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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2003

 

 

Commission

Registrant; State of Incorporation

IRS Employer

File Number

Address; and Telephone Number

Identification No.

     
     
     

001-07530

WISCONSIN GAS COMPANY

39-0476515

 

(A Wisconsin Corporation)

 
 

231 West Michigan Street

 
 

P.O. Box 2046

 
 

Milwaukee, WI 53201

 
 

(414) 221-2345

 

 

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 each Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes [X]    No [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes [  ]    No [X]

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the Registrant's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date (June 30, 2003):

Common Stock, $8.00 Par Value, 1,125 shares outstanding

All of the common stock of Wisconsin Gas Company is held by WICOR, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wisconsin Energy Corporation.

 

 

 

 

 





 

WISCONSIN GAS COMPANY

 
 

                                    

 
     
 

FORM 10-Q REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2003

 
     
     
     
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Item

 

Page

     
 

Introduction ............................................................................................................................

 3

     
     
 

Part I -- Financial Information

 
     

1.

Financial Statements

 
     
 

    Condensed Income Statements ..........................................................................................

 4

     
 

    Condensed Balance Sheets ................................................................................................

 5

     
 

    Condensed Statements of Cash Flows ..............................................................................

 6

     
 

    Notes to Condensed Financial Statements ........................................................................

 7

     

2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of

 
 

    Financial Condition and Results of Operations ................................................................

9

     

3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk ................................................

17

     

4.

Controls and Procedures ......................................................................................................

17

     
 

Part II -- Other Information

 
     

1.

Legal Proceedings .................................................................................................................

17

     

5.

Other Information ..................................................................................................................

18

     

6.

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K .......................................................................................

18

     
 

Signatures ..............................................................................................................................

20

     

 

 



2


 

INTRODUCTION

Wisconsin Gas Company ("Wisconsin Gas" or the "Company"), a natural gas distribution public utility, is a Wisconsin corporation and wholly-owned, indirect subsidiary of Wisconsin Energy Corporation ("Wisconsin Energy").

Wisconsin Gas and Wisconsin Electric Power Company ("Wisconsin Electric"), another wholly-owned public utility subsidiary of Wisconsin Energy, have combined common functions and operate under the trade name of "We Energies".

The unaudited interim financial statements presented in this Form 10-Q have been prepared by Wisconsin Gas pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. Wisconsin Gas' financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in Wisconsin Gas' 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K.



3


 

 

PART I -- FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

WISCONSIN GAS COMPANY

CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 Three Months Ended June 30

Six Months Ended June 30

2003  

2002 

2003  

2002 

(Millions of Dollars)                              

Operating Revenues

$121.6

$94.4

$437.9

$282.8

Operating Expenses

Cost of gas sold

85.2

57.9

315.3

171.3

Other operation and maintenance

28.4

21.2

58.3

42.8

Depreciation and amortization

9.5

8.3

19.1

19.1

Property and revenue taxes

     1.5

    1.7

     2.9

     3.4

Total Operating Expenses

 124.6

  89.1

 395.6

 236.6

Operating Income (Loss)

(3.0)

5.3

42.3

46.2

Other Income (Deductions), net

0.1

(0.4)

0.1

(0.4)

Interest Expense

    2.8

    2.9

    5.7

    6.2

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes

(5.7)

2.0

36.7

39.6

Income Taxes

  (2.3)

   0.5

  13.1

  15.2

Net Income (Loss)

($3.4)

$1.5

$23.6

$24.4

=====

=====

=====

=====

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part
   of these financial statements.

 



4


WISCONSIN GAS COMPANY

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)  

June 30, 2003

December 31, 2002  

(Millions of Dollars)       

Assets

Property, Plant and Equipment

$1,017.0

$972.5

Accumulated depreciation

   (568.7)

   (550.7)

Net Property, Plant and Equipment

448.3

421.8

Current Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

0.5

1.4

Accounts receivable

109.8

83.9

Accrued revenues

8.5

60.3

Materials, supplies and inventories

62.6

64.4

Deferred income taxes

22.6

16.1

Prepayments and other

        3.6

       11.2

Total Current Assets

207.6

237.3

Deferred Charges and Other Assets

Goodwill, net

441.9

441.9

Prepaid pension costs

179.0

174.1

Regulatory assets

59.4

57.8

Other

      46.3

      46.1

Total Deferred Charges and Other Assets

    726.6

    719.9

Total Assets

$1,382.5

$1,379.0

======

======

Capitalization and Liabilities

Capitalization

Common equity

$750.7

$726.1

Long-term debt

     151.8

     151.0

Total Capitalization

902.5

877.1

Current Liabilities

Short-term debt

128.0

142.2

Accounts payable

61.0

79.9

Refundable gas costs

21.9

3.5

Other

      11.0

      12.0

Total Current Liabilities

221.9

237.6

Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities

Regulatory liabilities

162.5

169.4

Accumulated deferred income taxes

67.6

65.5

Other

      28.0

      29.4

Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities

    258.1

    264.3

Total Capitalization and Liabilities

$1,382.5

$1,379.0

======

======

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of
   these financial statements.

 



5


WISCONSIN GAS COMPANY

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

Six Months Ended June 30

2003 

2002 

(Millions of Dollars)    

Operations

Net income

$23.6

$24.4

Reconciliation to cash:

Depreciation and amortization

20.0

20.3

Net pension and other postretirement

benefit (income)

(3.7)

(6.6)

Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net

(5.8)

(2.7)

Change in:

Receivables and accrued revenues

25.9

12.2

Inventories

1.8

25.1

Accounts payable

(18.9)

(3.5)

Prepaid and accrued taxes

7.0

9.5

Refundable gas costs

18.4

13.7

Other assets and liabilities

   (8.2)

   (3.9)

Cash Provided by Operating Activities

60.1

88.5

Investing Activities

Capital expenditures

(44.5)

(16.7)

Proceeds from assets sales

-

12.0

Other, net

   (2.3)

   (0.7)

Cash Used in Investing Activities

(46.8)

(5.4)

Financing Activities

Change in short-term debt

  (14.2)

  (81.1)

Cash Used in Financing Activities

  (14.2)

  (81.1)

Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents

(0.9)

2.0

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

      1.4

      3.5

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

$0.5

$5.5

=====

=====

Supplemental Information - Cash Paid For

Interest (net of amount capitalized)

$5.6

$5.6

Income taxes (net of refunds)

$12.6

$8.5

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of
   these financial statements.

 

 



6


WISCONSIN GAS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

 

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements for Wisconsin Gas Company should be read in conjunction with Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, in Wisconsin Gas' 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, normal and recurring in nature, necessary to a fair statement of the results of operations, cash flows and financial position of Wisconsin Gas, have been included in the accompanying income statements, statements of cash flows and balance sheets. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results which may be expected for the entire fiscal year 2003 because of seasonal and other factors.

 

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Asset Retirement Obligations:   The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, effective January 1, 2003. Under SFAS 143, entities are required to record the fair value of a legal liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred. When a new liability is recorded the entity capitalizes the costs of the liability by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. The liability is accreted to its present value each period, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. At retirement, an entity settles the obligation for its recorded amount or incurs a gain or loss.

As of June 30, 2003, Wisconsin Gas has not identified any asset retirement obligations. However, the Company collects removal costs in rates for certain assets that do not have associated legal asset retirement obligations. As of June 30, 2003, the Company estimates that it has approximately $167 million related to removal costs recorded in Accumulated Depreciation.

Business Combinations and Goodwill: The Company accounts for goodwill and other intangibles under SFAS 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Under SFAS 142, goodwill and other intangibles with indefinite lives are not subject to amortization. However, goodwill and other intangibles are subject to fair value-based rules for measuring impairment, and resulting write-downs, if any, are to be reflected in operating expense.

