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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

     
þ   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004

 

     
o   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 001-15565

SEMCO Energy, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

     
Michigan   38-2144267
(State of incorporation)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
1411 Third Street, Suite A, Port Huron, Michigan   48060
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

810-987-2200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

     
    Name of each exchange on
Title of each class   which registered
Common Stock, $1 Par Value   New York Stock Exchange
10.25% Trust Preferred Securities   New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

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 (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o

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. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes þ No o

The aggregate market value of the Registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2004, was $156,253,201 based on 26,847,629 shares held by non-affiliates and the closing price of $5.82 on that day (New York Stock Exchange).

Number of outstanding shares of the Registrant’s common stock as of February 28, 2005: 28,430,653

Documents Incorporated by Reference:

Portions of Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement (filed pursuant to Regulation 14A) with respect to Registrant’s May 24, 2005 Annual Meeting of Common Shareholders are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K.

 
 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

             
        PAGE
        NUMBER
INFORMATION ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS     1  
 
        3  
  BUSINESS     3  
  PROPERTIES     9  
  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS     10  
  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS     11  
 
        11  
  MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS     11  
  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA     13  
  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS     14  
  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK     27  
  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA     27  
  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE     63  
  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES     63  
 
        64  
  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT     64  
  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION     64  
  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS     64  
  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS     64  
  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES     65  
 
        65  
  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K     65  
SIGNATURES     69  
 Short Term Incentive Plan
 Form of Employee Stock Option Agreement
 Form of Employee Performance Share Unit Award Agreement
 2004 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
 Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
 Subsidiaries of Registrant
 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 CEO and CFO Certification Pursuant to Section 302
 CEO Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
 CFO Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

INFORMATION ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are based on current expectations, estimates and projections of the registrant, SEMCO Energy, Inc. (the “Company”). Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s outlook, beliefs, plans, goals, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” or “continue” or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology. These statements are subject to potential risks and uncertainties and, therefore, actual results may differ materially. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company cannot provide assurance that these expectations will prove to be correct. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations are described in the Risk Factors section in Item 1 of this Form 10-K and include:

  •   the effects of weather and other natural phenomena;
 
  •   the economic climate and growth in the geographical areas where the Company does business;
 
  •   the capital intensive nature of the Company’s business;
 
  •   increased competition within the energy industry as well as from alternative forms of energy;
 
  •   the timing and extent of changes in commodity prices for natural gas and propane;

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  •   the effects of changes in governmental and regulatory policies, including income taxes, environmental compliance and authorized rates;
 
  •   the adequacy of authorized rates to compensate the Company for the cost of doing business, including the cost of capital, and the amount of any cost disallowances;
 
  •   the Company’s ability to procure its gas supply on reasonable credit terms;
 
  •   the Company’s ability to remain in compliance with its debt covenants and accomplish its financing objectives in a timely and cost-effective manner;
 
  •   the Company’s ability to maintain an effective system of internal controls;
 
  •   the Company’s ability to execute its strategic plan effectively, including the ability to make acquisitions and investments on reasonable terms and any conditions imposed on those transactions by governmental and regulatory agencies;
 
  •   the Company’s ability to conclude litigation and other dispute resolution proceedings on reasonable terms; and
 
  •   changes in the performance of certain assets, which could impact the carrying amount of the Company’s existing goodwill.

     In this Form 10-K, “include”, “includes”, or “including” means include, includes or including without limitation.

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

SEMCO ENERGY, INC.

     The Company is a New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) listed regulated public utility company headquartered in southeastern Michigan. It was founded in 1950 as Southeastern Michigan Gas Company. In 1977, Southeastern Michigan Gas Enterprises, Inc. was formed as a holding company, into which Southeastern Michigan Gas Company was transferred. On April 24, 1997, Southeastern Michigan Gas Enterprise’s name was changed to SEMCO Energy, Inc. References to the “Company” in this document mean SEMCO Energy, Inc., its subsidiaries, divisions or the business segments discussed below as appropriate in the context of the disclosure.

     In prior years, the Company reported the following reportable business segments: (1) gas distribution; (2) construction services; (3) information technology services; and (4) propane, pipelines and storage. The information technology services segment and the propane, pipelines and storage segment did not meet the quantitative thresholds required to be reported as reportable business segments. However, previous management voluntarily elected to disclose information about these segments.

     Beginning with this Form 10-K, the Company will report one reportable business segment: gas distribution. This change is the result of the Company’s new strategic direction. In 2003 and 2004, the Board of Directors decided to focus the Company on its natural gas distribution business. This new strategic focus is reflected in the business segment reporting now used by the Company. The gas distribution business segment includes the Company’s natural gas distribution operations in Michigan and Alaska. The Company’s other business segments that do not meet the quantitative thresholds to be reportable business segments (“non-separately reportable business segments”) are combined and included with the Company’s corporate division in a category the Company refers to as “corporate and other.” The Company’s non-separately reportable business segments primarily include Company operations and investments in information technology services, propane distribution, intrastate natural gas pipelines, and natural gas storage facilities. For information on the change in business segments and business segments in general, refer to Note 11 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. For further information regarding the Company’s business strategy, refer to the caption “Business Strategy Summary” in Item 7 of this Form 10-K.

     During the first quarter of 2004, the Company began to actively market its construction services business segment and consequently, began accounting for this segment as a discontinued operation. On September 3, 2004, the Company sold substantially all the operating assets of its discontinued construction services business segment to InfraSource Services Inc. For further information on this divestiture, refer to Note 14 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

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GAS DISTRIBUTION BUSINESS SEGMENT

     The Company’s gas distribution business segment consists of natural gas distribution operations in Michigan and Alaska. The Michigan operation is sometimes referred to as “SEMCO Gas” and the Alaska operation is sometimes referred to as “ENSTAR.” These operations are referred to together as the “Gas Distribution Business.”

     SEMCO Gas operates as a division of the Company. The ENSTAR operation includes ENSTAR Natural Gas Company, Alaska Pipeline Company (“APC”) and Norstar Pipeline Company (“Norstar”). ENSTAR Natural Gas Company operates as a division of the Company. APC is a subsidiary of the Company and Norstar is a subsidiary of APC. APC’s transmission system delivers natural gas from producing fields in South Central Alaska to ENSTAR’s Anchorage-area gas distribution system. APC’s only customer is ENSTAR. Norstar began operations in 2002 and provides pipeline management and pipeline construction management services to non-affiliated customers in Alaska.

     The Gas Distribution Business purchases, transports, distributes, and sells natural gas to residential, commercial and industrial customers and is the Company’s largest business segment. The Company’s strategy for the existing Michigan and Alaska gas distribution operations is to expand its transmission and distribution system in an economical manner through appropriate system improvements and the attachment of on-main and near-main customers within the Company’s existing service territories. The Company will also seek expansion opportunities in and near these service territories, including acquisitions of, or investments in, natural gas distribution businesses and assets, pipelines and storage facilities.

     Set forth in the table below is financial and operating information for the Gas Distribution Business:

                         
Years ended December 31,   2004     2003     2002  
 
Gas sales revenue (in thousands)
                       
Residential
  $ 315,606     $ 290,911     $ 227,086  
Commercial and industrial
    147,750       137,025       108,569  
 
Total gas sales revenue
  $ 463,356     $ 427,936     $ 335,655  
 
 
                       
Gas transportation revenue (in thousands)
  $ 29,071     $ 27,737     $ 25,707  
 
                       
Cost of gas sold (in thousands)
                       
Purchased
  $ 351,288     $ 331,821     $ 242,918  
Withdrawn from (injected into) storage
    (5,047 )     (22,902 )     (22,496 )
 
Total cost of gas sold
  $ 346,241     $ 308,919     $ 220,422  
 
 
                       
Volumes of gas sold (MMcf)
                       
Residential
    44,880       45,324       42,671  
Commercial and industrial
    21,285       21,948       22,386  
 
Total volumes of gas sold
    66,165       67,272       65,057  
 
                       
Volumes of gas transported (MMcf)
    56,619       51,358       44,921  
 
Total volumes delivered
    122,784       118,630       109,978  
 
 
                       
Temperature Statistics (a)
                       
Degree days
                       
Alaska
    9,573       9,384       9,392  
Michigan
    6,726       7,063       6,668  
 
                       
Percent colder (warmer) than normal
                       
Alaska
    (6.0) %     (8.0 )%     (7.8 )%
Michigan
    (0.3) %     4.7 %     (0.9 )%
 
                       
Number of customers at year end
    398,225       390,677       383,298  
 
                       
Number of customers, annual average
                       
Residential
    354,261       346,819       338,691  
Commercial and industrial
    37,234       37,640       37,306  
Transportation
    1,540       1,481       2,391  
 
 
    393,035       385,940       378,388  
 

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     (a)   Degree days are a measure of coldness determined daily as the number of degrees the average temperature during the day in question is below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Degree days for a particular period are determined by adding the degree days incurred during each day of that period. The Company determines the percent (%) that weather is warmer or colder than normal for a particular period by computing the deviation of actual degree days for that period from the average of degree days during the same periods in the prior fifteen years and dividing the deviation by such fifteen-year average. Degree days are an indicator of natural gas usage, since natural gas delivered by the Company is used by many customers for space heating, and heating usage is affected by how warm or cold it is.

     All revenue generated by the Gas Distribution Business for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, is from non-affiliated customers, except for an inconsequential amount, typically less than 0.05% per year. Refer to Note 11 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, for the operating revenues, operating income, assets and other financial information of the Gas Distribution Business for the past three years.

Rates and Regulation. The Gas Distribution Business is subject to regulation. The Michigan Public Service Commission (“MPSC”) has jurisdiction over the regulatory matters related to the Company’s Michigan customers, except for customers located in the City of Battle Creek and nearby areas. The regulatory matters associated with gas distribution customers located in the City of Battle Creek and surrounding communities are subject to the jurisdiction of the City Commission of Battle Creek (“CCBC”). Regulatory matters for gas distribution customers in Alaska are subject to the jurisdiction of the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (“RCA”). These regulatory bodies have jurisdiction over, among other things, rates, accounting procedures, and standards of service. The approximate number of the Company’s customers located in service areas regulated by each of the three regulatory bodies is as follows: MPSC – 242,000; RCA – 118,000; and CCBC – 38,000. As part of a recent rate settlement with the CCBC, the CCBC may elect in the future to petition the MPSC to assume jurisdiction over customers located in the city of Battle Creek and nearby areas (the regulatory jurisdiction currently exercised by the CCBC). If the City so elects, the Company would jointly seek this jurisdictional change with the CCBC.

     For information on regulatory matters including recent regulatory orders, filings and rate cases, refer to Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Gas Sales. Gas sales revenue is generated primarily through the sale and delivery of natural gas to residential and commercial customers. These customers use natural gas mainly for space heating. Consequently, weather has a significant impact on sales. As a result of the impact of weather on this business segment, most of the Company’s gas sales revenue is generated in the first and fourth quarters of the calendar year. Revenues from gas sales accounted for 91% of consolidated operating revenues in 2004, and 90% of consolidated operating revenues in both 2003 and 2002.

     In Michigan, the MPSC has approved a program known as the Gas Customer Choice Program that allows gas sales customers to purchase natural gas from third-party suppliers, while allowing the Gas Distribution Business to continue charging existing distribution charges and customer fees plus a gas load balancing fee. As a result, the Company’s earnings are generally not materially affected by customers switching from general gas sales service to the Gas Customer Choice Program. The program was made available to a larger portion of the Company’s customer base in each of the years 2002, 2003 and 2004, such that by April 2004, the program was available to all gas sale customers in the Company’s service area regulated by the MPSC. There were no customers taking service under the Gas Customer Choice Program at December 31, 2004. If customers elect to participate in the program, revenues associated with such customers would be recorded in transportation revenue rather than gas sales revenue.

     In Alaska, commercial customers may also purchase their gas from third-party suppliers. ENSTAR charges the same distribution charges and customer fees for gas transportation service to commercial customers as it does for gas sales service. As a result, the Company’s earnings are generally not affected by commercial customers switching from gas sales service to gas transportation service. If customers elect to purchase gas from a different supplier, revenues associated with such customers would be recorded in transportation revenue rather than gas sales revenue. There were approximately 1,300 commercial customers in Alaska receiving commercial transportation service at December 31, 2004.

Transportation. The Gas Distribution Business provides transportation services to its large-volume commercial and industrial customers. This service offers those customers the option of purchasing natural gas directly from third-party suppliers. The gas purchased by customers from third-party suppliers is then transported on the Company’s gas transmission and distribution network to the customers. Transportation services are also available to smaller volume customers who participate in the Gas Customer Choice Program described under the caption “Gas Sales.”

Customer Base. At December 31, 2004, the Gas Distribution Business had approximately 398,000 customers, including 280,000 customers in Michigan and 118,000 customers in Alaska. The largest concentration of customers in Michigan, approximately 117,000, is located in southeastern Michigan, just north of the metro-Detroit area. The remaining Michigan customers are located in various areas throughout the state, including Albion, Battle Creek, Holland, Houghton, Niles, Marquette, Ontangon, St. Ignace and Three Rivers. Customers in Alaska are located in and around the Anchorage and Cook Inlet area, including Big Lake, Bird Creek, Butte,

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Chugiak, Eagle River, Eklutna, Girdwood, Houston, Indian, Kasilof, Kenai, Knik, Nikiski, Palmer, Peters Creek, Portage, Sterling, Soldotna, Wasilla and Whittier. ENSTAR is the sole distributor of natural gas to the greater Anchorage metropolitan area, and its service area encompasses over 50% of the population of Alaska.

     The Gas Distribution Business’ customer base is diverse and includes residential, commercial and industrial customers. The largest customers include power plants, food production facilities, paper processing plants, furniture manufacturers, a liquefied natural gas plant, a fertilizer plant and others in a variety of industries. The average number of customers at SEMCO Gas has increased by an average of approximately 1.6% annually during the past three years, and the average number of customers at ENSTAR has increased by an average of approximately 3.2% annually during the past three years. However, average annual gas usage per customer has been decreasing slightly because, among other things, new homes and appliances are typically more energy efficient than older homes and appliances.

Competition. Competition in the gas sales market generally arises from alternative energy sources, such as electricity, propane and oil. However, this competition is generally inhibited because of the time, inconvenience and investment necessary for residential and commercial customers to convert to an alternate energy source when the price of natural gas fluctuates. For residential and commercial gas sales customers, natural gas typically is the most economical energy source for heating.

     Competition in the gas transportation market arises from alternate energy sources, such as coal, electricity, oil and steam. Certain large industrial customers may be able to use one or more alternative energy sources or shift production to other facilities if the price of natural gas and delivery services increase significantly. Natural gas has typically been less expensive than these alternative energy sources. However, over the past three years, natural gas prices have been volatile, making some of these alternative energy sources more economical than natural gas. During this period, certain of the Company’s large Michigan industrial customers periodically switched to alternative energy sources. To lessen the possibility of such fuel switching by industrial customers, the Company offers flexible contract terms and additional services, such as gas storage and balancing. Partially offsetting the impact of this price sensitivity among certain large industrial customers has been the use of natural gas as an industrial fuel, because of environmental regulations and other programs and activities and the resultant pressures on industrial customers to reduce emissions from their plants.

     There is a risk that industrial customers located in close proximity to interstate natural gas pipelines will bypass the Company and connect directly to those pipelines. However, management is currently unaware of any significant bypass efforts by the Company’s customers. The Company has addressed, and would continue to address, any such efforts by offering flexible contract terms and additional services intended to retain these customers on the Company’s system. Customers in ENSTAR’s service territory are currently precluded from bypassing ENSTAR’s transportation and distribution system due to the limited availability of gas transmission systems and the large distances between producing fields and the locations of current customers.

Natural Gas Supply. SEMCO Gas has agreements with BP Canada Energy Marketing Corp. (“BP”) covering the period of April 1, 2002, through March 31, 2005. The Company has separate agreements with BP related to customers in its service area regulated by the MPSC (“MPSC customers”) and customers in its service area regulated by the CCBC (“CCBC customers”).

     Under the BP agreement covering MPSC customers, BP provides gas supply portfolio management services as well as transportation and storage asset management services. The Company’s MPSC customers have paid for natural gas commodity costs through a gas cost recovery (“GCR”) pricing mechanism since April 1, 2002. The MPSC must approve the Company’s GCR gas purchase plans when the Company is operating under the GCR pricing mechanism. The Company’s MPSC-approved GCR gas purchase plans require the Company to solicit bids for all supplies with contract term lengths longer than three days, which, during 2004, constituted approximately 100% of the Company’s sales to MPSC customers. Supplies with contract term lengths of three days or less may be purchased without bidding. For the MPSC customers, all supplies purchased during each GCR period are based on a portfolio of short-term fixed priced and short-term index priced supply agreements. For information about how the GCR pricing mechanism and related MPSC reviews impact the cost of gas, refer to the “Cost of Gas” section within Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

     Under the BP agreement covering CCBC customers, BP provides all of the natural gas supply requirements for the CCBC customers as well as transportation and storage asset management services. Under the terms of the agreement, the price the Company pays to purchase natural gas for CCBC customers is fixed for the three-year period from April 1, 2002, through March 31, 2005. The Company entered into this fixed gas price supply contract because the CCBC authorized the Company to suspend its GCR pricing mechanism and utilize a fixed gas charge in the rates for CCBC customers until March 31, 2005. For information on how the GCR suspension and fixed gas charge program impact the cost of gas, refer to the “Cost of Gas” section within Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

     The Company does not plan to enter into another long term fixed priced supply agreement for the CCBC customers unless and until natural gas prices fall and the CCBC approves such a program. On February 15, 2005, the CCBC reinstated the GCR pricing mechanism, to be effective April 1, 2005. For the CCBC customers, all supplies purchased during each GCR period will be based on a portfolio of short-term fixed priced and short-term index priced supply agreements.

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     During 2004, the Company solicited bids for transportation and storage asset management services for the MPSC customers and the CCBC customers for another three-year term beginning on April 1, 2005. BP was the successful bidder for these services. The Company and BP are currently negotiating the terms of a new agreement.

     SEMCO Gas has access to natural gas supplies throughout the United States and Canada via major interstate and intrastate pipelines that run through Michigan. SEMCO Gas has pipeline capacity contracts with ANR Pipeline Company, Great Lakes Gas Transmission Limited Partnership, Northern Natural Gas Company, Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company, Trunkline Gas Company, LLC, Michigan Consolidated Gas Company and Consumers Energy Company. The Company also owns underground storage facilities in Michigan with a working capacity of 5.1 billion cubic feet (“Bcf”). In addition, it leases 6.5 Bcf of storage from Eaton Rapids Gas Storage System (“ERGSS”) and 3.5 Bcf from non-affiliates in Michigan. The owned and leased storage capacity equals approximately 36% of the Company’s 2004 annual gas sales volumes in Michigan. SEMCO Gas Storage Company, a subsidiary of the Company, is a 50% owner of the ERGSS.

     ENSTAR has access to natural gas supplies in close proximity to its Anchorage, Alaska-area service territory. ENSTAR’s system, including the APC pipeline, is not linked to major interstate and intrastate pipelines and natural gas supplies in other states or Canada. As a result, ENSTAR procures natural gas supplies under long-term, RCA-approved contracts, from producers in and near the Cook Inlet area.

     ENSTAR has a gas purchase contract with Marathon Oil Company (“Marathon”) that has been approved by the RCA (the “Marathon Contract”). It is a requirements contract with no specified daily deliverability or annual take-or-pay quantities. Marathon is required to deliver up to 15 Bcf of gas in 2005. Each year thereafter, Marathon’s maximum delivery obligation decreases by 2 Bcf per year until 2010 when it is 5 Bcf. The annual delivery obligation remains at 5 Bcf per year until the original commitment of 456 Bcf has been exhausted, which is expected to be in 2018. The contract has a base price and is subject to an annual adjustment based on changes in the price of certain traded oil futures contracts plus reimbursement for severance taxes and other charges.

     ENSTAR has an RCA-approved gas purchase contract with Anchorage Municipal Light and Power, Chevron U.S.A., Inc. and ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc. that provides for the delivery of gas through the year 2009 from the Beluga natural gas field (the “Beluga Contract”). ENSTAR’s obligation to take gas under the Beluga Contract is estimated to be approximately 1.6 Bcf in 2005, declining to approximately 0.6 Bcf in 2009. The pricing mechanism in the Beluga Contract is similar to the Marathon Contract.

     ENSTAR has an RCA-approved gas supply contract with Aurora Gas for natural gas deliveries from the Moquawkie natural gas field (the “Moquawkie Contract”). The agreement provides that Aurora Gas will supply a portion of ENSTAR’s needs through 2016. Aurora is required to deliver up to 1.9 Bcf of natural gas in 2005. Aurora’s requirement begins declining annually in 2006 until the projected final year requirement of 0.2 Bcf in 2014. The total remaining commitment at the end of 2004 is approximately 10 Bcf. The contract has a base price, subject to annual adjustment based upon 50% of the change in certain inflation measures, plus reimbursement for any severance taxes and other charges.

     ENSTAR also has an RCA-approved gas supply contract with Union Oil Company of California (“Unocal”) (the “Unocal Contract”). Natural gas deliveries began in 2004. The Unocal Contract provides that Unocal will supply all of ENSTAR’s natural gas requirements not met by the Marathon, Beluga and Moquawkie Contracts, through 2005, and supply all or a portion of ENSTAR’s requirements in years beyond 2005 based upon additional commitments that may be made by Unocal annually in October. In October 2004, Unocal made a commitment to supply all of ENSTAR’s requirements (not met by the Marathon, Beluga and Moquawkie contracts) through 2008 and to supply 16 Bcf in 2009 (which is estimated to be approximately 6 Bcf less than total requirements for that year). In any year after 2009, Unocal cannot reduce its commitment by more than 3 Bcf per year. Under the terms of the Unocal Contract, Unocal must advise ENSTAR each October of Unocal’s commitments for the next five years. Each commitment of gas is subject to review by an independent petroleum engineer, but Unocal does not guarantee that it has reserves sufficient to meet its obligations. Under specified circumstances, Unocal may reduce or terminate its obligations to deliver gas. Gas supplied under the Unocal Contract is priced annually according to a 36-month daily average price of certain traded natural gas futures contracts, subject to a floor price. The Unocal Contract also provides for reimbursement to Unocal of severance taxes and other charges.

     The Unocal, Marathon, Beluga and Moquawkie Contracts collectively are scheduled to supply all of ENSTAR’s requirements through 2008. After 2008, natural gas will still be available under those contracts in accordance with their terms, but at least a portion of ENSTAR’s requirements is expected to be met by amendments to those contracts or by new contracts. ENSTAR is currently in discussions with several parties to secure additional natural gas from the Cook Inlet area natural gas fields.

     Production from the Cook Inlet area natural gas fields is declining, and new discoveries have been modest. As of January 1, 2004, the Cook Inlet area had approximately 2.1 trillion cubic feet (“Tcf”) of total proved natural gas reserves according to the Alaska Department of Natural Resources Division of Oil and Gas 2004 Annual Report. Based on the Department’s reported 2003 net production of 208 Bcf, there is a reserve life of approximately 10 years in the Cook Inlet area, although shortages of daily deliverability could occur earlier. There is ongoing exploration for natural gas in the Cook Inlet area by several parties, including producers that have supply contracts with ENSTAR. This exploration is confined to areas in or near producing fields. The United States Geological Survey and Minerals Management Service has estimated that the Cook Inlet area contains approximately 2.3 Tcf of undiscovered natural gas, but there are no assurances that any of this natural gas will be discovered and, if discovered, can be produced economically.

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     ENSTAR has been active in efforts to extend its supply of Cook Inlet area natural gas and to find other gas sources. Approximately 135 Bcf of natural gas is exported each year from Cook Inlet in the form of LNG and ammonia-urea fertilizer. The owner of the fertilizer plant recently announced that it expects that the plant would be closed in late-2005. That closure should make available to ENSTAR (and other users) gas that otherwise would have gone to the fertilizer plant. The export license for the LNG plant expires in 2009. If that license is not renewed, natural gas that would otherwise be exported by this plant should be available to Cook Inlet area users, including ENSTAR. In the negotiations with potential gas suppliers, ENSTAR also is encouraging development of storage to minimize potential deliverability problems and to enhance opportunities for independent producers to develop natural gas fields that might not be economical without storage. In addition, preliminary activity by other energy industry participants is underway to finance, permit and build a natural gas pipeline that would extend from Alaska’s North Slope, through central Alaska and Canada, to the lower 48-states. Assuming this pipeline is built, the flow of natural gas through it could not be expected to begin before the middle of the next decade, at the earliest. ENSTAR is engaged in a campaign to make customers and public officials aware of the importance of the North Slope natural gas pipeline and the need to make North Slope natural gas available in the Cook Inlet area. The Company can provide no assurances, however, with respect to the building of this pipeline, when it will be put in service, or whether natural gas supplies transported by the pipeline would be available to ENSTAR customers.

Environmental Matters. Prior to the construction of major natural gas pipelines, gas for heating and other uses was manufactured from processes involving coal, coke or oil. Residual byproducts of these processes may have caused environmental conditions that require investigation and remediation. The Company owns seven sites in Michigan where such manufactured gas plants were located. Even though the Company never operated manufactured gas facilities at four of the sites, and did so at another site for only a very brief period of time, the Company is subject to local, state and federal laws and regulations that require, among other things, the investigation and, if necessary, the remediation of contamination associated with these sites, irrespective of fault, legality of inital activity, or ownership, and which may impose liability for damages to natural resources. The Company has complied with the applicable Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (“MDEQ”) requirements which require current landowners to mitigate unacceptable risks to human health from the byproducts of manufactured gas plant operations and to notify the MDEQ and adjacent property owners of potential contaminant migration. The Company is investigating these sites, and anticipates conducting any necessary additional investigatory and remedial activities as appropriate. The Company has already remediated and closed a site related to one of the manufactured gas plant sites with the MDEQ's approval. For further information, refer to Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

CORPORATE AND OTHER

     Corporate and other includes the Company’s corporate division and non-separately reportable business segments. These non-separately reportable businesses are organized as subsidiaries of SEMCO Energy, Inc. and generally complement the Company’s Gas Distribution Business. Refer to Note 11 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, for operating revenues, operating income, assets and other financial information for corporate and other for the past three years.

     The Company’s information technology (“IT”) services business uses existing information technology infrastructure and services required to support the Gas Distribution Business for non-affiliated customers, allowing the Company to realize additional revenue and income from its investment. The IT business provides IT services with a focus on mid-range computers, particularly the IBM I-Series (or AS-400) platform. Approximately 73% of the Company’s 2004 IT revenues came from services performed for affiliates. The Company has reorganized its IT business operation to focus it primarily on the Company’s IT needs and, while revenues from non-affiliated customers are expected to decline over time, the Company expects to continue to provide IT services to certain non-affiliated customers where it believes that it can leverage its existing infrastructure and services profitably. As part of the restructuring of its IT business operation, the Company decided to exit the residential internet service provider (“ISP”) portion of its ISP business. As a result of this decision, the Company recognized impairments of goodwill and fixed assets associated with that business. Refer to Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further information on the impairments.

     The Company owns a propane distribution business known as “Hotflame.” Hotflame supplies more than 4 million gallons of propane annually to retail customers in Michigan’s upper peninsula and northeast Wisconsin. Because propane is used principally for heating, most of the operating income for the propane business is generated in the first and fourth quarters of the calendar year. Propane is transported easily in pressurized containers and is generally the fuel used in rural areas where natural gas pipelines and distribution systems do not exist or are not economical to build. The Company has access to a variety of propane suppliers, including NGL Supply, Inc., Mark West, and Amerigas. The propane operation competes with other energy sources such as natural gas, fuel oil, electricity and other regional and national propane providers, generally based on price and service.

     The Company’s pipelines and storage business consist of three pipelines and a gas storage facility, all of which are located in Michigan. The Company has a partial ownership interest in one of the pipelines and an equity interest in the gas storage facility. Refer to Item 2 of this Form 10-K for additional information on each pipeline and the storage facility.

     The Company’s corporate division is a cost center rather than a business segment. The operating expenses of the corporate division that relate to the ongoing operations of the Company’s business segments are allocated to those business segments using a formula that is accepted by the regulatory bodies that have jurisdiction over the Gas Distribution Business. Examples of functions performed by the corporate division on behalf of the Company’s two business segments include administration, human resources, legal, treasury, finance and accounting. Any corporate expenses that do not relate to the ongoing operations of the Company’s business segments are not allocated to these segments but remain on the books of the corporate division.

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MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

     The Company had approximately 576 full-time employees at December 31, 2004, compared to 1,436 full-time employees at December 31, 2003. Approximately 269 of the employees at December 31, 2004, were members of collective bargaining units compared to 697 employees at December 31, 2003. The significant drop in the number of full-time and collective bargaining unit employees in 2004 when compared to 2003 is due to the sale of the Company’s discontinued construction services business in September 2004. For further information on this sale, refer to Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

     The Company maintains a website on the Internet at address http://www.semcoenergy.com. The Company makes available free of charge on or through its website, its proxy statements, annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). This reference to the Company’s Internet address shall not, under any circumstances, be deemed to incorporate the information available at such Internet address into this Form 10-K. The information available at the Company’s Internet address is not part of this Form 10-K or any other report filed by the Company with the SEC. The information the Company files with the SEC can also be obtained on the SEC’s website on the Internet at address http://www.sec.gov.

RISK FACTORS

     Investing in the Company involves a number of risks. Investors should carefully consider all of the information contained in this annual report on Form 10-K, as well as the other filings of the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risk factors set forth below, before making an investment in the Company. Described below are some of the risk factors currently known to the Company which make an investment in the Company speculative or risky. The Company may encounter risks in addition to those described below. Investors may lose all or part of their investment in the Company.

Risks Relating to the Company’s Operations

The Company’s natural gas distribution business is subject to rate regulation, and certain actions of the regulatory bodies may reduce the Company’s revenues and profitability.

     The Company is regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission, or MPSC, the Regulatory Commission of Alaska, or RCA, and the City Commission of Battle Creek, Michigan, or CCBC. These regulatory bodies have jurisdiction over, among other things, rates, accounting procedures and standards of service. Approximately 98% of the Company’s revenues are generated by the regulated Gas Distribution Business. The actions of these regulatory bodies, including the possibility of a rate decrease, the failure to grant any requested rate increase, cost disallowances, the timing of any rate increase or any other action by them, may reduce the Company’s revenues and profitability.

