SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - SCEG

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

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 reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Earnings Per Share

The Company computes basic earnings per share by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  The Company computes diluted earnings per share using this same formula after giving effect to securities considered to be dilutive potential common stock utilizing the treasury stock method.  The Company has issued no securities that would have an antidilutive effect on earnings per share.

Reconciliations of the weighted average number of common shares for basic and dilutive purposes are as follows:

	Third Quarter		Year to Date
In Millions	2011	2010	2011	2010
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Basic	129.1	126.6	128.5	125.2
Net effect of dilutive stock-based compensation
plans and equity forward contracts	1.2	0.9	1.3	0.4
Weighted Average Shares - Diluted	130.3	127.5	129.8	125.6

Asset Management and Supply Service Agreements

PSNC Energy utilizes asset management and supply service agreements with counterparties for certain natural gas storage facilities.  At September 30, 2011, such counterparties held 50% of PSNC Energy’s natural gas inventory, with a carrying value of $28.5 million, through either capacity release or agency relationships.  Under the terms of the asset management agreements, PSNC Energy receives storage asset management fees.  No fees are received under supply service agreements.  The agreements expire at various times through March 31, 2013.

New Accounting Matters

Effective for the first quarter of 2012, the Company will adopt accounting guidance that revises how comprehensive income is presented in its financial statements.  The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to impact results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

Effective for the first quarter of 2012, the Company will adopt accounting guidance that permits it to make a qualitative assessment about the likelihood of goodwill impairment each year.  The results of such an assessment may lead the Company to determine that performing a two-step quantitative impairment test is unnecessary.  The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to impact results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

SOUTH CAROLINA ELECTRIC & GAS COMPANY

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Variable Interest Entity

SCE&G has determined that it has a controlling financial interest in GENCO and Fuel Company (which are considered to be VIEs), and accordingly, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SCE&G, GENCO and Fuel Company. The equity interests in GENCO and Fuel Company are held solely by SCANA, SCE&G’s parent. Accordingly, GENCO’s and Fuel Company’s equity and results of operations are reflected as noncontrolling interest in Consolidated SCE&G’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

GENCO owns a coal-fired electric generating station with a 605 MW net generating capacity (summer rating). GENCO’s electricity is sold, pursuant to a FERC-approved tariff, solely to SCE&G under the terms of a power purchase agreement and related operating agreement. The effects of these transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Substantially all of GENCO’s property (carrying value of approximately $494 million) serves as collateral for its long-term borrowings. Fuel Company acquires, owns and provides financing for SCE&G’s nuclear fuel, fossil fuel and emission allowances. See also Note 4.

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 reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

New Accounting Matter

Effective for the first quarter of 2012, Consolidated SCE&G will adopt accounting guidance that revises how comprehensive income is presented in its financial statements.  Consolidated SCE&G does not expect the adoption of this guidance to impact results of operations, cash flows or financial position.