without
additional subordinated financial support. FIN 46R was effective for Nicor Gas
on January 1, 2004 and had no impact on the company's financial position or
results of operations.
3. GAS IN STORAGE
Based on the average cost of gas purchased in December 2004 and 2003, the
estimated replacement cost of inventory at December 31, 2004 and 2003 exceeded
the last-in, first-out (LIFO) cost by $434.2 million and $314.0 million,
respectively.
During 2004 and 2002, Nicor Gas liquidated LIFO layers at an average cost per
Mcf of $5.81 and $1.32, respectively. For gas purchased in 2004 and 2002 the
company's average cost per Mcf was $0.24 and $2.01 higher, respectively, than
the average LIFO liquidation rate. Applying LIFO cost in valuing the
liquidations, as opposed to using the average gas purchase cost, had the effect
of decreasing the cost of gas in 2004 and 2002 by $0.7 million and $20.2
million, respectively. However, since the cost of gas, including inventory
costs, is charged to customers without markup, these amounts had no impact on
net income. There was no liquidation of any LIFO layers during 2003.
Nicor Gas Company Page 32
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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
4. SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT
In 2004, Nicor Inc. and Nicor Gas established two new revolving credit
facilities with major domestic and foreign banks. These facilities, which serve
as backup for the issuance of commercial paper, consist of a $500 million,
3-year revolver, expiring September 2007, available to Nicor Inc. and Nicor Gas,
and a $400 million, 210-day seasonal revolver, expiring in April 2005, available
to Nicor Gas. Commitment fees paid in advance totaling $1.7 million are being
amortized over the respective terms of the agreements as interest expense. The
company is in compliance with all covenants at December 31, 2004.
The company had $375 million and $575 million of commercial paper outstanding
with a weighted average interest rate of 2.3% and 1.1% at December 31, 2004 and
2003, respectively.
Bank cash balances averaged about $3 million during 2004, which partially
compensated for the cost of maintaining accounts and other banking services.
Such demand balances may be withdrawn at any time.
In December 2003, Nicor Gas issued the following First Mortgage Bonds: $50
million due in 2023 at 5.80%, $50 million due in 2032 at 5.90%, and $50 million
due in 2033 at 5.90%. Additionally, in December 2003, Nicor Gas redeemed $50
million of 7.375% First Mortgage Bonds due in 2027. In June 2003, Nicor Gas
retired $50 million of 5.75% First Mortgage Bonds due in 2003. First Mortgage
Bonds are secured by liens on substantially all property.
In April 2003, Nicor Gas refinanced $50 million of 3% unsecured notes due in
April 2003 with $50 million of 1.6% unsecured notes due and paid in October
2003.
The company incurred total interest expense of $37.6 million, $37.0 million and
$36.7 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Interest expense is reported
net of amounts capitalized. Interest expense capitalized for the years ended
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 was $0.4 million, $0.2 million and $0.4
million, respectively.
5. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The recorded amount of short-term investments and short-term borrowings
approximates fair value because of the short maturity of the instruments.
Long-term debt outstanding, including current maturities, is recorded at the
principal balance outstanding, net of unamortized discount and issuance costs.
The principal balance of Nicor Gas' First Mortgage Bonds outstanding at December
31, 2004 and 2003 was $500 million. Based on quoted market interest rates, the
fair value of the company's First Mortgage Bonds outstanding, including current
maturities, was approximately $530 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003.
Derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value as determined
primarily from actively quoted prices. These instruments had gross asset
(liability) fair values of $4.7 million and $(1.1) million, respectively, at
December 31, 2004, and $3.5 million and $(0.1) million, respectively, at
December 31, 2003. These financial instruments relate to hedging of natural
gas purchases, and their settlement is passed directly through to customers
without markup, subject to ICC review.
Nicor Gas Company Page 33
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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
6. INCOME TAXES
The components of income tax expense (benefit) are presented below (in
millions):
2004 2003 2002
-------- -------- --------
Current
Federal $ 11.7 $ (73.0) $ 27.3
State 3.0 (13.7) 6.1
-------- -------- --------
14.7 (86.7) 33.4
-------- -------- --------
Deferred
Federal 16.4 113.5 26.8
State 3.8 23.2 5.5
-------- -------- --------
20.2 136.7 32.3
-------- -------- --------
Amortization of investment tax credtis, net (1.8) (2.0) (1.4)
-------- -------- --------
Income tax expense, net $ 33.1 $ 48.0 $ 64.3
======== ======== ========
The temporary differences which gave rise to the net deferred tax liability at
December 31, 2004 and 2003, were as follows (in millions):
2004 2003
-------- --------
Deferred tax liabilities
Property, plant and equipment $ 425.8 $ 399.0
Employee benefits 27.1 32.6
Other 22.9 24.3
-------- --------
475.8 455.9
-------- --------
Deferred tax assets
Unamortized investment tax credits 22.3 22.8
Regulatory income tax liability 9.0 10.2
Accrued mercury-related costs 8.0 8.7
Alternative minimum tax credits 17.5 17.7
Other 23.5 23.9
-------- --------
80.3 83.3
-------- --------
Net deferred tax liability $ 395.5 $ 372.6
======== ========
Differences between the federal statutory rate and the effective combined
federal and state income tax rate are shown below:
2004 2003 2002
-------- -------- --------
Federal statutory rate 35.0% 35.0% 35.0%
State income taxes, net 5.2 5.0 4.8
Amortization of investment tax credits (2.4) (1.8) (1.3)
Amortization of regulatory income
tax liability (2.0) (1.6) (1.2)
Other, net (1.0) .1 (.2)
-------- -------- --------
Effective combined federal and state
income tax rate 34.8% 36.7% 37.1%
======== ======== ========
Nicor Gas Company Page 34
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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
The decline in the effective income tax rate to 34.8 percent for 2004 from 36.7
percent in 2003 was primarily a result of lower pretax income (which causes a
lower effective income tax rate since permanent differences and tax credits are
a larger share of pretax income).