The Company’s operations and earnings are weather sensitive and seasonal.

     The Company’s gas sales revenue is generated primarily through the sale and delivery of natural gas to residential and commercial customers, who use natural gas mainly for space heating. Consequently, weather has a significant impact on sales and revenues. Given the impact of weather on the Company’s Gas Distribution Business, this segment is a seasonal business. Most of the Company’s gas sales revenue is generated in the first and fourth quarters of the calendar year and the Company typically experiences losses in the non-heating season, the second and third fiscal quarters of the year. As a result, a mild winter in one of the Company’s service areas can have a significant adverse impact on demand for natural gas and, consequently, earnings and results of operations.

     Warmer than normal weather over the last several years has adversely affected the results of operations of the Company’s Gas Distribution Business, which has accounted for more than 98% of consolidated operating revenues for the last three fiscal years. In the Michigan service area, the temperature was approximately 0.3% and 0.9% warmer than normal during 2004 and 2002, respectively, and approximately 4.7% colder than normal during 2003. The temperature was approximately 6.0%, 8.0% and 7.8% warmer than normal in the Alaska service area during 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The Company estimates that the combined impact of warmer or colder than normal temperatures in Michigan and Alaska reduced the gas sales margin of the gas distribution business by approximately $3.9 million, $2.7 million and $5.9 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

The Company’s customers may be able to acquire natural gas without using the Company’s distribution system, which would reduce revenues.

     Consistent with other gas distribution utilities, there is potential risk for industrial customers and electric generating plants, located in close proximity to interstate natural gas pipelines, to connect directly to such pipelines, which would reduce the Company’s revenues. Although the Company is not currently aware of any significant bypass efforts by its customers, the Company can make no assurances that its customers will not bypass the Company or that the Company could successfully retain such customers by employing any special efforts.

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Earnings growth is substantially dependent on customer growth.

     Many of the Company’s customers are increasingly endeavoring to conserve on energy costs through utilizing energy-efficient heating devices, increased insulation, alternative energy sources and other means. Over the past several years, average annual gas usage has been decreasing slightly because, among other things, new homes and appliances are typically more energy efficient than older homes and appliances. Accordingly, the Company’s earnings growth is substantially dependent on customer growth and may be adversely affected if the Company is unable to achieve customer growth within existing service territories or add additional customers by expanding service territories.

Operating results may be reduced by downturns in the economy.

     The Company’s operations are affected by the conditions and overall strength of the national, regional and local economies, which impacts the amount of residential, industrial and commercial growth and gas use in the Company’s service territories. Many of the Company’s commercial and industrial customers use natural gas in the production of their products. During economic downturns, these customers may see a decrease in demand for their products, which in turn may lead to a decrease in the amount of natural gas they require for production. Additionally, a weakening economy could adversely impact customer collections.

Volatility in the price of natural gas and alternative energy sources could reduce profits.

     The market price of alternative energy sources such as coal, electricity, oil and steam is the primary competitive factor affecting the demand for the Company’s gas transportation services. Certain large industrial customers may be able to use one or more alternative energy sources or shift production to other facilities if the price of natural gas and delivery services increase significantly. Natural gas has typically been less expensive than these alternative energy sources. However, over the past three years, natural gas prices have been volatile, making some of these alternative energy sources more economical than natural gas. During this period, certain of the Company’s large Michigan industrial customers periodically switched to alternative energy sources.

     To lessen the possibility of fuel switching by industrial customers, the Company offers flexible contract terms and additional services, such as gas storage and balancing. Partially offsetting the impact of this price sensitivity among certain large industrial customers has been the use of natural gas to reduce emissions from their plants. The Company cannot predict the future stability of natural gas prices nor can the Company make any assurances that the impact of environmental legislation or any special services offered will outweigh the negative effects of gas price volatility. Should these customers convert their requirements to another form of energy, the Company’s revenue could be reduced.

Liquidity and earnings could be adversely affected by the cost of purchasing gas and related actions by regulatory bodies concerning gas pricing mechanisms.

     Pricing for the Company’s gas distribution services are governed in Michigan by an MPSC-approved gas cost recovery, or GCR, pricing mechanism and in Alaska by an RCA-approved gas cost adjustment, or GCA, pricing mechanism. Both of these pricing mechanisms are designed so that, in the absence of any cost disallowances, the Company’s cost of gas purchased is passed-through to its customers and, therefore, the Company does not recognize any income on the gas commodity charge portion of customer rates.

     These pricing mechanisms allow for the adjustment of rates charged to customers for increases and decreases in the cost of gas purchased by the Company for sale to customers. However, in the Company’s gas distribution area regulated by the MPSC, any adjustment of rates under the GCR pricing mechanism process is subject to a MPSC review of the Company’s GCR gas purchase plans and actual gas purchases. A GCR gas purchase plan is filed annually with the MPSC by December 31 of each year for the upcoming April to March GCR period. A reconciliation case is filed by June 30 of each year to reconcile actual gas purchases during the previous April to March GCR period to the GCR gas purchase plan for the period. Both the GCR gas purchase plan and the reconciliation case may involve MPSC reviews of Company actions and decisions and potential cost disallowances. When costs are disallowed, such costs are expensed in the cost of gas but are not recovered in rates.

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     Under the GCR and GCA pricing mechanisms, the gas commodity charge portion of customers’ gas rates is adjusted annually to reflect the estimated cost of gas purchased for the upcoming 12-month period. Any difference between actual allowed cost of gas purchased and the estimate is deferred as either a gas charge over- or under-recovery and included in customer rates during the next GCR or GCA period. A gas charge over-recovery occurs when estimated cost of gas exceeds the actual cost of gas purchased and is reflected in Amounts Payable to Customers in the current liabilities section of the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. A gas charge under-recovery occurs when the actual cost of gas purchased exceeds the estimated cost of gas and is reflected in Gas Charges Recoverable from Customers in the current assets section of the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The allowed over-recovery or under-recovery is included in the next annual adjustment to the gas charge portion of rates. The GCR and GCA may be adjusted more frequently than annually if it is determined that there are significant variances from the estimates used in the annual determination.

Declining production from the Cook Inlet gas fields may result in potential deliverability problems in ENSTAR’s service area.

     ENSTAR’s Anchorage area gas supply system is not linked to major interstate and intrastate pipelines or natural gas supplies in other states or Canada. As a result, ENSTAR procures natural gas supplies under long-term RCA-approved contracts from producers in and near the Cook Inlet area. Production from the Cook Inlet gas fields is declining and new discoveries have been modest. As of January 1, 2004, the Cook Inlet area had approximately 2.1 trillion cubic feet, or Tcf, of total proved natural gas reserves according to the Alaska Department of Natural Resources Division of Oil and Gas 2004 Annual Report. Based on the Department’s reported 2003 net production of 208 Bcf, there is a reserve life of approximately 10 years, although shortages of daily deliverability could occur earlier. There is ongoing exploration for natural gas in the Cook Inlet area by several parties, including producers that have supply contracts with ENSTAR. The United States Geological Survey and Minerals Management Service has estimated that the Cook Inlet area contains approximately 2.3 Tcf of undiscovered natural gas, but there are no assurances that any of this natural gas will be discovered and, if discovered, can be produced economically.

     ENSTAR has been active in efforts to extend its supply of Cook Inlet gas and to find other gas sources. In addition, preliminary activity by other energy industry participants is underway to finance, permit and build a natural gas pipeline that would extend from Alaska’s North Slope, through Alaska and Canada, to the lower 48-states. Assuming this pipeline is built, the flow of natural gas through it could not be expected to begin before the middle of the next decade, at the earliest. The Company can provide no assurances, however, with respect to the building of this pipeline, when it will be put in service, or whether natural gas supplies transported by the pipeline would be available to ENSTAR customers.

Changes in the regulatory environment and recent events in the energy markets that are beyond the Company’s control may reduce profitability and limit access to capital markets.

     The Company’s rates and operations in its Gas Distribution Business are subject to regulation by various federal, state and local regulators as well as the actions of federal, state and local legislators. As a result of the energy crisis in California during 2000 and 2001, the volatility of natural gas prices in North America, the bankruptcy filings by certain energy companies and investigations by governmental authorities into energy trading activities, the collapse in market values of energy companies and the downgrading by rating agencies of a large number of companies in the energy sector, companies in the regulated and unregulated energy businesses have generally been under an increased amount of scrutiny by federal, state and local regulators, participants in the capital markets and the rating agencies. In addition, the FASB or the SEC could enact new accounting standards that could impact the way the Company is required to record revenues, assets and liabilities. The Company cannot predict or control what effect these types of events, or future actions of regulatory agencies in response to such events, may have on its business or access to the capital markets.

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The Company may be required to recognize additional impairment charges which would reduce reported earnings and result in a default under its credit facility.

     Pursuant to generally accepted accounting principles, the Company is required to perform impairment tests on its goodwill balance annually or at any time when events occur which could impact the value of its business segments. The Company’s determination of whether an impairment has occurred is based on an estimate of discounted cash flows attributable to reporting units that have goodwill. The Company must make long-term forecasts of future revenues, expenses and capital expenditures related to the reporting unit in order to make the estimate of discounted cash flows. These forecasts require assumptions about future demand, future market conditions, regulatory developments and other factors. Significant and unanticipated changes to these assumptions could require a provision for impairment in a future period that could substantially reduce the Company’s reported earnings in a period of such change. In addition, such charges would reduce the Company’s consolidated net worth and shareholders’ equity, increasing the Company’s debt to total capitalization ratio, which may result in a default under the Company’s credit facility.

The Company’s ability to use net operating loss carry-forwards may be impaired.

     As of December 31, 2004, the Company had available approximately $111 million of net operating losses, or NOLs, with which to offset the imposition of federal income taxes with respect to the Company’s future taxable income. In 2004, the Company underwent an “ownership change” for purposes of section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. In general, an ownership change occurs whenever there is a more than 50% change in the ownership of the stock of a corporation, taking into account all cumulative changes in ownership over the preceding three years. As a result of the ownership change, the Company’s ability to use approximately $103 million of its total NOLs in the future is limited. However, the Company believes that, based on the size of the limitation and projections of future taxable income, the Company will be able to utilize all of such NOLs before they expire.

     The issuance of additional shares in the Company’s capital stock could ultimately trigger another ownership change that could further limit the Company’s ability to use such NOLs. Future offerings by the Company coupled with changes in the ownership of the Company’s common stock (some of which will be beyond the Company’s control) could lead to a future ownership change. Any such future ownership change could result in the imposition of lower limits on the Company’s utilization of the NOLs to offset future taxable income as well as the Company’s ability to use certain built-in losses and tax credits. The magnitude of such limitations and their effect on the Company is very difficult to assess and will depend in part on the value of the Company at the time of any such ownership change and prevailing interest rates at such time.

The Company’s operations and business are subject to extensive environmental laws and regulations that may increase the Company’s cost of operations, impact or limit the Company’s business plans or expose the Company to environmental liabilities.

     The Company’s operations and business are subject to environmental laws and regulations that relate to the environment and health and safety, including those that impose liability for the costs of investigation and cleaning up, and damages to natural resources from, past spills, waste disposal on and off-site and other releases of hazardous materials or regulated substances. In particular, under applicable environmental requirements, the Company may be responsible for the investigation and remediation of environmental conditions at currently owned or leased sites, as well as formerly owned, leased, operated or used sites. The Company may be subject to associated liabilities, including liabilities resulting from lawsuits brought by private litigants, related to the operations of the Company’s facilities or the land on which such facilities are located, regardless or whether the Company leases or owns the facility, and regardless of whether such environmental conditions were created by the Company or by a prior owner or tenant, or by a third-party or a neighboring facility whose operations may have affected the Company’s facility or land.

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     Given the nature of the past operations conducted by the Company and others at the Company’s properties, there can be no assurance that all potential instances of soil or groundwater contamination have been identified, even for those properties where environmental site assessments or other investigations have been conducted. Changes in existing laws or policies or their enforcement, future spills or accidents or the discovery of currently unknown contamination may give rise to environmental liabilities which may be material. Based upon the information presently available, the Company expects to incur costs associated with investigatory and remedial actions at seven Michigan sites that were formerly manufactured gas plant operations. Because the extent of the soil and groundwater contamination at these sites has not been fully delineated and the scope of the Company’s liability (along with other responsible parties, if any) has not been determined, it is difficult for the Company to estimate the full extent of its liability at this time. However, it is possible that the Company’s share of such liability could be material. To the extent not fully recoverable from customers through regulatory rate proceedings or from insurance recovery, these costs could reduce earnings and harm the Company’s business.

     Compliance with the requirements and terms and conditions of the environmental licenses, permits and other approvals that are required for the operation of the Company’s business may cause the Company to incur substantial capital costs and operating expenses and may impose restrictions or limitations on the operation of the Company’s business, all of which could be substantial. Environmental health and safety regulations may also require the Company to install new or updated pollution control equipment, modify its operations or perform other corrective actions at its facilities. Existing environmental laws and regulations may be revised to become more stringent or new laws or regulations may be adopted or become applicable to the Company which may result in increased compliance costs or additional operating restrictions and could reduce earnings and harm the Company’s business, particularly if those costs are not fully recoverable from customers through regulatory rate proceedings.

Substantial operational risks are involved in operating a natural gas distribution, pipeline and storage system and such operational risks could reduce the Company’s revenues and increase expenses.

     There are substantial risks associated with the operation of a natural gas distribution, pipeline and storage system, such as operational hazards and unforeseen interruptions caused by events beyond the Company’s control. These include adverse weather conditions, accidents, the breakdown or failure of equipment or processes, the performance of pipeline facilities below expected levels of capacity and efficiency and catastrophic events such as explosions, fires, earthquakes, floods, landslides or other similar events beyond the Company’s control. These risks could result in injury or loss of life, extensive property damage, environmental pollution, which in turn could lead to substantial financial losses to the Company. In accordance with customary industry practice, the Company maintains insurance against some, but not all, of these risks. Liabilities incurred that were not fully covered by insurance could adversely affect the Company’s results of operation and financial condition. Additionally, interruptions to the operation of the Company’s gas distribution, pipeline or storage system caused by such an event could reduce revenues generated by the Company and increase expenses.

The Company is currently party to a proceeding before the RCA, the outcome of which is impossible to predict.

     The Company currently has pending before the RCA a proceeding concerning the investment in the Company’s Series B Convertible Preference Stock and Warrants by K-1 GHM, LLLP, an affiliate of k1 Ventures Limited, or K-1. By petition filed on June 17, 2004, the Company asked the RCA to rule that the purchase of such stock and Warrants by K-1, and the conversion or exercise of such stock and Warrants, as applicable, are not, and will not be, deemed a “Control Change” or otherwise constitute transactions requiring RCA approval. The Alaska Attorney General’s office has intervened in this proceeding, asserting, among other things, that (i) the Company’s issuance of the Series B Convertible Preference Stock and Warrants to K-1 resulted in a Control Change requiring prior approval by the RCA, (ii) such a Control Change does not adversely affect ENSTAR and therefore should be approved by the RCA, and (iii), in connection with approving this Control Change, the RCA should institute a rate proceeding to review ENSTAR’s base rates, using a 2005 test year and a new depreciation study for ENSTAR’s property. The

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Company believes that no Control Change occurred upon the issuance of the CPS and Warrants to K-1 and thus no RCA approval was required. The Company also opposes the proposal that the RCA institute a rate proceeding to review ENSTAR’s base rates and, in connection with that review, order that a depreciation study of ENSTAR’s property be done. The Company cannot predict the outcome of such issues with any certainty.

Risks Relating to the Company’s Indebtedness and Capital Stock

The bank credit agreement and the indentures governing the Company’s existing debt contain restrictive covenants that may reduce the Company’s flexibility in its business operations and limit its growth.

     The terms of the indentures relating to certain of the Company’s outstanding debt securities and of the Company’s bank credit agreement impose significant restrictions on the Company’s ability and, in some cases, the ability of the Company’s subsidiaries, to take a number of actions that the Company may otherwise desire to take, including:

  •   requiring the Company to dedicate a substantial portion of its cash flow from operations to the payment of principal and interest on the Company’s indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of cash flow for working capital, capital expenditures and other general business activities;
 
  •   requiring the Company to meet certain financial tests, which may affect the Company’s flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in the Company’s business and the industries in which the Company operates;
 
  •   limiting the Company’s ability to sell assets, make investments or acquire assets of, or merge or consolidate with, other companies;
 
  •   limiting the Company’s ability to repurchase or redeem its stock or enter into transactions with its stockholders or affiliates;
 
  •   limiting the Company’s ability to grant liens, incur additional indebtedness or contingent obligations or obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and general corporate and other activities; and
 
  •   detracting from the Company’s ability to successfully withstand a downturn in its business or the economy generally.

These covenants place constraints on the Company’s business and may adversely affect its growth, business, results of operations, liquidity and financial condition.

Failure to comply with the covenants in the Company’s bank credit agreement could lead to the acceleration of such debt and the Company then may have difficulty refinancing or otherwise repaying such indebtedness.

     Covenants contained in the Company’s bank credit agreement require maintenance of a minimum net worth (as calculated therein), which requirement was $213.3 million as of December 31, 2004 (subject to adjustments based on net income and certain issuances of stock); an interest coverage ratio of at least 1.25; and a debt-to-capitalization ratio of 0.65 or less. As of December 31, 2004, the Company was in compliance with all bank credit agreement covenants, with a net worth of $231.9 million, a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.30 and a debt-to-capitalization ratio of 62.7%. If the Company’s operating results caused the Company to fail a covenant test, the Company would be required to seek covenant relief from the Company’s lenders under its credit facility or, if unsuccessful, seek other financing alternatives. The Company cannot provide assurance that it would be able to obtain such relief or financing alternatives. The Company’s failure to comply with any of its financial covenants may result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of the debt under its credit facility or any other instruments evidencing indebtedness that contain cross-acceleration or cross-default provisions. In such a case, there can be no assurance that the Company would be able to refinance or otherwise repay such

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indebtedness, which could result in a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operation, liquidity and financial condition.

     Third parties may be deterred or prohibited from acquiring the Company’s capital stock, which could deprive the Company’s shareholders of the opportunity to gain a takeover premium and depress the Company’s stock price.

     Certain provisions of the Company’s organizational documents, as well as other statutory and regulatory factors, may have the effect of discouraging or preventing others from acquiring large blocks of the Company’s common stock, or making it difficult to do so, including the following:

  •   the Company’s articles of incorporation divide the Board into three classes that serve staggered terms;
 
  •   the Company’s directors may be removed only for cause and by the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares entitled to vote in the election of directors; and
 
  •   the Company’s Shareholder’s Rights Plan grants common shareholders the right to purchase shares of Series A Preference Stock upon the occurrence of certain triggering events (the purpose of the plan is to ensure that any potential purchaser of the Company must negotiate with the Company’s Board before an acquisition).

     In addition, the acquisition or accumulation of large blocks of the Company’s voting securities may require prior approval of the RCA and may result in the acquiring entity being deemed a public utility holding company and becoming subject to the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, which would result in substantial increases in that entity’s administrative, legal and regulatory compliance costs and have similar adverse consequences for the Company.

The Company’s existing bank credit agreement is set to expire in June of 2005. To the extent the Company is unable to renegotiate the terms of its bank credit agreement, the Company’s results of operation and financial results could be adversely affected.

     The Company’s existing bank credit agreement is set to expire on June 25, 2005, however, the Company anticipates that in the near-term it will enter into an amendment of the current bank credit agreement to, among other things, extend the expiration of the bank credit agreement to September 2005. At December 31, 2004, there was approximately $13.0 million in letters of credit outstanding on the credit facility and approximately $39.3 million in borrowings outstanding, leaving approximately $61.9 million of the bank credit agreement unused. Even after giving effect to the proposed amendment, in order to provide additional working capital to finance the Company’s operations in the future, the Company will need to renegotiate its existing bank credit agreement to allow the Company more flexibility with respect to its ability to pay dividends and other distributions on its capital stock. The Company can make no assurance that it will be able to renegotiate its credit agreement on terms that will provide the Company with this additional flexibility, if at all. If the Company is unable to negotiate favorable terms, the Company’s business, results of operations, liquidity and financial condition could be adversely affected.

Adverse changes in the Company’s credit ratings may limit the Company’s access to capital, increase the Company’s cost of capital, increase the cost of maintaining certain contractual relationships or otherwise have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operation, liquidity and financial condition.

     Since March 2003, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. has reduced the credit rating on the Company’s senior unsecured debt from Baa3 to Ba2. Since June 2003, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group has lowered the Company’s corporate credit rating from BBB- to BB-. While both Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group have removed the “negative outlook” in conjunction with their ratings, these downgrades have required the Company to pay higher interest rates for financing, increasing the Company’s cost of capital. Any additional downgrades could further increase the Company’s capital costs

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and limit its pool of potential investors and funding sources, possibly increasing the costs of operations or requiring the Company to use a higher percentage of its available borrowing capacity for ordinary course purposes.

     Further credit downgrades could also negatively affect the terms on which the Company can purchase gas and pipeline capacity. As a result of the prior downgrades noted above, two of the pipelines the Company utilizes have required prepayment for their services, one gas supplier has required the Company to pay multiple times in the month of delivery and other gas suppliers have requested prepayment or letters of credit. No assurance can be provided that customers and other suppliers will not impose additional requirements or restrictions on the conduct of the Company’s business.

     No assurance can be provided that any of its current ratings will remain in effect for any given period of time or that a rating will not be lowered or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency. Any downgrade, however, could adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations, liquidity and financial condition.

The Company’s substantial indebtedness may reduce its profitability, limit its growth and diminish its ability to respond to changing economic conditions.

     The Company’s business is capital intensive and the Company has significant amounts of debt. At December 31, 2004, the Company had total short and long-term debt of $537.7 million. The Company’s substantial debt may adversely affect its business, results of operations, liquidity and financial condition. For example, the Company’s substantial debt may:

  •   limit the Company’s ability to borrow additional funds;
 
  •   increase the cost of any future debt that the Company incurs;
 
  •   reduce cash flow from operations available for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes;
 
  •   limit the Company’s flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in its business and the industry in which it operates;
 
  •   place the Company at a competitive disadvantage as compared to the Company’s competitors that are less highly leveraged;
 
  •   result in a downgrade in the Company’s credit ratings; or
 
  •   diminish the Company’s ability to successfully withstand a downturn in its business or the economy generally.

     The Company’s ability to meet its debt service obligations and to reduce its total indebtedness will depend upon future performance, which will be subject to weather, general economic conditions, industry cycles and financial, business and other factors affecting the Company’s operations, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. No assurance can be provided that the Company’s business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will be available to the Company in an amount sufficient to enable the Company to pay its indebtedness or to fund its other liquidity needs. The Company may need to refinance all or a portion of its indebtedness on or before maturity. No assurance can be provided that the Company will be able to refinance any of its indebtedness, including its bank credit agreement, its existing debt and debt securities, on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

Despite the Company’s substantial indebtedness, the Company may still be able to incur more debt which could further exacerbate the risks associated with its substantial debt.

     Although the Company is presently limited in incurring additional indebtedness, the Company may be able to incur additional debt in the future. Restrictions applicable to the Company on the incurrence of additional debt contained in the indentures and bank credit agreement governing the Company’s existing debt are subject to a number of qualifications and exceptions that allow the Company to incur additional debt. An increase in the amount of indebtedness may negatively affect the Company’s capital structure and credit ratings. If new debt is added to the Company’s current debt levels, the risks that are now faced could intensify.

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The Company is vulnerable to interest rate risk with respect to its debt which could lead to an increase in interest expense.

     The Company is subject to interest rate risk in connection with the issuance of variable and fixed-rate debt. In order to maintain the Company’s desired mix of fixed-rate and variable-rate debt, the Company may use interest rate swap agreements and exchange fixed and variable-rate interest payment obligations over the life of the arrangements, without exchange of the underlying principal amounts. No assurance can be provided that the Company will be successful in structuring such swap agreements to effectively manage its risks. If the Company is unable to do so, its earnings may be reduced.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

GAS DISTRIBUTION BUSINESS SEGMENT

The gas delivery system of SEMCO Gas included approximately 160 miles of gas transmission pipelines and 5,529 miles of gas distribution mains and service lines at December 31, 2004. The pipelines, mains and service lines are located throughout the southern half of Michigan’s lower peninsula (centered in and around the cities of Port Huron, Albion, Battle Creek, Three Rivers, Niles and Holland) and also in the central and western areas of Michigan’s upper peninsula. At December 31, 2004, ENSTAR’s gas delivery system included approximately 393 miles of gas transmission pipelines and 2,527 miles of gas distribution mains and service lines. ENSTAR’s pipelines, mains and service lines are located in Anchorage and the Cook Inlet area.

     The distribution mains and service lines of the Gas Distribution Business are, for the most part, located on or under public streets, alleys, highways and other public places, or on private property not owned by the Company with permission or consent, except to an inconsequential extent, of the individual property owners. The distribution mains and service lines located on or under public streets, alleys, highways and other public places were properly installed under valid rights and consents granted by appropriate local authorities.

     The Gas Distribution Business owns underground gas storage facilities in eight depleted salt caverns and three depleted gas fields, together with related measuring, compressor and transmission facilities. The storage facilities are all located in Michigan. The aggregate working capacity of the storage system is approximately 5.1 Bcf.

     The Gas Distribution Business also owns meters and service lines, gas regulating and metering stations, garages, warehouses and other buildings necessary and useful in conducting its business. In addition, the Gas Distribution Business leases a significant portion of its transportation equipment and certain buildings.

CORPORATE AND OTHER

     The principal properties of this segment include interests and operations in information technology services, propane distribution, natural gas transmission pipelines, an underground gas storage system and general corporate facilities supporting these operations.

     The properties of the Company’s IT services business consist of a building, leasehold improvements, office equipment, telecommunications equipment and computer equipment. The building is located in Marysville, Michigan, and the remaining property is located in that building and in leased office space in Port Huron, Michigan.

     The property of the propane distribution operation consists primarily of pressurized propane storage tanks used by customers to store propane purchased from the Company and trucks for transporting propane. The Company also owns large propane storage tanks that allow the Company to store up to 258,000 gallons of propane inventory. The propane distribution property is all located in Michigan’s upper peninsula and northeast Wisconsin.

     The Company owns a 50% equity interest in the ERGSS. The Company’s equity investment in the ERGSS totaled approximately $6.4 million at December 31, 2004. This natural gas storage system, located near Eaton Rapids, Michigan, became operational in March 1990 and consists of approximately 12.8 Bcf of underground storage capacity. The Gas Distribution Business leases 6.5 Bcf of the capacity.

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     The following table sets forth the natural gas pipeline operations wholly or partially owned by the Company, the total net property of each system, and the Company’s ownership percentage and net property in each system at December 31, 2004:

                           
    Total     The Company’s     The Company’s  
(in thousands, except percents)   Net Property     Percent Ownership     Net Property  
 
Litchfield Lateral
  $ 7,695       33%       $ 2,565  
Greenwood Pipeline
    4,927       100%         4,927  
Eaton Rapids Pipeline
    398       100%         398  
 
 
  $ 13,020               $ 7,890  
 

     The Litchfield Lateral is a 31-mile pipeline located in southwest Michigan. The line, which is leased entirely to ANR Pipeline Company, links the ERGSS with interstate pipeline supplies. The Greenwood Pipeline, is an 17-mile pipeline that connects an interstate pipeline with the DTE Energy Greenwood Power Plant located near Port Huron, Michigan. The pipeline provides transportation services to the Greenwood Power Plant and also supplies the Gas Distribution Business’ service area north of Port Huron, Michigan. The Eaton Rapids Pipeline is a 37-mile pipeline that delivers gas from the ERGSS to the Gas Distribution Business’ systems in Battle Creek and Albion, Michigan.

     The Company’s corporate division is a cost center rather than a business segment. The properties of the corporate division primarily include leasehold improvements, office furniture, office equipment, computers and computer systems. These properties are located in a leased office building in Port Huron, Michigan, and leased office space in Troy, Michigan.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In the normal course of business, the Company may be a party to lawsuits and administrative proceedings before various courts and government agencies. The Company also may be involved in private dispute resolution proceedings. These lawsuits and proceedings may involve personal injury, property damage, contractual issues and other matters (including alleged violations of federal state and local laws, rules, regulations and orders). Management cannot predict the outcome or timing of any pending or threatened litigation or of actual or possible claims. Except as otherwise stated, management believes resulting liabilities, if any, will not have a material adverse impact upon the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

     In late March 2003, the Company was named in a putative class-action lawsuit alleging that approximately 30 defendants, including SEMCO Energy, Inc. and SEMCO Energy Ventures, Inc., engaged in practices that violated the Sherman Antitrust Act and tortiously interfered with the business of the plaintiffs. In October 2003, the plaintiff voluntarily dismissed this action in the jurisdiction in which the action was originally filed and gave the Company notice that it would refile the complaint in a different jurisdiction. In November 2003, the plaintiff filed a separate but similar lawsuit against SEMCO Energy Services, Inc., a company subsidiary no longer actively engaged in business and whose operations were sold in 1999. This lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed by the plaintiff in July 2004. A variation of the aforementioned putative class action lawsuit was filed in July 2004. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries were named as defendants. In October 2004, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint naming, among others, SEMCO Energy Services, Inc. and SEMCO Pipeline Company, as additional defendants. The amended lawsuit alleges violations of the Sherman Antitrust Act, the West Virginia Antitrust Act and various common law claims.

