Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2016

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments

Derivative instruments are reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair values, unless the derivative instruments qualify for the normal purchase and normal sale (“NPNS”) exception under GAAP and such exception has been elected. The accounting for changes in fair value depends upon the purpose of the derivative instrument and whether it is subject to regulatory ratemaking mechanisms or is designated and qualifies for hedge accounting.

Gains and losses on substantially all of the derivative instruments used by Gas Utility and Electric Utility (for which NPNS has not been elected) to hedge commodity prices are included in regulatory assets and liabilities in accordance with GAAP regarding accounting for rate-regulated entities. Certain of our derivative instruments are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges. For cash flow hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative financial instruments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”), to the extent effective at offsetting changes in the hedged item, until earnings are affected by the hedged item. We discontinue cash flow hedge accounting if the occurrence of the forecasted transaction is determined to be no longer probable. Hedge accounting is also discontinued for derivatives that cease to be highly effective. Certain other commodity derivative financial instruments, although generally effective as hedges, do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Changes in the fair values of these derivative instruments are reflected in net income. Cash flows from derivative financial instruments are included in cash flows from operating activities.

For a more detailed description of the derivative instruments we use, our accounting for derivatives, our objectives for using them and other information, see Note 10.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates.The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and costs. These estimates are based on management’s knowledge of current events, historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Accordingly, actual results may be different from these estimates and assumptions.

Adoption of New Accounting Standard and Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

Adoption of New Accounting Standard

Presentation of Deferred Taxes. During the first quarter of Fiscal 2016, the Company adopted new accounting guidance regarding the classification of deferred taxes. The new guidance amends existing guidance to require that deferred income tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified balance sheet, and eliminates the prior guidance which required an entity to separate deferred tax liabilities and assets into a current amount and a noncurrent amount in a classified balance sheet. We applied this guidance prospectively and, as such, the September 30, 2015 and June 30, 2015 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets included herein have not been adjusted.

Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

Share-Based Payments. In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-09, "Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting." This ASU simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 (Fiscal 2018). Early adoption is permitted. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact on its financial statements from the adoption of the new guidance.

Leases. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases." This ASU amends existing guidance to require entities that lease assets to recognize the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases on the balance sheet. The new guidance also requires additional disclosures about the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows from leases. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 (Fiscal 2020). Early adoption is permitted. Lessees must apply a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact on its financial statements from the adoption of the new guidance but anticipates an increase in the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities.

Debt Issuance Costs. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs." This ASU amends existing guidance to require the presentation of debt issuance costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability instead of a deferred charge. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 (Fiscal 2017). Early adoption is permitted. Entities will apply the new guidance retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company expects to adopt the new guidance effective September 30, 2016. The adoption of the new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Revenue Recognition. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The guidance provided under this ASU, as amended, supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 605, “Revenue Recognition,” and most industry-specific guidance included in the ASC. The standard requires that an entity recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new guidance is effective for the Company for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (Fiscal 2019) and allows for either full retrospective adoption or modified retrospective adoption. We have not yet selected a transition method and are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.