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As Filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission
on March 11, 2003.
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, 2002
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from_____ to ______
Commission file number 1-4125
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
---------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Indiana 35-0552990
- ------------------------------- -------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
801 East 86th Avenue
Merrillville, Indiana 46410
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (877) 647-5990
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Name of each exchange
Title of each class on which registered
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Series A Cumulative Preferred - No Par Value New York
4-1/4% Cumulative Preferred - $100 Par Value American
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Cumulative Preferred
Stock - $100 Par Value (4-1/2%, 4.22%, 4.88%, 7.44% and 7.50% Series)
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 Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes [ ] No [X]
As of February 28, 2003, 73,282,258 shares of the registrant's Common Stock, no
par value, were issued and outstanding, all held beneficially and of record by
NiSource Inc.
Documents Incorporated by Reference
-----------------------------------
None
CONTENTS
Page
No.
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Part I
Item 1. Business.......................................................................... 3
Item 2. Properties........................................................................ 4
Item 3. Legal Proceedings................................................................. 5
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders............................... 5
Part II
Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters......... 5
Item 6. Selected Financial Data........................................................... 6
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations........................................................... 7
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk........................ 23
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data....................................... 24
Item 9. Change In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure............................................................ 55
Part III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant................................ 56
Item 11. Executive Compensation............................................................ 58
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.................... 61
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.................................... 61
Item 14 Controls and Procedures........................................................... 62
Part IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K................... 63
Signatures.................................................................................. 65
Certifications.............................................................................. 66
Exhibits.................................................................................... 68
2
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
Northern Indiana Public Service Company (Northern Indiana) is a public utility
operating company, incorporated in Indiana on August 2, 1912, that supplies
natural gas and electric energy to the public. It operates in 30 counties in the
northern part of Indiana, serving an area of about 12,000 square miles with a
population of approximately 2.2 million.
Northern Indiana's primary business segments are: Gas Distribution Operations;
Electric Operations.
During 2002, Northern Indiana re-aligned its reportable segments to reflect its
current operating structure. Electric wholesale and wheeling results were moved
to the Electric segment.
Holding Company Structure
Effective March 3, 1988, Northern Indiana became a subsidiary of NIPSCO
Industries, Inc., an Indiana corporation. NIPSCO Industries, Inc. changed its
name to NiSource Inc. (NiSource) on April 14, 1999. NiSource is an energy
holding company that provides natural gas, electricity and other products and
services to 3.7 million customers located within the corridor that runs from the
Gulf Coast through the Midwest to New England. In connection with the
acquisition of Columbia Energy Group on November 1, 2000, as discussed below,
NiSource became a Delaware corporation. As a result of the acquisition, NiSource
has become the largest natural gas distribution company operating east of the
Rocky Mountains, as measured by number of customers. NiSource is a registered
holding company under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended
(1935 Act).
Gas Distribution Operations
Northern Indiana's natural gas distribution operations serves 697,777 customers
in the northern part of Indiana.
Electric Operations
Northern Indiana distributes electricity to 436,575 customers in 21 counties in
the northern part of Indiana and engages in electric wholesale and wheeling
transactions. Northern Indiana owns and has the ability to operate four
coal-fired electric generating stations with a net capability of 3,179 megawatts
(mw), four gas fired combustion turbine generating units with a net capability
of 203 mw and two hydroelectric generating plants with a net capability of 10
mw. These facilities provide for a total system net capability of 3,392 mw.
Northern Indiana is interconnected with five neighboring electric utilities.
On December 5, 2001, Northern Indiana announced that it would indefinitely
shutdown its Dean Mitchell Generating Station (Mitchell Station). The Mitchell
Station ceased production of electricity in January 2002. Northern Indiana now
operates three coal-fired generation stations with a net capacity of 2,694 mw,
three gas-fired combustion turbine generating station units with a net capacity
of 186 mw and two hydroelectric plants with a net capability of 10 mw. During
the year ended December 31, 2002, Northern Indiana generated 72.6% and purchased
27.4 % of its electric requirements
Other
The Other segment reflects power trading results for 2001 and 2000. Effective
November 1, 2001, Northern Indiana's power trading operations were transferred
to EnergyUSA-TPC Corp., a subsidiary of NiSource. Although, Northern Indiana
does not participate in power trading activities currently, in the future,
Northern Indiana might resume power trading operations.
See Item 7 for financial information about Northern Indiana's business segments.
Competition and Changes in the Regulatory Environment
The regulatory frameworks applicable to Northern Indiana's regulated operations,
at both the state and federal levels, are undergoing fundamental changes. These
changes have had and will continue to have an impact on Northern Indiana's
operations, structure and profitability. At the same time, competition within
the gas and electric industries will create opportunities to compete for new
customers and revenues. Management continually seeks new ways to be more
competitive and profitable in this changing environment, including providing gas
customers with increased customer choice for new products and services.
3
ITEM 1. BUSINESS (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
NATURAL GAS COMPETITION. Open access to natural gas supplies over interstate
pipelines and the deregulation of the commodity price of gas has led to
tremendous change in the energy markets, which continue to evolve. During the
past few years, local distribution company (LDC) customers and marketers began
to purchase gas directly from producers and marketers and an open, competitive
market for gas supplies emerged. This separation or "unbundling" of the
transportation and other services offered by pipelines and LDCs allows customers
to select the services independent from the purchase of the commodity. Northern
Indiana is involved in programs that provide residential customers the
opportunity to purchase their natural gas requirements from third parties and
use Northern Indiana for transportation services.
ELECTRIC COMPETITION. In 1996, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
ordered that all public utilities owning, controlling or operating electric
transmission lines file non-discriminatory, open-access tariffs and offer
wholesale electricity suppliers and marketers the same transmission service they
provide to themselves. In 1997, FERC accepted for filing Northern Indiana's
open-access transmission tariff and issued an opinion on December 31, 2002. In
December 1999, FERC issued Order 2000, a final rule addressing the formation and
operation of Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs), (See Item 7, Electric
Operations - Regulatory Matters). The rule was intended to eliminate pricing
inequities in the provision of wholesale transmission service. Northern Indiana
does not believe that compliance with the new rules will be material to its
future earnings. Although wholesale customers currently represent a small
portion of Northern Indiana's electricity sales, Northern Indiana intends to
continue its efforts to retain and add wholesale customers by offering
competitive rates and also intends to expand the customer base for which it
provides transmission services.
Other Relevant Business Information
Northern Indiana's customer base is broadly diversified, with no customer
accounting for a significant portion of revenues.
As of December 31, 2002, Northern Indiana had 2,512 full-time employees of which
1,853 were subject to collective bargaining agreements.
Northern Indiana files various reports with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC). The reports include the annual report 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 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 as Amended. Northern Indiana makes all SEC filings
available without charge to the public on NiSource's web site at
http://www.nisource.com.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Discussed below are the principal properties held by Northern Indiana as of
December 31, 2002.
GAS DISTRIBUTION OPERATIONS. Northern Indiana's system has approximately 14,214
miles of gas mains. The physical properties of Northern Indiana are located in
the northern part of Indiana. The distribution system of Northern Indiana is
primarily located on or under public streets, and other public places or on
private property not owned by the company, with easements from or consent of the
respective owners.
ELECTRIC OPERATIONS. Northern Indiana owns and has the ability to operate four
coal-fired electric generating stations with net capabilities of 3,179 mw, two
hydroelectric generating plants with net capabilities of 10 mw and four
gas-fired combustion turbine generating units with net capabilities of 203 mw,
for a total system net capability of 3,392 mw. It has 288 substations with an
aggregate transformer capacity of 23,372,100 kilovolts (kva). Its transmission
system, with voltages from 34,500 to 345,000 volts, consists of 3,157 circuit
miles of line. The electric distribution system extends into 21 counties and
consists of 7,793 circuit miles of overhead and 1,710 cable miles of underground
primary distribution lines operating at various voltages from 2,400 to 12,500
volts. Northern Indiana has distribution transformers having an aggregate
capacity of 12,664,050 kva and 454,616 electric watt-hour meters.
4
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
On December 5, 2001, Northern Indiana announced that it would indefinitely
shutdown its Mitchell Station. The Mitchell Station ceased production of
electricity in January 2002. Northern Indiana now operates three coal-fired
generation stations with a net capacity of 2,694 mw, three gas-fired combustion
turbine generating station units with a net capacity of 186 mw and two
hydroelectric plants with a net capability of 10 mw.
CHARACTER OF OWNERSHIP. Substantially all of the properties of Northern Indiana
are subject to the lien of its First Mortgage Indentures. The principal offices
and properties of Northern Indiana are held in fee and are free from other
encumbrances, subject to minor exceptions, none of which are of such a nature as
to impair substantially the usefulness of such properties. All properties are
subject to liens for taxes, assessments and undetermined charges (if any)
incidental to construction. It is Northern Indiana's practice regularly to pay
such amounts, as and when due, unless contested in good faith. In general, the
electric and gas lines and mains are located on land not owned in fee but are
covered by necessary consents of various governmental authorities or by
appropriate rights obtained from owners of private property. Northern Indiana
does not, however, generally have specific easements from the owners of the
property adjacent to public highways over, upon or under which its electric and
gas lines and mains are located. At the time each of the principal properties
was purchased a title search was made. In general, no examination of titles as
to rights-of-way for electric and gas lines and mains was made, other than
examination, in certain cases, to verify the grantors' ownership and the lien
status thereof.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In the normal course of its business, Northern Indiana has been named as a
defendant in various legal proceedings. In the opinion of management, the
ultimate disposition of these currently asserted claims would not have a
material adverse impact on Northern Indiana's financial position.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Northern Indiana's common stock is wholly-owned by NiSource.
The following limitations on payment of dividends apply to Northern Indiana:
When any bonds are outstanding under its First Mortgage Indenture, Northern
Indiana may not pay cash dividends on its stock (other than preferred or
preference stock) or purchase or retire common shares, except out of earned
surplus or net profits computed as required under the provisions of the
maintenance and renewal fund. At December 31, 2002, Northern Indiana had
approximately $147.9 million of retained earnings (earned surplus) available for
the payment of dividends. Future common share dividends by Northern Indiana will
depend upon adequate retained earnings, adequate future earnings and the absence
of adverse developments.
So long as any shares of Northern Indiana's cumulative preferred stock are
outstanding, no cash dividends shall be paid on its common shares in excess of
75% of the net income available for the preceding calendar year, unless the
aggregate of the capital applicable to stocks subordinate as to assets and
dividends, would equal or exceed 25% of the sum of all obligations evidenced by
bonds, notes, debentures or other securities, plus the total capital and
surplus. At December 31, 2002, the sum of the capital applicable to stocks
subordinate to the cumulative preferred stock plus the surplus was equal to 39%
of the total capitalization including surplus.
5
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
Year Ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Revenues 1,922,210 1,917,898 1,986,508 1,752,219 1,648,603
Net Income 226,933 207,566 226,059 222,111 220,180
Total Assets 3,492,061 3,632,523 3,938,861 3,655,454 3,651,949
Long-term Obligations and
Redeemable Preferred Stock 717,165 848,033 950,896 974,443 1,134,394
Cash Dividends Declared
on Common Shares 232,738 226,000 168,000 224,000 212,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULT
OF OPERATIONS
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
INDEX PAGE
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Consolidated Review................................................ 7
Liquidity and Capital Resources.................................... 8
Market Risk Sensitive Instruments and Positions.................... 10
Other Information.................................................. 11
Gas Distribution Operations........................................ 13
Electric Operations................................................ 18
Other Operations................................................... 23
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Management's Discussion and Analysis, including statements regarding market
risk sensitive instruments, contains "forward-looking statements," within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section
21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Investors and
prospective investors should understand that many factors govern whether any
forward-looking statement contained herein will be or can be realized. Any one
of those factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those
projected. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to,
statements concerning Northern Indiana's plans, proposed dispositions,
objectives, expected performance, expenditures and recovery of expenditures
through rates, stated on either a consolidated or segment basis, and any and all
underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of
historical fact. From time to time, Northern Indiana may publish or otherwise
make available forward-looking statements of this nature. All such subsequent
forward-looking statements, whether written or oral and whether made by or on
behalf of Northern Indiana, are also expressly qualified by these cautionary
statements. All forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that
management believes to be reasonable; however, there can be no assurance that
actual results will not differ materially. Realization of Northern Indiana's
objectives and expected performance is subject to a wide range of risks and can
be adversely affected by, among other things, increased competition in
deregulated energy markets, weather, fluctuations in supply and demand for
energy commodities, growth opportunities for Northern Indiana's regulated
businesses, dealings with third parties over whom Northern Indiana has no
control, the regulatory process, regulatory and legislative changes, changes in
general economic, capital and commodity market conditions, and counter-party
credit risk, many of which are beyond the control of Northern Indiana. In
addition, the relative contributions to profitability by each segment, and the
assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements relating thereto, may
change over time.
CONSOLIDATED REVIEW
The Consolidated Review information should be read taking into account the
critical accounting policies applied by Northern Indiana and discussed in "Other
Information" of this Item 7.
Net Income
For 2002, net income of Northern Indiana increased to $226.9 million compared to
$207.6 million for 2001. In 2000, net income was $226.1 million.
Net Revenues
Total consolidated net revenues (operating revenues less cost of sales) for
2002, were $1,054.9 million, an $8.6 million decrease from 2001. The decrease
was attributed to reduced electric margins, primarily as a result of $28.1
million in credits issued pertaining to the Indiana Utility Regulatory
Commission (IURC) electric rate review settlement and $5.2 million from lower
bulk power and wheeling margins, partially offset by $14.8 million from the
favorable effect of warmer weather in the summer cooling season. Gas margins,
which increased $9.9 million due to 8% colder weather during the heating season,
partially offset the overall decrease from the electric operations. Total
consolidated net revenues for 2001 of $1,063.5 million, decreased $19.4 million
from 2000. The decrease was attributable to lower electric and gas margins due
to a mild summer and record-setting, 12% warmer-than-normal temperatures during
the winter heating season.
7
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULT
OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
Expenses
Operating expenses were $645.8 million in 2002, a decrease of $16.8 million from
2001. Operation and maintenance expenses decreased $14.0 million in 2002 from
2001 due to a reduction of $11.7 million from reduced uncollectible customer
accounts and other customer-related expenses and lower employee-related and
support services expenses of $8.1 million resulting from reorganization
initiatives, partially offset by increased costs related to the electric rate
review. Depreciation and amortization increased $6.2 million in 2002 from 2001
due to plant additions. Other taxes decreased $8.9 million in 2002 principally
due to decreased property taxes.
Operating expenses were $662.6 million in 2001, an increase of $10.8 million
over 2000. Operation and maintenance expenses decreased $8.6 million in 2001
from 2000 due to decreased employee-related costs and decreased costs related to
termination of an outsourcing agreement for all data center, application
development and maintenance and desktop management in 2000, partially offset by
an increase in uncollectible customer accounts of $5.2 million and restructuring
costs of $9.1 million. Depreciation and amortization increased $6.6 million in
2001 from 2000 due to plant additions. Other taxes increased $12.7 million in
2001 principally due to increased property taxes.
Utility Income Taxes
Utility income taxes increased $6.3 million in 2002 over 2001 due to increased
pre-tax income in 2002, and decreased $2.8 million in 2001 over 2000, due to
lower pre-tax income in 2001.
Other Income (Deductions)
Other Income (Deductions) increased $1.6 million in 2002 from 2001 as a result
of favorable interest rates related to the fee on the sale of a portion of
Northern Indiana's accounts receivable and reduced donations expenses,
partially offset by a decrease in electric trading results, the operations of
which were transferred to EnergyUSA-TPC Corp. (TPC) effective November 1, 2001.
Income (Deductions) in 2001 compared to 2000 increased $1.4 million primarily
due to favorable interest rates related to the fee on the sale of a portion of
Northern Indiana's accounts receivable.
Interest
Interest expenses decreased $15.8 million during 2002, primarily due to reduced
debt levels and lower short-term interest rates. Interest expenses decreased
$7.5 million during 2001, primarily due to lower debt levels.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Generally, cash flow from operations has provided sufficient liquidity to meet
current operating requirements. A significant portion of Northern Indiana's
operations, most notably in the gas and electric distribution businesses, are
subject to seasonal fluctuations in cash flow. During the heating season, which
is primarily from November through March, cash receipts from gas sales and
transportation services typically exceed cash requirements. In the summer
months, cash receipts for electric sales normally exceed requirements. Also,
during the summer months, cash on hand, together with short-term and long-term
financing, is used in operations to purchase gas to place in storage for heating
season deliveries, perform necessary maintenance of facilities, make capital
improvements in plant and expand service into new areas.
Net cash from operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2002 was
$457.2 million. Cash used for working capital was $47.3 million, principally
driven by tax payments and increases in customer receivables and the timing of
the recovery of gas and fuel costs, partly offset by reductions in gas
inventories.
Northern Indiana satisfies its liquidity requirements primarily through
internally generated funds and through intercompany borrowings from the NiSource
Money Pool. Northern Indiana may borrow a maximum of $1.0 billion through the
NiSource Money Pool as approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission under
the 1935 Act. NiSource Finance Corp. (NFC) provides funding to the NiSource
Money Pool from external borrowing sources and maintains an aggregate $1.75
billion revolving credit facility with a syndicate of banks that will be reduced
to $1.25 billion upon the expiration of a $500 million 364-day credit facility
on March 20, 2003. The credit facility is guaranteed by NiSource. As of December
31, 2002, Northern Indiana had $448.9 million of intercompany short-term
borrowings outstanding at an interest rate of 2.11%. As of December 31, 2001,
Northern Indiana had an intercompany note payable of $335.4 million to NFC at an
interest rate of 2.88%.
8
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULT
OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
Northern Indiana may sell, without recourse, up to $100 million of certain of
its accounts receivable under a sales agreement, which expires May 2003.
Northern Indiana plans to renew the agreement in May of 2003. Northern Indiana
has sold $100 million under this agreement. Northern Indiana may not sell any
new receivables if its credit rating falls below BBB- at Standard and Poor's or
Baa3 at Moody's Investor Service (Moody's).
Credit Ratings
During January 2002, Standard and Poor's reaffirmed NiSource's BBB senior
unsecured long-term credit rating and its A2 commercial paper rating with a
negative outlook. On February 1, 2002, Moody's downgraded the senior unsecured
long-term debt ratings of NiSource and NFC to Baa3 and the commercial paper
rating of NFC to P3 with a negative outlook. In addition, Moody's downgraded the
long-term debt ratings of all other rated NiSource subsidiaries, including
Northern Indiana, to Baa2 to align the ratings of the subsidiaries and bring
them closer to NiSource's ratings going forward. On February 5, 2002 Fitch
Ratings reaffirmed NiSource's BBB senior unsecured long-term credit rating and
its F2 commercial paper rating, but revised NiSource's ratings outlook from
"Stable" to "Negative."
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
Northern Indiana has certain contractual obligations that extend beyond 2003.
These obligations include long-term debt, mandatorily redeemable preferred
stock, operating leases, and purchase obligations for pipeline capacity,
transportation and storage services through Northern Indiana's Gas Distribution
operations. The total contractual cash obligations in existence at December 31,
2002 were:
(in thousands) 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 After
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term debt $ 130,000 $ 32,000 $ 71,275 $ - $ 57,000 $ 555,250
Mandatory redeemable
preferred stock 578 878 878 878 878 302
Operating leases 12,395 10,609 9,685 9,342 9,366 32,975
Purchase obligations 79,281 78,182 47,970 17,921 9,324 48,990
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total contractual obligations $ 222,254 $ 121,669 $ 129,808 $ 28,141 $ 76,568 $ 637,517
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital Expenditures
Construction expenditures by Northern Indiana for 2002, 2001 and 2000 were
approximately $246.5 million, $188.5 million and $193.4 million, respectively.
The increase in 2002 versus 2001 was mainly due to increased expenditures
related to environmental compliance with nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions
reduction initiatives.
For 2003, Northern Indiana's estimated capital expenditure program is $255.6
million remaining relatively flat as compared with 2002. Increased expenditures
for NOx emission reduction initiatives for the electric operations are planned
largely offset by decreased expenditures for the gas distribution operations.
Future commitments with respect to the construction program, are expected to be
met through internally generated funds.
Pension Funding
Due to lower than expected returns on plan assets over the past three years and
a lower assumed discount rate, Northern Indiana's pension plans are currently in
an underfunded position. Although Northern Indiana expects market returns to
revert to levels demonstrated in historical periods, Northern Indiana may be
required to provide additional funding for the obligations if returns on plan
assets fall short of the assumed 9.0% long-term rate. Also, Northern Indiana
expects pension expense for 2003 to increase approximately $20.9 million over
the amount recognized in 2002. See Note 8 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial
Statements for more information.