     In September 2003, the Company entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated September 16, 2003, to sell its wholly-owned subsidiary, APC, to Atlas Pipeline Partners, L.P. (“Atlas”) for $95 million (the “Agreement”). Pursuant to the Agreement, in October 2003, the Company and Atlas filed an application with the RCA seeking its final order approving the transfer, a special contract and certain other elements of the transaction specified in the Agreement and in the application. Several other parties intervened in this proceeding before the RCA and, as a result of negotiations, on March 26, 2004, the Company, Atlas and the interveners submitted to the RCA a stipulation attaching a proposed final order (“PFO”), which the parties requested that the RCA enter in this matter. After a hearing, the RCA on April 20, 2004 issued Order U-03-91(4) on the stipulation, which approved the transfer but which was not in the form of the requested PFO and did not on its face appear specifically to grant certain other approvals required by the agreement and sought by all parties. On May 5, 2004 the Company filed a motion with the RCA seeking, on an expedited basis, clarification (or, in the alternative, reconsideration) of its order. In response, on June 4, 2004, the RCA issued Order U-03-91(5) entitled “Order Granting Reconsideration, Vacating Order U-03-91(4), Rejecting Stipulation, Approving Transfer of Control, Allowing Parties to Request Further Proceedings, and Finding Motions For Expedited Consideration Moot,” which vacated the prior order and explicitly refused to grant four of the five regulatory approvals required for closing the transaction.

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     Following further discussion with Atlas, by letter dated July 1, 2004, the Company gave notice of termination of the Agreement. As a result, the Company recorded with respect to the second quarter of 2004, a write-off of expenses that it had incurred in connection with the proposed transaction amounting to approximately $1 million.

     In response to the Company’s notice, on July 23, 2004, Atlas initiated an arbitration proceeding with the American Arbitration Association, alleging that the Company breached and wrongfully terminated the Agreement and seeking compensatory damages from the Company of not less than $94.3 million. On December 31, 2004, Atlas and the Company entered into a settlement under which, among other things, the Company agreed to pay Atlas $5.5 million. Both parties executed claims releases, and neither party admitted any wrongdoing or liability related to the dispute. During the third and fourth quarter of 2004, the Company incurred $1.9 million in expenses associated with the arbitration proceeding and related settlement. The Company will continue to own and operate APC.

     In connection with the issuance of Convertible Preference Stock (“CPS”) and warrants (“Warrants”) to K-1 GHM, LLLP, an affiliate of the private equity firm k1 Ventures Limited (“K-1”), during 2004, the Company agreed to seek certain rulings from the RCA. This obligation would be satisfied if the RCA: (i) finds that the purchase of the CPS and Warrants by K-1, and the conversion or exercise of the CPS or Warrants, as applicable, are not, and will not be, deemed an acquisition of controlling interest in a corporation holding a certificate of public convenience and necessity (a “Control Change”) or otherwise constitute transactions requiring RCA approval; (ii) declares that RCA approval of such transactions is not required; or (iii), if the Company so elects, approves the Control Change. If the Company does not obtain such rulings from the RCA prior to March 19, 2005, among other things, the dividends payable on the CPS (which are currently at 6%) increase 1%, by quarter, subject to a cap of 12%, until such rulings are received. Under terms of the CPS, the Company also has the right, in the event such rulings are not obtained by March 19, 2005, and subject to certain conditions, to repurchase the CPS for $1,000 per share plus accrued but unpaid dividends and the cash value of dividends that would have been paid on the CPS over the following 12 months.

     By petition filed on June 17, 2004, the Company asked the RCA to rule that the purchase of the CPS and Warrants by K-1, and the conversion or exercise of the CPS or Warrants, as applicable, are not, and will not be, deemed a Control Change or otherwise constitute transactions requiring RCA approval. On September 22, 2004, the RCA issued an order finding that the RCA did not have the authority to make the requested determination without the Company’s filing an application for approval of a Control Change. On October 7, 2004, the Company asked the RCA to reconsider its order, on an expedited basis. On November 23, 2004, the RCA denied the Company’s Petition for Reconsideration and ordered a new docket to be opened in order to develop a sufficient record to allow a determination to be made as to whether the financing provided by K-1 constituted a Control Change or otherwise required RCA approval. The Alaska Attorney General has intervened in this docket, asserting in his initial comments, among other things, that (i) the Company’s issuance of the CPS and Warrants to K-1 resulted in a Control Change requiring prior approval by the RCA, (ii) such a Control Change does not adversely affect ENSTAR and therefore should be approved by the RCA, and (iii), in connection with approving this Control Change, the RCA should institute a rate proceeding to review ENSTAR’s base rates, using a 2005 test year and a new depreciation study for ENSTAR’s property. The Company believes that no Control Change occurred upon the issuance of the CPS and Warrants to K-1 and thus no RCA approval was required. The Company also opposes the proposal that the RCA institute a rate proceeding to review ENSTAR’s base rates and, in connection with that review, order that a depreciation study of ENSTAR’s property be done.

     In 1999, the Company acquired an underground construction services business in Georgia as part of expanding its operations to include non-utility businesses. The assets of this business were subsequently sold in September 2004. The acquisition agreement for this business contained an indemnification provision by which the sellers agreed to reimburse the Company for all costs and expenses associated with certain claims. One of these claims involves a recently-affirmed judgment for approximately $0.8 million. The sellers have contested the Company’s right to indemnification under the acquisition agreement and declined to reimburse the Company for its payments of approximately $1.2 million in connection with this judgment, including attorneys’ fees and costs. In February 2005, the Company filed an action in federal district court in Georgia to recoup amounts owed the Company under the indemnification provision.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

No matter was submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2004.

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PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

MARKET INFORMATION

The Company’s common stock began trading on the NYSE on January 6, 2000, with the trading symbol “SEN.” The table below shows the reported high and low sales prices of the Company’s common stock during 2004 and 2003, as reported on the NYSE.

                 
2004 Price Range  
Quarter   High     Low  
First Quarter
  $ 6.38     $ 4.80  
Second Quarter
  $ 6.35     $ 5.00  
Third Quarter
  $ 5.88     $ 4.86  
Fourth Quarter
  $ 5.74     $ 4.50  
                 
2003 Price Range  
Quarter   High     Low  
First Quarter
  $ 6.20     $ 3.15  
Second Quarter
  $ 8.80     $ 3.51  
Third Quarter
  $ 6.64     $ 3.45  
Fourth Quarter
  $ 5.27     $ 4.36  

     At February 28, 2005, the closing price of the Company’s common stock was $6.21 per share and the Company had 28,430,653 shares of common stock outstanding and had 8,261 registered common shareholders.

DIVIDENDS

For information regarding dividends, see Notes 4 and 15 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K and Selected Financial Data in Item 6 of this Form 10-K.

UNREGISTERED SECURITIES

During 2004, the Company issued an aggregate of 9,370 shares of unregistered common stock, valued at approximately $55,823, to members of the Company’s Board of Directors pursuant to equity compensation plans described in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement (filed pursuant to Regulation 14A), incorporated by reference in Item 12 of this Form 10-K. The transactions were exempt from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933. Information about the issuance of other unregistered equity securities during 2004 was included in the Company’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

     The following table sets forth selected financial and operating data. The selected financial data presented below as of December 31, 2000 and 2001, and for the years then ended, have been derived from the Company’s consolidated financial statements that were audited by Arthur Andersen LLP. The selected financial data presented below as of December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004, have been derived from the Company’s consolidated financial statements that were audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. You should read the selected financial data presented below in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements, the notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” appearing in Items 7 and 8 of this Form 10-K.

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SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

                                         
Years Ended December 31,   2004     2003     2002     2001     2000  
 
Statement of operations data (000’s)
                                       
Operating revenues
  $ 508,336     $ 472,955     $ 374,162     $ 328,663     $ 314,788  
 
 
                                       
Operating expenses
                                       
Cost of gas sold
  $ 346,241     $ 308,919     $ 220,422     $ 184,973     $ 161,945  
Operations and maintenance
    75,883  (e)     65,152       54,373       55,493  (g)     54,559  
Depreciation and amortization
    27,578       27,448       27,127       28,887       27,691  
Property and other taxes
    13,149       10,739       10,816       10,554       9,036  
 
 
  $ 462,851     $ 412,258     $ 312,738     $ 279,907     $ 253,231  
 
Operating Income
  $ 45,485     $ 60,697     $ 61,424     $ 48,756     $ 61,557  
Other income (deductions)
    (41,796 )     (61,561 ) (f)     (27,647 )     (27,418 )     (31,182 )
 
Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interest
  $ 3,689     $ (864 )   $ 33,777     $ 21,338     $ 30,375  
Income tax (expense) benefit
    467       80       (13,005 )     (7,100 )     (10,606 )
Minority interest — dividends on trust preferred securities, net of income tax benefit
          (4,300 )     (8,601 )     (8,603 )     (5,004 )
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 4,156     $ (5,084 )   $ 12,171     $ 5,635     $ 14,765  
Discontinued operations, net of income tax
                                       
Engineering services business
                10       (6,122 )     95  
Construction services business (a)
    (9,339 )     (24,871 )     (3,232 )     (5,874 )     1,833  
 
Net income (loss)
  $ (5,183 )   $ (29,955 )   $ 8,949     $ (6,361 )   $ 16,693  
Dividends on convertible preference stock
    3,203                          
 
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
  $ (8,386 )   $ (29,955 )   $ 8,949     $ (6,361 )   $ 16,693  
 
                                       
Common stock and per share data
                                       
Average shares outstanding (000’s)
                                       
Basic
    28,263       22,297       18,472       18,106       17,999  
Diluted
    33,726       22,297       18,493       18,106       18,619  
Earnings per share on income (loss) from continuing operations
                                       
Basic
  $ 0.15     $ (0.23 )   $ 0.66     $ 0.31     $ 0.82  
Diluted
  $ 0.12     $ (0.23 )   $ 0.66     $ 0.31     $ 0.79  
Earnings per share on net income (loss) available to common shareholders
                                       
Basic
  $ (0.30 )   $ (1.34 )   $ 0.48     $ (0.35 )   $ 0.93  
Diluted
  $ (0.30 )   $ (1.34 )   $ 0.48     $ (0.35 )   $ 0.90  
Dividends paid per share
  $ 0.15     $ 0.40     $ 0.59     $ 0.84     $ 0.84  
Dividends declared per share
  $ 0.08     $ 0.35     $ 0.50     $ 0.84     $ 0.84  
Dividends payout ratio
    n/a       n/a       120.4 %     n/a       90.1 %
 
                                       
Statement of financial position data (000’s) (b)
                                       
Total assets
  $ 926,198     $ 951,219     $ 927,703     $ 905,094     $ 889,214  
Capitalization
                                       
Long-term debt (c) (d)
  $ 498,427     $ 529,007     $ 505,462     $ 508,360     $ 447,304  
Series B convertible preference stock
    48,405                          
Common shareholders’ equity
    166,086       174,418       110,022       113,810       135,472  
 
Total Capitalization (c)
  $ 712,918     $ 703,425     $ 615,484     $ 622,170     $ 582,776  
 


(a)   Effective January 1, 2004, the Company began accounting for the construction services segment as a discontinued operation. Accordingly, for all years presented, its operating results are segregated and reported as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. For further information on this reclassification and the sale of the assets of the construction services businesses, see Note 14 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
 
(b)   At year end.
 
(c)   Includes current maturities of long-term debt.
 
(d)   Includes company-obligated mandatorily redeemable trust preferred securities for 2002 and prior years.
 
(e)   Includes $8,398,000 of expenses related to terminated sale of subsidiary and a $152,000 goodwill impairment charge.
 
(f)   Includes debt exchange and extinguishment expenses of $24,030,000.
 
(g)   Includes $3,005,000 for restructuring and asset impairment charges.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

BUSINESS STRATEGY SUMMARY

     The Company is now primarily a natural gas distribution company with operations in Michigan and Alaska. This results from the Company’s sale of its construction services business and the restructuring of the Company’s information technology services business during 2004. The Company provides natural gas service to approximately 398,000 customers, with approximately 280,000 customers in Michigan and 118,000 customers in Alaska. Approximately 90% of the Company’s market is residential customers. The Company’s business is seasonal. Earnings are significantly influenced by the weather and concentrated in the first and fourth fiscal quarters of the year. The Company typically experiences net losses in the non-heating season second and third fiscal quarters of the year. The Company’s business is regulated by the MPSC, CCBC, and RCA.

     The Company’s current strategic focus is two-fold. The Company is seeking to improve its financial situation, which includes improving its credit quality, increasing operating earnings and cash flow, and increasing its financial flexibility. In 2004, this effort included issuing $50 million of CPS and Warrants and calling $30 million of long-term debt. In June 2004, the Company suspended the common stock dividend, with the objective of supplementing free cash flow. The decision to suspend the dividend also reflects the Company’s desire to retain cash in order to strengthen its balance sheet, enhance financial flexibility and to be better positioned to grow the Company’s Gas Distribution Business in the future. The effort to improve the Company’s financial situation also included the sale of the Company’s construction services business for $21.3 million. This transaction was consummated in September 2004 and ended ongoing operating losses associated with that business that had adversely affected the Company’s financial performance. In addition, the settlement of the arbitration between the Company and Atlas in December 2004 resolved a significant financial uncertainty for the Company.

     In 2005, the Company looks to further improve its financial situation by achieving satisfactory results in base rate increase requests in Michigan. The Company currently has an $11.65 million annual base rate increase request pending before the MPSC. In the Company’s Battle Creek, Michigan service area, in February 2005, the CCBC approved an annual base rate increase totaling $3.55 million, beginning April 2005, with additional base rate increases of $150,000 to be put into effect beginning April 1, 2006, and 2007, respectively, subject to certain conditions, including the Company making annual contributions to assist low income customers in paying their bills for natural gas service. Improvement in the Company’s financial situation also depends on issuing and redeeming securities on reasonable terms during 2005, as appropriate, and controlling expenses (including capital expenditures and operations and maintenance expenses).

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     In addition, the Company intends to grow its natural gas distribution business (including related pipeline and storage operations) by seeking to make appropriate acquisitions and investments in Michigan, Alaska, and elsewhere. Its ability to make such acquisitions and investments will be affected by efforts to improve the Company’s financial situation as well as by the availability of appropriate acquisition and investment opportunities and the ability to consummate any such transactions on reasonable terms. In December 2004, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire Peninsular Gas Company for $3.1 million, which, if this transaction is consummated, would add approximately 3,900 customers in the upper peninsula of Michigan. A request related to rate matters was approved by the MPSC on February 24, 2005. The Company expects to close on this transaction prior to November 1, 2005. This is a small acquisition, but illustrative of the Company’s current strategic direction.

     It is the Company’s intent that any such acquisitions and investments, which typically would be subject to federal and state regulatory approvals, would be accretive to earnings. It is unlikely, however, that such acquisitions and investments, if made, would significantly change the profile of the Company’s business, since the natural gas distribution operations the Company would acquire would likely share the characteristic of having earnings that are significantly influenced by the weather. Such acquisitions and investments also would likely involve companies that are subject to regulation with respect to services, rates, and other terms and conditions of service by federal, state, and local regulatory bodies.

SUMMARY OF RESULT OF OPERATIONS

     The discussions in this section are summarized and intended to provide a high-level overview of the results of operations of the Company. In most instances, the items discussed here are covered in greater detail in later sections of Management’s Discussion and Analysis. All references to earnings or losses per share (“EPS”) in Management’s Discussion and Analysis are on a fully diluted basis. For information related to the calculation of diluted EPS, refer to Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. The following table summarizes the Company’s operating results for the past three years:

                         
Years Ended December 31,   2004     2003     2002  
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)                        
Operating revenues
  $ 508,336     $ 472,955     $ 374,162  
Other operating expenses
    462,851       412,258       312,738  
 
Operating income
  $ 45,485     $ 60,697     $ 61,424  
Other income (deductions)
    (41,796 )     (61,561 )     (27,647 )
Income tax (expense) benefit
    467       80       (13,005 )
Minority interest - dividends on trust preferred securities, net of income tax benefit
          (4,300 )     (8,601 )
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 4,156     $ (5,084 )   $ 12,171  
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax
    (9,339 )     (24,871 )     (3,222 )
 
Net income (loss)
  $ (5,183 )   $ (29,955 )   $ 8,949  
Dividends on convertible preference stock
    3,203              
 
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
  $ (8,386 )   $ (29,955 )   $ 8,949  
 
                       
Earnings per share - basic
                       
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 0.15     $ (0.23 )   $ 0.66  
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
  $ (0.30 )   $ (1.34 )   $ 0.48  
 
                       
Earnings per share - diluted
                       
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 0.12     $ (0.23 )   $ 0.66  
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
  $ (0.30 )   $ (1.34 )   $ 0.48  
 
                       
Average common shares outstanding -basic
    28,263       22,297       18,472  
Average common shares outstanding -diluted
    33,726       22,297       18,493  

     The $8.4 million net loss for 2004 is a $21.6 million improvement over 2003 results. The primary factors contributing to this improvement were a $15.5 million decrease in losses from the Company’s discontinued construction services business, the non-recurrence in 2004 of an expense recorded in 2003 of $24.0 million, or $15.0 million net of income taxes, for debt exchange and

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extinguishment costs, and a change in estimate of prior years’ state income taxes, which resulted in an additional income tax benefit of $2.2 million in 2004. The Company does not expect further losses from the construction services business after 2004, as substantially all the operating assets of this business were sold during 2004. The reduction in losses from the discontinued operations was partially offset by a decrease in operating income from the Company’s continuing operations of $15.2 million, or approximately $9.5 million net of income taxes, and an increase in financing costs of approximately $1.8 million net of income taxes. Approximately $8.4 million of the decrease in operating income was due to $2.9 million in costs associated with the Atlas arbitration proceeding and a payment of $5.5 million to settle the matter. The Company does not expect to incur any significant costs associated with the arbitration proceeding after 2004. The change in financing costs consists of dividends on the CPS that was issued in 2004, partially offset by a net decrease in interest expense and dividends on trust preferred securities.

     The net loss of $30.0 million for 2003 represents a decrease of $38.9 million from the net income of $8.9 million reported for 2002. The most significant items contributing to the decrease in results for 2003 were a $21.6 million increase in losses from the Company’s discontinued construction services business and an expense of $24.0 million, or $15.0 million net of income taxes, for debt exchange and extinguishment costs. The losses associated with the Company’s discontinued construction services business included charges of $20.4 million, or $17.4 million net of income taxes, for impairment of goodwill and fixed assets. The debt exchange and extinguishment costs were make-whole premiums and similar items associated with the refinancing and exchange of a significant portion of the Company’s debt. As a result of this refinancing, the Company does not have any significant amounts of long-term debt maturing until 2008. Also contributing to the decrease in operating results for 2003 was a net increase in financing costs (interest expense and dividends on trust preferred securities) of approximately $1.8 million net of income taxes and a decrease in operating income from the Company’s continuing operations of $0.7 million, or $0.5 million net of income taxes.

     The business segment analysis and other discussions on the next several pages provide additional information regarding the differences in operating results when comparing 2004, 2003 and 2002.

THE IMPACT OF WEATHER

     Temperature fluctuations have a significant impact on operating results of the Company, accordingly the Company believes that information about normal temperatures is useful for understanding its business and those operating results. Usage of natural gas for heating is affected by weather, and a portion of the Company’s revenues are collected through usage-based charges. The Company’s budgets, forecasts and business plans are prepared by management using expected gas consumption under normal weather conditions. The regulatory bodies that have jurisdiction over the rates charged by the Gas Distribution Business use weather-normalized data to set customer rates and to establish authorized rates of return.

     The Company estimates the impact of weather on its operating results by comparing actual gas consumption per customer during a period to the average of weather-normalized customer gas consumption during previous periods. The difference is multiplied by the average number of customers during the period to arrive at the total estimated increase or decrease in consumption associated with weather. The total increase or decrease in consumption is multiplied by the actual margin per unit of consumption during the period to arrive at the estimated impact of weather on operating results for the period. The weather-normalized customer consumption used in this calculation is determined by multiplying actual customer gas consumption during a particular period by a ratio, the numerator of which is an average of degree days during the same periods in the prior fifteen years, and the denominator of which is the actual degree days for that period.

     The Company determines the percent (%) that weather is warmer or colder than normal for a particular period by computing the deviation of actual degree days for that period from the average of degree days during the same periods in the prior fifteen years and dividing the deviation by such fifteen-year average. Degree days are a measure of coldness determined daily as the number of degrees the average temperature during the day in question is below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Degree days for a particular period are determined by adding the degree days incurred during each day of that period.

     In the Company’s Michigan service area, weather was approximately 0.3% and 0.9% warmer than normal during 2004 and 2002, respectively, and approximately 4.7% colder than normal during 2003. Weather was approximately 6.0%, 8.0% and 7.8% warmer than normal in the Company’s Alaska service area during 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The Company has estimated that the combined impact of warmer or colder than normal temperatures in Michigan and Alaska reduced the gas sales margin of the Gas Distribution Business by approximately $3.9 million, $2.7 million and $5.9 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Adjusted for income taxes, the estimated reduction was approximately $2.4 million, $1.5 million and $3.6 million, respectively, in those years.

CHANGES TO REPORTABLE BUSINESS SEGMENTS

     The Company is required to disclose information regarding its reportable business segments. Business segments that do not exceed the quantitative thresholds required to be reportable business segments are combined and included with the Company’s corporate division in a category the Company refers to as “corporate and other.” In prior years, the Company reported the following reportable business segments: (1) gas distribution; (2) construction services; (3) information technology services; and (4) propane,

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pipelines and storage. The information technology services segment and the propane, pipelines and storage segment did not meet the quantitative thresholds required to be reportable business segments. However, previous management voluntarily elected to disclose information about these segments.

     Beginning with this Form 10-K, the Company will report one reportable business segment: gas distribution. This change is the result of the Company’s current strategy and focus on its Gas Distribution Business. The operating results of this business segment are discussed on the following pages. There is also a discussion of the results for corporate and other. The Company evaluates the performance of its business segments based on operating income. Operating income does not include income taxes, interest expense, discontinued operations, or other non-operating income and expense items. A review of the non-operating items follows the Gas Distribution Business and corporate and other discussions. The business segment discussions should be read in conjunction with Item 1 of this Form 10-K, which provides information regarding competition and other business matters. Refer to Note 11 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further information regarding business segments and a summary of business segment financial information.

GAS DISTRIBUTION BUSINESS SEGMENT

     Gas Sales Revenue. The Company’s gas sales revenue was $463.4 million, $427.9 million and $335.7 million for 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The primary factor causing the change in gas sales revenue from year-to-year is the change in the cost of gas sold. A significant portion of the Company’s cost of gas sold is accounted for under regulatory body-approved GCR and gas cost adjustment (“GCA”) mechanisms, which allow for the adjustment of rates charged to customers to reflect increases and decreases in the cost of gas purchased by the Company. Under the GCR and GCA mechanisms, customers are charged rates that allow the Company to recoup its cost of gas purchased for sale to customers, subject, in Michigan, to a review by the MPSC of the Company’s GCR gas purchase plan and actual purchases. In Alaska, gas supply contracts are reviewed by the RCA at the time the Company enters into those contracts. As a result of the use of the GCR and GCA mechanisms, in the absence of gas cost disallowances, for any allowed increase or decrease in cost of gas sold, there is a corresponding increase or decrease in gas sales revenue. Refer to the caption “Cost of Gas” in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further information on cost of gas and the GCR and GCA mechanisms. Management generally evaluates changes in gas sales margin rather than gas sales revenue due to the large fluctuations caused by market-driven changes in cost of gas sold. Please refer to the gas sales margin section below for a detailed variance analysis.
                         
Years Ended December 31,   2004     2003     2002  
 
($ in thousands)
                       
Gas sales revenues
  $ 463,356     $ 427,936     $ 335,655  
Cost of gas sold
    346,241       308,919       220,422  
 
Gas sales margin
  $ 117,115     $ 119,017     $ 115,233  
Gas transportation revenue
    29,071       27,737       25,707  
Other operating revenue
    5,822       7,216       3,911  
 
 
  $ 152,008     $ 153,970     $ 144,851  
Operations and maintenance
    60,779       58,935       50,304  
Depreciation and amortization
    25,925       25,528       25,342  
Property and other taxes
    12,544       10,285       10,019  
 
Operating income
  $ 52,760     $ 59,222     $ 59,186  
 
Volumes of gas sold (MMcf)
    66,165       67,272       65,057  
Volumes of gas transported (MMcf)
    56,619       51,358       44,921  
Number of customers at year end
    398,225       390,677       383,298  
Average number of customers
                       
Gas sales customers
    391,495       384,459       375,997  
Transportation customers
    1,540       1,481       2,391  
 
 
    393,035       385,940       378,388  
 
Degree Days
                       
Alaska
    9,573       9,384       9,392  
Michigan
    6,726       7,063       6,668  
Percent colder (warmer) than normal
                       
Alaska
    (6.0 )%     (8.0 )%     (7.8 )%
Michigan
    (.3 )%     4.7 %     (.9 )%

The amounts in the above table include intercompany transactions.

     Gas Sales Margin. The Company’s gas sales margin is derived primarily from customer service fees and usage-based distribution fees. The customer service fees are fixed amounts charged to customers each month. Distribution fees vary each month because they are based on the volume of gas consumed by customers. There are four primary factors that have impacted gas sales margin over the past three years and may impact future gas sales margin. These factors are changes in: (1) customer gas consumption; (2) the number of gas sales customers; (3) unaccounted-for gas; and (4) customer rates and gas cost savings.

     Changes in customer gas consumption from one year to another are attributable primarily to the impact of changes in temperatures between periods. However, other factors (including conservation by customers, the increasing use of more energy efficient gas furnaces and appliances, the addition of new energy efficient homes to the Company’s gas distribution system and the price of natural gas) also contribute to changes in customer gas consumption. A decrease in customer gas consumption reduced gas sales margin for 2004 by approximately $2.3 million, when compared to 2003. An increase in customer gas consumption from 2002 to 2003 increased gas sales margin for 2003 by approximately $0.6 million.

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     The average number of gas sales customers in Michigan and Alaska combined has increased by an average of 2.5% annually during the past three years. During 2004, the Company’s average number of gas sales customers increased by 7,037. During 2003, the Company’s average number of gas sales customers increased by 8,462. However, 970 of the 2003 increase represented customers switching from transportation service to general gas sales service. The remaining increase of approximately 7,500 represents the average number of new gas sales customers added in 2003. Customer additions increased gas sales margin for 2004 by approximately $2.1 million, when compared to 2003. Customer additions from 2002 to 2003 increased gas sales margin for 2003 by approximately $2.2 million. Customers switching from transportation service to general gas sales service in 2003 increased gas sales margin for 2003 by approximately $0.4 million, when compared to 2002.

     Unaccounted-for gas is a term used in the natural gas distribution industry to refer to the difference between the gas that is measured and injected into the Company’s gas distribution system and the amount of gas measured at customer meters. Typically, there is more gas injected into a gas utility’s distribution system than is actually measured as sold or transported at customer meters. There are a number of reasons for this unaccounted-for gas, including gas used by compressor stations along the system, measurement errors, and small leaks. The annual unaccounted-for gas volumes of the Gas Distribution Business typically range from 0.5% to 1.4% of total gas volumes sold and transported. An increase in unaccounted-for gas decreased gas sales margin for 2004 by approximately $1.0 million, when compared to 2003. A decrease in unaccounted-for gas from 2002 to 2003 increased gas sales margin for 2003 by approximately $0.3 million. The cost of unaccounted for gas is affected by the underlying commodity cost and rate mechanisms employed to price unaccounted-for volumes and recover this cost from customers.

     Changes in customer rates and gas cost savings directly affect gas sales margin. A reduction in customer rates at ENSTAR was required by an order issued by the RCA based on a rate review. The rate reduction took effect in September 2002 and generally reduced annual gas sales margins at ENSTAR by approximately 3.6%. There was an increase in customer rates effective in May 2003, for MPSC customers. The rate increase for MPSC customers was the result of a settlement agreement reached with the MPSC. The rate increase generally increased annual gas sales margins generated from MPSC customers by approximately 4.8%. Under the terms of a third-party natural gas supply and management agreement for the Company’s service areas regulated by the CCBC, certain gas cost savings are passed through to the Company. Gas cost savings realized under this agreement can vary from year to year. This agreement expires on March 31, 2005, at that time, the Company’s service area regulated by the CCBC will begin using a GCR pricing mechanism and will no longer realize gas costs savings. The CCBC has approved new rates for CCBC customers, to be effective with the first customer billing cycle of April 2005, and the use of a GCR pricing mechanism, to be effective April 1, 2005. These approvals are the result of a rate case filing to recover in part, increases in operating and regulatory compliance expenses. The rate related revenue increase is expected to more than offset the loss of gas cost savings. For information on new rates and rate cases filed by the Company, refer to Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. For further information regarding the Company’s natural gas supply and management agreements, GCR and GCA pricing mechanisms and gas cost savings, refer to the caption “Cost of Gas” in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

     The remainder of the change in gas sales margin from 2003 to 2004, a decrease of $0.7 million, was due primarily to changes in rates and gas cost savings, as well as other miscellaneous factors. These same items also contributed to a change in gas sales margin from 2002 to 2003, an increase of $0.3 million.

     Gas Transportation Revenue. The Company provides gas transportation services to customers who typically consume large volumes of gas. These customers purchase their gas directly from third-party suppliers. The gas purchased by customers from third-party suppliers is then transported on the Company’s gas distribution system to the customers. There was a $1.3 million increase in gas transportation revenue in 2004, when compared to 2003. The primary reasons for the increase were increases in transportation volumes and rates for commercial transport customers, as well as an increase in transportation volumes for industrial and power plant transport customers. During 2003, there was a $2.0 million increase in gas transportation revenue when compared to 2002. The primary causes of the increase were an increase in transportation volumes at ENSTAR, partially offset by the impact of a rate reduction at ENSTAR and customers switching from transportation service to gas sales service in Michigan. The customers switching from transportation services to gas sales services during 2002 and 2003 generally represent small volume customers who were participating in a special program similar to the Company’s Gas Customer Choice Program. When the special program ended in March 2002, the participating customers were obliged to utilize the Company’s gas sales service. For information on the Gas Customer Choice Program, refer to the caption “Gas Sales” in Item 1 of this Form 10-K.

     Other Operating Revenue. Increases in miscellaneous customer revenues and pipeline management revenues are the primary reasons for changes in other operating revenue during the past three years. The miscellaneous customer revenues include various service fees and late payment fees charged to customers. An increase in these fees from 2003 to 2004 increased other operating revenue for 2004 by approximately $1.2 million. The change in these fees caused other operating revenue to increase by approximately $0.7 million for 2003, when compared to 2002.

