-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, Qcdkmr/gq46gnwWx4iGjP4Gf46YzaFHdZ6mGmj7vP6BhxTJw65pE9F1YBECwbsM3 QQw/4cV+NnXctCwcmr8G/w== 0000764044-99-000002.txt : 19990402 0000764044-99-000002.hdr.sgml : 19990402 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000764044-99-000002 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 6 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 19981231 FILED AS OF DATE: 19990330 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: QUESTAR PIPELINE CO CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000764044 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION [4924] IRS NUMBER: 870307414 STATE OF INCORPORATION: UT FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-14147 FILM NUMBER: 99579393 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 180 E 100 SOUTH STREET STREET 2: P O BOX 45360 CITY: SALT LAKE CITY STATE: UT ZIP: 84145 BUSINESS PHONE: 8013242400 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 180 EAST 100 SOUTH STREET STREET 2: P O BOX 45360 CITY: SALT LAKE CITY STATE: UT ZIP: 84145 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: MOUNTAIN FUEL RESOURCES INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19880331 10-K 1 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K (Mark One) x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 OR TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM _____ TO _____ Commission File No. 0-14147 QUESTAR PIPELINE COMPANY (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) State of Utah 87-0307414 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 180 East 100 South, P.O. Box 45360, Salt Lake City, Utah84145-0360 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code:(801) 324-5555 SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT: None SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT: None SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933: 9 7/8% Debentures due 2020 9 3/8% Debentures due 2021 Medium Term Notes, Series A, 5.85% to 6.48% due 2008 to 2018 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No State the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant as of March 29, 1999. $0. Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, as of March 29, 1999. 6,550,843 shares of Common Stock, $1.00 par value. (All shares are owned by Questar Regulated Services Company.) Registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction (I)(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K and is therefore filing this Form 10-K Report with the reduced disclosure format. TABLE OF CONTENTS Heading Page PART I Items 1. and 2. BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES General Transmission System Transportation Service Storage Regulatory Environment Competition Employees Relationships with Affiliates Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS PART II Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS Item 6. (Omitted) Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE PART III Items 10-13. (Omitted) PART IV Item 14.EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K SIGNATURES FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT, 1998 PART I ITEMS 1 AND 2. BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES General Questar Pipeline Company ("Questar Pipeline" or the "Company") is an interstate pipeline company that transports and stores natural gas in the Rocky Mountain states of Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado. The Company is an affiliate of Questar Corporation ("Questar"), an integrated energy services holding company. As a "natural gas company," the Company is subject to regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (the "FERC") pursuant to the Natural Gas Act of 1938, as amended. Questar Pipeline, as an open-access pipeline, transports gas for affiliated and unaffiliated customers. It also owns and operates the Clay Basin storage facility, which is a large underground storage project in northeastern Utah, and other underground storage operations in Utah and Wyoming. The Company is involved in two partnerships, Overthrust Pipeline Company ("Overthrust"), and TransColorado Gas Transmission Company ("TransColorado"). During 1998, the Company significantly expanded its potential transportation capacity. As TransColorado partners, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Questar Pipeline and KN Energy built the TransColorado pipeline project, which is a 292-mile pipeline that runs from western Colorado to northwestern New Mexico. The Company also acquired a 700-mile crude oil pipeline that extends from northern New Mexico to southern California, renamed the line "Southern Trails," and commenced the necessary regulatory and environmental proceedings to convert the line to transport natural gas. Questar Pipeline is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Questar Regulated Services Company ("Regulated Services"), which is a subholding company of Questar. Other entities within the Regulated Services group include Questar Gas Company ("Questar Gas"), a local distribution company, and, as of January 1, 1999, Questar Energy Services, Inc., an entity created to market additional services to utility customers. All Regulated Services companies are managed by a common group of officers, which increases administrative efficiency. The Company has significant business relationships with its affiliates, particularly Questar Gas. To serve the needs of its 663,400 customers in Utah, southwestern Wyoming, and southeastern Idaho, Questar Gas has reserved approximately 800,000 decatherms ("Dth") per day of firm transportation capacity on Questar Pipeline's transmission system. (A Dth is the amount of heat energy equal to 10 therms or one million British thermal units ("Btu")). Questar Gas has also contracted for 24 percent of the firm storage capacity available at Clay Basin and has storage contracts at the smaller storage reservoirs operated by Questar Pipeline. Questar Pipeline transports natural gas owned by Questar Gas and produced from properties operated by Wexpro Company ("Wexpro"), another affiliate, as well as some natural gas volumes purchased directly by Questar Gas from field producers and other suppliers. The Company also transports volumes that are marketed by Questar Energy Trading Company ("Questar Energy Trading"), another affiliated entity. The following diagram sets forth the corporate structure of the Company and certain affiliates: Questar Corporation Questar Market Resources, Inc. Wexpro Company Questar Exploration and Production Company Celsius Energy Company Questar Energy Trading Company Questar Gas Management Company Questar Regulated Services Company Questar Pipeline Questar Line 90 Company Questar Transportation Services Company Questar Southern Trails Pipeline Company Questar TransColorado, Inc. Questar Gas Company Questar Energy Services, Inc. Questar InfoComm,Inc. The major activities of Questar Pipeline are described in more detail below: Transmission System The Company's core transmission system is strategically located in the Rocky Mountains near large reserves of natural gas. It is referred to as a "hub and spoke" system, rather than a "long-line" pipeline, because of its physical configuration, multiple interconnections to other interstate pipeline systems, and access to major producing areas. Questar Pipeline's transmission system has connections with the pipeline systems of Colorado Interstate Gas Company ("CIG"); the middle segment of the Trailblazer Pipeline System ("Trailblazer") owned by Wyoming Interstate Company, Ltd. ("WIC"); The Williams Companies Inc. ("Williams"), including Kern River Gas Transmission Company ("Kern River"); and TransColorado. These connections have opened markets outside Questar Gas's service area and allow the Company to transport gas for others. The Company's transmission system includes 1,726 miles of transmission lines that interconnect with other pipelines and that link various producers of natural gas with Questar Gas's distribution facilities in Utah and Wyoming. (This total transmission mileage includes pipelines associated with the Company's storage fields and tap lines used to serve Questar Gas.) The system includes two major segments, often referred to as the northern and southern systems, which are linked together. The northern segment extends from northwestern Colorado through southwestern Wyoming into northern Utah; the southern segment of the transmission system extends from western Colorado to Payson, in central Utah. The Company's pipelines, compressor stations, regulator stations, and other transmission-related facilities are constructed on properties held under long-term easements, rights of way, or fee interests sufficient for the conduct of its business activities. In addition to the transmission system described above, Questar Pipeline has a 54 percent interest and is the operating partner in Overthrust, a general partnership that was organized in 1979 to construct, own, and operate the Overthrust segment of Trailblazer. Trailblazer is a major 800-mile pipeline that transports gas from producing areas in the Rocky Mountains to the Midwest. The 88-mile Overthrust segment is the western-most of Trailblazer's three segments. Although the Overthrust segment is currently underutilized, the Company and its remaining partners are reviewing opportunities, including backhauling, to increase its value. The Overthrust partnership agreement requires unanimous consent of all partners on major operating and financial issues. Questar Pipeline owns and operates a major compressor complex near Rock Springs, Wyoming, that compresses volumes of gas from the Company's transmission system for delivery to the WIC segment of the Trailblazer system and to CIG. The complex has become a major delivery point on Questar Pipeline's system. Five of the Company's major natural gas lines are connected to the system at the complex. In addition, both of CIG's Wyoming pipelines and the WIC segment are connected to the complex. April 1, 1999 is the scheduled start-up date for the TransColorado pipeline project, a pipeline owned by TransColorado, in which the Company's subsidiary, Questar TransColorado, Inc., has a 50 percent interest. The $295 million project, which was originally announced in 1990, has a design capacity of 300 million cubic feet ("MMcf"), but will operate on a reduced basis until market demand improves and additional interconnecting facilities