9
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULT
OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
MARKET RISK SENSITIVE INSTRUMENTS AND POSITIONS
Through its various business activities, Northern Indiana is exposed to risk
including commodity price, interest rate and credit risks. Northern Indiana's
risk management policy permits the use of certain financial instruments to
manage its market risk, including futures, forwards, options and swaps.
Risk management at Northern Indiana is defined as the process by which the
organization ensures that the risks to which it is exposed are the risks to
which it desires to be exposed to achieve its primary business objectives.
Northern Indiana employs various analytic techniques to measure and monitor its
market risks, including value-at-risk (VaR) and instrument sensitivity to market
factors. VaR represents the potential loss or gain for an instrument or
portfolio from changes in market factors, for a specified time period and at a
specified confidence level.
Commodity price risk at Northern Indiana is limited, since current regulations
allow recovery of prudently incurred purchased power, fuel and gas costs through
the rate-making process. As the utility industry undergoes deregulation,
however, Northern Indiana may be providing services without the benefit of the
traditional ratemaking process and will be more exposed to commodity price risk.
Northern Indiana enters into certain sales contracts with customers based upon a
fixed sales price and varying volumes, which are ultimately dependent upon the
customer's supply requirements. Northern Indiana utilizes derivative financial
instruments to reduce the commodity price risk based on modeling techniques to
anticipate these future supply requirements.
Effective November 1, 2001, Northern Indiana power trading activities were
transferred to TPC. The transactions associated with Northern Indiana's power
trading operations gave rise to various risks, including market risks resulting
from the potential loss from adverse changes in the market prices of
electricity. The power trading operations marketed and traded over-the-counter
contracts for the purchase and sale of electricity. Some contracts within the
trading portfolio required settlement by physical delivery, but were net settled
in accordance with industry standards.
Northern Indiana is exposed to interest rate risk as a result of changes in
interest rates on intercompany borrowings with NFC. These borrowings have
interest rates that are indexed to short-term market interest rates. At December
31, 2002, and December 31, 2001, the combined borrowings totaled $448.9 million
and $335.4 million, respectively. Based upon average borrowings during 2002 and
2001, an increase in short-term interest rates of 100 basis points (1%) would
have increased interest expense by $1.9 million and $3.0 million for years 2002
and 2001, respectively.
Due to the nature of the industry, credit risk is a factor in many of Northern
Indiana's business activities. Credit risk arises because of the possibility
that a customer, supplier or counterparty will not be able or willing to fulfill
its obligations on a transaction on or before the settlement date. Exposure to
credit risk is measured in terms of both current and potential exposure. Current
credit exposure is generally measured by the notional or principal value of
financial instruments and direct credit substitutes, such as commitments,
standby letters of credit and guarantees. Because many of Northern Indiana's
exposures vary with changes in market prices, Northern Indiana also estimates
the potential credit exposure over the remaining term of transactions through
statistical analyses of market prices. In determining exposure, Northern Indiana
considers collateral and master netting agreements, which are used to reduce
individual counterparty credit risk.
Accounting Change
Effective January 1, 2001, Northern Indiana adopted the Financial Accounting
Standards Board's (FASB) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No.
133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities", as
subsequently amended by SFAS No. 137 and SFAS No. 138 (collectively referred to
as SFAS No. 133). These statements establish accounting and reporting standards
for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in
other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives) and for hedging
activities. SFAS No. 133 requires an entity to recognize all derivatives as
either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and measure those instruments
at fair value. If certain conditions are met, a derivative may be specifically
designated as (a) a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of a
recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment, or (b) a hedge
of the exposure to variable cash flows of a forecasted transaction. The
accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended
use of the derivative and resulting designation.
10
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULT
OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
The adoption of this statement on January 1, 2001, resulted in a cumulative
after-tax increase to other comprehensive income (OCI) of approximately $4.0
million, which was recognized in earnings during 2002 and 2001. The adoption
also resulted in the recognition of $16.0 million of assets and $12.0 million of
liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.
Refer to "Critical Accounting Policies" of this Item 7, and "Summary of
Significant Accounting Policies - Accounting for Risk Management Activities" and
"Risk Management Activities" in Notes 2 and 6, respectively, of Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of Northern Indiana's
risk management.
OTHER INFORMATION
Critical Accounting Policies
Northern Indiana applies certain accounting policies based on the accounting
requirements discussed below that have had, and may continue to have,
significant impacts on Northern Indiana's results of operations and consolidated
balance sheets.
SFAS NO. 71 - ACCOUNTING FOR THE EFFECTS OF CERTAIN TYPES OF REGULATION. SFAS
No. 71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation" (SFAS No.
71), provides that rate-regulated subsidiaries account for and report assets and
liabilities consistent with the economic effect of the way in which regulators
establish rates, if the rates established are designed to recover the costs of
providing the regulated service and if the competitive environment makes it
probable that such rates can be charged and collected. Northern Indiana follows
the accounting and reporting requirements of SFAS No. 71. Certain expenses and
credits subject to utility regulation or rate determination normally reflected
in income are deferred on the balance sheet and are recognized in income as the
related amounts are included in service rates and recovered from or refunded to
customers. The total amounts of regulatory assets and liabilities reflected on
the Consolidated Balance Sheets were $325.2 million and $43.7 million at
December 31, 2002, and $253.6 million and $51.8 million at December 31, 2001,
respectively.
In the event that regulation significantly changes the opportunity for Northern
Indiana to recover its costs in the future, all or a portion of Northern
Indiana's regulated operations may no longer meet the criteria for the
application of SFAS No. 71. In such event, a write-down of all or a portion of
Northern Indiana's existing regulatory assets and liabilities could result. If
transition cost recovery is approved by the appropriate regulatory bodies that
would meet the requirements under generally accepted accounting principles for
continued accounting as regulatory assets and liabilities during such recovery
period, the regulatory assets and liabilities would be reported at the
recoverable amounts. If unable to continue to apply the provisions of SFAS No.
71, Northern Indiana would be required to apply the provisions of SFAS No. 101,
"Regulated Enterprises - Accounting for the Discontinuation of Application of
FASB Statement No. 71." In management's opinion, Northern Indiana will be
subject to SFAS No. 71 for the foreseeable future.
Certain of the regulatory assets reflected on Northern Indiana's Consolidated
Balance Sheets require specific regulatory action in order to be included in
future service rates. Although recovery of these amounts is not guaranteed,
Northern Indiana believes that these costs meet the requirements for deferral as
regulatory assets under SFAS No. 71. Regulatory assets requiring specific
regulatory action amounted to $29.3 million and $32.6 million at December 31,
2002 and 2001, respectively.
HEDGING ACTIVITIES. Under SFAS No. 133, the accounting for changes in the fair
value of a derivative depends on the intended use of the derivative and
resulting designation. Unrealized and realized gains and losses are recognized
each period as components of other comprehensive income, regulatory assets and
liabilities or earnings depending on the nature of such derivatives. Because
Northern Indiana utilizes derivatives for cash flow hedges, the effective
portions of the gains and losses are recorded to other comprehensive income and
are recognized in earnings concurrent with the disposition of the hedged risks.
As a result of the rate-making process, Northern Indiana generally records gains
and losses as regulatory liabilities or assets and recognizes such gains or
losses in earnings when recovered in revenues.
11
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULT
OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
Although Northern Indiana applies some judgment in the assessment of hedge
effectiveness to designate certain derivatives as hedges, the nature of the
contracts used to hedge the underlying risks is such that the correlation of the
changes in fair values of the derivatives and underlying risks is high. Northern
Indiana generally uses NYMEX exchange-traded natural gas futures and options
contracts and over-the-counter swaps based on published indices to hedge the
risks underlying its natural gas-related businesses. Northern Indiana had $3.5
million price risk management assets and $0.8 million of price risk management
liabilities primarily related to cash flow hedges at December 31, 2002. The
amount of unrealized gain recorded to other comprehensive income was $2.3
million at December 31, 2002.
PENSIONS AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS. Northern Indiana, through NiSource has
defined benefit plans for both pensions and other postretirement benefits. The
plans are accounted for under SFAS No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions,"
and SFAS No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other than
Pensions." The calculation of the net obligations and annual expense related to
the plans requires a significant degree of judgment regarding the discount rates
to be used in bringing the liabilities to present value, long-term returns on
plan assets and employee longevity, amongst other assumptions. Due to the size
of the plans and the long-term nature of the associated liabilities, changes in
the assumptions used in the actuarial estimates could have material impacts on
the measurement of the net obligations and annual expense recognition. For
further discussion of NiSource's pensions and other postretirement benefits see
Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Refer to "Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements" in Note 4 of the Notes of
Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding recently issued
accounting standards.
Insurance Renewal
Northern Indiana experienced increases in premiums in addition to increases in
deductibles and retentions along with added restrictions to coverage and
capacity, for its property and casualty insurance program from 2001 to 2002.
Indications are that the upward trend in insurance costs will continue in the
foreseeable future. This upward trend is driven by the overall poor underwriting
experience of the insurance industry over the past few years, in conjunction
with the overall downturn of the capital markets and the economy, which drives
the need for underwriters to seek higher premiums and further restrict coverage.
Presentation of Segment Information
During 2002, Northern Indiana realigned a portion of its operations and
reclassified previously reported operating segment information to conform to the
realigned operating structure. The electric wheeling and bulk power operations
were moved to the Electric Operations segment. Power trading results through
October 31, 2001, are reflected in the Other segment. The power trading
operations were transferred to TPC effective November 1, 2001. Although Northern
Indiana does not participate in power trading activities currently, in the
future, Northern Indiana might resume power trading operations. As a result of
the realignment, all periods have been adjusted to reflect the new segments.
12
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULT
OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
GAS DISTRIBUTION OPERATIONS
Year Ended December 31, (in thousands) 2002 2001 2000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET REVENUES
Sales Revenues $ 748,000 $ 817,056 $ 869,632
Less: Cost of gas sold 498,365 576,883 629,025
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Sales Revenues 249,635 240,173 240,607
Transportation Revenues 36,850 36,381 44,204
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Revenues 286,485 276,554 284,811
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING EXPENSES
Operation and maintenance 96,550 110,068 107,713
Depreciation and amortization 82,512 81,657 79,146
Other taxes 20,653 24,592 19,895
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Operating Expenses 199,715 216,317 206,754
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Income $ 86,770 $ 60,237 $ 78,057
===================================================================================================
REVENUES ($ IN THOUSANDS)
Residential 469,273 577,297 446,044
Commercial 149,912 191,762 137,772
Industrial 74,339 96,158 66,195
Transportation 36,850 36,381 44,204
Deferred gas costs 19,563 (118,058) 109,483
Other 34,913 69,897 110,138
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 784,850 853,437 913,836
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SALES AND TRANSPORTATION (MDTH)
Residential sales 65.1 59.7 66.4
Commercial sales 22.9 20.9 23.0
Industrial sales 13.3 11.4 13.0
Transportation 145.7 136.5 174.1
Other 6.4 10.5 24.8
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 253.4 239.0 301.3
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HEATING DEGREE DAYS 4,914 4,530 4,967
NORMAL HEATING DEGREE DAYS 5,139 5,139 5,167
% COLDER (WARMER) THAN NORMAL (4%) (12%) (4%)
CUSTOMERS
Residential 603,775 625,099 621,156
Commercial 48,363 48,139 47,656
Industrial 3,334 3,341 3,471
Transportation 42,283 14,313 16,589
Other 22 18 22
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 697,777 690,910 688,894
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULT
OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
GAS DISTRIBUTION OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
Competition
Northern Indiana competes with investor-owned, municipal, and cooperative
electric utilities throughout its service area, and to a lesser extent with
other regulated natural gas utilities and propane and fuel oil suppliers.
Northern Indiana continues to be a strong competitor in the energy market as a
result of strong customer preference for natural gas.
Restructuring
During 2002, NiSource developed a new reorganization initiative,
which resulted in the elimination of approximately 60 positions at Northern
Indiana mainly affecting executive and other management-level employees.
Northern Indiana's Gas Distribution segment accrued approximately $1.8 million
of salaries, benefits and facilities costs associated with the reorganization
initiative. Additionally, during 2002, the restructuring accrual was decreased
by $2.7 million related to previous reorganization initiatives.
Regulatory Matters
Changes in gas industry regulation, which began in the mid-1980s at the federal
level, has broadened to retail customers at the state level. Large industrial
and commercial customers have had the ability to purchase natural gas directly
from marketers and to use Northern Indiana's Gas Distribution's facilities for
transportation services for many years. This opportunity to choose an
alternative supplier has been migrating into the small commercial and
residential customer classes with approved transportation programs. As of
December 31, 2002, approximately 44,000 of Northern Indiana's Gas Distribution's
residential and commercial customers had selected an alternate supplier.
Northern Indiana continues to develop customer choice opportunities through
regulatory initiatives. While these programs are intended to provide all
customer classes with the opportunity to obtain gas supplies from alternative
merchants, Northern Indiana expects to play a substantial role in supplying gas
commodity services to its customers in the foreseeable future. As customers
enroll in these programs and purchase their gas from other suppliers, Northern
Indiana is sometimes left with pipeline capacity it has contracted for, but no
longer needs. Northern Indiana is currently recovering, or has the opportunity
to recover, the costs resulting from the unbundling of its services and believes
that most of such future costs will be mitigated or recovered.
On August 11, 1999, the IURC approved a flexible gas cost adjustment mechanism
for Northern Indiana. Under the new procedure, the demand component of the
adjustment factor will be determined, after hearings and IURC approval, and made
effective on November 1 of each year. The demand component will remain in effect
for one year until a new demand component is approved by the IURC. The commodity
component of the adjustment factor will be determined by monthly filings, which
will become effective on the first day of each calendar month, subject to
refund. The monthly filings do not require IURC approval but will be reviewed by
the IURC during the annual hearing that will take place regarding the demand
component filing. Northern Indiana's gas cost adjustment factor also includes a
gas cost incentive mechanism which allows the sharing of any cost savings or
cost increases with customers based on a comparison of actual gas supply
portfolio cost to a market-based benchmark price. Northern Indiana made its
annual filing on August 29, 2002. The IURC approved implementation of interim
rates, subject to refund, effective November 1, 2002. Another party has filed
testimony indicating that some gas costs should not be recovered. A hearing is
scheduled for March 13, 2003. Management intends to vigorously oppose any
efforts to reduce the recovery of gas costs.
FERC Order No. 637
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued Order No. 637 on February
9, 2000. The order sets forth revisions to the previous regulatory framework to
improve the competitiveness and the efficiency of the interstate natural gas
transportation market. It effects changes in regulations relating to scheduling
procedures, pipeline penalties, transparent pricing, new pipeline service
offerings, capacity release capabilities, new reporting requirements and various
other service related issues intended to enhance competition in the natural gas
industry. Since the order was issued, pipelines have made pro forma filings to
comply. Northern Indiana has actively engaged in settlement discussions with all
of its pipeline suppliers as well as with other major customers on those
pipeline systems in an effort to resolve pertinent issues.
14
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULT
OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
GAS DISTRIBUTION OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
To date, only a few of Northern Indiana's pipeline suppliers have been able to
reach an agreement with customers and implement FERC-approved settlements. Most
of the major pipeline suppliers to Northern Indiana made revised pro forma
compliance filings, which have been approved by FERC, but have not been
implemented because of pending requests for rehearing. Also, as a result of a
legal challenge to Order No. 637, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed and
remanded to FERC some aspects of Order No. 637, but did not upset Order No. 637
generally or require broad changes to how pipelines implement the rule.
Based upon orders from FERC on some pipelines' compliance filings and the slowed
progress by FERC, Northern Indiana believes that full implementation of Order
No. 637 will not generally begin to take place prior to the winter of 2003-2004.
Additionally, based upon Northern Indiana's experience to date and FERC's
guidance regarding the effect of Order No. 637 on various aspects of pipeline
operations, as well as the degree of compromise that occurred from all segments
of the industry, management believes that while full implementation of Order No.
637 will result in some additional competition for Northern Indiana with regard
to gas supply cost management and competition from market entrants that do not
have "supplier of last resort" obligations, it will not have a material effect
upon Northern Indiana costs, operations, or income.
Environmental Matters
REMEDIATION. Northern Indiana is a "potentially responsible party" (PRP) at
waste disposal sites under the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation
and Liability Act (CERCLA) (commonly known as Superfund) and similar state laws,
including at former manufactured gas plant (MGP) sites which it, or its
corporate predecessors, own or owned and operated. Northern Indiana may be
required to share in the cost of clean-up of such sites.
Northern Indiana is party to or otherwise involved in clean-up of two waste
disposal sites under Superfund or similar state laws. At both sites the final
costs of clean-up have not yet been determined. As site investigations and
clean-ups proceed and as additional information becomes available, the waste
disposal site liability is reviewed and adjusted as necessary.
A program has been instituted to identify and investigate former MGP sites where
Northern Indiana or its predecessors are the current or former owners. The
program has identified 24 such sites. Initial investigation has been conducted
at 20 sites. Of these sites, additional investigation activities have been
completed or are in progress at 17 sites and remedial measures have been
implemented or completed at 9 sites. Only those site investigation,
characterization and remediation costs currently known and determinable can be
considered "probable and reasonably estimable" under SFAS No. 5, "Accounting for
Contingencies" (SFAS No. 5). As costs become probable and reasonably estimable,
reserves will be adjusted as appropriate. Northern Indiana is unable, at this
time, to accurately estimate the time frame and potential costs of the entire
program. Management expects that, as characterization is completed, additional
remediation work is performed and more facts become available, Northern Indiana
will be able to develop a probable and reasonable estimate for the entire
program or a major portion thereof consistent with the Security Exchange
Commission's Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 92 (SAB No. 92) which covers
accounting and disclosures relating to loss contingencies, SFAS No. 5, and
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants SOP 96-1, "Environmental
Remediation Liabilities" (SOP No. 96-1).
As of December 31, 2002, a reserve of approximately $11.8 million has been
recorded to cover probable environmental response actions associated with
Northern Indiana's gas distribution operations. The ultimate liability in
connection with these sites will depend upon many factors, including the volume
of material contributed to the site, years of ownership or operation, the number
of other PRPs and their financial viability and the extent of environmental
response actions required. Based upon investigations and management's
understanding of current environmental laws and regulations, Northern Indiana
believes that any environmental response actions required, after consideration
of insurance coverage and contributions from other PRPs, will not have a
material effect on its financial position.
Market Conditions
In the winter of 2000-2001, U.S. wellhead gas prices peaked at over $8.00 per
dekatherm (Dth). The unprecedented high prices were due primarily to tight
supply and increased demand during this period. Demand was higher than in
previous periods due to the continued economic expansion in 2000, proliferation
of gas-fired electric generation and record cold weather during November and
December 2000. Lower production coupled with increased demand resulted in lower
storage levels of natural gas for many companies during the 2000-2001 winter
season.
15
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULT
OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
GAS DISTRIBUTION OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
The economic slowdown during 2001 contributed to lower demand. Reduced
industrial production and fuel switching (to coal, heating oil and distillate)
resulted in industrial throughput falling. The steel industry, which has
historically represented over two-thirds of the industrial throughput in
Indiana, was particularly hard hit with a number of companies filing for
bankruptcy.
Responding to higher natural gas prices, producers increased drilling activity,
recording a record number of natural gas well completions during 2001. The
increased production from these new wells along with the 2001 economic slowdown
combined to create a brief period of excess gas supplies. These factors coupled
with a near-record warm 2001-2002 winter heating season resulted in prices for
the 2001-2002 winter declining to levels generally experienced during the 1990s.
As natural gas prices in 2001 began declining, producers reduced the number of
drilling rigs in operation. This reduction in active drilling rigs resulted in
fewer wells being drilled and a decline in production during the latter part of
2002. Responding to lower drilling activity and increased demand from natural
gas fired electric generation facilities, natural gas prices began to increase
in early 2002 and continued to increase through the end of the year.
Spot prices for the current winter period as represented by prices on the NYMEX,
have been in the $4.00-$6.00/Dth range, significantly higher than the prices
experienced during the 2001-2002 winter season. Entering this winter, storage
levels were near the top of the five-year range; however, concerns over lower
levels of natural gas production and near-normal temperatures have sustained
higher prices. Mid-way through the 2002-2003 winter season, natural gas storage
has returned to levels slightly below the trailing five-year average. Given the
reduced level of storage and lower projected production, natural gas prices are
expected to continue at or near their current level through this winter heating
season. To date, the higher prices of late 2002 and early 2003 have not resulted
in indications of increased levels of drilling. Recent drilling activity has
been relatively stable from mid-year 2002 at levels approximately one-third
lower than the peak reached during 2001.