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     The pipeline management revenue is earned by Norstar. These revenues increased approximately $2.5 million in 2003, when compared to 2002, because of revenues earned from Norstar’s management of a pipeline construction project completed in 2003. Pipeline management revenue for 2004 decreased approximately $2.6 million from 2003 because Norstar was only performing routine pipeline management work and did not have a large management project similar to the project Norstar managed in 2003.

     Operations and Maintenance Expenses. For the year 2004, operations and maintenance (“O&M”) expenses increased by $1.8 million when compared to 2003. During 2003, O&M expenses increased by $8.6 million when compared to 2002. The changes in operating expenses over the past three years resulted from four primary factors: (1) employee benefit costs; (2) professional fees; (3) commercial insurance and claims costs; and (4) uncollectible customer accounts.

     Employee benefit costs primarily include pension expense and medical coverage expense, including retiree medical coverage. For 2004, pension expense increased by approximately $0.2 million while medical coverage costs decreased by approximately $1.6 million. The decrease in medical coverage costs was primarily due to plan modifications that required employees and retirees to pay for a larger portion of their medical coverage costs and a decrease in retiree medical expense due to the provisions of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (“Medicare Act”). For more information on the Medicare Act, refer to Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. For 2003, employee benefit costs increased by approximately $3.5 million, when compared to 2002.

     The changes in professional fees are due in large part to compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Professional fees increased in 2004 by approximately $2.3 million, when compared to 2003. During 2003, professional fees increased by approximately $0.4 million, when compared to 2002.

     Commercial insurance and claims costs increased by approximately $0.7 million for 2004, when compared to 2003. For 2003, commercial insurance and claims costs increased by approximately $1.6 million, when compared to 2002. Commercial insurance costs have increased significantly over the past few years as a result of the September 11, 2001 attack, which has caused increases in liability insurance, and recent corporate financial wrongdoing by other large companies, which has increased director and officer liability insurance costs. The Company had previously been shielded from these increases due to a three-year fixed premium general liability policy, which expired in 2003, and a fixed-premium excess liability policy, which expired in 2004.

     Uncollectible customer accounts decreased by approximately $0.7 million in 2004, when compared to 2003. By comparison, during 2003, uncollectible customer accounts increased by approximately $1.5 million, when compared to 2002. The increase in 2003 was due primarily to local economic factors and a few large write-offs associated with customer bankruptcies. The decrease in uncollectible customer accounts in 2004 was primarily due to a reduction in large-customer bankruptcy write-offs.

     The remaining increase in O&M expenses from 2002 to 2003, and from 2003 to 2004, was caused by increases in various other expenses due primarily to inflationary pressures on expenses and the increased cost of doing business.

     When expenses continue to increase as a result of inflation or other factors, the Company typically files base rate cases to recover the increased cost of doing business. Refer to Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for information regarding recent rate case filings.

     Depreciation and Amortization. The addition of new customers to the Company’s gas distribution system typically requires expansion of the system. In addition, the Company has a replacement program to ensure that older sections of its distribution system are being upgraded and replaced. The increase in depreciation and amortization expense from year to year is due to depreciation on net additional property, plant and equipment placed in service as a result of expanding and upgrading the system.

     Property and Other Taxes. The Company’s property and other taxes have increased over the past three years. The increases are primarily attributed to property taxes. Each year the Company’s property taxes generally increase as a result of taxes on net additional property, plant and equipment placed in service as part of the expansion and upgrading of the Company’s gas distribution system. During 2004, the Company also incurred $1.4 million in additional property tax expense as a result of adjusting the amount of proceeds the Company expects to recover from certain prior years’ property tax appeals. Disregarding the $1.4 million adjustment, property taxes accounted for 71% to 74% of the amounts reported for property and other taxes during 2004, 2003 and 2002. Refer to Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for information about the property tax appeals.

     Regulatory, Environmental and Other Matters. For further information regarding regulatory matters and the application of the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) 71, “Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation,” refer to Notes 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, the “Critical Accounting Policies” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis and the Rates and Regulation section in Item 1 of this Form 10-K. For information regarding environmental matters and property tax litigation, refer to Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. Refer to the section titled “Gas Distribution” in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for information on competition in this business segment.

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CORPORATE AND OTHER

                         
Years Ended December 31,   2004     2003     2002  
 
(in thousands)                        
Operating revenues
  $ 17,152     $ 17,220     $ 17,180  
Operating expenses
    24,427       15,745       14,942  
 
Operating income (loss)
  $ (7,275 )   $ 1,475     $ 2,238  
 


The amounts in the above table include intercompany transactions.

Operating Revenues. The Company’s businesses that are part of corporate and other, reported operating revenues of $17.2 million for all three years, 2004, 2003 and 2002. The composition of these revenues was also essentially the same in 2004, when compared to 2003. However, the underlying revenues for 2003, when compared to 2002, did change by offsetting amounts. There was a $0.9 million increase in propane distribution revenues as a result of colder weather in the Company’s propane distribution service area and an increase in the market price for propane. This increase in revenues was offset partially by a $0.6 million decrease in information technology services revenues, primarily due to a decrease in IT projects with affiliated customers, and a $0.2 million decrease in rental revenues. The decrease in rental revenue related to a building owned by one of the Company’s subsidiaries and rented to Company affiliates. The building was sold in December 2002 and the Company leased the building from the purchaser until the Company moved into its new leased headquarters in 2005. The $17.2 million of operating revenues for corporate and other during 2004 consisted of $9.2 million of IT services revenue, $5.5 million of propane distribution revenue, $2.3 million of gas pipeline revenue, and $0.2 million in other miscellaneous revenue.

Operating Income. Corporate and other reported an operating loss of $7.3 million for 2004, compared to operating income of $1.5 million for 2003 and operating income of $2.2 million for 2002. The primary cause of the decrease in 2004, when compared to 2003, was $2.9 million in costs associated with the Atlas arbitration proceeding and a payment of $5.5 million to settle the matter. The remainder of the decrease for 2004, when compared to 2003, was due primarily to goodwill and fixed asset impairment charges of $0.4 million at the Company’s IT operations and an increase in corporate consulting and professional fees, partially offset by a $0.3 million decrease in depreciation. The decrease during 2003, compared to 2002, was due primarily to a $0.5 million increase in corporate consulting and professional fees, the $0.2 million decrease in rental revenue discussed above, a $0.1 million increase in depreciation, and losses on the sale of equipment, partially offset by lower operating expenses and business taxes. The $7.3 million operating loss for corporate and other during 2004 consisted of approximately $9.6 million operating losses from the Company’s corporate division and other small operations, partially offset by $0.5 million of IT services operating income, $0.5 million of propane distribution operating income and $1.3 million of gas pipeline operating income.

OTHER INCOME AND DEDUCTIONS

                         
Years Ended December 31,   2004     2003     2002  
 
(in thousands)                        
Interest expense
  $ (44,293 )   $ (39,685 )   $ (29,975 )
Debt exchange and extinguishment costs
          (24,030 )      
Other
    2,497       2,154       2,328  
 
Total other income (deductions)
  $ (41,796 )   $ (61,561 )   $ (27,647 )
 

     Interest Expense. Interest expense increased by $4.6 million in 2004, when compared to 2003, and increased by $9.7 million in 2003, when compared to 2002. Contributing to the increases were the adoption during 2003 of SFAS 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity,” and FASB Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51” (“FIN 46”). Dividends on Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable trust preferred securities (“trust preferred securities”) issued by the Company’s capital trusts and interest expense on the Company’s debt held by the capital trusts incurred after July 1, 2003, has been reflected in interest expense as a result of adopting these accounting standards. These changes account for $1.0 million of the increase in interest during 2004 and $3.2 million of the increase during 2003. For further information on SFAS 150 and other new accounting standards that affect the trust preferred securities, refer to Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. The remainder of the increase in interest expense was primarily due to higher levels of long-term debt, an increase in financing fees related to the Company’s short-term bank

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credit facility and an increase in amortization of debt issuance costs due to the issuance of additional long-term debt in 2003, partially offset by lower levels of short-term bank borrowings. A larger portion of the Company’s outstanding debt during all of 2004 and half of 2003 was long-term debt, which has a higher rate of interest than the Company’s short-term bank credit facility.

     Refer to Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for information regarding the issuance and retirement of debt and trust-preferred securities during the past three years.

     Debt Exchange and Extinguishment Costs. For 2003, the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations reflect $24 million of debt exchange and extinguishment costs. In May 2003, the Company completed a refinancing of certain of its long-term debt through the issuance of new senior unsecured notes and the exchange and repurchase of existing notes. In connection with the repurchase of existing notes, the Company paid approximately $24 million for make-whole premiums or similar items. For further information regarding the refinancing and the debt exchange and extinguishment costs, refer to Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

     Other Income. The $0.3 million increase in other income for 2004, when compared to 2003, was primarily due to higher equity earnings from the Company’s investment in ERGSS, the Company’s gas storage partnership and an increase in allowance for funds used during construction, or AFUDC. The $0.2 million decrease in other income for 2003, when compared to 2002, was primarily due to the non-recurrence in 2003 of income from a project completed by the Company for a third-party in 2002, offset partially by higher equity earnings from ERGSS.

INCOME TAXES

     The change in income taxes, when comparing one year to another, is due primarily to changes in income before income taxes and minority interest. However, in 2004, the Company made a change in estimate of prior years’ state income taxes, which resulted in an additional income tax benefit of approximately $2.2 million. Refer to Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for information on current and deferred income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and recent net operating losses for tax purposes.

MINORITY INTEREST - DIVIDENDS ON COMPANY- OBLIGATED MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE TRUST
PREFERRED SECURITIES OF SUBSIDIARIES HOLDING SOLELY DEBT SECURITIES OF SEMCO ENERGY, INC., NET OF INCOME TAX BENEFIT

     As discussed in the “Interest Expense” section, dividends on trust preferred securities incurred after July 1, 2003, were reflected in interest expense rather than in minority interest. This change accounts for the decrease in dividends on trust preferred securities in 2004, when compared to 2003, and the decrease in 2003, when compared to 2002. In addition, the retirement of approximately $101 million of trust preferred securities in August 2003 also contributed to the decrease in dividends on trust preferred securities. For further information on the retirement of the trust preferred securities, see Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

     Substantially all the operating assets of the Company’s construction services business were sold in September 2004. As a result, the Company does not expect future losses from this business after 2004. The Company has accounted for this business as a discontinued operation and, accordingly, the operating results and the loss on the disposal of this business are segregated and reported as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. For additional information, including a component breakdown of operating results reflected in discontinued operations, refer to Note 14 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

DIVIDENDS ON CONVERTIBLE PREFERENCE STOCK

     The Company issued CPS in the first and second quarters of 2004. These securities and the paid-in-kind, non-cash dividends on these securities are described in Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Non-cash dividends on the CPS were $3.2 million for the year ending December 31, 2004.

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

     Cash Flows Used For Investing. The Company’s Gas Distribution Business is capital intensive and a substantial amount of cash is spent annually on investments in property, plant and equipment. The following table identifies capital investments for the past three years:

                         
Years Ended December 31,   2004     2003     2002  
 
(in thousands)                        
Capital investments
                       
Property additions - gas distribution
  $ 37,924     $ 28,323     $ 29,972  
Property additions - corporate and other
    988       1,843       5,005  
 
 
  $ 38,912     $ 30,166     $ 34,977  
 

     Property additions for the Gas Distribution Business primarily represent gas service lines for new customers and, to a lesser extent, gas main and service line replacements. Property additions for the Gas Distribution Business increased $9.6 million during 2004, when compared to 2003. The primary reasons for the increase were a $5 million pipeline project for APC and $1 million spent on a new billing system for the Company. In 2005, the Company plans to spend approximately $40 million on Gas Distribution Business property additions. Property additions for corporate and other decreased $0.9 million during 2004, when compared to 2003. The primary reason for the decrease was the and sale of the Company’s construction services business. During 2002, the Company received $4.5 million in proceeds for the sale of two buildings and vacant land, net of costs. The two buildings housed a large portion of the operations and administrative personnel of SEMCO Gas. After the sale, these two facilities were leased by the Company until it moved into its new headquarters in 2005.

     Cash Flows Provided by Operations. The Company’s net cash provided by (used for) operating activities totaled $40.2 million in 2004, $(12.5) million in 2003 and $26.2 million in 2002. The change in operating cash flows is influenced by changes in the level and cost of gas in underground storage, changes in accounts receivable and accounts payable and other working capital changes. The changes in these accounts are largely the result of the timing of cash receipts and payments. The change in cash provided by operating activities is also impacted by changes in the operating results of the Company’s businesses. As discussed in previous sections, the operating results of the Company’s discontinued construction services business decreased significantly over the past few years, which contributed to the decrease in cash provided by operating activities. This has been mitigated by a decrease in capital expenditures for equipment at the construction services business and proceeds received upon the sale of that business, which has caused a decrease in cash flows used for investing activities by the construction services business.

     The Company’s largest use of cash is for the purchase of natural gas for its customers. Generally, gas is injected into storage during the months of April through October and withdrawn for sale from November through March. In prior years. the Company has used significant amounts of short-term borrowings to finance natural gas purchases for storage during the non-heating season. In 2003, the Company reduced its dependence on short-term borrowings for its seasonal storage gas purchases by utilizing part of the proceeds from the issuance of additional long-term debt to pay down its short-term credit facility.

     The Company’s credit ratings were lowered over the past few years by both Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s. As a result of these events and other circumstances, certain of the pipelines the Company utilizes have required prepayment for their services. During 2003, one gas supplier required the Company to pay multiple times in the month of delivery and other gas suppliers requested prepayment, escrow accounts or letters of credit. This shortened the Company’s accounts payable cycle compared to prior years and is one of the primary causes of the decrease in cash flows from operations during 2003. The other primary cause of the decrease in cash flows from operations during 2003 was an increase in the market price of natural gas purchased. As a result, the value of the Company’s gas in underground storage at December 31, 2003, was approximately $23.8 million higher than it was at December 31, 2002. The use of proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt in 2003 to reduce short-term borrowings helped free up the Company’s short-term credit facility for supplier required letters of credit and to finance the decrease in operating cash flows caused by the increasing price of gas and the shorter accounts payable cycle.

     The improvement in cash flows from operating activities in 2004 was due primarily the easing of the credit restrictions put in place during 2003 by certain of the pipelines and gas suppliers utilized by the Company. This lengthened the Company’s accounts payable cycle in 2004 when compared to 2003. The other primary factor contributing to the increase in operating cash flows in 2004 was a smaller increase in the price of gas during 2004 when compared to 2003.

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     Cash Flows Provided by Financing. The Company’s net cash provided by (used for) financing activities totaled $(28.5) million, $40.9 million and $5.6 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

                         
Years Ended December 31,   2004     2003     2002  
 
(in thousands)                        
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities
                       
Issuance of common stock and Warrants, net of expenses
  $ 2,500     $ 3,329     $ 3,642  
Issuance of convertible preference stock, net of expenses
    45,590              
Change in notes payable, net of expenses
    (43,074 )     (39,800 )     13,878  
Issuance of long-term debt, net of redemptions
    (30,132 )     109,622       (1,135 )
Debt exchange and extinguishment costs
          (24,030 )      
Payment of dividends on common stock
    (4,221 )     (8,235 )     (10,776 )
Change in book overdrafts included in other current liabilities
    883        
 
 
  $ (28,454 )   $ 40,886     $ 5,609  
 

     During 2004, the Company issued, through a private placement to K-1, $50 million of CPS and Warrants to purchase 905,565 shares of the Company’s common stock. The net proceeds (proceeds less issuance costs) from the issuance amounted to approximately $46.3 million and were used to pay down short-term debt and invest temporarily in cash equivalents. In June 2004, a portion of the proceeds invested temporarily in cash equivalents was ultimately used to redeem all $29.9 million of its outstanding 8% Senior Notes Due 2010 at par. The Company paid stock dividends on the CPS of 1,766 additional shares of CPS during 2004. For further information, refer to Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

     In December of 2003, the Company issued an aggregate of $50 million of senior unsecured notes with a premium of $2.1 million. The proceeds from this issuance were used to repay indebtedness under the Company’s bank credit facility.

     In May of 2003, the Company completed an offering of an aggregate of $300 million of senior unsecured notes. The Company used approximately $92.3 million of the new notes in an exchange for other outstanding debt of the Company. For further information regarding the use of the remaining proceeds from the $300 million offering, which included the retirement of other debt of the Company and payment of debt extinguishment costs, see Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

     In June 2004, the Company suspended the quarterly cash dividend on the Company’s common stock, with the objective of supplementing free cash flow. In addition, the decision reflects the Company’s desire to retain cash in order to strengthen its balance sheet, enhance financial flexibility and to be better positioned to grow the Company’s Gas Distribution Business in the future. Cash dividends paid per share for common shareholders were $0.15, $0.40 and $0.59 in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

     Non-Cash Financing Activities. For information regarding non-cash financing activities, refer to the caption “Statements of Cash Flows” in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

     Future Financing. In general, capital expenditures are funded with operating cash flows and the utilization of short-term bank credit facilities. When appropriate, the Company expects to refinance its short-term debt with long-term debt, common stock or other long-term financing instruments. The Company has a short-term bank credit facility, which consists of a $69 million multi-year revolver and a $45.2 million 364-day facility, both of which were to expire in June 2005. The Company anticipates that in March 2005, the revolver will be reduced to $60.0 million, the 364-day facility will be reduced to $40.8 million and both facilities will be extended 90 days to expire in September 2005. The 364-day facility also has a one-year term loan option. At December 31, 2004, there was approximately $13.0 million in letters of credit outstanding on the bank credit facility and approximately $39.3 million in borrowings outstanding, leaving approximately $61.9 million of the bank credit facility unused. During the third quarter of 2005, the Company intends to refinance this facility with a multi-year revolving credit facility. Refer to Note 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the bank credit facility including a description of the covenants contained in the bank credit agreement.

     As discussed previously, in September 2004, the Company sold substantially all the assets of its construction services business to InfraSource Services, Inc. for approximately $21.3 million. The Company initially invested the net proceeds from the sale in cash equivalents, but has been using, and continues to use, the proceeds to fund capital expenditures. Refer to Note 14 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

     In March 2000, a registration statement on Form S-3 (“registration statement”) filed by the Company and SEMCO Capital Trust I, SEMCO Capital Trust II and SEMCO Capital Trust III with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) became effective. The Company and the capital trusts registered up to $500 million of securities under the registration statement, of which $467 million has been utilized to issue securities during 2003 and prior years. The remaining balance of $33 million under the registration statement is available for any future issuances of common stock, preferred stock, trust preferred securities and long-term debt, as needed. At the present time, the Company does not meet the requirements under its indentures to issue additional senior notes. Long-term debt of the Company scheduled to mature during the next five years includes $0.1 million of 3.77% notes due in 2005, $15 million of 6.50% notes due in 2005, $150 million of 7.125% notes due in 2008, $5 million of 6.40% notes due in 2008 and $30 million of 6.49% notes due in 2009. Additionally, $41.2 million of 10.25% subordinated notes due in 2040 become callable at par in April 2005.

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     The Company’s capital structure at December 31, 2004 was approximately 71.5% total debt (including current maturities and notes payable), 6.4% preference stock and 22.1% common equity. The Company is currently assessing its overall liquidity and capital structure, with a view to migrating over time to a capital structure, which is consistent with that of an investment grade company. One of the Company’s primary goals is to increase equity as a percentage of total capital while reducing the Company’s overall debt to total capital ratio. To this end, the Company’s financing plans currently contemplate the issuance of approximately $25 million of common equity in the second half of 2005. The intended use of proceeds from this issuance is to redeem at par a like amount of the Company’s 10.25% subordinated notes and related Trust Preferred Securities.

     In connection with the issuance of the CPS and Warrants to K-1 during 2004, the Company agreed to seek certain rulings from the RCA. This obligation would be satisfied if the RCA: (i) finds that the purchase of the CPS and Warrants by K-1, and the conversion or exercise of the CPS or Warrants, as applicable, are not, and will not be, deemed an acquisition of controlling interest in a corporation holding a certificate of public convenience and necessity (a “Control Change”) or otherwise constitute transactions requiring RCA approval; (ii) declares that RCA approval of such transactions is not required; or (iii), if the Company so elects, approves the Control Change. If the Company does not obtain such rulings from the RCA prior to March 19, 2005, among other things, the dividends payable on the CPS (which are currently at 6%) increase 1%, by quarter, subject to a cap of 12%, until such rulings are received. Under the terms of the CPS, the Company also has the right, in the event such rulings are not obtained by March 19, 2005, and subject to certain conditions, to repurchase the CPS for $1,000 per share plus accrued but unpaid dividends and the cash value of dividends that would have been paid on the CPS over the following 12 months. The RCA proceeding requesting such approvals is ongoing. The Company’s financing plans described above do not reflect any consequences arising from the RCA proceeding or otherwise in connection with this matter. In light of the foregoing, the Company is currently evaluating a near-term repurchase of the CPS and Warrants from K-1 and the financing that would be necessary in connection with such a transaction.

     Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges. The Company’s ratio of earnings to fixed charges, as defined under Item 503 of SEC regulation S-K, was 1.06 for 2004, less than a one-to-one coverage for 2003 and 1.46 for 2002. The amount of earnings that would be required to attain a ratio of one-to-one for 2003 was approximately $8.0 million. This ratio is more strictly defined than the fixed charges coverage ratio used to determine compliance with the debt covenants contained in the Company’s bank credit agreement. Earnings,” as defined by Item 503, represents income (loss) before income taxes, interest expense and minority interest. “Fixed charges,” as defined by Item 503, represents interest expense and preferred securities dividend requirements of consolidated subsidiaries. The Company had such dividend requirements under its trust preferred securities and included them in the calculation of fixed charges for purposes of calculating the ratio required under Item 503.

     Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. The Company does not have any off-balance sheet financing arrangements as defined in Item 303 (a)(4) of Regulation S-K.

     Guarantees. The Company has letters of credit guarantees that are required to be disclosed under the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantors Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others.” For information on these letters of credit, refer to Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

     Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments. Summarized below are the contractual obligations and commercial commitments of the Company as of December 31, 2004.

                                                         
As of December 31, 2004      
 
(in millions)      
    Payment Due by Period  
                                                    2010  
Contractual obligations   Total     2005     2006     2007     2008     2009     and beyond  
 
Long-term debt obligations
  $ 511.0     $ 15.1     $     $     $ 155.0     $ 30.0     $ 310.9  
Unconditional gas purchase and gas transportation obligations
    214.0       101.6       59.6       24.2       16.3       9.8       2.5  
Operating lease obligations
    14.1       1.5       1.4       1.4       1.4       1.4       7.0  
 
Total contractual obligations
  $ 739.1     $ 118.2     $ 61.0     $ 25.6     $ 172.7     $ 41.2     $ 320.4  
 
                                                         
    Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period  
                                                    2010  
Commercial commitments   Total     2005     2006     2007     2008     2009     and beyond  
 
Bank credit facility
  $ 114.2     $ 114.2     $     $     $     $     $  

     Other Commitments and Contingencies. For information about other commitments and contingencies, refer to Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

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MARKET RISK INFORMATION

     The Company’s primary market risk arises from fluctuations in commodity prices and interest rates. The Company’s exposure to commodity price risk arises from changes in natural gas and propane prices throughout the United States and in eastern Canada, where the Company conducts sales and purchase transactions. The Company does not currently use financial derivative instruments (such as swaps, collars or futures) to manage its exposure to commodity price risk. A significant portion of the natural gas requirements of the Company’s Michigan gas distribution operations are covered under third-party supply arrangements and the GCR mechanism through which commodity costs are paid by customers. ENSTAR’s natural gas requirements are primarily covered by a number of RCA-approved long-term supply arrangements and the GCA mechanism through which commodity costs are paid by customers. For further information on how these agreements and mechanisms reduce the Company’s exposure to commodity price risk, see the caption “Cost of Gas” in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

     The Company is also subject to interest rate risk in connection with the issuance of variable and fixed-rate debt. In order to maintain its desired mix of fixed-rate and variable-rate debt, the Company may use interest rate swap agreements and exchange fixed and variable-rate interest payment obligations over the life of the agreements, without exchange of the underlying principal amounts. See Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information on interest rate swap agreements and how the Company accounts for its risk management activities.

     For information regarding the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments, refer to Note 6 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. The following tables provide information about the Company’s financial instruments that are sensitive to interest rate changes as of December 31, 2004, and December 31, 2003:

                                                         
    Principal Payments and Interest Rate Detail by Expected Maturity Date        
                                            2010        
As of December 31, 2004   2005     2006     2007     2008     2009     and beyond     Total  
(in millions, except percentages)                                                  
Long-term debt
  $ 15.1     $     $     $ 155.0     $ 30.0     $ 310.9     $ 511.0  
Fixed rate
    6.48 %                 7.10 %     6.49 %     8.11 %     7.66 %
Average interest rate
                                                       
Bank Credit facility
                                                       
Variable rate (a)
  $ 114.2                                   $ 114.2  
Average interest rate (b)
    3.60 %                                   3.60 %


(a)   Amounts represent total credit available to us at December 31, 2004 rather than the actual amount outstanding at December 31, 2004.
 
(b)   The average interest rate reported for the variable rate bank credit facility is the average rate during the year ended December 31, 2004.
                                                         
    Principal Payments and Interest Rate Detail by Expected Maturity Date        
                                            2009        
As of December 31, 2003   2004     2005     2006     2007     2008     and beyond     Total  
(in millions, except percentages)                                                  
Long-term debt
  $     $ 15.1     $     $     $ 155.0     $ 370.8     $ 540.9  
Fixed rate
          6.48 %                 7.10 %     7.97 %     7.68 %
Average interest rate
                                                       
Bank Credit Facility
 
Variable rate (a)
  $ 56.0       69.0                             $ 125.0  
Average interest rate (b)
    3.0 %     3.0 %                             3.0 %


(a)   Amounts represent total credit available to us at December 31, 2003 rather than the actual amount outstanding at December 31, 2003.
 
(b)   The average interest rate reported for the variable rate bank credit facility is the average rate during the year ended December 31, 2003.

IMPACT OF INFLATION

     The cost of gas sold in Michigan subject to the jurisdiction of the MPSC is recovered from customers through the GCR mechanism. The cost of gas sold in Alaska is recovered from customers through the GCA mechanism. The GCR and GCA mechanisms allow for the adjustment of rates charged to customers to reflect, in the absence of cost disallowances, increases and decreases in the cost of gas purchased by the Company. The Company has a fixed gas charge program in place until March 31, 2005, for customers located in the City of Battle Creek, Michigan, and nearby communities. Effective April 1, 2005, customers in the Company’s Battle Creek service area will pay for the cost of gas through a GCR mechanism that allows for the adjustment of rates charged to customers to reflect, in the absence of cost disallowances, increases and decreases in the cost of gas purchased by the Company. See the caption “Cost of Gas” in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information.

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     Increases in other operating costs are recovered in MPSC, CCBC and RCA-approved rates, typically as a result of a base rate filing made by the Company. Recovering cost increases through this process may adversely affect the results of operations due to the time lag involved securing necessary rate approvals. The Company attempts to minimize the impact of inflation by controlling costs, increasing productivity and filing base rate cases on a timely basis.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Company has prepared its Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements 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 may differ from those estimates. In the event estimates or assumptions prove to be different from actual results, adjustments are made in subsequent periods to reflect more current information. The following is a summary of the Company’s most critical accounting policies, which are defined as those policies under which judgments or uncertainties could affect the application of those policies and materially different amounts could be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions. For a complete discussion of the Company’s significant accounting policies, refer to Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Rate Regulation. The Gas Distribution Business is subject to regulation. The regulatory matters associated with gas distribution customers located in the City of Battle Creek, Michigan, and surrounding communities are subject to the jurisdiction of the CCBC. The MPSC has jurisdiction over the regulatory matters related to the Company’s remaining Michigan customers. Regulatory matters for gas distribution customers in Alaska and APC are subject to the jurisdiction of the RCA. These regulatory bodies have jurisdiction over, among other things, rates, accounting procedures, and standards of service.

     The Gas Distribution Business has accounting policies, which conform to SFAS 71, “Accounting for the Effect of Certain Types of Regulation” and which are in accordance with the accounting requirements and ratemaking practices of the MPSC, CCBC and RCA. The application of these accounting policies allows the Company to defer expenses and income as regulatory assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position when it is probable that those expenses and income will be allowed in the rate-setting process in a period different from the period in which they would have been reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations by an unregulated business. These deferred regulatory assets and liabilities are then included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the periods in which the same amounts are reflected in rates. Management’s assessment of the probability of recovery or pass-through of regulatory assets and liabilities requires judgment and interpretation of laws and regulatory commission orders. If, for any reason, the Company ceases to meet the criteria for application of regulatory accounting treatment for all or part of its operations, the regulatory assets and liabilities related to those portions ceasing to meet such criteria would be eliminated from the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the period in which the discontinuance of regulatory accounting treatment occurs. Such amounts would be classified as extraordinary items.

Goodwill. The Company evaluates its goodwill for impairment in accordance with SFAS 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” SFAS 142 requires that the Company perform impairment tests on its goodwill balance annually or at any time when events occur which could impact the value of the Company’s business segments. The Company’s determination of whether an impairment has occurred is based on an estimate of discounted cash flows attributable to the Company’s reporting units that have goodwill, as compared to the carrying value of those reporting units’ net assets. The Company must make long-term forecasts of future revenues, expenses and capital expenditures related to the reporting unit in order to make the estimate of discounted cash flows. These forecasts require assumptions about future demand, future market conditions, regulatory developments and other factors. Significant and unanticipated changes to these assumptions could require a provision for impairment in a future period. If an impairment test of goodwill shows that the carrying amount of the goodwill is in excess of the fair value, a corresponding impairment loss would be recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The 2004 annual impairment test indicated that there was an impairment of goodwill at the Company’s IT services business. The 2003 annual impairment tests were performed for the Company’s business segments and indicated that there was an impairment of goodwill for the construction services business. For further information on these impairments, see Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits. The Company accounts for pension costs and other postretirement benefit costs in accordance with the SFAS 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions” and SFAS 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions,” respectively. These statements require liabilities to be recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at the present value of these future obligations to employees net of any plan assets. The calculation of these liabilities and associated expenses require the expertise of actuaries and are subject to many assumptions, including life expectancies, present value discount rates, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, rate of compensation increase and anticipated health care costs. Any change in these assumptions can significantly change the liability and associated expenses recognized in any given year. For example, a one percentage point increase in anticipated health care costs each year would increase the accumulated retiree medical obligation as of December 31, 2004, by $5.2 million and the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net periodic retiree medical costs for 2004, by $0.4 million. For further sensitivity analyses, refer to Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

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NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004) – “Share-Based Payment.” Refer to the “Stock-Based Compensation” section of Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for information on this new accounting standard.

