Fair Value

A. Fair Value Measurements

Recurring Fair Value Measurements. The following tables present financial assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on NiSource’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) on a recurring basis and their level within the fair value hierarchy as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:



Recurring Fair Value Measurements September 30, 2014 (in millions)	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Balance as of September 30, 2014
Assets
Price risk management assets:
Commodity financial price risk programs	$	0.7	$	—	$	—	$	0.7
Available-for-sale securities	31.6		103.6		—		135.2
Total	$	32.3	$	103.6	$	—	$	135.9
Liabilities
Price risk management liabilities:
Commodity financial price risk programs	$	3.5	$	—	$	0.9	$	4.4
Total	$	3.5	$	—	$	0.9	$	4.4



Recurring Fair Value Measurements December 31, 2013 (in millions)	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Balance as of December 31, 2013
Assets
Price risk management assets:
Commodity financial price risk programs	$	2.1	$	—	$	—	$	2.1
Interest rate risk activities	—		21.1		—		21.1
Available-for-sale securities	25.3		96.1		—		121.4
Total	$	27.4	$	117.2	$	—	$	144.6
Liabilities
Price risk management liabilities:
Commodity Financial price risk programs	$	1.6	$	—	$	0.1	$	1.7
Total	$	1.6	$	—	$	0.1	$	1.7

Price risk management assets and liabilities include commodity exchange-traded and non-exchange-based derivative contracts. Exchange-traded derivative contracts are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and are classified within Level 1. These financial assets and liabilities are secured with cash on deposit with the exchange; therefore nonperformance risk has not been incorporated into these valuations. Certain non-exchange-traded derivatives are valued using broker or over-the-counter, on-line exchanges. In such cases, these non-exchange-traded derivatives are classified within Level 2. Non-exchange-based derivative instruments include swaps, forwards, and options. In certain instances, these instruments may utilize models to measure fair value. NiSource uses a similar model to value similar instruments. Valuation models utilize various inputs that include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, other observable inputs for the asset or liability, and market-corroborated inputs, i.e., inputs derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. Where observable inputs are available for substantially the full term of the asset or liability, the instrument is categorized in Level 2. Certain derivatives trade in less active markets with a lower availability of pricing information and models may be utilized in the valuation. When such inputs have a significant impact on the measurement of fair value, the instrument is categorized in Level 3. Credit risk is considered in the fair value calculation of derivative instruments that are not exchange-traded. Credit exposures are adjusted to reflect collateral agreements which reduce exposures. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there were no material transfers between fair value hierarchies. Additionally, there were no changes in the method or significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of NiSource’s financial instruments.

At December 31, 2013, price risk management assets also include fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps, which are designated as fair value hedges, as a means to achieve NiSource’s targeted level of variable-rate debt as a percent of total debt. NiSource used a calculation of future cash inflows and estimated future outflows related to the swap agreements, which we discounted and netted to determine the current fair value. Additional inputs to the present value calculation include the contract terms, as well as market parameters such as current and projected interest rates and volatility. As they are based on observable data and valuations of similar instruments, the interest rate swaps are categorized in Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Credit risk is considered in the fair value calculation of the interest rate swap. On July 15, 2014, $500.0 million of fixed-to-variable interest rate swaps expired, whereby NiSource Finance received payments based upon a fixed 5.40% interest rate and paid a floating interest rate amount based on U.S. 6-month BBA LIBOR plus an average of 0.78% per annum.

Available-for-sale securities are investments pledged as collateral for trust accounts related to NiSource’s wholly-owned insurance company. Available-for-sale securities are included within “Other investments” in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited). Securities classified within Level 1 include U.S. Treasury debt securities which are highly liquid and are actively traded in over-the-counter markets. NiSource values corporate and mortgage-backed debt securities using a matrix pricing model that incorporates market-based information. These securities trade less frequently and are classified within Level 2. Total gains and losses from available-for-sale securities are included in other comprehensive income (loss). The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of available-for-sale debt securities at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were:



September 30, 2014 (in millions)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Available-for-sale debt securities
U.S. Treasury	$	34.3	$	0.2	$	(0.3	)	$	34.2
Corporate/Other	101.0		0.9		(0.9		)	101.0
Total Available-for-sale debt securities	$	135.3	$	1.1	$	(1.2	)	$	135.2
December 31, 2013 (in millions)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Available-for-sale debt securities
U.S. Treasury	$	30.3	$	0.3	$	(0.5	)	$	30.1
Corporate/Other	91.5		1.1		(1.3		)	91.3
Total Available-for-sale debt securities	$	121.8	$	1.4	$	(1.8	)	$	121.4

For the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the net realized gain on the sale of available-for-sale U.S. Treasury debt securities was zero and $0.1 million, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the net realized gain on the sale of available-for-sale Corporate/Other bond debt securities was $0.1 million and zero, respectively.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the net realized gain on the sale of available-for-sale U.S. Treasury debt securities was $0.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the net realized gain on the sale of available-for-sale Corporate/Other bond debt securities was $0.3 million.

The cost of maturities sold is based upon specific identification. At September 30, 2014, approximately $4.9 million of U.S. Treasury debt securities have maturities of less than a year while the remaining securities have maturities of greater than one year. At September 30, 2014, approximately $6.2 million of Corporate/Other bonds have maturities of less than a year while the remaining securities have maturities of greater than one year.

There are no material items in the fair value reconciliation of Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

Non-recurring Fair Value Measurements. There were no significant non-recurring fair value measurements recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

B. Other Fair Value Disclosures for Financial Instruments. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, notes receivable, customer deposits and short-term borrowings is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to their liquid or short-term nature. NiSource’s long-term borrowings are recorded at historical amounts.

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate fair value.

Long-term Debt. The fair values of these securities are estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the rates offered for securities of the same remaining maturities. Certain premium costs associated with the early settlement of long-term debt are not taken into consideration in determining fair value. These fair value measurements are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, there were no changes in the method or significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the financial instruments.

The carrying amount and estimated fair values of financial instruments were as follows:



(in millions)	Carrying Amount as of September 30, 2014		Estimated Fair Value as of September 30, 2014		Carrying Amount as of Dec. 31, 2013		Estimated Fair Value as of Dec. 31, 2013
Long-term debt (including current portion)	$	8,416.1	$	9,338.2	$	8,135.3	$	8,697.3