The company had available at December 31, 2004, federal alternative minimum tax
(AMT) credit carryforwards for tax purposes of approximately $20 million, which
may be used indefinitely to reduce federal income taxes. The company believes
it is more likey than not that all of its AMT credit carryforwards will be
realized.
In 2003, Nicor Gas received an income tax refund, which adjusted the deferred
income tax liability, of approximately $100 million attributable to a tax loss
carryback associated with a change in tax accounting methods, subject to
Internal Revenue Service review and approval as part of normal ongoing audits.
The company accrues tax and interest related to tax uncertainties. Tax
uncertainties arise due to actual or potential disagreements about the tax
treatment of specific items between the company and the governmental agency
reviewing the company's tax returns. At December 31, 2004 and December 31,
2003, the company had accrued approximately $4.4 million and $0.7 million,
respectively, for such uncertainties.
7. POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
Nicor Gas maintains a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering
substantially all employees hired prior to 1998. Pension benefits are based on
years of service and highest average salary for management employees and job
level for unionized employees. The benefit obligation related to collectively
bargained benefits considers the company's past practice of regular benefit
increases to reflect current wages. Nicor Gas also provides health care and life
insurance benefits to eligible retired employees under a plan that includes a
limit on the company's share of cost for employees hired after 1982. The
company's postretirement benefit costs have historically been considered in rate
proceedings in the period they are accrued.
The following table sets forth the changes in the plans' benefit obligations and
assets, and reconciles the October 1 funded status of the plans to the prepaid
(accrued) benefit cost recorded on the balance sheet at December 31 (in
millions):
Health care and
Pension benefits other benefits
------------------ ------------------
2004 2003 2004 2003
-------- -------- -------- --------
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning
of period $ 273.1 $ 252.0 $ 173.6 $ 169.3
Service cost 9.0 7.4 2.4 2.0
Interest cost 15.7 16.3 10.1 11.1
Actuarial loss 10.6 21.3 8.2 27.7
Participant contributions - - .9 .7
Plan amendments - - (1.9) (26.7)
Benefits paid (25.8) (23.9) (8.6) (10.5)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Benefit obligation at end of period 282.6 273.1 184.7 173.6
-------- -------- -------- --------
Nicor Gas Company Page 35
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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Health care and
Pension benefits other benefits
------------------ ------------------
2004 2003 2004 2003
-------- -------- -------- --------
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning
of period 383.6 337.9 11.7 13.1
Actual return on plan assets 44.2 69.6 1.2 2.2
Employer contributions - - 5.4 6.2
Participant contributions - - .9 .7
Benefits paid (25.8) (23.9) (8.6) (10.5)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Fair value of plan assets at end
of period 402.0 383.6 10.6 11.7
-------- -------- -------- --------
Funded status $ 119.4 $ 110.5 $(174.1) $(161.9)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss 58.4 62.3 88.6 84.4
Unrecognized prior service cost 3.7 4.3 (.8) -
Unrecognized transition obligation - - - 1.2
Other - - (2.7) (1.5)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Recognized prepaid (accrued) benefit
cost $ 181.5 $ 177.1 $ (89.0) $ (77.8)
======== ======== ======== ========
The accumulated benefit obligation for pension benefits, a measure which
excludes the effect of salary and wage increases, was $238.8 million and $233.1
million at October 1, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The accrued benefit cost for
health care and life insurance benefits is classified as an noncurrent other
liability.
In 2003, the company amended the retiree health care plan as it applies to
non-unionized employees to improve consistency of benefits among participant
groups and reduce the company's share of plan costs effective January 1, 2004.
In 2004, further cost-sharing amendments, effective January 1, 2006, were made
to the plan for all employees.
About one-fourth of the net periodic benefit cost or credit related to these
plans has been capitalized as a cost of constructing gas distribution facilities
and the remainder is included in gas distribution operating and maintenance
expense. Net periodic benefit cost (credit) included the following components
(in millions):
Health care and
Pension benefits other benefits
---------------------- ----------------------
2004 2003 2002 2004 2003 2002
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Service cost $ 9.0 $ 7.4 $ 7.2 $ 2.4 $ 2.0 $ 1.5
Interest cost 15.7 16.3 16.5 10.1 11.1 9.9
Expected return on plan assets (31.7) (28.7) (36.0) (1.0) (1.2) (1.8)
Recognized net actuarial (gain)
loss 2.0 4.3 - 4.6 2.9 1.0
Amortization of unrecognized
transition (asset) obligation - - (1.0) .1 3.1 3.1
Amortization of prior service
cost .6 .7 .5 - - -
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net periodic benefit cost
(credit) $ (4.4) $ - $(12.8) $ 16.2 $ 17.9 $ 13.7
====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Nicor Gas Company Page 36
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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at October 1 included the
following:
Health care and
Pension benefits other benefits
------------------ ------------------
2004 2003 2004 2003
-------- -------- -------- --------
Discount rate 5.75% 6.00% 5.75% 6.00%
Rate of compensation increase 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended
December 31 included the following:
Health care and
Pension benefits other benefits
---------------------- ----------------------
2004 2003 2002 2004 2003 2002
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Discount rate 6.00% 6.75% 7.25% 6.00% 6.75% 7.25%
Expected return on assets 8.50 8.75 9.25 8.50 8.75 9.25
Rate of compensation increase 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00
Nicor Gas establishes its expected long-term return-on-asset assumption by
considering historical and projected returns for each investment asset category.
Projected returns are calculated with the assistance of an independent firm via
a probability-based model. The company has elected to apply this assumption to
the fair value of plan assets, rather than to a rolling-average fair value, in
calculating the expected return on plan assets component of net periodic benefit
cost.