Northern Indiana has state-approved recovery mechanisms that provide a means for
full recovery of prudently incurred gas costs. Gas costs are treated as
pass-through costs and have no impact on the net revenues recorded in the
period. The gas costs included in revenues are matched with the gas cost expense
recorded in the period and the difference is recorded on the balance sheet to be
included in a future customer billings.
Northern Indiana has pursued non-traditional revenue sources within the evolving
natural gas marketplace. These efforts include both the sale of products and
services upstream of its service territory, the sale of products and services in
its service territories and gas supply cost incentive mechanisms for service to
its core markets. The upstream products are made up of transactions that occur
between Northern Indiana and a buyer for the sales of unbundled or rebundled gas
supply and capacity products. The on-system services are offered by Northern
Indiana to customers and include products such as the transportation of gas on
Northern Indiana's system. The incentive mechanisms gives Northern Indiana an
opportunity to share in the savings created from such things as gas purchase
prices paid below an agreed benchmark and its ability to reduce pipeline
capacity charges.
Capital Expenditures
Northern Indiana's Gas Distribution segment's capital expenditure program was
$48.7 million in 2002 and is projected to be approximately $41.1 million in
2003. New business initiatives totaled approximately $24.6 million in 2002 and
are expected to be $23.3 million in 2003. The remaining expenditures are for
modernizing and upgrading facilities.
Weather
Weather in the Northern Indiana service territory for 2002 was 4% warmer than
normal, but 8% colder than 2001, resulting in increased deliveries to
residential and commercial customers as compared to 2001. In addition,
transportation deliveries increased 7% over 2001. Weather in 2001 and 2000 was
12% and 4%, respectively, warmer than normal.
Throughput
Volumes sold and transported of 253.4 MDth for 2002 increased 14.4 MDth from
2001, due to colder weather in 2002 compared to 2001 as well as increased
transportation to customers in the steel industry.
16
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULT
OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
GAS DISTRIBUTION OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
Throughput for 2001 of 239.0 MDth decreased 62.3 MDth from 2000, due to the
impact of the economic decline on industrial demand, primarily from the steel
industry, and decreased off-system sales.
Net Revenues
Net revenues for 2002 were $286.5 million, an increase of $9.9 million over
2001. The increase was mainly the result of colder weather in 2002 as
compared with 2001.
Net revenues for 2001 were $276.6 million, a decrease of $8.2 million from 2000,
due to reduced transportation to industrial customers and a decline of
approximately $11.1 million as a result of warmer weather, partially offset by
an increase in gas cost recovery initiative revenues.
Operating Income
For 2002, operating income was $86.8 million, an increase of $26.6 million over
2001, due to the increase in net revenues discussed above, lower
employee-related and support services of $7.1 million primarily resulting from
reorganization initiatives, a reduction of $4.1 million in uncollectible
customer accounts and other customer-related expenses, and decreased other taxes
of $4.0 million mainly resulting from decreased property taxes.
For 2001, operating income was $60.2 million, a decrease of $17.9 million over
2000, due to the decrease in net revenues discussed above and $6.2 million for
restructuring costs. In addition, uncollectibles increased $2.8 million over the
prior year, primarily resulting from the higher cost of gas in the 2000-2001
heating period.
17
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULT
OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
ELECTRIC OPERATIONS
Year Ended December 31, (in thousands) 2002 2001 2000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET REVENUES
Sales revenues $ 1,137,360 $ 1,064,461 $ 1,072,672
Less: Cost of sales 368,955 277,552 274,573
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Revenues 768,405 786,909 798,099
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING EXPENSES
Operation and maintenance 222,816 223,340 234,296
Depreciation and amortization 172,223 166,840 162,754
Other taxes 51,085 56,049 48,022
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Operating Expenses 446,124 446,229 445,072
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Income $ 322,281 $ 340,680 $ 353,027
=====================================================================================================
REVENUES ($ IN THOUSANDS)
Residential 309,499 295,641 291,078
Commercial 297,225 292,931 282,256
Industrial 393,558 404,000 413,790
Wholesale 92,848 29,591 51,093
Other 44,230 42,298 34,455
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 1,137,360 1,064,461 1,072,672
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SALES (GIGAWATT HOURS)
Residential 3,228.4 2,956.9 2,953.3
Commercial 3,618.3 3,446.3 3,375.9
Industrial 8,822.4 8,935.5 9,494.9
Wholesale 2,983.5 845.0 1,546.9
Other 123.3 127.6 121.9
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 18,775.9 16,311.3 17,492.9
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COOLING DEGREE DAYS 1,015 801 693
NORMAL COOLING DEGREE DAYS 792 792 792
% WARMER (COLDER) THAN NORMAL 28% 1% -13%
ELECTRIC CUSTOMERS
Residential 384,891 381,440 379,908
Commercial 48,286 47,286 46,638
Industrial 2,577 2,643 2,663
Wholesale 22 23 37
Other 799 801 806
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 436,575 432,193 430,052
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Market Conditions
The regulatory frameworks applicable to Electric Operations continue to be
affected by fundamental changes. These changes will continue to have an impact
on Electric Operations' structure and profitability. At the same time,
competition within the industry will create opportunities to compete for new
customers and revenues. Management has taken steps to improve operating
efficiencies in this changing environment and improve the transmission
interconnections with neighboring electric utilities.
18
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULT
OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
ELECTRIC OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
The economic situation in the steel and steel-related industries continues to
have an impact on electric sales. The Indiana facilities of LTV Corporation
(LTV), which declared bankruptcy, were acquired by International Steel Group
(ISG) in early 2002. Production levels at the ISG plant have gradually increased
during 2002 but were down overall for the year, resulting in decreased sales.
Although sales to the steel industry remained lower than normal, overall sales
to the steel industry increased 67.3 gigawatt hours (gwh) during the 2002 period
as compared with 2001.
Restructuring
During the third quarter of 2002, NiSource carried out a new reorganization
initiative, which resulted in the elimination of approximately 60 positions at
Northern Indiana mainly affecting executive and other management-level
employees. During 2002, Northern Indiana Electric Operations accrued
approximately $2.5 million of salaries and benefits associated with the
reorganization initiative. Additionally, during 2002, the restructuring accrual
was reduced by $3.5 million related to previous reorganization initiatives.
Regulatory Matters
On June 20, 2002, a settlement agreement was filed with the IURC regarding the
Northern Indiana electric rate review. On September 23, 2002, the IURC issued an
order adopting most aspects of the settlement. The order provides that electric
customers of Northern Indiana will receive an amount intended to approximate
$55.0 million each year in credits to their electric bills for 49 months,
beginning on July 1, 2002. The order also provides that 60% of any future
earnings beyond a specified cap will be retained by Northern Indiana. Pursuant
to the IURC order, Northern Indiana, as authorized, began to amortize one-half
of its expenses for this proceeding over a 49-month period. The remaining
expenses were charged to income in the third quarter of 2002.
On October 23, 2002, the IURC denied a petition for reconsideration of the
settlement order filed on October 15, 2002 by fourteen residential customers.
Therefore, Northern Indiana electric customers began to receive credits starting
with their November monthly bill. The November bill included credits for the
customers' consumption beginning on July 1, 2002. Credits amounting to $28.1
million were recognized for electric customers for 2002. In addition, the order
required Northern Indiana to establish and fund an escrow account to cover the
litigation costs of certain of the parties to the electric rate review. The
escrow account was established and fully funded with $1.8 million in the fourth
quarter. The order adopting the settlement is currently being appealed to the
Indiana Court of Appeals by both the Citizen Action Coalition of Indiana and the
fourteen residential customers.
Northern Indiana submitted its quarterly fuel adjustment clause filing for the
twelve-month period ended September 30, 2002, which requires a sharing of
earnings in excess of allowed earnings as outlined in the IURC order regarding
the electric rate review settlement. The IURC issued an order related to the
filing on January 29, 2003 taking exception to Northern Indiana's proposed
sharing calculation. The proposed calculation prorated the amount to be shared
with the customers based on the amount of time the rate credit was in effect
during the twelve-month period. Northern Indiana has filed with the IURC, a
request for a rehearing and reconsideration of the order in that proceeding.
Northern Indiana believes its calculation for the amount of sharing is
appropriate. Regardless of the outcome, the settlement of this issue will not
have a material impact on Northern Indiana's financial position or results of
operations.
In 1999, the FERC issued Order 2000 addressing the formation and operation of
Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs). On February 28, 2001, Northern
Indiana joined the Alliance RTO. On December 18, 2001, the IURC issued an order
denying Northern Indiana's request to transfer functional control of its
transmission facilities to the Alliance RTO. On December 20, 2001, the FERC
reversed prior orders that had preliminarily approved the Alliance RTO and
concluded that the Alliance RTO failed to meet Order 2000's scope and
configuration requirements. FERC ordered the Alliance RTO companies, including
Northern Indiana, to pursue membership in the Midwest Independent System
Operator (MISO). On June 20, 2002, Northern Indiana, Ameren Corporation and
First Energy Corporation established terms for joining the MISO through
participation in an independent transmission company. The MISO arrangements were
filed with the FERC, and on July 31, 2002, the FERC issued an order
conditionally approving these arrangements. On November 5, 2002, the independent
transmission company (ITC), which includes Northern Indiana, signed an agreement
with MISO. Northern Indiana has expended approximately $8.2 million related to
joining an RTO. Northern Indiana believes that the amounts spent will be
reimbursed as a result of the finalization of the ITC agreement and FERC
approval.
19
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULT
OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
ELECTRIC OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
Northern Indiana has been recovering the costs of electric power purchased for
sale to its customers through the Fuel Adjustment Clause. The Fuel Adjustment
Clause provides for costs to be collected if they are below a cap that is set
based upon the costs of Northern Indiana's most expensive generating unit. If
costs exceed this cap, Northern Indiana must demonstrate that the costs were
prudently incurred to achieve approval for recovery. In January 2002, Northern
Indiana filed for approval to implement a purchase power tracker (PPT). The PPT
would allow recovery of all costs related to purchasing electricity for use by
Northern Indiana's customers on a periodic basis. No actions have been taken by
the IURC on this filing.
In January 2002, Northern Indiana filed for approval to implement an
environmental cost tracker (ECT). On June 20, 2002, Northern Indiana and the
Office of Utility Consumer Counselor filed an ECT Stipulation and Settlement
Agreement (ECT Settlement Agreement), which resolved all issues in the
proceeding. Under the ECT Settlement Agreement, Northern Indiana will be able to
recover (1) allowance for funds used during construction and a return on the
capital investment expended by Northern Indiana to implement Indiana Department
of Environmental Management's nitrogen oxide State Implementation Plan and (2)
related operation and maintenance and depreciation expenses once the
environmental facilities become operational. The IURC approved the settlement on
November 26, 2002. Northern Indiana made its initial filing for the ECT in
February 2003.
In 1995 Northern Indiana filed an Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT) in FERC
Docket No. ER96-399 with FERC as required in FERC Order No. 888. The OATT
established, subject to refund, rates that Northern Indiana could charge all of
its customers for transmission of electric power across Northern Indiana's
electric transmission facilities. The FERC established an administrative
proceeding before one of its administrative law judges to examine the filing and
to inquire into the appropriateness of the rates. Although the proceeding
continued to litigation with regard to certain customers, Northern Indiana
reached a settlement with its largest transmission customer, Wabash Valley Power
Association (WVPA), which established rates to be charged to WVPA and eliminated
any refund liability on behalf of Northern Indiana for transmission service
provided to WVPA. In the remaining portion of the proceeding, on December 30,
2002, the FERC issued an order that, among other things, reduced the rate base
and rate of return allowed to Northern Indiana regarding its OATT, thus creating
a refund liability for Northern Indiana. Northern Indiana did not seek rehearing
of the FERC's December 31, 2002 order. Thus under FERC procedures, Northern
Indiana is required to submit a compliance filing, currently due by March 17,
2003 which will establish rates and services in compliance with the FERC's order
and report on the magnitude of any refund liability resulting to Northern
Indiana as a result of the proceeding. Northern Indiana is in the process of
determining the refund liability resulting from the FERC Opinion.
Environmental Matters
AIR. In December 2001, the EPA approved regulations developed by the State of
Indiana to comply with EPA's nitrogen oxide (NOx) State Implementation Plan
(SIP) call. The NOx SIP call requires certain states, including Indiana, to
reduce NOx levels from several sources, including industrial and utility
boilers, to lower regional transport of ozone. The NOx emission limitations in
the Indiana rules are more restrictive than those imposed on electric utilities
under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAAA) acid rain NOx reduction
program. Compliance with the NOx limits contained in these rules is required by
May 31, 2004. Northern Indiana plans to install Selective Catalytic Reduction
NOx reduction technology at each of its active generating stations to comply
with the rules and estimates capital costs will range from $200 to $250 million.
Actual compliance costs may vary depending on a number of factors including
market demand/resource constraints, uncertainty of future equipment and
construction costs, and the potential need for additional control technology.
The EPA issued final rules revising the National Ambient Air Quality Standards
for ozone and particulate matter in July 1997. These rules were widely
challenged. On March 26, 2002, the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C.
Circuit largely upheld the ambient air standards as challenged. Consequently,
designation of areas not attaining the standards, promulgation of rules
specifying a compliance level, compliance deadline, and controls necessary for
compliance will be completed over the next few years, which will likely change
air emissions compliance requirements. Resulting rules could require additional
reductions in sulfur dioxide, particulate matter and NOx emissions from
coal-fired boilers (including Northern Indiana's electric generating stations).
The EPA and state regulatory authorities will set final implementation
requirements. Northern Indiana believes that the costs relating to compliance
with any new limits may be substantial but are dependent upon the ultimate
control program agreed to by the targeted states and the EPA, and are
20
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULT
OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
ELECTRIC OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
currently not reasonably estimable. Northern Indiana will continue to closely
monitor developments in this area. However, the exact nature of the impact of
the new standards on its operations will not be known for some time.
During 1999, the EPA initiated enforcement actions against several electric
utilities alleging violations of the new source review provisions of the CAAA
and subsequently has issued additional information collection requests to many
other utilities. Northern Indiana has also received and responded to information
requests from the EPA on this subject over the last two years, most recently in
June 2002. At this time, Northern Indiana is unable to predict the result of
EPA's review of Northern Indiana's information responses.
In November 2002, EPA announced reforms to the New Source Review rules that
include two components. The first, a final rule, does not appear to
significantly impact Northern Indiana. However, upon official publication of the
rules by EPA on December 31, 2002, nine northeastern states filed a legal
challenge against the final rule in the U.S. District Court of Appeals for
District of Columbia. The second component is a proposed rule that is subject to
further public comment and revision before finalization; therefore, Northern
Indiana is unable at this time to evaluate its potential impacts on operations.
Northern Indiana will continue to closely monitor the developments related to
both rules for potential impacts.
Initiatives are being discussed both in the United States and worldwide to
reduce so-called "greenhouse gases" such as carbon dioxide, a by-product of
burning fossil fuels. Reduction of such emissions could result in significant
capital outlays or operating expenses for Northern Indiana.
The CAAA also contain other provisions that could lead to limitations on
emissions of hazardous air pollutants. In response to the CAAA requirements, on
December 20, 2000, the EPA issued a finding that the regulation of emissions of
mercury and other air toxics from coal and oil-fired electric steam generating
units is necessary and appropriate. The EPA expects to issue proposed
regulations by December 15, 2003, and finalized regulations by December 15,
2004. The potential impact, if any, to Northern Indiana's financial results that
may occur because of any of these potential new regulations is unknown at this
time.
The EPA is in the process of developing a program to address regional haze. The
new Bush administration announced that the EPA would move forward with rules
that mandate the states to require power plants built between 1962 and 1977 to
install the "best available retrofit technology" (BART). The BART program will
target for control by 2013 those pollutants that limit visibility, namely
particulate, sulfur dioxide and/or nitrogen oxides. Until the program is
developed, Northern Indiana cannot predict the cost of complying with these
rules.
WATER. The Great Lakes Water Quality Initiative (GLI) program is expected to add
new water quality standards for facilities that discharge into the Great Lakes
watershed, including Northern Indiana's three electric generating stations
located on Lake Michigan. The State of Indiana has promulgated its regulations
for this water discharge permit program and has received final EPA approval. As
promulgated, the regulations would provide the Indiana Department of
Environmental Management (IDEM) with the authority to grant water quality
criteria variances and exemptions for non-contact cooling water. However, the
EPA revised the variance language and other minor provisions of IDEM's GLI rule.
The EPA by and large left the non-contact cooling water exemption intact;
however, a separate agreement between the EPA and IDEM on interpretation of this
exemption still leaves uncertainty as to its impact. The EPA change to the
variance rule prompted litigation by the affected industrial parties and an
agreement on the non-contact cooling water exemption has been reached with
EPA/IDEM. Northern Indiana expects that IDEM will issue a proposed permit
renewal for each of its lakeside stations. Pending issuance of these permits,
the costs of complying with there requirements cannot be predicted at this time.
REMEDIATION. Northern Indiana is a PRP at three waste disposal sites under
CERCLA and similar state laws, and shares in the cost of their cleanup with
other PRPs. At one site, the remediation plan has been implemented and long-term
monitoring is ongoing. At another site, investigations are ongoing and final
costs of clean up have not yet been determined. At the third site, Northern
Indiana has recently entered into an EPA Administrative Order on Consent to
perform a removal action in the vicinity of a third party, state-permitted
landfill where Northern Indiana contracted for fly ash disposal. EPA and IDEM
are currently evaluating the potential for remedial action at this site.
21
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULT
OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
ELECTRIC OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
As investigations and clean-ups proceed at each of these sites, and as
additional information becomes available, waste disposal site liability is
reviewed periodically and adjusted. In addition, Northern Indiana has corrective
action liability under the RCRA for closure and clean-up costs associated with
treatment, storage and disposal sites. As of December 31, 2002, a reserve of
approximately $1.2 million has been recorded to cover probable environmental
response actions at these sites. The ultimate liability in connection with these
sites will depend upon many factors, including the volume of material
contributed to the site, years of ownership of operations, the number of other
PRPs and their financial viability and the extent of environmental response
required. Based upon investigations and management's understanding of current
environmental laws and regulations, Northern Indiana believes that any
environmental response required will not have a material effect on the its
financial position or results of operations.
Capital Expenditure Program
The Electric segment's capital expenditure program was $197.8 million in 2002
and is projected to be approximately $214.5 million in 2003. Expenditures for
2002 included improvements related to the operational integrity of generation,
transmission and distribution assets, expenditures related to environmental
compliance (NOx reduction), and additions to electric distribution systems
related to new business. Estimated expenditures for 2003 include approximately
$100.0 million for the NOx compliance program. The remaining expenditures are
for new business initiatives and maintenance programs.
Sales
Electric sales for 2002 of 18,775.9 gwh increased 2,464.6 gwh compared to 2001
due to 27% warmer weather during the summer cooling season.
Electric sales for 2001 of 16,311.3 gwh decreased 1,181.6 gwh compared to 2000,
due primarily to reduced industrial sales reflecting the economic downturn and
steel industry bankruptcies, as well as reduced wholesale revenues, partially
offset by the impact of warmer weather.
Net Revenues
Electric net revenues were $768.4 million for 2002, a decrease of $18.5 million
from 2001, primarily as a result of $28.1 million in credits issued pertaining
to the IURC electric rate review settlement and $5.2 million from decreased
wholesale and wheeling net revenues. The unfavorable variance was partially
offset by $14.8 million from warmer weather during the summer cooling season as
compared to 2001.
Electric net revenues for 2001 of $786.9 million decreased by $11.2 million from
2000, primarily reflecting reduced deliveries to the industrial segment and
reduced wholesale revenues, partially offset by warmer weather.
Operating Income
Operating income for 2002 was $322.3 million, a decrease of $18.4 million from
2001. The decrease was primarily due to reduced net revenues discussed above.
Also, increased depreciation expense due to plant additions were offset by lower
property taxes.
Operating income for 2001 was $340.7 million, a decrease of $12.3 million from
2000. The decrease was due to lower net revenues discussed above and higher
operating expenses of $1.1 million. The 2001 operating expenses included
increased uncollectible expenses of $2.4 million, restructuring charges of $5.2
million, and increased depreciation expense and property taxes, partially offset
by decreased employee-related costs and reduced electric production operating
expenses.
22
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULT
OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
OTHER
Year Ended December 31, (in thousands) 2002 2001 2000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET REVENUES
Electric $ - $ 802,149 $ 487,239
Less: Cost of sales - 790,621 472,888
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Revenues - 11,528 14,351
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Operating Expenses - 2,909 3,599
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Income $ - $ 8,619 $ 10,752
===================================================================================
VOLUMES
Electric sales (Gigawatt Hours) - 17,778.9 9,841.4
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effective November 1, 2001, Northern Indiana's power trading operations were
transferred to TPC, a subsidiary of NiSource. Similar type transactions (bulk
power and wheeling) are included in the Electric Operations Segment.
