pepl10k_123109.htm  



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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C.  20549

FORM 10-K

 X
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2009

OR

 __
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File No. 1-2921

PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
44-0382470
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)
   
   
5444 Westheimer Road
77056-5306
Houston, Texas
(Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)
 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (713) 989-7000

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each Class
 
Name of each exchange in which registered
6.05% Senior Notes due 2013, Series B
 
New York Stock Exchange
     
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes £    No R 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes £    No R

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and  (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes R No £

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes £    No £

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not con­tained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information state­ments incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. R  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):
Large accelerated filer £    Accelerated filer £    Non-accelerated filer R    Smaller reporting company £

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
Yes £    No R

Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company, LP meets the conditions set forth in General Instructions I(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K and is therefore filing this Form 10-K with the reduced disclosure format.  Items 1, 2 and 7 have been reduced and Items 4, 6, 10, 11, 12 and 13 have been omitted in accordance with Instruction I.

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PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
FORM 10-K
DECEMBER 31, 2009

Table of Contents
   
Page
 
PART I
 
Glossary.
 
1
ITEM 1.
Business.
2
ITEM 1A.
Risk Factors.
6
ITEM 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments.
14
ITEM 2.
Properties.
14
ITEM 3.
Legal Proceedings.
14
ITEM 4.
Reserved.
15
 
 
PART II
 
 
ITEM 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
15
ITEM 6.
Selected Financial Data.
15
ITEM 7.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.
16
ITEM 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
23
ITEM 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
23
ITEM 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
23
ITEM  9A(T).
Controls and Procedures.
24
ITEM 9B.
Other Information.
25
 
 
PART III
 
 
ITEM 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
25
ITEM 11.
Executive Compensation.
25
ITEM 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
25
ITEM 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
25
ITEM 14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
26
 
 
PART IV
 
 
ITEM 15.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.
26
Signatures.
 
29
Index to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
F-1

 
 

 

GLOSSARY


The abbreviations, acronyms and industry terminology commonly used in this annual report on Form 10-K are defined as follows:


ARO                                                     Asset retirement obligation
Bcf                                                        Billion cubic feet
Bcf/d                                                    Billion cubic feet per day
CCE Holdings                                     CCE Holdings, LLC
CFO                                                      Chief Financial Officer
CIAC                                                    Contribution in aid of construction
Code                                                     Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
Company                                             PEPL and its subsidiaries
COO                                                     Chief Operating Officer
CrossCountry  Citrus                        CrossCountry Citrus, LLC
EITR                                                     Effective income tax rate
Energy Transfer                                 Energy Transfer Partners, LP
EPA                                                      United States Environmental Protection Agency
Exchange Act                                     Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
FASB                                                   Financial Accounting Standards Board
FERC                                                    Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Florida Gas                                          Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC
FSP                                                       FASB Staff Position
GAAP                                                  Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
HAPs                                                   Hazardous air pollutants
HCAs                                                   High consequence areas
IEPA                                                     Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
IPCB                                                     Illinois Pollution Control Board
KDHE                                                   Kansas Department of Health and Environment
LNG                                                      Liquefied Natural Gas
LNG Holdings                                     Trunkline LNG Holdings, LLC
MACT                                                 Maximum achievable control technology
MMcf/d                                               Million cubic feet per day
Panhandle                                           PEPL and its subsidiaries
PCBs                                                     Polychlorinate biphenyls
PEPL                                                     Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company, LP
PRPs                                                     Potentially responsible parties
SARs                                                    Stock appreciation rights
Sea Robin                                            Sea Robin Pipeline Company, LLC
SEC                                                       Securities Exchange Commission
Southern Union                                  Southern Union Company and its subsidiaries
Southwest Gas Storage                     Pan Gas Storage, LLC (d.b.a. Southwest Gas)
SPCC                                                    Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure
TBtu                                                     Trillion British thermal units
TCEQ                                                    Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
The Company                                     PEPL and its subsidiaries
Trunkline                                             Trunkline Gas Company, LLC
Trunkline LNG                                    Trunkline LNG Company, LLC


 
1

 


PART I

ITEM 1. Business.

Our Business

Introduction.  Panhandle, a Delaware limited partnership, is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern Union Company.  The Company is subject to the rules and regulations of the FERC.  The Company’s entities include the following:

·  
PEPL, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern Union Company;
·  
Trunkline, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of PEPL;
·  
Sea Robin, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of PEPL;
·  
LNG Holdings, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of PEPL;
·  
Trunkline LNG, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of LNG Holdings; and
·  
Southwest Gas Storage, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of PEPL.

Services.  The Company owns and operates a large natural gas open-access interstate pipeline network.  The pipeline network, consisting of the PEPL transmission system, the Trunkline transmission system and the Sea Robin transmission system, serves customers in the Midwest and Southwest with a comprehensive array of transportation and storage services.  PEPL’s transmission system consists of four large diameter pipelines extending approximately 1,300 miles from producing areas in the Anadarko Basin of Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas through Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and into Michigan.  Trunkline’s transmission system consists of two large diameter pipelines extending approximately 1,400 miles from the Gulf Coast areas of Texas and Louisiana through Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana to a point on the Indiana-Michigan border.  Sea Robin’s transmission system consists of two offshore Louisiana natural gas supply systems extending approximately 81 miles into the Gulf of Mexico.  In connection with its natural gas transmission and storage systems, the Company has five natural gas storage fields located in Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan and Oklahoma.  Southwest Gas operates four of these fields and Trunkline operates one.  Through Trunkline LNG, the Company owns and operates an LNG terminal in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Panhandle earns most of its revenue by entering into firm transportation and storage contracts, providing capacity for customers to transport and store natural gas, or LNG, in its facilities.  The Company provides firm transportation services under contractual arrangements to local distribution company customers and their affiliates, natural gas marketers, producers, other pipelines, electric power generators and a variety of end-users.  The Company’s pipelines offer both firm and interruptible transportation to customers on a short-term and seasonal basis.  Demand for natural gas transmission on the Company’s pipeline systems is seasonal, with the highest throughput and a higher portion of annual total operating revenues and net earnings occurring in the traditional winter heating season, which occurs during the first and fourth calendar quarters.  Average reservation revenue rates realized by the Company are dependent on certain factors, including but not limited to rate regulation, customer demand for reserved capacity, capacity sold levels for a given period and, in some cases, utilization of capacity.  Commodity revenues, which are more short-term, sensitive and variable in nature, are dependent upon a number of factors including weather, storage and pipeline capacity availability levels, and customer demand for firm and interruptible services, including parking services.  The majority of Panhandle’s revenues are related to firm capacity reservation charges, which reservation charges account for approximately 83 percent of total revenues in 2009.










 
2

 


The following table provides a summary of pipeline transportation and LNG terminal usage volumes (in TBtu) associated with the reported results of operations for the periods presented:


   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                   
PEPL transportation
    676       702       662  
Trunkline transportation
    683       643       648  
Sea Robin transportation
    132       126       144  
Trunkline LNG terminal usage        33       9         261  

 
The following table provides a summary of certain statistical information associated with the Company at the date indicated:


     
December 31, 2009
Approximate Miles of Pipelines
   
 
PEPL
 
 6,000
 
Trunkline
 
 3,500
 
Sea Robin
 
 400
Peak Day Delivery Capacity (Bcf/d)
   
 
PEPL
 
 2.8
 
Trunkline
 
 1.7
 
Sea Robin
 
 1.0
 
Trunkline LNG
 
 2.1
Trunkline LNG Sustainable Send Out Capacity (Bcf/d)
 
 1.8
Underground Storage Capacity-Owned (Bcf)
 
 68.1
Underground Storage Capacity-Leased (Bcf)
 
 32.3
Trunkline LNG Terminal Storage Capacity (Bcf)
 
 9.0
Approximate Average Number of Transportation Customers
 
 500
Weighted Average Remaining Life in Years of Firm Transportation Contracts
   
 
PEPL
 
 6.9
 
Trunkline
 
 8.1
 
Sea Robin (1)
 
N/A
Weighted Average Remaining Life in Years of Firm Storage Contracts
   
 
PEPL
 
 11.2
 
Trunkline
 
 2.2

___________________
(1)  
Sea Robin’s contracts are primarily interruptible, with only four firm contracts in place.

Recent System Enhancements

LNG Terminal Enhancement.  The Company commenced construction of an enhancement at its Trunkline LNG terminal in February 2007.  This infrastructure enhancement project (IEP) will increase send out flexibility at the terminal and lower fuel costs.  On August 6, 2009, FERC issued a conditional order granting Trunkline LNG authorization to commence partial service of IEP.  Although the key components of the enhancement, a portion of the ambient air vaporizer system and the NGL recovery units, were successfully tested in the fourth quarter of 2009, mechanical issues were identified during the commissioning process that required attention.  Trunkline LNG has made warranty claims regarding certain of those conditions and is effecting IEP system modifications prior to placing the project into full service.  On February 9, 2010, Trunkline LNG filed with FERC a request to place the facility in full service upon the completion of certain modifications.  Full service is expected no later than the end of the first quarter of 2010. Total construction costs are expected to be approximately $430 million, plus capitalized interest.  The negotiated rate with the project’s customer, BG LNG Services, will be adjusted based on final capital costs pursuant to a contract-based formula.  In addition, Trunkline LNG and BG LNG Services agreed to extend the existing terminal and pipeline services agreements to coincide with the IEP contract, which runs 20 years from the in-service date.  Approximately $457.2 million and $351.3 million of costs, including capitalized interest of $43.8 million and $20 million, are included in the line item Construction work-in-progress at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.

For information related to ongoing and potential expansion projects of the Company, see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources.

 
3

 

Significant Customers.  The following table provides the percentage and related average contract lives of the Company’s significant customers for the period presented:
 
 
     
Percent of
   
Weighted
     
Revenues
   
Average Life
     
For Year Ended
   
of Firm Contracts at
Customer
 
December 31, 2009
 
December 31, 2009
             
             
BG LNG Services
 
22
 %
 
14 years (LNG, transportation)
ProLiance
 
13
   
11.7 years (transportation) 16.3 years (storage)
Other top 10 customers
 
26
   
N/A
Remaining customers
 
39
   
N/A
 
  Total percentage
 
100
%
   
             

The Company’s customers are subject to change during the year as a result of capacity release provisions that allow customers to release all or part of their capacity, which generally occurs for a limited time period.  Under the terms of the Company’s tariffs, a temporary capacity release does not relieve the original customer from its payment obligations if the replacement customer fails to pay.

Regulation

The Company is subject to regulation by various federal, state and local governmental agencies, including those specifically described below.  See also Item 1. Business – Environmental, Item 1A. Risk Factors and Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 3 – Regulatory Matters.

FERC has comprehensive jurisdiction over PEPL, Trunkline, Sea Robin, Trunkline LNG and Southwest Gas.  In accordance with the Natural Gas Act of 1938, FERC’s jurisdiction over natural gas companies encompasses, among other things, the acquisition, operation and disposition of assets and facilities, the services provided and rates charged.

FERC has authority to regulate rates and charges for transportation and storage of natural gas in interstate commerce.  FERC also has authority over the construction and operation of pipeline and related facilities utilized in the transportation and sale of natural gas in interstate commerce, including the extension, enlargement or abandonment of service using such facilities.  PEPL, Trunkline, Sea Robin, Trunkline LNG and Southwest Gas hold certificates of public convenience and necessity issued by FERC, authorizing them to construct and operate the pipelines, facilities and properties now in operation and to transport and store natural gas in interstate commerce.

 
4

 
 
The following table summarizes the status of the rate proceedings applicable to the Company:
 
   
Date of Last
   
Company
 
Rate Filing
 
Rate Proceedings Status
         
PEPL
 
May 1992
 
Settlement effective April 1997
Trunkline
 
January 1996
 
Settlement effective May 2001
Sea Robin
 
June 2007
 
Settlement effective December 2008 (1)
Trunkline LNG
 
June 2001
 
Settlement effective January 2002  (2)
Southwest Gas Storage
 
August 2007
 
Settlement effective February 2008

_______________
(1)  
Settlement requires another rate case to be filed by January 2014.
(2)  
Settlement provided for a rate moratorium through 2015.
 
The Company is also subject to the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 and the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002, which regulate the safety of natural gas pipelines.

For a discussion of the effect of certain FERC orders on the Company, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 3 – Regulatory Matters.

Competition

The interstate pipeline systems of the Company compete with those of other interstate and intrastate pipeline companies in the transportation and storage of natural gas.  The principal elements of competition among pipelines are rates, terms of service, flexibility and reliability of service.

Natural gas competes with other forms of energy available to the Company’s customers and end-users, including electricity, coal and fuel oils.  The primary competitive factor is price.  Changes in the availability or price of natural gas and other forms of energy, the level of business activity, conservation, legislation and governmental regulation, the capability to convert to alternate fuels and other factors, including weather and natural gas storage levels, affect the ongoing demand for natural gas in the areas served by the Company.  In order to meet these challenges, the Company will need to adapt its marketing strategies, the types of transportation and storage services provided and its pricing and rates to address competitive forces.

 
FERC may authorize the construction of new interstate pipelines that compete with existing pipelines.  For example, Kinder Morgan’s Rockies Express Pipeline, which transports large volumes of natural gas to the Midwest from the Rockies, completed an expansion during 2009 to make deliveries beyond the Midwest to Ohio, and potentially beyond.  Kinder Morgan's pipeline does, and potential new pipelines could, compete with the Company.

The Company’s direct competitors include Alliance Pipeline LP, ANR Pipeline Company, Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America, ONEOK Partners, Texas Gas Transmission Corporation, Northern Natural Gas Company, Vector Pipeline, Columbia Gulf Transmission and Midwestern Gas Transmission.

Environmental

The Company is subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding water quality, hazardous and solid waste management, air quality control and other environmental matters.  These laws and regulations require the Company to conduct its operations in a specified manner and to obtain and comply with a wide variety of environmental registrations, licenses, permits, inspections and other approvals.  Failure to comply with environmental requirements may expose the Company to significant fines, penalties and/or interruptions in operations.  The Company’s environmental policies and procedures are designed to achieve compliance with such laws and regulations.  These evolving laws and regulations and claims for damages to property, employees, other persons and the environment resulting from current or past operations may result in significant expenditures and liabilities in the future.  The Company engages in a process of updating and revising its procedures for the ongoing evaluation of its operations to identify potential environmental exposures and enhance compliance with regulatory requirements.  For additional information concerning the impact of environmental regulation on the Company, see Item 1A. Risk Factors and Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies.



 
5

 

Insurance

The Company maintains insurance coverage provided under its policies similar to other comparable companies in the same lines of business.  The insurance policies are subject to terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that do not fully compensate the Company for all losses.  Except for windstorm property insurance more fully described below, insurance deductibles range from $100,000 to $10 million for the various policies utilized by the Company.

Oil Insurance Limited (OIL), the Company’s member mutual property insurer, revised its windstorm insurance coverage effective January 1, 2010.  Based on the revised coverage,  the per occurrence windstorm claims for onshore and off-shore assets are limited to $250 million per member subject to a fixed 60 percent payout, up to $150 million per member, and are subject to the $750 million aggregate limit for total payout to members per incident and a $10 million deductible. The revised windstorm coverage also limits annual individual member recovery to $300 million in the aggregate. The Company has also purchased additional excess insurance coverage for its onshore assets arising from windstorm damage, which provides up to an additional $150 million of property insurance coverage over and above existing coverage or in excess of the base OIL coverage.  In the event windstorm damage claims are made by the Company for its onshore assets and such damage claims are subject to a scaled or aggregate limit reduction by OIL, the Company may have additional uninsured exposure prior to application of the excess insurance coverage.

Employees

At December 31, 2009, the Company had 1,201 employees.  Of these employees, 222 were represented by the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial, and Service Workers International AFL-CIO, CLC.  The current union contract expires on May 28, 2012.

Available Information

PEPL files annual, quarterly and special reports and other information with the SEC as required.  Any document that PEPL files with the SEC may be read or copied at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549.  Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for information on the public reference room.  PEPL’s SEC filings are also available at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and through its parent Southern Union’s website at http://www.sug.com.  The information on Southern Union’s website is not incorporated by reference into and is not made a part of this report.

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors.

The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones faced by the Company.  Additional risks and uncertainties that the Company is unaware of, or that it currently deems immaterial, may become important factors that affect it.  If any of the following risks occur, the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.

The Company has substantial debt and may not be able to obtain funding or obtain funding on acceptable terms because of deterioration in the credit and capital markets.  This may hinder or prevent the Company from meeting its future capital needs.

The Company has a significant amount of debt outstanding.  As of December 31, 2009, consolidated debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheet totaled $2.02 billion outstanding, compared to total capitalization (long and short term debt plus partners’ capital) of $3.49 billion.

Some of the Company’s debt obligations contain financial covenants concerning debt-to-capital ratios and interest coverage ratios.  The Company’s failure to comply with any of these covenants could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of outstanding debt obligations or render it unable to borrow under certain credit agreements.  Any such acceleration or inability to borrow could cause a material adverse change in the Company’s financial condition.


 
6

 

The Company relies on access to both short- and long-term credit as a significant source of liquidity for capital requirements not satisfied by the cash flow from its operations.  A deterioration in the Company’s financial condition could hamper its ability to access the capital markets.

Global financial markets and economic conditions have been, and may continue to be, disrupted and volatile.  The debt and equity capital markets have been exceedingly distressed.  These issues, along with significant write-offs in the financial services sector, the re-pricing of credit risk and the current weak economic conditions have made, and may continue to make, obtaining funding more difficult.

As a result of concerns about the stability of financial markets generally and the solvency of counterparties specifically, the cost of obtaining money from the credit markets generally has increased as many lenders and institutional investors have increased interest rates, enacted tighter lending standards, refused to refinance existing debt at maturity at all or on terms similar to current debt and reduced and, in some cases, ceased to provide funding to borrowers.
 
Due to these factors, the Company cannot be certain that funding will be available if needed and, to the extent required, on acceptable terms.  If funding is not available when needed, or is available only on unfavorable terms, the Company may be unable to grow its existing business, complete acquisitions, refinance its debt or otherwise take advantage of business opportunities or respond to competitive pressures, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s revenues and results of operations.

Further, in order for the Company to receive equity contributions or loans from its parent, Southern Union Company, certain state regulatory approvals are required.  This may limit the Company’s overall access to sources of capital otherwise available.  Restrictions on the Company’s ability to access capital markets could affect its ability to execute its business plan or limit its ability to pursue improvements or acquisitions on which it may otherwise rely for future growth.

