FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Financial Instruments, Owned, at Fair Value [Abstract]

Fair value - financial instruments

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments not measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows:

					Classification of Estimated Fair Value (a)
(Thousands)	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)		Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
As of December 31, 2012
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,803	$	2,803	$	2,779	$	24	$	—
Short-term debt	133,816		133,816		—		133,816		—
Long-term debt	339,426		431,091		—		431,091		—
As of September 30, 2012
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,402	$	2,402	$	2,378	$	24	$	—
Short-term debt	77,225		77,225		—		77,225		—
Long-term debt, including current portion	364,416		452,768		—		452,768		—
As of December 31, 2011
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,341	$	1,341
Short-term debt	175,822		175,822
Long-term debt, including current portion	364,372		449,968

(a) The Utility adopted the provisions of ASU 2011-04 (ASC Topic 820) in the second quarter of fiscal year 2012 on a prospective basis. Accordingly, disclosures for prior periods are not required to be presented.