Net Revenues
Net revenues for 2002 decreased $11.5 million from 2001. The decrease is a
result of the transfer of power trading activities to TPC as of November 1,
2001.
Net revenues for 2001 were $11.5 million, decreasing $2.8 million from 2000 due
to decreased power trading in 2001 compared to the prior year.
Operating Income
Other reported an operating income decrease of $8.6 million from 2001. The
decrease is due to the decrease in net revenues discussed above.
Operating income of $8.6 million in 2001 decreased $2.1 million from 2000. The
decrease was due to the decrease in net revenues discussed above.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk are reported in Item
7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations - Market Risk Sensitive Instruments and Positions."
23
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
INDEX PAGE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Independent Auditors' Report............................................................................ 25
Statements of Consolidated Income....................................................................... 26
Consolidated Balance Sheets............................................................................. 27
Statements of Consolidated Capitalization............................................................... 29
Statements of Consolidated Long-Term Debt............................................................... 30
Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows................................................................... 31
Statements of Common Shareholder's Equity............................................................... 32
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.............................................................. 33
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and statements of
consolidated capitalization and long-term debt of Northern Indiana Public
Service Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the
related statements of consolidated income, cash flows and common shareholder's
equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002. Our
audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the index at
Item 15. These financial statements and financial statement schedules are the
responsibility of Northern Indiana Public Service Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and
financial statement schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Northern Indiana Public Service
Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 and the results of
their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 2002, in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial
statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated
financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects
the information set forth therein.
As explained in Note 2N to the financial statements, effective January 1, 2001,
Northern Indiana Public Service Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivatives Instruments and
Hedging Activities," as amended. As explained in Note 2S to the financial
statements, effective January 1, 2002, Northern Indiana Public Service Company
adopted SFAS 142, "Intangible Assets."
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Chicago, Illinois
February 13, 2003
25
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME
Year Ended December 31, (in thousands) 2002 2001 2000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING REVENUES:
Gas $ 775,924 $ 822,675 $ 845,248
Gas-Affiliated 8,926 30,762 68,588
Electric 1,104,233 1,061,651 1,070,119
Electric-Affiliated 33,127 2,810 2,553
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross Operating Revenues 1,922,210 1,917,898 1,986,508
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COST OF ENERGY:
Gas costs 490,769 536,796 563,699
Gas costs-Affiliated 7,596 40,087 65,326
Fuel for electric generation 209,333 231,074 232,687
Fuel for electric generation-Affiliated 1,644 5,580 9,436
Power purchased 54,171 37,050 32,450
Power purchased-Affiliated 103,807 3,848 -
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost of Sales 867,320 854,435 903,598
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Margin 1,054,890 1,063,463 1,082,910
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Operation 248,778 263,932 269,542
Maintenance 70,588 69,476 72,467
Depreciation and amortization 254,735 248,497 241,900
Other taxes 71,738 80,641 67,917
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Operating Expenses 645,839 662,546 651,826
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UTILITY OPERATING INCOME BEFORE UTILITY
INCOME TAXES 409,051 400,917 431,084
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UTILITY INCOME TAXES 126,494 120,198 122,958
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UTILITY OPERATING INCOME 282,557 280,719 308,126
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER INCOME, NET 4,319 2,694 1,249
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTEREST:
Interest on long-term debt 48,979 56,072 63,241
Other interest 1,784 6,792 15,373
Other interest-Affiliated 4,963 9,132 -
Amortization of premium, reacquisition premium,
discount and expense on debt, net 4,217 3,851 4,702
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Interest 59,943 75,847 83,316
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME $ 226,933 $ 207,566 $ 226,059
===================================================================================================
DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS ON PREFERRED STOCKS 6,782 7,474 7,817
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AVAILABLE FOR COMMON SHARES $ 220,151 $ 200,092 $ 218,242
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMON DIVIDENDS DECLARED $ 232,738 $ 226,000 $ 168,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part
of these statements.
26
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of December 31, (in thousands) 2002 2001
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
UTILITY PLANT, at original cost
Electric $ 4,590,652 $ 4,440,199
Gas 1,455,088 1,423,682
Common 369,863 355,110
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Utility Plant 6,415,603 6,218,991
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less - Accumulated provision for depreciation
and amortization 3,547,661 3,357,201
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Utility Plant 2,867,942 2,861,790
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS 8,715 8,144
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents 4,331 8,490
Restricted cash - 7,455
Accounts receivable (less reserve of $7,765
and $11,248 respectively) 94,334 68,151
Unbilled revenue (less reserve of $657
and $610, respectively) 72,307 67,095
Fuel cost adjustment clause 2,318 -
Gas cost adjustment clause 47,779 28,217
Materials and supplies, at average cost 44,321 44,674
Electric production fuel, at average cost 39,029 29,152
Natural gas in storage, at last-in, first-out cost 15,501 104,706
Price risk management assets 3,531 1,221
Prepayments and other 36,210 39,118
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Current Assets 359,661 398,279
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER ASSETS:
Regulatory assets 225,614 170,022
Intangible assets 25,086 -
Prepayments and other 5,043 194,288
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Other Assets 255,743 364,310
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL ASSETS $ 3,492,061 $ 3,632,523
========================================================================================
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part
of these statements.
27
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of December 31, (in thousands) 2002 2001
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
CAPITALIZATION
Common shareholder's equity $ 899,622 $ 1,036,314
Preferred Stocks--
Series without mandatory redemption provisions 81,114 81,114
Series with mandatory redemption provisions 3,814 4,969
Long-term debt, excluding amounts due within one year 713,351 843,064
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Capitalization 1,697,901 1,965,461
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Current redeemable preferred stock subject to mandatory
redemption - 43,000
Current portion of long-term debt 130,000 59,000
Short term borrowings-Affiliated 448,899 335,415
Accounts payable 162,223 92,099
Accounts payable-Affiliated 25,279 53,737
Dividends declared on preferred stocks 1,115 1,748
Customer deposits 39,346 31,830
Taxes accrued 70,986 233,357
Interest accrued 9,854 7,825
Fuel adjustment clause - 3,665
Accrued employment costs 35,692 34,075
Price risk management liabilities 808 5,609
Other accruals 46,824 43,468
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Current Liabilities 971,026 944,828
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER LIABILITIES AND DEFERRED CREDITS
Deferred income taxes 488,836 426,694
Deferred investment tax credits 64,315 71,392
Deferred credits 43,176 48,963
Accrued liability for postretirement and pension benefits 219,023 160,768
Regulatory liabilities 4,903 4,503
Other noncurrent liabilities 2,881 9,914
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Other 823,134 722,234
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - -
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES $ 3,492,061 $ 3,632,523
========================================================================================================
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part
of these statements.
28
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CAPITALIZATION
As of December 31, (in thousands) 2002 2001
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common stock--without par value--authorized
75,000,000 shares--issued and outstanding
73,282,258 shares $ 859,488 $ 859,488
Additional paid-in-capital 33,483 19,098
Retained earnings 147,865 160,452
Other comprehensive income (141,214) (2,724)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Common Shareholder's Equity 899,622 1,036,314
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PREFERRED STOCKS, WHICH ARE REDEEMABLE SOLELY AT OPTION OF ISSUER:
Northern Indiana Public Service Company--
Cumulative preferred stock--$100 par value--
4-1/4% series--209,035 outstanding 20,903 20,903
4-1/2% series--79,996 shares outstanding 8,000 8,000
4.22% series--106,198 shares outstanding 10,620 10,620
4.88% series--100,000 shares outstanding 10,000 10,000
7.44% series--41,890 shares outstanding 4,189 4,189
7.50% series--34,842 shares outstanding 3,484 3,484
Premium on preferred stock and other 254 254
Cumulative preferred stock--no par value--
Adjusted rate 6.00% at December 31, 2002) -
Series A (stated value--$50 per share),
473,285 shares outstanding 23,664 23,664
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Series without mandatory redemption provisions 81,114 81,114
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCKS, SUBJECT TO MANDATORY REDEMPTION REQUIREMENTS OR
WHOSE REDEMPTION IS OUTSIDE THE CONTROL OF ISSUER:
Northern Indiana Public Service Company--
Cumulative preferred stock--$100 par value--
7-3/4% series--11,136 and 16,690 shares outstanding, respectively 1,114 1,669
8.35% series--27,000 and 33,000 shares outstanding, respectively 2,700 3,300
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Series with mandatory redemption provisions 3,814 4,969
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term debt 713,351 843,064
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION $ 1,697,901 $ 1,965,461
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part
of these statements.
29
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED LONG-TERM DEBT
As of December 31, (in thousands) 2002 2001
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIRST MORTGAGE BONDS--
Series NN, 7.10% - due July 1, 2017 $ 55,000 $ 55,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POLLUTION CONTROL NOTES AND BONDS--
Series A Note--City of Michigan, 5.70% due October 1, 2003 - 6,000
Series 1988 Bonds--Jasper County--Series A, B and C--1.30%
weighted average at December 31, 2002, due November 1, 2016 130,000 130,000
Series 1988 Bonds--Jasper County--Series D--1.14% weighted
average at December 31, 2002, due November 1, 2007 24,000 24,000
Series 1994 Bonds--Jasper County--Series A--1.30% at
December 31, 2001, due August 1, 2010 10,000 10,000
Series 1994 Bonds--Jasper County--Series B--1.30% at
December 31, 2002, due June 1, 2013 18,000 18,000
Series 1994 Bonds--Jasper County--Series C--1.30% at
December 31, 2002, due April 1, 2019 41,000 41,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 223,000 229,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MEDIUM-TERM NOTES--
Interest rates between 6.50% and 7.69% with a weighted
average interest rate of 7.19% and various maturities
between July 8, 2004 and August 4, 2027 437,525 561,525
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UNAMORTIZED PREMIUM AND DISCOUNT ON LONG-TERM DEBT, NET (2,174) (2,461)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total long-term debt, excluding amounts due in one year $ 713,351 $ 843,064
==================================================================================================
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part
of these statements.
30
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31, (in thousands) 2002 2001 2000
---------- ---------- ----------
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income $ 226,933 $ 207,566 $ 226,059
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash:
Depreciation and amortization 254,735 248,497 241,900
Net changes in price risk management activities (7,111) (7,273) (10,663)
Deferred income taxes 18,043 (74,982) (16,530)
Amortization of deferred investment tax credits (7,077) (7,087) (7,087)
Other, asset items 18,980 8,900 8,031
Changes in components of working capital:
Accounts receivable, net (45,395) 115,517 (126,157)
Electric production fuel (9,877) (13,561) 16,377
Materials and supplies 353 2,326 5,735
Natural gas in storage 89,205 5,040 (86,780)
Accounts payable 37,366 (205,351) 217,949
Taxes accrued (97,171) 114,955 (80,359)
Fuel adjustment clause (5,983) 3,463 4,403
Gas cost adjustment clause (19,562) 118,037 (109,468)
Accrued employment costs 1,617 (24,705) 7,387
Other accruals 3,356 21,322 (17)
Other assets (8,745) (18,071) (2,471)
Other liabilities 7,574 22,557 1,261
---------- ---------- ----------
Net Cash from Continuing Operations 457,241 517,150 289,570
---------- ---------- ----------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures (242,078) (187,207) (193,413)
Other investing activities (5,091) (19,365) --
---------- ---------- ----------
Net Investing Activities (247,169) (206,572) (193,413)
---------- ---------- ----------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Retirement of long-term debt (59,000) (19,000) (158,000)
Change in short-term debt 113,484 (71,685) 310,810
Retirement of preferred shares (43,000) (1,155) (4,906)
Dividends paid - common shares (232,700) (226,000) (226,000)
Dividends paid - preferred shares (7,400) (6,929) (7,861)
Other financing activities 14,385 6,892 359
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash used in financing activities (214,231) (317,877) (85,598)
---------- ---------- ----------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (4,159) (7,299) 10,559
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 8,490 15,789 5,230
---------- ---------- ----------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $ 4,331 $ 8,490 $ 15,789
========== ========== ==========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized 53,846 73,440 69,438
Interest capitalized 1,047 1,342 323
Cash paid for income taxes 212,199 154,963 164,861
---------- ---------- ----------
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part
of these statements.
31
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common Stock Accumulated
----------------------- Additional Other
Shares Paid In Retained Comprehensive
(in thousands) Outstanding Value Capital Earnings Income (Loss) Total
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1999 73,282 $859,488 $12,525 $ 136,118 $ - $1,008,131
Comprehensive Income: -
Net income 226,059 226,059
---------
Comprehensive Income $ 226,059
---------
Cash dividends:
Common stock (168,000) (168,000)
Preferred stock dividend (7,817) (7,817)
Tax benefit allocation -
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2000 73,282 $859,488 $12,525 $ 186,360 $ - $1,058,373
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comprehensive Income:
Net income 207,566 207,566
Net unrealized gains on derivatives,
net of tax (2,724) (2,724)
---------
Comprehensive Income $ 204,842
---------
Cash dividends:
Common stock (226,000) (226,000)
Preferred stock dividend (7,474) (7,474)
Tax benefit allocation 6,573 6,573
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2001 73,282 $859,488 $19,098 $ 160,452 $ (2,724) $1,036,314
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comprehensive Income:
Net income 226,933 226,933
Net unrealized gains on derivatives,
net of tax 5,007 5,007
Minimum pension liability, act of tax (143,497) (143,497)
---------
Comprehensive Income $ 88,443
---------
Cash dividends:
Common stock (232,738) (232,738)
Preferred stock dividend (6,782) (6,782)
Tax benefit allocation 14,385 14,385
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2002 73,282 $859,488 $33,483 $ 147,865 $(141,214) $ 899,622
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part
of these statements.
32
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. HOLDING COMPANY STRUCTURE
Effective March 3, 1988, Northern Indiana Public Service Company (Northern
Indiana) became a subsidiary of NIPSCO Industries, Inc., an Indiana corporation.
NIPSCO Industries, Inc. changed its name to NiSource Inc. (NiSource) on April
14, 1999. NiSource is an energy holding company that provides natural gas,
electricity and other products and services to approximately 3.7 million
customers located within a corridor that runs from the Gulf Coast through the
Midwest to New England. Subsequent to the completion of the acquisition of
Columbia Energy Group (Columbia) on November 1, 2000, NiSource became a Delaware
corporation. NiSource is a registered holding company under the Public Utility
Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
A. PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION. The consolidated financial statements
include the accounts of Northern Indiana and subsidiaries, after the elimination
of all significant intercompany items. All subsidiaries are wholly-owned by
Northern Indiana. Certain reclassifications were made to conform the prior
years' financial statements to the current presentation.
B. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS. Northern Indiana considers all investments
with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Northern Indiana reports amounts deposited in brokerage accounts for margin
requirements in the restricted cash balance sheet caption.
C. BASIS OF ACCOUNTING FOR RATE-REGULATED OPERATIONS. Northern Indiana's
rate-regulated operations follow the accounting and reporting requirements of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 71, "Accounting for the
Effects of Certain Types of Regulation" (SFAS No. 71). SFAS No. 71 provides that
rate-regulated entities account for and report assets and liabilities consistent
with the economic effect of the way in which regulators establish rates, if the
rates established are designed to recover the costs of providing the regulated
service and it is probable that such rates can be charged and collected. Certain
expenses and credits subject to utility regulation or rate determination
normally reflected in income are deferred on the balance sheet and recognized in
income as the related amounts are included in service rates and recovered from
or refunded to customers.
In the event that regulation significantly changes the opportunity for Northern
Indiana to recover its costs in the future, all or a portion of Northern
Indiana's regulated operations may no longer meet the criteria for the
application of SFAS No. 71. In such event, a write-down of all or a portion of
Northern Indiana's existing regulatory assets and liabilities could result. If
transition cost recovery was approved by the appropriate regulatory bodies that
would meet the requirements under generally accepted accounting principles for
continued accounting as regulatory assets and liabilities during such recovery
period, the regulatory assets and liabilities would be reported at the
recoverable amounts. If unable to continue to apply the provisions of SFAS No.
71, Northern Indiana would be required to apply the provisions of SFAS No. 101,
"Regulated Enterprises - Accounting for the Discontinuation of Application of
Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 71." In management's
opinion, Northern Indiana will be subject to SFAS No. 71 for the foreseeable
future.
33
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Regulatory assets and liabilities were comprised of the following items:
At December 31, (in thousands) 2002 2001
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
Reacquisition premium on debt (see Note 12) $ 29,297 $ 32,647
R. M. Schahfer Unit 17 and Unit 18 carrying charges and
deferred depreciation (see Note 2E) 45,459 49,677
Bailly scrubber carrying charges and deferred depreciation
(see Note 2E) 5,203 6,139
Postemployment and other postretirement costs (see Note 8) 55,976 61,574
Regulatory effects of accounting for income taxes (See Note 2O) 139,214 75,340
Underrecovered fuel costs 2,318 -
Underrecovered gas costs 47,779 28,217
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL REGULATORY ASSETS (OF WHICH $60,847 AND $39,955 ARE CURRENT.) $325,246 $253,594
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES
Overrecovered fuel costs $ - $ 3,665
Emission allowances 4,903 4,503
Regulatory effects of accounting for income taxes (See Note 2O) 38,785 43,617
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL REGULATORY LIABILITIES (OF WHICH $0 AND $3,665 ARE CURRENT.) $ 43,688 $ 51,785
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory assets, net of liabilities, of approximately $229.7 million are not
presently included in the rate base and consequently are not earning a return on
investment. These regulatory assets are being recovered as components of cost of
service over periods generally ranging from 1 to 12 years. Regulatory assets of
approximately $29.3 million require specific rate action.
D. UTILITY PLANT AND RELATED DEPRECIATION AND MAINTENANCE. Property, plant
and equipment (principally utility plant) are stated at cost. Northern Indiana
records depreciation using composite rates on a straight-line basis over the
remaining service lives of the electric, gas and common properties.
For Northern Indiana, an allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) is
capitalized on all classes of property except organization, land, autos, office
equipment, tools and other general property purchases. The allowance is applied
to construction costs for that period of time between the date of the
expenditure and the date on which such project is completed and placed in
service.
The pre-tax rates for AFUDC were 2.7% in 2002, 5.0% in 2001, and 6.9% in 2000.
The decline in the 2002 AFUDC rate, as compared with 2001, was due to lower
short-term interest rates and the use of short-term borrowings to fund
construction efforts.
The depreciation provisions for utility plant, as a percentage of the original
cost, for the periods ended, December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 were as follows:
2002 2001 2000
- -------------------------------------------------------------
Electric 3.6% 3.7% 3.7%
Gas 5.4% 5.6% 5.4%
- -------------------------------------------------------------
Northern Indiana charges maintenance and repairs, including the cost of removal
of minor items of property, to expense as incurred. When property that
represents a retired unit is replaced or removed, the cost of such property is
credited to utility plant, and such cost, together with the cost of removal less
salvage, is charged to the accumulated provision for depreciation.
34
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
E. CARRYING CHARGES AND DEFERRED DEPRECIATION. Upon completion of units 17
and 18 at the R. M. Schahfer Generating Station, Northern Indiana capitalized
the carrying charges and deferred depreciation in accordance with orders of the
Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC), pending the inclusion of the cost
of each unit in rates. Such carrying charges and deferred depreciation are being
amortized over the remaining life of each unit.
Northern Indiana has capitalized carrying charges and deferred depreciation and
certain operating expenses relating to its scrubber service agreement for its
Bailly Generating Station in accordance with an order of the IURC. The
accumulated balance of the deferred costs and related carrying charges is being
amortized over the remaining life of the scrubber service agreement.
F. AMORTIZATION OF SOFTWARE COSTS. External and incremental internal costs
associated with computer software developed for internal use are capitalized.
Capitalization of such costs commences upon the completion of the preliminary
stage of each project in accordance with Statement of Position 98-1, "Accounting
for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use." Once
the installed software is ready for its intended use, such capitalized costs are
amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of five to ten years.
G. REVENUE RECOGNITION. Revenues are generally recorded, as products and
services are delivered. Utility revenues are billed to customers monthly on a
cycle basis. Revenues are recorded on the accrual basis and include estimates
for electricity and gas delivered. Revenues relating to energy trading
operations, which were transferred to EnergyUSA-TPC (TPC) effective November 1,
2001, were recorded based upon changes in the fair values, net of reserves, of
the related energy trading contracts. Changes in the fair values of energy
trading contracts were recognized in "other income" net of associated costs on
the consolidated income statement.
H. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SALES PROGRAM. Northern Indiana has entered into
agreements with third parties to sell certain accounts receivable without
recourse. These sales are reflected as reductions of accounts receivable in the
accompanying consolidated balance sheets and as operating cash flows in the
accompanying statements of consolidated cash flows. The costs of these programs,
which are based upon the purchasers' level of investment and borrowing costs,
are charged to other income in the accompanying statements of consolidated
income.
I. USE OF ESTIMATES. The preparation of financial statements in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at
the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
J. FUEL ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE. All metered electric rates contain a provision
for adjustment in charges for electric energy to reflect increases and decreases
in the cost of fuel and the fuel cost of purchased power through operation of a
fuel adjustment clause. As prescribed by order of the IURC applicable to metered
retail rates, the adjustment factor has been calculated based on the estimated
cost of fuel and the fuel cost of purchased power in a future three month
period. If two statutory requirements relating to expense and return levels are
satisfied, any under recovery or over recovery caused by variances between
estimated and actual cost in a given three month period will be included in a
future filing. Northern Indiana records any under recovery or over recovery as a
current regulatory asset or liability until such time as it is billed or
refunded to its customers. The fuel adjustment factor is subject to a quarterly
hearing by the IURC and remains in effect for a three month period.
35
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
K. GAS COST ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE. Northern Indiana defers differences between
gas purchase costs and the recovery of such costs in revenues, and adjusts
future billings for such deferrals on a basis consistent with applicable state
approved tariff provisions.
L. NATURAL GAS IN STORAGE. Natural gas in storage is valued using the
last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory methodology. Based on the average cost of
gas using the LIFO method in December 2002 and December 2001, the estimated
replacement cost of gas in storage at December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001,
exceeded the stated LIFO cost by $86.7 million and $33.9 million, respectively.
M. AFFILIATED COMPANY TRANSACTIONS. Northern Indiana receives executive,
financial, gas supply, sales and marketing, and administrative and general
services from an affiliate, NiSource Corporate Services Company (NCS), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of NiSource.
The costs of these services are charged to Northern Indiana based on payroll
costs and expenses incurred by NCS employees for the benefit of Northern
Indiana. These costs, which totaled $61.3 million for the year 2002, $72.1
million for the year 2001 and $21.2 million for the year 2000, consist primarily
of employee compensation and benefits. These costs are included in "operation
expense," on the consolidated income statement.
Northern Indiana had affiliated gas revenues of $8.9 million, $30.8 million and
$68.6 million for years 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Also, Northern
Indiana had affiliated electric revenues of $33.1 million, $2.8 million and $2.6
million for years 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
Northern Indiana purchased natural gas and transportation services from
affiliated companies in the amount of $7.6 million, $40.1 million and $65.3
million, representing 1.5%, 6.9% and 10.4% of Northern Indiana's total gas costs
for years 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
The December 31, 2002, and 2001 accounts receivable balance include
approximately $6.6 million and $13.2 million, respectively, due from associated
companies.
As of December 31, 2002, Northern Indiana had an intercompany note payable of
$448.9 million to NiSource Finance Corp. (NFC) at an interest rate of 2.11%. As
of December 31, 2001, Northern Indiana had an intercompany note payable of
$335.4 million to NFC at an interest rate of 2.88%.
Effective November 1, 2001, Northern Indiana's power trading operations were
transferred to TPC.
N. ACCOUNTING FOR RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES. SFAS No. 133, "Accounting
for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity" (SFAS No. 133), establishes
accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain
derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as
derivatives) and for hedging activities. SFAS No. 133 requires an entity to
recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet
at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative
depends on the intended use of the derivative and resulting designation.
Northern Indiana adopted SFAS No. 133 effective January 1, 2001, resulting in a
cumulative after-tax increase to other comprehensive income of approximately
$4.0 million
If certain conditions are met, a derivative may be specifically designated as
(a) a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset
or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment, or (b) a hedge of the exposure
to variable cash flows of a forecasted transaction. In order for a derivative
contract to be designated as a hedge, the relationship between the hedging
instrument and the hedged item or transaction must be highly effective. The
effectiveness test is performed at the inception of the hedge and each reporting
period thereafter, throughout the period that the hedge is designated.
Unrealized and realized gains and losses are recognized each period as
components of other comprehensive income, regulatory assets and liabilities or
earnings depending on the nature of such derivatives. Northern Indiana utilizes
derivatives for cash flow hedges, the effective portions of the gains and losses
are recorded to other comprehensive income and are recognized in earnings
concurrent with the disposition of the hedged risks. Any amounts determined to
be ineffective are recognized currently in earnings. If a forecasted transaction
corresponding to a cash flow hedge is not expected to occur, the accumulated the
gains or losses are recognized currently in earnings. For fair value hedges, the
gains and losses are recorded in earnings each period along with the change in
the
36
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
fair value of the hedged item. As a result of the rate-making process, Northern
Indiana generally records gains and losses as regulatory assets or liabilities
and recognize such gains or losses in earnings when accommodated in rates.
O. INCOME TAXES AND INVESTMENT TAX CREDITS. Northern Indiana records
income taxes to recognize full interperiod tax allocations. Under the liability
method of income tax accounting, deferred income taxes are recognized for the
tax consequences of temporary differences by applying enacted statutory tax
rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts and the tax basis of existing assets and liabilities.
Previously recorded investment tax credits of Northern Indiana were deferred and
are being amortized over the life of the related properties to conform with
regulatory policy.
Northern Indiana joins in the filing of consolidated federal and state income
tax returns with its parent company, NiSource and certain of NiSource's other
affiliated companies. On January 14, 2002, NiSource and its subsidiaries filed
an application with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to request
approval for a proposed Tax Allocation Agreement. Under the proposed Tax
Allocation Agreement, which would apply to 2001 and later tax years, the
consolidated tax would be allocated among the members of the group in proportion
to each member's relative contribution to the group's consolidated tax
liability. Additionally, NiSource's tax savings are allocated to its
subsidiaries and recognized as adjustments to equity. The amount of tax savings
allocated to Northern Indiana for the 2001 and 2000 tax years were $14.4
million and $6.6 million, which were recorded in equity in 2002 and 2001
periods.
P. ENVIRONMENTAL EXPENDITURES. Northern Indiana accrues for costs
associated with environmental remediation obligations when the incurrence of
such costs is probable and the amounts can be reasonably estimated, regardless
of when expenditures are actually made. The undiscounted estimated future
expenditures are based on currently enacted laws and regulations, existing
technology and site-specific costs. The liability is adjusted as further
information is developed or circumstances change.
Q. EXCISE TAXES. Northern Indiana accounts for excise taxes that are
customer liabilities by separately stating on its invoices the tax to its
customers and recording amounts invoiced as liabilities payable to the
applicable taxing jurisdiction. These types of taxes, comprised largely of sales
taxes collected, are presented on a net basis affecting neither revenues nor
cost of sales. Northern Indiana accounts for other taxes for which it is liable
by recording a liability for the expected tax with a corresponding charge to
"Other Taxes" expense.
R. STOCK OPTIONS AND AWARDS. NiSource currently issues long-term incentive
grants to key management employees, including the management of Northern
Indiana. SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" (SFAS No. 123),
encourages, but does not require, entities to adopt the fair value method of
accounting for stock-based compensation plans. The fair value method would
require the amortization of the fair value of stock-based compensation at the
date of grant over the related vesting period. Northern Indiana continues to
apply the intrinsic value method of Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion
No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" (APB No. 25), for awards
granted under the stock-based compensation plans. The following table
illustrates the effect on net income as if Northern Indiana had applied the fair
value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 to stock-based employee
compensation.
Year Ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2002 2001 2000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME
As reported 226,933 207,566 226,059
Less: Total stock-based employee compensation expense
determined under the fair value based method for all
awards, net of tax 1,323 1,332 2,898
Pro forma 225,610 206,234 223,161
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S. INTANGIBLE ASSETS. Northern Indiana had approximately $25.1 million of
intangible assets recorded at December 31, 2002, which reflected the
unrecognized prior service cost associated with the additional minimum liability
of the pension plans recognized pursuant to SFAS No. 87, "Employers' Accounting
for Pensions."
37
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
3. RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES
During 2000, NiSource developed and began the implementation of a plan to
restructure its operations. The restructuring plan included a severance program,
a transition plan to implement operational efficiencies throughout NiSource's
operations and a voluntary early retirement program. During 2001, the
restructuring initiative was continued with the addition of a plan to
restructure the operations within NiSource's Gas Distribution and Electric
Operations segments. In December 2001, Northern Indiana announced its plan to
indefinitely shut down the Dean H. Mitchell Generating Station located in Gary,
Indiana.
During 2002, NiSource developed a new reorganization initiative, which resulted
in the elimination of approximately 60 positions at Northern Indiana mainly
affecting executive and other management-level employees. Northern Indiana
accrued approximately $4.3 million of salaries and benefits associated with the
eliminated positions during 2002. As of December 31, 2002, 49 of the
approximately 60 employees had been terminated.
For all of the plans, a total of approximately 180 management, professional,
administrative and technical positions have been identified for elimination at
Northern Indiana. As of December 31, 2002, 152 employees had been terminated, of
whom 126 employees were terminated during 2002. At December 31, 2002 and
December 31, 2001, the consolidated balance sheets reflected liabilities of $2.4
million and $9.7 million related to the restructuring plans, respectively.
During 2002, 2001 and 2000, $5.4 million, zero and $1.3 million of benefits were
paid from the restructuring plans, respectively. Additionally, during 2002, the
restructuring plan liability was reduced by $6.2 million due to a reduction in
estimated expenses related to previous reorganization initiatives. Northern
Indiana accrued approximately $8.5 million and $2.5 million during 2001 and
2000, respectively.
4. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
SFAS NOS. 141 AND 142 - BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE
ASSETS. In July 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141, "Business Combinations,"
(SFAS No. 141) and SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" (SFAS
No. 142). The key requirements of the two interrelated Statements include
mandatory use of the purchase method of accounting for business combinations,
discontinuance of goodwill amortization, a revised framework for testing for
goodwill impairment at a "reporting unit" level, and new criteria for the
identification and potential amortization of other intangible assets. Other
changes to existing accounting standards involve the amount of goodwill to be
used in determining the gain or loss on the disposal of assets and a requirement
to test goodwill for impairment at least annually.
SFAS No. 141 is generally effective for combinations initiated after June 30,
2001. SFAS No. 142 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15,
2001.
Northern Indiana adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 141 on July 1, 2001, and
adopted SFAS No. 142 on January 1, 2002. The statements had no impact on
Northern Indiana's results of operations, as Northern Indiana has no goodwill on
its balance sheet.
SFAS NO. 143 - ACCOUNTING FOR ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS. In July 2001, the
FASB issued SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations" (SFAS
No. 143). SFAS No. 143 requires entities to record the fair value of a liability
for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred. When
the liability is initially recorded, the entity capitalizes the cost, thereby
increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Over time, the
liability is accreted and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful
life of the related asset. Northern Indiana will defer the difference between
the amount recognized for depreciation and accretion and the amount collected in
rates as required pursuant to SFAS No 71. SFAS No. 143 is effective for Northern
Indiana beginning January 1, 2003.
Northern Indiana undertook an effort to identify the assets impacted by SFAS No.
143, align the assets with types of asset retirement obligations and develop a
plan for measurement of the obligations for each asset group. Northern Indiana
currently estimates that the adoption of SFAS No. 143 on January 1, 2003 will
result in the recognition of total asset retirement obligation liabilities of
approximately $1.9 million. Retirement obligations were identified at the Gas
Distribution and Electric operations segments.
38
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the Gas Distribution segment, the groups of assets reviewed for retirement
obligations include distribution and service pipelines (almost all of which are
on permanent easements), gas meters, underground gas storage facilities and
underground storage tanks. Although the pipelines, underground gas storage
facilities and underground storage tanks on owned property have certain legal
obligations to remove the assets upon retirement, the lives of the assets are
presently indeterminate and therefore the liabilities are not quantifiable.
Regulatory requirements in Indiana require a particular number of meters be
tested for removal each year. Based on Northern Indiana's judgment, the meters
may be refurbished and reused or disposed of. No legal obligation exists to
dispose of the removed meters; therefore, no liability would be recognized
related to retirement obligations for meters. For underground gas storage tanks
on leased property, where a determinate life exists, the cost to remove and
dispose of the tanks is minimal.
The Electric segment has legal or contractual obligations associated with the
retirement of a landfill; a fly ash pond; reservoirs and dams; and the disposal
of certain chemicals and oils used in the substations, transformers, coal
railcars, and oil-filled equipment on electric towers and overhead conductors.
The lives of some of these facilities and equipment are presently indeterminate;
therefore the associated liabilities are not quantifiable. Leased coal railcars
have a determinate life. At the end of the lease terms, Northern Indiana will
incur costs to ensure the proper disposal of oils and return the railcars to
contractually required condition. Water towers at the hydroelectric facilities
are planned for demolition within 2004. Some costs will be incurred for the
removal and disposal of lead-based paints and other contaminants associated with
the towers.
SFAS NO. 146 - ACCOUNTING FOR COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH EXIT OR DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES.
In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated
with Exit or Disposal Activities." The Statement addresses financial accounting
and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and
nullifies EITF Issue No. 94-3, "Liability Recognition for Certain Employee
Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain
Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)" (EITF No. 94-3). The standard will be
effective for exit or disposal activities initiated after December 2002.
Northern Indiana does not expect the Statement to have a material effect on its
financial condition or results of operations. The costs associated with Northern
Indiana's restructuring plans initiated in 2002 were recorded in conformity with
EITF No. 94-3.
EITF ISSUE NO. 02-03 - ISSUES INVOLVED IN ACCOUNTING FOR DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS
HELD FOR TRADING PURPOSES AND CONTRACTS INVOLVED IN ENERGY TRADING AND RISK
MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES. On October 25, 2002, the EITF reached a final consensus
in EITF No. 02-03 that gains and losses (realized or unrealized) on all
derivative instruments within the scope of SFAS No. 133 should be shown net in
the income statement, whether or not settled physically, if the derivative
instruments are held for trading purposes. For purposes of the consensus, energy
trading activities encompass contracts entered into with the objective of
generating profits on, or exposure to, shifts in market prices. This consensus
is effective for financial statements issued for periods beginning after
December 15, 2002. Northern Indiana will reevaluate its portfolio of contracts
in existence prior to the November 1, 2001 transfer of its trading operations to
TPC in order to determine which contracts may be reported net in accordance with
the provisions of the consensus. Because Northern Indiana reports its trading
activities on a net basis within other income, the adoption of EITF No. 02-03
consensus will have no impact on Northern Indiana's results of operation.
FASB INTERPRETATION NO. 45 - GUARANTOR'S ACCOUNTING AND DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS
FOR GUARANTEES, INCLUDING INDIRECT GUARANTEES OF INDEBTEDNESS OF OTHERS. In
November of 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45, "Guarantor's Accounting
and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of
Indebtedness of Others" (FIN 45). FIN 45 elaborates on the disclosures to be
made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its
obligations under certain guarantees that it has issued. It also clarifies that
a guarantor is required to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a
liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the
guarantee. The initial recognition and measurement provisions of FIN 45 are
applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after
December 31, 2002. The disclosure requirements in FIN 45 are effective for
financial statements of interim or annual periods ending after December 15,
2002. Northern Indiana does not have guarantees requiring disclosure under FIN
45, nor does it expect the adoption of FIN 45 to have a material impact on its
financial position or results of operations.
39
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
SFAS NO. 148 - ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION--TRANSITION AND
DISCLOSURE. In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation--Transition and Disclosure" (SFAS No. 148). SFAS No.
148 amends SFAS No. 123 to provide alternative methods of transition for a
voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based
employee compensation. In addition, this Statement amends the disclosure
requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and
interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based
employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. The
amendments to SFAS No. 123 are effective for financial statements for fiscal
years ending after December 15, 2002. Northern Indiana adopted the disclosure
provisions of SFAS No. 148 on December 31, 2002 and continues to account for its
stock-based compensation under APB No. 25. The adoption of the Statement had no
impact on Northern Indiana's financial position or results of operations.
5. ELECTRIC AND GAS OPERATIONS REGULATORY MATTERS
On June 20, 2002, a settlement agreement was filed with the IURC regarding the
Northern Indiana electric rate review. On September 23, 2002, the IURC issued an
order adopting most aspects of the settlement. The order provides that electric
customers of Northern Indiana will receive an amount intended to approximate
$55.0 million each year in credits to their electric bills for 49 months,
beginning on July 1, 2002. The order also provides that 60% of any future
earnings beyond a specified cap will be retained by Northern Indiana. Pursuant
to the IURC order, Northern Indiana, as authorized, began to amortize one-half
of its rate review expenses for this proceeding over a 49-month period. The
remaining rate review expenses were charged to income in 2002.
On October 23, 2002, the IURC denied a petition for reconsideration of the
settlement order filed on October 15, 2002 by fourteen residential customers.
Therefore, Northern Indiana electric customers began to receive credits starting
with their November monthly bill. The November bill included credits for the
customers' consumption beginning on July 1, 2002. Credits amounting to $28.1
million were recognized for electric customers for 2002. In addition, the order
required Northern Indiana to establish and fund an escrow account to cover the
litigation costs of certain of the parties to the electric rate review. The
escrow account was established and fully funded with $1.8 million in the fourth
quarter. The order adopting the settlement is currently being appealed to the
Indiana Court of Appeals by both the Citizen Action Coalition of Indiana and the
fourteen residential customers.
Northern Indiana submitted its quarterly fuel adjustment clause filing for the
twelve-month period ended September 30, 2002, which requires a sharing of
earnings in excess of allowed earnings as outlined in the IURC order regarding
the electric rate review settlement. The IURC issued an order related to the
filing on January 29, 2003 taking exception to Northern Indiana's proposed
sharing calculation. The proposed calculation prorated the amount to be shared
with the customers based on the amount of time the rate credit was in effect
during the twelve-month period. Northern Indiana has filed with the IURC, a
request for a rehearing and reconsideration of the order in that proceeding.
Northern Indiana believes its calculation for the amount of sharing is
appropriate. Regardless of the outcome, the settlement of this issue will not
have a material impact on Northern Indiana's financial position or results of
operations.
On August 11, 1999, the IURC approved a flexible gas cost adjustment mechanism
for Northern Indiana. Under the procedure, the demand component of the
adjustment factor will be determined, after hearings and IURC approval, and made
effective on November 1 of each year. The demand component will remain in effect
for one year until a new demand component is approved by the IURC. The commodity
component of the adjustment factor will be determined by monthly filings, which
will become effective on the first day of each calendar month, subject to
refund. The monthly filings do not require IURC approval but will be reviewed by
the IURC during the annual hearing that will take place regarding the demand
component filing. Northern Indiana's gas cost adjustment factor also includes a
gas cost incentive mechanism which allows the sharing of any cost savings or
cost increases with customers based on a comparison of actual gas supply
portfolio cost to a market-based benchmark price. Northern Indiana made its
annual filing on August 29, 2002. The IURC approved implementation of interim
rates, subject to refund, effective November 1, 2002. Another party has filed
testimony indicating that some gas costs should not be recovered. A hearing is
scheduled for March 13, 2003. Management intends to vigorously oppose any
efforts to reduce the recovery of gas costs.
40
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
In 1995 Northern Indiana filed an Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT) in FERC
Docket No. ER96-399 with FERC as required in FERC Order No. 888. The OATT
established, subject to refund, rates that Northern Indiana could charge all of
its customers for transmission of electric power across Northern Indiana's
electric transmission facilities. The FERC established an administrative
proceeding before one of its administrative law judges to examine the filing and
to inquire into the appropriateness of the rates. Although the proceeding
continued to litigation with regard to certain customers, Northern Indiana
reached a settlement with its largest transmission customer, Wabash Valley Power
Association (WVPA), which established rates to be charged to WVPA and eliminated
any refund liability on behalf of Northern Indiana for transmission service
provided to WVPA. In the remaining portion of the proceeding, on December 30,
2002, the FERC issued an order that, among other things, reduced the rate base
and rate of return allowed to Northern Indiana regarding its OATT, thus creating
a refund liability for Northern Indiana. Northern Indiana did not seek rehearing
of the FERC's December 31, 2002 order. Thus under FERC procedures, Northern
Indiana is required to submit a compliance filing, currently due by March 17,
2003 which will establish rates and services in compliance with the FERC's order
and report on the magnitude of any refund liability resulting to Northern
Indiana as a result of the proceeding. Northern Indiana is in the process of
determining the refund liability resulting from the FERC Opinion.
6. RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
Northern Indiana uses commodity-based derivative financial instruments to manage
certain risks in its business. Northern Indiana accounts for its derivatives
under SFAS No. 133 and, through 2002, accounted for any trading contracts that
did not qualify as derivatives accounted for under SFAS No. 133 pursuant to EITF
No. 98-10, "Accounting for Contracts Involved in Energy Trading and Risk
Management Activities.
HEDGING ACTIVITIES. The activity for the years 2002 and 2001 affecting other
comprehensive income, with respect to cash flow hedges included the following:
(in thousands, net of tax) 2002 2001
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives qualifying as cash flow
hedges at the beginning of the period $ (2,724) $ 4,041
Unrealized hedging gains (losses) arising during the period on
derivatives qualifying as cash flow hedges 1,695 (8,325)
Reclassification adjustment for net loss (gain) included in net income 3,312 1,560
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) ON DERIVATIVES QUALIFYING AS CASH
FLOW HEDGES AT THE END OF THE PERIOD $ 2,283 $(2,724)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gains and losses on Northern Indiana's hedges were recorded as price
risk management assets and liabilities. The accompanying Consolidated Balance
Sheets reflects price risk management assets related to unrealized gains and
losses on hedges of $3.5 million and $1.2 million at December 31, 2002 and 2001,
respectively, which are included in "Current Assets." Price risk management
liabilities related to unrealized gains and losses on hedges (including net
option premiums) were $0.8 million and $5.6 million at December 31, 2002 and
2001, respectively, which are included in "Current Liabilities."
During 2002 and 2001, Northern Indiana had no net gain or loss recognized in
earnings due to the change in value of certain derivative instruments primarily
representing time value, and there were no components of the derivatives' fair
values excluded in the assessment of hedge effectiveness. It is anticipated that
during the next twelve months the expiration and settlement of cash flow hedge
contracts will result in income recognition of amounts currently classified in
other comprehensive income of approximately $2.3 million, net of tax.
Northern Indiana offers a Price Protection Service as an alternative to the
standard gas cost recovery mechanism. This service provides Northern Indiana
customers with the opportunity to either lock in their gas cost or place a cap
on the total cost that could be charged for any future month specified. In order
to hedge the anticipated physical future purchases associated with these
obligations, Northern Indiana purchases New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX)
futures and options contracts that correspond to a fixed or capped price and the
associated delivery month. The NYMEX futures and options contracts are
designated as cash flow hedges.
41
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Northern Indiana is also engaged in writing options that potentially obligates
Northern Indiana to purchase or sell gas at the holder's discretion at some
future market-based price. These written options are derivative instruments,
must be marked to fair value and do not meet the requirement for hedge
accounting treatment. Northern Indiana also uses NYMEX derivative contracts to
minimize its gas costs. These contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting and
must be marked to fair value. Because these derivatives are used within the
framework of its gas cost incentive mechanism, regulatory assets or liabilities
are recorded to offset the change in the fair value of these derivatives.
TRADING ACTIVITIES. Northern Indiana's trading operations included the
activities of its power trading business. Since power trading assets and
liabilities were transferred to TPC, effective November 1, 2001, there were no
trading assets and liabilities at December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001.
Other Income (Deductions) in the Statement of Consolidated Income were comprised
of the following items:
(in thousands) Gas Other Total
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2002
Power trading revenues $ - $ - $ -
Power trading cost of sales - - -
Power trading administrative expenses - - -
Power trading unrealized gains - - -
Other - 4,319 4,319
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Other Income (Deductions) $ - $ 4,319 $ 4,319
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001
Power trading revenues $ - $ 803,417 $ 803,417
Power trading cost of sales - (790,621) (790,621)
Power trading administrative expenses - (2,909) (2,909)
Power trading unrealized gains - (1,268) (1,268)
Other - (5,925) (5,925)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Other Income (Deductions) $ - $ 2,694 $ 2,694
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2000
Power trading revenues $ - $ 485,195 $ 485,195
Power trading cost of sales - (472,888) (472,888)
Power trading administrative expenses - (3,599) (3,599)
Power trading unrealized gains - 2,044 2,044
Other 1,158 (10,661) (9,503)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Other Income (Deductions) $ 1,158 $ 91 $ 1,249
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
42
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
7. INCOME TAXES
The components of income tax expense were as follows:
Year Ended December 31, (in thousands) 2002 2001 2000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME TAXES
Current
Federal $ 101,740 $ 178,404 $ 129,103
State 13,788 23,863 17,472
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Current 115,528 202,267 146,575
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred
Federal 13,591 (70,341) (15,457)
State 4,452 (4,641) (1,073)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Deferred 18,043 (74,982) (16,530)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred Investment Credits (7,077) (7,087) (7,087)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Utility Income Taxes 126,494 120,198 122,958
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income tax applicable to non-operating
activities and income of subsidiaries (2,446) (2,340) 2,009
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INCOME TAXES $ 124,048 $ 117,858 $ 124,967
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total income taxes are different from the amount that would be computed by
applying the statutory Federal income tax rate to book income before income tax.
The major reasons for this difference were as follows:
Year Ended December 31, (in thousands) 2002 2001 2000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income $ 226,933 $ 207,566 $ 226,059
Add: Income taxes 124,048 117,858 124,967
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income before Income Taxes $ 350,981 $ 325,424 $ 351,026
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount derived by multiplying pretax income
by statutory rate $ 122,843 35.0% $ 113,898 35.0% $ 122,859 35.0%
Increases (reductions) in taxes resulting from:
Book depreciation over related tax
depreciation (683) (0.2) 1,173 1.2 (933) 1.0
Amortization of deferred investment
tax credits (7,077) (2.0) (7,087) (2.2) (7,087) (2.0)
State income taxes, net of federal income
tax benefit 13,327 3.8 10,773 3.3 10,284 2.9
Other, net (4,362) (1.2) (899) (0.3) (156) -
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INCOME TAXES $ 124,048 35.4% $ 117,858 37.0% $ 124,967 36.9%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
43
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Deferred income taxes result from temporary differences between the financial
statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of existing assets and liabilities.
The principal components of Northern Indiana's net deferred tax liability were
as follows:
At December 31, (in thousands) 2002 2001
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES
Accelerated depreciation and other property differences $ 476,281 $ 457,864
Unrecovered gas and fuel costs 19,322 4,906
Pensions and other postretirement/postemployment benefits - 20,295
Other regulatory assets 102,335 73,556
Reacquisition premium on debt 10,300 11,147
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Deferred Tax Liabilities 608,238 567,768
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS
Deferred investment tax credits and other regulatory liabilities (38,795) (43,618)
Pensions and other postretirement/postemployment benefits (68,822) -
Other, net (18,009) (32,219)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Deferred Tax Assets (125,626) (75,837)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less: Deferred income taxes related to current assets and liabilities (6,224) 65,237
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NON-CURRENT DEFERRED TAX LIABILITY $ 488,836 $ 426,694
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On June 28, 2002, the governor of Indiana signed into law legislation that
increases the Indiana Corporate Income tax rate from 4.5% to 8.5% effective
January 1, 2003. As a result, Northern Indiana recorded an additional deferred
income tax liability of $64.1 million (net) in the second quarter of 2002, to
reflect the impact of the increased tax rate. Northern Indiana recorded a
regulatory asset in the amount of $65.0 million to reflect the probable
collection of the increased tax liability through future rates. The overall
impact on income tax expense was a reduction of $0.9 million.
8. PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
NiSource has a noncontributory, defined benefit retirement plan covering the
majority of employees of Northern Indiana. Benefits under the plan reflect the
employees' compensation, years of service and age at retirement. Additionally,
Northern Indiana provides certain health care and life insurance benefits for
certain retired employees under NiSource post-retirement benefit plans. The
majority of employees may become eligible for these benefits if they reach
retirement age while working for Northern Indiana. The expected cost of such
benefits is accrued during the employees' years of service. Current rates of
rate-regulated companies include postretirement benefit costs on an accrual
basis, including amortization of the regulatory assets that arose prior to
inclusion of these costs in rates. For most plans, cash contributions are
remitted to grantor trusts. In 2000, NiSource began using September 30 as its
measurement date rather than December 31 for its pension and postretirement
benefit plans.
Due to the decline in the equity markets, the fair value of NiSource's pension
fund assets, as measured at September 30, 2002, has decreased since 2001. In
addition, the discount rate used to measure the accumulated benefit obligation
has decreased, resulting in an increase in the estimated minimum liability. In
accordance with SFAS No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions," Northern
Indiana recorded a minimum pension liability adjustment at September 30, 2002 to
recognize its share of the estimated minimum liability. The adjustment resulted
in a decrease to prepaid pension costs of $210.6 million, an increase in
intangible assets of $25.1 million, an increase to retirement benefit
liabilities of $55.8 million, an increase to deferred income tax assets of $97.8
million and a decrease to other comprehensive income of $143.5 million
after-tax. Northern Indiana expects pension expense for 2003 to increase $20.9
million over the amount recognized in 2002. Although Northern Indiana expects
market returns to revert to normal levels as demonstrated in historical periods,
NiSource may be required to provide additional funding for the obligations if
returns on plan assets fall short of the assumed 9.0% long-term rate.
44
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Northern Indiana participates in the NiSource pension and postretirement benefit
plans. The following disclosures are for the NiSource pension and postretirement
benefit plans, which include Northern Indiana and NiSource Corporate Service
employees.
PENSION BENEFITS OTHER BENEFITS
---------------------------- ----------------------------
(in thousands) 2002 2001 2002 2001
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGE IN BENEFIT OBLIGATION
Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 967,172 $ 907,585 $ 208,444 $ 203,912
Service cost 16,625 15,924 2,586 3,769
Interest cost 69,167 70,336 13,073 15,852
Plan participants' contributions - - 1,099 1,241
Plan amendments (4,341) 14,638 (2,211) (4,773)
Actuarial (gain) loss 90,823 18,009 (5,624) 2,380
Benefits paid (68,001) (59,320) (12,529) (13,937)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Benefit obligation at end of year $ 1,071,445 $ 967,172 $ 204,838 $ 208,444
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGE IN PLAN ASSETS
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 953,141 1,139,016 1,109 3,914
Actual return on plan assets (25,592) (126,555) 58 (2,142)
Employer contributions 40,444 - 11,721 12,033
Plan participants' contributions - - 1,099 1,241
Benefits paid (68,001) (59,320) (12,529) (13,937)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 899,992 $ 953,141 $ 1,458 $ 1,109
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Funded status (171,453) (14,031) (203,380) (207,335)
Contributions made after measurement
date and before fiscal year end 148 - 1,043 -
Unrecognized actuarial (gain) loss 329,537 131,338 (87,517) (90,518)
Unrecognized prior service cost 41,387 53,612 - -
Unrecognized transition obligation 5,488 10,976 103,342 116,108
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET AMOUNT RECOGNIZED AT END OF YEAR $ 205,107 $ 181,895 $ (186,512) $ (181,745)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMOUNTS RECOGNIZED IN THE STATEMENT
OF FINANCIAL POSITION CONSIST OF:
Prepaid benefit cost $ - $ -
Accrued benefit liability (118,250)
Intangible asset 46,309
Accumulated other comprehensive income 277,048
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET AMOUNT RECOGNIZED AT END OF YEAR $ 205,107 $ -
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PENSION BENEFITS OTHER BENEFITS
------------------------ --------------------
2002 2001 2002 2001
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WEIGHTED-AVERAGE ASSUMPTIONS AS OF
SEPTEMBER 30,
Discount rate assumption 7.0% 7.5% 7.0% 7.5%
Compensation growth rate assumption 4.0% 4.5% 4.0% 4.5%
Medical cost trend assumption - - 5.5% 5.0%
Assets earnings rate assumption 9.0% 9.0% 9.0% 9.0%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
45
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
The following table provides the components of the plans expense for each of the
three years:
PENSION BENEFITS OTHER BENEFITS
----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
(in thousands) 2002 2001 2000 2002 2001 2000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET PERIODIC COST
Service cost $ 16,625 $ 15,924 $ 17,062 $ 2,586 $ 3,769 $ 4,376
Interest cost 69,167 70,336 67,049 13,073 15,852 16,080
Expected return on assets (83,234) (99,956) (97,858) (100) (352) (305)
Amortization of transition obligation 5,488 5,488 5,488 10,555 10,747 10,748
Amortization of prior service cost 7,884 5,596 5,595 - 242 279
Recognized actuarial (gain) or loss 1,451 - (2,200) (8,583) (6,645) (5,582)
Special termination benefits - - 7,716 - - -
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET PERIODIC BENEFITS COST (BENEFIT) $ 17,381 $ (2,612) $ 2,852 $ 17,531 $ 23,613 $ 25,596
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The expense amounts above are for the total NiSource plan. Northern Indiana
recorded pension expense of $11.7 million and $2.0 million for 2002 and 2000,
respectively. In 2001, Northern Indiana recorded pension income of $2.8 million.
For 2002, 2001 and 2000 Northern Indiana recorded other post-retirement expense
of $14.4 million, $22.0 million and $24.2 million.
Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts
reported for the health care plans. A one-percentage-point change in assumed
health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:
1% point 1% point
($ in thousands) increase decrease
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effect on service and interest components of net periodic cost 1,936 (1,850)
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 18,034 (16,413)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. AUTHORIZED CLASSES OF CUMULATIVE PREFERRED AND PREFERENCE STOCKS
The authorized classes of par value and no par value cumulative preferred and
preference stocks of Northern Indiana are as follows: Cumulative Preferred--$100
par value--2,400,000 shares; Cumulative Preferred--no par value--3,000,000
shares; Cumulative Preference--$50 par value--2,000,000 share (none
outstanding); and Cumulative Preference--no par value--3,000,000 shares (none
outstanding).
The preferred shareholders of Northern Indiana have no voting rights, except in
the event of default on the payment of four consecutive quarterly dividends, or
as required by Indiana law to authorize additional preferred shares, or by the
Articles of Incorporation in the event of certain merger transactions.
The redemption prices at December 31, 2002, for the cumulative preferred stock,
which is redeemable solely at the option of Northern Indiana, in whole or in
part, at any time upon thirty days' notice, were as follows:
Redemption
Series Price per Share
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Northern Indiana Public Service Company:
Cumulative preferred stock - $100 par value - 4-1/4% $ 101.20
4-1/2% $ 100.00
4.22% $ 101.60
4.88% $ 102.00
7.44% $ 101.00
7.50% $ 101.00
Cumulative preferred stock - no par value adjustable rate (6.00%
at December 31, 2002), Series A (stated value $50 per share) $ 50.00
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
46
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
The redemption prices at December 31, 2002, as well as sinking fund provisions,
for the cumulative preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption requirements,
or whose redemption is outside the control of Northern Indiana, were as follows:
Redemption Sinking Fund or Mandatory
Series Price per Share Redemption Provisions
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cumulative preferred stock - $100 par value -
8.35% $102.46, reduced periodically 3,000 shares on or before
July 1; increasing to 6,000
shares beginning in 2004;
noncumulative option to
double amount each year
7-3/4% $103.35, reduced periodically 2,777 shares on or before
December 1; noncumulative
option to double amount
each year
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sinking fund requirements with respect to redeemable preferred stocks
outstanding at December 31, 2002, for each of the subsequent five years were as
follows:
Year Ending December 31, ($ in thousands)
- -------------------------------------------------
2003 578
2004 878
2005 878
2006 878
2007 878
- -------------------------------------------------
10. COMMON STOCK
All of Northern Indiana's common shares are owned by NiSource.
11. LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS
NiSource currently issues long-term incentive grants to key management employees
including management of Northern Indiana under a long-term incentive plan
approved by stockholders on April 13, 1994 (1994 Plan). The 1994 Plan, as
amended and restated, permits the following types of grants, separately or in
combination: nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, restricted
stock awards, stock appreciation rights (SARs), performance units, contingent
stock awards and dividend equivalents payable on grants of options, performance
units and contingent stock awards. Each option has a maximum term of ten years
and vests one year from the date of grant. SARs may be granted only in tandem
with stock options on a one-for-one basis and are payable in cash, common stock,
or a combination thereof.
The amended and restated 1994 Plan provides for the issuance of up to 21 million
shares through December 31, 2005. At December 31, 2002, there were 10,558,706
shares reserved for future awards under the amended and restated 1994 Plan.
Restricted stock awards are restricted as to transfer and are subject to
forfeiture for specific periods from the date of grant. Restricted stock grants
made in 2001 and 2000 were exchanged in 2001 for new grants equal to 150% of the
shares of common stock subject to the original grants. Restricted stock issued
in conjunction with the new grants generally will vest over a period of years
beginning on December 31, 2002. Shares subject to the new grants must be held
until December 31, 2004. If a participant's employment is terminated prior to
47
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
vesting other than by reason of death, disability or retirement, restricted
shares are forfeited. For NiSource, there were 861,740 and 1,991,643 restricted
shares outstanding at December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001, respectively.
At December 31, 2002, NiSource had 913,527 outstanding awards under a contingent
stock plan. The terms of the awards contain a provision that varies the number
of shares to be issued based on the level of attainment of certain stock
performance targets. In 2002, based on the performance of NiSource's common
stock through December 31, 2002, Northern Indiana recorded expense of $0.1
million related to the plan.
NiSource established a time accelerated restricted stock award plan (TARSAP),
which governs restricted stock awards beginning with the January 1, 2003 grants.
Under the plan, key executives are granted awards of restricted stock that
generally vest over a period of six years or at age 62 if an employee would
become age 62 within 6 years. If certain predetermined criteria involving
measures of total shareholder return are met, as measured at the end of the
third year after the grant date, the awards vest at that point. On January 1,
2003, 732,029 grants were issued under the TARSAP.
The long-term incentive plans have been accounted for using the intrinsic value
method under APB Opinion No. 25. The compensation cost that was charged against
net income for Northern Indiana for restricted stock awards was $0.6 million,
$0.6 million and $0.6 million for years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000,
respectively.
There were 2,190,745, 1,725,105 and 1,235,000 nonqualified stock options granted
to all participants for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001, 2000,
respectively. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of
grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with a dividend yield of
4.9-6.0%. The weighted average fair value of options granted was $6.03, $8.44
and $4.61 during the years 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The following
assumptions used for grants in 2002, 2001 and 2000:
2002 2001 2000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expected Life 5.8 YRS. 5.6 yrs. 5.4 - 5.8 yrs.
Interest Rate 4.4 - 5.1% 4.0 - 4.9% 6.1 - 6.6%
Volatility 40.7 - 42.0% 27.5 - 28.4% 26.2 - 29.0%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
12. LONG-TERM DEBT
Sinking fund requirements and maturities of long-term debt outstanding at
December 31, 2002, for each of the five years subsequent to December 31, 2002,
were as follows:
($ in thousands)
- -----------------------------
2003 130,000
2004 32,000
2005 71,275
2006 -
2007 57,000
- -----------------------------
Unamortized debt expense, premium and discount on long-term debt applicable to
outstanding bonds are being amortized over the lives of such bonds.
Reacquisition premiums have been deferred and are being amortized. These
premiums are not earning a return during the recovery period.
Northern Indiana is authorized to issue and sell up to $217.7 million
Medium-Term Notes, Series E, with various maturities, for purposes of
refinancing certain first mortgage bonds and medium-term notes. As of December
31, 2002, $139.0 million of these medium-term notes had been issued with various
interest rates and maturities.
48
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
13. SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS - AFFILIATED
Northern Indiana satisfies its liquidity requirements primarily through
internally generated funds and through intercompany borrowings from the NiSource
Money Pool. Northern Indiana may borrow on an intercompany basis a maximum of
$1.0 billion through the NiSource Money Pool as approved by the SEC under the
1935 Act. NFC provides funding to the NiSource Money Pool from external
borrowing sources and maintains an aggregate $1.75 billion revolving credit
facility with a syndicate of banks that will be reduced to $1.25 billion upon
the expiration of a $500 million 364-day credit facility on March 20, 2003. The
credit facility is guaranteed by NiSource. As of December 31, 2002, Northern
Indiana had $448.9 million of intercompany short-term borrowings outstanding at
an interest rate of 2.11%. As of December 31, 2001, Northern Indiana had an
intercompany note payable of $335.4 million to NFC at an interest rate of 2.88%.
14. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of
each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate fair
value:
INVESTMENTS. Investments are carried at cost, which approximates market value.
LONG-TERM DEBT AND PREFERRED STOCK. The fair values of these securities are
estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on
the rates offered for securities of the same remaining maturities. Certain
premium costs associated with the early settlement of long-term debt are not
taken into consideration in determining fair value.