Other assumptions used to determine health care benefit obligations at October 1
were as follows:
2004 2003
-------- --------
Health care cost trend rate 9.5% 9.5%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline
(the ultimate rate) 5.0% 5.0%
Years to reach ultimate rate 4 4
Other assumptions used to determine health care benefit cost for the years ended
December 31 were as follows:
2004 2003 2002
-------- -------- --------
Health care cost trend rate - Pre-65 9.5% 11.0% 10.0%
Health care cost trend rate - Post-65 9.5% 11.0% 7.5%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed
to decline (the ultimate rate) 5.0% 5.0% 5.0%
Years to reach ultimate rate 4 4 4
Assumed health care cost trend rates can have a significant effect on the
amounts reported for the health care plans. A one-percentage-point change in the
assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects (in
millions):
One-percent
---------------------
Increase Decrease
--------- ----------
Effect on total of service and interest cost components $ 1.3 $ (1.1)
Effect on benefit obligation 18.7 (15.7)
Nicor Gas Company Page 37
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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
In 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 106-2, Accounting and
Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement
and Modernization Act of 2003 (FSP SFAS 106-2). The Medicare Prescription Drug,
Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the Act) provides a prescription drug
benefit as well as a potential federal subsidy to sponsors of certain retiree
health care benefit plans. FSP SFAS 106-2 provides guidance on accounting for
the effects of the Act, including the potential subsidy, and requires public
companies to reflect the impact by the third quarter of 2004, if determinable
and significant. The company's 2004 net periodic postretirement health care
costs do not reflect the effects of the Act because the company' actuaries
estimated that the impact on 2004 would be minimal. Rather, the company has, as
required, reflected its best estimate of the potential subsidy in the October
1, 2004 measurement of the benefit obligation. The potential subsidy reduced
the October 1, 2004 benefit obligation by $19.4 million, creating an actuarial
gain that will be amortized over the remaining service lives of plan
participants.
The company's investment objective relating to pension plan assets is to have a
high probability of meeting its obligations without additional cash
contributions. The company's investment strategy is to maintain an asset mix
near its target asset allocation and to rebalance the portfolio monthly if the
actual allocation deviates from the target by two or more percentage points. The
following table sets forth the target allocation and actual percentage of plan
assets by asset category:
Target Percentage of plan assets
allocation at October 1
-------------------------------------------------
Asset Category 2004 2003
------------------- -------------- --------------
Equity securities 69% 69% 70%
Debt securities 31 30 29
Real estate and other - 1 1
------------- -------------- --------------
100% 100% 100%
============= ============== ==============
The company does not expect to contribute to its pension plan in 2005 and
expects to contribute about $11 million to its other postretirement benefit plan
in 2005. The following table sets forth the benefit payments from the plans
expected over the next 10 years (in millions):
Health care Expected
Twelve months Pension and other Medicare
ended October 1 benefits benefits subsidy
---------------- ---------- ------------- ----------
2005 $ 21.7 $ 11.0 $ -
2006 35.6 11.5 (1.0)
2007 16.6 12.0 (1.1)
2008 16.7 12.2 (1.1)
2009 18.0 12.6 (1.2)
2010-2014 117.2 67.6 (6.5)
Higher projected pension benefit payments in 2006 reflect an expected increase
in retirements due to the health care cost-sharing amendments.
Nicor Gas also has a separate unfunded supplemental retirement plan. The
supplemental retirement plan is noncontributory with defined benefits and plan
costs of $1.9 million, $0.8 million and $0.9 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002,
respectively. The projected benefit obligation associated with the plan was $7.8
million and $6.6 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
Nicor Gas Company Page 38
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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
The company also sponsors defined contribution plans covering substantially all
employees. These plans provide for employer matching contributions. The total
cost of these plans was $4.5 million, $4.4 million and $4.5 million in 2004,
2003 and 2002, respectively.
8. DIVIDEND AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS
Nicor Gas is restricted by regulation in the amount it can dividend or loan to
affiliates. Dividends are allowed only to the extent of Nicor Gas' retained
earnings balance. The balance of cash advances from Nicor Gas to an affiliate at
any time shall not exceed the unused balance of funds actually available to that
affiliate under its existing bank credit agreements or its commercial paper
facilities with unaffiliated third parties.
9. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
In the ordinary course of business, under the terms of an agreement approved by
the ICC, Nicor Gas enters into transactions with Nicor and its other wholly
owned subsidiaries for the use of facilities and services. The charges for these
transactions are cost-based, except where the charging party has a prevailing
price for which the facility or service is provided to the general public. In
addition, Nicor charges Nicor Gas and its other wholly owned subsidiaries for
the cost of corporate overheads. For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and
2002, Nicor Gas had net charges to affiliates of $10.3 million, $4.3 million and
$1.3 million, respectively. Also, for years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and
2002 Nicor Gas recorded interest income of $0.1 million, $1.0 million and $1.8
million, respectively, from Nicor.
Nicor Solutions, a subsidiary of Nicor, offers utility-bill management products
to customers of Nicor Gas. Under these products, Nicor Solutions pays Nicor Gas
for the utility bills issued to the utility-bill management customers. For the
years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 Nicor Gas recorded revenues of
$79.6 million, $50.6 million and $13.9 million, respectively, associated with
the payments Nicor Solutions makes to Nicor Gas on behalf of its customers.
Under the terms of an ICC order, Nicor Gas routinely enters into transactions
with Nicor Enerchange, a wholesale natural gas marketing subsidiary of Nicor,
for the purchase and sale of natural gas, transportation and storage services.
For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, net charges to (from)
Nicor Enerchange were $(28.0) million, $(1.1) million and $10.4 million,
respectively.
Horizon Pipeline, a 50 percent-owned joint venture of Nicor, charged Nicor Gas
$10.4 million, $10.4 million and $6.6 million for the years ended December 31,
2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, for natural gas transportation under rates
that have been accepted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Nicor Technologies, a subsidiary of Nicor, charged Nicor Gas $4.0 million, $4.4
million and $4.6 million for engineering and corrosion services rendered in
2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
In addition, certain related parties may acquire regulated utility services at
rates approved by the ICC.
Nicor Gas Company Page 39
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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
10. COMMITMENTS
As of December 31, 2004, Nicor Gas had purchase commitments with payments due
as follows (in millions):
Other long-
Purchase Operating term
Obligations leases obligations
------------- ---------- ------------
2005 $ 10.4 $ .9 $ .5
2006 10.4 .8 .5
2007 10.4 .9 .4
2008 10.4 .9 .5
2009 10.4 .7 .5
After 2009 24.4 9.1 2.5
------------- ----------- --------------
$ 76.4 $ 13.3 $ 4.9
============= =========== ==============
Purchase obligations consist of natural gas transportation agreements.
Operating leases are primarily for office space and equipment. Rental expense
under operating leases was $1.0 million, $1.3 million and $2.3 million in 2004,
2003 and 2002, respectively. Other long-term obligations consist primarily of
redeemable preferred stock.
11. RATE PROCEEDING
On November 4, 2004, Nicor Gas filed with the ICC for an overall increase in
rates of approximately $83 million (or about 16.5 percent of base rates
revenue). The company's filing provided for a rate of return on original-cost
rate base of 9.34 percent, which reflects an 11.37 percent cost of common
equity. The requested rate increase is needed to recover higher operating costs
and increased capital investments. Nicor Gas has not raised base rates since
1996.
As part of the requested rate increase, Nicor Gas has proposed that all Chicago
Hub revenues, net of related administrative costs, and approximately two-thirds
of all bad debt expenses be passed directly through to customers, reducing the
earnings variability of both items. In addition, the company has proposed
setting rates assuming normal weather of 5,830 degree days beginning in 2005
versus the 6,000 degree days currently considered by the company as normal.
The ICC normally has 11 months to complete its review of the filing and to issue
an order. The proposed rate increase has been suspended pending the completion
of the ICC's review.
12. GUARANTEES
In certain instances, Nicor Gas has undertaken to indemnify current property
owners and others against costs associated with the effects and/or remediation
of contaminated sites for which the company may be responsible under applicable
federal or state environmental laws, generally with no limitation as to the
amount. Aside from liabilities recorded in connection with coal tar cleanup, as
discussed in Note 13 Contingencies - Manufactured Gas Plant Sites, Nicor Gas
believes that the likelihood of payment under
Nicor Gas Company Page 40
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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
these indemnifications is either remote or the amount would be immaterial. No
liability has been recorded for these indemnifications.
Nicor Gas has also indemnified, to the fullest extent permitted under the laws
of the State of Illinois and any other applicable laws, its present and former
directors, officers and employees against expenses they may incur in connection
with litigation they are a party to by reason of their association with the
company, subject to certain limitations. While the company does not expect to
incur significant costs under these indemnifications, it is not possible to
estimate the maximum potential payments.
13. CONTINGENCIES
The following contingencies of Nicor Gas are in various stages of investigation
or disposition. Although in some cases the company is unable to estimate the
amount of loss reasonably possible in addition to any amounts already
recognized, it is possible that the resolution of these contingencies, either
individually or in aggregate, will require the company to take charges against,
or will result in reductions in, future earnings. It is the opinion of
management that the resolution of these contingencies, either individually or in
aggregate, could be material to earnings in a particular period but is not
expected to have a material adverse impact on Nicor Gas' liquidity or financial
condition.
Performance-Based Rate (PBR) Plan. Nicor Gas' PBR plan for natural gas costs
went into effect in 2000 and was terminated by the company effective January 1,
2003. Under the PBR plan, Nicor Gas' total gas supply costs were compared to a
market-sensitive benchmark. Savings and losses relative to the benchmark were
determined annually and shared equally with sales customers. The PBR plan is
currently under Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) review.
There are allegations that the company acted improperly in connection with the
PBR plan, and the ICC and others are reviewing these allegations. On June 27,
2002 the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) filed a motion to reopen the record in the
ICC's proceedings to review the PBR plan (the ICC Proceedings). As a result of
the motion to reopen, Nicor Gas, the Cook County State's Attorney Office
(CCSAO), the staff of the ICC and CUB entered into a stipulation providing for
additional discovery. The Illinois Attorney General's Office has also intervened
in this matter. In addition, the Illinois Attorney General's Office issued Civil
Investigation Demands (CIDs) to CUB and the ICC staff. The CIDs ordered that CUB
and the ICC staff produce all documents relating to any claims that Nicor Gas
may have presented, or caused to be presented, false information related to its
PBR plan. Parties who were plaintiffs in a dismissed class action proceeding
against the company could potentially intervene in these proceedings. The
company has committed to cooperate fully in the reviews of the PBR plan.
In response to these allegations, on July 18, 2002, the Nicor Board of Directors
appointed a special committee of independent, non-management directors to
conduct an inquiry into issues surrounding natural gas purchases, sales,
transportation, storage and such other matters as may come to the attention of
the special committee in the course of its investigation. The special committee
presented the report of its counsel (Report) to Nicor's Board of Directors on
October 28, 2002.
In response, the Nicor Board of Directors directed the company's management to,
among other things, make appropriate adjustments to account for, and fully
address, the adverse consequences to ratepayers of the items noted in the
Report, and conduct a detailed study of the adequacy of internal accounting and
regulatory controls. The adjustments were made in prior years' financial
statements resulting in a $24.8
Nicor Gas Company Page 41
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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
million liability. Included in such $24.8 million liability is a $4.1 million
loss contingency. A $1.8 million adjustment to the previously recorded
liability, which is discussed below, was made in the third quarter of 2004
increasing the recorded liability to $26.6 million. In addition, Nicor Gas
estimates that there is $26.9 million due to the company from the 2002 PBR plan
year, which has not been recognized in the financial statements due to
uncertainties surrounding the PBR plan. The net of these items and interest
income on certain components results in a $1.0 million reimbursement the
company is seeking as of December 31, 2004, pending resolution of the
proceedings discussed below. By the end of 2003 the company completed steps to
correct the weaknesses and deficiencies identified in the detailed study of the
adequacy of internal controls.
Pursuant to the agreement of all parties, including the company, the ICC
re-opened the 1999 and 2000 purchased gas adjustment filings for review of
certain transactions related to the PBR plan and consolidated the reviews of the
1999-2002 purchased gas adjustment filings with the PBR plan review.
On February 5, 2003, the CCSAO and CUB filed a motion for $27 million in
sanctions against the company in the ICC Proceedings. In that motion, CCSAO and
CUB alleged that Nicor Gas' responses to certain CUB data requests were false.
Also on February 5, 2003, CUB stated in a press release that, in addition to $27
million in sanctions, it would seek additional refunds to consumers. On March 5,
2003, the ICC staff filed a response brief in support of CUB's motion for
sanctions. On May 1, 2003, the Administrative Law Judges issued a ruling denying
CUB and CCSAO's motion for sanctions. CUB has filed an appeal of the motion for
sanctions with the ICC, and the ICC has indicated that it will not rule on the
appeal until the final disposition of the ICC proceedings. It is not possible to
determine how the ICC will resolve the claims of CCSAO, CUB or other parties to
the ICC Proceedings.
In November 2003, the ICC staff, CUB, CCSAO and the Illinois Attorney General's
Office (IAGO) filed their respective direct testimony in the ICC Proceedings.
The ICC staff is seeking refunds to customers of approximately $108 million and
CUB and CCSAO were jointly seeking refunds to customers of approximately $143
million. The IAGO direct testimony alleges adjustments in a range from $145
million to $190 million. The IAGO testimony as filed is presently unclear as to
the amount which IAGO seeks to have refunded to customers. On February 27, 2004
the above referenced intervenors filed their rebuttal testimony in the ICC
Proceedings. In such rebuttal testimony, CUB and CCSAO amended the alleged
amount to be refunded to customers from approximately $143 million to $190
million. Nicor Gas filed rebuttal testimony in January 2004, which is consistent
with the findings of the special committee Report. Nicor Gas seeks a
reimbursement of approximately $1.0 million as referenced above. The parties to
the ICC Proceedings have agreed to a stay of the evidentiary hearings on this
matter in order to undertake additional third party discovery from Entergy-Koch
Trading, LP (EKT), a natural gas, storage and transportation trader and
consultant with whom Nicor did business under the PBR plan.
During the course of the SEC investigation discussed below, the company became
aware of additional information relating to the activities of individuals
affecting the PBR plan for the period from 1999 through 2002, including
information consisting of third party documents and recordings of telephone
conversations from EKT. The company continues to obtain access to and review
this information. Review of additional information completed in the third
quarter of 2004 resulted in the $1.8 million adjustment to the previously
recorded liability referenced above.
Although the Report of the special committee's counsel did not find that there
was criminal activity or fraud, a review of this additional information (which
was not available to the independent counsel who prepared the Report) and
re-interviews of certain Nicor Gas personnel indicates that certain former Nicor
Gas personnel may have engaged in potentially fraudulent conduct regarding the
PBR plan in violation of company policy, and in possible violation of SEC rules
and applicable law. Further, certain former Nicor
Nicor Gas Company Page 42
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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Gas personnel also may have attempted to conceal their conduct in connection
with an ICC review of the PBR plan. The company continues to cooperate with the
SEC, the U.S. Attorney's office and the ICC on this matter and to review and
produce additional documents as requested by these agencies. The company has
reviewed all third party information it has obtained and will continue to
review any additional third party information the company may obtain. The
company terminated four employees in connection with this matter in the third
quarter of 2004. Nicor Gas is unable to predict the outcome of any of the
foregoing reviews or the company's potential exposure thereunder. Because the
PBR plan and historical gas costs are still under ICC review, the final outcome
could be materially different than the amounts reflected in the company's
financial statements as of December 31, 2004.
SEC and U.S. Attorney Inquiries. In 2002, the staff of the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) informed the company that the SEC is
conducting a formal inquiry regarding the PBR plan. A representative of the
Office of the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois has
notified the company that that office is conducting an inquiry on the same
matter that the SEC is investigating, and a grand jury is also reviewing this
matter. In April 2004, Nicor was advised by the SEC Division of Enforcement that
it intended to recommend to the SEC that it bring a civil injunctive action
against Nicor, alleging that Nicor violated Sections 17(a) of the Securities Act
of 1933 and Sections 10(b) and 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and
Rules 10b-5, 12b-20, 13a-1 and 13a-13 thereunder. The SEC may also seek
injunctive relief, disgorgement and civil penalties. The SEC staff invited Nicor
to make a formal response (known as a Wells Submission) with respect to the
proposed recommendation. In June 2004, Nicor Gas filed its Wells Submission with
the SEC. In addition, in connection with the SEC's invitation to the company to
make a Wells Submission, the SEC informed the company of additional sources of
information relating to activities affecting the PBR plan, the status of which
is addressed in detail in the Performance-Based Rate (PBR) Plan section set
forth above. In August 2004, Nicor withdrew its Wells Submission in light of its
continuing review of the newly available additional sources of information
referenced above. Nicor continues in its efforts to resolve this matter with the
SEC and has requested that the SEC allow Nicor to file an updated Wells
Submission if necessary. Nicor Gas is unable to predict the outcome of these
inquiries or Nicor Gas' potential exposure related thereto and has not recorded
a liability associated with the outcome of this contingency.
FERC Stipulation. On August 2, 2004, Nicor Gas entered into a settlement with
the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) that resolves an investigation
by the Office of Market Oversight and Investigations involving the sharing of
confidential storage information with one of Nicor Gas' interstate storage
customers in violation of FERC's regulations. FERC's regulations prohibit the
provision of undue preferences among customers. There was no evidence that Nicor
Gas profited either directly or indirectly by communicating its storage
information to its customer. Under the settlement, Nicor Gas paid a civil
penalty in the amount of $600,000, and has implemented a compliance plan to
prevent similar violations in the future.
Mercury. Nicor Gas has incurred, and expects to continue to incur, costs related
to its historical use of mercury in various kinds of company equipment.
Nicor Gas is a defendant in several private lawsuits, all in the Circuit Courts
of Cook and DuPage Counties, Illinois, claiming a variety of unquantified
damages (including bodily injury, property and punitive damages) allegedly
caused by mercury-containing regulators. Under the terms of a class action
settlement agreement, Nicor Gas will continue, until 2006, to provide medical
screening to persons exposed to mercury from its equipment, and will use its
best efforts to replace any remaining inside residential mercury regulators by
2005. The class action settlement permitted class members to "opt out" of the
settlement and pursue their claims individually. Nicor Gas is currently
defending claims brought by 28 households.
Nicor Gas Company Page 43
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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
As of December 31, 2004, Nicor Gas had remaining an estimated liability of $20.2
million, representing management's best estimate of future costs, including
potential liabilities relating to remaining lawsuits, based on an evaluation of
currently available information. Actual costs may vary from this estimate. The
company will continue to reassess its estimated obligation and will record any
necessary adjustment, which could be material to operating results in the period
recorded.
Nicor Gas continues to pursue recovery from insurers and independent contractors
that had performed work for the company. When received, these recoveries are
recorded as a reduction to gas distribution operating expense. Nicor Gas
recovered approximately $18 million and $20 million of pretax mercury-related
costs, net of legal fees, from insurers and independent contractors in 2003 and
2002, respectively. Amounts recovered during 2004 were immaterial. On October
25, 2004 the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois entered judgment in favor of
Nicor and against various insurers in the amount of $10.2 million with respect
to one of Nicor's mercury-related insurance claims. The judgment is subject to
appeal, and the insurers have indicated their intention to appeal the judgment.
Accordingly, the company has not reflected the $10.2 million in its financial
statements.
The final disposition of these mercury-related matters is not expected to have a
material adverse impact on the company's financial condition.
Manufactured Gas Plant Sites. Manufactured gas plants were used in the 1800's
and early to mid 1900's to produce manufactured gas from coal, creating a coal
tar byproduct. Current environmental laws may require the cleanup of coal tar at
certain former manufactured gas plant sites.
To date, Nicor Gas has identified about 40 properties for which it may, in part,
be responsible. Most of these properties are not presently owned by the company.
Information regarding preliminary site reviews has been presented to the
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) for certain properties. More
detailed investigations and remedial activities are complete, in progress or
planned at many of these sites. The results of the detailed site-by-site
investigations determine the extent additional remediation is necessary and
provide a basis for estimating additional future costs. As of December 31, 2004
the company has recorded a liability of $36.8 million. In accordance with ICC
authorization, the company is and has been recovering these costs from its
customers, subject to annual prudence reviews.
In December 2001, a purported class action lawsuit was filed against Exelon
Corporation, Commonwealth Edison Company and Nicor Gas in the Circuit Court of
Cook County alleging, among other things, that the ongoing cleanup of a former
manufactured gas plant site in Oak Park, Illinois is inadequate. Since then,
additional lawsuits have been filed related to this same former manufactured gas
plant site. These lawsuits seek, in part, unspecified damages for property
damage, nuisance, and various personal injuries that allegedly resulted from
exposure to contaminants allegedly emanating from the site, and punitive
damages. Management cannot predict the outcome of this litigation or the
company's potential exposure thereto and has not recorded a liability associated
with this contingency.
In April 2002, Nicor Gas was named as a defendant, together with Commonwealth
Edison Company, in a lawsuit brought by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation
District of Greater Chicago (the MWRDGC) under the Federal Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act seeking recovery of past
and future remediation costs and a declaration of the level of appropriate
cleanup for a former manufactured gas plant site in Skokie, Illinois now owned
by the MWRDGC. In January 2003, the suit was amended to include a claim under
the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The suit was filed in the
United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Management
cannot
Nicor Gas Company Page 44
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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (concluded)
predict the outcome of this litigation or the company's potential exposure
thereto and has not recorded a liability associated with this contingency.
Since costs and recoveries relating to the cleanup of manufactured gas plant
sites are passed directly through to customers in accordance with ICC
regulations, subject to an annual ICC prudence review, the final disposition of
manufactured gas plant matters is not expected to have a material impact on the
company's financial condition or results of operations.
Other. In a recent Illinois Supreme Court decision, the court affirmed the
appellate court's decision to permit proceedings to move forward against Nicor
Gas relating to a home explosion, which resulted in a fatality, allegedly caused
by a faulty gas appliance connector installed by the homeowner. Although unable
to determine the ultimate outcome of the above referenced proceeding, the
resolution is not expected to have a material adverse impact on the company's
financial condition or results of operations. The company is unable to predict
any potential operational impact of the Illinois Supreme Court decision on
Nicor.
In addition to the matters set forth above, the company is involved in legal or
administrative proceedings before various courts and agencies with respect to
general claims, rates, taxes, environmental, gas costs prudence reviews and
other matters. Although unable to determine the ultimate outcome of these other
contingencies, management believes that these amounts are appropriately
reflected in the financial statements, including the recording of appropriate
liabilities when reasonably estimable.
14. QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)
Summarized quarterly financial data is presented below (in millions).
Quarter ended
------------------------------------------
Mar. 31 June 30 Sept. 30 Dec. 31
--------- --------- --------- ---------
2004
Operating revenues $ 1,035.1 $ 338.4 $ 226.9 $ 763.6
Operating income 47.2 13.8 3.1 32.2
Net income (loss) 36.5 11.0 (7.3) 21.9
2003
Operating revenues $ 1,096.7 $ 379.5 $ 223.4 $ 652.0
Operating income 50.4 26.4 6.2 35.5
Net income (loss) 41.5 18.5 (2.8) 25.8
Nicor Gas Company Page 45
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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The company carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the
participation of the company's management, including its Chief Executive Officer
and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of
the company's disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the most
recent fiscal quarter of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K
(the "Evaluation").
In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management
recognizes that any disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well
designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the
desired control objectives, and management is required to apply its judgment in
evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible disclosure controls and
procedures. Based on the Evaluation, the company's Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer concluded that the company's disclosure controls and
procedures, as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter covered by this
Annual Report on Form 10-K, were effective at the reasonable assurance level to
ensure that information required to be disclosed by the company in reports that
it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded,
processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in United
States Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.
Nicor Gas Company Page 46
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Item 9A. Controls and Procedures (concluded)
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Internal control over financial reporting refers to the process designed by, or
under the supervision of, the company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer, and effected by the company's board of directors, management
and other personnel, 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, and
includes those policies and procedures that:
1. Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately
and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the
company;
2. Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary
to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the
company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of
management and directors of the company, and;
3. Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of
unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company's assets that
could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Internal control over financial reporting cannot provide absolute assurance of
achieving financial reporting objectives because of its inherent limitations.
Internal control over financial reporting is a process that involves human
diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns
resulting from human failures. Internal control over financial reporting also
can be circumvented by collusion or improper management override. Because of
such limitations, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be
prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control over financial
reporting. However, these inherent limitations are known features of the
financial reporting process. Therefore, it is possible to design into the
process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk. Management is
responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over
financial reporting for the company.
Management has used the framework set forth in the report entitled "Internal
Control--Integrated Framework" published by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission to evaluate the effectiveness of the
company's internal control over financial reporting. Management has concluded
that the company's internal control over financial reporting was effective as of
December 31, 2004. Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered accounting
firm, has issued an attestation report on management's assessment of the
company's internal control over financial reporting.
There has been no change in the company's internal controls over financial
reporting during the company's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company's internal
control over financial reporting.
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
Nicor Gas Company Page 47
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PART III
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The following is a summary of the fees billed to Nicor Gas by Deloitte & Touche
LLP for professional services rendered for the years ended December 31, 2004 and
2003 (in millions):
Fee Category 2004 2003
---------------- --------- --------
Audit Fees $ 1.4 $ .5
Audit-Related Fees .1 .1
Tax Fees - -
All Other Fees - -
--------- --------
Total Fees $ 1.5 $ .6
Audit Fees. Consists of fees for professional services rendered for the audit of
Nicor Gas' financial statements, the review of the interim financial statements
included in quarterly reports, and in connection with statutory and regulatory
filings and preparation of comfort letters for debt issuances. In 2004, audit
fees also include approximately $540,000 for audits of internal controls over
financial reporting.
Audit-Related Fees. Consists of fees for assurance and related services that are
reasonably related to the performance of the audit of Nicor Gas' financial
statements and are not reported under "Audit Fees." These services include
employee benefit plan audits and consultations concerning financial accounting
and reporting standards.
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
In accordance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Audit Committee's policy
is to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services provided by Deloitte & Touche
LLP. On an ongoing basis, management of Nicor Gas defines and communicates
specific projects and categories of service for which the advance approval of
the Audit Committee is requested. The Audit Committee reviews these requests and
advises management if the Committee approves the engagement of Deloitte & Touche
LLP. On a periodic basis, Nicor Gas' management reports to the Audit Committee
the actual spending for such projects and services compared to the approved
amounts. In 2004, all services provided by Deloitte & Touche LLP were approved
in advance by the Committee.
Nicor Gas Company Page 48
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PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
1) Financial Statements:
See Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, filed herewith,
for a list of financial statements.
2) Financial Statement Schedules:
Schedule
Number Page
-------- ----
Report of Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm 22
II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 49
Schedules other than those listed are omitted because they are not
applicable.
3) Exhibits Filed:
See Exhibit Index filed herewith.
Nicor Gas Company Page 49
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Schedule II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(millions)
Additions
---------------------
Balance at Charged to Charged to Balance
beginning costs and other at end
Description of period expenses accounts Deductions of period
- ---------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------
2004
----
Allowance for doubtful
accounts receivable $ 19.4 $ 32.5 $ - $ 32.2 (a) $ 19.7
Accrued mercury-related
costs 21.9 - - 1.7 (b) 20.2
Accrued manufactured gas
plant environmental
costs 33.2 - 18.8 (d) 15.2 (b) 36.8
2003
----
Allowance for doubtful
accounts receivable $ 14.4 $ 29.8 $ - $ 24.8 (a) $ 19.4
Accrued mercury-related
costs 23.4 - - 1.5 (b) 21.9
Accrued manufactured gas
plant environmental
costs 61.9 - 14.2 (d) 42.9 (b) 33.2
2002
----
Allowance for doubtful
accounts receivable $ 9.6 $ 25.7 $ - $ 20.9 (a) $ 14.4
Accrued mercury-related
costs 37.0 - - 13.6 (c) 23.4
Accrued manufactured gas
plant environmental
costs 3.5 - 79.1 (d) 20.7 (b) 61.9
(a) Accounts receivable written off, net of recoveries.
(b) Expenditures, other adjustments.
(c) Expenditures and reserve reduction to reflect new estimate.
(d) Accrual of estimated future remediation costs that are deferred as
regulatory assets.
Nicor Gas Company Page 50
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Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
Nicor Gas Company
Date February 28, 2005 /s/ RICHARD L.HAWLEY
----------------- --------------------
Richard L. Hawley
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and
in the capacities indicated on February 28, 2005.
Signature Title
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------
/s/ RUSS M. STROBEL
Russ M. Strobel President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ RICHARD L. HAWLEY
Richard L. Hawley Executive Vice President and
(Principal Financial Officer Chief Financial Officer
and Principal Accounting
Officer)
ROBERT M. BEAVERS, JR.* Director
BRUCE P. BICKNER* Director
JOHN H. BIRDSALL, III* Director
THOMAS A. DONAHOE* Director
R. EDEN MARTIN* Director
THOMAS L. FISHER* Director
JOHN E. JONES* Director
DENNIS J. KELLER* Director
WILLIAM A. OSBORN* Director
JOHN RAU* Director
JOHN F. RIORDAN* Director
PATRICIA A. WIER* Director
* By /s/ RICHARD L. HAWLEY
---------------------
Richard L. Hawley
(Attorney-in-fact)
Nicor Gas Company Page 51
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Supplemental Information
Supplemental Information to be Furnished With Reports Filed Pursuant to Section
15(d) of the Act by Registrants Which Have Not Registered Securities Pursuant to
Section 12 of the Act:
No annual report or proxy material has been sent to security holders as Nicor
Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nicor Inc.
Nicor Gas Company Page 52
Exhibit Index
Exhibit
Number Description of Document
3.01 * Articles of Incorporation of the company. (File No. 1-7296,
Form 10-K for 1980, Exhibit 3-01.)
3.02 * Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of the company. (File
No. 1-7296, Form 10-Q for June 1994, Exhibit 3.01.)
3.03 * By-Laws of the company as amended by the company's Board of
Directors on January 15, 2004. (File No. 1-7296, Form 10-K for
2003, Exhibit 3.03.)
4.01 * Indenture of Commonwealth Edison Company to Continental
Illinois National Bank and Trust Company of Chicago, Trustee, dated
as of January 1, 1954. (File No. 1-7296, Form 10-K for 1995,
Exhibit 4.01.)
4.02 * Indenture of Adoption of the company to Continental Illinois
National Bank and Trust Company of Chicago, Trustee, dated February
9, 1954. (File No. 1-7296, Form 10-K for 1995, Exhibit 4.02.)
4.03 * Supplemental Indenture, dated February 15, 1998, of the
company to Harris Trust and Savings Bank, Trustee, under Indenture
dated as of January 1, 1954. (File No. 1-7296, Form 10-K for 1997,
Exhibit 4.19.)
4.04 * Supplemental Indenture, dated February 1, 1999, of the company
to Harris Trust and Savings Bank, Trustee, under Indenture dated as
of January 1, 1954. (File No. 1-7296, Form 10-K for 1998, Exhibit
4.19.)
4.05 * Supplemental Indenture, dated February 1, 2001, of the company
to BNY Midwest Trust Company, Trustee, under Indenture dated as of
January 1, 1954. (File No. 1-7296, Form 10-K for 2000, Exhibit
4.17.)
4.06 * Supplemental Indenture, dated May 15, 2001, of the company to
BNY Midwest Trust Company, Trustee, under Indenture dated as of
January 1, 1954. (File No. 1-7296, Form 10-Q for June 2001,
Exhibit 4.01.)
4.07 * Supplemental Indenture, dated August 15, 2001, of the company
to BNY Midwest Trust Company, Trustee, under Indenture dated as of
January 1, 1954. (File No. 1-7296, Form 10-Q for September 2001,
Exhibit 4.01.)
4.08 * Supplemental Indenture, dated December 15, 2001, of the
company to BNY Midwest Trust Company, Trustee, under Indenture
dated as of January 1, 1954. (File No. 1-7296, Form 10-K for 2001,
Exhibit 4.20.)
4.09 * Supplemental Indenture, dated December 1, 2003, of the company
to BNY Midwest Trust Company, Trustee, under Indenture dated as of
January 1, 1954. (File No. 1-7296, Form 10-K for 2003, Exhibit
4.09.)
Nicor Gas Company Page 53
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Exhibit Index (concluded)
Exhibit
Number Description of Document
4.10 * Supplemental Indenture, dated December 1, 2003, of the company
to BNY Midwest Trust Company, Trustee, under Indenture dated as of
January 1, 1954. (File No. 1-7296, Form 10-K for 2003, Exhibit
4.10.)
4.11 * Supplemental Indenture, dated December 1, 2003, of the company
to BNY Midwest Trust Company, Trustee, under Indenture dated as of
January 1, 1954. (File No. 1-7296, Form 10-K for 2003, Exhibit
4.11.)
10.01 * Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan. (File No. 1-7296, Form 10-K
for December 31, 1983, Northern Illinois Gas Company, Exhibit
10-10.)
12.01 Computation of Consolidated Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
23.01 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
24.01 Powers of Attorney.
31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification.
31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification.
32.1 Section 1350 Certification.
32.2 Section 1350 Certification.
* These exhibits have been previously filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission as exhibits to registration statements or to other filings with
the Commission and are incorporated herein as exhibits by reference. The file
number and exhibit number of each such exhibit, where applicable, are stated,
in parentheses, in the description of such exhibit.
Upon written request, the company will furnish free of charge a copy of any
exhibit. Requests should be sent to Investor Relations at the corporate
headquarters.