are constructed. The line originates at a point on Questar Pipeline's system 25 miles east of Rangely in northwestern Colorado and extends 292 miles to the Blanco hub in northwestern New Mexico. It was constructed to transport natural gas from the Rocky Mountain area that was traditionally priced lower than other gas supplies, e.g., San Juan, to California and Midwestern markets through interconnections with major pipeline systems. At the present time, natural gas prices and the resulting lack of basis differentials between Rocky Mountain production and San Juan production require the TransColorado partners to discount transforation rates. Questar Pipeline acquired a 700-mile, 16-inch diameter oil pipeline from ARCO Pipeline Company during 1998. This line extends from the Four Corners area where the states of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah meet to Long Beach, California. After acquiring the line, the Company renamed it Southern Trails, conducted an open season to gauge customer interest, and filed the necessary application to obtain FERC certification. Converting the line to natural gas will require extensive environmental review. Questar Pipeline is handling the project on an expedited basis and expects the line to be in service by mid-2000. The Company believes that completion of the Southern Trails conversion will improve the ability to market capacity on TransColorado. Questar Pipeline's activities in conjunction with this project are conducted through its subsidiaries, Questar Line 90 Company and Questar Southern Trails Pipeline Company. Transportation Service Questar Pipeline's largest transportation customer is its affiliate, Questar Gas. During 1998, the Company transported 107.5 million decatherms ("MMDth") for Questar Gas, compared to 110.3 MMDth in 1997. These transportation volumes include Questar Gas's cost-of-service gas produced by Wexpro and volumes purchased by Questar Gas directly from field producers and other suppliers. Effective September 1, 1993, Questar Gas converted its firm sales capacity to firm transportation capacity on the Company's transmission system. Questar Gas has reserved capacity of about 800,000 Dth per day, or 74 percent of Questar Pipeline's reserved daily capacity. Questar Gas paid an annual reservation charge of approximately $50.7 million to the Company in 1998, which includes reservation charges attributable to firm and "no-notice" transportation. Questar Gas only needs its total reserved capacity during peak-demand situations. When it is not fully utilizing its capacity, Questar Gas releases the capacity to others, primarily industrial transportation customers and marketing entities. Questar Pipeline's transportation agreement with Questar Gas expires on June 30, 1999. The parties have agreed to extend the contract for three years, reflecting Questar Gas's growing peak-demand requirements and the Company's competitive rates. The Company recovers approximately 95 percent of its transmission cost of service through reservation charges from firm transportation customers. In other words, these customers pay for access to transportation capacity, rather than on the basis of the volumes actually transported. Consequently, the Company's throughput volumes do not have a significant effect on its short-term operating results. Questar Pipeline's transportation revenues are not significantly affected by fluctuating demand based on the vagaries of weather or gas prices. The Company's revenues may be adversely affected if the FERC changes its basic regulatory scheme of "straight fixed-variable" rates. The Company's total system throughput decreased from 264.3 MMDth in 1997 to 255.1 MMDth in 1998. This decrease was primarily attributable to lower transportation volumes for affiliated customers, which declined from 148.1 MMDth in 1997 to 134.4 MMDth in 1998. Despite the decrease in volumes, Questar Pipeline's transportation revenues increased by 3 percent between the two years, from $68.8 million in 1997 to $70.8 million in 1998 due to increased contract demand. Questar Pipeline's transmission system is an open-access system and has been since September of 1988. The Company's tariff provisions require it to transport gas on a nondiscriminatory basis when it has available transportation capacity. The Company does have limited opportunities for interruptible transportation services. Questar Pipeline will continue to develop and build new lines and related facilities that will allow it to meet customer needs or improve customer services. During 1998, the Company completed a project begun in 1997 to install a 20-inch diameter line and associated facilities between Clay Basin and its major compressor complex located in Rock Springs in southwestern Wyoming. This project, which added 88 thousand decatherms ("MDth") of firm capacity, expanded Questar Pipeline's capacity to move gas north from Clay Basin and its southern system. The Company also installed new compression facilities on its southern system near Price, Utah. The new facilities, referred to as the Oak Spring compression facilities--added approximately 52 MDth of firm capacity. Through a special purpose subsidiary, Questar Transportation Services Company, Questar Pipeline is building a processing facility near Price, Utah, to extract carbon dioxide from gas produced from coal seams in the Ferron area. The gas volumes have a lower heating content than can be burned by appliances in Questar Gas's service area. Extracting the carbon dioxide increases the heating content of the volumes. The Company is also gauging interest in a project that would deliver coal-seam gas from the Ferron area to an interconnection on the Kern River line in central Utah. The project involves looping existing lines owned by Questar Pipeline. Storage Questar Pipeline's Clay Basin storage facility in northeastern Utah is the largest underground storage reservoir in the Rocky Mountains. During 1998, the storage facility at Clay Basin was expanded by 5 billion cubic feet ("Bcf") of working gas and 2.5 Bcf of cushion gas, bringing total storage capacity to 117.5 Bcf. (Working gas is gas that is injected and withdrawn for customers, while cushion gas remains in the reservoir.) Clay Basin has been operational since 1977 and has been successfully expanded several times. Clay Basin's firm storage capacity is fully subscribed by customers under long-term agreements. Questar Gas currently has 13.3 Bcf of working gas capacity at Clay Basin. Other large customers include Williams; Washington Natural Gas Company, a distribution utility in the state of Washington; and BC Gas Utility Ltd., a distribution utility in British Columbia, Canada. Storage service is important to distribution companies that need to match annual gas purchases with fluctuating customer demand, improve service reliability, and avoid imbalance penalties. Questar Pipeline offers interruptible storage service at Clay Basin and also allows firm storage service customers the right to transfer their injection and withdrawal rights to other parties. The Company also owns and operates three smaller storage reservoirs. These projects were developed specifically to serve Questar Gas's needs, and Questar Gas reserves 100 percent of their working gas capacity. These small reservoirs are used primarily to supplement Questar Gas's gas supply needs on peak days. The Company's storage facilities are certificated by the FERC, and its rates for storage service (based on operating costs and investment in plant plus an allowed rate of return) are subject to approval by the FERC. Regulatory Environment The Company is a natural gas company under the Natural Gas Act and is subject to the jurisdiction of the FERC as to rates and charges for storage and transportation of gas in interstate commerce, construction of new storage and transmission facilities, extensions or abandonments of service and facilities, accounts and records, and depreciation and amortization policies. Questar Pipeline holds certificates of public convenience and necessity granted by the FERC for the transportation and underground storage of natural gas in interstate commerce and for the facilities required to perform such operations. Questar Pipeline does not currently plan to file a general rate case in 1999 and has no open rate case issues before the FERC. It, however, will continue to review its revenues and costs as it adds new facilities that are not included in its rate base and makes expenditures to comply with regulatory mandates. In July of 1998, the FERC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking ("NOPR") in Docket No. RM98-10-000, seeking comments on a wide range of issues relating to competition in short-term transportation markets. The NOPR includes proposed rules requiring pipelines to report and auction all unused daily capacity and to provide shippers with greater operational flexibility. In a companion Notice of Inquiry issued at the same time, the FERC proposed permitting incentive-based rate alternatives to cost-based rates for long-term service. Both regulatory initiatives indicate that the FERC is continuing to push for competitive conditions within the transportation industry and to view transportation capacity as a commodity, even as it subjects pipelines to additional regulation. The Company is closely monitoring the FERC's rulemaking proceedings, but maintains that it is too early to speculate concerning final rules and to measure the impact of any final rules on Questar Pipeline's operation. Questar Pipeline recently amended its FERC application for the Southern Trails project to obtain "optional" certification because it did not demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the FERC staff, sufficient evidence of market support, i.e., signed contracts with shippers, for the project and did not want to delay commencement of the necessary regulatory and environmental review. When proposing and building new pipeline projects under the optional-certificate process, the Company is generally at full risk for changes in market conditions. Under the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968, as amended, the Company is subject to the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation ("DOT") with respect to safety requirements in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of its transmission and storage facilities. The Company also complies with the DOT's drug and alcohol testing regulations. In addition to the regulations