The Company plans to repay its $40.5 million 8.25% Senior Notes maturing in April 2010 by utilizing some combination of cash flows from operations or from repayments from Southern Union of intercompany loans.

Credit ratings downgrades could increase the Company’s financing costs and limit its ability to access the capital markets.

As of December 31, 2009, the Company’s debt were rated Baa3 by Moody's Investor Services, Inc., BBB- by Standard & Poor's and BBB- by Fitch Ratings.  If the Company’s credit ratings are downgraded below investment grade or if there are times when it is placed on "credit watch," both borrowing costs and the costs of maintaining certain contractual relationships could increase.  The Company’s credit rating can be impacted by the credit rating and activities of its parent company, Southern Union Company.  Thus, adverse impacts to Southern Union and its activities, which may include activities unrelated to the Company may have adverse impacts on the Company’s credit rating and financing and operating costs.

The Company is controlled by Southern Union.

The Company is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern Union Company.  Southern Union Company executives serve as the board of managers and as executive officers of the Company.  Accordingly, Southern Union Company controls and directs all of the Company’s business affairs and may unilaterally effect changes to its management team and decides all matters submitted for member approval.  In circumstances involving a conflict of interest between Southern Union, on the one hand, and the Company’s creditors, on the other hand, the Company can give no assurance that Southern Union Company would not exercise its power to control the Company in a manner that would benefit Southern Union to the detriment of its creditors.

 
 
7

 

Federal, state and local jurisdictions may challenge the Company’s tax return positions.

The positions taken by the Company and Southern Union in their tax return filings require significant judgment, use of estimates, and the interpretation and application of complex tax laws.  Significant judgment is also required in assessing the timing and amounts of deductible and taxable items.  Despite management’s belief that the Company’s tax return positions are fully supportable, certain positions may be challenged successfully by federal, state and local jurisdictions.

The Company is subject to operating risks.

The Company’s operations are subject to all operating hazards and risks incident to handling, storing, transporting and providing customers with natural gas, including adverse weather conditions, explosions, pollution, release of toxic substances, fires and other hazards, each of which could result in damage to or destruction of its facilities or damage to persons and property.  If any of these events were to occur, the Company could suffer substantial losses.  Moreover, as a result, the Company has been, and likely will be, a defendant in legal proceedings and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business.  Although the Company maintains insurance coverage, such coverage may be inadequate to protect the Company from all expenses related to these risks.
The inability to continue to access lands owned by third parties could adversely affect the Company’s ability to operate and/or expand its pipeline business.

The ability of Panhandle to operate in certain geographic areas will depend on its success in maintaining existing rights-of-way and obtaining new rights-of-way. Securing additional rights-of-way is also critical to the Company’s ability to pursue expansion projects.  Even though Panhandle generally has the right of eminent domain, the Company cannot assure that it will be able to acquire all of the necessary new rights-of-way or maintain access to all existing rights-of-way upon the expiration of the current rights-of-way or that all of the rights-of-way will be obtainable in a timely fashion. The Company’s financial position could be adversely affected if the costs of new or extended rights-of-way materially increase or the Company is unable to obtain or extend the rights-of-way timely.

The Company is subject to extensive federal, state and local laws and regulations regulating the environmental aspects of its business that may increase its costs of operations, expose it to environmental liabilities and require it to make material unbudgeted expenditures.

The Company is subject to extensive federal, state and local laws and regulations regulating the environmental aspects of its business (including air emissions), which are complex, change from time to time, and have tended to become increasingly strict.  These laws and regulations have necessitated, and in the future may necessitate, increased capital expenditures and operating costs.  In addition, certain environmental laws may result in liability without regard to fault concerning contamination at a broad range of properties, including those currently or formerly owned, leased or operated properties and properties where the Company disposed of, or arranged for the disposal of, waste.

The Company is currently monitoring or remediating contamination at several of its facilities and at waste disposal sites pursuant to environmental laws and regulations and indemnification agreements.  The Company cannot predict with certainty the sites for which it may be responsible, the amount of resulting cleanup obligations that may be imposed on it or the amount and timing of future expenditures related to environmental remediation because of the difficulty of estimating cleanup costs and the uncertainty of payment by other PRPs.

Costs and obligations also can arise from claims for toxic torts and natural resource damages or from releases of hazardous materials on other properties as a result of ongoing operations or disposal of waste.  Compliance with amended, new or more stringently enforced existing environmental requirements, or the future discovery of contamination, may require material unbudgeted expenditures.  These costs or expenditures could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, particularly if such costs or expenditures are not fully recoverable from insurance or through the rates charged to customers or if they exceed any amounts that have been reserved.


 
8

 

Terrorist attacks, such as the attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, have resulted in increased costs, and the consequences of terrorism may adversely impact the Company’s results of operations.

The impact that terrorist attacks, such as the attacks of September 11, 2001, may have on the energy industry in general, and on the Company in particular, is not known at this time.  Uncertainty surrounding military activity may affect its operations in unpredictable ways, including disruptions of fuel supplies and markets and the possibility that infrastructure facilities, including pipelines, LNG facilities, gathering facilities and processing plants could be direct targets of, or indirect casualties of, an act of terror or a retaliatory strike.  The Company may have to incur significant additional costs in the future to safeguard its physical assets.

The Company’s business is highly regulated.

The Company’s transportation and storage business is subject to regulation by federal, state and local regulatory authorities.  FERC, the U.S. Department of Transportation and various state and local regulatory agencies regulate the interstate pipeline business.  In particular, FERC has authority to regulate rates charged by the Company for the transportation and storage of natural gas in interstate commerce.  FERC also has authority over the construction, acquisition, operation and disposition of these pipeline and storage assets.  In addition, the U.S. Coast Guard has oversight over certain issues including the importation of LNG.
 
The Company’s rates and operations are subject to extensive regulation by federal regulators as well as the actions of Congress and state legislatures and, in some respects, state regulators.  The Company cannot predict or control what effect future actions of regulatory agencies may have on its business or its access to the capital markets.  Furthermore, the nature and degree of regulation of natural gas companies has changed significantly during the past several decades and there is no assurance that further substantial changes will not occur or that existing policies and rules will not be applied in a new or different manner.  Should new and more stringent regulatory requirements be imposed, the Company’s business could be unfavorably impacted and the Company could be subject to additional costs that could adversely affect its financial condition or results of operations if these costs are not ultimately recovered through rates.

The Company’s transportation and storage business is influenced by fluctuations in costs, including operating costs such as insurance, postretirement and other benefit costs, wages, outside contractor services costs, asset retirement obligations for certain assets and other operating costs.  The profitability of regulated operations depends on the business’ ability to collect such increased costs as part of the rates charged to its customers.  To the extent that such operating costs increase in an amount greater than that for which revenue is received, or for which rate recovery is allowed, this differential could impact operating results.  The lag between an increase in costs and the ability of the Company to file to obtain rate relief from FERC to recover those increased costs can have a direct negative impact on operating results.  As with any request for an increase in rates in a regulatory filing, once granted, the rate increase may not be adequate.  In addition, FERC may prevent the business from passing along certain costs in the form of higher rates.

FERC may also exercise its Section 5 authority to initiate proceedings to review rates that it believes may not be just and reasonable.  FERC has recently exercised this authority with respect to several other pipeline companies, as it had in 2007 with respect to the Company’s Southwest Gas Storage Company.  If FERC were to initiate a Section 5 proceeding against the Company and find that the Company’s rates at that time were not just and reasonable, the applicable rates the Company is allowed to charge customers could be reduced and the reduction could potentially have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

The pipeline business of the Company is subject to competition.

The interstate pipeline business of the Company competes with those of other interstate and intrastate pipeline companies in the transportation and storage of natural gas.  The principal elements of competition among pipelines are rates, terms of service and the flexibility and reliability of service.  Natural gas competes with other forms of energy available to the Company’s customers and end-users, including electricity, coal and fuel oils.  The primary competitive factor is price.  Changes in the availability or price of natural gas and other forms of energy, the level of business activity, conservation, legislation and governmental regulations, the capability to convert to alternate fuels and other factors, including weather and natural gas storage levels, affect the demand for natural gas in the areas served by the Company.


 
9

 

The success of the pipeline business depends, in part, on factors beyond the Company’s control.

Third parties own most of the natural gas transported and stored through the pipeline systems operated by the Company.  As a result, the volume of natural gas transported and stored depends on the actions of those third parties and is beyond the Company’s control.  Further, other factors beyond the Company’s and those third parties’ control may unfavorably impact the Company’s ability to maintain or increase current transmission and storage rates, to renegotiate existing contracts as they expire or to remarket unsubscribed capacity.  High utilization of contracted capacity by firm customers reduces capacity available for interruptible transportation and parking services.

The success of the Company depends on the continued development of additional natural gas reserves in the vicinity of its facilities and its ability to access additional reserves to offset the natural decline from existing sources connected to its system.

The amount of revenue generated by the Company ultimately depends upon its access to reserves of available natural gas.  As the reserves available through the supply basins connected to the Company’s system naturally decline, a decrease in development or production activity could cause a decrease in the volume of natural gas available for transmission. If production from these natural gas reserves is substantially reduced and not replaced with other sources of natural gas, such as new wells or interconnections with other pipelines, and certain of the Company’s assets are consequently not utilized, the Company may have to accelerate the recognition and settlement of asset retirement obligations.  Investments by third parties in the development of new natural gas reserves or other sources of natural gas in proximity to the Company’s facilities depend on many factors beyond the Company’s control.  Revenue reductions or the acceleration of asset retirement obligations resulting from the decline of natural gas reserves and the lack of new sources of natural gas may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business financial condition, results of operations and cost flows.

Fluctuations in energy commodity prices could adversely affect the business of the Company.

If natural gas prices in the supply basins connected to the pipeline systems of the Company are higher than prices in other natural gas producing regions able to serve the Company’s customers, the volume of natural gas transported by the Company may be negatively impacted.  Natural gas prices can also affect customer demand for the various services provided by the Company.

The pipeline business of the Company is dependent on a small number of customers for a significant percentage of its sales.

The Company’s top two customers accounted for 35 percent of its 2009 revenue.  The loss of any one or more of these customers could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

The financial soundness of the Company’s customers could affect its business and operating results.

As a result of the recent disruptions in the financial markets and other macroeconomic challenges that have impacted the economy of the United States and other parts of the world, the Company’s customers may experience cash flow concerns.  As a result, if customers’ operating and financial performance deteriorates, or if they are unable to make scheduled payments or obtain credit, customers may not be able to pay, or may delay payment of, accounts receivable owed to the Company.  Any inability of the Company’s customers to pay for services could adversely affect the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

The pipeline revenues of the Company are generated under contracts that must be renegotiated periodically.

The pipeline revenues of the Company are generated under natural gas transportation contracts that expire periodically and must be replaced.  At December 31, 2009, the weighted-average remaining life of transportation and storage contracts was approximately 7.6 years and 10.5 years, respectively, with some contracts expiring each year.  Although the Company will actively pursue the renegotiation, extension and/or replacement of all of its contracts, it cannot assure that it will be able to extend or replace these contracts when they expire or that the terms of any renegotiated contracts will be as favorable as the existing contracts.  If the Company is unable to renew, extend or replace these contracts, or if the Company renews them on less favorable terms, it may suffer a material reduction in revenues and earnings.

 
 
10

 

The Company is exposed to the credit risk of its customers in the ordinary course of business.

Transportation service contracts obligate customers to pay charges for reservation of capacity, or reservation charges, regardless of whether they transport natural gas on the pipeline system.  Customers with natural gas imbalances on the pipeline system may also owe natural gas to the Company.  As a result, the Company’s profitability will depend upon the continued financial performance and creditworthiness of its customers rather than just upon the amount of capacity provided under service contracts.

Generally, customers are rated investment grade or, as permitted by the Company’s tariff, are required to make pre-payments or deposits, or to provide collateral, if their creditworthiness does not meet certain criteria.  Nevertheless, the Company cannot predict to what extent future declines in customers' creditworthiness may negatively impact its business.
 
Substantial risks are involved in operating a natural gas pipeline system.

Numerous operational risks are associated with the operation of a complex pipeline system.  These include adverse weather conditions, accidents, the breakdown or failure of equipment or processes, the performance of pipeline facilities below expected levels of capacity and efficiency, the collision of equipment with pipeline facilities (such as may occur if a third party were to perform excavation or construction work near the facilities), and other catastrophic events beyond the Company’s control.  In particular, the Company’s pipeline system, especially those portions that are located offshore, may be subject to adverse weather conditions, including hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, extreme temperatures and other natural phenomena, making it more difficult for the Company to realize the historic rates of return associated with these assets and operations.  A casualty occurrence might result in injury or loss of life, extensive property damage or environmental damage.  Insurance proceeds may not be adequate to cover all liabilities or expenses incurred or revenues lost.

The expansion of the Company’s pipeline systems by constructing new facilities subjects the Company to construction and other risks that may adversely affect the financial results of the pipeline businesses.
 
The Company may expand the capacity of its existing pipeline, storage and LNG facilities by constructing additional facilities.  Construction of these facilities is subject to various regulatory, development and operational risks, including:

·  
the Company’s ability to obtain necessary approvals and permist from FERC and other regulatory agencies on a timely basis and on terms that are acceptable to it;
·  
the ability to access sufficient capital at reasonable rates to fund expansion projects, especially in periods of prolonged economic decline;
·  
the availability of skilled labor, equipment, and materials to complete expansion projects;
·  
adverse weather conditions;
·  
potential changes in federal, state and local statutes, regulations, and orders, including environmental requirements that prevent a project from proceeding or increase the anticipated cost of the project;
·  
impediments on the Company’s ability to acquire rights-of-way or land rights on a timely basis or on terms that are acceptable to it;
·  
the Company’s ability to construct projects within anticipated costs, including the risk that the Company may incur cost overruns, which may be material, resulting from inflation or increased costs of equipment, materials, labor, contractor productivity or other factors beyond its control, that the Company may not be able to recover from its customers;
·  
the lack of future growth in natural gas supply and/or demand; and
·  
the lack of transportation, storage and throughput commitments.

Any of these risks could prevent a project from proceeding, delay its completion or increase its anticipated costs.  There is also the risk that a downturn in the economy and its potential negative impact upon natural gas demand could result in either slower development in the Company’s expansion projects or adjustments in the contractual commitments supporting such projects.  As a result, new facilities could be delayed or may not achieve the Company’s expected investment return, which could adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 
11

 

A recent determination that emissions of carbon dioxide and other “greenhouse gases” present an endangerment to public health could result in regulatory initiatives that increase the Company’s costs of doing business and the costs of its services.

On April 17, 2009, the EPA issued a notice of its proposed finding and determination that emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, and other “greenhouse gases” (GHGs) presented an endangerment to human health and the environment because emissions of such gases contribute to warming of the earth’s atmosphere and other climatic changes.  Once finalized, EPA’s finding and determination would allow the agency to begin regulating GHG emissions under existing provisions of the Clean Air Act.  In late September 2009, EPA announced two sets of proposed regulations in anticipation of finalizing its findings and determination, one rule to reduce emissions of GHGs from motor vehicles and the other to control emissions of GHGs from stationary sources.  The motor vehicle rules are expected to be adopted in March 2010, with the stationary source permitting rule to be approved later in 2010. It may take the EPA several years to impose regulations limiting emissions of GHGs from existing stationary sources due to legal challenges on the stationary rule.  In addition, on September 22, 2009, the EPA issued a final rule requiring the reporting of GHG emissions from specified large GHG emission sources in the United States, including the Company’s processing plants and many compressor stations, beginning in 2011 for emissions occurring in 2010.  Any limitation imposed by the EPA on GHG emissions from the Company’s natural gas–fired compressor stations and processing facilities or from the combustion of natural gas or natural gas liquids that it produces could increase its costs of doing business and/or increase the cost and reduce demand for its services.

The adoption of climate change legislation or regulations restricting emissions of “greenhouse gases” could result in increased operating costs and reduced demand for the products and services the Company provides.

The Kyoto Protocol was adopted in 1997 by the United Nations to address global climate change by reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.  The treaty went into effect on February 16, 2005.  The United States has not adopted the Kyoto Protocol.  However on June 26, 2009, the United States House of Representatives approved adoption of the “American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009,” also known as the “Waxman-Markey cap-and-trade legislation” (ACESA), which would establish an economy-wide cap-and-trade program in the United States to reduce emissions of GHGs, including carbon dioxide and methane that may be contributing to warming of the Earth’s atmosphere and other climatic changes. ACESA would require an overall reduction in GHG emissions of 17 percent (from 2005 levels) by 2020, and by over 80 percent by 2050. Under ACESA, covered sources of GHG emissions would be required to obtain GHG emission “allowances” corresponding to their annual emissions of GHGs. The number of emission allowances issued each year would decline as necessary to meet ACESA’s overall emission reduction goals. As the number of GHG emission allowances declines each year, the cost or value of allowances is expected to escalate significantly. The net effect of ACESA would be to impose increasing costs on the combustion of carbon-based fuels such as oil, refined petroleum products, natural gas and NGLs.

The United States Senate has begun work on its own legislation for controlling and reducing emissions of GHGs in the United States.  If the Senate adopts GHG legislation that is different from ACESA, the two versions of the bill would need to be reconciled in both chambers of Congress and both chambers would be required to approve identical legislation before it would become law.  President Obama has indicated that he is in support of the adoption of legislation to control and reduce emissions of GHGs through an emission allowance permitting system that results in fewer allowances being issued each year but that allows parties to buy, sell and trade allowances as needed to fulfill their GHG emission obligations.  Although it is not possible at this time to predict whether or when the Senate may act on climate change legislation or how any bill approved by the Senate could be reconciled with ACESA, any laws or regulations that may be adopted to restrict or reduce emissions of GHGs would likely require the Company to incur increased operating costs.  Further, current or future rate structures or shipper or producer contracts and prevailing market conditions might not allow the Company to recover the additional costs incurred to comply with such laws and/or regulations and may affect the Company’s ability to provide services.  While the Company may be able to include some or all of such increased costs in its rate structures or shipper or producer contracts, such recovery of costs is uncertain and may depend on events beyond the Company’s control.  Such matters could have a material adverse effect on demand for the Company’s gathering, treating, processing or transportation services.
 
