FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Schedule of fair value of long-term debt, including current maturities, and advances for construction

	December 31, 2012
			Fair Value
	Cost		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Long -term debt, including current maturities	$	481,250	$	—	$	613,211	$	—	$	613,211
Advances for construction		187,584		—		70,914		—		70,914
Total	$	668,834	$	—	$	684,125	$	—	$	684,125

	December 31, 2011
			Fair Value
	Cost		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Long -term debt, including current maturities	$	488,165	$	—	$	625,202	$	—	$	625,202
Advances for construction		187,278		—		69,952		—		69,952
Total	$	675,443	$	—	$	695,154	$	—	$	695,154