EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2024

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Components of Net Periodic Cost

The components of the net periodic cost for pension benefits, including the Company's Pension Equalization Plan, and OPEB costs (principally health care and life insurance) for employees and covered dependents were as follows:

	Pension				OPEB
	Three Months Ended				Three Months Ended
	December 31,				December 31,
(Thousands)	2024		2023		2024		2023
Service cost	$	1,381	$	1,244	$	273	$	642
Interest cost	3,858		4,060		2,097		2,902
Expected return on plan assets	(5,925)		(5,087)		(2,346)		(1,858)
Recognized actuarial loss	301		29		1,793		496
Prior service cost (credit) amortization	—		16		(3,270)		—
Net periodic benefit (credit) cost	$	(385)	$	262	$	(1,453)	$	2,182