discussed above, Questar Pipeline's activities in connection with the operation and construction of pipelines and other facilities for transporting or storing natural gas are subject to extensive environmental regulation by state and federal authorities, including state air quality control boards, the Bureau of Land Management, the Forest Service, the Corps of Engineers, and the Environmental Protection Agency. These compliance activities increase the cost of planning, designing, installing and operating facilities. Competition Competition for Questar Pipeline's transportation and storage services has intensified in recent years. Regulatory changes have significantly increased customer flexibility. The Company actively competes with other interstate pipelines for transportation volumes throughout the Rocky Mountain region. The Company has two key assets that contribute to its continued success. It has a strategically located and integrated transmission system with interconnections to major pipeline systems and with access to major producing areas and markets. Questar Pipeline also has the Clay Basin storage facility, a storage reservoir that has been successfully operated since 1977, has been expanded in response to interest from customers, and is fully subscribed by firm-service customers under contracts that are generally long-term in nature. Questar Pipeline intends to take advantage of these assets by increasing its "intra hub" capacity or its ability to quickly and reliably move gas volumes between receipt and delivery points and by continuing to review opportunities to increase its storage capacity and services. Questar Pipeline has a strong commitment to increase its presence in other parts of the western United States as witnessed by its participation in the TransColorado pipeline project and by its acquisition of direct transportation capacity that reaches California markets. The Company's ability to compete with other pipelines is affected by natural gas prices in the supply basins connected to its pipeline compared to prices in other basins connected to competing pipelines. Questar Pipeline's ability to contract with industrial customers in California for capacity on the Southern Trails line is affected by regulatory provisions that protect local distribution companies in California. The Company's future success in new markets may be affected by its ability to compete with other entities that are often larger and possess greater resources. Employees As of December 31, 1998, the Company and its subsidiaries had 122 employees, compared to 164 as of the end of 1997. This decrease reflects the early retirement program offered to eligible employees during 1998 and some reorganization activities within the Regulated Services group. None of these employees is represented under collective bargaining agreements. The Company participates in the comprehensive benefit plans of Questar and pays the share of costs attributable to its employees covered by such plans. Questar Pipeline's employee relations are generally deemed to be satisfactory. Relationships with Affiliates There are significant business relationships between the Company and its affiliates, particularly Questar Gas. Some of these relationships are described above. See Note 8 to the financial statements for additional information concerning transactions between the Company and its affiliates. The Company obtains data processing and communication services from another affiliate, Questar InfoComm,Inc., under the terms of a written agreement. Regulated Services, the Company's parent, has employees who perform administrative, engineering, accounting, marketing, budget, tax, regulatory affairs, and legal services for all entities within it, including Questar Pipeline. Questar also provides certain administrative services, governmental affairs, financial, and audit, to the Company and other members of the consolidated group. A proportionate share of the costs associated with such services is directly billed or allocated to Questar Pipeline. ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS Questar Pipeline is involved in various legal and regulatory proceedings. While it is not currently possible to predict or determine the outcome of these proceedings, it is the opinion of management that the outcome will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or liquidity. The Company and some of its affiliates have been named as defendants in a lawsuit filed under the federal false claims act by an individual engaged in natural gas production. The case is one of 77 substantially similar cases filed contemporaneously by this producer against pipelines and their respective affiliates, in which the producer alleges mismeasurement of the heat content of natural gas volumes and the understatement of the value of gas on which royalty payments are due the federal government. The complaint also claims treble damages and seeks imposition of civil penalties. The producer's complaint does not include a request for any specific damages. Management believes that the producer's allegations and claims against Questar Pipeline do not have merit. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS The Company, as the wholly owned subsidiary of a reporting person, is entitled to omit the information requested in this Item. PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS The Company's outstanding shares of common stock, $1.00 par value, are currently owned by Regulated Services. Information concerning the dividends paid on such stock and the Company's ability to pay dividends is reported in the Statements of Shareholder's Equity and Notes to Financial Statements included in Item 8. ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The Company, as the wholly owned subsidiary of a reporting person, is entitled to omit the information requested in this Item. ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL *CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Natural Gas Transmission - Questar Pipeline conducts natural gas transmission and storage operations. Following is a summary of financial results and operating information:
Year Ended December 31, 1998 1997 1996 (Dollars In Thousands) OPERATING INCOME Revenues Transportation $70,824 $68,837 $67,656 Storage 36,463 34,410 34,280 Other 1,270 2,190 2,242 Total revenues 108,557 105,437 104,178 Operating expenses Operating and maintenance 38,832 37,334 39,959 Depreciation and amortization 13,927 14,797 14,206 Other taxes 2,600 2,816 2,519 Total expenses 55,359 54,947 56,684 Operating income $53,198 $50,490 $47,494 OPERATING STATISTICS Natural gas transportation volumes (in Mdth) For unaffiliated customers 120,747 116,215 131,895 For Questar Gas 107,501 110,311 100,161 For other affiliated customers 26,878 37,797 44,327 Total transportation 255,126 264,323 276,383 Transportation revenue (per dth) $0.28 $0.26 $0.24 Clay Basin storage, working gas- capacity (in Bcf) 51.3 46.3 46.3
Revenues were $3,120,000 higher in 1998 when compared with 1997 as a result of increasing firm-transportation reservation fees and expanding firm-storage capacity. Revenues increased $1,259,000 or 1% in 1997 when compared with 1996 as a result of adding firm-transportation contracts. The new contracts cover several short-haul portions of the pipeline. Transportation revenues were $1,987,000 higher in 1998 when compared with 1997 as a result of higher average firm-transportation fees. However, transportation volumes declined by 3% from 1997. Marketing programs continue to seek replacement of customers that leave the system. As of December 31, 1998, approximately 76% of Questar Pipeline's transportation system was reserved by firm-transportation customers under contracts with varying terms and lengths. The remaining 24% of transportation system capacity, which has multiple delivery points, is available for interruptible or short-term firm transportation. Questar Gas has reserved transportation capacity from Questar Pipeline of approximately 800,000 dth per day, representing 74% of the total reserved daily-transportation capacity at December 31, 1998. This contract, which accounts for 79% of the demand charges collected by Questar Pipeline, expires June 30, 1999. Management has extended the contract and does not believe that the contract will have a material impact on the results of operations, financial position or cash flows of Questar Pipeline. Questar Pipeline expanded working gas capacity at its Clay Basin underground storage facility in 1998 by 5 Bcf to 51.3 Bcf. Questar Pipeline was able to sign-up customers for the new capacity under long-term commitments. The expansion, which began service in May 1998, added $2,026,000 to 1998 revenues. Customers pay a fixed fee to reserve firm-storage capacity. Storage revenues were flat in 1997 when compared with 1996. Storage capacity at the end of 1998 was 100% subscribed and about 76% of the contractual volumes had remaining terms of at least 10 years. Questar Gas has reserved 24% of firm-storage capacity for at least 10 years. Questar Pipeline's operating and maintenance expenses increased 4% in 1998 compared with 1997 due primarily to expansion of data processing and telecommunications networks and more general maintenance and repair projects. However, labor costs were $750,000 lower in 1998 due to a reduction in the number of employees. An early-retirement program was offered to employees of Regulated Services effective July 31, 1998. Operating and maintenance expenses decreased 7% in 1997 because of cost-containment measures and reduced labor and related costs. In 1997, Questar Gas and Questar Pipeline combined functions common to gas-distribution and gas-transmission operations in order to eliminate duplications. Increased investment in capital projects has resulted in higher depreciation charges in 1998. However, the full impact of increased investment was partially offset by a downward adjustment of depreciation expense in the second quarter of 1998. Other taxes were lower in the 12-month period ended December 31, 1998 compared with the same period of 1997 as a result of property tax refunds. Other income was substantially lower in the 1998 compared with the 1997 period due to not repeating gains on selling properties and an adjustment of a regulatory liability as a result of transferring the gathering division. Debt expense was higher in 1998 compared with 1997 because of additional long-term borrowings. In 1998, the Company borrowed $88.4 