 
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Even if such legislation is not adopted at the national level, more than one-third of the states have begun taking actions to control and/or reduce emissions of GHGs, with most of the state-level initiatives focused on large sources of GHG emissions, such as coal-fired electric plants. It is possible that smaller sources of emissions could become subject to GHG emission limitations or allowance purchase requirements in the future. Any one of these climate change regulatory and legislative initiatives could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

The Company is subject to risks associated with climate change.

It has been advanced that emissions of greenhouse gases are linked to climate change. Climate change and the costs that may be associated with its impact and the regulation of GHGs have the potential to affect the Company’s business in many ways, including negatively impacting the costs it incurs in providing its products and services including costs to operate and maintain its facilities, install new emission controls on its facilities, acquire allowances to authorize its GHG, pay any taxes related to GHG emissions and administer and manage a GHG emissions program, higher insurance premiums or the potential for increased insurance claims in areas affected by adverse weather and coastal regions in the event of rising sea levels, the demand for and consumption of its products and services (due to change in both costs and weather patterns), and the economic health of the regions in which it operates, all of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Cautionary Factors That May Affect Future Results

The disclosure and analysis in this Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements that set forth anticipated results based on management’s current plans and assumptions.  From time to time, the Company also provides forward-looking statements in other materials it releases to the public as well as oral forward-looking statements.  Such statements give the Company’s current expectations or forecasts of future events; they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts.  The Company has tried, wherever possible, to identify such statements by using words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “will” and similar expressions in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance.  In particular, these include statements relating to future actions, future performance or results of current and anticipated services, expenses, interest rates, the outcome of contingencies, such as legal proceedings, and financial results.

The Company cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will be realized, although management believes that the Company has been prudent and reasonable in its plans and assumptions.  Achievement of future results is subject to risks, uncertainties and potentially inaccurate assumptions.  If known or unknown risks or uncertainties should materialize, or if underlying assumptions should prove inaccurate, actual results could differ materially from past results and those anticipated, estimated or projected.  Readers should bear this in mind as they consider forward-looking statements.

The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.  Readers are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures the Company makes on related subjects in its Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K reports to the SEC.  Also note that the Company provides the following cautionary discussion of risks, uncertainties and possibly inaccurate assumptions relevant to its businesses.  These are factors that, individually or in the aggregate, management believes could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from expected and historical results.  The Company notes these factors for investors as permitted by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Readers should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors.  Consequently, readers should not consider the following to be a complete discussion of all potential risks or uncertainties.

 
13

 
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the Company’s forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following:

·  
changes in demand for natural gas and related services by the Company’s customers, in the composition of the Company’s customer base and in the sources of natural gas available to the Company;
·  
the effects of inflation and the timing and extent of changes in the prices and overall demand for and availability of natural gas as well as electricity, oil, coal and other bulk materials and chemicals;
·  
adverse weather conditions, such as warmer than normal weather in the Company’s service territories, and the operational impact of natural disasters;
·  
changes in laws or regulations, third-party relations and approvals, decisions of courts, regulators and governmental bodies affecting or involving the Company, including deregulation initiatives and the impact of rate and tariff proceedings before FERC and various state regulatory commissions;
·  
the speed and degree to which additional competition is introduced to the Company’s business and the resulting effect on revenues;
·  
the outcome of pending and future litigation;
·  
the Company’s ability to comply with or to challenge successfully existing or new environmental regulations;
·  
unanticipated environmental liabilities;
·  
the Company’s ability to acquire new businesses and assets and integrate those operations into its existing operations, as well as its ability to expand its existing businesses and facilities;
·  
the Company’s ability to control costs successfully and achieve operating efficiencies, including the purchase and implementation of new technologies for achieving such efficiencies;
·  
the impact of factors affecting operations such as maintenance or repairs, environmental incidents, natural gas pipeline system constraints and relations with labor unions representing bargaining-unit employees;
·  
exposure to customer concentration with a significant portion of revenues realized from a relatively small number of customers and any credit risks associated with the financial position of those customers;
·  
changes in the ratings of the debt securities of the Company or any of its subsidiaries;
·  
changes in interest rates and other general capital markets conditions, and in the Company’s ability to continue to access the capital markets;
·  
acts of nature, sabotage, terrorism or other acts causing damage greater than the Company’s insurance coverage limits;
·  
market risks beyond the Company’s control affecting its risk management activities including market liquidity, commodity price volatility and counterparty creditworthiness; and
·  
other risks and unforeseen events.

ITEM 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments.

N/A

ITEM 2. Properties.

See Item 1. Business for information concerning the general location and characteristics of the important physical properties and assets of the Company.

ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings.

The Company and certain of its affiliates are occasionally parties to lawsuits and administrative proceedings incidental to their businesses involving, for example, claims for personal injury and property damage, contractual matters, various tax matters, and rates and licensing.  The Company and its affiliates are also subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the environment, as described in Item 1. Business – Regulation. Several of these companies have been named parties to various actions involving environmental issues.  Based on the Company’s current knowledge and subject to future legal and factual developments, the Company’s management believes that it is unlikely that these actions, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  For additional information regarding various pending administrative and judicial proceedings involving regulatory, environmental and other legal matters, reference is made to Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 3 – Regulatory Matters and Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies. Also see Item 1A. Risk Factors – Cautionary Factors That May Affect Future Results.

 
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ITEM 4.  Reserved.

Item 4, Reserved, has been omitted from this report pursuant to the reduced disclosure format permitted by General Instruction I to Form 10-K.

PART II

ITEM 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

All of the partnership interests in the Company are privately held by Southern Union Panhandle, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern Union Company, and Southern Union Company.  See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 1 - Corporate Structure.

ITEM 6.  Selected Financial Data.

Item 6, Selected Financial Data, has been omitted from this report pursuant to the reduced disclosure format permitted by General Instruction I to Form 10-K.

 
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ITEM 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is provided as a supplement to the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes to help provide an understanding of the Company’s financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of operations.  The following section includes an overview of the Company’s business as well as recent developments that management of the Company believes are important in understanding its results of operations, and to anticipate future trends in those operations.  Subsequent sections include an analysis of the Company’s results of operations on a consolidated basis and information relating to the Company’s liquidity and capital resources, quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk and other matters.  The information required by this Item is presented in a reduced disclosure format pursuant to General Instruction I to Form 10-K.  The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contain information that is pertinent to the analysis of the Company’s financial condition and its results of operations, including a discussion of the Company’s significant accounting policies.

Overview

The Company’s business purpose is to provide interstate transportation and storage of natural gas transportation and storage in a safe, efficient and dependable manner.  The Company operates approximately 10,000 miles of interstate pipelines that transport up to 5.5 Bcf/d of natural gas.  For additional information related to the Company’s line of business, locations of operations and services provided, see Item 1. Business.
The Company’s business is conducted through both short- and long-term contracts with customers.  Shorter-term contracts, which can increase the volatility of revenues, are driven by changes in market conditions and competition with other pipelines, changing supply sources and volatility in natural gas prices.  Since the majority of the Company’s revenues are related to firm capacity reservation charges, changes in commodity prices and volumes transported do not have as significant an impact on revenues over the short-term.  However, longer-term demand for capacity may be affected by changes in commodity prices and volumes transported.  Over the past several years, the weighted average life of contracts has actually trended somewhat higher as customers have exhibited an increased focus in securing longer-term supply and related transport capacity from the supply and market areas served by the Company.  For additional information concerning the Company’s related risk factors and the weighted average remaining lives of firm transportation and storage contracts, see Item 1A. Risk Factors and Item 1. Business, respectively.

The Company’s regulated transportation and storage businesses periodically file (or can be required to file) for changes in their rates, which are subject to approval by FERC.  Although a significant portion of the Company’s contracts are discounted or negotiated rate contracts, changes in rates and other tariff provisions resulting from these regulatory proceedings have the potential to negatively impact the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.  For information related to the status of current rate filings, see Item 1.  Business – Regulation.


 
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Results of Operations

The following table illustrates the results of operations of the Company for the periods presented:



                   
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Operating revenue:
                 
Transportation and storage of natural gas
  $ 607,366     $ 582,942     $ 511,340  
LNG terminalling revenue
    134,026       128,950       135,447  
Other revenue
    7,769       9,748       11,659  
Total operating revenue
    749,161       721,640       658,446  
                         
Operating expenses:
                       
Operating, maintenance and general
    284,608       276,174       254,986  
Depreciation and amortization
    113,648       103,807       85,641  
Taxes, other than on income
    34,537       32,059       29,698  
Total operating expenses
    432,793       412,040       370,325  
                         
Operating income
    316,368       309,600       288,121  
                         
Other income (expense):
                       
Interest expense
    (84,496 )     (89,057 )     (82,551 )
Other, net
    10,443       26,663       41,172  
Total other expense, net
    (74,053 )     (62,394 )     (41,379 )
                         
Earnings before income taxes
    242,315       247,206       246,742  
                         
Income taxes
    92,100       96,532       96,318  
                         
Net earnings
  $ 150,215     $ 150,674     $ 150,424  


Year ended December 31, 2009 versus the year ended December 31, 2008

Operating Revenue.  For the year ended December 31, 2009, operating revenue increased $27.5 million versus the same time period in 2008 primarily as the result of:
·  
Increased transportation and storage revenue of $24.4 million primarily attributable to:
o  
Higher interruptible parking revenues of $17.1 million resulting from customer demand for parking services, market conditions and the availability of system capacity;
o  
Higher transportation reservation revenues of $13.3 million primarily due to higher average rates realized on PEPL and contributions from various expansion projects primarily consisting of the Trunkline Field Zone Expansion and PEPL East End Enhancement projects, partially offset by lower average rates realized on Trunkline and $1.2 million of additional revenues in the 2008 period attributable to the extra day in the 2008 leap year; and
o  
Lower transportation usage revenues of $7.4 million primarily due to reduced volumes flowing on Sea Robin after Hurricane Ike; and
·  
A $5.1 million increase in LNG terminalling revenue primarily due to higher reservation revenues attributable to a one-time annual rate increase associated with certain capacity effective January 1, 2009.

Operating Expenses.  Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2009 increased $20.8 million versus the same period in 2008 primarily as the result of:
·  
Higher operating, maintenance and general expenses of $8.4 million in 2009 versus 2008 primarily attributable to:

 
17

 

o  
A $5.6 million increase in benefits primarily due to higher medical costs;
o  
A $5.5 million increase in third-party transportation and storage expense primarily due to additional capacity contracted;
A $4.8 million increase in fuel tracker costs primarily due to a net over-recovery in 2008 versus a net under-recovery in 2009; and
o  
A $6.4 million decrease in expense due to a provision reversal in 2009 related to past take-or-pay settlement contractual indemnities for which performance by the Company has not been required;
· 
Increased depreciation and amortization expense of $9.8 million in 2009 versus 2008 due to a $136 million increase in property, plant and equipment placed in service after December 31, 2008.  Depreciation and amortization expense is expected to continue to increase primarily due to significant capital additions, including capital spending associated with the LNG terminal infrastructure enhancement construction project; and
·  
Increased taxes, other than on income, of $2.5 million primarily due to higher property tax assessments resulting from property additions and higher operating income.  Property tax expense is expected to continue to increase primarily due to significant property additions, which has been partially mitigated by certain temporary property tax abatements.

Other Expense, Net.  Other expense, net for the year ended December 31, 2009 increased $11.7 million versus the same period in 2008 primarily as a result of:
 
A decrease in Other, net of $16.2 million primarily due to lower interest income associated with the affiliate note receivables resulting from lower average affiliate note receivables balances outstanding and lower LIBOR rates in the 2009 period compared to the 2008 period; and
 ·
Lower interest expense of $4.6 million primarily attributable to the retirement of the $300 million 4.80% Senior Notes in August 2008 and the $60.6 million 6.50% Senior Notes in July 2009, lower interest rates on the Company’s variable rate debt, and higher capitalized interest resulting from higher average capital project balances outstanding in the 2009 period versus the 2008 period, partially offset by higher interest expense resulting from the $400 million 7.00% Senior Notes issued in June 2008, the $150 million 8.125% Senior Notes issued in June 2009 and higher interest expense primarily attributable to lower net debt premium amortizations in 2009 resulting from debt retirements.

Income Taxes.  The Company’s EITR was 38 percent and 39 percent for the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Income taxes during the year ended December 31, 2009, versus the same period in 2008, decreased $4.4 million primarily due to lower pretax earnings.

See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies – Other Commitments and Contingencies – 2008 Hurricane Damage for additional information related to repair and abandonment provisions and insurance recovery resulting from hurricane damage.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash generated from internal operations constitutes the Company’s primary source of liquidity.  The $155.4 million working capital deficit at December 31, 2009 is expected to be funded by cash flows from operations and from repayments from Southern Union of intercompany loans.  Based on the Company’s current level of operations, management believes that cash flow from operations, available existing cash, and other sources, including liquid working capital and new borrowings, will be adequate to meet liquidity needs for the next several years, although no assurances can be given as to the sufficiency of cash flows or the ability to refinance existing obligations.

Operating Activities.  Cash generated from internal operations constitutes the Company’s primary source of liquidity.  Additional sources of liquidity include use of affiliate note receivables, project and bank financings, issuance of long-term debt and proceeds from asset dispositions.

Cash flows provided by operating activities were $409.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared with cash flows provided by operating activities of $297.6 million for the same period in 2008, resulting in an increase in cash of $111.5 million in 2009 compared to 2008.  Changes in operating assets and liabilities contributed cash of $28.8 million in 2009 and $4.4 million in 2008, resulting in an increase of cash from changes in operating assets and liabilities of $24.4 million in 2009 compared to 2008. 

 
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Investing Activities.  The Company’s business strategy includes making prudent capital expenditures across its base of interstate transmission assets.  Changes in cash flow resulting from investing activities associated with these objectives are significantly impacted by the ongoing expansion of the Company’s existing asset base through additions to property, plant and equipment.  Historically, the Company has utilized its operating cash flow to satisfy its general capital requirements and has accessed the capital markets only for extraordinary capital expenditures.

Cash flows used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2009 increased by $168.3 million versus the same period in 2008.  Such increase in cash outlays from investing activities is primarily due to the impact of $200 million net intercompany loans to Southern Union in 2009 versus $94.1 million of loan repayments to the Company in 2008, partially offset by lower net capital and property retirement expenditures of $170.7 million in the 2009 period versus the 2008 period.  See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 4 – Related Party Transactions for information related to the intercompany loans with Southern Union and Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies – Other Commitments and Contingencies – 2008 Hurricane Damage for information related to insurance recoveries, which partially offset the capital and property retirement expenditures.

The following table presents a summary of property, plant and equipment additions related to major projects for the periods presented.

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
Property, Plant and Equipment Additions
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                   
LNG Terminal Expansions/Enhancements
  $ 82,033     $ 157,325     $ 133,469  
Trunkline Field Zone Expansion
    1,733       72,276       185,180  
East End Enhancement
    -       35,062       80,249  
Compression Modernization
    7,146       56,288       81,687  
Other, primarily pipeline integrity, system
                       
reliability, information technology, air
                       
emission compliance and net hurricane expenditures
    156,185       113,053       110,568  
Total   (1)
  $ 247,097     $ 434,004     $ 591,153  

___________________
(1)  
Includes net period changes in capital accruals totaling $(25) million, $(24.6) million and $71.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Principal Capital Expenditure Projects

See Item 1. Business – Recent System Enhancements for a summary of the Company’s major 2009 and ongoing capital expenditure projects.

2008 Hurricane Damage.  In September 2008, Hurricanes Gustav and Ike came ashore on the Louisiana and Texas coasts.  Offshore transportation facilities, including Sea Robin and Trunkline’s Terrebonne system, suffered damage to several platforms and gathering pipelines. In late July 2009, during testing to put the remaining offshore facilities back in service, Sea Robin experienced a pipeline rupture in an area where the pipeline had previously been displaced during Hurricane Ike and subsequently re-buried. Sea Robin experienced reduced volumes until January 2010 when the remainder of the damaged facilities were back in service.

The capital replacement and retirement expenditures relating to Hurricane Ike have been increased during 2009 to approximately $185 million and are expected to be incurred through 2010.  These estimates are subject to further revision as the work is ongoing.  Approximately $110 million and $23 million of the capital replacement and retirement expenditures were incurred as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The Company anticipates reimbursement from OIL for a significant portion of the damages in excess of its $10 million deductible; however, the recoverable amount is subject to pro rata reduction to the extent that the level of total accepted claims from all insureds exceeds the carrier’s $750 million aggregate exposure limit.  OIL has announced that it has reached the $750 million aggregate exposure limit and has revised its estimated payout amount to approximately 61 percent based on estimated claim information it has received.  OIL is currently making interim payouts at the rate of 50 percent of accepted claims.  The Company has received $36.7 million for claims submitted to date with respect to Hurricane Ike.  The final amount of any applicable pro rata reduction cannot be determined until OIL has received and assessed all claims.

 
19

 


Potential Sea Robin Impairment.  Sea Robin, comprised primarily of offshore facilities, suffered damage related to several platforms and gathering pipelines from Hurricane Ike.  See Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Other Matters – Asset Impairment for information related to the Company’s analysis of the Sea Robin assets for potential impairment as of December 31, 2009.  The Company currently estimates that approximately $135 million of the approximately $185 million total estimated capital replacement and retirement expenditures to replace property and equipment damaged by Hurricane Ike are related to Sea Robin.  This estimate is subject to further revision as certain work, primarily retirements, is ongoing. The Company anticipates reimbursement from its property insurance carrier for its damages in excess of its $10 million deductible, except for certain expenditures not reimbursable under the insurance policy terms.  See Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies – Other Commitments and Contingencies – 2008 Hurricane Damage for additional related information.  To the extent the Company’s capital expenditures are not recovered through insurance proceeds, its net investment in Sea Robin’s property and equipment would increase without necessarily generating additional revenues unless the incremental costs are recovered through future rate proceedings including the Hurricane surcharge filing approved by FERC in September 2009.  See Note 3 – Regulatory Matters for information related to the surcharge filing.  If the amount of Sea Robin’s insurance reimbursements are significantly reduced from the currently estimated 61 percent payout limit amount or it experiences other adverse developments incrementally impacting the Company’s related net investment or anticipated future cash flows that are not remedied through rate proceedings, the Company could potentially be required to record an impairment of its net investment in Sea Robin.

Financing Activities. Cash flows provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2009 increased by $57.1 million versus the same period in 2008 primarily due to net debt issuances of $88.1 million in 2009 versus $44.1 million in 2008.