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments were as
follows:
CARRYING ESTIMATED Carrying Estimated
AMOUNT FAIR VALUE Amount Fair Value
At December 31, ($ in thousands) 2002 2002 2001 2001
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term investments 6,270 6,270 5,645 5,645
Long-term debt (including current portion) 843,351 911,433 902,064 930,692
Preferred stock (including current portion) 85,506 64,568 129,661 112,459
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Northern Indiana may sell, without recourse, up to $100 million of certain of
its accounts receivable under a sales agreement, which expires May 2003.
Northern Indiana has sold $100 million under this agreement. Under this
agreement, Northern Indiana may not sell any new receivables if Northern
Indiana's debt falls below BBB- or Baa3 at Standard and Poor's and Moody's
Investor Service, respectively.
Under a separate agreement, in conjunction with the sales agreement, Northern
Indiana acts as agent, by performing record keeping and cash collection
functions for the accounts receivable sold. Northern Indiana receives a fee,
which provides adequate compensation, for such services.
Northern Indiana's accounts receivable program qualifies for sale accounting
based upon the conditions met in SFAS No. 140 "Accounting for Transfers and
Servicing of Financial Asset and Extinguishments of Liabilities." In the
agreement, all transferred assets have been isolated from the transferor and put
presumptively beyond the reach of the transferor and its creditors, even in
bankruptcy or other receivership. Northern Indiana does not retain any interest
in the receivables under the agreement.
49
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
15. OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
A. CAPITAL EXPENDITURES. Northern Indiana expects that approximately
$252.2 million will be expended for construction purposes during 2003.
B. SERVICE AGREEMENTS. Northern Indiana has entered into a service
agreement with Pure Air, a general partnership between Air Products and
Chemicals, Inc. and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, Inc., under which Pure
Air provides scrubber services to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions for Units 7
and 8 at Bailly Generating Station. Services under this contract commenced on
June 15, 1992 with annual charges approximating $20 million. The agreement
provides that, assuming various performance standards are met by Pure Air, a
termination payment would be due if Northern Indiana terminates the agreement
prior to the end of the twenty-year contract period.
C. ASSETS UNDER LIEN. The first mortgage bonds of Northern Indiana
constitute a first mortgage lien on certain utility property and franchises.
D. OTHER LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. In the normal course of its business, Northern
Indiana has been named as defendants in various legal proceedings. In the
opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these currently asserted
claims will not have a material adverse impact on Northern Indiana's
consolidated financial position.
E. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.
GENERAL. The operations of Northern Indiana are subject to extensive and
evolving federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations intended to
protect the public health and the environment. Such environmental laws and
regulations affect operations as they relate to impacts on air, water and land.
GAS DISTRIBUTION. Northern Indiana is a "potentially responsible party" (PRP) at
waste disposal sites under the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation
and Liability Act (CERCLA) (commonly known as Superfund) and similar state laws,
including at former manufactured gas plant (MGP) sites which it or its corporate
predecessors, own or previously owned or operated. Northern Indiana may be
required to share in the cost of clean up of such sites.
Northern Indiana is party to or otherwise involved in clean up of two waste
disposal sites under Superfund or similar state laws. At both sites the final
costs of clean up have not yet been determined. As site investigations and
clean-ups proceed and as additional information becomes available, the waste
disposal site liability is reviewed and adjusted, as necessary.
A program has been instituted to identify and investigate former MGP sites where
Northern Indiana or its predecessors are the current or former owner. The
program has identified 24 such sites. Initial investigation has been conducted
at 20 sites. Of these sites, additional investigation activities have been
completed or are in progress at 17 sites and remedial measures have been
implemented or completed at 9 sites. Only those site investigation,
characterization and remediation costs currently known and determinable can be
considered "probable and reasonably estimable" under SFAS No. 5, "Accounting for
Contingencies" (SFAS No. 5). As costs become probable and reasonably estimable,
reserves will be adjusted as appropriate. Northern Indiana is unable, at this
time, to accurately estimate the time frame and potential costs of the entire
program. Management expects that, as characterization is completed, additional
remediation work is performed and more facts become available, Northern Indiana
will be able to develop a probable and reasonable estimate for the entire
program or a major portion thereof consistent with the SEC's Staff Accounting
Bulletin No. 92 (SAB No. 92) which covers accounting and disclosures relating to
loss contingencies, SFAS No. 5, and American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants SOP 96-1, "Environmental Remediation Liabilities" (SOP No. 96-1).
As of December 31, 2002, a reserve of approximately $11.8 million has been
recorded to cover probable environmental response actions. The ultimate
liability in connection with these sites will depend upon many factors,
including the volume of material contributed to the site, years of ownership or
operation, the number of other PRPs and their financial viability and the extent
of environmental response actions required. Based upon investigations and
management's understanding of current environmental laws and regulations,
Northern Indiana believes that any environmental response actions required,
after consideration of insurance coverage and contributions from other PRPs,
will not have a material effect on its financial position.
50
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
ELECTRIC OPERATIONS.
AIR. In December 2001, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved
regulations developed by the State of Indiana to comply with EPA's nitrogen
oxide (NOx) State Implementation Plan (SIP) call. The NOx SIP call requires
certain states, including Indiana, to reduce NOx levels from several sources,
including industrial and utility boilers, to lower regional transport of ozone.
The NOx emission limitations in the Indiana rules are more restrictive than
those imposed on electric utilities under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990
(CAAA) acid rain NOx reduction program. Compliance with the NOx limits contained
in these rules is required by May 31, 2004. Northern Indiana plans to install
Selective Catalytic Reduction NOx reduction technology at each of its active
generating stations to comply with the rules and estimates capital costs will
range from $200 to $250 million. Actual compliance costs may vary depending on a
number of factors including market demand/resource constraints, uncertainty of
future equipment and construction costs, and the potential need for additional
control technology.
The EPA issued final rules revising the National Ambient Air Quality Standards
for ozone and particulate matter in July 1997. Industry and others challenged
these rules. On March 26, 2002, the United States Court of Appeals for D.C.
Circuit largely upheld the ambient air standards as challenged. Consequently,
designation of areas not attaining the standards, promulgation of rules
specifying a compliance level, compliance deadline, and controls necessary for
compliance will be completed over the next few years, which will likely change
air emissions compliance requirements. Resulting rules could require additional
reductions in sulfur dioxide, particulate matter and NOx emissions from
coal-fired boilers (including Northern Indiana's electric generating stations).
The EPA and state regulatory authorities will set final implementation
requirements. Northern Indiana believes that the costs relating to compliance
with any new limits may be substantial but are dependent upon the ultimate
control program agreed to by the targeted states and the EPA, and are currently
not reasonably estimable. Northern Indiana will continue to closely monitor
developments in this area, however, the exact nature of the impact of the new
standards on its operations will not be known for some time.
During 1999, the EPA initiated enforcement actions against several electric
utilities alleging violations of the new source review provisions of the CAAA
and subsequently has issued additional information collection requests to many
other utilities. Northern Indiana has also received and responded to information
requests from the EPA on this subject over the last two years, most recently in
June 2002. At this time, Northern Indiana is unable to predict the result of
EPA's review of Northern Indiana's information responses.
In November 2002, EPA announced reforms to the New Source Review rules that
include two components. The first, a final rule, does not appear to
significantly impact Northern Indiana. However, upon official publication of the
rules by EPA on December 31, 2002, nine northeastern states filed a legal
challenge against the final rule in the U.S District Court of Appeals for
District of Columbia. The second component is a proposed rule that is subject to
further public comment and revision before finalization; therefore, Northern
Indiana is unable at this time to evaluate its potential impacts on operations.
Northern Indiana will continue to closely monitor the developments related to
both rules for potential impacts.
Initiatives are being discussed both in the United States and worldwide to
reduce so-called "greenhouse gases" such as carbon dioxide, a by-product of
burning fossil fuels. Reduction of such emissions could result in significant
capital outlays or operating expenses for Northern Indiana.
The CAAA also contain other provisions that could lead to limitations on
emissions of hazardous air pollutants. In response to the CAAA requirements, on
December 20, 2000, the EPA issued a finding that the regulation of emissions of
mercury and other air toxics from coal and oil-fired electric steam generating
units is necessary and appropriate. The EPA expects to issue proposed
regulations by December 15, 2003, and finalized regulations by December 15,
2004. The potential impact, if any, to Northern Indiana's financial results that
may occur because of any of these potential new regulations is unknown at this
time.
The EPA is in the process of developing a program to address regional haze. The
new Bush administration announced that the EPA would move forward with rules
that mandate the states to require power plants built between 1962 and 1977 to
install the "best available retrofit technology" or BART. The BART program will
target for control by 2013 those pollutants that limit visibility, namely
particulate, sulfur dioxide and/or nitrogen oxides. Until the program is
developed, Northern Indiana cannot predict the cost of complying with these
rules.
51
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
WATER. The Great Lakes Water Quality Initiative (GLI) program is expected to add
new water quality standards for facilities that discharge into the Great Lakes
watershed, including Northern Indiana's three electric generating stations
located on Lake Michigan. The State of Indiana has promulgated its regulations
for this water discharge permit program and has received final EPA approval. As
promulgated, the regulations would provide the Indiana Department of
Environmental Management (IDEM) with the authority to grant water quality
criteria variances and exemptions for non-contact cooling water. However, the
EPA revised the variance language and other minor provisions of IDEM's GLI rule.
The EPA by and large left the non-contact cooling water exemption intact;
however, a separate agreement between the EPA and IDEM on interpretation of this
exemption still leaves uncertainty as to its impact. The EPA change to the
variance rule prompted litigation by the affected industrial parties and an
agreement on the non-contact cooling water exemption has been reached with
EPA/IDEM. Northern Indiana expects that IDEM will issue a proposed permit
renewal for each of its lakeside stations. Pending issuance of these permits,
the costs of complying with these requirements cannot be predicted at this time.
REMEDIATION. Northern Indiana is a PRP at three waste disposal sites under
CERCLA and similar state laws, and shares in the cost of their cleanup with
other PRPs. At one site, the remediation plan has been implemented and long-term
monitoring is ongoing. At the third site, investigations are ongoing and final
costs of clean up have not yet been determined. At the other site, Northern
Indiana has recently entered into an EPA Administrative Order on Consent to
perform a removal action in the vicinity of a third party, state-permitted
landfill where Northern Indiana contracted for fly ash disposal. EPA and IDEM
are currently evaluating the potential for remedial action at this site. As
investigations and clean-ups proceed at each of these sites, and as additional
information becomes available, waste disposal site liability is reviewed
periodically and adjusted. In addition, Northern Indiana has corrective action
liability under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act for closure and
clean-up costs associated with treatment, storage, and disposal sites. As of
December 31, 2002, a reserve of approximately $1.2 million has been recorded to
cover probable environmental response actions at these sites. The ultimate
liability in connection with these sites will depend upon many factors,
including the volume of material contributed to the site, years of ownership of
operations, the number of other PRPs and their financial viability and the
extent of environmental response required. Based upon investigations and
management's understanding of current environmental laws and regulations,
Northern Indiana believes that any environmental response required will not have
a material effect on the its financial position or results of operations.
F. OPERATING LEASES. Payments made in connection with operating leases are
charged to operation and maintenance expense as incurred. Such amounts were
$13.3 million in 2002, $11.5 million in 2001 and $10.7 million in 2000.
Future expected rental payments are:
($ in thousands)
- -------------------------------
2003 12,395
2004 10,609
2005 9,685
2006 9,342
2007 9,366
After 32,975
- -------------------------------
52
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
G. PURCHASE COMMITMENTS. Northern Indiana has service agreements that
provide for pipeline capacity, transportation and storage services. These
agreements which have expiration dates ranging from 2003 to 2013, provide for
Northern Indiana to pay fixed monthly charges. The estimated aggregate amounts
of such payments at December 31, 2002, were:
($ in thousands)
- -------------------------------
2003 79,281
2004 78,182
2005 47,970
2006 17,921
2007 9,324
After 48,990
- -------------------------------
16. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The following table displays the components of Other Comprehensive Income.
Year Ended December 31, (in thousands) 2002 2001
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net unrealized gains on cash flow hedges 2,283 (2,724)
Minimum pension liability adjustment (143,497) -
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, NET $ (141,214) $ (2,724)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
17. SEGMENTS OF BUSINESS
Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise for which separate
financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief
operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing
performance.
During 2002, Northern Indiana re-aligned its reportable segments to reflect its
current operating structure. Electric wholesale and wheeling results were moved
to the Electric segment.
Northern Indiana's operations are divided into three primary business segments.
The Gas Distribution segment provides natural gas service and transportation for
residential, commercial and industrial customers in Indiana. The Electric
Operations segment provides electric service in 21 counties in the northern part
of Indiana and engages in electric wholesale and wheeling transactions. The
Other segment engaged in electric power trading through October 2001. Although
Northern Indiana does not participate in power trading activities currently, in
the future, Northern Indiana might resume power trading operations.
53
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
The following tables provide information about business segments. Adjustments
have been made to the segment information to arrive at information included in
the results of operations and financial position. Northern Indiana uses
operating income as its primary measurement for each of the reported segments.
Operating income is derived from revenues and expenses directly associated with
each segment.
($ in thousands) Gas Electric Other Adjustments Total
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2002
Operating revenues 784,850 1,137,360 - - 1,922,210
Depreciation and amortization 82,512 172,223 - - 254,735
Utility operating income before
utility income taxes 86,770 322,281 - - 409,051
Assets 853,647 2,638,414 - - 3,492,061
Capital expenditures 48,665 197,808 - - 246,473
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001
Operating revenues 853,437 1,064,461 802,149 (802,149) 1,917,898
Depreciation and amortization 81,657 166,840 - - 248,497
Utility operating income before
utility income taxes 60,237 340,680 8,619 (8,619) 400,917
Assets 993,729 2,638,794 - - 3,632,523
Capital expenditures 52,865 135,666 - - 188,531
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2000
Operating revenues 913,836 1,072,672 487,239 (487,239) 1,986,508
Depreciation and amortization 79,146 162,754 - - 241,900
Utility operating income before
utility income taxes 78,057 353,027 10,752 (10,752) 431,084
Assets 1,216,971 2,721,890 - - 3,938,861
Capital expenditures 61,220 132,193 - - 193,413
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The adjustments above represent the revenues and net pre-tax operating income of
Northern Indiana's electric trading business which are reflected in the other
segment above but are reported as a component of Other Income (Deductions) in
the Statements of Consolidated Income.
54
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
18. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
Quarterly financial data does not always reveal the trend of Northern Indiana's
business operations due to nonrecurring items and seasonal weather patterns
which affect earnings and related components of net revenues and operating
income.
First Second Third Fourth
(in thousands) Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2002
Operating revenues $ 550,761 $ 426,255 $ 399,016 $ 546,178
Operating expenses and taxes 462,401 368,639 333,250 475,363
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating income 88,360 57,616 65,766 70,815
Other income (deductions) (123) (154) - 4,596
Interest charges 15,490 14,599 13,715 16,139
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income 72,747 42,863 52,051 59,272
Dividends requirements on preferred stock 1,857 1,856 1,839 1,230
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance available for common stock $ 70,890 $ 41,007 $ 50,212 $ 58,042
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001
Operating revenues $ 739,689 $ 370,403 $ 358,673 $ 449,133
Operating expenses and taxes 632,510 313,843 300,896 389,930
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating income 107,179 56,560 57,777 59,203
Other income (deductions) 2,036 561 (1,070) 1,167
Interest charges 21,452 19,635 17,294 17,466
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income 87,763 37,486 39,413 42,904
Dividends requirements on preferred stock 1,881 1,873 1,868 1,852
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance available for common stock $ 85,882 $ 35,613 $ 37,545 $ 41,052
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
On May 21, 2002 the Board of Directors of NiSource, upon recommendation of its
Audit Committee, dismissed Arthur Andersen LLP as the independent public
accountants for NiSource and its subsidiaries, Columbia Energy Group and
Northern Indiana (collectively, the "Registrants"), and decided to engage
Deloitte & Touche LLP to serve as the Registrants' independent public
accountants for 2002. Information with respect to this matter is included in
Northern Indiana's current report on Form 8-K filed May 21, 2002, which
information is incorporated herein by reference.
55
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
The following is a list of executive officers of Northern Indiana, including
their names, ages and offices held, as of December 31, 2002.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
YEARS WITH
NAME AGE NORTHERN INDIANA OFFICE(S) HELD IN PAST 5 YEARS
- ---- --- ---------------- ------------------------------
Barrett Hatches.............. 47 2 President since April 2001.
Jerry L. Godwin.............. 60 8 Chief Operating Officer since August 2002. Vice President
and General Manager, Electric Supply from July 1996 to
July 2002.
Robert J. Schacht............ 52 30 Vice President, Energy Resources from August 2002 to
December 31, 2002. Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer from January 2001 to July 2002. Chief
Operating Officer and Vice President since November 2000.
Vice President, Distribution Operations from July 1996 to
October 2000.
Jeffrey W. Grossman.......... 51 3 Vice President at Northern Indiana since January 2001.
Vice President and Controller at NiSource since November
2000.
David J. Vajda............... 47 26 Vice President and Treasurer since January 2003. Vice
President, Finance, Indiana Energy Group of NiSource
Corporate Services Company from August 2002 to December
2002. Vice President, Finance and Administration, Merchant
Energy of NiSource Corporate Services Company from October
2000 to August 2002. Vice President, Finance of Northern
Indiana from February 2000 to October 2000. Controller of
Northern Indiana from July 1996 to January 2000.
Gary W. Pottorff............. 45 22 Secretary at Northern Indiana since November 2000. Auditor
at NiSource from June 1998 to November 2000. Human
Resources Project Manager at NiSource from April 1998 to
June 1998. Manager, Financial Operations at NiSource from
March 1996 to March 1998.
56
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
Throughout the past five years, each of the executive officers has been
continuously active in the business of Northern Indiana except as follows:
Jeffrey W. Grossman was Vice President and Controller of Columbia Energy Group
from May 1996 to October 2000; Barrett Hatches was President and Chief Executive
Officer of ENSTAR Natural Gas and President and Chief Executive Officer of
Alaska Pipeline Company from January 2000 to March 2001, Senior Vice President
of Human Resources and Public Affairs of SEMCO Energy, Inc. from January 1999 to
January 2000 and Vice President of Human Resources and Public Affairs of SEMCO
Energy, Inc. from February 1997 to January 1999.
The following chart gives information about incumbent directors of Northern
Indiana.
NAME, AGE AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS FOR PAST FIVE YEARS
AND PRESENT DIRECTORSHIPS HELD HAS BEEN DIRECTOR SINCE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen P. Adik, 59 2000
Vice Chairman of NiSource since November 2000. Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer of NiSource from February 1999 to October 2000. Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of NiSource from January 1994 to January 1999. Offices
held at Northern Indiana: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from April 1997
to October 2000.
Barrett Hatches, 47 2003
President, Northern Indiana since April 2001. President and Chief Executive Officer of ENSTAR
Natural Gas and President and Chief Executive Officer of Alaska Pipeline Company from January
2000 to March 2001, Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Public Affairs of SEMCO Energy,
Inc. from January 1999 to January 2000 and Vice President of Human Resources and Public Affairs
of SEMCO Energy, Inc. from February 1997 to January 1999.
Samuel W. Miller, Jr., 43 2003
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of NiSource since September 1, 2002. Partner
at Accenture prior to September 2002.
57
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
SUMMARY. The following table summarizes all annual and long-term compensation
for services provided to Northern Indiana for the years 2002, 2001, and 2000
awarded to, earned by or paid to executive officers of Northern Indiana whose
total annual salary and bonus exceeded $100,000 (the "Named Officers"). The
following table does not include information relating to the annual and
long-term compensation for executive officers who provide service both to
Northern Indiana and to NiSource and its subsidiaries.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Annual Compensation Long-Term Compensation
------------------------------------- ------------------------------
Awards Payouts
------------- -------------
Securities Long-Term
Other Annual Under-lying Incentive All Other
Salary Bonus Compensation Options/ Plan Payouts Compensation
Name and Principal Position Year ($)(1) ($)(2) ($)(3) SARS(#) ($)(4) ($)(5)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Barrett Hatches 2002 249,996 59,374 4,539 13,644 359,185 1,221
President and Chief 2001 187,497 - 23,684 8,255 - 832
Executive Officer 2000 - - - - - -
Jerry L. Godwin, 2002 233,913 60,000 32,476 16,335 448,510 1,221
Vice President/General 2001 220,000 - - 8,255 - 1,166
Manager Electric Supply 2000 177,500 93,187 - 11,000 446,378 1,120
Robert J. Schacht 2002 200,239 43,750 2,877 - 397,198 4,488
Vice President, 2001 175,000 - - 7,075 - 1,164
Energy Resources 2000 152,000 79,800 - 10,000 446,378 -
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Compensation deferred at the election of Named Officer is reported in
the category and year in which such compensation was earned. The 2001
amount for Mr. Hatches includes salary for April 1, 2001 through
December 31, 2001.