million under its medium-term note program with a weighted average coupon rate of 6.14% and a weighted average maturity of 12.6 years. Questar Pipeline has a 50% ownership interest in a partnership that constructed the 270-mile Phase II of the TransColorado Pipeline in western Colorado and northwestern New Mexico. Construction of Phase II began in July 1998 and was substantially completed at December 31, 1998. The in-service date for Phase II is expected to be April 1999. With completion of Phase II, Questar Pipeline will acquire El Paso Energy Corporation's 50% interest in Phase I of the pipeline project completed in 1996, making Questar Pipeline a 50% owner of the entire project with KN Energy. The 292-mile pipeline cost approximately $295 million, including the costs of Phase I. During its startup period, the pipeline's capacity is expected to be about 138 MMcf per day. Pipeline capacity will be increased to its designed capacity of 300 MMcf per day by adding compression as load requirements develop. The two owners have agreed to contract for some capacity at a discounted rate during the first three years of operation. However, the cost of operating the pipeline during this period is expected to exceed the revenue for transporting gas. The pipeline has a tariff rate of $.40 per dth, but likely will be required to offer discounts to shippers during the first several years of service because of competitive market conditions. A major factor is the differential in gas prices between the San Juan basin and the Rocky Mountains. The differential is generally seasonal with higher prices occurring during the summer to meet demand for electricity generation. TransColorado Gas Transmission Co., a partnership in which Questar Pipeline owns a 50% interest through a subsidiary, entered into a $200 million, three-year revolving credit facility on October 14, 1998. Questar Pipeline and KN Energy have each guaranteed the repayment of their proportionate share of the loan. Proceeds from this debt were used to finance the construction of the TransColorado pipeline. The partnership had borrowed $160 million under this arrangement as of December 31, 1998. A subsidiary of Questar Pipeline, Questar Line 90 Company, purchased an oil pipeline extending from the Paradox producing basin of northwestern New Mexico to Long Beach, California, in 1998 for $38 million. The Company intends to convert this line, named the Southern Trails Pipeline, to transport natural gas to customers in the Los Angeles basin. At this time, conversion and compression facilities are expected to add approximately $117 million to the total cost of the project and to be in-service by mid-2000. The pipeline capacity is expected to be 120 MMdth per day after modifications. Questar Pipeline plans to connect the Southern Trails Pipeline to the TransColorado and other pipelines. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Operating Activities Net cash provided from operating activities was $60,983,000 in 1998, $43,236,000 in 1997 and $46,710,000 in 1996. Net cash provided from operating activities increased 41% in 1998 compared with 1997 due primarily to timing of payment of accounts payable associated with pipeline construction. Investing Activities Following is a summary of capital expenditures for 1998, 1997 and a forecast of 1999 expenditures: 1999 Estimated 1998 1997 (In Thousands) Transmission system $26,100 $21,395 $19,622 Storage 1,700 6,284 1,399 Partnerships 10,200 26,000 6,214 Southern Trails Pipeline 30,000 39,471 CO2 plant 12,800 16,259 General 8,200 4,909 5,361 $89,000 $114,318 $32,596 In 1998, transmission included the purchase of a 700-mile pipeline, substantial completion of construction of Phase II of the TransColorado Pipeline, initial construction of a CO2 plant, replacement and expansion projects on sections of existing transmission lines and expansion of the Clay Basin storage reservoir. Financing Activities Questar Pipeline funded 1998 capital expenditures and dividend payments primarily with the proceeds from net cash provided from operating activities, amounts borrowed under a medium-term note program and an increase in notes payable to Questar. Forecasted 1999 capital expenditures of $89 million are expected to be financed from net cash flow provided from operations and additional borrowings under the medium-term note program and from Questar. The Company retired $20 million of its 9 7/8% debt in May of 1998 for a cash payment of $23,386,000, which included a premium payment and interest due. Questar makes loans to Questar Pipeline under a short-term borrowing arrangement. Outstanding short-term notes payable to Questar at December 31 totaled $38,000,000 with an interest rate of 5.71% in 1998 and $25,800,000 with an interest rate of 6.02% in 1997. Questar Pipeline's capital structure at year-end 1998 was 51% long-term debt and 49% common shareholder's equity. Moody's and Standard and Poor's have rated the Company's long-term debt A1 and A+, respectively. Year 2000 Introduction Questar Pipeline is addressing the issue of computer programs and embedded computer chips being unable to distinguish between the year 1900 and the year 2000 ("Y2K"). In a coordinated effort with Questar Corporation's Y2K project team, the basic approach is to provide company-wide management and coordination combined with distributed compliance responsibility at the various business units. The Y2K team is responsible for fostering awareness; establishing company-wide strategy; coordinating Questar Pipeline action items and information; and providing periodic internal status reports. The effort is designed to be consistent with the Questar Corporation's Y2K project and the prudent efforts of publicly traded companies of similar size, business, and complexity. Questar InfoComm, Inc. (an affiliate which provides information technology services) is responsible for Y2K compatibility of all communications systems; networks (LANs and WANs); corporate-wide applications and operating systems; mainframe resident commercial off-the-shelf products; and for developing, implementing and coordinating testing procedures. General The Y2K team operates under a written plan (the "Plan") addressing infrastructure, applications software (infrastructure and applications software are sometimes collectively referred to as "IT systems"), outside suppliers and customers, and process control and instrumentation containing embedded chips (non-IT systems). The Company's in-house programmers and systems analysts (including those of Questar InfoComm, Inc.) are primarily responsible for the conversion and testing of certain non-compliant application software code. In addition, the services of outside consultants and programmers were engaged to assist with project management and completion of coding for certain software programs. The general phases common to all business units are: (1) Inventory (2) Prioritization (3) Project start-up (4) Assessment (5) Remediation (6) Testing; and (7) Project closeout. Implementation of the Plan is generally proceeding on schedule. Status Inventory and Assessment. The inventory and assignment of priority was essentially completed in April 1998. Throughout the ongoing Y2K project, these inventory listings continue to be monitored. Material items were defined as those the Company believed to involve a risk to the safety of individuals; or which may cause damage to property or the environment; or which may affect the Company's ability to provide transportation. Projects Planning. Based on the inventory and determined priorities, 35 individual items have been combined into 2 projects. Project managers have been assigned, standard project documentation has been established, training sessions are being held with the various project managers, and standard management reporting forms have been devised and are being utilized. All of the foregoing activities comprise what has been defined as "project start-up." Applications Software. The applications software section of the Plan addresses both the conversion of applications software that is not Y2K compliant and the replacement of such software. The testing phase of this section is scheduled for completion by the third quarter of 1999. The testing phase is conducted as the software is remediated or replaced. Currently there are 2 projects identified in this section, both in assessment. Contingency planning for this section began in the third quarter of 1998 and is scheduled to be completed by mid-1999. Non-IT Equipment. Inventory and assessment phases are in progress for non- IT systems. This section of the Plan is considered to be one project and addresses hardware, software and associated embedded computer chips used in the operation of all facilities operated by the Company. This section presents unique problems in that it is often difficult to determine whether embedded chips have a date function that present a Y2K problem. It is also difficult to take certain critical systems, such as compressors and pipeline valves, off-line for testing. Because of this, the Company has engaged the services of a consultant, Stone & Webster, to help with this effort. The Company believes the replacement, repair and testing of non-IT systems equipment is on schedule to be completed by third quarter 1999. As of December 31, 1998, the embedded chip project is active and in the assessment phase. Contingency planning for this section began in the third quarter of 1998 and is scheduled to be completed by year end 1999. Testing. The testing phases of the Plan are underway. The Company has developed a testing procedure and guidelines to help system users and project managers develop their specific test plans and to ensure consistency in testing. The Company has assembled a test facility which duplicates, in essential details, the production environment. The test facility is in operation. Responsible project managers and system users continue to develop their test plans and schedule testing in the facility. Critical Third Parties. The outside vendors and customers section of the Plan includes the process of identifying and prioritizing critical suppliers and customers and communicating with them about their plans and progress in addressing their Y2K problems. The various business units have formed project teams which have begun the detailed evaluation of the most critical third parties and to elicit required information. The process of evaluating these external agents commenced in the third quarter of 1998 