As of December 31, 2009, the Company’s debt was rated Baa3 by Moody’s Investor Services, Inc., BBB- by Standard & Poor’s and BBB- by Fitch Ratings.  The Company’s notes are subject to certain requirements, such as the maintenance of a fixed charge coverage ratio and a leverage ratio, which if not maintained, restrict the ability of the Company to make certain payments and impose limitations on the ability of the Company to subject its property to liens.  At December 31, 2009, the Company, based on the currently most restrictive debt covenant requirements, was subject to a $914 million limitation on additional restricted payments including dividends and loans to affiliates, and a limitation of $395 million of additional secured or subsidiary level indebtedness or other defined liens based on a limitation on liens covenant.  The Company is also subject to a limitation of $702 million of total additional indebtedness.  If the Company’s debt ratings by Moody’s Investor Services, Inc. were to fall below Baa3 or if its debt ratings by Standard & Poor’s were to fall below BBB-, then the allowable restricted payments would be reduced to $195.9 million.  At December 31, 2009, the Company was in compliance with all covenants.

8.125% Senior Notes.  In June 2009, the Company issued $150 million in senior notes due June 1, 2019 with an interest rate of 8.125 percent (8.125% Senior Notes).  In connection with the issuance of the 8.125% Senior Notes, the Company incurred underwriting and discount costs totaling approximately $1 million, resulting in approximately $149 million in proceeds to the Company.  The proceeds were initially loaned to Southern Union Company, under the demand note between the Company and Southern Union Company.  A portion of such advanced amounts was subsequently repaid by Southern Union to the Company and used to repay the $60.6 million of 6.50% Senior Notes that matured on July 15, 2009.

7.00% Senior Notes due 2018.  In June 2008, the Company issued $400 million in senior notes due June 15, 2018 with an interest rate of 7.00 percent (7.00% Senior Notes).  In connection with the issuance of the 7.00% Senior Notes, the Company incurred underwriting and discount costs totaling approximately $4.1 million, resulting in approximately $395.9 million in proceeds to the Company.  The proceeds were initially loaned to Southern Union Company under the demand note between the Company and Southern Union Company.  Such advanced
amounts were repaid by Southern Union to the Company and used to repay the $300 million of 4.80% Senior Notes due August 15, 2008.

 
20

 

6.20% Senior Notes.  On October 26, 2007, the Company issued $300 million in senior notes due November 1, 2017 with an interest rate of 6.20 percent (6.20% Senior Notes).  In connection with the issuance of the 6.20% Senior Notes, the Company incurred underwriting and discount costs of approximately $2.7 million.  The debt was priced to the public at 99.741 percent, resulting in $297.3 million in proceeds to the Company.  The proceeds were initially loaned to Southern Union under a demand note between the Company and Southern Union, and were used to repay approximately $246 million outstanding under Southern Union’s credit facilities.  The remaining proceeds of $51.3 million were initially invested by Southern Union and subsequently utilized to fund working capital obligations.  Such advanced amounts have been subsequently repaid by Southern Union to the Company and were used to fund ongoing capital projects and for general corporate purposes.

LNG Holdings Term Loans.  On March 15, 2007, LNG Holdings, as borrower, and PEPL and Trunkline LNG, as guarantors, entered into a $455 million unsecured term loan facility due March 13, 2012 (2012 Term Loan).  The interest rate under the 2012 Term Loan is a floating rate tied to LIBOR or the prime rate, at the Company’s option, in addition to a margin tied to the rating of PEPL’s senior unsecured debt.  The proceeds of the 2012 Term Loan were used to repay approximately $455 million in existing indebtedness that matured in March 2007, including the $200 million 2.75% Senior Notes and the LNG Holdings $255.6 million Term Loan.  LNG Holdings has entered into interest rate swap agreements that effectively fix the interest rate applicable to the 2012 Term Loan at 4.98 percent plus a credit spread of 0.625 percent, based upon PEPL’s credit rating for its senior unsecured debt.  The balance of the 2012 Term Loan was $455 million at each of December 31, 2009 and 2008.  See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 7 – Debt – LNG Holdings Term Loans for additional related information.

On December 1, 2006, LNG Holdings, as borrower, and PEPL and CrossCountry Citrus, as guarantors, entered into a $465 million unsecured term loan facility due April 4, 2008 (2006 Term Loan).  On December 1, 2006, LNG Holdings loaned the proceeds of the 2006 Term Loan to CrossCountry Citrus in exchange for an interest-bearing promissory note with a principal amount of $465 million, the amount of the proceeds of the 2006 Term Loan.  On June 29, 2007, the parties entered into an amended and restated term loan facility (Amended Credit Agreement).  The Amended Credit Agreement extended the maturity of the term loan from April 4, 2008 to June 29, 2012, and decreased the interest rate from LIBOR plus 87.5 basis points to LIBOR plus 55 basis points, based upon the current credit rating of PEPL's senior unsecured debt. The balance of the Amended Credit Agreement was $360.4 million and $360.4 million at effective interest rates of 0.78 percent and 1.02 percent at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The balance and effective interest rate of the Amended Credit Agreement at February 24, 2010 were $360.4 million and 0.78 percent, respectively.

Retirement of Debt Obligations

Retirement of Debt Obligations.  The Company plans to repay its $40.5 million 8.25% Senior Notes maturing in April 2010 by utilizing some combination of cash flows from operations or from repayments from Southern Union of intercompany loans.

For additional information related to the Company’s debt, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 7 – Debt.

Other Matters

Regulation.  See Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 3 – Regulatory Matters for information related to the Company’s rate matters.

Environmental Matters.  The Company is subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment.  These evolving laws and regulations may require expenditures over a long period of time to control environmental impacts.  The Company has established procedures for the ongoing evaluation of its operations to identify potential environmental exposures.  These procedures are designed to achieve compliance with such laws and regulations.  For additional information concerning the impact of environmental regulation on the Company, see Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies.


 
21

 


Contractual Commitments.  The following table summarizes the Company’s expected contractual obligations by payment due date as of December 31, 2009.


   
Contractual Obligations (In thousands)
 
                                       
2015 and
 
   
Total
   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
   
2013
   
2014
   
thereafter
 
                   
Operating Leases (1)
  $ 91,711     $ 12,585     $ 11,921     $ 11,960     $ 11,968     $ 11,969     $ 31,308  
                                                         
Total long term debt (2)
    2,022,196       40,500       -       815,391       250,000       -       916,305  
                                                         
Interest payments on debt (3)
    720,674       108,520       106,849       85,058       78,554       63,429       278,264  
                                                         
Firm capacity payments (4)
    189,639       30,297       28,400       23,219       20,628       19,941       67,154  
                                                         
OPEB funding (5)
    38,215       7,643       7,643       7,643       7,643       7,643       -  
                                                         
Total
  $ 3,062,435     $ 199,545     $ 154,813     $ 943,271     $ 368,793     $ 102,982     $ 1,293,031  
___________________
(1)  
Lease of various assets utilized for operations.
(2)  
The long-term debt cash obligations exclude $2.6 million of unamortized debt premium as of December 31, 2009.
(3)  
Interest payments on debt are based upon the applicable stated or variable interest rates as of December 31, 2009.
(4)  
Charges for third party storage capacity.
(5)  
Panhandle is committed to the funding levels of $7.6 million per year until modified by future rate proceedings, the timing of which is uncertain.

Financial Sector Exposure.  Recent events in the global financial markets have caused the Company to place increased scrutiny on its liquidity position and the financial condition of its critical third-party business partners, including the Company’s future capital needs (including long-term borrowing needs and potential refinancing plans), derivative counterparties, customer and other contractual relationships.  The Company uses publicly available information to assess the potential impact of the current credit markets and related liquidity issues on its business partners and to assess the associated business risks to the Company.

While the recent credit disruptions have not had a significant impact on the Company or its liquidity position, the Company cannot predict the impact of any future credit disruptions.

Inflation.  The Company believes that inflation has caused, and may continue to cause, increases in certain operating expenses, capital replacement and construction costs.  The Company continually reviews the adequacy of its rates in relation to such increasing cost of providing services, the inherent regulatory lag in adjusting its tariff rates and the rates it is actually able to charge in its markets.

Trunkline LNG Cost and Revenue Study.  On July 1, 2009, Trunkline LNG filed a Cost and Revenue Study in compliance with FERC orders with respect to the prior Trunkline LNG facility expansions completed in 2006.  BG LNG Services, LLC (BGLS) filed a motion to intervene and protest on July 14, 2009.  Due to the negotiated rate provisions of the contracts with BGLS, extending through the end of 2015, the Company believes that the final disposition of these Cost and Revenue Study proceedings will not have an impact on Trunkline LNG’s revenues through the end of 2015.

New Accounting Pronouncements

See Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Other Matters – New Accounting Principles.


 
22

 


ITEM 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks.

Interest Rate Risk

The Company is subject to the risk of loss associated with movements in market interest rates.  The Company manages this risk through the use of fixed-rate debt, floating-rate debt and interest rate swaps.  Fixed-rate swaps are used to reduce the risk of increased interest costs during periods of rising interest rates.  Floating-rate swaps are used to convert the fixed rates of long-term borrowings into short-term variable rates.  At December 31, 2009, the interest rate on 82 percent of the Company’s long-term debt was fixed after considering the impact of interest rate swaps.

At December 31, 2009, $18.8 million is included in Other Current Liabilities and $14 million is included in Other Non-current Liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet related to the fixed-rate interest rate swaps on the $455 million Term Loan due 2012.

At December 31, 2009, a 100 basis point change in the annual interest rate on all outstanding floating-rate long-term debt would correspondingly change the Company’s interest payments by approximately $300,000 for each month during which such change continued.  If interest rates changed significantly, the Company may take actions to manage its exposure to the change.  No change has been assumed, as a specific action and the possible effects are uncertain.

The Company has entered into treasury rate locks from time to time to manage its exposure against changes in future interest payments attributable to changes in the US treasury rates.  By entering into these agreements, the Company locks in an agreed upon interest rate until the settlement of the contract, which typically occurs when the associated long-term debt is sold.  The Company accounts for the treasury rate locks as cash flow hedges.  The Company’s most recent treasury rate locks were settled in February and June 2008.

The change in exposure to loss in earnings and cash flow related to interest rate risk for the year ended December 31, 2009 is not material to the Company.

See Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 10 – Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities and Note 7 Debt for additional related information.

Commodity Price Risk

The Company is exposed to some commodity price risk with respect to natural gas used in operations by its interstate pipelines.  Specifically, the pipelines receive natural gas from customers for use in generating compression to move the customers’ natural gas.  Additionally the pipelines may have to settle system imbalances when customers’ actual receipts and deliveries do not match.  When the amount of natural gas utilized in operations by the pipelines differs from the amount provided by customers, the pipelines may use natural gas from inventory or may have to buy or sell natural gas to cover these or other operational needs, resulting in commodity price risk exposure to the Company.  In addition, there is other indirect exposure to the extent commodity price changes affect customer demand for and utilization of transportation and storage services provided by the Company.  At December 31, 2009, there were no hedges in place with respect to natural gas price risk associated with the Company’s interstate pipeline operations.

ITEM 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

The information required here is included in the report as set forth in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on page F-1.

ITEM 9.  Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

None.


 
23

 


ITEM 9A(T).  Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company has established disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company, including consolidated entities, in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.  The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the COO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  The Company performed an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of management, including its COO and CFO, and with the participation of personnel from its Legal, Internal Audit, Insurance and Financial Reporting Departments, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on that evaluation, the Company’s COO and CFO concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2009.  Management has also communicated that determination to the board of managers and Southern Union’s audit committee, which also serves as the Company’s audit committee.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the Company’s board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP, and includes those policies and procedures that:

·  
Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company;
·  
Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; and
·  
Provide reasonable assurance regarding the prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(c) and 15d-15(c) and Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 require management of the Company to conduct an annual evaluation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and to provide a report on management’s assessment, including a statement as to whether or not internal control over financial reporting is effective.  Pursuant to the temporary rules of the SEC, Management’s attestation report regarding internal control over financial reporting was not subject to attestation by the Company’s independent registered public accountant.  As such, this Form 10-K does not contain an attestation report of the Company’s independent registered public accountant regarding internal control over financial reporting.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.


 
24

 


Management’s evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was based on the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on its evaluation under that framework and applicable SEC rules, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2009.

Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company, LP
March 1, 2010

Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B.  Other Information.

All information required to be reported on Form 8-K for the quarter ended December 31, 2009 was appropriately reported.

PART III

ITEM 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

Item 10, Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance, has been omitted from this report pursuant to the reduced disclosure format permitted by General Instruction I to Form 10-K.

ITEM 11.  Executive Compensation.

Item 11, Executive Compensation, has been omitted from this report pursuant to the reduced disclosure format permitted by General Instruction I to Form 10-K.

ITEM 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

Item 12, Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters, has been omitted from this report pursuant to the reduced disclosure format permitted by General Instruction I to Form 10-K.

ITEM 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

Item 13, Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence, has been omitted from this report pursuant to the reduced disclosure format permitted by General Instruction I to Form 10-K.


 
25

 


ITEM 14.  Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

Below is a summary of fees billed to the Company by its principal audit firm for the periods indicated.


   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
     
2008
 
      (In thousands)  
Audit Fees     (1)
             
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
  $ 1,132       $ 1,183  
                   
Audit-Related Fees     (2)
                 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
    136         85  
                   
Total Fees
  $ 1,268       $ 1,268  

___________________
(1)  
Audit Fees represents fees billed for professional services rendered for the Company’s integrated annual audit.
(2)  
Audit-Related Fees represents fees billed for the issuance of debt and audit of the Company’s centralized data center’s procedures.
 
 
The audit committee has adopted a policy requiring pre-approval of all audit and non-audit services (including the fees and terms thereof) to be provided to the Company by its independent auditor, other than non-audit services not recognized to be non-audit services at the time of the engagement that meet the de minimis exceptions described in Section 10A(i)(1)(B)(i) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; provided that they are approved by the audit committee prior to the completion of the audit.

PART IV

ITEM 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

(a)(1) and (2)
Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules.

 (a)(3)
Exhibits.
 
Exhibit No.
Description
   
3(a)
Certificate of Formation of Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company, LP.  (Filed as Exhibit 3.A to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference.)
   
3(b)
Limited Partnership Agreement of Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company, LP, dated as of June 29, 2004, between Southern Union Company and Southern Union Panhandle LLC.  (Filed as Exhibit 3.B to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference.)
   
4(a)
Indenture dated as of March 29, 1999, among CMS Panhandle Holding Company, Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company and NBD Bank (the predecessor to Bank One Trust Company, National Association, J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association, The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.), as Trustee. (Filed as Exhibit 4(a) to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1999, and incorporated herein by reference.)
   
4(b)
First Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 29, 1999, among CMS Panhandle Holding Company, Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company and NBD Bank (the predecessor to Bank One Trust Company, National Association, J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association, The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.), as Trustee, including a form of Guarantee by Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company of the obligations of CMS Panhandle Holding Company. (Filed as Exhibit 4(b) to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1999, and incorporated herein by reference.)
 

 
26

 
 

 
4(c)
Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 27, 2000, between Panhandle and Bank One Trust Company, National Association (succeeded to by The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., which changed its name to The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.), as Trustee. (Filed as Exhibit 4(e) to the Form S-4 (File No. 333-39850) filed on June 22, 2000, and incorporated herein by reference.)
   
4(d)
Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 18, 2003, between Panhandle and Bank One Trust Company, National Association (succeeded to by The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., which changed its name to The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.), as Trustee. (Filed as Exhibit 4(d) to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference.)
   
4(e)
Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 12, 2004, between Panhandle and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association (succeeded to by The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., which changed its name to The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.), as Trustee.  (Filed as Exhibit 4.E to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference.)
   
4(f)
Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 26, 2007, between Panhandle and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. (now known as The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.), as Trustee (Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Panhandle’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 29, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.)
   
4(g)
 
Form of Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 12, 2008, between Panhandle and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. (now known as The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.), as Trustee (Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Panhandle’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 11, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference.)
   
10(a)
 
 
10(b)
Form of Seventh Supplemental Indenture, to be dated as of June 2, 2009, between Panhandle and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Panhandle’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 28, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).  
 
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between Trunkline LNG Holdings, LLC, as borrower, Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company, LP and CrossCountry Citrus, LLC, as guarantors, the financial institutions listed therein and Bayerische Hypo-Und Vereinsbank AG, New York Branch, as administrative agent, dated as of June 29, 2007 (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Panhandle’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 6, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.)
   
10(c)
 
 
 
 10(d)
Amendment Number 1 to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between Trunkline LNG Holdings, LLC as borrower, Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company, LP and CrossCountry Citrus, LLC, as guarantors, the financial institutions listed therein and Bayerische Hypo-Und Vereinsbank AG, New York Branch, as administrative agent, dated as of June 13, 2008 (Filed as Exhibit 10(b) to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
Credit Agreement between Trunkline LNG Holdings, LLC, as borrower, Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company, LP and Trunkline LNG Company, LLC, as guarantors, the financial institutions listed therein and Bayerische Hypo- Und Vereinsbank AG, New York Branch, as administrative agent, dated as of March 15, 2007.  (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Panhandle’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 21, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.)
   
10(e)
Amended and Restated Promissory Note made by CrossCountry Citrus, LLC, as borrower, in favor of Trunkline LNG Holdings LLC, as holder, dated as of June 13, 2008 (Filed as Exhibit 10(d) to the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
 
27

 
 
12
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
   
23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company, LP.
   
24
Power of Attorney.
   
31.1
Certificate by President and Chief Operating Officer pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(a) or 15d – 14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
31.2
Certificate by Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(a) or 15d – 14(a)  promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
32.1
Certificate by President and Chief Operating Officer pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(b) or 15d – 14(b) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
   
32.2
Certificate by Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(b) or 15d – 14(b) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
 
 
28

 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company, LP has duly caused this Annual Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on March 1, 2010.

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
   
 
By: /s/  ROBERT O. BOND
 
      Robert O. Bond
 
      President and Chief Operating Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Annual Report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company, LP and in the capacities indicated as of March 1, 2010.
 
Signature
 
Title
 
(i)
 
Principal executive officer:
/s/ Robert O. Bond
      Robert O. Bond
 
 
 
President and Chief Operating Officer
 
(ii)
 
Principal financial officer:
/s/ Richard N. Marshall
      Richard N. Marshall
 
 
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
(iii)
 
Principal accounting officer:
/s/ Gary W. Lefelar
      Gary W. Lefelar
 
 
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

(iv)
A majority of the Board of Directors of Southern Union Company, Sole Member of Southern Union Panhandle, LLC, General Partner of Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company, L.P.
   