(2) Half of the bonuses are paid pursuant to the Senior Management
Incentive Plan. The incentive plan is designed to supplement a
conservative base salary with incentive bonus payments if targeted
financial performance of NiSource is attained. The remaining half of
the Named Officers' bonus was determined based on the on the financial
performance of Northern Indiana. No bonuses were paid in 2001.
(3) The 2002 amount for Mr. Godwin includes imputed income of $15,570 for
the purchase of a company automobile and an associated tax allowance of
$10,380. The 2001 amount shown for Mr. Hatches includes a relocation
allowance of $11,681 and a related tax allowance of $8,681.
(4) The payouts shown are based on the value, at date of vesting, of
restricted shares awarded under NiSource's Long-Term Incentive Plan
which vested during the years shown. Total restricted shares held
(assuming 100% vesting) and aggregate market value at December 31, 2002
(based on the average of the high and low sale prices of the Common
Stock on that date as reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite
Transactions Tape for the Named Officers were as follows: Mr. Hatches,
18,095 shares valued at $359,185, Mr. Godwin, 22,595 shares valued at
$448,510 and Mr. Schacht, 20,010 shares valued at $397,198. Dividends
on the restricted shares are paid to the Named Officers.
(5) "All Other Compensation" represents NiSource's contributions to the
401(K) Plan, as follows: Mr. Hatches, $1,221, Mr. Godwin, $1,221 and
Mr. Schacht, $1,221.
58
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
OPTION GRANTS IN 2002. The following table sets forth information concerning the
grants of options to purchase common stock made during 2002 to the Named
Officers. No stock appreciation rights were awarded during 2002.
OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS
Number of Percent of Total
Securities Options/SARS
Under-lying Granted to Exercise or Grant Date
Options/SARS Employees in Base Price Expiration Present Value
Name Granted (#)(1) Fiscal Year (2) ($/SH)(3) Date ($)(4)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Barrett Hatches 9,989 .46 21.005 1/24/2012 208,819
Jerry L. Godwin, 9,989 .46 21.005 1/24/2012 209,819
Robert J. Schacht 8,562 .39 21.005 1/24/2012 179,845
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) All options granted in 2002 are fully exercisable commencing one year
from the date of grant. Vesting may be accelerated as a result of
certain events relating to a change in control of NiSource. The
exercise price and tax withholding obligation related to exercise may
be paid by delivery of already owned shares of common stock or by
reducing the number of shares of common stock received on exercise,
subject to certain conditions.
(2) Based on an aggregate of 1,190,745 options granted to all NiSource
employees in 2002.
(3) Based on the average of high and low sale prices of common stock on
January 25, 2001, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite
Transaction Tape.
(4) Grant date present value is determined using the Black-Scholes option
pricing model. The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing
model for the January 24, 2002 grants (expiring December 31, 2012) were
as follows: expected volatility - 30% (estimated stock price volatility
for the term of the grant); risk-free rate of return - 5.04% (the rate
for a ten-year U.S. treasury); discount for risk of forfeiture - 10%;
estimated annual dividend - $1.16; expected option term - ten years;
and vesting - 100% one year after date of grant. No assumption was made
relating to non-transferability. Actual gains, if any, on option
exercises and common shares are dependent on the future performance of
the common stock and overall market condition. The amounts reflected in
this table may not be achieved.
OPTION EXERCISES IN 2002. The following table sets forth certain information
concerning the exercise of options or stock appreciation rights during 2002 by
each of the Named Officers and the number and value of unexercised options and
stock appreciation rights at December 31, 2002.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
Number of Securities Value of Unexercised
Underlying Unexercised In-the-Money
Options/SARS at Options/SARS at
Fiscal Year-End (#) Fiscal Year-End ($)(1)
Shares Acquired Value ------------------------------- --------------------------------
Name on Exercise (#) Realized ($) Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Barrett Hatches - - 8,255 9,989 - -
Jerry L. Godwin, - - 60,255 9,989 38,077 -
Robert J. Schacht 10,000 165,075 70,637 - 61,245 -
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
59
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
(1) Represents the difference between the option exercise price and
$19.84, the average of high and low sale prices of the common shares
on December 31, 2002, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange
Composite Transactions Tape.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN AWARDS IN 2002. No Shares of restricted stock or
contingent stock were awarded to any of the Named Officers pursuant to the
Long-Term Incentive Plan during 2002.
PENSION PLAN AND SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN
The following table shows estimated annual benefits, giving effect to NiSource's
Pension Plan and Supplemental Retirement Plan (the "Supplemental Plan," as
described below), payable upon retirement to persons in the specified
remuneration and years-of-service classifications.
PENSION PLAN TABLE
Years of Service
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remuneration 15 20 25 30 35
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
150,000 53,700 71,600 75,350 79,100 81,000
200,000 76,200 101,600 106,600 111,600 111,600
250,000 98,700 131,000 137,850 144,100 144,100
300,000 121,200 161,100 169,100 176,600 176,600
350,000 143,700 191,600 200,350 209,100 209,100
400,000 166,200 221,600 231,600 241,600 241,600
450,000 188,700 251,600 262,850 274,100 274,100
500,000 211,200 281,600 294,100 306,600 306,600
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The credited years of service for each of the Named Officers, pursuant to the
Supplemental Plan, are as follows: Barrett Hatches - 2 year, Jerry L. Godwin - 8
years and Robert J. Schacht - 30 years.
Upon their retirement, regular employees and officers of NiSource and its
subsidiaries which adopt the plan (including directors who are also full-time
officers) will be entitled to a monthly pension in accordance with the
provisions of NiSource's pension plan, originally effective as of January 1,
1945. The pensions are payable out of a trust fund established under the pension
plan with The Northern Trust Company; trustee. The trust fund consists of
contributions made by NiSource and the earnings of the fund. Over a period of
years the contributions are intended to result in overall actuarial solvency of
the trust fund. The pension plan of NiSource has been determined by the Internal
Revenue Service to be qualified under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Pension benefits are determined separately for each participant. The formula for
a monthly payment for retirement at age 65 is 1.7% of average monthly
compensation multiplied by years of service (to a maximum of 30 years) plus 0.6%
of average monthly compensation multiplied by years of service over 30. Average
monthly compensation is the average for the 60 consecutive highest-paid months
in the employee's last 120 months of service. Covered compensation is defined as
wages reported as W-2 earnings (up to a limit set forth in the Internal Revenue
Code and adjusted periodically) plus any salary reduction contributions made
under the NiSource's 401(k) plan, minus any portion of a bonus in excess of 50%
of base pay and any amounts paid for unused vacation time and vacation days
carried forward from prior years. The benefits listed in the Pension Plan table
are not subject to any deduction for Social Security or other offset amounts.
NiSource also has a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan which applies to
those officers and other employees selected by the board of directors to
participate in the plan. Benefits from this plan are to be paid from assets of a
trust and from the general assets of NiSource.
60
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION (continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
The Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan provides a retirement benefit at age
65 of the greater of (i) 60% of five-year average pay (prorated for less than 20
years of service) and an additional 0.5% of 5-year average pay per year for
participants with between 20 and 30 years of service less Primary Social
Security Benefits per year, or (ii) the benefit formula under NiSource's Pension
Plan. In either case, the benefit is reduced by the actual pension payable from
NiSource's Pension Plan. In addition, the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
provides certain early retirement and disability benefits and pre-retirement
death benefits for the spouse of a participant.
NISOURCE CHANGE IN CONTROL AND TERMINATION AGREEMENTS
The board of directors of NiSource has authorized Change in Control and
Termination Agreements with the Named Officers. NiSource believes that these
agreements and related shareholder rights protections are in the best interests
of the shareholders, to insure that in the event of extraordinary events,
totally independent judgment is enhanced to maximize shareholder value. The
agreements can be terminated on three years' notice and provide for the payment
of specified benefits if the executive terminates employment for good reason or
is terminated by NiSource for any reason other than good cause within 24 months
following certain changes in control. Each of these agreements also provides for
payment of these benefits if the executive voluntarily terminates employment
during a specified one-month period within 24 months following a change in
control. No amounts will be payable under the agreements if the executive's
employment is terminated by NiSource for good cause (as defined in the
agreements).
The agreements provide for the payment of three times the executive's current
annual base salary and target incentive bonus compensation. The executive will
also receive a pro rata portion of the executive's targeted incentive bonus for
the year of termination. The executive would also receive benefits from NiSource
that would otherwise be earned during the three-year period following the
executive's termination under NiSource's Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
and qualified retirement plans. All stock options held by the executive would
become immediately exercisable upon the date of termination of employment, and
the restrictions would lapse on all restricted shares awarded to the executive.
NiSource will increase the payment made to the executive as necessary to
compensate the executive for any parachute penalty tax imposed on the payment of
the amounts under the contracts.
During the three-year period following the executive's termination, the
executive and his or her spouse will continue to be covered by applicable health
or welfare plans of NiSource. If the executive dies during the three-year period
following the executive's termination, all amounts payable to the executive will
be paid to a named beneficiary.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Not applicable.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Northern Indiana receives executive, financial, gas supply, sales and marketing,
and administrative and general services from an affiliate, NiSource Corporate
Services Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NiSource.
61
ITEM 14. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Northern Indiana's chief executive officer and its chief financial officer,
after evaluating the effectiveness of Northern Indiana's disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(c) and 15d-14(c)) on
February 21, 2003, have concluded that, as of such date, Northern Indiana's
disclosure controls and procedures were adequate and effective to ensure that
material information relating to Northern Indiana would be made known to them by
others within this entity.
Changes in Internal Controls
There were no significant changes in Northern Indiana's internal controls or in
other factors that could significantly affect Northern Indiana's disclosure
controls and procedures subsequent to the date of their evaluation, nor were
there any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in Northern Indiana's
internal controls. As a result, no corrective actions were required or
undertaken.
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) (1) The Financial Statements filed as part of this report on Form
10-K are included in Item 8.
(2) The following is a list of the Financial Statements Schedules
filed herewith as part of this report on Form 10-K:
Schedule Number Description Page of 2002 10-K
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 63 - 64
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Exhibits - The exhibits filed herewith as a part of this
report on Form 10-K are listed on the Exhibit Index. Each
management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement of
Northern Indiana listed on the Exhibit Index is separately
identified by an asterisk.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K: None.
62
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(continued)
NORTHERN INDIANA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
SCHEDULE II. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002
Additions
---------------------- Deductions for
Charged to Charged Purposes for
Balance Costs and to Other which Reserves Balance
Description ($ in thousands) Jan. 1, 2002 Expenses Accounts were Created Dec. 31, 2002
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reserves Deducted in Consolidated Balance
Sheet from Assets to Which They Apply:
Reserve for accounts receivable 11,858 14,281 - 17,717 8,422
Reserves Classified Under Reserve Section
of Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Environmental reserves 15,398 1,124 - 3,538 12,984
Restructuring reserves 9,695 (1,882) - 5,413 2,400
Accumulated provision for rate refund 1,433 - 507 1,000 940
Unpaid medical claims 2,860 - - - 2,860
Gas air conditioning development
funding reserve 243 - - - 243
Amount owned for purchase
gas imbalance 377 - - - 377
Construction project reserve 3,154 - - - 3,154
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCHEDULE II. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001
Additions
---------------------- Deductions for
Charged to Charged Purposes for
Balance Costs and to Other which Reserves Balance
Description ($ in thousands) Jan. 1, 2002 Expenses Accounts were Created Dec. 31, 2002
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reserves Deducted in Consolidated Balance
Sheet from Assets to Which They Apply:
Reserve for accounts receivable 10,454 15,044 - 13,640 11,858
Reserves Classified Under Reserve Section
of Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Environmental reserves 17,099 (954) - 747 15,398
Restructuring reserves 1,187 8,508 - - 9,695
Accumulated provision for rate refund 2,636 (1,203) - - 1,433
Unpaid medical claims 2,860 - - - 2,860
Gas air conditioning development
funding reserve 243 - - - 243
Amount owned for purchase
gas imbalance 377 - - - 377
Construction project reserve 1,800 - 1,354 - 3,154
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
63
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(continued)
SCHEDULE II. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000
Additions
---------------------- Deductions for
Charged to Charged Purposes for
Balance Costs and to Other which Reserves Balance
Description ($ in thousands) Jan. 1, 2002 Expenses Accounts were Created Dec. 31, 2002
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reserves Deducted in Consolidated Balance
Sheet from Assets to Which They Apply:
Reserve for accounts receivable 7,804 9,344 - 6,694 10,454
Reserves Classified Under Reserve Section
of Consolidated Balance Sheet:
Environmental reserves 17,329 1,548 - 1,778 17,099
Restructuring reserves - 2,500 - 1,313 1,187
Accumulated provision for rate refund 433 1,000 1,203 - 2,636
Unpaid medical claims 2,860 - - - 2,860
Gas air conditioning development
funding reserve 257 (14) - - 243
Amount owned for purchase
gas imbalance 377 - - - 377
Construction project reserve 600 - 1,200 - 1,800
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
64
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, hereunto duly authorized.
Northern Indiana Public Service Company
-----------------------------------------------
(Registrant)
Date March 11, 2003 By: /s/ BARRETT HATCHES
-----------------------------------------------
Barrett Hatches
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive 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 and on the dates indicated.
/s/ BARRETT HATCHES President and Director March 11, 2003
- ---------------------------------------- (Principal Executive Officer)
Barrett Hatches
/s/ STEPHEN P. ADIK Director March 11, 2003
- ----------------------------------------
Stephen P. Adik
/s/ JEFFREY W. GROSSMAN Vice President March 11, 2003
- ---------------------------------------- (Principal Accounting Officer)
Jeffrey W. Grossman
/s/ DAVID J. VAJDA Vice President and Treasurer March 11, 2003
- ---------------------------------------- (Principal Financial Officer)
David J. Vajda
/s/ SAMUEL W. MILLER, JR. Director March 11, 2003
- ----------------------------------------
Samuel W. Miller, Jr.
65
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Barrett Hatches, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Northern
Indiana Public Service Company:
2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light
of the circumstances under which such statements were made,
not misleading with respect to the period covered by this
annual report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other
financial information included in this annual report, fairly
present in all material respects the financial condition,
results of operation and cash flows of the registrant as of,
and for, the periods presented in this annual report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are
responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure
controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules
13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures to
ensure that material information relating to the
registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries,
is made known to us by others within those entities,
particularly during the period in which this annual
report is being prepared;
b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's
disclosure controls and procedures as of a date
within 90 days prior to the filing date of this
annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
c) Presented in this annual report our conclusions about
the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and
procedures based on our evaluation as of the
Evaluation Date;
5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have
disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the
registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's
board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent
function):
a) All significant deficiencies in the design or
operation of internal controls which could adversely
affect the registrant's ability to record, process,
summarize and report financial data and have
identified for the registrant's auditors any material
weaknesses in internal controls; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves
management or other employees who have a significant
role in the registrant's internal controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have
indicated in this annual report whether there were significant
changes in internal controls or in other factors that could
significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date
of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective
actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material
weaknesses.
Date: March 11, 2003 By: /s/ Barrett Hatches
-------------------------------------
Barrett Hatches
President and Chief Executive Officer
66
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, David J. Vajda, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Northern
Indiana Public Service Company:
2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light
of the circumstances under which such statements were made,
not misleading with respect to the period covered by this
annual report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other
financial information included in this annual report, fairly
present in all material respects the financial condition,
results of operation and cash flows of the registrant as of,
and for, the periods presented in this annual report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are
responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure
controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules
13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures to
ensure that material information relating to the
registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries,
is made known to us by others within those entities,
particularly during the period in which this annual
report is being prepared;
b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's
disclosure controls and procedures as of a date
within 90 days prior to the filing date of this
annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
c) Presented in this annual report our conclusions about
the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and
procedures based on our evaluation as of the
Evaluation Date;
5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have
disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the
registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's
board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent
function):
a) All significant deficiencies in the design or
operation of internal controls which could adversely
affect the registrant's ability to record, process,
summarize and report financial data and have
identified for the registrant's auditors any material
weaknesses in internal controls; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves
management or other employees who have a significant
role in the registrant's internal controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have
indicated in this annual report whether there were significant
changes in internal controls or in other factors that could
significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date
of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective
actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material
weaknesses.
Date: March 11, 2003 By: /s/ David J. Vajda
-------------------------------------
David J. Vajda
Vice President and Treasurer
67
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number Description of Item
- ------- -------------------
(3.1) Amended Articles of Incorporation of April 14, 1982 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to Northern Indiana
Public Service Company (Northern Indiana) Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 5, 1982).
(3.2) By-laws effective August 27, 1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 to Northern Indiana Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1996).
(4.1) Indenture dated August 1, 1939 between Northern Indiana and Trustees (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 7 to
Northern Indiana Registration Statement (Registration No. 2-5178)).
(4.2) Third Supplemental Indenture dated August 1, 1943 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 7-C to Northern Indiana
Registration Statement (Registration No. 2-5178)).
(4.3) Nineteenth Supplemental Indenture dated October 1, 1968 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to Northern
Indiana Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 8, 1968).
(4.4) Twenty-third Supplemental Indenture dated March 31, 1972 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to Northern
Indiana Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 5, 1972).
(4.5) Thirty-third Supplemental Indenture dated June 1, 1980 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to Northern
Indiana Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1980).
(4.6) Forty-first Supplemental Indenture dated July 1, 1991 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to Northern
Indiana Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 25, 1992).
(4.7) Indenture, dated as of March 1, 1988, between Northern Indiana and Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company, as
Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to Northern Indiana Registration Statement (Registration No.
33-44193)).
(4.8) First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 1, 1991, between Northern Indiana and Manufacturers Hanover
Trust Company, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Northern Indiana Registration Statement
(Registration No. 33-63870)).
(4.9) Memorandum of Agreement with City of Michigan City, Indiana (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 7 to Northern
Indiana Registration Statement (Registration No. 2-48531)).
(4.10) Financing Agreement No. 1 dated November 1, 1988 with Jasper County, Indiana regarding $37,000,000 Series 1988A
Pollution Control Refunding Revenue Bonds. Identical financing agreements between Registrant and Jasper County
provide for the issuance of $47,000,000 Series 1988B, $46,000,000 Series 1988C and $24,000,000 Series 1988D
Pollution Control Refunding Revenue Bonds (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8 to Northern Indiana Current
Report on Form 8-K dated March 16, 1989).
(4.11) Financing Agreement dated July 1, 1991, with Jasper County Indiana regarding $55,000,000 Series 1991
Collateralized Pollution Control Refunding Revenue Bonds (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 to Northern
Indiana Current Report of Form 8-K dated March 25, 1992).
(4.12) Financing Agreement dated August 1, 1994, with Jasper County, Indiana regarding $10,000,000 Series 1994A,
$18,000,000 Series 1994B and $41,000,000 Series 1994C Pollution Control Refunding Revenue Bonds (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 4.16 to the Northern Indiana Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1994).
68
EXHIBIT INDEX (continued)
Exhibit
Number Description of Item
- ------- -------------------
(4.13) First Amendments to Financing Agreement No. 1, dated as of November 1, 2000, between Jasper County and Northern
Indiana regarding Series 1988A Pollution Control Refunding Revenue Bonds. Northern Indiana entered into
identical First Amendments to Financing Agreements Nos. 2, 3 and 4, each dated as of November 1, 2000, between
Jasper County and Northern Indiana in connection with the Series 1988B, 1988C and 1988D Pollution Control
Refunding Revenue Bonds (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 to the Northern Indiana Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2000).
(4.14) First Amendment to Financing Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2000, between Jasper County, Indiana and
Northern Indiana regarding the Series 1994A, 1994B and 1994C Pollution Control Refunding Revenue Bonds
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to the Northern Indiana Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period
ended December 31, 2000).
(10.1) Amended and Restated Pension Plan Provisions effective January 1, 1989 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 17
to Northern Indiana Current Report of Form 8-K dated March 25, 1992).*
(10.2) Service Agreement dated January 1, 2001, between NiSource Corporate Services Company and Northern Indiana
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Northern Indiana Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period
ended December 31, 2000).
(16) Letter from Arthur Andersen LLP regarding change in certifying accountant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
16 to the NiSource Inc. Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 21, 2002).
(23) Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.**
(99.1) Certification of Barrett Hatches, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350, as adopted
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**
(99.1) Certification of David J. Vajda, Principal Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350, as adopted
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**
*Management contract or compensatory plan arrangement of Northern Indiana.
**Exhibit filed herewith.
69