and first contacts with vendors have been made. This process is scheduled for completion by mid-1999, with follow-up reviews scheduled through the remainder of 1999. This procedure will include the development of contingency plans, scheduled for the second quarter of 1999, with completion by late 1999. The Company estimates that this section was on schedule at December 31, 1998. Costs The total cost associated with efforts to become Y2K compliant is not expected to be material to the Company's financial position. The current expense estimate of the Y2K project is $1.0 million. This estimate does not include Questar Pipeline's potential share of Y2K costs that may be incurred by partnerships and joint ventures in which the Company participates but is not the operator. The expense estimate is expected to change as the project progresses. Funds for the project are included in existing operating budgets. Risks Failure to correct a material Y2K problem could result in an interruption, or a failure of, certain normal business activities or operations. Such failures could materially and adversely affect the Company's results of operations, liquidity and financial condition. Due to the general uncertainty inherent in the Y2K problem - resulting in part from the uncertainty of the Y2K readiness of outside suppliers and customers and the embedded chip problems - the Company is unable to determine at this time whether the consequences of Y2K failures will have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, liquidity or financial condition. The Y2K project has reduced and is expected to continue to significantly reduce the Company's level of uncertainty about the Y2K problem and, in particular, about the Y2K compliance and readiness of its material outside vendors and customers. The Company believes that the possibility of significant interruptions of normal operations is not significant. Forward-Looking Statement This annual report contains some forward looking statements about future operations and expectations of Questar Pipeline. Management believes they are reasonable representations of Questar Pipeline's expected performance at this time. Actual results may vary from management's stated expectations and projections. ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA The Company's financial statements are included in Part IV, Item 14, herein. ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE The Company has not changed its independent auditors or had any disagreements with them concerning accounting matters and financial statement disclosures within the last 24 months. PART III The Company, as the wholly owned subsidiary of a reporting person, is entitled to omit all information requested in Part III (Items 10-13). PART IV ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a)(1)(2) Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules. The financial statements identified on the List of Financial Statements are filed as part of this Report. (a)(3) Exhibits. The following is a list of exhibits required to be filed as a part of this Report in Item 14(c). Exhibit No. Exhibit 2.*1 Agreement of Transfer among Mountain Fuel Supply Company, Entrada Industries, Inc. and Mountain Fuel Resources, Inc., dated July 1, 1984. (Exhibit No. 2. to Registration Statement No. 2-96102 filed February 27, 1985.) 3.* Restated Articles of Incorporation dated November 17, 1995. (Exhibit No. 3. to Form 10-K Annual Report for 1995.) 3.3.* Bylaws (as amended on August 11, 1992). (Exhibit No. 3. to Form 10-Q Report for quarter ended June 30, 1992.) 4.1.*2 Indenture dated June 1, 1990, for 9-7/8% Debentures due 2020, with Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York as Trustee. (Exhibit No. 4. to Form 10-Q Report for quarter ended June 30, 1990.) 4.2.*2 Indenture dated as of June 1, 1991, for 9-3/8% Debentures due June 1, 2021, with Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York as Trustee. (Exhibit No. 4. to Form 10-Q Report for quarter ended June 30, 1991.) 4.3.* Indenture dated as of August 17, 1998, with First Security Bank, N.A., as Trustee, for Debt Securities. (Exhibit No. 4.01. to Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-61621) filed August 17, 1998.) 10.1.*1,3Overthrust Pipeline Company General Partnership Agreement dated September 20, 1979, as amended and restated as of October 11, 1982, and as amended August 21, 1991, among CIG Overthrust, Inc., Columbia Gulf Transmission Company; Mountain Fuel Resources, Inc.; NGPL-Overthrust Inc.; Northern Overthrust Pipeline Company; and Tennessee Overthrust Gas Company. (Exhibit No. 10.4. to Form 10-K Annual Report for 1985, except that the amendment dated August 21, 1991, is included as Exhibit No. 10.4. to Form 10-K Annual Report for 1992.) 10.2.*4Annual Management Incentive Plan adopted by Questar Pipeline Company, Questar Gas Company, and Questar Regulated Services Company, as amended and restated effective May 19, 1998. (Exhibit No. 10.7. to Form 10-Q Report for quarter ended June 30, 1998.) 10.3.* Partnership Agreement for the TransColorado Gas Transmission Company dated July 1, 1997, between KN TransColorado, Inc. and Questar TransColorado, Inc. (Exhibit No. 10.4. to Form 10-K Annual Report for 1997.) 10.4.* Letter of Understanding dated July 13, 1998, on Issues Relating to Phase II of TransColorado between Questar TransColorado, Inc. and KN TransColorado, Inc. (Exhibit No. 10.1. to Form 10-Q Report for quarter ended June 30, 1998.) 10.5.*5Firm Transportation Service Agreement with Mountain Fuel Supply Company under Rate Schedule T-1 dated August 10, 1993, for a term from November 2, 1993 through June 30, 1999. (Exhibit No. 10.5. to Form 10-K Annual Report for 1993.) 10.6.*5Storage Service Agreement with Mountain Fuel Supply Company under Rate Schedule FSS, for 3.5 Bcf of working gas capacity at Clay Basin, with a term from September 1, 1993, through August 31, 2008. (Exhibit No. 10.6. to Form 10-K Annual Report for 1993.) 10.7.*5Storage Service Agreement with Mountain Fuel Supply Company under Rate Schedules FSS, for 3.5 Bcf of working gas capacity at Clay Basin with a term from September 1, 1993, through August 31, 2013. (Exhibit No. 10.7. to Form 10-K Annual Report for 1993.) 10.8.*5Storage Service Agreement with Mountain Fuel Supply Company under Rate Schedule FSS, for 5.5 Bcf of working gas capacity at Clay Basin, with a term from May 15, 1994 through May 14, 2019. (Exhibit No. 10.8. to Form 10-K Annual Report for 1995.) 10.9.*4Questar Pipeline Company Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors, as amended and restated May 19, 1998. (Exhibit No. 10.3. to Form 10-Q Report for quarter ended June 30, 1998.) 10.10.*Agreement for the Transfer of Assets between Questar Pipeline Company and Questar Gas Management Company, as amended, effective March 1, 1996. (Exhibit No. 10.11. to Form 10-K Annual Report for 1996.) 10.11.*Guaranty Agreement dated as of October 14, 1998, by Questar Pipeline Company in favor of Bank of America Trust and Savings Association. (Exhibit No. 10.4. to Form 10-Q Report for quarter ended September 30, 1998.) 10.12.*Asset Purchase Agreement dated October 23, 1998, between Questar Line 90 Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary, and ARCO Pipeline Company. (Exhibit No. 10.5. to Form 10-Q Report for quarter ended September 30, 1998.) 12. Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges. 21. Subsidiary Information. 23. Consent of Independent Auditors 24. Power of Attorney. 27. Financial Data Schedule. _______________ *Exhibits so marked have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of the indicated filing and are incorporated herein by reference. 1The documents listed here have not been formally amended to refer to the Company's current name. They still refer to the Company as Mountain Fuel Resources, Inc. 2First Security Bank, N.A., serves as the successor trustee. 3The Overthrust Partnership Agreement has not been formally amended to delete the names of Columbia Gulf Transmission Company and Tennessee Overthrust Gas Company as partners. 4Exhibit so marked is management contract or compensation plan or arrangement. 5Agreement incorporates specified terms and conditions of Questar Pipeline's FERC Gas Tariff, First Revised Volume No. 1. The tariff provisions are not filed as part of the exhibit, but are available upon request. (b) The Company did not file a Current Report on Form 8-K during the last quarter of 1998. ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K ITEM 8, ITEM 14(a) (1) and (2), and (d) LIST OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 QUESTAR PIPELINE COMPANY SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH FORM 10-K -- ITEM 14 (a) (1) AND (2) QUESTAR PIPELINE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES LIST OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES The following financial statements of Questar Pipeline Company are included in Item 8: Consolidated statements of income -- Years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 Consolidated balance sheets -- December 31, 1998 and 1997 Consolidated statements of cash flows -- Years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 Consolidated statements of shareholder's equity -- Years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 Notes to consolidated financial statements All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable, and therefore have been omitted. Report of Independent Auditors Board of Directors Questar Pipeline Company We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Questar Pipeline Company as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the related statements of income and common shareholder's equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Questar Pipeline Company at December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Salt Lake City, Utah February 8, 1999 QUESTAR PIPELINE COMPANY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Year Ended December 31, 1998 1997 1996 (In Thousands) REVENUES From unaffiliated customers $37,156 $36,343 $38,837 From affiliates 71,401 69,094 65,341 TOTAL REVENUES 108,557 105,437 104,178 OPERATING EXPENSES Operating and maintenance 38,832 37,334 39,959 Depreciation 13,927 14,797 14,206 Other taxes 2,600 2,816 2,519 TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES 55,359 54,947 56,684 OPERATING INCOME 53,198 50,490 47,494 OTHER INCOME 78 1,323 1,798 INCOME FROM UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES 4,011 4,629 182 DEBT EXPENSE (14,456) (13,536) (13,416) INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES 42,831 42,906 36,058 INCOME TAXES 14,940 16,338 13,415 INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 27,891 26,568 22,643 DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS - Questar Gas Management Company 1,495 NET INCOME $27,891 $26,568 $24,138