     Also, in December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153 (SFAS 153), “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29 (APB 29). This Statement addresses the measurement of exchanges of nonmonetary assets. It eliminates the exception from fair value measurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets in paragraph 21(b) of APB 29 and replaces it with an exception for exchanges that do not have commercial substance. This Statement is effective for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company does not believe the adoption of this Statement will have any material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

For the information required pursuant to this item, refer to the section titled “Market Risk Information” in Item 7 of this Form 10-K.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

This item includes the following information in the order shown:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Statements of Operations

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Consolidated Statements of Capitalization

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Common Shareholders’ Equity

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Financial Statement Schedule II — Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

All other financial statement schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes thereto.

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
SEMCO Energy, Inc.:

We have completed an integrated audit of SEMCO Energy, Inc.’s 2004 consolidated financial statements and of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 and audits of its 2003 and 2002 consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Our opinions, based on our audits, are presented below.

Consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule

In our opinion, the consolidated statements of financial position and capitalization and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in common shareholders’ equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of SEMCO Energy, Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in Item 15(a)(2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the 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 of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit of financial statements includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

As explained in Note 4 to the financial statements, effective July 1, 2003, the Company changed its method of accounting for its trust preferred securities and associated minority interest (dividends on trust preferred securities) in accordance with SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity.” As explained in Note 4 to the financial statements, effective December 31, 2003, the Company changed its method of accounting for its capital trust subsidiaries in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 46R, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51.”

Internal control over financial reporting

Also, in our opinion, management’s assessment, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9(A), that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on those criteria. Furthermore, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on management’s assessment and on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. An audit of internal control over financial reporting includes obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

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A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Detroit, Michigan
March 8, 2005

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

                         
Years ended December 31,   2004     2003     2002  
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)                        
Operating Revenues
                       
Gas sales
  $ 463,356     $ 427,936     $ 335,655  
Gas transportation
    29,071       27,737       25,707  
Other
    15,909       17,282       12,800  
 
 
    508,336       472,955       374,162  
 
 
                       
Operating expenses
                       
Cost of gas sold
    346,241       308,919       220,422  
Operations and Maintenance
    67,333       65,152       54,373  
Depreciation and amortization
    27,578       27,448       27,127  
Property and other taxes
    13,149       10,739       10,816  
Expenses related to terminated sale of subsidiary
    8,398              
Goodwill impairment charge
    152              
 
 
    462,851       412,258       312,738  
 
 
                       
Operating income
    45,485       60,697       61,424  
 
 
Other income (deductions)
                       
Interest expense
    (44,293 )     (39,685 )     (29,975 )
Debt exchange and extinguishment costs
          (24,030 )      
Other
    2,497       2,154       2,328  
 
 
    (41,796 )     (61,561 )     (27,647 )
 
 
                       
Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interest
    3,689       (864 )     33,777  
 
                       
Income tax (expense) benefit
    467       80       (13,005 )
 
                       
Minority Interest - Dividends on company-obligated mandatorily redeemable trust preferred securities of subsidiaries holding solely debt securities of SEMCO Energy, Inc., net of income tax benefit of $0, $2,316 and $4,631
          (4,300 )     (8,601 )
 
 
                       
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    4,156       (5,084 )     12,171  
 
                       
Discontinued operations
                       
Loss from construction services operations, net of income tax benefit of $1,782, $7,362 and $2,866
    (4,641 )     (24,871 )     (3,232 )
Loss on divestiture of construction services operations, net of income tax benefit of $1,722, $0 and $0
    (4,698 )            
Loss on divestiture of engineering services operations, net of income tax expense of $0, $0 and ($1,276)
                10  
 
 
                       
Net income (loss)
    (5,183 )     (29,955 )     8,949  
 
                       
Dividends on convertible preference stock
    3,203              
 
 
                       
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
  $ (8,386 )   $ (29,955 )   $ 8,949  
 
 
                       
Earnings per share - basic
                       
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 0.15     $ (0.23 )   $ 0.66  
Discontinued operations
  $ (0.33 )   $ (1.11 )   $ (0.18 )
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
  $ (0.30 )   $ (1.34 )   $ 0.48  
 
                       
Earnings per share - diluted
                       
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 0.12     $ (0.23 )   $ 0.66  
Discontinued operations
  $ (0.33 )   $ (1.11 )   $ (0.18 )
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
  $ (0.30 )   $ (1.34 )   $ 0.48  
 
                       
Dividends declared per share
  $ 0.08     $ 0.35     $ 0.50  
 
                       
Average common shares outstanding - basic
    28,263       22,297       18,472  
Average common shares outstanding - diluted
    33,726       22,297       18,493  

The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

                 
December 31,   2004     2003  
 
(in thousands, except for number of shares and par value)                
Current Assets
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 2,118     $ 2,683  
Restricted cash
    1,588       200  
Receivables, less allowances of $2,247 and $2,387
    36,327       49,633  
Accrued revenue
    54,285       45,213  
Gas in underground storage, at average cost
    63,980       59,029  
Prepaid expenses
    21,450       22,770  
Materials and supplies, at average cost
    4,876       4,681  
Deferred income taxes
    341       2,605  
Regulatory asset - gas charges recoverable from customers
    137       6,261  
Other
    1,266       2,415  
 
 
    186,368       195,490  
 
 
               
Property Plant and Equipment
               
Gas distribution
    697,079       661,927  
Corporate and other
    39,607       88,589  
 
 
    736,686       750,516  
Less accumulated depreciation
    177,012       186,669  
 
 
    559,674       563,847  
 
 
               
Deferred Charges and Other Assets
               
Goodwill
    143,283       143,435  
Unamortized debt expense
    13,313       16,200  
Regulatory assets
    12,062       13,399  
Note receivable
          7,539  
Other
    11,498       11,309  
 
 
    180,156       191,882  
 
 
               
Total Assets
  $ 926,198     $ 951,219  
 
 
               
Current Liabilities
               
Current maturities of long-term debt
  $ 15,092     $  
Notes payable
    39,300       82,034  
Accounts payable
    29,254       18,998  
Customer advance payments
    19,818       17,323  
Regulatory liability - amounts payable to customers
    5,624       5,222  
Accrued interest
    4,508       5,061  
Pension and other postretirement costs
    4,300       4,500  
Other
    9,187       6,922  
 
 
    127,083       140,060  
 
 
               
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities
               
Regulatory liabilities
    57,442       55,681  
Deferred income taxes
    20,758       26,679  
Customer advances for construction
    15,887       15,141  
Pension and other postretirement costs
    5,571       8,612  
Other
    1,631       1,621  
 
 
    101,289       107,734  
 
Commitments and Contingencies (See Note 13)
               
 
               
Capitalization
               
Long-term debt
    483,335       529,007  
Series B convertible preference stock, $1 par value, 70,000 shares authorized; 51,766 and 0 shares outstanding
    48,405        
Common shareholders’ equity
    166,086       174,418  
 
 
    697,826       703,425  
 
 
Total Liabilities and Capitalization
  $ 926,198     $ 951,219  
 

The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                         
Years ended December 31,   2004     2003     2002  
(in thousands)                        
Cash flow provided by (used for) operating activities
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ (5,183 )   $ (29,955 )   $ 8,949  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    27,578       27,448       27,127  
Depreciation and amortization in discontinued operations
    443       7,832       8,435  
Amortization of debt costs and debt basis adjustments included in interest expense
    3,630       2,369       158  
Accumulated deferred income taxes and amortization of investment tax credits
    (3,658 )     (10,848 )     3,516  
Non-cash impairment charges
    152       20,474       (1,732 )
Loss on divestiture of discontinued construction services business
    6,420              
Debt exchange and extinguishment costs
          24,030        
Changes in operating assets and liabilities and other, excluding the impact of business acquisitions and divestitures:
                       
Receivables, net
    5,956       208       14,378  
Accrued revenue
    (10,514 )     (4,456 )     (7,604 )
Prepaid expenses
    1,320       679       (1,173 )
Materials, supplies and gas in underground storage
    (5,337 )     (24,225 )     (21,497 )
Regulatory asset - gas charges recoverable from customers
    6,124       (4,061 )     (206 )
Accounts payable
    10,480       (15,282 )     3,872  
Customer advances and amounts payable to customers
    3,643       4,561       2,581  
Other
    (829 )     (11,319 )     (10,647 )
 
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities
    40,225       (12,545 )     26,157  
 
 
                       
Cash flows provided by (used for) investing activities
                       
Property additions - gas distribution
    (37,924 )     (28,323 )     (29,972 )
Property additions - corporate and other
    (988 )     (1,843 )     (5,005 )
Proceeds from divestiture of discontinued construction services business, net of related expenses
    21,290              
Proceeds from other property sales, net of retirement costs
    (1,164 )     1,683       4,508  
Proceeds from early retirement of a note receivable
    7,838              
Changes in restricted cash
    (1,388 )     1,012       (1,212 )
 
Net cash used for investing activities
    (12,336 )     (27,471 )     (31,681 )
 
 
                       
Cash flows provided by (used for) financing activities
                       
Issuance of common stock and common stock warrants, net of expenses
    2,500       3,329       3,642  
Issuance of convertible preference stock, net of expenses
    45,590              
Change in notes payable, net of expenses
    (43,074 )     (39,800 )     13,878  
Issuance of long-term debt, net of expenses
    (167 )     247,931       28,990  
Repayment of long-term debt
    (29,965 )     (138,309 )     (30,125 )
Debt exchange and extinguishment costs
          (24,030 )      
Payment of dividends on common stock
    (4,221 )     (8,235 )     (10,776 )
Change in book overdrafts included in other current liabilities
    883        
 
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
    (28,454 )     40,886       5,609  
 
 
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
                       
Net increase (decrease)
    (565 )     870       85  
Beginning of period
    2,683       1,813       1,728  
 
 
                       
End of period
  $ 2,118     $ 2,683     $ 1,813  
 

The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION

                 
Years ended December 31,   2004     2003  
(in thousands, except for number of shares and par value)                
Long-term debt
               
6.50% senior notes due 2005
  $ 15,000     $ 15,000  
3.77% senior notes due 2005
    92       92  
6.40% senior notes due 2008
    5,000       5,000  
7.125% senior notes due 2008
    149,455       150,000  
6.49% senior notes due 2009
    30,000       30,000  
8.00% senior notes due 2010
          30,592  
7.03% senior notes due 2013
    10,000       10,000  
7.75% senior notes due 2013
    188,012       187,363  
8.00% senior notes due 2016
    59,631       59,723  
10.25% subordinated notes due 2040
    41,237       41,237  
 
 
  $ 498,427     $ 529,007  
 
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt
    15,092        
 
 
  $ 483,335     $ 529,007  
 
Series B convertible preference stock, $1 par value,
               
70,000 shares authorized; 51,766 and 0 shares outstanding
  $ 48,405     $  
 
 
               
Common shareholders’ equity
               
Common stock, par value $1 per share - 100,000,000 shares authorized; 28,396,538 and 28,059,438 shares outstanding
  $ 28,397     $ 28,059  
Capital surplus
    217,073       214,779  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (7,435 )     (6,972 )
Retained earnings (deficit)
    (71,949 )     (61,448 )
 
 
  $ 166,086     $ 174,418  
 
 
               
Total capitalization
  $ 697,826     $ 703,425  
 

The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN COMMON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                         
Years ended December 31,   2004     2003     2002  
(in thousands)                        
Shares of common stock
                       
Beginning of year
    28,059       18,682       18,240  
Issuance of common stock pursuant to stock purchase contracts associated with the FELINE PRIDES securities
          8,737        
Issuance of common stock for the DRIP and other
    338       640       442  
 
End of year
    28,397       28,059       18,682  
 
 
                       
Common stock
                       
Beginning of year
  $ 28,059     $ 18,682     $ 18,240  
Issuance of common stock pursuant to stock purchase contracts associated with the FELINE PRIDES securities
          8,737        
Issuance of common stock for the DRIP and other
    338       640       442  
 
End of year
  $ 28,397     $ 28,059     $ 18,682  
 
 
                       
Capital surplus
                       
Beginning of year
  $ 214,779     $ 120,089     $ 117,091  
Issuance of common stock pursuant to stock purchase contracts associated with the FELINE PRIDES securities, net of expenses
          92,181       (202 )
Issuance of common stock warrants
    741              
Issuance of common stock for the DRIP and other
    1,553       2,509       3,200  
 
End of year
  $ 217,073     $ 214,779     $ 120,089  
 
 
                       
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
                       
Beginning of year
  $ (6,972 )   $ (7,597 )   $ (2,196 )
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of income tax benefit (expense) of $420, $(200) and $2,922
    (781 )     372       (5,427 )
Valuation adjustment for marketable securities, net of income tax expense of $30
    57              
Unrealized derivative gain (loss) on interest rate hedge from an investment in an affiliate
    261       253       26  
 
End of year
  $ (7,435 )   $ (6,972 )   $ (7,597 )
 
 
                       
Retained earnings (deficit)
                       
Beginning of year
  $ (61,448 )   $ (21,152 )   $ (19,325 )
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
    (8,386 )     (29,955 )     8,949  
Cash dividends declared on common stock
    (2,115 )     (10,341 )     (10,776 )
 
End of year
  $ (71,949 )   $ (61,448 )   $ (21,152 )
 

The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

Disclosure of comprehensive income (loss)

                         
Years ended December 31,   2003     2003     2002  
(000’s)                        
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
  $ (8,386 )   $ (29,955 )   $ 8,949  
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of income tax benefit (expense) of $420, $(200) and $2,922
    (781 )     372       (5,427 )
Valuation adjustment for marketable securities, net of income tax expense of $30
    57              
Unrealized derivative gain (loss) on interest rate hedge from an investment in an affiliate
    261       253       26  
 
Total comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (8,849 )   $ (29,330 )   $ 3,548  
 

The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1. COMPANY DESCRIPTION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Company Description. SEMCO Energy, Inc., is a New York Stock Exchange-listed regulated public utility headquartered in southeastern Michigan. References to the “Company” mean SEMCO Energy, Inc., SEMCO Energy, Inc. and its subsidiaries, individual subsidiaries or divisions of SEMCO Energy, Inc. or the segments discussed below as appropriate in the context of the disclosure.

     In prior years, the Company reported the following reportable business segments: (1) gas distribution; (2) construction services; (3) information technology services; and (4) propane, pipelines and storage. Starting with these financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company began reporting one reportable business segment: gas distribution. This change is the result of the Company’s new strategic direction. In 2003 and 2004, the Board of Directors decided to focus the Company on its natural gas distribution business. This new strategic focus is reflected in the business segment reporting now used by the Company. The Company has modified prior years’ segment information for comparability with the current year presentation. For information on the change in business segments and business segments in general, refer to Note 11.

     The Company’s gas distribution business segment distributes and transports natural gas to approximately 280,000 customers in Michigan and approximately 118,000 customers in Alaska. These operation are known together as the “Gas Distribution Business” and operate as divisions of SEMCO Energy, Inc. The Gas Distribution Business is subject to regulation, which is discussed in the “Rate Regulation” section below. This business segment accounted for approximately 98% of the Company’s 2004 consolidated operating revenues.

     The Company’s other business segments that do not meet the quantitative thresholds required to be reportable business segments (“non-separately reportable business segments”) are combined and included with the Company’s corporate division in a category the Company refers to as “corporate and other.” The Company’s non-separately reportable business segments primarily include operations in information technology (“IT”) services, propane distribution, intrastate natural gas pipelines, and natural gas storage facilities. The IT services operation is headquartered in Michigan and provides IT services with a focus on mid-range computers, particularly the IBM I-Series (or AS-400) platform. The Company has reorganized its IT operations to focus them primarily on the Company’s IT needs and, while revenues from non-affiliated customers are expected to decline over time, the Company expects to continue to provide IT services to certain non-affiliated customers where it believes it can leverage its existing infrastructure and services profitability. Approximately 73% of the 2004 revenues of the IT services business came from services performed for affiliates. The Company’s propane distribution operation sells more than 4 million gallons of propane annually to retail customers in Michigan’s upper peninsula and northeast Wisconsin. The Company’s pipeline and storage operations operate natural gas transmission and storage facilities in Michigan.

Discontinued Operations. During the first quarter of 2004, the Company began accounting for its construction services business as a discontinued operation and reclassified prior periods accordingly. In September 2004, the Company sold the assets of its construction services business to InfraSource Services, Inc. (“InfraSource”) for approximately $21.3 million. For additional information, refer to Note 14.

Basis of Presentation. The financial statements of the Company were prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In connection with the preparation of the financial statements, management was required 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 materially from those estimates.

Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SEMCO Energy, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Investments in unconsolidated companies where the Company has significant influence, but does not control the entity, are reported using the equity method of accounting. On December 31, 2003, the Company ceased consolidation of its two capital trust subsidiaries in accordance with the requirements of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 46R, “ Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51” (“FIN 46R”). For information on FIN 46R and related revisions, refer to Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Rate Regulation. The Gas Distribution Business is subject to regulation. The Michigan Public Service Commission (“MPSC”) has jurisdiction over the regulatory matters related to the Company’s Michigan customers, except for customers located in the City of Battle Creek, Michigan, and nearby communities. The regulatory matters associated with gas distribution customers located in the City of Battle Creek and nearby communities are subject to the jurisdiction of the City Commission of Battle Creek (“CCBC”). Regulatory matters for gas distribution customers in Alaska and the Company’s Alaska Pipeline Company (“APC”) subsidiary are subject to the jurisdiction of the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (“RCA”). These regulatory bodies have jurisdiction over, among

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other things, rates, accounting procedures, and standards of service. The approximate number of the Company’s customers located in service areas regulated by each of the three regulatory bodies is as follows: MPSC — 242,000; RCA — 118,000; and CCBC — 38,000.

     The Gas Distribution Business is subject to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) 71. Refer to Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding SFAS 71.

Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, money market funds, and commercial paper with original maturities of three months or less.

Restricted Cash. At December 31, 2004, and 2003, the Company had $1.6 million and $0.2 million, respectively, of restricted cash. Restricted cash includes the portion of a deferred compensation trust account expected to be distributed within one year, and deposits to an escrow account to comply with credit requirements from two of the Company’s gas suppliers.

Accounts Receivable. Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the billed amount and do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in existing accounts receivable. Allowance for doubtful accounts is based primarily on the aging of receivables while also taking into consideration historical write-off experience and regional economic data. The Company reviews allowance for doubtful accounts monthly. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when the Company determines it is probable the certain individual receivables will not be recovered. Uncollectible accounts, or bad debt expense, was $3.1 million, $3.6 million and $1.2 million for the years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Accrued Revenue. Accrued revenue represents revenue earned in the current period but not billed to the customer until a future date, usually within one month.

Gas in Underground Storage. The gas inventory of the Gas Distribution Business at December 31, 2004, and 2003 was reported at average cost. In general, commodity costs and variable transportation costs are capitalized as gas in underground storage. Fixed costs, primarily pipeline demand charges and storage charges, are expensed as incurred through cost of gas.

Property, Plant, Equipment and Depreciation. The Company’s property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. The Company provides for depreciation on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related property. The lives over which the Company’s significant classes of regulated and non-regulated depreciable property are depreciated are as follows (in years):

                     
Regulated Property, Plant & Equipment     Non-Regulated Property, Plant & Equipment  
(Gas Distribution Business)     (Corporate & Other)      
Land
        Intrastate gas pipelines     25  
 
                   
Underground gas storage property
    17 - 39     Propane storage tanks     30  
 
                   
Gas transmission Property
    30 - 41     Computers & related equipment     5  
 
                   
Gas distribution Property
    19 - 58     Software     3  
 
                   
General property
    6 - 47              
 
                   
                   

     The ratio of depreciation to the average balance of regulated property was approximately 3.8%, 4.0% and 4.1% for the years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The ratio of depreciation to the average balance of non-regulated property approximated 4.2%, 4.9% and 4.6% for the years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

     Depreciation rates on the Company’s regulated property are set by the regulatory commissions that have jurisdiction over the property. The depreciation rates are designed to expense, over the expected life of the property, both the original cost of the property and the expected costs to remove or retire the property at the end of its useful life. These depreciation rates are included in the rate-making process. The portion of depreciation expense related to expensing the original cost of the property is charged to accumulated depreciation while the portion related to expensing the expected costs to remove or retire the regulated property, less expected salvage

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proceeds, is charged to a regulatory liability. This regulatory liability is known in the utility industry as negative salvage value. When the regulated property is ultimately retired, or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business, the original cost of the property is charged to accumulated depreciation, and the actual removal costs, less salvage proceeds are charged to the regulatory liability. With respect to the retirement or disposal of non-regulated assets, the resulting gains or losses are recognized in income.

     During 2004, under the provisions of SFAS 144, the Company recorded a $0.2 million charge in the fourth quarter of 2004 for the impairment of long-lived assets. The impairment charge is a result of the Company’s decision to exit the residential portion of its internet service provider (“ISP”) operation that is part of its IT business. The $0.2 million before-tax charge for impairment of long-lived assets is reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations in operations and maintenance expenses.

     During 2003, under the provisions of SFAS 144, “Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” the Company recorded a $2.8 million charge in the third quarter of 2003 for the impairment of long-lived assets. The $2.8 million before-tax charge is included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations, as part of the loss from the discontinued construction services business.

Goodwill and Goodwill Impairment. Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price and related costs over the value assigned to the net identifiable assets of businesses acquired. The Company accounts for goodwill under the provisions of SFAS 141, “Business Combinations” and SFAS 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” SFAS 141 addresses financial accounting and reporting for all business combinations and requires that all business combinations entered into subsequent to June 2001 be recorded under the purchase method. This Statement also addresses financial accounting and reporting for goodwill and other intangible assets acquired in a business combination at acquisition. SFAS 142 addresses financial accounting and reporting for intangible assets acquired individually or with a group of other assets at acquisition. This Statement also addresses financial accounting and reporting for goodwill and other intangible assets subsequent to their acquisition.

     The Company is required to perform impairment tests on its goodwill annually or at any time when events occur which could impact the value of the Company’s business segments. If an impairment test of goodwill shows that the carrying amount of the goodwill is in excess of the fair value, a corresponding impairment loss would be recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. During 2004, it was determined that all of the goodwill associated with the Company’s IT services business was impaired. The impairment charge is a result of the Company’s decision to exit the residential portion of its ISP operation. All of the goodwill for the Company’s IT services business was related to the residential ISP operation. The $0.2 million before-tax charge for impairment of goodwill is reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations in operating expenses. The 2004 annual goodwill impairment test was also performed for each of the Company’s other business units during the third and fourth quarters of 2004 and indicated that there was no impairment of goodwill. The following table summarizes changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the past two years:

     During 2003, it was determined that all of the goodwill associated with the Company’s construction services business ($17.6 million) was impaired. The $17.6 million before-tax charge for impairment of goodwill is reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations, as part of the loss from the discontinued construction services operations. The 2003 annual goodwill impairment test was also performed for each of the Company’s other business units during the third and fourth quarters of 2003 and indicated that there was no impairment of goodwill.

     The 2002 annual impairment tests were performed for the Company’s business segments and indicated that there was no impairment of goodwill.

                                 
            Discontinued              
    Gas     Construction     Corporate        
    Distribution     Services     and     Total  
    Segment     Segment     Other     Company  
(in thousands)                                
Balance as of December 31, 2002
  $ 140,227     $ 17,649     $ 3,208     $ 161,084  
Impairment charge
          (17,649 )           (17,649 )
 
Balance as of December 31, 2003
  $ 140,227     $     $ 3,208     $ 143,435  
Impairment charge
                (152 )     (152 )
 
Balance as of December 31, 2004
  $ 140,227     $     $ 3,056     $ 143,283  
 

     Unamortized Debt Expense. The Company defers expenses incurred in connection with the issuance of debt and amortizes these deferred expenses over the terms of the debt. If the underlying debt is retired or refinanced, any unamortized expenses are charged to expense in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations, except in situations where the debt was specifically allocated to the Company’s Gas Distribution Business. In instances when debt allocated specifically to the Gas Distribution Business is refinanced, any unamortized expenses are deferred as a regulatory asset and amortized over the term of the new debt.

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     Customer Advance Payments. The Company receives advance payments from customers who sign up for the Company’s budget payment program. This program is designed so customers can pay their estimated annual gas charges in equal monthly payments. As a result, customers make advance payments during the non-heating season when consumption is generally low, and then utilize these advance payments to pay for a portion of their gas bills during the heating season, when consumption is generally high. Customer advance payments also include deposits the Company receives from customers to cover customer credit risk.

     Revenue Recognition. The Gas Distribution Business bills monthly on a cycle basis and follows the utility industry practice of recognizing accrued revenue for gas services rendered to its customers but not billed at month end. Gas sales revenue is comprised of three components: (1) monthly customer service fees; (2) distribution fees; and (3) gas commodity charges. Monthly customer service fees represent fixed fees charged to customers. Distribution fees are charged to customers based on the volume of gas consumed by customers. Gas commodity charges represent the cost of gas consumed by customers. As discussed in more detail in the Cost of Gas section below, the Company generally does not earn any income on the gas commodity charge portion of customer rates.

     The Company’s other businesses recognize revenues in the period that services are rendered or products are delivered to customers.

     Cost of Gas, Gas Charges Recoverable from Customers, and Amounts Payable to Customers. The Company’s gas distribution area regulated by the MPSC has been operating with an MPSC-approved gas cost recovery (“GCR”) pricing mechanism since April 1, 2002. The Alaska-based gas distribution operation (“ENSTAR”) has an RCA-approved gas cost adjustment (“GCA”) pricing mechanism, which is similar to the GCR pricing mechanism. Both of these pricing mechanisms are designed so that, in the absence of any cost disallowances, the Company’s cost of gas purchased is passed-through to the Company’s customers and, therefore, the Company does not recognize any income on the gas commodity charge portion of customer rates.

     These pricing mechanisms allow for the adjustment of rates charged to customers for increases and decreases in the cost of gas purchased by the Company for sale to customers. However, in the Company’s gas distribution area regulated by the MPSC, any adjustment of rates under the GCR pricing mechanism process is subject to a MPSC review of the Company’s GCR gas purchase plans and actual gas purchases. A GCR gas purchase plan is filed annually with the MPSC by December 31 of each year for the upcoming April to March GCR period. A reconciliation case is filed by June 30 of each year to reconcile actual gas purchases during the previous April to March GCR period to the GCR gas purchase plan for the period. Both the GCR gas purchase plan and the reconciliation case may involve MPSC reviews of Company actions and decisions and potential cost disallowances. When costs are disallowed, such costs are expensed in the cost of gas but are not recovered in rates.

     Under the GCR and GCA pricing mechanisms, the gas commodity charge portion of customers’ gas rates is adjusted annually to reflect the estimated cost of gas purchased for the upcoming 12-month period. Any difference between actual allowed cost of gas purchased and the estimate is deferred as either a gas charge over- or under-recovery and included in customer rates during the next GCR or GCA period. A gas charge over-recovery occurs when estimated cost of gas exceeds the actual cost of gas purchased and is reflected in Amounts Payable to Customers in the current liabilities section of the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. A gas charge under-recovery occurs when the actual cost of gas purchased exceeds the estimated cost of gas and is reflected in Gas Charges Recoverable from Customers in the current assets section of the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The allowed over-recovery or under-recovery is included in the next annual adjustment to the gas charge portion of rates. The GCR and GCA may be adjusted more frequently than annually if it is determined that there are significant variances from the estimates used in the annual determination. At December 31, 2004, the Company had $5.6 million recorded in current liabilities for Amounts Payable to Customers and $0.1 recorded in current assets for Gas Charges Recoverable from Customers, under the GCR and GCA pricing mechanisms.

     The Company’s gas distribution area regulated by the CCBC has been operating under fixed gas charge program for the three years covered by the Consolidated Financial Statements. However, beginning April 1, 2005, the Company will use a GCR pricing mechanism in the service area regulated by the CCBC. During 2002, 2003, and 2004, the CCBC authorized the Company to suspend its GCR pricing mechanism and utilize a fixed gas charge in the rates for customers located in its regulatory jurisdiction (“CCBC customers”). The Company was able to offer this GCR suspension and fixed rate mainly as a result of a gas supply agreement covering CCBC customers. Under the terms of the agreement, the gas supplier provided a significant portion of the Company’s natural gas requirements, and managed the Company’s natural gas supply and the supply aspects of transportation and storage operations for the Company’s gas distribution area regulated by the CCBC, at a cost that was, in most instances, below the fixed price charged to CCBC customers. As a result, during 2002, 2003, and 2004, the Company retained any gas costs savings that resulted when the cost of purchased natural gas was below the fixed price charged to CCBC customers. The Company’s gas distribution area regulated by the MPSC was under a similar fixed gas charge program for the three-year period ended March 31, 2002.

     Self-Insurance. The Company is self-insured for health care costs up to $75,000 per subscriber annually. Insurance coverage is carried for risks in excess of this amount. The Company recognized self-insured health care expense of approximately $3.6 million, $4.1 million, and $4.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Estimated claims incurred but not reported were $0.8 million and $0.4 million as of December 31, 2004, and 2003, respectively, and are included in other accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

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Income Taxes. The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return and income taxes are allocated among the Company’s subsidiaries and divisions based on their separate taxable income. Investment tax credits (“ITC”) utilized in prior years for income tax purposes are deferred for financial accounting purposes and are amortized through credits to the income tax provision over the lives of the related property. For additional information, refer to Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Stock-Based Compensation. The Company accounts for all stock options using the intrinsic value method provided for under the provisions and related interpretations of Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB 25”). In accordance with SFAS 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” the Company has chosen to account for these transactions under APB 25 for purposes of determining net income but must present the pro forma disclosures required by SFAS 123 as amended by SFAS 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure.” Under the intrinsic value method, there was no compensation expense associated with stock options for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002. If compensation expense had been determined in a manner consistent with the provisions of SFAS 123, the Company’s net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated in the table below. The compensation expense associated with the Company’s restricted stock units is expensed in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and, therefore, does not require pro forma disclosure. Refer to Note 9 for further information about the Company’s stock options and restricted stock units.

                         
Years Ended December 31,   2004     2003     2002  
(in thousands, except per share amounts)                        
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
                       
As reported
  $ (8,386 )   $ (29,955 )   $ 8,949  
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects
    208       344       416  
 
Pro forma
  $ (8,594 )   $ (30,299 )   $ 8,533  
 
Earnings (loss) per share — basic
                       
As reported
  $ (0.30 )   $ (1.34 )   $ 0.48  
Pro forma
  $ (0.30 )   $ (1.36 )   $ 0.46  
Earnings (loss) per share — diluted
                       
As reported
  $ (0.30 )   $ (1.34 )   $ 0.48  
Pro forma
  $ (0.30 )   $ (1.36 )   $ 0.46  

     In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004) — “Share-Based Payment.” This standard supercedes APB No. 25, and requires recognition of expense in the financial statements of the cost of share-based payment transactions, including stock options, based on the fair value of the award at the grant date. The provisions of this standard are effective for public companies for interim or annual periods beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company will adopt this statement beginning with the first quarter of 2006. At this time the Company has not determined the transition method that will be used for implementing this standard. The Company is currently evaluating the implementation of this standard and the impact on its calculation of stock option expense. The pro forma amounts above provide a reasonable estimate of the impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. However, the Company’s implementation of this standard based on the new guidelines could vary from the pro forma amounts and have a material impact on its results of operations and financial position.

Statements of Cash Flows. For purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, the Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents.

     Dividends of $3.2 million have been paid on the Company’s convertible preference stock (“CPS”) in 2004. These dividends have been paid, and, in the future, are payable, in additional shares of CPS, or what is commonly referred to as stock dividends or payment-in-kind dividends. The issuance of stock dividends is a non-cash financing activity and therefore is not reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Refer to Note 4 for further information regarding the issuance of stock dividends on the CPS.

     In August 2003, the Company issued approximately 8.74 million shares of common stock for $101 million through the mandatory purchase obligation under the terms of stock purchase contracts, which were a component of the Company’s FELINE PRIDES securities. The Company also retired approximately $101 million of 9% trust preferred securities, which were also a component of the FELINE PRIDES. These transactions were non-cash financing activities and therefore both the issuance of the $101 million of common stock and the retirement of the $101 million of trust preferred securities are not reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Refer to Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

     In May 2003, the Company completed an offering of an aggregate of $300 million of senior unsecured notes. The Company used approximately $92.3 million of the new notes in an exchange for other outstanding debt of the Company. The debt exchange was a non-cash financing activity and therefore is not reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Refer to Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the debt exchange.

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     Supplemental cash flow information for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, is summarized in the following table.

                         
Years ended December 31,   2004     2003     2002  
    (in thousands)  
Cash paid during the year for:
                       
Interest and dividends on trust preferred securities
  $ 41,216     $ 49,173     $ 44,473  
Income taxes, net of (refunds)
  $ 3,500     $ (3,000 )   $ (2,243 )

NOTE 2. REGULATORY MATTERS

MPSC. In December 2004, the Company filed a base increase request totaling $11.65 million annually with the MPSC. Among other things, the Company proposed an increase in customer service fees and a weather normalization rider, for the purpose of mitigating the impact of weather on customer bills and the Company’s financial results. The current schedule for resolving this matter calls for the MPSC to make a decision on the Company’s base rate increase proposals by the end of 2005. While there is an opportunity to resolve this matter by settlement and implement any rate changes earlier than would be the case if this proceeding were litigated, management cannot predict the outcome or timing of a resolution of this matter.

     In May 2003, the MPSC approved a settlement agreement associated with an application for a base rate increase filed by the Company in November 2002. The settlement agreement provided for an increase in annual revenue of approximately $3.4 million recorded, in part, through increased monthly customer service fees. These monthly service fees help mitigate the impact of weather on financial results because the collection of such charges does not depend on usage.

CCBC. In November 2004, the Company filed a base increase request totaling $5.07 million with the CCBC. In February 2004, the CCBC approved a settlement with an annual revenue increase totaling $3.55 million, to be effective with the first customer billing cycle of April 2005, with additional annual revenue increases of $150,000 to be put into effect beginning in April of 2006, and 2007, respectively, subject to certain conditions, including the Company’s making annual contributions to assist low income customers in paying their bills for service. With certain exceptions, the Company has agreed not to request a further base rate increase to be effective before April 1, 2008. These revenue increases are to be recovered, in part, through increased customer service fees.

RCA. The Company received an RCA rate order in August 2002. ENSTAR implemented the rate reduction in September 2002 and filed a cost-of-service study and rate design case as required by the RCA order. An order on the rate design case was issued in May 2003, and provided for rate decreases to residential, power plant and industrial customers, and an increase to commercial customers. The rate design change also increased the monthly customer service fees for residential customers and other customers.

     Refer to the caption “Other Contingencies” in Note 13 for information on other regulatory matters at the RCA.

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities. The Gas Distribution Business is subject to the provisions of SFAS 71, “Accounting for the effects of Certain Types of Regulation.” The provisions of SFAS 71 allow the Company to defer expenses and income as regulatory assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position when it is probable that those expenses and income will be allowed in the rate setting process in a period different from the period in which they would have been reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations by an unregulated company. These deferred regulatory assets and liabilities are then included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the periods in which the same amounts are reflected in rates. Management’s assessment of the probability of recovery or pass-through of regulatory assets and liabilities requires judgment and interpretation of laws and regulatory commission orders. If, for any reason, the Company ceases to meet the criteria for application of regulatory accounting treatment for all or part of its operations, the regulatory assets and liabilities related to those portions ceasing to meet such criteria would be eliminated from the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the period in which the discontinuance of regulatory accounting treatment occurs. Such amounts would be classified as extraordinary items. Criteria that give rise to the discontinuance of SFAS 71 include (1) increasing competition that restricts the ability of the Gas Distribution Business to charge prices to recover specific costs, and (2) a significant change in the manner in which rates are set by regulatory agencies from cost-based regulation to another form of regulation. The Company’s review of these criteria currently supports the continuing application of SFAS 71.

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     The following table summarizes the regulatory assets and liabilities recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, as well as the remaining period, as of December 31, 2004, over which the Company expects to realize or settle the assets or liabilities.

                     
December 31,   2004     2003     Remaining Period
 
(in thousands)
Regulatory assets
                   
Current
                   
Gas charges recoverable from customers
  $ 137     $ 6,261     1 year
Noncurrent
                   
Deferred retiree medical benefits
  $ 7,193     $ 8,092     8 years
Loss on retirement of debt
    2,133       2,439     6 -12 years
Other
    2,736       2,868     2-10 years
 
 
  $ 12,062     $ 13,399      
 
Regulatory liabilities
                   
Current
                   
Amounts payable to customers (gas cost overrecovery)
  $ 5,624     $ 5,222     1 year
Noncurrent
                   
Negative salvage value (a)
  $ 54,094     $ 51,573     25-40 years
Tax benefits amortizable to customers
    2,731       3,227     2 - 9 years
Unamortized investment tax credit
    617       881     3 years
 
 
  $ 57,442     $ 55,681      
 


(a)   In years prior to 2003, negative salvage value was recorded in the accumulated depreciation of the Gas Distribution Business in accordance with industry practice. Negative salvage value has been reclassified as a regulatory liability in accordance with SFAS 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,” which was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2003.

NOTE 3. INCOME TAXES

SFAS 109. The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS 109, “Accounting For Income Taxes.” SFAS 109 requires an annual measurement of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities based upon the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences and carry-forwards.

                         
Years ended December 31,   2004     2003     2002  
(in thousands)                        
Federal income tax expense (benefit):
                       
Current
  $ (83 )   $ 460     $ 2,442  
Deferred to future periods
    (1,546 )     (11,172 )     2,796  
Amortization of deferred investment tax credits (“ITC”)
    (265 )     (296 )     (267 )
State income tax expense (benefit):
                       
Current
    34       926       907  
Deferred to future periods
    (2,111 )     324       906  
 
Total income tax expense (benefit)
  $ (3,971 )   $ (9,758 )   $ 6,784  
 
Less amounts included in:
                       
Minority interest — dividends on trust preferred securities
          (2,316 )     (4,631 )
Discontinued operations
    (3,504 )     (7,362 )     (1,590 )
 
Income tax expense (benefit), excluding amounts shown separately
  $ (467 )   $ (80 )   $ 13,005  
 

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Reconciliation of Statutory Rate to Effective Rate. The table below provides a reconciliation of the difference between the Company’s provision for income taxes and income taxes computed at the statutory rate.

                         
Years ended December 31,   2004     2003     2002  
(in thousands)                        
Net Income (loss)
  $ (8,386 )   $ (29,955 )   $ 8,949  
Add back:
                       
Dividends on convertible preference stock
    3,203              
Income tax expense (benefit)
    (3,971 )     (9,758 )     6,784  
 
 
Pre-tax income (loss)
  $ (9,154 )   $ (39,713 )   $ 15,733  
 
 
Computed federal income tax expense (benefit)
  $ (3,204 )   $ (13,899 )   $ 5,507  
Amortization of deferred ITC
    (265 )     (296 )     (267 )
Amortization of non-deductible amounts resulting from acquisitions
    125       (33 )     119  
State income tax expense, net of federal taxes
    880       812       1,178  
Change in estimate of prior years’ state income taxes, net of federal taxes
    (2,230 )            
Goodwill impairment charge not deductible for tax purposes
          4,095        
Other
    723       (437 )     247  
 
Total income tax expense (benefit)
  $ (3,971 )   $ (9,758 )   $ 6,784  
 

Deferred Income Taxes. Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the Company’s financial statements. At December 31, 2004, and 2003, there was a valuation allowance of $0.6 million recorded against deferred tax assets. The Company also has an estimated net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward for federal tax purposes of $111.0 million at December 31, 2004, of which $21.0 million expires in 2021, $21.8 million expires in 2022, $54.2 million expires in 2023 and an estimated $14.0 million expires in 2024. The Company’s ability to utilize its NOLs is limited by the Internal Revenue Code. However, the Company currently expects that it will achieve enough taxable income in the years ahead to utilize its NOLs prior to their expiration.

     The table below shows the principal components of the Company’s deferred tax assets (liabilities).

                 
December 31,   2004     2003  
(in thousands)                
Property, plant and equipment
  $ (56,207 )   $ (54,976 )
Retiree medical benefit liability
    303       791  
Retiree medical benefit regulatory assets
    (2,518 )     (2,832 )
Deferred ITC
    339       526  
Unamortized debt expense
    (613 )     (749 )
Property taxes
    (2,629 )     (2,707 )
Goodwill
    (8,722 )     (4,033 )
Other comprehensive income
    3,894       3,504  
Gas in underground storage
    (514 )     1,925  
Net operating loss carryforward
    38,851       29,909  
AMT credit carryforward
    2,276       2,276  
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
    (580 )     (580 )
Other
    5,703       2,872  
 
Total deferred income taxes
  $ (20,417 )   $ (24,074 )
 
 
               
Gross deferred tax liabilities
  $ (99,670 )   $ (104,419 )
Gross deferred tax assets
    79,833       80,925  
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
    (580 )     (580 )
 
Total deferred income taxes
  $ (20,417 )   $ (24,074 )
 

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NOTE 4. CAPITALIZATION

Common Shareholders’ Equity. On June 24, 2004, the Company suspended the quarterly cash dividend on the Company’s common stock, with the objective of supplementing free cash flow. This decision also reflects the Company’s desire to retain cash in order to strengthen the Company’s balance sheet, enhance financial flexibility and to be better positioned to grow the Company’s Gas Distribution Business in the future.

     During 2004, 2003, and 2002, the Company issued approximately 192,000, 478,000 and 372,000 shares, respectively of its common stock to the Company’s Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan (“DRIP”) to meet the dividend reinvestment and stock purchase requirements of its participants.

     The Company issued approximately 145,000, 162,000 and 70,000 shares of Company common stock to certain of the Company’s employee benefit and director compensation plans in 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively. Of these issuances, approximately 9,000, 12,000, and 19,000 are related to director compensation. Refer to Note 9 for further information on directors’ stock-based compensation. Also during 2002, the Company purchased approximately 40,000 shares of its common stock on the open market to contribute to certain of its employee benefit plans.

     As discussed below under “Convertible Preference Stock and Stock Warrants,” in March 2004, detachable warrants to purchase 905,565 shares of common stock (“Warrants”) were issued in conjunction with the issuance of the CPS. The net proceeds associated with the Warrants, approximately $0.7 million, are included in capital surplus in the common shareholders’ equity section of the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at December 31, 2004.

     In August 2003, the Company issued approximately 8.74 million shares of common stock for $101 million through the mandatory stock purchase obligation specified under the terms of the stock purchase contracts, which were a component of the FELINE PRIDES securities. As discussed below under “Other Matters Regarding Trust Preferred Securities”, the Company also retired approximately $101 million of trust preferred securities in conjunction with this issuance of common stock. The issuance of the 8.74 million shares of common stock and the retirement of the trust preferred securities were non-cash financing activities and, therefore, neither are reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Convertible Preference Stock and Stock Warrants - During 2004, the Company issued through a private placement $50 million of CPS and Warrants to K-1 GHM, LLLP, an affiliate of private equity firm k1 Ventures Limited (“K-1”). The Company issued the securities in two tranches. The issuance of the initial tranche for $31 million occurred in March 2004. This tranche included 31,000 shares of CPS and the Warrants. The Warrants are detachable, have an exercise price of $6.6257 and expire on March 18, 2009. The issuance of the second tranche for $19 million occurred in June 2004. The second tranche included 19,000 shares of CPS.

     The net proceeds (proceeds less issuance costs) from the two tranches amounted to approximately $46.3 million. These net proceeds were used to pay down short-term debt and make temporary investments in cash equivalents. A portion of the amount invested was later used to redeem $29.9 million of long-term notes. The portion of the net proceeds associated with the Warrants, approximately $0.7 million, is included in capital surplus in the common shareholders’ equity section of the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

     The Company has authorized 70,000 shares of the CPS with a par value of $1.00 per share. The CPS is perpetual and is convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion price of $6.6257 per share. If converted, the 51,766 shares of outstanding CPS would represent approximately 7.8 million shares, or approximately 22 %, of the Company’s outstanding common stock after giving effect to the conversion.

     Non-cash dividends on the CPS accrue at an annual rate of 6% for the first three years then increase annually by 1% to a maximum annual rate of 10%. Dividends are payable in additional shares of CPS except that the holder of 10,000 or more shares of CPS may elect, with respect to any dividend payment, to have the dividends payable in shares of the Company’s common stock. For dividends paid in shares of CPS, such shares are valued at $1,000 per share. For dividends paid in shares of common stock, such shares are valued at the market value of the common stock for the 5 trading days immediately preceding the dividend payment date.

     Dividends on the CPS are payable at a rate that increases over time. For accounting purposes, it is assumed that the CPS was issued at a discount in order to obtain this increasing-rate feature. The Company has determined that this discount is approximately $7.3 million. This discount is being amortized using the effective interest method and is reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in dividends on CPS. As a result, the amount of dividends on the CPS that the Company expenses in its Consolidated Statements of Operations will be higher than the actual dividends payable until the point in time that the actual dividends payable reach an annual rate of 10%.

     During 2004, the Company paid stock dividends on the CPS of 1,766 additional shares of CPS. On December 9, 2004, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly stock dividend on the CPS of 777 additional shares of CPS. The dividend was paid to CPS shareholders of record at the close of business on February 15, 2005.

     Refer to the “Other Contingencies” section of Note 13 for information regarding certain RCA approvals sought in connection with the issuance of the CPS, including, among other things, the potential for the dividends payable on the CPS to increase and the potential for the Company to repurchase the CPS.

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Accounting for Company-Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Trust Preferred Securities. The Company has Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable trust preferred securities that were issued by its capital trust subsidiaries (“trust preferred securities”). These securities have characteristics of both liabilities and equity and for periods prior to July 1, 2003, they were reported in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as a separate line item between long-term debt and common shareholders’ equity. For periods after July 1, 2003, and before December 31, 2003, the trust preferred securities were reflected in the long-term debt section of the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position in compliance with the provisions of SFAS 150. Prior to July 1, 2003, the dividends on these trust preferred securities were reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as “minority interest — dividends on trust preferred securities.” In accordance with the provisions of SFAS 150, the dividends incurred on these securities during the period from July 1, 2003, through December 31, 2003, are reflected in “interest expense.” The adoption of SFAS 150 did not have a material impact on the Company’s net income (loss) available to common shareholders.

     During 2003, several accounting standards related to the consolidation of variable interest entities or special purpose entities were released. In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51” (“FIN 46”). FIN 46 addresses conditions for consolidating an entity based on variable interests (as defined in the standard) rather than voting interests. FIN 46 clarifies that variable interest entities that do not disperse risks among the parties involved should be consolidated by the entity that is determined to be the primary beneficiary. FIN 46 applied immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003. For variable interest entities in which an enterprise holds a variable interest that was acquired before February 1, 2003, FIN 46 originally had to be adopted no later than the first fiscal year or interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. However, in October 2003, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) 46-e, “Effective Date of Interpretation 46.” FSP 46-e deferred the effective date for applying the provisions of FIN 46, for interests held by public entities in variable interest entities created before February 1, 2003, until the end of the first interim or annual period ending after December 15, 2003. In December 2003, the FASB issued a revision to FIN 46 (“FIN 46R”) to clarify some of the provisions of FIN 46 and to exempt certain entities from its requirements. Under FIN 46R, special effective date provisions apply to enterprises that have fully or partially applied FIN 46 prior to issuance of FIN 46R. Otherwise, application of FIN 46R is required in financial statements of public entities that have interests in structures that are commonly referred to as special-purpose entities for periods ending after December 15, 2003.

     The Company evaluated FIN 46, FSP 46-e and FIN 46R and determined that its capital trust subsidiaries, SEMCO Capital Trust I and SEMCO Capital Trust II, should be deconsolidated as of December 31, 2003. Since their inception, these capital trusts had been consolidated in the consolidated financial statements of the Company. However, effective December 31, 2003, these trusts were no longer included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

     The Company’s common equity investments in these trusts were $1.2 million at December 31, 2004, and 2003. These trusts were established for the sole purpose of issuing trust preferred securities to the public and lending the gross proceeds, including the proceeds from the Company’s common equity investment, to the Company. The sole assets of the capital trusts are debt securities of the Company with terms similar to the terms of the related trust preferred securities. At December 31, 2004, and 2003, the book value of these debt securities was $41.3 million and the book value of the trust preferred securities was $40.1 million. The Company’s $1.2 million common equity investments in these trusts are reflected in deferred charges and other assets at December 31, 2004, and 2003 and the $41.3 million in debt securities are reflected in long-term debt in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position at December 31, 2004 and 2003. The debt securities include $41.2 million of 10.25% Subordinated Notes due 2040 and $0.1 million of 3.77% Senior Notes due 2005.

Other Matters Regarding Trust Preferred Securities. During a portion of 2003, the Company had 10.1 million shares of FELINE PRIDES outstanding. Each FELINE PRIDES consisted of a stock purchase contract and a 9% trust preferred security of SEMCO Capital Trust II with a stated face value per security of $10. Under the terms of each stock purchase contract, the FELINE PRIDES holder was obligated to purchase from the Company, and the Company was obligated to sell to the FELINE PRIDES holder, between 0.7794 and 0.8651 shares of Company common stock in August 2003. The actual number of shares of common stock to be sold depended on the average market value of a share of Company common stock during a 20-day period ending in August 2003.

     The FELINE PRIDES holders were able to settle their obligation to purchase Company common stock by paying cash or by having their 9% trust preferred securities remarketed in August 2003. Approximately all of the FELINE PRIDES holders elected to have their trust preferred securities remarketed to raise the cash needed to fulfill their obligations under the terms of the stock purchase contracts. The remarketing was not successful and the Company took possession of those trust preferred securities and retired them in order to satisfy the FELINE PRIDES holders’ obligations to purchase 8.74 million shares of the Company’s common stock. The distribution rate on the 9% trust preferred securities was also reset in August 2003 to 3.77%.

Long-Term Debt. In June 2004, the Company called all $29.9 million of its outstanding 8% Senior Notes due 2010 at par. The Company utilized a portion of the net proceeds received from the issuance of CPS, as previously discussed, to redeem these notes.

     In January 2004, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a financial institution in order to hedge $50 million of its $150 million 7 1/8% Notes due May 15, 2008. The swap agreement, which covers these notes through maturity, effectively converts the fixed interest rate on these notes to a floating interest rate and is being accounted for as a fair value hedge. On

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a semi-annual basis, the Company pays the counterparty a floating interest rate based on LIBOR plus a spread of 375 basis points and receives payments based on a fixed interest rate of 7 1/8%. Refer to Note 7 for additional information.

     In December 2003, the Company completed an offering of an aggregate of $50 million of 7.75% senior unsecured notes due 2013. The notes are of the same class as notes issued by the Company in May 2003, as discussed below. The $50 million in notes were issued at a premium of $2.1 million. The issuance was done concurrently with an amendment of the Company’s existing bank credit agreement and the proceeds from this issuance were used to repay indebtedness under the bank credit facility.

     In May 2003, the Company completed an offering of an aggregate of $300 million of senior unsecured notes. The offering consisted of $150 million of 7.125% senior unsecured notes due 2008 (“7.125% 2008 Notes”) and $150 million of 7.75% senior unsecured notes due 2013 (“7.75% 2013 Notes”). Interest on these notes is payable semiannually. The Company used approximately $92.3 million of the 7.75% 2013 Notes in an exchange for $77 million of its outstanding 8.95% Remarketable or Redeemable Securities (“ROARS”). After the exchange was completed the Company cancelled the $77 million of ROARS. The Company accounted for the debt exchange under the provisions of Emerging Issues Task Force Opinion No. 96-19 (“EITF 96-19”). In accordance with EITF 96-19, the Company used the book value of the ROARS ($77 million) as the initial book value for the $92.3 million of 7.75% 2013 Notes issued in the exchange. The difference between the face amount and the initial book value of the 7.75% 2013 Notes will be amortized as interest expense, using the effective interest method, over the life of the notes. As a result, the book value of the 7.75% 2013 Notes will increase by the amount of amortization expense recognized over the life of the notes. The exchange of the $92.3 million of 7.75% 2013 Notes for the $77 million of ROARS was a non-cash financing activity. As a result, it is not reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

     The Company used a portion of the proceeds from the issuance of the $300 million of new notes, to repurchase its $55 million of outstanding 8.00% Senior Notes due 2004, $30 million of outstanding 7.2% Senior Notes due 2007, $25 million of outstanding 8.32% Senior Notes due 2024 and the remaining $28 million of ROARS plus accrued interest. Approximately $24 million of the proceeds was used to pay make-whole premiums or similar items in connection with the repurchase of the $138 million in notes and securities. The make-whole premiums or similar items were incurred, in most instances, in order to repurchase these obligations prior to their maturity. The Company expensed the $24 million at the time of the refinancing. The remainder of the proceeds was used to pay expenses associated with the issuance of the new notes (approximately $10.1 million), to pay down short-term debt and for working capital and general corporate purposes.

     At December 31, 2004, there were no annual sinking fund requirements for the Company’s existing debt over the next five years. The Company has $200.1 million of long-term debt maturing over the next five years as follows (in millions):

                         
2005
  $ 15.1       2008     $ 155.0  
2006
  $       2009     $ 30.0  
2007
  $                  

NOTE 5. SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS

     The Company has a short-term bank credit facility, which, at December 31, 2004, consisted of a $69 million multi-year revolver and a $45.2 million 364-day facility, both of which were to expire in June 2005. The Company anticipates that in March 2005, the revolver will be reduced to $60.0 million, the 364-day facility will be reduced to $40.8 million and both facilities will be extended 90 days to expire in September 2005. The 364-day facility also has a one-year term loan option. At December 31, 2004, there were approximately $13.0 million in letters of credit outstanding on the bank credit facility and approximately $39.3 million in borrowings outstanding, leaving approximately $61.9 million of the bank credit facility unused. Interest on the bank credit facility is at variable rates, which do not exceed the banks’ prime lending rates.

                         
Years ended December 31, 2004 2003         2002
    (in thousands, except interest rates)  
Notes payable balance at year end
  $ 39,300     $ 82,034     $ 121,835  
Unused lines of credit at year end
  $ 61,914     $ 38,275     $ 23,800  
Average interest rate at year end
    4.9 %     3.4 %     2.8 %
Highest borrowings at any month-end
  $ 65,203     $ 124,468     $ 123,244  
Average borrowings
  $ 14,477     $ 92,138     $ 99,584  
Weighted average interest rate
    3.6 %     3.0 %     2.9 %

     Covenants in the Company’s bank credit agreement require maintenance at the end of each calendar quarter of a minimum net worth of $163.0 million, adjusted annually by 20% of annual net income, if positive, and adjusted quarterly for certain issuances of

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stock (at December 31, 2004, the required minimum net worth is $213.3 million). In addition, the Company must maintain an interest coverage ratio of not less than 1.25 at the end of each calendar quarter, and a debt-to-capitalization ratio of 0.65 or less at the end of each calendar quarter. As of December 31, 2004, the Company was in compliance with all bank credit agreement covenants. Failure to comply with such covenants may result in a default with respect to the related debt and could lead to the acceleration of such debt or any instruments evidencing indebtedness that contain cross-acceleration or cross-default provisions. In such a case, there can be no assurance that the Company would be able to refinance or otherwise repay such indebtedness.

     Net worth, as defined in the Company’s bank credit agreement, includes the Company’s common shareholders’ equity and CPS. Any goodwill and asset impairment charges related to the construction services business are excluded from common shareholders’ equity.

     The interest coverage ratio, as defined in the Company’s bank credit agreement, represents a ratio of earnings to interest. Under the agreement, “earnings” represent operating income plus equity income from the Company’s 50% interest in a gas storage facility and less the $5.5 million arbitration settlement payment to Atlas Pipeline Partners, L.P. (“Atlas”) on December 31, 2004. “Interest,” under the agreement, represents interest expense paid or payable in cash. The exclusion of the $5.5 million payment to Atlas from the earnings calculation is based on an amendment to the bank credit agreement dated January 21, 2005.

          The debt-to-capitalization ratio, as defined in the bank credit agreement, requires the Company to maintain on the last day of each fiscal quarter a ratio of funded debt to a measure of total capitalization that is the sum of the aggregate principal amount of such debt then outstanding, consolidated net worth as defined previously, and the principal amount of trust preferred securities then outstanding. For purposes of this agreement, funded debt is defined as all debt having a final maturity of more than one year from the date of origin of such debt, all rentals due under all capitalized leases under which the Company is the lessee and off-balance sheet liabilities as defined in the bank credit agreement, plus an amount equal to the lowest 30-day average of short-term debt during the trailing twelve months, less $10 million, less the principal amount of trust preferred securities outstanding.

NOTE 6. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each significant class of financial instruments:

Cash, Cash Equivalents, Accounts Receivables, Payables and Notes Payable. The carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments.

Long-Term Debt. The fair values of the Company’s long-term debt are estimated based on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues. The table below shows the estimated fair values of the Company’s long-term debt as of December 31, 2004, and 2003.

                 
December 31, 2004 2003
    (in thousands)  
Long-term debt, including current maturities
               
Carrying amount
  $ 498,427     $ 529,007  
Fair value
    548,060       557,111  

NOTE 7. RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES AND DERIVATIVE TRANSACTIONS

The Company’s business activities expose it to a variety of risks, including commodity price risk and interest rate risk. Management identifies risks associated with the Company’s business and determines which risks it wants to manage and which type of instruments it should use to manage those risks.

     The Company records all derivative instruments it enters into under the provisions of SFAS 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” and SFAS 137, SFAS 138 and SFAS 149, which were amendments to SFAS 133 (collectively referred to as “SFAS 133”). SFAS 133 requires that every derivative instrument (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) be recorded in the statement of financial position as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value. SFAS 133 also requires that changes in the derivative’s fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. Special accounting for qualifying hedges allows a derivative’s gains and losses to offset related results on the hedged item in the statement of operations, and requires that a company must formally document, designate, and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, changes in fair value are recorded in other comprehensive income for the portion of the change in value of the derivative that is an effective hedge.

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     The Company will, from time to time, enter into fixed to floating interest rate swaps in order to maintain its desired mix of fixed-rate and floating-rate debt. These swaps are designated as fair value hedges and the difference between the amounts paid and received under these swaps is recorded as an adjustment to interest expense over the term of the swap agreement. If the swaps are terminated, any unrealized gains or losses are recognized pro-rata over the remaining term of the hedged item as an increase or decrease in interest expense. The Company entered into one such interest rate swap in January 2004 in order to hedge one third of the Company’s $150 million 7 1/8% Notes due in May 15, 2008. This agreement also qualifies under the provisions of SFAS 133 as a fair value hedge. In accordance with SFAS 133, the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at December 31, 2004, included a liability of $0.5 million and a decrease in long-term debt of $0.5 million for this interest rate swap.

     An affiliate, in which the Company has a 50% ownership interest, uses a floating to fixed interest rate swap agreement to hedge the variable interest rate payments on a portion of its long-term debt. This swap is designated as a cash flow hedge and the difference between the amounts paid and received under the swap is recorded as an adjustment to interest expense over the term of the agreement. The Company’s share of changes in the fair value of the swap are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income until the swap is terminated. As a result of this interest rate swap agreement, the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, at December 31, 2004, and December 31, 2003, reflected reductions of $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively, in the Company’s equity investment in the affiliate and in accumulated other comprehensive income.

NOTE 8. PENSION PLANS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

Pensions. The Company has defined benefit pension plans for eligible employees. Pension plan benefits are generally based upon years of service or a combination of years of service and compensation during the final years of employment. The Company’s funding policy is to contribute amounts annually to the plans based upon actuarial and economic assumptions designed to achieve adequate funding of projected benefit obligations. The Company also has a supplemental executive retirement plan (“SERP”), which is an unfunded defined benefit pension plan.