The Company assesses its fair value by considering future discounted cash flows. This analysis is supplemented with a review of fair value based on public company trading multiples and merger and acquisition transaction multiples for similar companies. This evaluation utilizes the information available under the circumstances, including reasonable and supportable assumptions and projections. The Company performs its annual impairment test as of August 31.

Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity:   The Company adopted SFAS 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity, on July 1, 2003. SFAS 150, which was issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board in May 2003, requires an issuer to classify outstanding freestanding financial instruments within its scope as a liability on its balance sheets even though the instruments have characteristics of equity. The Company identified no financial instruments that fall under the scope of SFAS 150.



7


Variable Interest Entities:   In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Interpretation 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities ("FIN 46"). This standard will require an enterprise that is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity to consolidate that entity. FIN 46 must be applied to any existing interests in variable interest entities beginning in the third quarter of 2003. The Company does not expect to consolidate any existing interests in unconsolidated entities as a result of FIN 46.

 

3. COMMON EQUITY

Comprehensive Income:   Comprehensive Income includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by and distributions to owners. Wisconsin Gas had the following total Comprehensive Income during the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002:

 

Six Months Ended June 30

            Comprehensive Income            

   2003   

   2002   

 

(Millions of Dollars)

     

Net Income

$23.6       

$24.4       

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

   

  Hedging Gains (Losses)

  0.9       

  (1.6)      

Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

  0.9       

  (1.6)      

Total Comprehensive Income

$24.5       

$22.8       

 

===     

===     

 

4. GUARANTEES

Postemployment benefits:   Postemployment benefits provided to former or inactive employees are recognized when an event occurs. The estimated liability for such benefits has not changed significantly from the $1.6 million accrual recorded by the Company as of December 31, 2002.

 

5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Environmental Matters:   The Company periodically reviews its exposure for remediation costs as evidence becomes available indicating that its remediation liability has changed. Given current information, management believes that future costs in excess of the amounts accrued and/or disclosed on all presently known and quantifiable environmental contingencies will not be material to the Company's financial position or results of operations.



8


 

 

 

ITEM 2.   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS
                 AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Cautionary Factors:   Certain statements contained herein are "Forward Looking Statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward Looking Statements may be identified by reference to a future period or periods or by the use of forward looking terminology such as "may," "intends," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "forecasts," "objectives," "plans," "possible," "potential," "project" or similar terms or variations of these terms. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in Forward Looking Statements as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, changes in political and economic conditions, equity and bond market fluctuations, varying weather conditions, governmental regulation and supervision, as well as other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") including factors described throughout this document and below in "Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources".

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2003

NET INCOME

Wisconsin Gas had a net loss of $3.4 million during the second quarter of 2003 compared with net income of $1.5 million during the second quarter of 2002, primarily reflecting a decline in operating income as a result of higher pension and benefit, bad debt, and depreciation and amortization expenses.

 

Operating Revenues, Gross Margin and Therm Deliveries

A comparison follows of the Company's operating revenues, gross margin and gas deliveries during the second quarter of 2003 with similar information for the second quarter of 2002 including favorable (better ("B")) or unfavorable (worse ("W")) variances. Gross margin is a better performance indicator than revenues because changes in the cost of gas sold flow through to revenue under gas cost recovery mechanisms. Due primarily to a significant increase in the delivered cost of natural gas between the comparative periods, gas operating revenues increased by $27.2 million or 28.8% offset by a $27.3 million or 47.2% increase in purchased gas costs.

 

    Three Months Ended June 30   

     Operations     

   2003   

   B (W)   

  2002  

 

(Millions of Dollars)

       

Operating Revenues

$121.6    

$27.2    

$94.4    

Cost of Gas Sold

   85.2    

  (27.3)   

   57.9    

   Gross Margin

   $36.4    

  ($0.1)   

 $36.5    

===   

===   

===   

 

For the three months ended June 30, 2003, gas margins decreased by $0.1 million or 0.3% when compared to the three months ended June 30, 2002 primarily reflecting a slight decline in gas deliveries to residential customers who contribute higher margins per therm than other customer classes. The following table compares Wisconsin Gas' gross margin and natural gas therm deliveries by customer class during the second quarter of 2003 with similar information for the second quarter of 2002.



