CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
ASSETS
Property, plant and equipment	$ 8,014,440	$ 7,722,019
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	1,744,457	1,691,364
Net property, plant and equipment	6,269,983	6,030,655
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	136,740	66,199
Accounts receivable, net	671,021	301,992
Gas stored underground	124,950	244,741
Other current assets	126,450	64,201
Total current assets	1,059,161	677,133
Goodwill	741,363	741,363
Deferred charges and other assets	417,109	485,117
Total assets	8,487,616	7,934,268
Shareholders' equity
Common stock, no par value (stated at $.005 per share)	501	453
Additional paid-in capital	2,163,144	1,765,811
Retained earnings	924,282	775,267
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	36,834	38,878
Shareholders' equity	3,124,761	2,580,409
Long-term debt	1,955,829	2,455,671
Total capitalization	5,080,590	5,036,080
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	442,816	241,611
Other current liabilities	420,576	368,891
Short-term debt	0	367,984
Current maturities of long-term debt	500,000	0
Total current liabilities	1,363,392	978,486
Deferred income taxes	1,283,551	1,164,053
Regulatory cost of removal obligation	358,262	359,299
Pension and postretirement liabilities	360,851	358,787
Deferred credits and other liabilities	40,970	37,563
Total shareholders' equity and liabilities	$ 8,487,616	$ 7,934,268