     The total additional minimum pension liability at December 31, 2004, was $11.5 million. The total accumulated benefit obligation for the Company’s pension plans was $73.3 million at December 31, 2004. The Company contributed $7.3 million to its pension plans during 2004. The Company estimates it will contribute $2.4 million to its pension plans in 2005 and, therefore, $2.4 million of the Company accrued pension cost is reflected in other current liabilities in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Financial Position at December 31, 2004.

Other Postretirement Benefits. The Company has postretirement benefit plans that provide certain medical and prescription drug benefits to eligible retired employees, their spouses and covered dependents. Determination of benefits is based on a combination of the retiree’s age and years of service at retirement. The Company accounts for retiree medical benefits in accordance with SFAS 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions.” This standard requires the full accrual of such costs during the years that the employee renders service to the Company until the date of full eligibility.

     The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position 106-2, “Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 ” (“FSP 106-2”) in the third quarter of 2004, retroactive to January 1, 2004 in the determination of the retiree medical benefits expense. The impact of the adoption of FSP 106-2 reduced postretirement medical expense by approximately $0.6 million for 2004. In addition, as a result of the adoption of FSP106-2, accumulated postretirement benefit obligation has been reduced by $5.5 million as of December 31, 2004.

     In 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company expensed retiree medical costs of $1.2 million, $2.8 million and $2.0 million, respectively. The retiree medical expense for each of those years includes $0.9 million of amortization of previously deferred retiree medical costs. Prior to getting regulatory approval for the recovery of retiree medical benefits in rates, the Company deferred, as a regulatory asset, any portion of retiree medical expense that was not yet provided for in customer rates. After receiving rate approval for recovery of such costs, the Company began amortizing, as retiree medical expense, the amounts previously deferred. The Company, as a matter of practice, has paid retiree medical costs from its corporate assets. The Company estimates it will contribute $1.9 million from its corporate assets in 2005 to cover other postretirement benefits costs incurred or payable in 2004. As a result, $1.9 million of the Company’s accrued other postretirement benefit cost is reflected in other current liabilities in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Financial Position at December 31, 2004.

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    Pension Benefits     Other Postretirement Benefits  
Years ended December 31,   2004     2003     2002     2004     2003     2002  
(in thousands)                                                
Components of net benefit cost
                                               
Service cost
  $ 2,387     $ 1,865     $ 2,089     $ 362     $ 355     $ 357  
Interest cost
    4,508       4,299       4,222       1,859       2,447       2,377  
Expected return on plan assets
    (5,072 )     (4,812 )     (5,611 )     (1,910 )     (1,647 )     (2,048 )
Amortization of transition obligation
    2       23       40       69       413       922  
Amortization of prior service cost
    173       118       163       (286 )     (59 )      
Amortization of net (gain) or loss
    1,487       1,065       264       200       423       (553 )
Amortization of regulatory asset
                      899       899       899  
 
Net benefit cost
  $ 3,485     $ 2,558     $ 1,167     $ 1,193     $ 2,831     $ 1,954  
 

     The Company has certain Voluntary Employee Benefit Association (“VEBA”) trusts to fund its retiree medical benefits. There were no contributions to the VEBA trusts during 2002, 2003 and 2004. The Company can also partially fund retiree medical benefits on a discretionary basis through Internal Revenue Code Section 401(h) accounts. No cash contributions were made to the 401(h) accounts in 2004, 2003 and 2002.

     The Company uses a measurement date of December 31 for all of its plans. The following table provides reconciliations of the plan benefit obligation, plan assets, funded status of the plans and additional information related to the Company’s benefit obligation.

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    Pension Benefits     Other Postretirement Benefits  
    2004     2003     2004     2003  
(in thousands)                                
Change in benefit obligation
                               
Benefit obligation at January 1
  $ 72,831     $ 67,068     $ 40,033     $ 31,791  
Service cost
    2,387       1,865       362       355  
Interest cost
    4,508       4,299       1,859       2,447  
Actuarial (gain) loss
    5,996       3,312       (1,542 )     7,744  
Benefits paid from plan assets
    (4,260 )     (4,033 )            
Benefits paid from corporate assets, net of participant contributions
                (829 )     (2,304 )
Special termination benefits
          652              
Plan amendments
    765       (332 )     (5,474 )      
 
Benefit obligation at December 31
  $ 82,227     $ 72,831     $ 34,409     $ 40,033  
 
 
                               
Change in plan assets
                               
Fair value of plan assets at January 1
  $ 54,936     $ 49,410     $ 22,474     $ 19,375  
Actual return on plan assets
    5,440       7,782       2,975       3,099  
Company contributions
    7,338       1,777              
Benefits paid from plan assets
    (4,260 )     (4,033 )            
 
Fair value of plan assets at December 31
  $ 63,454     $ 54,936     $ 25,449     $ 22,474  
 
 
                               
Reconciliation of funded status of the plans
                               
Funded (unfunded) status
  $ (18,773 )   $ (17,895 )   $ (8,960 )   $ (17,559 )
Unrecognized net (gain) loss
    26,060       21,919       4,518       7,325  
Unrecognized prior service cost
    804       211       (2,559 )     (470 )
Unrecognized net transition obligation
          2       552       3,720  
Additional minimum pension liability
    (11,514 )     (10,366 )            
 
Total liability at December 31
  $ (3,423 )   $ (6,129 )   $ (6,449 )   $ (6,984 )
 
 
                               
Amounts recognized in statements of financial position consist of:
                               
Prepaid benefit cost
  $ 8,091     $ 4,237     $     $  
Accrued benefit cost
                (6,449 )     (6,984 )
Intangible asset
    (302 )     (355 )            
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    (11,212 )     (10,011 )            
 
Total liability at December 31
  $ (3,423 )   $ (6,129 )   $ (6,449 )   $ (6,984 )
 
 
                               
Information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets at December 31
                               
Accumulated benefit obligation
  $ 45,359     $ 41,567       n/a       n/a  
Fair value of plan assets
  $ 34,927     $ 29,332       n/a       n/a  
 
                               
Information for pension and postretirement benefit plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets at December 31
                               
Projected benefit obligation
  $ 73,285     $ 65,985     $ 21,180     $ 40,033  
Fair value of plan assets
  $ 54,284     $ 47,573     $ 11,422     $ 22,474  
 
                               
Accumulated benefit obligation for all plans at December 31
  $ 73,322     $ 65,501       n/a       n/a  
 
                               
Additional information
                               
Increase (decrease) in minimum liability included in other comprehensive income
  $ 1,201     $ (572 )     n/a       n/a  

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Assumptions. The following tables provide the assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation and the net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans.

                                 
    Pension Benefits     Other Postretirement Benefits  
    2004     2003     2004     2003  
(in thousands, except for percentages)                                
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for years ended December 31
                               
Discount rate
    6.25 %     6.75 %     6.25 %     6.75 %
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets
    8.50 %     8.50 %     8.50 %     8.50 %
Rate of compensation increase
    4.00 %     4.00 %     n/a       n/a  
 
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31
                               
Discount rate
    5.75 %     6.25 %     5.75 %     6.25 %
Rate of compensation increase
    4.00 %     4.00 %     n/a       n/a  
 
Assumed health care cost trend rate
                               
Medical
                               
Rate assumed for next year
    n/a       n/a       8.00 %     6.60 %
Rate to which cost trend rate is assumed to decline ( the ultimate trend rate)
    n/a       n/a       5.00 %     5.00 %
Year of ultimate trend rate
    n/a       n/a       2010       2008  
Prescription Drug
                               
Rate assumed for next year
    n/a       n/a       12.00 %     10.60 %
Rate to which cost trend rate is assumed to decline ( the ultimate trend rate)
    n/a       n/a       5.00 %     5.00 %
Year of ultimate trend rate
    n/a       n/a       2010       2008  
 
                               
Effect of a 1% increase in health cost trend rate
                               
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
    n/a       n/a     $ 5,161     $ 5,813  
Effect on aggregate of service and interest costs
    n/a       n/a     $ 362     $ 460  
 
                               
Effect of a 1% decrease in health cost trend rate
                               
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
    n/a       n/a     $ (4,219 )   $ (4,779 )
Effect on aggregate of service and interest costs
    n/a       n/a     $ (290 )   $ (370 )

     The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is established based on the Company’s expectations of asset returns for the investment mix in its plans (with some reliance on historical asset returns for the plans). The expected returns of various asset categories are blended to derive one long-term assumption.

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Plan Assets. The weighted-average asset allocations of the Company’s pension plans and its other postretirement benefit plans at December 31, 2004, and 2003 are presented in the following table:

                                 
    Percentage Allocation  
    Pension Benefits     Other Postretirement Benefits  
December 31,   2004     2003     2004     2003  
 
Asset Category
                               
Equity securities
    67.5 %     62.4 %     61.9 %     59.7 %
Debt securities
    25.6 %     24.7 %     35.2 %     36.7 %
Other
    6.9 %     12.9 %     2.9 %     3.6 %
 
Total
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
 

     The Company has a target asset allocation of 70% equities and 30% debt instruments for the pension plans. This does not include certain insurance contracts for retirees. Year-end pension contributions and cash held for retiree pension payments also impact the actual allocation compared to the target allocation. The other postretirement benefit plans have a target allocation of 60% equities and 40% debt and other instruments. The other instruments portion of this allocation consists of a life-insurance product.

     The primary goal of the Company’s retirement plan investment approach is to ensure that pension and other postretirement liabilities are met. An emphasis is placed on the long-term characteristics of individual asset classes, and the benefits of diversification across multiple asset classes. The approach incorporates an assessment of the proper long-term level of risk for the plans, considering factors such as the long-term nature of the plans’ liabilities, the current funded status of the plans, and the impact of asset allocation on the volatility and magnitude of the plans’ contributions and expense.

Estimated Future Benefit Payments. The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid.

                                 
            Other Postretirement Benefits  
    Pension     Gross     Less Medicare     Net  
    Benefits     Benefits     Part D Subsidy     Benefits  
(in thousands)                                
2005
  $ 3,700     $ 1,900     $     $ 1,900  
2006
    3,700       2,100       200       1,900  
2007
    3,800       2,100       200       1,900  
2008
    3,800       2,100       200       1,900  
2009
    3,900       2,200       200       2,000  
Years 2010 - 2014
    23,100       12,000       1,500       10,500  

401(K) Plans and Profit Sharing Plans. The Company has defined contribution plans, commonly referred to as 401(k) plans, covering eligible employees. Certain of the 401(k) plans contain provisions for Company matching contributions. The amount expensed for the Company match provisions was $1.1 million for each year 2004, 2003 and 2002.

     The Company has profit sharing plans covering certain employees. Annual contributions are generally discretionary or determined by a formula, which contains minimum contribution requirements. Profit sharing expense was $0.2 million for each year 2004, 2003 and 2002.

NOTE 9. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

     The Company has a number of long-term stock-based compensation plans. The Company’s 2004 Stock Award and Incentive Plan (“2004 Plan”) was approved by the shareholders at the Company’s 2004 Annual Meeting and provided for, in various forms, the issuance of up to 1,500,000 shares plus any shares which become available through forfeiture or through other proscribed means from the 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“1997 LTIP”) or Stock Option Plan of 2000 (“2000 SOP”) after the effective date of the 2004 Plan. Awards may be in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, deferred stock, bonus stock and awards in lieu of obligations, dividend equivalents, other stock-based awards, or performance awards. Awards granted thus far have been in the form of stock options, which vest over a three-year period, and restricted stock units, which vest over a three-year period if certain performance targets are met and the individual remains employed at the time of vesting. Options granted pursuant to the 2004 Plan must be granted at fair market or greater value on the date of grant and expire ten years from the date of grant.

     The Company’s 1997 LTIP provided for the issuance of options to purchase up to 500,000 shares of common stock. The options available under the 1997 LTIP were adjusted for subsequent stock dividends. Although other forms of awards were allowed under the LTIP, all awards were in the form of stock options and no further awards may be granted under this plan. The Company’s Board of Directors (“Board”) approved the 2000 SOP in 2000. The 2000 SOP allowed stock options to be granted in excess of the 1997 LTIP maximum number to the extent deemed appropriate by the Board’s Compensation Committee. Shares that remained available for grant on the

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effective date of the 2004 Plan were combined with the 1,500,000 shares originally available under the 2004 Plan and any shares that become available subsequent to that date, through forfeiture or otherwise, are added to the 2004 Plan and no further grants may be made from the 2000 SOP. The stock options issued under the 1997 LTIP and 2000 SOP vest over a three-year period.

     The Company also has a number of plans for its Board, which allow for the annual grants of common stock to Board members and the deferral of Board member compensation, at the Board member’s election, into a plan that can be invested in the Company’ common stock. Any stock grants are immediately vested and expensed in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations at the time of the grant at their fair value on the grant date. Any deferral of Board member compensation is expensed in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations when earned by the Board member.

     There were 1,263,315 stock-based awards available for grant to employees and Board members at December 31, 2004.

Restricted Stock Units

     During 2004, the Company issued restricted stock units equivalent to 92,500 shares of Company common stock. These restricted stock units vest over a three-year period, subject to certain restrictions and the attainment of certain performance targets. The restricted stock units that vest in year one vest in full as long as the individual remains employed on the vesting date. The restricted stock units that vest in later years vest subject to the attainment of certain performance targets as long as the individual remains employed on the vesting dates. At the end of the three year vesting period, settlement of the vested restricted stock units will be made in shares of the Company’s common stock. The restricted stock units that vest in year one are being expensed in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations pro rata over the year one vesting period. The expense is based on the fair value of the restricted stock units.

Options to Purchase Common Stock

     The exercise price of all the options granted is equal to the average of the high and low market price on the options grant date. Both the number of options granted and the exercise price are adjusted accordingly for any stock dividends and stock splits occurring during the options’ life. The fair value of the options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model and the weighted average assumptions shown in the table below.

                         
    2004     2003     2002  
             
Risk-free interest rate
    3.44 %     2.91 %     4.45 %
Dividend yield
    0.26 %     8.21 %     6.63 %
Volatility
    43.35 %     41.81 %     34.39 %
Average expected term (years)
    5       5       5  
Fair value of options granted
  $ 2.20     $ 0.52     $ 1.41  

The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable options at December 31, 2004.

                                         
    Options Outstanding     Options Exercisable  
                    Weighted             Weighted  
            Remaining     Average             Average  
    Number     Contractual     Exercise     Number     Exercise  
Range of Exercisable Prices   Outstanding     Life in Years     Price ($)     Exercisable     Price ($)  
 
$4.13 — $5.64
    439,934       9.2       5.15       78,213       4.32  
$5.78 — $7.43
    280,967       7.7       6.93       208,502       7.32  
$7.42 — $14.26
    239,000       4.9       13.22       238,667       13.22  
$14.35 — $17.14
    332,141       2.3       15.67       332,141       15.67  
 
 
    1,292,042                       857,523          
 

     The following table shows the stock option activity during the past three years and the number of stock options exercisable under the Company’s plans at the end of each such year.

                 
    Number     Weighted Average  
    of Shares     Exercise Price ($)  
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2001
    948,749       14.49  
Granted
    251,979       7.48  
Exercised
           
Canceled
    (61,510 )     14.16  
Outstanding at December 31, 2002
    1,139,218       12.96  
Granted
    184,285       4.29  
Exercised
           
Canceled
    (145,768 )     11.99  
Outstanding at December 31, 2003
    1,177,735       11.72  
Granted
    419,800       5.51  
Exercised
    (2,668 )     4.13  
Canceled
    (302,825 )     11.66  
Outstanding at December 31, 2004
    1,292,042       9.73  
 
               
Exercisable at December 31, 2002
    544,142       14.75  
Exercisable at December 31, 2003
    781,208       13.81  
Exercisable at December 31, 2004
    857,523       11.92  

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For further information regarding stock-based compensation, refer to the caption “Stock-Based Compensation” in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

NOTE 10. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The Company computes earnings per share (“EPS”) in accordance with SFAS 128, “Earnings per Share.” SFAS 128 requires the computation and presentation of two EPS amounts, basic and diluted. Basic EPS is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The computation of diluted EPS is similar to that of basic EPS except that the weighted average number of common shares outstanding is increased to include any shares that would be available if outstanding stock options were exercised and stock purchase contracts and restricted stock units were settled in shares of common stock. The diluted EPS calculation excludes the affect of stock options when their exercise prices exceed the average market price of the Company’s common stock during the period. For the year ended December 31, 2002, the diluted EPS calculation also excludes the affect of stock purchase contracts when their reference price exceeds the average market price of common stock during the period.

     The following table provides the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002.

                         
Years ended December 31,   2004     2003     2002  
(in thousands)  
Potential dilutive impact on average common shares outstanding when calculating diluted earnings per share
                       
Assumed conversion of convertible preference stock
    5,430              
Assumed exercise of stock options
    24       20       21  
Assumed exercise of stock warrants
                 
Assumed settlement of restrictive stock units
    9              
Assumed failed remarketing and assumed retirement of trust preferred securities
          5,280        
Assumed cash settlement of stock purchase contracts
                 
 
                       
Potential income statement adjustments when calculating diluted earnings per share
                       
Eliminate dividends on trust preferred securities assumed retired
  $     $ 5,681     $  
Eliminate dividends on convertible preference stock assumed converted
  $ 3,203     $     $  

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Years ended December 31,   2004     2003     2002  
(in thousands, except per share amounts)  
Reconciliation of diluted earnings per share from income (loss) from continuing operations
                       
 
                       
Income (loss) from continuing operations
                       
As reported
  $ 4,156     $ (5,084 )   $ 12,171  
Adjustments to reconcile to income (loss) from continuing operations on a diluted basis:
                       
Eliminate dividends on trust preferred securities assumed retired
                 
 
Diluted
  $ 4,156     $ (5,084 )   $ 12,171  
 
                       
Average common shares outstanding
                       
As reported
    28,263       22,297       18,472  
Adjustments to reconcile to average common shares outstanding on a diluted basis:
                       
Assumed conversion of convertible preference stock
    5,430              
Assumed exercise of stock options
    24             21  
Assumed exercise of stock warrants
                 
Assumed settlement of restrictive stock units
    9              
Assumed failed remarketing and assumed retirement of trust preferred securities
                 
Assumed cash settlement of stock purchase contracts
                 
 
Diluted
    33,726       22,297       18,493  
 
                       
Earnings per share from income (loss) from continuing operations
                       
Basic
  $ 0.15     $ (0.23 )   $ 0.66  
Diluted
  $ 0.12     $ (0.23 )   $ 0.66  
 
                       
Reconciliation of diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations
                       
 
                       
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
                       
As reported
  $ (9,339 )   $ (24,871 )   $ (3,222 )
 
                       
Diluted
  $ (9,339 )   $ (24,871 )   $ (3,222 )
 
                       
Average common shares outstanding
                       
As reported
    28,263       22,297       18,472  
Adjustments to reconcile to average common shares outstanding on a diluted basis:
                       
Assumed conversion of convertible preference stock
                 
Assumed exercise of stock options
                 
Assumed exercise of stock warrants
                 
Assumed settlement of restrictive stock units
                 
Assumed failed remarketing and assumed retirement of trust preferred securities
                 
Assumed cash settlement of stock purchase contracts
                 
 
Diluted
    28,263       22,297       18,472  
 
                       
Earnings per share from income (loss) from discontinued operations
                       
Basic
  $ (0.33 )   $ (1.11 )   $ (0.18 )
Diluted
  $ (0.33 )   $ (1.11 )   $ (0.18 )
 
                       
Reconciliation of diluted earnings per share from net income (loss) available to common shareholders
                       
 
                       
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
                       
As reported
  $ (8,386 )   $ (29,955 )   $ 8,949  
Adjustments to reconcile to net income (loss) available to common shareholders on a diluted basis:
                       
Eliminate dividends on trust preferred securities assumed retired
                 
Eliminate dividends on convertible preference stock assumed converted
                 
 
Diluted
  $ (8,386 )   $ (29,955 )   $ 8,949  
 
                       
Average common shares outstanding
                       
As reported
    28,263       22,297       18,472  
Adjustments to reconcile to average common shares outstanding on a diluted basis:
                       
Assumed conversion of convertible preference stock
                 
Assumed exercise of stock options
                21  
Assumed exercise of stock warrants
                 
Assumed settlement of restrictive stock units
                 
Assumed failed remarketing and assumed retirement of trust preferred securities
                 
Assumed cash settlement of stock purchase contracts
                 
 
Diluted
    28,263       22,297       18,493  
 
                       
Earnings per share from net income (loss) available to common shareholders
                       
Basic
  $ (0.30 )   $ (1.34 )   $ 0.48  
Diluted
  $ (0.30 )   $ (1.34 )   $ 0.48  

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NOTE 11. BUSINESS SEGMENTS

The Company follows SFAS 131,“Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” which specifies standards for reporting information about operating segments (“business segments”) in annual financial statements and requires selected information in interim financial statements. Business segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or decision-making group, to make decisions on how to allocate resources and to assess performance. The Company’s chief operating decision-making group is the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and certain other executive officers who report directly to the CEO. The Company evaluates the performance of its business segments based on the operating income generated. Operating income does not include income taxes, interest expense, discontinued operations, and non-operating income and expense items.

     Under SFAS 131, a business segment that does not exceed certain quantitative levels is not considered a reportable business segment. Instead, business segments that do not exceed the quantitative thresholds are combined and reported in a separate category with other business activities that do not meet the definition of a business segment. The Company refers to this other category as “corporate and other.” In prior years, the Company reported the following reportable business segments: (1) gas distribution; (2) construction services; (3) information technology services; and (4) propane, pipelines and storage. The information technology services segment and the propane, pipelines and storage segment did not meet the quantitative thresholds required to be reportable business segments. However, previous management voluntarily elected to disclose information about these segments.

     Starting with these financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company began reporting one reportable business segment: gas distribution. This change is the result of the Company’s new strategic direction. Refer to Note 1 for information on the Company’s new strategic direction, a brief description of the Company’s gas distribution business segment, a description of the non-separately reportable business segments included in corporate and other, and information regarding the sale of the discontinued construction services segment in September 2004. The accounting policies of the Company’s business segments are the same as those described in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements except that intercompany transactions have not been eliminated in determining individual segment results.

     The Company’s corporate division is a cost center rather than a business segment. Any corporate operating expenses that do not relate to the ongoing operations of the Company’s business segments are not allocated to those segments. Instead, these unallocated expenses remain on the books of the corporate division. The corporate division is included in corporate and other.

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     The following table provides business segment information as well as a reconciliation of the segment information to the applicable line in the consolidated financial statements. Prior year segment information has been adjusted to be consistent with the current year presentation of one reportable business segment. Prior year segment information has also been modified to reflect the Company’s construction services business as a discontinued operation.

                         
Years Ended December 31,   2004     2003     2002  
(in thousands)                        
Operating revenues
                       
Gas distribution
  $ 498,249     $ 462,889     $ 365,273  
Corporate and other
    17,152       17,220       17,180  
Reconciliation to consolidated financial statements Intercompany eliminations (a)
    (7,065 )     (7,154 )     (8,291 )
 
Consolidated operating revenues
  $ 508,336     $ 472,955     $ 374,162  
 
 
                       
Depreciation and amortization
                       
Gas distribution
  $ 25,925     $ 25,528     $ 25,342  
Corporate and other
    1,653       1,920       1,785  
 
Consolidated depreciation and amortization
  $ 27,578     $ 27,448     $ 27,127  
 
 
                       
Operating income (loss)
                       
Gas distribution
  $ 52,760     $ 59,222     $ 59,186  
Corporate and other
    (7,275 )     1,475       2,238  
 
Consolidated operating income
  $ 45,485     $ 60,697     $ 61,424  
 
 
                       
Capital investments
                       
Gas distribution
  $ 37,924     $ 28,323     $ 29,972  
Corporate and other
    954       840       2,004  
Construction services (b)
    34       1,003       3,001  
 
Consolidated capital investments
  $ 38,912     $ 30,166     $ 34,977  
 
 
                       
Assets at year end
                       
Gas distribution
  $ 864,183     $ 848,296          
Corporate and other
    62,015       66,375          
Construction services (b)
          36,548          
         
Consolidated assets
  $ 926,198     $ 951,219          
         


(a)   Includes the elimination of intercompany gas distribution revenue of $199,000, $174,000 and $163,000 for 2004, 2003 and 2002, Includes the elimination of intercompany corporate and other revenue of $6,866,000, $6,980,000 and $8,128,000 for 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
 
(b)   Effective January 1, 2004, the Company began accounting for the construction services segment as a discontinued operation. Accordingly, it’s operating results are segregated and reported as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

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NOTE 12. INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES

The equity method of accounting is used for interests where the Company has significant influence, but does not control the entity. The Company has a 50% ownership interest in the Eaton Rapids Gas Storage System (“ERGSS”) that it accounts for using the equity method of accounting. The investment in ERGSS is reported in deferred charges and other assets in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. ERGSS provides natural gas storage services to the Company’s Gas Distribution Business. ERGSS had annual operating revenues associated with services provided to the Gas Distribution Business of $3.4 million, $3.2 million and $3.2 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The table below summarizes the financial information for ERGSS.

                         
    2004     2003     2002  
(in thousands)                        
Operating revenues
  $ 6,752     $ 6,514     $ 6,320  
Operating income
  $ 4,308     $ 4,141     $ 4,068  
Equity income
  $ 3,511     $ 3,208     $ 3,012  
The Company’s share of equity income
  $ 1,755     $ 1,604     $ 1,506  
 
                       
Current assets
  $ 4,232     $ 4,358     $ 3,619  
Non-current assets
    22,086       20,564       21,352  
 
Total assets
  $ 26,318     $ 24,922     $ 24,971  
 
 
                       
Current liabilities
  $ 6,242     $ 5,636     $ 5,388  
Non-current liabilities
    7,313       9,013       10,769  
Equity
    12,763       10,273       8,814  
 
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 26,318     $ 24,922     $ 24,971  
 
 
                       
The Company’s equity investment in ERGSS
  $ 6,381     $ 5,137     $ 4,407  
 

     On December 31, 2003, the Company deconsolidated its two capital trust subsidiaries in accordance with the requirements of FIN 46 and FIN 46R. The Company’s common equity investments in these trusts were $1.2 million at both December 31, 2004 and 2003. Refer to Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

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NOTE 13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Capital Investments. The Company’s plans for expansion and improvement of its business properties are continually reviewed. Aggregate capital expenditures for property in 2005 are projected to be approximately $40 million. The Company may also, as part of the execution of its strategic plan, make acquisitions of, or investments in, other businesses. In December 2004, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire Peninsular Gas Company for $3.1 million, which, if this transaction is consummated, would add approximately 3,900 customers to the Company’s Gas Distribution Business in the upper peninsula of Michigan. A request related to rate matters was approved by the MPSC on February 24, 2005. The Company expects to close on this transaction prior to November 1, 2005.

Lease Commitments. The Company leases buildings, vehicles and equipment. The resulting leases are classified as operating leases in accordance with SFAS 13, “Accounting for Leases.” A significant portion of the Company’s vehicles are leased. Leases on the majority of the Company’s new vehicles are for a minimum of twelve months. The Company has the right to extend each vehicle lease annually and to cancel the extended lease at any time. During 2002, the Company sold two of its buildings and leased these facilities back over the period January 2003 through January 2005. The annual lease payments associated with these facilities amount to approximately $0.5 million. In February 2005, the Company began leasing its new headquarters building for annual lease payments of $0.8 million.

     The Company’s future minimum lease payments that have initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2004 totaled $14.1 million consisting of (in millions):

                         
2005
  $ 1.5       2008     $ 1.4  
2006
  $ 1.4       2008     $ 1.4  
2007
  $ 1.4     Thereafter      $ 7.0  

     Total lease payments were approximately $2.9 million, $2.7 million and $2.2 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The annual future minimum lease payments are less than the lease payments incurred in 2002 through 2004 because most of the vehicle leases at December 31, 2004, were on a month-to-month basis and were subject to cancellation at any time. However, management expects to renew or replace substantially all of these leases.

Commitments for Gas Supplies. The Company enters into contracts to purchase natural gas and natural gas transportation and storage services from various suppliers for its Gas Distribution Business. These contracts, which have expiration dates that range from 2004 to 2010, are used to assure an adequate supply of natural gas to meet the needs of customers and to minimize exposure to market price fluctuations. The Company’s gas purchase contractual obligations as of December 31, 2004, total $214 million, consisting of (in millions):

                         
2005
  $ 101.6       2008     $ 16.3  
2006
  $ 59.6       2008     $ 9.8  
2007
  $ 24.2     Thereafter      $ 2.5  

Guarantees. The Company has issued standby letters of credit of approximately $13 million through financial institutions for the benefit of third parties that have extended credit to the Company. Under the terms of these letters of credit, if the Company does not pay amounts when due under the covered contracts, the beneficiary may present its claim for payment to the financial institution, which will in return request payment from the Company. The letters of credit are entered into on a short term basis, normally every six-to-twelve months, and are then renewed for another short term period. Currently, the letters of credit are scheduled to expire in May of 2005.

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Environmental Issues. Prior to the construction of major natural gas pipelines, gas for heating and other uses was manufactured from processes involving coal, coke or oil. Residual byproducts of these processes may have caused environmental conditions that require investigation and remediation. The Company owns seven sites in Michigan where such manufactured gas plants were located. Even though the Company never operated manufactured gas facilities at four of the sites, and did so at another site for only a very brief period of time, the Company is subject to local, state and federal laws and regulations that require, among other things, the investigation and, if necessary, the remediation of contamination associated with these sites, irrespective of fault, legality of initial activity, or ownership and which may impose liability for damages to natural resources. The Company has complied with the applicable Michigan Department of Environmental Quality ("MDEQ") requirements, which require current landowners to mitigate unacceptable risks to human health from the byproducts of manufactured gas plant operations and to notify the MDEQ and adjacent property owners of potential contaminant migration. The Company is investigating these sites, and anticipates conducting any necessary additional investigatory and remedial activities as appropriate. The Company has already remediated and closed a site related to one of the manufactured gas plant sites with the MDEQ's approval.