9


 

Gross Margin

Therm Deliveries

 

  Three Months Ended June 30  

  Three Months Ended June 30  

    Operations    

   2003   

   B (W)   

 2002 

   2003   

   B (W)   

 2002 

 

(Millions of Dollars)

(Millions)

Customer Class

           

  Residential

$23.1   

($0.2)  

$23.3   

74.6    

(1.6)   

76.2      

  Commercial/Industrial

5.9   

-      

5.9   

41.6    

(0.1)   

41.7      

  Interruptible

       0.3   

      -      

       0.3   

      4.3    

 (0.3)   

      4.6      

    Total Gas Sold

29.3   

(0.2)  

29.5   

120.5    

(2.0)   

122.5      

  Transported Gas

5.3   

(0.1)  

5.4   

103.4    

1.5    

101.9      

  Other-Operating

       1.8   

     0.2   

       1.6   

      -       

    -       

      -         

Total

 $36.4   

($0.1)  

 $36.5   

 223.9    

 (0.5)   

 224.4      

 

====  

===  

====  

====  

===  

====    

             

Weather -- Degree Days (a)

           

  Heating (947 Normal)

     

1,158    

94    

1,064    

             

(a)

As measured at Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Normal degree days are based upon a twenty-year moving average.

 

Other Items

Other Operation and Maintenance Expenses:   Other operation and maintenance expenses increased by $7.2 million or 34.0% during the second quarter of 2003 when compared with the second quarter of 2002. The increase was primarily attributable to $3.4 million of increased bad debt expense and to increased pension and benefits costs in the amount of $2.2 million.

Depreciation and Amortization:   Depreciation and amortization expenses increased by $1.2 million or 14.5% during the second three months of 2003 primarily due to a higher base of depreciable assets between the comparative periods.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2003

NET INCOME

Net income for the first six months of 2003 was $23.6 million, slightly lower than net income of $24.4 million for the first six months of 2002, primarily because an increase in gross margin due to favorable weather conditions during the first quarter of 2003 was offset by higher employee pension and benefit costs and an increase in bad debt expense during the first half of 2003.

 

Operating Revenues, Gross Margin and Therm Deliveries

A comparison follows of the Company's operating revenues, gross margin and gas deliveries during the first half of 2003 and the first half of 2002 including favorable (better ("B")) or unfavorable (worse ("W")) variances. Gross margin is a better performance indicator than revenues because changes in the cost of gas sold flow through to revenue under gas cost recovery mechanisms. Due primarily to a significant increase in the delivered cost of natural gas between the comparative periods, gas operating revenues increased by $155.1 million or 54.8% offset by a $144.0 million or 84.1% increase in purchased gas costs.



10


 

    Six Months Ended June 30   

     Operations     

   2003   

   B (W)   

  2002  

 

(Millions of Dollars)

       

Operating Revenues

$437.9    

$155.1    

$282.8    

Cost of Gas Sold

  315.3    

(144.0)   

  171.3    

   Gross Margin

 $122.6    

  $11.1    

 $111.5    

====  

====  

====  

 

Gas margins increased $11.1 million or 10.0% between the comparative periods primarily due to a favorable weather-related increase in therm deliveries, especially to residential customers who are more weather sensitive and contribute higher margins per therm than other customer classes. As measured by heating degree days, the first half of 2003 was 15.3% colder than the first half of 2002 and 12.0% colder than normal. The following table compares Wisconsin Gas' gross margin and natural gas therm deliveries by customer class during the first half of 2003 with similar information for the first half of 2002.