/s/ George L. Lindemann*
     George L. Lindemann
 
/s/ Eric Herschmann*
     Eric Herschmann
 
Chairman, Southern Union Company
 
 
Vice Chairman, Southern Union Company
 
/s/ Michal Barzuza*
     Michal Barzuza
 
/s/ David Brodsky*
     David Brodsky
 
 
Director, Southern Union Company
 
 
Director, Southern Union Company
 
/s/ Frank W. Denius*
     Frank W. Denius
 
 
Director, Southern Union Company
 
/s/Kurt A. Gitter, M.D.*
     Kurt A. Gitter, M.D.
 
 
Director, Southern Union Company
 
/s/ Herbert H. Jacobi*
     Herbert H. Jacobi
 
 
Director, Southern Union Company
 
/s/ Thomas N. McCarter, III*
     Thomas N. McCarter, III
 
 
Director, Southern Union Company
 
/s/ George Rountree, III*
     George Rountree, III
 
 
Director, Southern Union Company
 
/s/ Allan D. Scherer*
     Allan D. Scherer
 
 
Director, Southern Union Company
   
*By:  /s/ RICHARD N. MARSHALL
*By:  /s/ ROBERT M. KERRIGAN, III
        Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
        Vice President and Secretary
        Attorney-in-fact
        Attorney-in-fact
 

 
 
29

 

PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE, LP
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data:
 
   Consolidated Statement of Operations
F-2
   Consolidated Balance Sheet
F-3 – F-4
   Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
F-5
   Consolidated Statement of Partners' Capital and Comprehensive Income
F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-7 – F-38
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
F-39



All schedules are omitted as the required information is not applicable or the information is presented in the consolidated financial statements or related notes.

 
F-1

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS


 



   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Operating revenue
                 
Transportation and storage of natural gas
  $ 607,366     $ 582,942     $ 511,340  
LNG terminalling revenue
    134,026       128,950       135,447  
Other revenue
    7,769       9,748       11,659  
Total operating revenue
    749,161       721,640       658,446  
                         
Operating expenses
                       
Operating, maintenance and general
    237,035       225,517       207,125  
Operating, maintenance and general - affiliate  (Note 4)
    47,573       50,657       47,861  
Depreciation and amortization
    113,648       103,807       85,641  
Taxes, other than on income
    34,537       32,059       29,698  
Total operating expenses
    432,793       412,040       370,325  
                         
                         
Operating income
    316,368       309,600       288,121  
                         
Other income (expense)
                       
Interest expense
    (84,496 )     (89,057 )     (82,551 )
Interest income - affiliates  (Note 4)
    8,970       24,411       39,405  
Other, net
    1,473       2,252       1,767  
Total other expense
    (74,053 )     (62,394 )     (41,379 )
                         
Earnings before income taxes
    242,315       247,206       246,742  
                         
Income taxes  (Note 9)
    92,100       96,532       96,318  
                         
Net earnings
  $ 150,215     $ 150,674     $ 150,424  





















The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
F-2

 

PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

 

ASSETS


   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In thousands)
 
             
Current assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 55     $ 28  
Accounts receivable, billed and unbilled,
               
     less allowances of $1,147 and $1,161, respectively
    67,485       74,058  
Accounts receivable - related parties  (Note 4)
    6,083       6,596  
Natural gas imbalances - receivable
    126,842       171,689  
System natural gas and operating supplies
    214,706       196,603  
Note receivable - CrossCountry Citrus (Note 4)
    -       24,265  
Other
    29,050       19,711  
Total current assets
    444,221       492,950  
                 
Property, plant and equipment (Note 12)
               
Plant in service
    3,353,822       3,217,832  
Construction work-in-progress
    495,588       403,344  
      3,849,410       3,621,176  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    493,873       394,307  
Net property, plant and equipment
    3,355,537       3,226,869  
                 
Note receivable - Southern Union (Note 4)
    327,480       127,530  
Note receivable - CrossCountry Citrus (Note 4)
    368,126       368,126  
Non-current system natural gas
    8,831       17,687  
Other
    20,202       20,825  
                 
Total assets
  $ 4,524,397     $ 4,253,987  
















The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
F-3

 

PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED)

 

PARTNERS’ CAPITAL AND LIABILITIES


   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Partners' capital
           
Partners' capital
  $ 1,493,036     $ 1,342,821  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    (19,541 )     (28,301 )
Tax sharing note receivable - Southern Union
    (5,218 )     (8,561 )
Total partners' capital
    1,468,277       1,305,959  
                 
Long-term debt  (Note 7)
    1,984,246       1,874,349  
Total capitalization
    3,452,523       3,180,308  
                 
Current liabilities
               
Current portion of long-term debt  (Note 7)
    40,500       60,623  
Accounts payable
    8,228       7,754  
Accounts payable - related parties  (Note 4)
    24,881       71,895  
Natural gas imbalances - payable
    321,638       338,591  
Accrued taxes
    17,975       13,561  
Accrued interest
    15,125       15,861  
Capital accruals
    50,246       71,821  
Other
    121,039       80,983  
Total current liabilities
    599,632       661,089  
                 
Deferred income taxes, net  (Note 9)
    418,992       281,778  
Other
    53,250       130,812  
Commitments and contingencies   (Note 14)
               
                 
Total partners' capital and liabilities
  $ 4,524,397     $ 4,253,987  
















The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
F-4

 

PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 



   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities
                 
Net earnings
  $ 150,215     $ 150,674     $ 150,424  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    113,648       103,807       85,641  
Deferred income taxes, net
    116,481       38,672       25,770  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
Accounts receivable
    7,085       (1,614 )     (1,245 )
Inventory
    12,692       (3,273 )     14,649  
Other assets
    2,437       272       5,712  
Accounts payable
    4,970       (154 )     (7,155 )
Accrued taxes
    7,757       4,303       6,200  
Interest accrued
    (736 )     (4,443 )     635  
Other liabilities
    (5,449 )     9,310       (17,519 )
Net cash flows provided by operating activities
    409,100       297,554       263,112  
                         
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities
                       
Net decrease (increase) in note receivable - Southern Union
    (199,950 )     94,125       (73,000 )
Net increase (decrease) in income taxes payable - related parties  (Note 4)
    (34,347 )     15,005       38,998  
Decrease in note receivable - CrossCountry Citrus
    24,265       19,829       52,780  
Additions to property, plant and equipment
    (270,772 )     (472,254 )     (519,972 )
Plant retirements and other
    (16,271 )     14,554       2,858  
Net cash flows used in investing activities
    (497,075 )     (328,741 )     (498,336 )
                         
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities
                       
Decrease in book overdraft
    (111 )     (13,221 )     (5,842 )
Issuance of long-term debt
    150,000       400,000       755,000  
Repayment of debt
    (60,623 )     (351,829 )     (508,406 )
Issuance costs of debt
    (1,264 )     (2,915 )     (5,739 )
   Other     -       (1,140 )     -  
Net cash flows provided by financing activities
    88,002       30,895       235,013  
                         
Change in cash and cash equivalents
    27       (292 )     (211 )
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    28       320       531  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 55     $ 28     $ 320  
                         
                         
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
                       
Cash paid during the period for:
                       
Interest (net of interest rate swap and amounts capitalized)
  $ 108,861     $ 106,359     $ 83,214  
Income taxes (net of refunds)
    6,623       38,713       25,400  











The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
F-5

 

PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS’ CAPITAL AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 




                         
   
Partners' Capital
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
   
Tax Sharing Note Receivable-
Southern Union
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                         
Balance December 31, 2006
  $ 1,041,723     $ 15,477     $ (16,431 )   $ 1,040,769  
                                 
Tax sharing receivable - Southern Union (Note 4)
    -       -       3,727       3,727  
                                 
Comprehensive income:
                               
  Net earnings
    150,424       -       -       150,424  
  Net change in other comprehensive income (Note 6)
    -       (13,841 )     -       (13,841 )
  Comprehensive income
    150,424       (13,841 )     -       136,583  
                                 
Balance December 31, 2007
  $ 1,192,147     $ 1,636     $ (12,704 )   $ 1,181,079  
                                 
Tax sharing receivable - Southern Union (Note 4)
    -       -       4,143       4,143  
                                 
Comprehensive income:
                               
  Net earnings
    150,674       -       -       150,674  
  Net change in other comprehensive income (Note 6)
    -       (29,937 )     -       (29,937 )
  Comprehensive income
    150,674       (29,937 )     -       120,737  
                                 
Balance December 31, 2008
  $ 1,342,821     $ (28,301 )   $ (8,561 )   $ 1,305,959  
                                 
Tax sharing receivable - Southern Union (Note 4)
    -       -       3,343       3,343  
                                 
Comprehensive income:
                               
  Net earnings
    150,215       -       -       150,215  
  Net change in other comprehensive income (Note 6)
    -       8,760       -       8,760  
  Comprehensive income
    150,215       8,760       -       158,975  
                                 
Balance December 31, 2009
  $ 1,493,036     $ (19,541 )   $ (5,218 )   $ 1,468,277  
















The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
F-6

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


1.  Corporate Structure

Panhandle is primarily engaged in the interstate transportation and storage of natural gas and also provides LNG terminalling and regasification services.  The Company is subject to the rules and regulations of the FERC.  The Company’s entities include the following:

·  
PEPL, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern Union Company;
·  
Trunkline, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of PEPL;
·  
Sea Robin, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of PEPL;
·  
LNG Holdings, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of PEPL;
·  
Trunkline LNG, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of LNG Holdings; and
·  
Southwest Gas Storage, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of PEPL.

The Company’s pipeline assets include approximately 10,000 miles of interstate pipelines that transport natural gas from the Gulf of Mexico, South Texas and the panhandle regions of Texas and Oklahoma to major U.S. markets in the Midwest and Great Lakes region.  The pipelines have a combined peak day delivery capacity of 5.5 Bcf/d and approximately 68.1 Bcf of owned underground storage capacity.  The Company also owns and operates an LNG import terminal located on Louisiana’s Gulf Coast, and has 9.0 Bcf of above ground LNG storage capacity.

Southern Union Panhandle, LLC, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern Union Company, serves as the general partner of PEPL and owns a one percent general partnership interest in PEPL.  Southern Union Company owns a ninety-nine percent limited partnership interest in PEPL.
 
2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Other Matters

The FASB Accounting Standards Codification (Codification) became effective on July 1, 2009, officially becoming the single source of authoritative nongovernmental GAAP, superseding existing FASB, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Emerging Issues Task Force, and related accounting literature. Only one level of authoritative GAAP now exists. All other accounting literature is considered non-authoritative. The Codification reorganizes the thousands of GAAP pronouncements into roughly 90 accounting topics and displays them using a consistent structure. Also included in the Codification is relevant SEC guidance organized using the same topical structure in separate sections within the Codification. The Codification is effective for financial statements that cover interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.  The Company’s financial statements have only been impacted to the extent that all references to authoritative accounting literature have been referenced in accordance with the Codification.

Basis of Presentation.  The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP.

The Company is subject to regulation by certain state and federal authorities.  The Company has accounting policies that do not conform to authoritative guidance which are in accordance with the accounting requirements and ratemaking practices of the regulatory authorities.  In 1999, the Company discontinued application of regulatory-based accounting policies for its units which had been applying such accounting policies, primarily due to the level of discounting from tariff rates and its inability to recover specific costs.  The accounting required by the regulatory-based authoritative guidance differs from the accounting required for businesses that do not apply its provisions.  Transactions that are generally recorded differently as a result of applying regulatory accounting requirements include, among others, recording of regulatory assets, the capitalization of an equity component of invested funds on regulated capital projects and depreciation differences.  The Company periodically reviews its level of discounting and negotiated rate contracts, the length of rate moratoriums and other related factors to determine if the regulatory-based authoritative guidance should be applied.
 
Principles of Consolidation.  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all majority-owned subsidiaries, after eliminating significant intercompany transactions and balances.  Investments in businesses not controlled by PEPL, but over which it has significant influence, are accounted for using the equity method.  Investments that are variable interest entities are consolidated if the Company is allocated a majority of the entity’s gains and/or losses, including fees paid by the entity.  Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year’s condensed financial statements to conform to the current year presentation.

 
F-7

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



Use of Estimates.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP 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 reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents.  Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments, which are readily convertible into cash and have original maturities of three months or less.

System Natural Gas and Operating Supplies.  System natural gas and operating supplies consist of natural gas held for operations and materials and supplies, both of which are stated at the lower of weighted average cost or market, while natural gas owed back to customers is valued at market.  The natural gas held for operations that the Company does not expect to consume in its operations in the next twelve months is reflected in non-current assets.

The components of inventory at the dates indicated are as follows:

   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In thousands)
 
             
Current
           
Natural gas (1)
  $ 198,712     $ 182,547  
Materials and supplies
    15,994       14,056  
Total current
    214,706       196,603  
Non-Current
               
Natural gas (1)
    8,831       17,687  
    $ 223,537     $ 214,290  

______________________________
(1)  
Natural gas volumes held for operations at December 31, 2009 and 2008 were 35,039,000 MMBtu and 31,751,000 MMBtu, respectively.

Natural Gas Imbalances. Natural gas imbalances occur as a result of differences in volumes of natural gas received and delivered.  The Company records natural gas imbalance in-kind receivables and payables at cost or market, based on whether net imbalances have reduced or increased system natural gas balances, respectively.  Net imbalances that have reduced system natural gas are valued at the cost basis of the system natural gas, while net imbalances that have increased system natural gas and are owed back to customers are priced, along with the corresponding system natural gas, at market.

Fuel Tracker.  The fuel tracker is the cumulative balance of compressor fuel volumes owed to the Company by its customers or owed by the Company to its customers.  The customers, pursuant to each pipeline’s tariff and related contracts, provide all compressor fuel to the pipeline based on specified percentages of the customer’s natural gas volumes delivered into the pipeline.  The percentages are designed to match the actual natural gas consumed in moving the natural gas through the pipeline facilities, with any difference between the volumes provided versus volumes consumed reflected in the fuel tracker.  The tariff of Trunkline Gas contains explicit language which, in conjunction with the customers’ contractual obligations, allows the Company to record an asset and direct bill customers for any fuel ultimately under-recovered.  Effective November 2008, Trunkline LNG entered into a settlement with its customer which provides for monthly reimbursement of actual fuel usage costs, resulting in Trunkline LNG no longer having a fuel tracker.  The other FERC-regulated Panhandle entities record an expense when fuel is under-recovered or record a credit to expense to the extent any under-recovered prior period balances are subsequently recouped as they do not have such explicit billing rights specified in their tariffs.  Liability accounts are maintained for net volumes of compressor fuel natural gas owed to customers collectively.  The pipelines’ fuel reimbursement is in-kind and non-discountable.

 
F-8

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



Property, Plant and Equipment. Ongoing additions of property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. The Company capitalizes all construction-related direct labor and material costs, as well as indirect construction costs. The cost of replacements and betterments that extend the useful life of property, plant and equipment is also capitalized. The cost of repairs and replacements of minor property, plant and equipment items is charged to expense as incurred.

When property, plant and equipment is retired, the original cost less salvage value is charged to accumulated depreciation and amortization.  When entire regulated operating units of property, plant and equipment are retired or sold or non-regulated properties are retired or sold, the property and related accumulated depreciation and amortization accounts are reduced, and any gain or loss is recorded in earnings.

The Company computes depreciation expense using the straight-line method.

Computer software, which is a component of property, plant and equipment, is stated at cost and is generally amortized on a straight-line basis over its useful life on a product-by-product basis.

Asset Impairment.  An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of a long-lived asset used in operations is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value.  The carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset.

A long-lived asset is tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable.  The long-lived assets of Sea Robin were evaluated as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 because indicators of potential impairment were evident primarily due to the impacts associated with Hurricane Ike and due to reductions in the estimated payout from the Company’s insurance carrier for reimbursable expenditures for the repair, retirement or replacement of the Company’s property, plant and equipment damaged by Hurricane Ike, which is more fully discussed in Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies – Other Commitments and Contingencies – 2008 Hurricane Damage.  Based upon the Company’s analysis, no impairment of the carrying value of the Sea Robin assets has occurred at this time.

Related Party Transactions. Related party expenses primarily include payments for services provided by Southern Union.  Other income is primarily related to interest income from the Notes receivable from Southern Union and CrossCountry Citrus, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern Union.  See Note 4 – Related Party Transactions.

A portion of the Company’s revenues for the transportation of natural gas includes revenues from Missouri Gas Energy, a division of Southern Union that is a natural gas utility having a service territory covering Kansas City, Missouri and parts of western Missouri.

PEPL and certain of its subsidiaries are not treated as separate taxpayers for federal and certain state income tax purposes.  Instead, the Company’s income is taxable to Southern Union.  The Company has entered into a tax sharing agreement with Southern Union pursuant to which the Company will be required to make payments to Southern Union in order to reimburse Southern Union for federal and state taxes that it pays on the Company’s income, or to receive payments from Southern Union to the extent that tax losses generated by the Company are utilized by Southern Union.  In addition, the Company’s subsidiaries that are corporations are included in consolidated and combined federal and state income tax returns filed by Southern Union.  The Company’s liability generally is equal to the liability that the Company and its subsidiaries would have incurred based upon the Company’s taxable income if the Company was a taxpayer filing separately from Southern Union, except that the Company will receive credit under an intercompany note for any increased liability resulting from its tax basis in its assets having been reduced as a result of the like-kind exchange under Section 1031 of the Code.  The tax sharing agreement may be amended from time to time.
 
Unamortized Debt Premium, Discount and Expense.  The Company amortizes premiums, discounts and expenses incurred in connection with the issuance of long-term debt consistent with the terms of the respective debt instrument.

 
F-9

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



Environmental Expenditures. Environmental expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations that do not contribute to current or future revenue generation are expensed.  Environmental expenditures relating to current or future revenues are expensed or capitalized as appropriate.  Liabilities are recorded when environmental assessments and/or clean-ups are probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated.  Remediation obligations are not discounted because the timing of future cash flow streams is not predictable.