See notes to consolidated financial statements. QUESTAR PIPELINE COMPANY CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS ASSETS
December 31, 1998 1997 (In Thousands) CURRENT ASSETS Cash and short-term investments $9,990 $7,075 Accounts receivable 20,234 9,535 Accounts receivable from affiliates 1,070 1,316 Inventories, at lower of average cost or market 2,203 2,303 Prepaid expenses and deposits 1,714 2,035 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 35,211 22,264 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Transmission 323,953 306,486 Storage 221,220 213,264 General and intangible 44,428 40,093 Construction work in progress 80,855 20,760 670,456 580,603 Less allowances for depreciation 215,589 202,427 NET PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 454,867 378,176 INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES 54,712 26,977 OTHER ASSETS Income taxes recoverable from customers 4,359 4,552 Unamortized costs of reacquired debt 4,717 2,564 Other 3,430 3,031 TOTAL OTHER ASSETS 12,506 10,147 $557,296 $437,564 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES Notes payable to Questar $38,000 $25,800 Accounts payable and accrued expenses Accounts and other payable 42,882 14,069 Accounts payable to affiliates 3,744 3,633 Federal income taxes 383 62 Other taxes 3,039 1,229 Accrued interest 999 1,076 Total accounts payable and accrued expenses 51,047 20,069 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 89,047 45,869 LONG-TERM DEBT 202,991 134,563 OTHER LIABILITIES 4,546 4,523 DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 63,510 62,298 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Note 6 COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY Common stock - par value $1 per share; authorized 25,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 6,550,843 shares 6,551 6,551 Additional paid-in capital 82,034 82,034 Retained earnings 108,617 101,726 TOTAL COMMON SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY 197,202 190,311 $557,296 $437,564
See notes to consolidated financial statements. QUESTAR PIPELINE COMPANY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Additional Common Paid-in Retained Stock Capital Earnings (In Thousands) Balance at January 1, 1996 $6,551 $82,034 $136,020 1996 net income 24,138 Cash and other dividends (64,250) Balance at December 31, 1996 6,551 82,034 95,908 1997 net income 26,568 Cash dividends (20,750) Balance at December 31, 1997 6,551 82,034 101,726 1998 net income 27,891 Cash dividends (21,000) Balance at December 31, 1998 $6,551 $82,034 $108,617
See notes to consolidated financial statements. QUESTAR PIPELINE COMPANY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31, 1998 1997 1996 (In Thousands) OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income $27,891 $26,568 $24,138 Depreciation 14,977 15,886 16,291 Deferred income taxes 1,212 1,526 388 Income from unconsolidated affiliates, net of cash distributions (1,735) (4,413) (182) Income from discontinued operations (1,495) 42,345 39,567 39,140 Changes in operating assets and liabilities Accounts receivable (10,453) (3,068) 5,923 Federal income taxes 321 508 (799) Prepaid expenses and deposits 321 (97) 219 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 28,847 4,851 2,783 Other (398) 1,475 (556) NET CASH PROVIDED FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 60,983 43,236 46,710 INVESTING ACTIVITIES Capital expenditures Purchase of property, plant and equipment (88,318) (26,382) (20,958) Other investments (26,000) (6,214) (2,850) Total capital expenditures (114,318) (32,596) (23,808) Proceeds from (costs of) disposition of property, plant and equipment (3,350) 635 343 NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (117,668) (31,961) (23,465) FINANCING ACTIVITIES Change in notes receivable from Questar Gas Management 16,692 Change in notes payable to Questar 12,200 14,000 (3,400) Long-term debt issued 88,400 Long-term debt repaid (20,000) Payment of dividends (21,000) (20,750) (35,000) NET CASH PROVIDED FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES 59,600 (6,750) (21,708) Change in cash and short-term investments 2,915 4,525 1,537 Beginning cash and short-term investments 7,075 2,550 1,013 ENDING CASH AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS $9,990 $7,075 $2,550
See notes to consolidated financial statements. QUESTAR PIPELINE COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 1 - Summary of Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements contain the accounts of Questar Pipeline Company and subsidiaries (the Company or Questar Pipeline). The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Questar Regulated Services Company (Regulated Services). Regulated Services is a holding company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Questar Corporation (Questar). Regulated Services was organized in 1996 and provides administrative, accounting, engineering, legal and regulatory functions for its three subsidiaries, Questar Pipeline, Questar Gas Company (Questar Gas) and Questar Energy Services. Questar Pipeline provides storage and interstate transportation of natural gas. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates: Questar Pipeline has a 54% interest in the Overthrust Pipeline partnership, and is the operator of the Overthrust Segment of the Trailblazer Pipeline System. Approval of all partners is required for all substantive policy matters. Questar Pipeline has a 50% ownership interest in a partnership that constructed Phase II of the TransColorado pipeline in western Colorado. With completion of Phase II, Questar Pipeline will acquire El Paso Energy Corporation's 50% interest in Phase I of the pipeline project completed in 1996, making Questar Pipeline a 50% owner of the entire project. The Company uses the equity method to account for investments in which it does not have control. Generally, its investments in affiliates equal the underlying equity in net assets. Regulation: Questar Pipeline is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) which establishes rates for the transportation and storage of natural gas. The FERC also regulates, among other things, the extension and enlargement or abandonment of jurisdictional natural gas facilities. Regulation is intended to permit the recovery, through rates, of the cost of service including a rate of return on investment. The financial statements are presented in accordance with regulatory requirements. Methods of allocating costs to time periods, in order to match revenues and expenses, may differ from those of nonregulated businesses because of cost allocation methods used in establishing rates. Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Revenue Recognition: Revenues are recognized in the period that services are provided or products are delivered. Questar Pipeline periodically collects revenues subject to possible refunds pending final orders from the FERC. The Company establishes reserves for revenues collected subject to refund. Cash and Short-Term Investments: Short-term investments consist principally of repurchase agreements with maturities of three months or less. Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost. The provision for depreciation is based upon rates, which will systematically charge the costs of assets over their estimated useful lives. The costs of property, plant and equipment are depreciated in the financial statements using the straight-line method, ranging from 3% to 33% per year and averaging 3.2% in 1998. Allowance for Funds Used During Construction: The Company capitalized the cost of capital during the construction period of plant and equipment, which amounted to $686,000 in 1998, $387,000 in 1997 and $542,000 in 1996. Reacquisition of Debt: Gains and losses on the reacquisition of debt are deferred and amortized as debt expense over the remaining life of the issue in order to match regulatory treatment. Income Taxes: Questar Pipeline records cumulative increases in deferred taxes as income taxes recoverable from customers. The Company has adopted procedures with its regulatory commissions to include under-and over-provided deferred taxes in customer rates on a systematic basis. Questar Pipeline uses the deferral method to account for investment tax credits as required by the FERC. The Company's operations are consolidated with those of Questar and its subsidiaries for income tax purposes. The income tax arrangement between Questar Pipeline and Questar provides that amounts paid to or received from Questar are substantially the same as would be paid or received by the Company if it filed a separate return. Questar Pipeline also receives payment for tax benefits used in the consolidated tax return even if such benefits would not have been usable had the Company filed a separate return. Reclassification: Certain reclassifications were made to the 1997 and 1996 financial statements to conform with the 1998 presentation. Note 2 - Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates Questar Pipeline, through its subsidiaries, has interests in partnerships accounted for on the equity basis. Transportation of natural gas is the primary business activity of these partnerships. Summarized information of the partnerships follow:
1998 1997 1996 (In Thousands) Year Ended December 31, Revenues $7,958 $6,302 $4,179 Operating income 3,209 1,927 870 Income 8,601 10,122 552 At December 31, Current assets $12,933 $5,291 $5,358 Total assets 293,034 75,370 57,455 Current liabilities 21,751 20,333 13,579 Total liabilities 181,967 20,504 13,749
