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, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
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	$ 56	$ 147	$ 66	$ 203
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	54	38	113	85
Ineffective portion of (loss) gain on derivatives recognized in income	(84)	(31)	36	(132)
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	$ (3)	$ 13	$ 10	$ 46