Revenues.  The Company’s revenues from transportation and storage of natural gas and LNG terminalling are based on capacity reservation charges and commodity usage charges.  Reservation revenues are based on contracted rates and capacity reserved by the customers and are recognized monthly.  Revenues from commodity usage charges are also recognized monthly, based on the volumes received from or delivered to the customer, depending on the tariff of that particular Panhandle entity, with any differences in received and delivered volumes resulting in an imbalance.  Volume imbalances generally are settled in-kind with no impact on revenues, with the exception of Trunkline, which settles certain imbalances in cash pursuant to its tariff, and records gains and losses on such cashout sales as a component of revenue, to the extent not owed back to customers.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.  The Company manages trade credit risks to minimize exposure to uncollectible trade receivables.  Prospective and existing customers are reviewed for creditworthiness based upon pre-established standards.  Customers that do not meet minimum standards are required to provide additional credit support.  The Company utilizes the allowance method for recording its allowance for uncollectible accounts, which is primarily based on the application of historical bad debt percentages applied against its aged accounts receivable.  Increases in the allowance are recorded as a component of operating expenses.  Reductions in the allowance are recorded when receivables are written off or subsequently collected.

The following table presents the balance in the allowance for doubtful accounts and activity for the periods presented:


   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
         
(In thousands)
       
                   
Beginning balance
  $ 1,161     $ 1,163     $ 1,176  
Additions:  charged to cost and expenses
    1       -       -  
Deductions:  write-off of uncollectible accounts
    (15 )     (2 )     (13 )
Ending balance
  $ 1,147     $ 1,161     $ 1,163  



 
F-10

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



The following table presents the relative contribution to the Company’s total operating revenue of each customer that comprised at least ten percent of its operating revenues for the periods presented.


                     
   
Percent of Operating Revenue for
   
Years Ended December 31,
     
2009
 
2008
 
2007
                     
BG LNG Services
   
22
 %
 
23
 %
 
28
 %
ProLiance
   
13
   
12
   
11
 
Other top 10 customers
 
26
   
26
   
26
 
Remaining customers
   
39
   
39
   
35
 
Total percentage
   
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%


Interest Cost Capitalized. The Company capitalizes a carrying cost on funds invested in its construction of long-lived assets that includes a return on the investment financed by debt, which is recorded as capitalized interest.  The capitalized interest is calculated based on the Company’s average cost of debt.  Capitalized interest for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $25.7 million, $18.9 million and $14.2 million, respectively.  The capitalized interest amounts are included as a reduction of interest expense.  Capitalized carrying cost for debt is reflected as an increase in the cost of the asset on the balance sheet.

Retirement Benefits.  Employers are required to recognize in their balance sheets the overfunded or underfunded status of defined benefit postretirement plans, measured as the difference between the fair value of the plan assets and the benefit obligation.  Each overfunded plan is recognized as an asset and each underfunded plan is recognized as a liability.   Employers must recognize the change in the funded status of the plan in the year in which the change occurs through Accumulated other comprehensive income in Partners’ capital.

See Note 8 – Benefits for additional information.

Derivatives and Hedging Activities.  All derivatives are recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at their fair value.  On the date the derivative contract is entered into, the Company designates the derivative as (i) a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (a fair value hedge);  (ii) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid in conjunction with a recognized asset or liability (a cash flow hedge); or (iii) an instrument that is held for trading or non-hedging purposes (a trading or economic hedging instrument).  For derivatives treated as a fair value hedge, the effective portion of changes in fair value is recorded as an adjustment to the hedged item.  The ineffective portion of a fair value hedge is recognized in earnings if the short cut method of assessing effectiveness is not used.  Upon termination of a fair value hedge of a debt instrument, the resulting gain or loss is amortized to earnings through the maturity date of the debt instrument.  For derivatives treated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of changes in fair value is recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income until the related hedged items impact earnings.  Any ineffective portion of a cash flow hedge is reported in current-period earnings.  For derivatives treated as trading or economic hedging instruments, changes in fair value are reported in current-period earnings.  Fair value is determined based upon quoted market prices and pricing models using assumptions that market participants would use.  See Note 10 – Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.

 

 
F-11

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



Fair Value Measurement.  Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  The Company utilizes market data or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about nonperformance risk, which is primarily comprised of credit risk (both the Company’s own credit risk and counterparty credit risk) and the risks inherent in the inputs to any applicable valuation techniques.  The Company places more weight on current market information concerning credit risk (e.g. current credit default swap rates) as opposed to historical information (e.g. historical default probabilities and credit ratings).  These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated, or generally unobservable.  The Company endeavors to utilize the best available information, including valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.  A three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value, is as follows:

·  
Level 1 – Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

·  
Level 2 – Observable inputs such as: (i) quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; (ii) quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active and do not require significant adjustment based on unobservable inputs; or (iii) valuations based on pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies or similar techniques where significant inputs (e.g., interest rates, yield curves, etc.) are derived principally from observable market data, or can be corroborated by observable market data, for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities; and

·  
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs, including valuations based on pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies or similar techniques where at least one significant model assumption or input is unobservable.  Unobservable inputs are used to the extent that observable inputs are not available and reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities.  Unobservable inputs are based on the best information available in the circumstances, which might include the Company’s own data.

Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the valuation of these assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy.

See Note 11 – Fair Value Measurement and Note 8. Benefits – Postretirement Benefit Plans – Plan Assets for additional information regarding the assets and liabilities of the Company measured on a recurring and nonrecurring basis, respectively.

Asset Retirement Obligations.  Legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets are required to be recognized at their fair value at the time the obligations are incurred.  Upon initial recognition of a liability, costs are capitalized as part of the related long-lived asset and allocated to expense over the useful life of the asset.  The liability is accreted to its present value each period, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related long-lived asset.  In certain rate jurisdictions, the Company is permitted to include annual charges for cost of removal in its regulated cost of service rates charged to customers.

For more information, see Note 5 – Asset Retirement Obligations.

Income Taxes.  Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rate is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts more likely than not to be realized.

 
F-12

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


The determination of the Company’s provision for income taxes requires significant judgment, use of estimates, and the interpretation and application of complex tax laws. Significant judgment is required in assessing the timing and amounts of deductible and taxable items. Reserves are established when, despite management’s belief that the Company’s tax return positions are fully supportable, management believes that certain positions may be successfully challenged. When facts and circumstances change, these reserves are adjusted through the provision for income taxes.

As a limited partnership, PEPL is treated as a disregarded entity for federal income tax purposes.  Accordingly, for federal and certain state income tax purposes, PEPL and its subsidiaries are not treated as separate taxpayers; instead, their income is directly taxable to Southern Union Company.  Pursuant to a tax sharing agreement with Southern Union Company, the Company will pay its share of taxes based on its taxable income, which will generally equal the liability that the Company would have incurred as a separate taxpayer.  The Company will receive credit under an intercompany note from Southern Union Company for differences in tax depreciation resulting from the like-kind exchange over the taxable life of the related assets.  See Note 9 – Income Taxes.

Stock-Based Compensation.  The Company measures all employee stock-based compensation using a fair value method and records the related expense in its Consolidated Statement of Operations.  For more information, see Note 13 – Stock-Based Compensation.

New Accounting Principles

Accounting Principles Recently Adopted.

In March 2008, the FASB issued authoritative guidance relating to disclosures about derivative instruments and hedging activities, which requires additional disclosures to provide users of financial statements with an enhanced understanding of how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. The guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008.  See Note 10 – Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, which reflects the disclosure required by this guidance.

In June 2009 and February 2010, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date, but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. This guidance establishes (1) the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements; (2) the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements; and (3) the disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date. This guidance is effective for interim or annual financial periods ending after June 15, 2009.

In April 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance for estimating fair value when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased and also includes guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly.  The provisions of the guidance are applied prospectively and are effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. The Company early adopted the guidance in the first quarter of 2009, the impact of which was not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In April 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that requires disclosures about fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods of publicly traded companies as well as in annual financial statements.  The provisions of the guidance are effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009.  The Company early adopted the guidance in the first quarter of 2009, resulting in the disclosure of certain fair value information associated with the Company’s debt obligations.  See Note 7 – Debt Obligations for the related information.


 
F-13

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



In December 2008, the FASB issued authoritative guidance relating to an employer’s disclosure about plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan.  The provisions of the guidance are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009.  See Note 8 – Benefits – Postretirement Benefit Plans – Plan Assets, which reflects the disclosure required by this guidance applicable to certain of the Company’s other postretirement health care plan assets.

In August 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance regarding the fair value measurement of liabilities that clarifies the valuation techniques required in circumstances in which a quoted price in an active market for the identical liability is not available.  The guidance is effective in the first interim or annual reporting period following issuance.  This guidance did not materially impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In September 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance regarding the fair value measurement of investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value per share (or its equivalent) and requires disclosure by major category of investment about the attributes of applicable investments.  The guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted.  This guidance did not materially impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Principles Not Yet Adopted.

In June 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that changes how a company determines when an entity that is insufficiently capitalized or is not controlled through voting (or similar rights) should be consolidated.  The determination is based on, among other things, an entity’s purpose and design and a company’s ability to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly affect the entity’s economic performance.  The guidance is effective as of the beginning of the first annual reporting period, and for interim periods within that first period, after November 15, 2009, with early adoption prohibited.  This guidance is not expected to materially impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In January 2010, the FASB issued authoritative guidance to improve disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements.  This guidance requires new disclosures associated with the three tier fair value hierarchy for transfers in and out of Levels 1 and 2 and for activity within Level 3.  It also clarifies existing disclosure requirements related to the level of disaggregation and disclosures about certain inputs and valuation techniques.  This guidance is effective for interim or annual financial periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures related to activity within Level 3, which is effective for interim or annual financial periods beginning after December 15, 2010.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
 
3.  Regulatory Matters

The Company commenced construction of an enhancement at its Trunkline LNG terminal in February 2007.  This IEP will increase send out flexibility at the terminal and lower fuel costs.  On August 6, 2009, FERC issued a conditional order granting Trunkline LNG authorization to commence partial service of IEP.  Although the key components of the enhancement, a portion of the ambient air vaporizer system and the NGL recovery units were successfully tested in the fourth quarter of 2009, mechanical issues were identified during the commissioning process which required attention.  Trunkline LNG has made warranty claims regarding certain of those conditions and is effecting IEP system modifications prior to placing the project into full service.  On February 9, 2010, Trunkline LNG filed with FERC a request to place the facility in full service upon the completion of certain modifications.  Full service is expected no later than the end of the first quarter of 2010. Total construction costs are expected to be approximately $430 million, plus capitalized interest.  The negotiated rate with the project’s customer, BG LNG Services, will be adjusted based on final capital costs pursuant to a contract-based formula.  In addition, Trunkline LNG and BG LNG Services agreed to extend the existing terminal and pipeline services agreements to coincide with the IEP contract, which runs 20 years from the in-service date.  Approximately $457.2 million and $351.3 million of costs, including capitalized interest of $43.8 million and $20 million, are included in the line item Construction work-in-progress at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.


 
F-14

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Trunkline completed construction on its field zone expansion project with the majority of the project put into service in late December 2007 and the remainder placed in service in February 2008.  The expansion project included the north Texas expansion and creation of additional capacity on Trunkline’s pipeline system in Texas and Louisiana to increase deliveries to Henry Hub.  Trunkline has increased the capacity along existing rights-of-way from Kountze, Texas to Longville, Louisiana by approximately 625 MMcf/d with the construction of approximately 45 miles of 36-inch diameter pipeline.  The project included horsepower additions and modifications at existing compressor stations.  Trunkline has also created additional capacity to Henry Hub with the construction of a 13.5 mile, 36-inch diameter pipeline loop from Kaplan, Louisiana directly into Henry Hub.  The Henry Hub lateral provides capacity of 1 Bcf/d from Kaplan, Louisiana to Henry Hub.  Approximately $99.4 million of costs for this project were closed to Plant in service in 2008.

FERC is responsible under the Natural Gas Act for assuring that rates charged by interstate pipelines are "just and reasonable."  To enforce that requirement, FERC applies a ratemaking methodology that determines an allowed rate of return on common equity for the companies it regulates.  On October 25, 2006, a group including producers and various trade associations filed a complaint under Section 5 of the Natural Gas Act against Southwest Gas requesting that FERC initiate an investigation into Southwest Gas’ rates, terms and conditions of service and grant immediate interim rate relief.  FERC initiated a Section 5 proceeding on December 21, 2006 setting this issue for hearing.  Pursuant to FERC order, Southwest Gas filed a cost and revenue study with FERC on February 20, 2007.  On August 1, 2007, Southwest Gas filed a Section 4 rate case requesting an increase in rates.  On August 31, 2007, the FERC accepted Southwest Gas’ rate increase to become effective on February 1, 2008, subject to refund.  This order also consolidated the Section 5 proceeding with the Section 4 rate case.  On November 28, 2007, Southwest Gas filed a settlement with FERC.  The settlement was approved by FERC on February 12, 2008, which settlement resulted in Southwest Gas’ rates remaining the same as the rates that were in effect prior to the Section 4 and Section 5 proceedings.

Sea Robin filed a rate case with FERC in June 2007, requesting an increase in its maximum rates.  Several parties submitted protests to Sea Robin’s rate increase filing with FERC.  On July 30, 2007, FERC suspended the effectiveness of the filed rate increase until January 1, 2008.  The filed rates were put into effect on January 1, 2008, subject to refund.  On February 14, 2008, at the request of the participants in the proceeding, the procedural schedule was suspended to facilitate the filing of a settlement.  On April 29, 2008, Sea Robin submitted to FERC a Stipulation and Agreement (Settlement) that would resolve all issues in the proceeding.  The Administrative Law Judge certified the Settlement to the FERC on June 3, 2008.  The Settlement rates have been approved, effective December 1, 2008.  Customer refund liability provisions of approximately $3.5 million, including interest, were recorded as of December 31, 2008 and were refunded in the first quarter of 2009.

On August 31, 2009, Sea Robin filed with FERC to implement a rate surcharge to recover Hurricane Ike-related costs not otherwise recovered from insurance proceeds or from other third parties, with initial accumulated net costs of approximately $38 million included in the filing.  On September 30, 2009, FERC approved the surcharge to be effective March 1, 2010, subject to refund and the outcome of hearings to be established by FERC to explore issues set forth in certain customer protests, including the costs to be included and the applicability of the surcharge to discounted contracts.  See Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies – Other Commitments and Contingencies for information related to total anticipated capital and abandonment costs attributable to Hurricane Ike, approximately $135 million of which is related to Sea Robin, and other information regarding reimbursement of a portion of such costs from the Company’s insurance carrier.

On December 15, 2003, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a final rule requiring pipeline operators to develop integrity management programs to comprehensively evaluate their pipelines, and take measures to protect pipeline segments located in what the rule defines as HCAs.  This rule resulted from the enactment of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002.  The rule requires operators to have identified HCAs along their pipelines by December 2004, and to have begun baseline integrity assessments, comprised of in-line inspection (smart pigging), hydrostatic testing or direct assessment, by June 2004.  Operators were required to rank the risk of their pipeline segments containing HCAs and to complete assessments on at least 50 percent of the segments using one or more of these methods by December 2007.  Assessments will generally be conducted on the higher risk segments first, with the balance being completed by December 2012.  In addition, some system modifications will be necessary to accommodate the in-line inspections.  As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company had completed 89 percent and 83 percent of the required risk assessments, respectively.  All systems operated by the Company will be compliant with the rule; however, while identification and location of all the HCAs has been completed, it is not practicable to determine with certainty the total scope of required remediation activities prior to completion of the assessments and inspections.  The required modifications and inspections are currently estimated to be in the range of approximately $6 million to $30 million per year through 2013.


 
F-15

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



4.  Related Party Transactions

The following table provides a summary of related party transactions for the periods presented.


   
Years Ended December 31,
 
Related Party Transactions
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                   
Transportation and storage
                 
of natural gas  (1)
  $ 3,821     $ 4,317     $ 4,175  
Operation and maintenance:
                       
Management and royalty fees
    18,718       18,113       16,430  
Other expenses  (2)
    28,855       32,544       31,431  
Other income, net  (3)
    9,194       24,715       39,704  

 
(1)  
Represents transportation and storage revenues with Missouri Gas Energy, a Southern Union division.
(2)  
Primarily includes allocations of corporate charges from Southern Union, partially offset for expenses attributable to services provided by Panhandle on behalf of other affiliate companies.
(3)  
Primarily includes interest income associated with the Southern Union and CrossCountry Citrus note receivables.

Pursuant to a demand note with Southern Union Company under a cash management program, as of December 31, 2009, the Company had loaned excess cash, net of repayments, totaling $327.5 million to Southern Union since Southern Union acquired the Company.  Additional loans to Southern Union of $200 million were recorded during the year ended December 31, 2009.  The Company is credited with interest on the note at a one month LIBOR rate.  Included in Interest income - affiliates in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations is interest income of $1.4 million, $5.9 million and $7.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, related to interest on the Note receivable – Southern Union.  Given the uncertainties regarding the timing of the Company’s cash flows, including financings, capital expenditures and operating cash flows, the Company has reported the Note receivable – Southern Union as a non-current asset.  The Company does have access to the funds via the demand note and does expect repayment to ultimately occur to primarily fund capital expenditures or debt retirements.

The interest rate under the Note receivable – CrossCountry Citrus is based on the variable interest rate under the term loan facility due in 2012 plus a credit spread over LIBOR of 112.5 basis points.  Included in Interest income – affiliates in the Consolidated Statement of Operations is interest income of $7.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, with $18.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, and $31.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, respectively.

Southern Union structured the acquisition of PEPL in a manner which qualified as a like-kind exchange of property under Section 1031 of the Code.  For tax purposes, the Company’s assets that were part of the exchange were recorded at the tax basis of the Southern Union Company assets for which they were exchanged.  The resulting transaction generated an estimated deferred tax liability at the acquisition date and a corresponding receivable from Southern Union Company reflected as a reduction to Partners’ Capital on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.  Repayment of the receivable from Southern Union Company is limited to actual tax liabilities otherwise payable by the Company pursuant to the tax sharing agreement with Southern Union Company.  For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company recorded $3.3 million and $4.1 million of income tax liability settlements against the tax sharing note receivable, respectively, with a balance of $5.2 million remaining at December 31, 2009.  In September 2007, the Company and Southern Union modified the terms of the tax sharing agreement, resulting in a change in the required timing of the Company’s intercompany income tax liability settlements from a quarterly to an annual basis.  The delayed settlements, which are settled against the demand note with Southern Union, are reported as investing activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.


