Accounting Changes

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Accounting Changes [Abstract]

Accounting Changes

3. Accounting Changes

Adoption of New Accounting Standard

Transfers of Financial Assets. Effective October 1, 2010, the Company adopted new guidance regarding accounting for transfers of financial assets. Among other things, the new guidance eliminates the concept of Qualified Special Purpose Entities (“QSPEs”). It also amends previous derecognition guidance. The adoption of the new accounting guidance changed the Company’s accounting prospectively for sales of undivided interests in accounts receivable to the commercial paper conduit of a major bank under the Energy Services Receivables Facility. Effective October 1, 2010, trade receivables sold to the commercial paper conduit remain on the Company’s balance sheet and the Company reflects a liability equal to the amount advanced by the commercial paper conduit. Prior to October 1, 2010, trade accounts receivable sold to the commercial paper conduit were removed from the balance sheet. Also effective October 1, 2010, the Company records interest expense on amounts owed to the commercial paper conduit. Prior to October 1, 2010, losses on sales of accounts receivable to the commercial paper conduit were reflected in other income, net. Additionally, effective October 1, 2010 borrowings and repayments associated with the Energy Services Receivables Facility are reflected in cash flows from financing activities. Previously such transactions were reflected in cash flows from operating activities. For further information, see Note 6.

New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

Fair Value Measurements. In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-04, “Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS.” The amendments in ASU 2011-04 result in common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). The new guidance applies to all reporting entities that are required or permitted to measure or disclose the fair value of an asset, liability or an instrument classified in shareholders’ equity. Among other things, the new guidance requires quantitative information about unobservable inputs, valuation processes and sensitivity analysis associated with fair value measurements categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The new guidance is effective for our interim period ending March 31, 2012 and is required to be applied prospectively. We do not expect it will have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

Presentation of Comprehensive Income. In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income,” which revises the manner in which entities present comprehensive income in their financial statements. The new guidance removes the presentation options in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 220 and requires entities to report components of comprehensive income in either (1) a continuous statement of comprehensive income or (2) two separate but consecutive statements. ASU 2011-05 does not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income. The change in presentation is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2011 and the guidance is required to be applied retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted.