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Gas Reserves
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013
Gas Reserves [Abstract]  
Gas Reserves [Text Block]
10. GAS RESERVES


We have agreements with Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. (Encana) to develop physical gas reserves. These agreements are intended to provide long-term gas price protection for our utility customers rather than serving as a source of gas supply. Encana began drilling in 2011 under these agreements, and gas which is currently being produced from our working interests in these gas fields is sold by Encana at then prevailing market prices, with revenues from such sales, net of associated production costs, credited to our cost of gas. The cost of gas, including a carrying cost for the net rate base investment, is part of our annual Oregon PGA filing, which allows us to recover our costs through customer rates in a manner previously approved by the OPUC. This transaction acted to hedge the cost of gas for approximately 6% and 4% of our gas supplies for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Our utility gas reserves are stated at cost, net of regulatory amortization, with the associated deferred tax benefits recorded as liabilities on the balance sheet. The following table outlines our net investment in gas reserves:

 
September 30,
 
December 31,
In thousands
 
2013
 
2012
 
2012
Gas reserves, current
 
$
18,083

 
$
13,140

 
$
14,966

Gas reserves, non-current
 
130,836

 
81,692

 
92,179

Less: Accumulated amortization
 
15,618

 
5,767

 
7,486

Total gas reserves
 
133,301

 
89,065

 
99,659

Less: Deferred tax liabilities on gas reserves
 
40,553

 
23,940

 
28,329

Net investment in gas reserves
 
$
92,748

 
$
65,125

 
$
71,330