 
F-16

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



The following table provides a summary of the accounts receivable and payable related party balances included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at the dates indicated.


   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Accounts receivable - related parties (1)
  $ 6,083     $ 6,596  
                 
Accounts payable - related parties:
               
Southern Union - income taxes  (2)
  $ 22,077     $ 56,424  
Southern Union - other (3)
    2,615       15,249  
Other (4)
    189       222  
    $ 24,881     $ 71,895  

______________________________
(1)  
Primarily related to interest income associated with the Note receivable – CrossCountry Citrus and services provided for Citrus.
(2)  
Related to income taxes payable to Southern Union per the tax sharing agreement to provide for taxes to be remitted upon the filing of the tax return.  During the third quarter of 2009, the Company recorded an approximate $43.5 million reduction associated with a tax accounting change approved by the Internal Revenue Service in 2009 applicable to the 2008 tax year.
(3)  
Primarily related to payroll funding provided by Southern Union, partially offset by insurance proceeds of $16.1 million owed by Southern Union to the Company.
(4)  
Primarily related to various administrative and operating costs paid by other affiliate companies on behalf of the Company.

5.  Asset Retirement Obligations

ARO assets and liabilities are primarily related to certain offshore lateral lines and platforms in the Company’s system.  An ARO is required to be recorded when a legal obligation to retire an asset exists.  An ARO should be recorded for all assets with legal retirement obligations, even if the enforcement of the obligation is contingent upon the occurrence of events beyond the company’s control (Conditional ARO).  The fair values of the AROs were calculated using present value techniques.  These techniques reflect assumptions such as removal and remediation costs, inflation and profit margins that third parties would demand to settle the amount of the future obligation.  The Company did not include a market risk premium for unforeseeable circumstances in its fair value estimates because such a premium could not be reliably estimated.

Although a number of other assets in the Company’s system are subject to agreements or regulations that give rise to an ARO or a Conditional ARO upon the Company’s discontinued use of these assets, AROs were not recorded for most of these assets because the fair values of these AROs were not reliably estimable.  The principal reason the fair values of these AROs were not subject to reliable estimation was because the lives of the underlying assets are indeterminate.  Management has concluded that the Company’s pipeline system, as a whole, has an indeterminate life.  In reaching this conclusion, management considered its intent for operating the pipeline system, the economic life of the underlying assets, its past practices and industry practice.

The Company intends to operate the pipeline system indefinitely as a going concern.  Individual component assets have been and will continue to be replaced, but the pipeline system will continue in operation as long as supply and demand for natural gas exists.  Based on the widespread use of natural gas in industrial and power generation activities, management expects supply and demand to exist for the foreseeable future.

The Company has in place a rigorous repair and maintenance program that keeps the pipeline system in good working order.  Therefore, although some of the individual assets on the pipeline system may be replaced, the pipeline system itself will remain intact indefinitely.  AROs generally do not arise unless a pipeline system (or portion thereof) is abandoned.  The Company does not intend to make any such abandonments as long as supply and demand for natural gas remains relatively stable.


 
F-17

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



The following table is a general description of ARO and associated long-lived assets at December 31, 2009.
 
 
In Service
     
ARO Description
Date
 
Long-Lived Assets
Amount
       
(In thousands)
Retire offshore platforms and lateral lines
Various
 
Offshore lateral lines
 $          3,355
Remove asbestos
Various
 
Mainlines and compressors
                872
 
As of December 31, 2009, the Company recorded $1 million that is legally restricted for the purpose of settling AROs.

The following table is a reconciliation of the carrying amount of the ARO liability for the periods presented.


   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                   
Beginning Balance
  $ 50,941     $ 11,826     $ 9,608  
Incurred
    8,289       33,773       -  
Revisions
    (3,246 )     6,379       2,250  
Settled
    (1,553 )     (1,861 )     (799 )
Accretion Expense
    4,018       824       767  
Ending Balance
  $ 58,449     $ 50,941     $ 11,826  


The Company determined that certain of its offshore facilities damaged by Hurricane Ike will not be replaced.  The Company is required by federal regulations to remove or abandon in place such facilities when they are no longer useful.  This resulted in the establishment of an ARO and recognition of expense of $8.3 million and $7 million, respectively, in 2009, and $33.8 million and $4 million, respectively, in 2008.  The amount expensed represents the ARO cost not previously accrued.  For additional information related to the impact of the 2008 hurricanes, see Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies – 2008 Hurricane Damage.


 
F-18

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



6.  Comprehensive Income

The table below provides an overview of comprehensive income for the periods presented.


   
Years Ended December 31,
   
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
   
(In thousands)
   
                     
Net earnings
  $ 150,215     $ 150,674     $ 150,424    
                           
Realized gain (loss) on interest rate hedges, net of tax of $0, $197
                         
and $(1,488), respectively
    -       309       (2,366 )  
Reclassification of unrealized gain on interest rate hedges
                         
into earnings, net of tax of $7,537, $(3,138) and $(621), respectively
    11,223       (4,656 )     (970 )  
Change in fair value of interest rate hedges, net of tax of
                         
$(3,051), $(7,815) and $(5,722), respectively
    (4,538 )     (11,663 )     (8,392 )  
Prior service cost relating to other postretirement benefit plan
                       
 
amendments, net of tax of $0, $(3,020) and $(1,460), respectively
    -       (4,534 )     (1,049 )
 
Actuarial gain (loss) relating to other postretirement benefits,
                         
net of tax of $2,545, $(3,742) and $393, respectively
    3,266       (7,821 )     1,137    
Reclassification of net actuarial gain and prior service credit relating
                         
to other postretirement benefits into earnings, net of tax
                         
of $(400), $(713) and $(1,326), respectively
    (1,191 )     (1,572 )     (2,201 )  
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
    8,760       (29,937 )     (13,841 )  
                           
Total comprehensive income
  $ 158,975     $ 120,737     $ 136,583    


The table below provides an overview of the components in Accumulated other comprehensive income at the dates indicated:


   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Other postretirement plan - net actuarial gain (loss) and prior
           
   service credit (cost), net of tax
  $ 1,283     $ (792 )
Interest rate hedges, net of tax
    (20,824 )     (27,509 )
Total Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax
  $ (19,541 )   $ (28,301 )



 
F-19

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



7.  Debt

The following table sets forth the debt obligations at the dates indicated:


   
December 31, 2009
   
December 31, 2008
 
   
Book Value
   
Fair Value
   
Book Value
   
Fair Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                         
6.05% Senior Notes due 2013
  $ 250,000     $ 269,733     $ 250,000     $ 211,646  
6.20% Senior Notes due 2017
    300,000       319,455       300,000       230,956  
6.50% Senior Notes due 2009
    -       -       60,623       59,604  
8.125% Senior Notes due 2019
    150,000       173,111       -       -  
8.25% Senior Notes due 2010
    40,500       41,143       40,500       39,668  
7.00% Senior Notes due 2029
    66,305       69,866       66,305       46,158  
7.00% Senior Notes due 2018
    400,000       434,560       400,000       318,033  
Term Loans due 2012 (1)
    815,391       758,108       815,391       753,262  
Net premiums on long-term debt
    2,550       2,550       2,153       2,153  
Total debt outstanding
    2,024,746     $ 2,068,526       1,934,972     $ 1,661,480  
Current portion of long-term debt
    (40,500 )             (60,623 )        
Total long-term debt
  $ 1,984,246             $ 1,874,349          

______________________________
(1)  
See the LNG Holdings Term Loan discussion below for information related to these Term Loans.

The fair value of the Company’s term loans due 2012 as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 were determined using the market approach, which utilized reported recent loan transactions for parties of similar credit quality and remaining life, as there is no active secondary market for loans of that type and size. 

The fair value of the Company’s other long-term debt as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 was also determined using the market approach, which utilized observable market data to corroborate the estimated credit spreads and prices for the Company’s non-bank long-term debt securities in the secondary market.  Those valuations were based in part upon the reported trades of the Company’s non-bank long-term debt securities where available and the actual trades of debt securities of similar credit quality and remaining life where no secondary market trades were reported for the Company’s non-bank long-term debt securities. 

8.125% Senior Notes.  In June 2009, the Company issued $150 million in senior notes due June 1, 2019 with an interest rate of 8.125 percent (8.125% Senior Notes).  In connection with the issuance of the 8.125% Senior Notes, the Company incurred underwriting and discount costs totaling approximately $1 million, resulting in approximately $149 million in proceeds to the Company.  A portion of the proceeds were used to repay the $60.6 million of 6.50% Senior Notes that matured on July 15, 2009.

7.00% Senior Notes due 2018.  In June 2008, the Company issued $400 million in senior notes due June 15, 2018 with an interest rate of 7.00 percent (7.00% Senior Notes).  In connection with the issuance of the 7.00% Senior Notes, the Company incurred underwriting and discount costs totaling approximately $4.1 million, resulting in approximately $395.9 million in proceeds to the Company.  The proceeds were used to repay the $300 million of 4.80% Senior Notes due August 15, 2008.

6.20% Senior Notes.  On October 26, 2007, the Company issued $300 million in senior notes due November 1, 2017 with an interest rate of 6.20 percent (6.20% Senior Notes).  In connection with the issuance of the 6.20% Senior Notes, the Company incurred underwriting and discount costs of approximately $2.7 million.  The debt was priced to the public at 99.741 percent, resulting in $297.3 million in proceeds to the Company. 

LNG Holdings Term Loans.  On March 15, 2007, LNG Holdings, as borrower, and PEPL and Trunkline LNG, as guarantors, entered into a $455 million unsecured term loan facility due March 13, 2012 (2012 Term Loan).  The interest rate under the 2012 Term Loan is a floating rate tied to LIBOR or the prime rate, at the Company’s option, in addition to a margin tied to the rating of PEPL’s senior unsecured debt.  The proceeds of the 2012 Term

 
F-20

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Loan were used to repay approximately $455 million in existing indebtedness that matured in March 2007, including the $200 million 2.75% Senior Notes and the LNG Holdings $255.6 million Term Loan.  LNG Holdings has entered into interest rate swap agreements that effectively fix the interest rate applicable to the 2012 Term Loan at 4.98 percent plus a credit spread of 0.625 percent, based upon PEPL’s credit rating for its senior unsecured debt.  The balance of the 2012 Term Loan was $455 million at eaach of December 31, 2009 and 2008.

On December 1, 2006, LNG Holdings, as borrower, and PEPL and CrossCountry Citrus, as guarantors, entered into a $465 million unsecured term loan facility due April 4, 2008 (2006 Term Loan).  On December 1, 2006, LNG Holdings loaned the proceeds of the 2006 Term Loan to CrossCountry Citrus in exchange for an interest-bearing promissory note with a principal amount of $465 million, the amount of the proceeds of the 2006 Term Loan.  On June 29, 2007, the parties entered into an amended and restated term loan facility (Amended Credit Agreement).  The Amended Credit Agreement extended the maturity of the term loan from April 4, 2008 to June 29, 2012, and decreased the interest rate from LIBOR plus 87.5 basis points to LIBOR plus 55 basis points, based upon the current credit rating of PEPL's senior unsecured debt. The balance of the Amended Credit Agreement was $360.4 million and $360.4 million at effective interest rates of 0.78 percent and 1.02 percent at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The balance and effective interest rate of the Amended Credit Agreement at February 24, 2010 were $360.4 million and 0.78 percent, respectively.

Other.  The Company’s notes are subject to certain requirements, such as the maintenance of a fixed charge coverage ratio and a leverage ratio, which if not maintained, restrict the ability of the Company to make certain payments and impose limitations on the ability of the Company to subject its property to liens.  At December 31, 2009 the Company, based on the currently most restrictive debt covenant requirements, was subject to a $914 million limitation on additional restricted payments including dividends and loans to affiliates, and a limitation of $395 million of additional secured or subsidiary level indebtedness or other defined liens based on a limitation on liens covenant.  The Company is also subject to a limitation of $702 million of total additional indebtedness.

At December 31, 2009, the Company had scheduled payments of $40.5 million, nil, $815.4 million, $250 million, nil, and $916.3 million for the years 2010 through 2014 and in total thereafter, respectively.

Retirement of Debt Obligations

The Company plans to repay its $40.5 million 8.25% Senior Notes maturing in April 2010 by utilizing some combination of cash flows from operations or from repayments from Southern Union of intercompany loans.

8.  Benefits

Postretirement Benefit Plans.

The Company has postretirement health care and life insurance plans (other postretirement plans) that cover substantially all employees.  The health care plans generally provide for cost sharing between the Company and its retirees in the form of retiree contributions, deductibles and coinsurance on the amount the Company pays annually to provide future retiree health care coverage under certain of these plans.


 
F-21

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



Obligations and Funded Status.  Postretirement benefit liabilities are accrued on an actuarial basis during the years an employee provides services.  The following tables contain information at the dates indicated about the obligations and funded status of the Company’s other postretirement plans.


   
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
   
At December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Change in benefit obligation:
           
Benefit obligation at beginning of period
  $ 53,731     $ 39,417  
Service cost
    2,230       1,899  
Interest cost
    3,245       3,256  
Actuarial (gain) loss and other
    (170 )     1,571  
Benefits paid, net
    (103 )     35  
Medicare Part D subsidy receipts
    (4 )     -  
Plan amendments  (1)
    -       7,553  
Benefit obligation at end of period
  $ 58,929     $ 53,731  
                 
Change in plan assets:
               
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period
  $ 38,734     $ 38,654  
Return on plan assets and other
    8,077       (7,596 )
Employer contributions
    7,653       7,641  
Benefits paid, net
    (103 )     35  
Fair value of plan assets at end of period  (2)
  $ 54,361     $ 38,734  
                 
                 
Amount underfunded at the end of period  (3)
  $ 4,568     $ 14,997  
                 
                 
Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income
               
   (pre-tax basis) consist of:
               
Net actuarial loss (gain)
  $ 4,687     $ 10,996  
Prior service cost (credit)
    (3,242 )     (5,331 )
    $ 1,445     $ 5,665  
________________
(1)  
In March 2008, a postretirement benefit plan change to a defined contribution-based design was approved for retirements beginning April 1, 2008.
(2)  
Plan assets are recorded at fair value versus a calculated value as of the December 31, 2009 and 2008 measurement dates.
(3)  
Underfunded balance is recognized as a noncurrent liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

 
F-22

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



Net Periodic Benefit Cost.  Net periodic benefit cost of the Company’s postretirement benefit plan for the periods presented includes the components noted in the table below.
 
   
Postretirement Benefits
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
                 
Service cost
  $ 2,230     $ 1,899     $ 1,155  
Interest cost
    3,245       3,256       1,922  
Expected return on plan assets
    (2,435 )     (2,396 )     (1,918 )
Prior service credit amortization
    (2,089 )     (2,286 )     (3,487 )
Actuarial (gain) loss amortization
    498       -       (40 )
Transfer of net obligation from affiliate
    -       -       1,915  
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)
  $ 1,449     $ 473     $ (453 )

The estimated net actuarial loss and prior service credit for other postretirement plans that will be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost (credit) during 2010 are nil and $2.1 million, respectively.

Assumptions.  The weighted-average discount rate used in determining benefit obligations was 6 percent, 5.90 percent, and 6.51 percent for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The weighted-average assumptions used in determining net periodic benefit cost for the periods presented are shown in the table below.
 
       
   
Years Ended December 31,
   
2009
 
2008
 
2007
                   
Discount rate
    5.90 %     6.76 %     6.06 %
Expected return on assets:
                       
Tax exempt accounts
    7.00 %     7.00 %     7.00 %
Taxable accounts
    5.00 %     5.00 %     5.00 %
 
The Company employs a building block approach in determining the expected long-term rate of return on the plans’ assets with proper consideration for diversification and rebalancing.  Historical markets are studied and long-term historical relationships between equities and fixed-income are preserved consistent with the widely accepted capital market principle that assets with higher volatility generate a greater return over the long run.  Current market factors such as inflation and interest rates are evaluated before long-term market assumptions are determined.  Peer data and historical returns are reviewed to check for reasonableness and appropriateness.

The assumed health care cost trend rates used for measurement purposes are shown in the table below:
 
   
December 31,
   
2009
 
2008
             
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year
    8.50 %     9.00 %
Ultimate trend rate
    4.85 %     4.85 %
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate
    2017       2017  



 
F-23

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for health care plans.  A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:


   
One Percentage
   
One Percentage
 
   
Point Increase
   
Point Decrease
 
   
(In thousands)
 
             
Effect on total of service and interest cost
  $ 707     $ (723 )
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
    8,386       (7,410 )

Plan Assets.  The Company’s overall investment strategy is to maintain an appropriate balance of actively managed investments with the objective of optimizing longer-term returns while maintaining a high standard of portfolio quality and achieving proper diversification.  To achieve diversity within its other postretirement plan asset portfolio, the Company has targeted the following asset allocations: equity of 25 percent to 35 percent, fixed income of 65 percent to 75 percent and cash and cash equivalents of 0 percent to 10 percent.  These target allocations are monitored by the Investment Committee of Southern Union Company's Board of Directors in conjunction with an external investment advisor.  On occasion, the asset allocations may fluctuate as compared to these guidelines as a result of Investment Committee actions.

The fair value of the Company’s other postretirement plan assets at December 31, 2009 by asset category is as follows:

   
Fair Value
   
   
as of
   
   
December 31, 2009
   
   
(In thousands)
   
Asset Category:
       
Cash and Cash Equivalents
  $ 1,673    
Mutual fund
    52,688   (1 )
Total
  $ 54,361      

___________________
(1)  
This fund of funds invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of equity, fixed income and short-term mutual funds.  As of December 31, 2009, the fund was primarily comprised of approximately 16 percent large-cap U.S. equities, 3 percent small-cap U.S. equities,10 percent international equities, 57 percent fixed income securities, 10 percent cash, and 4 percent in other investments. 

The postretirement plan assets are classified as Level 1 assets within the fair-value hierarchy as their fair value are based on active market quotes.  See Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Other Matters – Fair Value Measurement for information related to the framework used by the Company to measure the fair value of its other postretirement plan assets.

Contributions.  The Company expects to contribute approximately $7.6 million to its other postretirement plans in 2010 and approximately $7.6 million annually thereafter until modified by rate case proceedings.







 
F-24

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



Benefit Payments.  The Company’s estimate of expected benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, in each of the next five years and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter are shown in the table below.