Note 3 - Debt Questar makes loans to Questar Pipeline under a short-term borrowing arrangement. Outstanding short-term notes payable to Questar at December 31 totaled $38,000,000 with an interest rate of 5.71% in 1998 and $25,800,000 with an interest rate of 6.02% in 1997. Questar Pipeline filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the issuance of up to $175 million in medium-term notes effective September 2, 1998. Questar Pipeline issued $88.4 million of medium-term notes in 1998. The notes have a weighted average coupon rate of 6.14% and a weighted average maturity of 12.6 years. The details of long-term debt at December 31 were as follows: 1998 1997 (In Thousands) Medium-term notes 5.85% to 6.48%, due 2008 to 2018 $88,400 9 3/8% debentures due 2021 85,000 $85,000 9 7/8% debentures due 2020 30,000 50,000 Total long-term debt outstanding 203,400 135,000 Less unamortized debt discount 409 437 $202,991 $134,563 The Company repurchased $20 million of its 9 7/8% debt in 1998. Sinking fund redemption of the 9 3/8% debt begins in 2002 in the amount of $4,250,000. There are no debt provisions restricting the payment of dividends. Cash paid for interest was $14,761,000 in 1998, $13,351,000 in 1997 and $13,227,000 in 1996. At December 31, 1998, Questar Pipeline guaranteed $80 million of long-term debt borrowed by TransColorado Gas Transmission Company. Note 4 - Financial Instruments The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments at December 31 were as follows:
1998 1997 Carrying Estimated Carrying Estimated Amount Fair Value Amount Fair Value (In Thousands) Financial assets Cash and short-term investments $9,990 $9,990 $7,075 $7,075 Financial liabilities Short-term loans 38,000 38,000 25,800 25,800 Long-term debt 202,991 218,309 134,563 150,675
The Company used the following methods and assumptions in estimating fair values: (1) Cash and short-term investments and short-term loans - the carrying amount approximates fair value; (2) Long-term debt - the fair value of long-term debt is based on quoted market prices. Fair value is calculated at a point in time and does not represent the amount the Company would pay to retire the debt securities. Credit Risk: Questar Pipeline's primary market areas are the Rocky Mountain and southwestern regions of the United States. The Company's exposure to credit risk may be impacted by the concentration of customers in these regions due to changes in economic or other conditions. The Company's customers may be affected differently by changing conditions. Management believes that its credit-review procedures and loss reserves have adequately provided for usual and customary credit-related losses. Note 5 - Income Taxes The components of income taxes for years ended December 31 were as follows:
1998 1997 1996 (In Thousands) Federal Current $12,341 $13,247 $11,663 Deferred 1,257 1,273 700 State Current 1,108 1,542 998 Deferred 234 276 54 $14,940 $16,338 $13,415
The difference between income tax expense and the tax computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to income from continuing operations before income taxes is explained as follows:
1998 1997 1996 (In Thousands) Income from continuing operations before income taxes $42,831 $42,906 $36,058 Federal income taxes at statutory rate $14,991 $15,017 $12,620 State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 872 1,204 703 Prior years' tax settlement (388) 134 146 Other (535) (17) (54) Income tax expense $14,940 $16,338 $13,415 Effective income tax rate 34.9% 38.1% 37.2%
Significant components of the Company's deferred tax liabilities and assets at December 31 were as follows: 1998 1997 (In Thousands) Deferred tax liabilities Property, plant and equipment $57,033 $58,131 Other 6,879 4,767 Total deferred tax liabilities 63,912 62,898 Deferred tax assets 402 600 Net deferred tax liabilities $63,510 $62,298 Cash paid for income taxes was $13,004,000 in 1998, $13,844,000 in 1997 and $13,797,000 in 1996. Note 6 - Rate Matters, Litigation and Commitments Questar Pipeline last filed a general rate case in 1995. The Company was granted an 11.75% return on equity in its last FERC rate proceeding. Currently, Questar Pipeline does not plan to file a general rate case in 1999. A subsidiary of Questar Pipeline, Questar Southern Trails Pipeline Company, filed an application with the FERC in January 1999 requesting permission to convert a 700-mile crude oil pipeline, extending from New Mexico to Long Beach, California, to carry natural gas. The application also seeks authority to install required compression equipment and to upgrade the system to carry 120 MMdth of gas per day. In an order issued March 2, 1998, in FERC Docket No. IN97-1, the FERC found that Questar Pipeline was not liable for any refunds related to charges paid by Questar Gas to Questar Pipeline for rendering gathering services from 1988 through 1992. The FERC had investigated whether Questar Pipeline may have violated a provision of the Natural Gas Act and its tariff by charging gathering rates higher than the rates specified in Questar Pipeline's tariff. Questar Pipeline and some of its affiliates have been named as defendants in a lawsuit filed under the federal false claims act by an individual who is engaged in natural gas production. The case is one of 77 substantially similar cases filed contemporaneously by this producer against pipelines and their respective affiliates, in which the producer alleges mismeasurement of the heat content of natural gas volumes and understatement of the value of gas on which royalty payments are due the federal government. The complaint also claims treble damages and seeks imposition of civil penalties. The producer's complaint does not include a request for any specific monetary damages. Management believes that the producer's allegations and claims against the Company do not have merit. The outcome of the case cannot be predicted at this time. There are various other legal proceedings against Questar Pipeline. While it is not currently possible to predict or determine the outcomes of these proceedings, it is the opinion of management that the outcomes will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial position or liquidity. Note 7 - Employment Benefits Pension Plan: Substantially all of Questar Pipeline's employees are covered by Questar's defined benefit pension plan. Benefits are generally based on years of service and the employee's 72-pay period interval of highest earnings during the ten years preceding retirement. It is Questar's policy to make contributions to the plan at least sufficient to meet the minimum funding requirements of applicable laws and regulations. Plan assets consist principally of equity securities and corporate and U.S. government debt obligations. Questar Pipeline's portion of plan assets and benefit obligations is not determinable because the plan assets are not segregated or restricted to meet the Company's pension obligations. If the Company were to withdraw from the pension plan, the pension obligation for the Company's employees would be retained by the pension plan. At December 31, 1998, Questar's fair value of plan assets exceeded the net benefit obligation. Eligible employees in Regulated Services were offered an early-retirement program that was effective July 31, 1998. Enhanced benefits were paid to 178 employees taking advantage of the offer. Costs associated with the early-retirement program are being amortized over a five-year period in accordance with anticipated regulatory treatment. Pension cost was $382,000 in 1998, $520,000 in 1997 and $974,000 in 1996. Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions: Generally postretirement health-care benefits and life insurance are provided only to employees hired before January 1, 1997. Questar Pipeline pays a portion of postretirement health-care costs benefits as determined by an employee's years of service and limited to 170% of the 1992 contribution. The Company's policy is to fund amounts allowable for tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code. Plan assets consist of equity securities, and corporate and U.S. government debt obligations. The Company is amortizing the transition obligation over a 20-year period, which began in 1992. Costs of postretirement benefits other than pensions were $69,000 in 1998, $257,000 in 1997 and $666,000 in 1996. The FERC allows rate-recovery of future postretirement benefits costs to the extent that contributions are made to an external trust. Questar Pipeline's portion of plan assets and benefit obligations related to postretirement medical and life insurance benefits is not determinable because the plan assets are not segregated or restricted to meet the Company's obligations. Postemployment Benefits: Questar Pipeline recognizes the net present value of the liability for postemployment benefits, such as long-term disability benefits and health-care and life-insurance costs, when employees become eligible for such benefits. Postemployment benefits are paid to former employees after employment has been terminated but before retirement benefits are paid. The Company accrues both current and future costs. The FERC allowed Questar Pipeline to recover $138,000 per year in 1996, 1997 and 1998 on the condition that the amounts were deposited in an external trust. Employee Investment Plan: The Company participates in Questar's Employee Investment Plan (ESOP), which allows eligible employees to purchase Questar common stock or other investments through payroll deduction. The Company makes matching contributions of Questar common stock to the ESOP of approximately 75%, increasing to 80% in 1999, of the employees' purchases and contributes an additional $200 of common stock in the name of each eligible employee. The Company's expense and contribution to the plan was $302,024 in 1998, $348,000 in 1997and $531,000 in 1996. Note 8 - Related Party Transactions Regulated Services began providing administrative, technical and accounting support in 1997 and legal and regulatory support in 1998. Regulated Services charged Questar Pipeline $15,271,000 in 1998 and $12,895,000 in 1997. The majority of these costs are allocated and included in operating and maintenance expenses. The allocation methods are based on several methods dictated by the nature of the charges. Management believes that the allocation methods are reasonable. Questar Pipeline receives a substantial portion of its revenues from Questar Gas Company. Revenues received from Questar Gas amounted to $67,528,000 in 1998, $64,924,000 in 1997 and $61,146,000 in 1996. The Company also received revenues from other affiliated companies totaling $3,873,000 in 1998, $4,170,000 in 1997 and $4,195,000 in 1996. Questar performs certain administrative functions for Questar Pipeline. The Company was charged for its allocated portion of these services which totaled $2,173,000 in 1998, $2,748,000 in 1997 and $3,045,000 in 1996. These costs are included in operating and maintenance expenses and are allocated based on each affiliate's proportional share of revenues, net of gas costs; property, plant and equipment; and payroll. Management believes that the allocation method is reasonable. Questar InfoComm Inc is an affiliated company that provides data processing and communication services to Questar Pipeline. The Company paid Questar InfoComm $10,548,000 in 1998, $9,458,000 in 1997 and $7,155,000 in 1996. Questar Pipeline has a 13-year lease with Interstate Land, an affiliate, for some space in an office building located in Salt Lake City, Utah. The annual lease payment for the next five years is $1,155,000. The Company received interest income from Questar of $11,000 in 1997 and $609,000 in 1996 and incurred debt expense to Questar of $2,420,000 in 1998, $348,000 in 1997and $158,000 in 1996. Note 9 - Discontinued Operations - Gathering Division Spin Down and Transfer Questar Pipeline transferred approximately $55 million of gas-gathering assets to Questar Gas Management Company, a wholly owned subsidiary. The transfer was approved by the FERC on February 28, 1996 and was effective March 1, 1996. Questar Gas Management was subsequently transferred to the nonregulated Market Resources group of Questar on July 1, 1996. The transaction was in the form of a stock dividend payable to Questar with no gain or loss recorded. Questar Pipeline's financial statements for 1996 and 1995 were restated, reflecting gas-gathering operations as a discontinued business segment. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on the 29th day of March, 1999. QUESTAR PIPELINE COMPANY (Registrant) By /s/ D. N. Rose D. N. Rose President & Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated. /s/ D. N. Rose President & Chief Executive Officer; D. N. Rose Director (Principal Executive Officer) /s/ S. E. Parks Vice President, Treasurer and Chief S. E. Parks Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) /s/ G. H. Robinson Vice President and Controller G. H. Robinson (Principal Accounting Officer) *R. D. Cash Chairman of the Board; Director *U. Edwin Garrison Director *Marilyn S. Kite Director *Scott S. Parker Director *D. N. Rose Director March 29, 1998 *By /s/ D. N. Rose Date D. N. Rose, Attorney in Fact EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit Number Exhibit 2.*1 Agreement of Transfer among Mountain Fuel Supply Company, Entrada Industries, Inc. and Mountain Fuel Resources, Inc., dated July 1, 1984. (Exhibit No. 2. to Registration Statement No. 2-96102 filed February 27, 1985.) 3.* Restated Articles of Incorporation dated November 17, 1995. (Exhibit No. 3. to Form 10-K Annual Report for 1995.) 3.3.* Bylaws (as amended on August 11, 1992). (Exhibit No. 3. to Form 10-Q Report for quarter ended June 30, 1992.) 4.1.*2 Indenture dated June 1, 1990, for 9-7/8% Debentures due 2020, with Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York as Trustee. (Exhibit No. 4. to Form 10-Q Report for quarter ended June 30, 1990.) 4.2.*2 Indenture dated as of June 1, 1991, for 9-3/8% Debentures due June 1, 2021, with Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York as Trustee. (Exhibit No. 4. to Form 10-Q Report for quarter ended June 30, 1991.) 4.3.* Indenture dated as of August 17, 1998, with First Security Bank, N.A., as Trustee, for Debt Securities. (Exhibit No. 4.01. to Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-61621) filed August 17, 1998.) 10.1.*1,3Overthrust Pipeline Company General Partnership Agreement dated September 20, 1979, as amended and restated as of October 11, 1982, and as amended August 21, 1991, among CIG Overthrust, Inc., Columbia Gulf Transmission Company; Mountain Fuel Resources, Inc.; NGPL-Overthrust Inc.; Northern Overthrust Pipeline Company; and Tennessee Overthrust Gas Company. (Exhibit No. 10.4. to Form 10-K Annual Report for 1985, except that the amendment dated August 21, 1991, is included as Exhibit No. 10.4. to Form 10-K Annual Report for 1992.) 10.2.*4 Annual Management Incentive Plan adopted by Questar Pipeline Company, Questar Gas Company, and Questar Regulated Services Company, as amended and restated effective May 19, 1998. (Exhibit No. 10.7. to Form 10-Q Report for quarter ended June 30, 1998.) 10.3.* Partnership Agreement for the TransColorado Gas Transmission Company dated July 1, 1997, between KN TransColorado, Inc. and Questar TransColorado, Inc. (Exhibit No. 10.4. to Form 10-K Annual Report for 1997.) 10.4.* Letter of Understanding dated July 13, 1998, on Issues Relating to Phase II of TransColorado between Questar TransColorado, Inc. and KN TransColorado, Inc. (Exhibit No. 10.1. to Form 10-Q Report for quarter ended June 30, 1998.) 10.5.*5 Firm Transportation Service Agreement with Mountain Fuel Supply Company under Rate Schedule T-1 dated August 10, 1993, for a term from November 2, 1993 through June 30, 1999. (Exhibit No. 10.5. to Form 10-K Annual Report for 1993.) 10.6.*5 Storage Service Agreement with Mountain Fuel Supply Company under Rate Schedule FSS, for 3.5 Bcf of working gas capacity at Clay Basin, with a term from September 1, 1993, through August 31, 2008. (Exhibit No. 10.6. to Form 10-K Annual Report for 1993.) 10.7.*5 Storage Service Agreement with Mountain Fuel Supply Company under Rate Schedules FSS, for 3.5 Bcf of working gas capacity at Clay Basin with a term from September 1, 1993, through August 31, 2013. (Exhibit No. 10.7. to Form 10-K Annual Report for 1993.) 10.8.*5 Storage Service Agreement with Mountain Fuel Supply Company under Rate Schedule FSS, for 5.5 Bcf of working gas capacity at Clay Basin, with a term from May 15, 1994 through May 14, 2019. (Exhibit No. 10.8. to Form 10-K Annual Report for 1995.) 10.9.*4 Questar Pipeline Company Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors, as amended and restated May 19, 1998. (Exhibit No. 10.3. to Form 10-Q Report for quarter ended June 30, 1998.) 10.10.* Agreement for the Transfer of Assets between Questar Pipeline Company and Questar Gas Management Company, as amended, effective March 1, 1996. (Exhibit No. 10.11. to Form 10-K Annual Report for 1996.) 10.11.* Guaranty Agreement dated as of October 14, 1998, by Questar Pipeline Company in favor of Bank of America Trust and Savings Association. (Exhibit No. 10.4. to Form 10-Q Report for quarter ended September 30, 1998.) 10.12.* Asset Purchase Agreement dated October 23, 1998, between Questar Line 90 Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary, and ARCO Pipeline Company. (Exhibit No. 10.5. to Form 10-Q Report for quarter ended September 30, 1998.) 12. Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges. 21. Subsidiary Information. 23. Consent of Independent Auditors 24. Power of Attorney. 27. Financial Data Schedule. _______________ *Exhibits so marked have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of the indicated filing and are incorporated herein by reference. 1The documents listed here have not been formally amended to refer to the Company's current name. They still refer to the Company as Mountain Fuel Resources, Inc. 2First Security Bank, N.A., serves as the successor trustee. 3The Overthrust Partnership Agreement has not been formally amended to delete the names of Columbia Gulf Transmission Company and Tennessee Overthrust Gas Company as partners. 4Exhibit so marked is management contract or compensation plan or arrangement. 5Agreement incorporates specified terms and conditions of Questar Pipeline's FERC Gas Tariff, First Revised Volume No. 1. The tariff provisions are not filed as part of the exhibit, but are available upon request. (b) The Company did not file a Current Report on Form 8-K during the last quarter of 1998. EX-12 2 Exhibit No. 12. Questar Pipeline Company Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
Year ended December 31, 1997 1998 (Dollars in Thousands) Earnings Income before income taxes $42,906 $42,831 Plus debt expense 13,536 14,456 Plus allowance for borrowed funds used during construction 210 625 Plus interest portion of rental expense 261 342 $56,913 $58,254 Fixed Charges Debt expense $13,536 $14,456 Plus allowance for borrowed funds used during construction 210 625 Plus interest portion of rental expense 261 342 $14,007 $15,423 Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 4.06 3.78
EX-21 3 SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION Registrant Questar Pipeline Company has four subsidiaries: Questar TransColorado, Inc., Questar Line 90 Company, Questar Southern Trails Company, and Questar Transportation services Company, which are all Utah corporations. EX-23 4 Exhibit 23. Consent of Independent Auditors We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-61621) of Questar Pipeline Company and in the related Prospectus of our report dated February 8, 1999, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Questar Gas Company included in this annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1998. /s/ Enrst & Young LLP Salt Lake City, Utah March 24, 1999 EX-24 5 POWER OF ATTORNEY We, the undersigned directors of Questar Pipeline Company, hereby severally constitute D. N. Rose and S. E. Parks, and each of them acting alone, our true and lawful attorneys, with full power to them and each of them to sign for us, and in our names in the capacities indicated below, the Annual Report on Form 10-K for 1998 and any and all amendments to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Questar Pipeline Company, hereby ratifying and confirming our signatures as they may be signed by the attorneys appointed herein to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for 1998 and any and all amendments to such Report. Witness our hands on the respective dates set forth below. Signature Title Date /s/ R. D. Cash Chairman of the Board 2-9-99 R. D. Cash /s/ D. N. Rose President & Chief 2-9-99 D. N. Rose Executive Officer /s/ U. E. Garrison Director 2-9-99 U. E. Garrison /s/ Marilyn S. Kite Director 2-9-99 Marilyn S. Kite /s/ Scott S. Parker Director 2-9-99 Scott S. Parker EX-27 6
5 The following schedule contains summarized financial information extracted from the Questar Pipeline Company consolidated Statements of Income and Balance Sheet for the period ended December 31, 1998, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such audited financial statements. 1,000 12-MOS DEC-31-1998 DEC-31-1998 9,990 0 21,304 0 2,203 35,211 670,456 215,589 557,296 89,047 202,991 0 0 6,551 190,651 557,296 0 108,557 0 38,832 16,527 0 14,456 42,831 14,940 27,891 0 0 0 27,891 0 0
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