     The Company is also attempting to identify other potentially responsible parties to bear some or all of the costs and liabilities associated with the investigatory and remedial activities at several of these sites and is pursuing recovery of the costs of these activities from insurance carriers. The Company is unable to predict, however, whether and to what extent it will be successful in including other potentially responsible parties or in securing insurance recovery for some or all of the environmental costs associated with these sites.

     The Company also is unable to estimate, at present, the costs that may be incurred in connection with the investigation and remediation of these sites or other potential environmental liabilities relating to these sites. In accordance with an MPSC accounting order, environmental assessment and remediation costs associated with the manufactured gas plant sites are deferred and amortized over ten years. Rate recognition of the related amortization expense does not begin until a review of the related costs in a base rate case.

Personal Property Taxes. The Company and other Michigan utilities have asserted that Michigan’s valuation tables in effect prior to 2000 resulted in the substantial overvaluation of utility personal property. Valuation tables established by the Michigan State Tax Commission (“STC”) are used to estimate the reduction in value of personal property based on the property’s age. In 1998, the Company began filing its personal property tax information with local taxing jurisdictions, using a revised calculation of the value of personal property subject to taxation. A number of local taxing jurisdictions accepted the revised calculation, and the Company recorded lower property tax expense in 1998 and subsequent years associated with these taxing jurisdictions. The Company has also filed appeals to recover excess payments made in 1997 and subsequent years based on the revised calculation and recorded lower property tax expense as a result of the filings.

     In November 1999, the STC approved new valuation tables for utility personal property. The new tables became effective in 2000 and are being used for current year assessments in most jurisdictions. However, several local taxing jurisdictions took legal actions attempting to prevent the STC from implementing the new valuation tables and others continued to prepare assessments based on the superseded tables. The legality of the new valuation tables providing lower values for gas distribution property has now been resolved in favor of the STC. The Company will seek to apply the new tables retroactively and to settle the pending tax appeals related to prior periods. During 2004, the Company reduced its estimate for recovery of these prior year excess property tax payments by $1.4 million. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had approximately $2.5 million recorded in prepaid expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Financial Position for the Company’s estimated recovery of these prior year excess property tax payments.

Other Contingencies. In the normal course of business, the Company may be a party to lawsuits and administrative proceedings before various courts and government agencies. The Company also may be involved in private dispute resolution proceedings. These lawsuits and proceedings may involve personal injury, property damage, contractual issues and other matters (including alleged violations of federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations and orders). Management cannot predict the outcome or timing of any pending or threatened litigation or of actual or possible claims. Except as otherwise stated, management believes resulting liabilities, if any, will not have a material adverse impact upon the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

     In late March 2003, the Company was named in a putative class-action lawsuit alleging that approximately 30 defendants, including SEMCO Energy, Inc. and SEMCO Energy Ventures, Inc., engaged in practices that violated the Sherman Antitrust Act and tortiously interfered with the business of the plaintiffs. In October 2003, the plaintiff voluntarily dismissed this action in the jurisdiction in which the action was originally filed and gave the Company notice that it would refile the complaint in a different jurisdiction. In November 2003, the plaintiff filed a separate but similar lawsuit against SEMCO Energy Services, Inc., a company subsidiary no longer actively engaged in business and whose operations were sold in 1999. This lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed by the plaintiff in July 2004. A variation of the aforementioned putative class action lawsuit was filed in July 2004. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries were named as defendants. In October 2004, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint naming, among others, SEMCO Energy Services, Inc. and SEMCO Pipeline Company as additional defendants. The amended lawsuit alleges violations of the Sherman Antitrust Act, the West Virginia Antitrust Act and various common law claims.

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     In September 2003, the Company entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated September 16, 2003, to sell its wholly-owned subsidiary, Alaska Pipeline Company (“APC”), to Atlas Pipeline Partners, L.P. (“Atlas”) for $95 million (the “Agreement”). Pursuant to the Agreement, in October 2003, the Company and Atlas filed an application with the RCA seeking its final order approving the transfer, a special contract and certain other elements of the transaction specified in the Agreement and in the application. Several other parties intervened in this proceeding before the RCA and, as a result of negotiations, on March 26, 2004, the Company, Atlas and the interveners submitted to the RCA a stipulation attaching a proposed final order (“PFO”), which the parties requested that the RCA enter in this matter. After a hearing, the RCA on April 20, 2004 issued Order U-03-91(4) on the stipulation, which approved the transfer but which was not in the form of the requested PFO and did not on its face appear specifically to grant certain other approvals required by the agreement and sought by all parties. On May 5, 2004 the Company filed a motion with the RCA seeking, on an expedited basis, clarification (or, in the alternative, reconsideration) of its order. In response, on June 4, 2004, the RCA issued Order U-03-91(5) entitled “Order Granting Reconsideration, Vacating Order U-03-91(4), Rejecting Stipulation, Approving Transfer of Control, Allowing Parties to Request Further Proceedings, and Finding Motions For Expedited Consideration Moot,” which vacated the prior order and explicitly refused to grant four of the five regulatory approvals required for closing the transaction.

     Following further discussion with Atlas, by letter dated July 1, 2004, the Company gave notice of termination of the Agreement. As a result, the Company has recorded with respect to the second quarter of 2004, a write-off of expenses that it had incurred in connection with the proposed transaction amounting to approximately $1 million.

     In response to the Company’s notice, on July 23, 2004, Atlas initiated an arbitration proceeding with the American Arbitration Association, alleging that the Company breached and wrongfully terminated the Agreement and seeking compensatory damages from the Company of not less than $94.3 million. On December 31, 2004, Atlas and the Company entered into a settlement under which, among other things, the Company agreed to pay Atlas $5.5 million. Both parties executed claims releases, and neither party admitted any wrongdoing or liability related to the dispute. During the third and fourth quarter of 2004, the Company incurred $1.9 million in expenses associated with the arbitration proceeding and related settlement. The Company will continue to own and operate APC.

     In connection with the issuance of CPS and Warrants to K-1 during 2004, the Company agreed to seek certain rulings from the RCA. This obligation would be satisfied if the RCA: (i) finds that the purchase of the CPS and Warrants by K-1, and the conversion or exercise of the CPS or Warrants, as applicable, are not, and will not be, deemed an acquisition of controlling interest in a corporation holding a certificate of public convenience and necessity (a “Control Change”) or otherwise constitute transactions requiring RCA approval; (ii) declares that RCA approval of such transactions is not required; or (iii), if the Company so elects, approves the Control Change. If the Company does not obtain such rulings from the RCA prior to March 19, 2005, among other things, the dividends payable on the CPS (which are currently at 6%) increase 1%, by quarter, subject to a cap of 12%, until such rulings are received. Under the terms of the CPS, the Company also has the right, in the event such rulings are not obtained by March 19, 2005, and subject to certain conditions, to repurchase the CPS for $1,000 per share plus accrued but unpaid dividends and the cash value of dividends that would have been paid on the CPS over the following 12 months.

     By petition filed on June 17, 2004, the Company asked the RCA to rule that the purchase of the CPS and Warrants by K-1, and the conversion or exercise of the CPS or Warrants, as applicable, are not, and will not be, deemed a Control Change or otherwise constitute transactions requiring RCA approval. On September 22, 2004, the RCA issued an order finding that the RCA did not have the authority to make the requested determination without the Company’s filing an application for approval of a Control Change. On October 7, 2004, the Company asked the RCA to reconsider its order, on an expedited basis. On November 23, 2004, the RCA denied the Company’s Petition for Reconsideration and ordered a new docket to be opened in order to develop a sufficient record to allow a determination to be made as to whether the financing provided by K-1 constituted a Control Change or otherwise required RCA approval. The Alaska Attorney General has intervened in this docket, asserting in his initial comments, among other things, that (i) the Company’s issuance of the CPS and Warrants to K-1 resulted in a Control Change requiring prior approval by the RCA, (ii) such a Control Change does not adversely affect ENSTAR and therefore should be approved by the RCA, and (iii), in connection with approving this Control Change, the RCA should institute a rate proceeding to review ENSTAR’s base rates, using a 2005 test year and a new depreciation study for ENSTAR’s property. The Company believes that no Control Change occurred upon the issuance of the CPS and Warrants to K-1 and thus no RCA approval was required. The Company also opposes the proposal that the RCA institute a rate proceeding to review ENSTAR’s base rates and, in connection with that review, order that a depreciation study of ENSTAR’s property be done.

     In 1999, the Company acquired an underground construction services business in Georgia as part of expanding its business operations to include non-utility businesses. The assets of this business were subsequently sold in September 2004. The acquisition agreement for this business contained an indemnification provision by which the sellers agreed to reimburse the Company for all costs and expenses associated with certain claims. One of these claims involves a recently-affirmed judgment for approximately $0.8 million. The sellers have contested the Company’s right to indemnification under the acquisition agreement and declined to reimburse the Company for its payments of approximately $1.2 million in connection with this judgment, including attorneys’ fees and costs. In February 2005, the Company filed an action in federal district court in Georgia to recoup amounts owed the Company under the indemnification provision.

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NOTE 14. DIVESTITURES, RESTRUCTURING AND DISCONTINUATION OF OPERATIONS

     The Company began actively marketing the construction services business for sale during the first quarter of 2004. As a result, the Company has accounted for the business as a discontinued operation and, accordingly, the operating results and the estimated loss on the disposal of this business are segregated and reported as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In September 2004, the Company sold the assets of its construction services business to InfraSource Services, Inc. for approximately $21.3 million. The Company initially invested the net proceeds from the sale in cash equivalents, but has been using, and continues to use, the proceeds to fund capital expenditures. The Company has also received approximately $0.8 million in proceeds from the sale of other assets related to the construction services business that were not part of the InfraSource sale and expects to receive additional cash of approximately $3.1 million from the refund of certain prepaid assets related to the construction services business that also were not part of the sale.

     Operating losses, net of income taxes, from the discontinued operations were $4.6 million, $24.9 million and $3.2 million, respectively, for the 2004, 2003 and 2002. Also included in discontinued operations for 2004 is a loss of $4.7 million, net of income taxes, that the Company incurred on the disposal of the discontinued segment.

     Components of amounts reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position for the construction services business are presented in the following table.

Consolidated statements of operations data

                         
Years Ended December 31,   2004     2003     2002  
(in thousands)                        
 
                       
Revenues
  $ 34,106     $ 72,400     $ 107,365  
Operating expenses
    39,722       82,894       112,349  
Goodwill impairment charge
            17,649        
Asset impairment charge
            2,825        
 
Operating (loss)
    (5,616 )     (30,968 )     (4,984 )
Other deductions
    (807 )     (1,265 )     (1,113 )
Income tax benefit
    1,782       7,362       2,865  
 
 
                       
Loss from discontinued operations
  $ (4,641 )   $ (24,871 )   $ (3,232 )
 
 
                       
Loss on divestiture of construction services operations, net of income tax (expense) benefit of $1,722, $0 and $0
  $ (4,698 )   $     $  
 
                       
Gain on divestiture of engineering services operations, net of income tax (expense) benefit of $0, $0 and ($1,276)
  $     $     $ 10  
 

Consolidated statements of financial position data

                 
December 31,     2004     2003  
 
(in thousands)                        
 
Current assets
  $     $ 11,151  
Property, plant and equipment, net
          19,174  
Deferred charges and other assets, net
          133  
Current liabilities
          (1,767 )
 
 
Net assets of discontinued operations held for sale
  $     $ 28,691  
 

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NOTE 15. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

In the opinion of the Company, the following quarterly information includes all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results of operations for such periods. Earnings per share for each quarter is calculated based upon the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each quarter. As a result, adding the earnings per share for each quarter of a year may not equal annual earnings per share due to changes in shares outstanding throughout the year. Due to the seasonal nature of the Company’s Gas Distribution Business, the results of operations reported on a quarterly basis show substantial variations.

                                 
Quarters   First     Second     Third     Fourth  
(in thousands, except per share amounts)                                
2004
                               
Operating revenues
  $ 207,784     $ 81,762     $ 54,034     $ 164,756  
Operating income (loss)
    31,290       4,934       (1,492 )     10,753  
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    12,861       (3,544 )     (7,335 )     2,174  
Discontinued operations (a)
    (4,776 )     (2,344 )     (1,129 )     (1,090 )
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
    8,023       (6,756 )     (9,617 )     (36 )
 
                               
Earnings per share from income (loss) from continuing operations:
                               
- basic
    0.46       (0.13 )     (0.26 )     0.08  
- diluted
    0.45       (0.13 )     (0.26 )     0.06  
 
                               
Earnings per share from net income (loss) available to common shareholders:
                               
- basic
    0.29       (0.24 )     (0.34 )     (0.00 )
- diluted
    0.28       (0.24 )     (0.34 )     (0.00 )
 
                               
Dividends paid per share
    0.075       0.075              
Dividends declared per share
          0.075              
 
 
2003
                               
Operating revenues
  $ 194,653     $ 83,066     $ 51,531     $ 143,705  
Operating income (loss)
    31,487       6,611       805       21,794  
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    13,484       (18,810 )     (6,507 )     6,749  
Discontinued operations (a)
    (2,810 )     (1,821 )     (18,334 )     (1,906 )
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
    10,674       (20,631 )     (24,841 )     4,843  
 
                               
Earnings per share from income (loss) from continuing operations:
                               
- basic
    0.72       (0.99 )     (0.28 )     0.24  
- diluted
    0.72       (0.99 )     (0.28 )     0.24  
 
                               
Earnings per share from net income (loss) available to common shareholders:
                               
- basic
    0.57       (1.09 )     (1.07 )     0.17  
- diluted
    0.57       (1.09 )     (1.07 )     0.17  
 
                               
Dividends paid per share
    0.125       0.125       0.075       0.075  
Dividends declared per share
          0.200             0.150  
 


(a)   Effective January 1, 2004, the Company began accounting for the construction services segment as a discontinued operation. Accordingly, its operating results are segregated and reported as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. For further information on this reclassification and the sale of the assets of the construction services businesses, see Note 14.

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SCHEDULE II

SCHEDULE II — CONSOLIDATED VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(in thousands)

                                 
            Additions for     Deductions        
            Provisions     From Reserve        
    Balance     Charged or     for Purpose for     Balance  
    Beginning     (Credited)     Which the Reserve     End  
Description   of Period     to Income     Was Provided     of Period  
Year Ended December 31, 2004
Allowances for doubtful accounts deducted from receivables in the Statement of Financial Position
  $ 2,387     $ 3,133     $ 3,273     $ 2,247  
Reserves for restructuring costs included in current liabilities and deferred credits in the Statement of Financial Position
  $ 278     $ 0     $ 278     $ 0  
 
                               
Year Ended December 31, 2003
Allowances for doubtful accounts deducted from receivables in the Statement of Financial Position
  $ 1,909     $ 3,616     $ 3,138     $ 2,387  
Reserves for restructuring costs included in current liabilities and deferred credits in the Statement of Financial Position
  $ 1,093     $ 0     $ 815     $ 278  
 
                               
Year Ended December 31, 2002
Allowances for doubtful accounts deducted from receivables in the Statement of Financial Position
  $ 1,849     $ 1,152     $ 1,092     $ 1,909  
Reserves for restructuring costs included in current liabilities and deferred credits in the Statement of Financial Position
  $ 2,338     $ 0     $ 1,245     $ 1,093  
Allowances and reserves for discontinued operations included in current liabilities in the Statement of Financial Position
  $ 7,409     $ (1,287 )   $ 6,122     $ 0  

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures. As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the CEO and the Chief Financial Officer, (“CFO”) of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(f) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. Based on that evaluation, the CEO and the CFO have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2004.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)). The Company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision the Company's principal executive and financial officers to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company's financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on this assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2004, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.

     Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference.

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Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. During the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 2004, no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting occurred that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

The information appearing under the captions “Information About Nominees, Directors and Executive Officers” and “Committees of the Board of Directors and Meeting Attendance” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement (to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A) with respect to the Company’s May 24, 2005, Annual Meeting of Common Shareholders is incorporated by reference herein. In February 2003, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (“Code of Ethics”) that applies to all of the Company’s employees (including the Company’s officers), directors, affiliates, agents, consultants, advisors and representatives. The Company had a Code of Ethics in place prior to February 2003, but expanded the information provided into a handbook on conduct and ethics that would be better understood by those required to abide by it. The Company’s Code of Ethics handbook was filed as Exhibit No. 99.2 to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, and can also be found on the Company’s website at www.semcoenergy.com in the Investor Information section under Corporate Governance.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information appearing under the caption “Compensation of Executive Officers and Directors” and “Committees of the Board of Directors and Meeting Attendance” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement (to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A) with respect to the Company’s May 24, 2005, Annual Meeting of Common Shareholders is incorporated by reference herein. There are no compensation committee interlocks or insider participation.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information appearing under the caption “Stock Outstanding and Voting Rights” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement (to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A) with respect to the Company’s May 24, 2005 Annual Meeting of Common Shareholders is incorporated by reference herein. Information regarding the Company’s equity compensation plans, including plans approved by security holders and plans not approved by security holders, appearing under the caption “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement (filed pursuant to Regulation 14A) with respect to the Company’s May 24, 2005 Annual Meeting of Common Shareholders is incorporated by reference herein.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

The information appearing under the caption “Employment and Related Agreements” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement (to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A) with respect to the Company’s May 24, 2005 Annual Meeting of Common Shareholders is incorporated by reference herein.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information appearing under the caption “Independent Public Accountants” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement (to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A) with respect to the Company’s May 24, 2005 Annual Meeting of Common Shareholders is incorporated by reference herein.

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)   1 Financial statements filed as part of this report are listed in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, and reference is made thereto.
 
(a)   2 Financial statement schedules filed as part of this report are listed in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, and reference is made thereto.
 
(a)   3 Exhibits, including those incorporated by reference, are included in the list of exhibits below.
 
(b)   Reports on Form 8-K. The Company filed the following Form 8-K Reports during the fourth quarter of 2004:

         
Filing Date   Items Reported   Financial Statements
October 1, 2004
  Item 5.02   None
November 8, 2004
  Item 2.02   None
November 19, 2004
  Item 8.01   None
December 1, 2004
  Item 8.01   None
December 3, 2004
  Item 8.01   None
December 14, 2004
  Item 1.01; 5.02   None

     The Company filed the following Form 8-K Reports following the fourth quarter of 2004:

         
Filing Date   Items Reported   Financial Statements
January 3, 2005
  Item 1.01   None
January 25, 2005
  Item 2.03   None
February 18, 2005
  Item 1.01; 8.01   None
February 24, 2005
  Item 2.02   None

(c)   The exhibits filed herewith are identified in Item 15(a) 3 above.
 
(d)   The financial statement schedules filed herewith are identified under Item 15(a) 2 above.

EXHIBITS, INCLUDING THOSE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

             
        Filed
Exhibit           By
No.   Description   Herewith   Reference
             
3.1
  Articles of Incorporation of SEMCO Energy, Inc., as restated June 25, 1999, and amendments thereto through May 28, 2004, including Certificate of Designation of 6% Series B Convertible Preference Stock filed March 19, 2004.(q)       x
 
3.2
  Bylaws — last revised May 24, 2004.(q)       x
 
4.1
  Rights Agreement dated as of April 15, 1997 with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Rights Agent.(b)       x

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        Filed
Exhibit           By
No.   Description   Herewith   Reference
             
4.2
  Amended Rights Agreement as of March 19, 2004 with National City Bank (successor Rights Agent). (p)       x
 
4.3
  Form of Indenture relating to Senior Debt Securities dated as of ___1, 1998, with Bank One Trust Company (formerly NBD Bank) as Trustee.(c)       x
 
4.4
  First Supplemental Indenture relating to Senior Debt Securities dated as of June 16, 2000, with Bank One Trust Company as Trustee.(e)       x
 
4.5
  Second Supplemental Indenture relating to Senior Debt Securities dated as of June 29, 2000, with Bank One Trust Company as Trustee.(e)       x
 
4.6
  Indenture relating to Subordinated Debentures dated as of April 19, 2000, with Bank One Trust Company, Trustee.(f)       x
 
4.7
  First Supplemental Indenture relating to Subordinated Debentures dated as of April 19, 2000, with Bank One Trust Company, as Trustee.(f)       x
 
4.8
  Credit Agreement dated as of June 25, 2002, among SEMCO Energy, Inc. as Borrower, various financial institutions, Standard Federal Bank N.A. as Agent and Arranger, Keybank National Association as Syndication Agent and U.S. Bank, N.A. and National City Bank of Michigan/Illinois as Documentation Agents.(k)       x
 
4.9
  First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of May 21, 2003 among SEMCO Energy, Inc. as Borrower, various financial institutions, Standard Federal Bank N.A. as Agent and Arranger, Keybank National Association as Syndication Agent and U.S. Bank, N.A. and National City Bank of Michigan/Illinois as Documentation Agents.(l)       x
 
4.10
  Second Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of September 30, 2003 among SEMCO Energy, Inc. as Borrower, various financial institutions, Standard Federal Bank N.A. as Agent and Arranger, Keybank National Association as Syndication Agent and U.S. Bank, N.A. and National City Bank of Michigan/Illinois as Documentation Agents.(l)       x
 
4.11
  Third Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of October 15, 2003 among SEMCO Energy, Inc. as Borrower, various financial institutions, Standard Federal Bank N.A. as Agent and Arranger, Keybank National Association as Syndication Agent and U.S. Bank, N.A. and National City Bank of Michigan/Illinois as Document Agents.(l)       x
 
4.12
  Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of December 12, 2003 among SEMCO Energy, Inc. as Borrower, various financial institutions and Standard Federal Bank N.A. as Agent.(m)       x
 
4.13
  Fifth amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of February 27, 2004 among SEMCO Energy, Inc. as Borrower, various financial institutions and Standard Federal Bank N.A. as Agent.(o)       x
 
4.14
  Sixth amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of March 18, 2004 among SEMCO Energy, Inc. as Borrower, various financial institutions and Standard Federal Bank N.A. as Agent.(p)       x
 
4.15
  Seventh amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of May 19, 2004 among SEMCO Energy, Inc. as Borrower, various financial institutions and Standard Federal Bank N.A. as Agent.(q)       x
 
4.16
  Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of June 25, 2004 among SEMCO Energy, Inc. as Borrower, various financial institutions and Standard Federal Bank N.A. as Agent.(q)       x
 
4.17
  First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of June 25, 2004 among SEMCO Energy, Inc. as Borrower, various financial institutions and Standard Federal Bank N.A. as Agent, dated November 17, 2004.(t)       x
 
4.18
  Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of June 25, 2004 among SEMCO Energy, Inc. as Borrower, various financial institutions and Standard Federal Bank N.A. as Agent, dated January 21, 2005.(t)       x
 
4.19
  Indenture, dated as of May 15, 2003, between SEMCO Energy, Inc. and Fifth Third Bank, relating to SEMCO Energy, Inc.’s 7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2013.(l)       x

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        Filed
Exhibit           By
No.   Description   Herewith   Reference
4.20
  Indenture, dated as of May 21, 2003, between SEMCO Energy, Inc. and Fifth Third Bank, relating to SEMCO Energy, Inc.’s 7 1/8% Senior Notes due 2008.(l)       x
 
4.21
  Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 15, 2003, by and among SEMCO Energy, Inc. and the parties listed therein.(l)       x
 
4.22
  Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2003, by and between SEMCO Energy, Inc. and Credit Suisse First Boston LLC.(m)       x
 
4.23
  Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of March 19, 2004 by and among SEMCO Energy, Inc. and K-1 GHM, LLLP.(p)       x
 
4.24
  Registration Rights Agreement dated as of March 19, 2004 by and among SEMCO Energy, Inc. and K-1 GHM, LLLP.(p)       x
 
4.25
  Shareholder Agreement dated as of March 19, 2004 between SEMCO Energy, Inc. and K-1 GHM, LLLP.(p)       x
 
4.26
  Common Stock Purchase Warrant dated March 19, 2004.(p)       x
 
10.1
  Short-Term Incentive Plan as amended June 10, 1999.(d)       x
 
10.2
  1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan.(a)       x
 
10.3
  Amendment (dated August 10, 2001) to Employment Agreement with William L. Johnson.(i)       x
 
10.4
  Executive Security Agreement.(g)       x
 
10.5
  Split-Dollar Agreement.(g)       x
 
10.6
  Executive Security Trust.(g)       x
 
10.7
  Stock Option Plan of 2000.(h)       x
 
10.8
  Deferred Compensation and Stock Purchase Plan for Non-Employee Directors revised December 13, 2001.(j)       x
 
10.9
  Stock Grant Plan for Non-Employee Directors adopted August 23, 2001.(j)       x
 
10.10
  2004 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.(n)       x
 
10.11
  Form of Change of Control Agreement.(p)       x
 
10.12
  Employment Agreement dated March 9, 2004 between SEMCO Energy, Inc. and George A. Schreiber, Jr.(p)       x
 
10.13
  Employment Agreement dated July 8, 2004 between SEMCO Energy, Inc. and Doris Friedrich Galvin.(r)       x
 
10.14
  Employment Agreement dated July 19, 2004 between SEMCO Energy, Inc. and Michael V. Palmeri.(r)       x
 
10.15
  Employment Agreement dated September 20, 2004 between SEMCO Energy, Inc. and Peter F. Clark.(r)       x
 
10.16
  Employment Agreement dated December 9, 2004 between SEMCO Energy, Inc. and Eugene N. Dubay.(s)       x
 
10.17
  2005 Short Term Incentive Plan adopted February 23, 2005.   x    
 
10.18
  Severance and Consulting Agreement between the Company and Doris F. Galvin effective February 17, 2005.(u)       x
 

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        Filed
Exhibit           By
No.   Description   Herewith   Reference
10.19
  Form of Employee Stock Option Agreement for stock options granted pursuant to the 2004 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.   x    
 
10.20
  Form of Employee Performance Share Unit Award Agreement for performance share units granted pursuant to the 2004 Stock Award and Incentive Plan.   x    
 
10.21
  2004 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan   x    
 
12
  Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.   x    
 
21
  Subsidiaries of the Registrant.   x    
 
23
  Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.   x    
 
31.1
  CEO Certification as adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.   x    
 
31.2
  CFO Certification as adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.   x    
 
32.1
  CEO and CFO Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.   x    
 
99. 1
  Proxy Statement with respect to the Company’s 2005 Annual Meeting of Common Shareholders. (v)       x
 
99. 2
  Code of Business Conduct and Ethics approved February 20, 2003.(o)       x

KEY TO EXHIBITS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

  (a)   Filed March 6, 1997 as part of SEMCO Energy, Inc.’s 1997 Proxy Statement, dated March 7, 1997, File No. 0-8503.
 
  (b)   Filed with SEMCO Energy, Inc.’s Form 10-K for 1996, dated March 27, 1997, File No. 0-8503.
 
  (c)   Filed with SEMCO Energy, Inc.’s Registration Statement, Form S-3, Nos. 333-58715 and 333-58715-01, filed July 8, 1998.
 
  (d)   Filed with SEMCO Energy, Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999, File No. 0-8503.
 
  (e)   Filed with SEMCO Energy, Inc.’s Form 8-K dated July 26, 2000, File No. 001-15565.
 
  (f)   Filed with SEMCO Energy, Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2000, File No. 001-15565.
 
  (g)   Filed with SEMCO Energy, Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000.
 
  (h)   Filed with SEMCO Energy, Inc.’s Form 10-K for 2000, dated March 30, 2001, File No. 001-15565.
 
  (i)   Filed with SEMCO Energy, Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001, File No. 001-15565.
 
  (j)   Filed with SEMCO Energy, Inc.’s Form 10-K for 2001, dated March 27, 2002, File No. 001-15565.
 
  (k)   Filed with SEMCO Energy, Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, File No. 001-15565.
 
  (l)   Filed with SEMCO Energy, Inc.’s Registration Statement, Form S-4, No. 333-107200, filed July 21, 2003.
 
  (m)   Filed with SEMCO Energy, Inc.’s Registration Statement, Form S-4, No. 333-111872, filed January 13, 2004.
 
  (n)   Filed on April 6, 2004, pursuant to Rule 14a-6 of the Exchange Act, File No. 001-15565.
 
  (o)   Filed with SEMCO Energy, Inc.’s Form 10-K for 2003, dated March 4, 2004, File No. 001-15565.
 
  (p)   Filed with SEMCO Energy, Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, File No. 001-15565.
 
  (q)   Filed with SEMCO Energy, Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, File No. 001-15565.
 
  (r)   Filed with SEMCO Energy, Inc.’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004, File No. 001-15565.
 
  (s)   Filed with SEMCO Energy, Inc.’s Form 8-K dated December 9, 2004, File No. 001-15565.
 
  (t)   Filed with SEMCO Energy, Inc.’s Form 8-K dated January 21, 2005, File No. 001-15565.
 
  (u)   Filed with SEMCO Energy, Inc.’s Form 8-K dated February 15, 2005, File No. 001-15565.
 
  (v)   To be filed in April 2005, pursuant to Rule 14a-6 of the Exchange Act, File No. 001-15565.

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SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
     
  SEMCO ENERGY,INC.
Date: March 8, 2005
  By /s/ George A. Schreiber, Jr.
     
  George A. Schreiber, Jr.
  President and Chief 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.

         
Signature   Title   Date
         
/s/ George A. Schreiber, Jr.
George A. Schreiber, Jr.
  President and Chief Executive Officer and Director   March 8, 2005
         
/s/ Michael V. Palmeri
Michael V. Palmeri
  Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)   March 8, 2005
         
/s/ John M. Albertine
John M. Albertine
  Director and Chairman   March 8, 2005
         
/s/ Edward J. Curtis
Edward J. Curtis
  Director   March 8, 2005
         
/s/ John T. Ferris
John T. Ferris
  Director   March 8, 2005
         
/s/ Harvey I. Klein
Harvey I. Klein
  Director   March 8, 2005
         
/s/ Jeffrey A. Safchik
Jeffrey A. Safchik
  Director   March 8, 2005
         
/s/ Thomas W. Sherman
Thomas W. Sherman
  Director   March 8, 2005
         
/s/ Sherry A. Stanley
Sherry A. Stanley
  Director   March 8, 2005
         
/s/ Ben A. Stevens
Ben A. Stevens
  Director   March 8, 2005
         
/s/ Donald W. Thomason
Donald W. Thomason
  Director   March 8, 2005

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