 

Gross Margin

Therm Deliveries

 

  Six Months Ended June 30  

  Six Months Ended June 30  

    Operations    

   2003   

   B (W)   

 2002 

   2003   

   B (W)   

 2002 

 

(Millions of Dollars)

(Millions)

Customer Class

           

  Residential

$81.9   

$7.5   

$74.4   

314.9    

34.1    

280.8      

  Commercial/Industrial

22.6   

2.7   

19.9   

177.9    

23.8    

154.1      

  Interruptible

       0.8   

    0.1   

       0.7   

   11.6    

   1.1    

   10.5      

    Total Gas Sold

105.3   

10.3   

95.0   

504.4    

59.0    

445.4      

  Transported Gas

13.8   

0.4   

13.4   

261.4    

15.7    

245.7      

  Other-Operating

       3.5   

    0.4   

       3.1   

      -       

    -       

      -         

Total

 $122.6   

 $11.1   

 $111.5   

 765.8    

 74.7    

 691.1      

 

====  

===  

====  

====  

===  

====    

             

Weather -- Degree Days (a)

           

  Heating (4,202 Normal)

     

4,705    

623    

4,082    

             

(a)

As measured at Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Normal degree days are based upon a twenty-year moving average.

 

Other Items

Other Operation and Maintenance Expenses:   Other operation and maintenance expenses increased by $15.5 million or 36.2% during the first six months of 2003 when compared with the first six months of 2002. The increase was primarily attributable to $7.4 million of increased bad debt expense and to increased pension and benefits costs in the amount of $3.8 million.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

CASH FLOWS

The following summarizes Wisconsin Gas' cash flows during the first six months of 2003 and 2002:



11


 

Six Months Ended June 30

Wisconsin Gas Company

   2003   

   2002   

 

(Millions of Dollars)

Cash Provided by (Used in)

   

   Operating Activities

$60.1       

$88.5         

   Investing Activities

($46.8)      

($5.4)        

   Financing Activities

($14.2)      

($81.1)        

 

Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities decreased to $60.1 million during the first six months of 2003 compared with $88.5 million during the same period in 2002. This decline was due in large part to the effect on the cost of natural gas inventories due to higher per unit gas costs in 2003.

 

Investing Activities

During the first six months of 2003, Wisconsin Gas had capital expenditures of $44.5 million, an increase of $27.8 million over the first six months of 2002. This increase reflects higher capital expenditures related to the Ixonia Lateral. In addition, Wisconsin Gas realized $12.0 million during the first half of 2002 from the sale of assets that did not recur during the first half of 2003.

 

Financing Activities

During the six months ended June 30, 2003, Wisconsin Gas used $14.2 million to reduce short-term debt compared with $81.1 million during the first six months of 2002. This change can be attributed to the need for more capital as a result of increased construction costs and to increased costs related to gas in storage.

 

CAPITAL RESOURCES AND REQUIREMENTS

Capital Resources

Cash requirements during the remaining six months of 2003 are expected to be met through a combination of internal sources of funds from operations, short-term borrowings and existing lines of credit supplemented, if necessary, through the sale of debt securities.

Depending upon market conditions and other factors including receipt of required regulatory approvals, Wisconsin Gas anticipates issuing $100 million of unsecured long-term debt during the fourth quarter of 2003.

The Company has access to outside capital markets and has been able to generate funds internally and externally to meet its capital requirements. Wisconsin Gas' ability to attract the necessary financial capital at reasonable terms is critical to the Company's overall strategic plan. The Company believes that it has adequate capacity to fund its operations for the foreseeable future through its borrowing arrangements and internally generated cash.



12


On June 30, 2003, Wisconsin Gas had approximately $200.0 million of available unused lines of bank back-up credit facilities. The Company had approximately $128.0 million of total short-term debt outstanding on such date.

Wisconsin Gas reviews its bank back-up credit facility needs on an ongoing basis and expects to be able to maintain adequate credit facilities to support its operations. The following table summarizes such facilities at June 30, 2003:

 


Total Facility


Drawn


Credit Available

Facility
Maturity

Facility
Term

(Millions of Dollars)

   
         

$200.0     

$  -    

$200.0     

Jun-2004   

364 day     

 

On June 25, 2003, Wisconsin Gas entered into an unsecured 364 day $200 million bank back-up credit facility to replace a $185 million credit facility that was scheduled to expire on December 10, 2003. The credit facility may be extended for an additional 364 days, subject to lender agreement.

The following table shows Wisconsin Gas' capitalization structure at June 30, 2003 and at December 31, 2002:

Capitalization Structure

  June 30, 2003 

  December 31, 2002  

 

(Millions of Dollars)

         

Common Equity

$750.7 

72.9%

$726.1 

71.2%

Long-Term Debt

151.8 

14.7%

151.0 

14.8%

Short-Term Debt

     128.0 

   12.4%

     142.2 

   14.0%

     Total

$1,030.5 

100.0%

$1,019.3 

100.0%

 

=====

====

=====

====

 

Access to capital markets at a reasonable cost is determined in large part by credit quality. The following table summarizes the current ratings of the debt securities of Wisconsin Gas by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services ("S&P"), Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's") and Fitch Ratings ("Fitch").

 

S&P

Moody's

Fitch

Wisconsin Gas Company

     

   Commercial Paper

A-2

P-1

F1+

   Unsecured Senior Debt

A-

Aa2

AA-

 

In February 2003, Moody's placed under review for possible downgrade Wisconsin Gas' long-term security rating and confirmed the commercial paper rating.

S&P and Fitch's current outlook for Wisconsin Gas is stable.

Wisconsin Gas believes these security ratings should provide a significant degree of flexibility in obtaining funds on competitive terms. However, these security ratings reflect the views of the rating agencies only. An explanation of the significance of these ratings may be obtained from each rating agency. Such ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities, but rather an indication of creditworthiness. Any rating can be revised upward or downward or withdrawn at any time by a rating

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agency if it decides that the circumstances warrant the change. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.

 

Capital Requirements

Capital requirements during the remainder of 2003 are expected to be principally for capital expenditures. Wisconsin Gas' 2003 annual capital expenditure budget is approximately $113 million.

Financial Instruments:   Wisconsin Gas is a party to various financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk as a part of its normal course of business, which may include, from time to time, financial guarantees and letters of credit which support construction projects, commodity contracts and other payment obligations. As of June 30, 2003, the Company's estimated maximum exposure under such agreements is zero.

Contractual Obligations/Commercial Commitments:   The Company's total contractual obligations and other commercial commitments as of June 30, 2003 decreased compared with December 31, 2002 due to customary periodic payments, along with reductions during the first six months of 2003 in obligations and commitments made in the ordinary course of business.

 

FACTORS AFFECTING RESULTS, LIQUDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

UTILITY RATES AND REGULATORY MATTERS

Limited Rate Adjustment Request:   Under the conditions of the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin's ("PSCW") Order authorizing Wisconsin Energy's acquisition of WICOR, Inc., the Company is authorized to seek rate reviews with the PSCW during a five-year rate restriction period that began January 1, 2001 limited to changes in revenue requirements as a result of:

On July 2, 2003, Wisconsin Gas filed an application with the PSCW for $26.2 million (3.9%) of rate adjustments for anticipated 2004 revenue deficiencies associated with (1) increased costs linked to changes in Wisconsin's public benefits legislation, and (2) costs for construction of the Ixonia Lateral further described below. The Company anticipates an order from the PSCW on this request in early 2004.

Request for Deferral of Uncollectible Accounts Receivable:   Due to a combination of unusually high natural gas prices, the soft economy within its utility service territories, and limited governmental assistance available to low-income customers, the Company has seen a significant increase in uncollectible accounts receivable. Because of this, the Company sent a letter to the PSCW on July 23, 2003 requesting authority to defer for future rate recovery all bad debt expenses incurred during 2003 in excess of amounts included in current utility rates. The Company estimates such amount to be $7.2 million during 2003. In the letter, the Company stated its intention to suggest a mechanism for recovery of these costs, and to prevent such circumstances from recurring in the future. It is unknown when the PSCW will rule on this request.



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Ixonia Lateral:   In April 2003, Wisconsin Gas started construction on the 35-mile Ixonia Lateral, which will connect the Wisconsin Gas distribution system to the Guardian Pipeline. The Ixonia Lateral is expected to provide substantial gas cost savings as well as critical additional pipeline capacity. Wisconsin Gas expects to complete and place the Ixonia Lateral in service in time to allow Wisconsin Gas to access its full contract capacity from Guardian Pipeline in the fourth quarter of 2003. In the event that the Ixonia Lateral is not completed prior to November 2003, Wisconsin Gas would incur additional operating costs for gas to be delivered into its service territory.

On August 24, 2001, Neighbors Standing United, a landowner group, and an individual landowner, filed petitions for review of the PSCW order dated July 25, 2001, which approved Wisconsin Gas' application to construct and operate the Ixonia Lateral. The Jefferson County Circuit Court on November 5, 2002 rendered a decision denying the petitions for review of the PSCW order and request for injunctive relief with one modification by the Court which narrowed the approved pipeline corridor from 800 to 200 feet. In December 2002, the landowner filed a notice of appeal of the Court decision to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. On June 24, 2003, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals dismissed the landowner's appeal of the Circuit Court decision.

Power the Future - Port Washington:   Associated with construction of the Port Washington Generating Station under Wisconsin Energy's Power the Future strategy, Wisconsin Gas received a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity ("CPCN") from the PSCW in January 2003 authorizing construction of a 16.8 mile gas lateral that will connect the plant to the ANR Pipeline. It will also improve reliability for the natural gas distribution system in the area. The Company received a Chapter 30 wetland permit from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources ("WDNR") on July 3, 2003 approving construction of this lateral. The WDNR permitted construction of substantially the entire lateral consistent with the planned route previously approved by the PSCW, with certain exceptions. The Company has modified the planned route pursuant to the WDNR's request and will submit a request to the PSCW, if necessary, for re-approval of the modified rout e. Including the requested changes, the Company estimates the total cost of the project to be $39.5 million, subject to PSCW approval. Construction of the lateral is scheduled to begin in spring 2004 and to be completed by late 2004.

 

CAUTIONARY FACTORS

This report and other documents or oral presentations contain or may contain forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of Wisconsin Gas. Such statements are based upon management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause Wisconsin Gas' actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in the statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. When used in written documents or oral presentations, the terms "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "objective," "plan," "possible," "potential," "project" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In addition to the assumptions and other factors referred to specifically in connection with such statements, factors that could cause Wisconsin Gas' actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:

 



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Wisconsin Gas undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

*****



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For certain other information which may impact Wisconsin Gas' future financial condition or results of operations, see Item 1, Financial Statements -- "Notes to Condensed Financial Statements," in Part I of this report as well as Item 1, Legal Proceedings, in Part II of this report.

 

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

For information concerning market risk exposures, see Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- "Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources -- Market Risks and Other Significant Risks," in Part II of Wisconsin Gas' 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures:   The Company's management, with the participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting:   There have not been any changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The following should be read in conjunction with Item 3, Legal Proceedings, in Part I of Wisconsin Gas' 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Item 1, Legal Proceedings, in Part II of Wisconsin Gas' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2003.

In addition to those legal proceedings discussed in its reports to the SEC, the Company is currently, and from time to time, subject to claims and suits arising in the ordinary course of business. Although the results of such legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company's management, after consultation with legal counsel, believes that the ultimate resolution of these proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the financial statements of the Company.



