DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES Part 2 (Details) (NYMEX Gasoline and Heating Oil Contracts [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Abstract]
Effective portion of gain recognized in OCI on derivatives	$ 147	$ 83	$ 203	$ 133
Other Utility Operating Expenses [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Abstract]
Effective portion of gain (loss) reclassiffied from AOCI to income	38	(11)	85	3
Ineffective portion of (loss) gain on derivatives recognized in income	(31)	28	(132)	34
Other Income and (Income Deductions) - Net [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Abstract]
Gain recognized in income on derivatives	$ 13	$ 12	$ 46	$ 13