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ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

Columbia Propane Lawsuit:   In 1999, Wisconsin Gas was sued by Columbia Propane LP in the Circuit Court of Wood County, Wisconsin for an estimated $5 million in clean up costs related to a manufactured gas plant site in Marshfield, Wisconsin. The gas plant was owned and operated by People's Gas until 1960 when Wisconsin Gas acquired the assets of People's Gas subject to the terms of an Asset Purchase Agreement. In 1962, Wisconsin Gas sold the site to Columbia Propane. Columbia Propane asserted in the lawsuit that Wisconsin Gas stood in the shoes of People's Gas and was liable for environmental liabilities. Wisconsin Gas contested the liability and filed a motion for summary judgment contending that as a matter of law it was not liable for the clean up costs. The judge granted Wisconsin Gas' motion for summary judgment and dismissed the complaint, but on December 28, 2001, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals reversed the trial court and remanded the matter back for trial on the issue as to whether the parties intended tort liability to be assumed by Wisconsin Gas under the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement. In April 2002, the Wisconsin Supreme Court granted a Petition for Review filed by Wisconsin Gas, and oral arguments were held on January 15, 2003. On May 13, 2003, the Wisconsin Supreme Court reversed the Court of Appeals' decision. The Supreme Court determined that the trial court correctly dismissed the lawsuit against Wisconsin Gas.

 

UTILITY RATES AND REGULATORY MATTERS

See Item 2, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - "Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources" in Part I of this report for information concerning Wisconsin Gas rate matters.

 

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

Gale E. Klappa, President of Wisconsin Energy Corporation, was elected President and Chief Executive Officer of Wisconsin Gas Company on July 31, 2003. Mr. Klappa succeeds Richard R. Grigg as President of Wisconsin Gas and assumes the title of Chief Executive Officer of Wisconsin Gas from Richard A. Abdoo.

 

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

a.

EXHIBITS

The following Exhibits are filed with or incorporated by reference in this Form 10-Q report:

Exhibit No.

12  

Statements re Computation of Ratios

   

12.1  

Statement of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

   



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Exhibit No.

31  

Rule 13a-14(a) / 15d-14(a) Certifications

   

31.1  

Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

   

31.2  

Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

   

32  

Section 1350 Certifications

   

32.1  

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

   

32.2  

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

   
 

Certain compensatory plans, contracts or arrangements in which directors or executive officers of Wisconsin Gas Company participate are not filed as Wisconsin Gas Company exhibits in reliance on the exclusion in Item 601(b)(10)(iii)(C)(6) of Regulation S-K. Wisconsin Gas Company is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Wisconsin Energy Corporation, Commission File No. 001-09057, and such compensatory plans, contracts or arrangements are filed as exhibits to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's periodic reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

b.

REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

A Current Report on Form 8-K dated as of April 28, 2003 was filed by Wisconsin Gas on April 28, 2003 to report that Paul Donovan, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Wisconsin Energy Corporation, Wisconsin Electric Power Company and Wisconsin Gas Company, has decided to retire in early 2004 relinquishing as of June 30, 2003 all positions he has held with Wisconsin Energy and its subsidiaries and will remain with the Company as a special advisor to the Chief Executive Officer until his retirement.

A Current Report on Form 8-K dated as of June 20, 2003 was filed by Wisconsin Gas on June 20, 2003, with a copy of the press release announcing that Allen L. Leverett was named Chief Financial Officer of Wisconsin Energy Corporation, Wisconsin Electric Power Company and Wisconsin Gas Company effective July 1, 2003.

No other reports on Form 8-K were filed by Wisconsin Gas during the quarter ended June 30, 2003.

A Current Report on Form 8-K dated as of July 25, 2003 was filed by Wisconsin Gas on July 25, 2003 to report that Richard R. Grigg has decided to retire effective March 1, 2004 relinquishing as of July 31, 2003 the titles of President of Wisconsin Electric Power Company and President and Chief Operating Officer of Wisconsin Gas Company and all directorships with Wisconsin Energy and its subsidiaries, remaining as Executive Vice President of Wisconsin Energy and Chief Operating Officer of Wisconsin Electric Power Company.



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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

WISCONSIN GAS COMPANY

 

(Registrant)

   
 

/s/STEPHEN P. DICKSON                          

Date: August 6, 2003

Stephen P. Dickson, Controller, Chief Accounting Officer and duly authorized officer



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