     
Expected Benefits
   
Payments
       
     
Before Effect of
   
Medicare Part D
       
Years
 
Medicare Part D
 
Subsidy Receipts
 
Net
 
     
(In thousands)
                     
2010
 
 796
 
15
        $
781
 
2011
   
1,203
   
19
   
1,184
 
2012
   
1,689
   
25
   
1,664
 
2013
   
2,238
   
32
   
2,206
 
2014
   
2,792
   
68
   
2,724
 
2015-2019
   
 21,646
   
 1,559
   
20,087
 

The Medicare Prescription Drug Act provides for a prescription drug benefit under Medicare (Medicare Part D) as well as a federal subsidy, which is not taxable, to sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans that provide a prescription drug benefit that is at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D.

Defined Contribution Plan

The Company sponsors a defined contribution savings plan (Savings Plan) that is available to all employees.  The Company contributed 100 percent of the first two percent and 50 percent of the next three percent of the participant’s compensation paid into the Savings Plan through January 15, 2009.  The matching was increased effective January 16, 2009 to 100 percent of the first five percent of the participant’s compensation paid into the Savings Plan.  Company con­tributions are 100 percent vested after five years of continuous service.  Company contributions to the Savings Plan during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were $4.4 million, $2.8 million, and $1.4 million, respectively.

In addition, the Company makes employer contributions to separate accounts, referred to as Retirement Power Accounts, within the defined contribution plan.  The contribution amounts are determined as a percentage of compensation with the amount generally varying based on age and years of service.  Company contributions to Retirement Power Accounts during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were $5.5 million, $5 million, and $4.4 million, respectively.





 
F-25

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



9.  Income Taxes

The following table provides a summary of the current and deferred components of income tax expense for the periods presented:


   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Current income taxes
                 
Federal
  $ (25,027 )   $ 48,267     $ 61,445  
State
    646       9,593       9,103  
Total current income taxes
    (24,381 )     57,860       70,548  
                         
Deferred income taxes
                       
Federal
    102,871       32,589       19,249  
State
    13,610       6,083       6,521  
Total deferred income taxes
    116,481       38,672       25,770  
                         
Total income tax expense
  $ 92,100     $ 96,532     $ 96,318  
                         
Effective tax rate
    38 %     39 %     39 %


The actual income tax expense differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal tax rate of 35 percent to income before income taxes as follows:


   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                   
Income tax, computed at the 35 percent
                 
statutory rate
  $ 84,810     $ 86,522     $ 86,360  
Adjustments:
                       
State income tax, net of federal effect
    9,267       10,190       10,156  
Permanent differences and other
    (1,977 )     (180 )     (198 )
Total income tax expense
  $ 92,100     $ 96,532     $ 96,318  









 
F-26

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



The principal components of the Company’s deferred tax assets (liabilities) at the dates indicated are as follows:
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In thousands)
 
             
Property, plant and equipment
  $ (380,829 )   $ (300,455 )
Current assets
    (4,196 )     530  
Investments
    (311 )     (240 )
Other deferred debits
    (13,542 )     3,110  
Other assets
    (2,222 )     (1,524 )
Current liabilities
    9,856       4,523  
Deferred credits and other liabilities
    23,210       39,395  
Long term debt
    6,959       6,923  
Other
    1,119       14  
State deferred income taxes, net of federal tax effect
    (38,329 )     (28,846 )
Net deferred income tax asset (liability)
  $ (398,285 )   $ (276,570 )
                 
Gross deferred tax liabilities
  $ (438,310 )   $ (327,411 )
Gross deferred tax assets
    40,025       50,841  
Net deferred income tax asset (liability)
  $ (398,285 )   $ (276,570 )
                 
                 
Non current deferred income tax asset (liability)
  $ (418,992 )   $ (281,778 )
Current tax asset
    20,707       5,208  
Net deferred income tax asset (liability)
  $ (398,285 )   $ (276,570 )

A reconciliation of the changes in unrecognized tax benefits for the periods presented is as follows:


   
Years ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In thousands)
 
             
Beginning of the year
  $ -     $ -  
                 
Additions:
               
  Tax positions taken in prior years
    1,167       -  
  Tax positions taken in current year
    311       -  
                 
Reductions:
               
  Lapse of statute of limitations
    -       -  
                 
End of year
  $ 1,478     $ -  

During 2009, the Company’s change in the amount of its unrecognized tax benefits in prior years and current year were attributable to a change in certain federal capitalization policies for tax purposes in the amount of $1.2 million ($1.1 million, net of federal tax) and $311,000 ($263,000, net of federal tax), respectively.

As of December 31, 2009, the Company has $1.5 million ($1.3 million, net of federal tax) of unrecognized tax benefits, none of which would impact the Company’s EITR if recognized.  The Company does not expect that its unrecognized tax benefits will be reduced within the next twelve months.

The Company’s policy is to classify and accrue interest expense and penalties on income tax underpayments (overpayments) as a component of income tax expense in its Consolidated Statement of Operations, which is consistent with the recognition of these items in prior reporting periods.

 
F-27

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Southern Union and the Company are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or local examinations for the tax period ended December 31, 2004 and prior years, except June 30, 2004, to the extent of $1.3 million of refund claims.

10.  Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company is exposed to certain risks in its ongoing business operations.  The primary risk managed by using derivative instruments is interest rate risk.  Interest rate swaps and treasury rate locks are the principal derivative instruments used by the Company to manage interest rate risk associated with its long-term borrowings, although other interest rate derivative contracts may also be used from time to time.  The Company recognizes all derivative instruments as assets or liabilities at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Interest Rate Contracts

The Company enters into interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to changes in interest payments on long-term debt attributable to movements in market interest rates, and enters into treasury rate locks to manage its exposure to changes in future interest payments attributable to changes in treasury rates prior to the issuance of new long-term debt instruments.

Interest Rate Swaps.  As of December 31, 2009, the Company had outstanding pay-fixed interest rate swaps with a total notional amount of $455 million applicable to the 2012 Term Loan.  These interest rate swaps are accounted for as cash flow hedges, with the effective portion of changes in their fair value recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss and reclassified into Interest expense in the same periods during which the related interest payments on long-term debt impact earnings.  As of December 31, 2009, approximately $12.2 million of net after-tax losses in Accumulated other comprehensive loss related to these interest rate swaps is expected to be amortized into Interest expense during the next twelve months.  Any ineffective portion of the cash flow hedge is reported in current-period earnings.

Treasury Rate Locks.  As of December 31, 2009, the Company had no outstanding treasury rate locks.  However, certain of its treasury rate locks that settled in prior periods are associated with interest payments on outstanding long-term debt.  These treasury rate locks are accounted for as cash flow hedges, with the effective portion of their settled value recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss and reclassified into Interest expense in the same periods during which the related interest payments on long-term debt impact earnings.  As of December 31, 2009, approximately $166,000 of net after-tax losses in Accumulated other comprehensive loss related to these treasury rate locks will be amortized into Interest expense during the next twelve months.

The following table summarizes the fair value amounts of the Company’s derivative instruments and their location in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at the dates indicated:
 
       
Asset Derivatives
   
Liability Derivatives
       
Balance Sheet
   
Fair Value (1)
   
Balance Sheet
   
Fair Value (1)
       
Location
   
2009
   
2008
   
Location
   
2009
   
2008
             
(In thousands)
         
(In thousands)
Cash Flow Hedges:
                               
 
Interest rate contracts
   
                             -
 
                               -
   
 Other current liabilities
 
 18,754
 
 -
                         
 Other noncurrent liabilities
 
 13,975
   
 43,630
                                       
                 $
                              -
       $
                           -
       
32,729
 
 43,630

_____________
(1)  
See Note 11– Fair Value Measurement for information related to the framework used by the Company to measure the fair value of its derivative instruments as of December 31, 2009.


 
F-28

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



The following table summarizes the location and amount of derivative instrument gains and losses reported in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements for the periods presented.
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Cash Flow Hedges (1)
 
(In thousands)
 
             Interest rate contracts:
                 
                         Change in fair value - increase in Accumulated other comprehensive
                 
                                             loss, excluding tax expense effect of $3,051, $7,815 and $5,722, respectively
  $ 7,589     $ 19,478     $ 14,114  
                       Reclassification of unrealized loss from Accumulated other comprehensive
                       
loss - increase of Interest expense, excluding tax expense effect of $7,537,
                       
$(3,138) and $(621), respectively
    18,760       (7,794 )     (1,591 )
____________
(1)  
See Note 6 – Comprehensive Income for additional related information.

11.  Fair Value Measurement

The following tables set forth the Company’s liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at the dates indicated.
 
         
Fair Value Measurements Using Fair Value Hierarchy
 
         
Quoted Prices in
   
Significant Other
   
Significant
 
   
Fair Value
   
Active Markets
   
Observable
   
Unobservable
 
   
as of
   
for Identical Assets
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
 
   
December 31, 2009
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Liabilities:
                       
      Interest-rate swap derivatives
  $ 32,729     $ -     $ 32,729     $ -  
           Total
  $ 32,729     $ -     $ 32,729     $ -  




         
Fair Value Measurements Using Fair Value Hierarchy
 
         
Quoted Prices in
   
Significant Other
   
Significant
 
   
Fair Value
   
Active Markets
   
Observable
   
Unobservable
 
   
as of
   
for Identical Assets
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
 
   
December 31, 2008
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Liabilities:
                       
      Interest-rate swap derivatives
  $ 43,630     $ -     $ -     $ 43,630  
           Total
  $ 43,630     $ -     $ -     $ 43,630  



 
F-29

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



The following table presents a reconciliation of the change in the Company’s Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs for the periods presented.
 
   
Level 3 Liabilities
 
   
Interest-rate Derivatives
 
   
(In thousands)
 
       
Balance at January 1, 2008
  $ 17,121  
Total gains or losses (realized and unrealized):
       
Included in earnings
    -  
Included in other comprehensive income
    34,019  
Purchases and settlements, net
    (7,510 )
Balance at December 31, 2008
  $ 43,630  
Total gains or losses (realized and unrealized):
       
Included in earnings
    -  
Included in other comprehensive income
    4,787  
Purchases and settlements, net
    (12,696 )
Transfers out of level 3 (1)
    (35,721 )
Balance December 31, 2009
  $ -  
______________________________
(1)  
Transfer to Level 2 was made effective September 30, 2009.

The Company reclassified the interest-rate swap derivatives from Level 3 to Level 2 during 2009 as the Company obtained additional observable market data to corroborate the unobservable inputs to the model used to measure the fair value of these liabilities.
 
The approximate fair value of the Company's cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable is equal to book value, due to their short-term nature.

 
F-30

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


 
12.  Property, Plant and Equipment

The following table provides a summary of property, plant and equipment at the dates indicated:


   
Lives
   
December 31,
 
   
In Years
   
2009 (1)
   
2008 (1)
 
         
(In thousands)
 
                   
Transmission
    5-46     $ 2,130,979     $ 2,088,018  
Gathering
    26       129,605       50,925  
Underground storage
    5-46       310,963       307,401  
General plant - LNG
    5-40       626,853       624,883  
General plant - other
    2-40       155,422       146,605  
Plant in service (2)
            3,353,822       3,217,832  
Construction work-in-progress
            495,588       403,344  
Total property, plant and equipment
            3,849,410       3,621,176  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
            493,873       394,307  
Net property, plant and equipment
          $ 3,355,537     $ 3,226,869  
_________________
(1) Includes capitalized computer software costs, CIAC and other intangible costs totaling:
 
             
Computer software cost
  $ 75,543     $ 69,640  
Less accumulated amortization
    39,967       30,625  
   Net computer software costs
    35,576       39,015  
                 
CIAC and other
    52,926       54,821  
Less accumulated amortization
    4,427       2,799  
   Net CIAC and other
    48,499       52,022  
Total net intangible assets
  $ 84,075     $ 91,037  
 
(2) The composite weighted-average depreciation rates for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were 3.5 percent, 3.4 percent, and 3.0 percent, respectively.

Amortization expense of capitalized computer software costs for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $9.4 million, $8.6 million, and $8.2 million, respectively.  Amortization expense for CIAC and other intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $1.6 million and $2 million, respectively, and insignificant for the year ended December 31, 2007.  Computer software costs are amortized between four and ten years.  CIAC and other intangible assets are amortized between 2 and 40 years.

13.  Stock-Based Compensation

Stock Award Plans.  The Third Amended 2003 Plan adopted by the stockholders of Southern Union Company allows for awards in the form of stock options (either incentive stock options or non-qualified options), SARs, stock bonus awards, restricted stock, performance units or other equity-based rights.  The persons eligible to receive awards under the Third Amended 2003 Plan include all of the employees, directors, officers and agents of, and other service providers to, Southern Union Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries.  Under the Third Amended 2003 Plan: (i) no participant may receive any calendar year awards covering more than 500,000 shares; (ii) the exercise price for a stock option may not be less than 100 percent of the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant; and (iii) no award may be granted after September 28, 2013.

The fair value of each stock option and SAR award is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model.  The Company’s expected volatilities are based on historical volatility of Southern Union Company’s common stock.  To the extent that volatility of Southern Union Company’s common stock price

 
F-31

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


increases in the future, the estimates of the fair value of stock options and SARs granted in the future could increase, thereby increasing share-based compensation expense in future periods.  Additionally, the expected dividend yield is considered for each grant on the date of grant.  The Company’s expected term of stock options and SARs granted was derived from the average midpoint between vesting and the contractual term.  In the future, as information regarding post-vesting termination becomes more accessible, the Company may change the method of deriving the expected term.  This change could impact the fair value of stock options and SARs granted in the future.  The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.

The following table represents the Black-Scholes estimated ranges under the Company’s plans for stock options and SARs awards granted in the periods presented:
 
   
 Years Ended December 31,
   
2009
 
2008
 
2007
Expected volatility
 
32.22%
 
30.57%
 
30.11%
Expected dividend yield
 
2.45%
 
2.19%
 
2.10%
Risk-free interest rate
 
2.72%
 
1.71%
 
3.70%
Expected life
 
6 years
 
6 years
 
6 years

Stock Options.  The following table provides information on stock options granted, exercised, forfeited, outstanding and exercisable for the periods presented:


             
         
Weighted
 
   
Shares
   
Average
 
   
Under
   
Exercise
 
   
Option
   
Price
 
             
Outstanding December 31, 2006
    325,822     $ 20.01  
Granted
    -       -  
Exercised
    (46,170 )     18.76  
Forfeited
    (2,995 )     17.66  
Outstanding December 31, 2007
    276,657     $ 20.25  
Granted
    -       -  
Exercised
    (6,916 )     16.83  
Forfeited
    (221 )     16.83  
Outstanding December 31, 2008
    269,520     $ 20.34  
Granted
    -       -  
Exercised
    (6,461 )     16.83  
Forfeited
    -       -  
Outstanding December 31, 2009
    263,059     $ 20.42  
                 
Exercisable December 31, 2007
    122,826     $ 20.32  
Exercisable December 31, 2008
    192,827     $ 20.39  
Exercisable December 31, 2009
    263,059     $ 20.42  



 
F-32

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



SARS.  The following table provides information on SARs granted, exercised, forfeited, outstanding and exercisable for the periods presented:
 
             
         
Weighted Average
 
   
SARs
   
Exercise Price
 
             
Outstanding December 31, 2006
    37,114     $ 28.07  
Granted
    108,078       28.48  
Exercised
    -       -  
Forfeited
    -       -  
Outstanding December 31, 2007
    145,192     $ 28.38  
Granted
    268,954       12.55  
Exercised
    -       -  
Forfeited
    -       -  
Outstanding December 31, 2008
    414,146     $ 18.10  
Granted
    147,004       21.64  
Exercised
    (4,347 )     12.55  
Forfeited
    -       -  
Outstanding December 31, 2009
    556,803     $ 19.08  
                 
Exercisable December 31, 2007
    12,370       28.07  
Exercisable December 31, 2008
    60,764       28.31  
Exercisable December 31, 2009
    194,458       21.41  


The SARs that have been awarded vest in equal installments on the first three anniversaries of its grant date. Each SAR entitles the holder to shares of Southern Union’s common stock equal to the fair market value of Southern Union’s common stock in excess of the grant date price for each SAR on the applicable exercise date.

As of December 31, 2009, there was $1.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options and SARs compensation arrangements granted under the stock option plans.  That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average contractual period of 2.3 years.  The total fair value of options and SARs vested as of December 31, 2009 was $3.6 million.  Compensation expense recognized related to stock options and SARs totaled $1.1 million ($732,000, net of tax), $1.1 million ($828,000, net of tax), and $826,000 ($645,000, net of tax) for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The aggregate intrinsic value of total options and SARs outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2009 was $3.5 million and $1.5 million, respectively.

The intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2009 was approximately $32,000.

Restricted Stock.  The Third Amended 2003 Plan also provides for grants of restricted stock equity units , which are settled in shares of Southern Union Company common stock, and restricted stock liability units, which are settled in cash.  The Company settles restricted stock equity units with shares of Southern Union common stock and restricted stock liability units with cash. The restrictions associated with a grant of restricted stock equity units under the Third Amended 2003 Plan generally expire equally over a period of three years.  Restrictions on restricted stock liability units expire at the end of the applicable period, which is also the requisite service period.








 
F-33

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



The following table provides information on restricted stock equity awards granted, vested and forfeited for the periods presented:
 
   
Number of
   
Weighted-Average
 
   
Restricted Shares
   
Grant-Date
 
   
Outstanding
   
Fair-Value
 
             
Nonvested restricted shares at December 31, 2006
    25,142     $ 24.08  
Granted
    -       -  
Vested
    (8,381 )     24.08  
Forfeited
    -       -  
Nonvested restricted shares at December 31, 2007
    16,761     $ 24.08  
Granted
    -       -  
Vested
    (8,380 )     24.08  
Forfeited
    -       -  
Nonvested restricted shares at December 31, 2008
    8,381     $ 24.08  
Granted
    -       -  
Vested
    (8,381 )     24.08  
Forfeited
    -       -  
Nonvested restricted shares at December 31, 2009
    -     $ -  

The following table provides information on restricted stock liability awards granted, vested and forfeited for the periods presented:
 
   
Number of Restricted
   
Weighted-Average
 
   
Stock Liability Units
   
Grant-Date
 
   
Outstanding
   
Fair-Value
 
             
Nonvested restricted units at December 31, 2006
    52,846     $ 28.07  
Granted
    74,883       28.48  
Vested
    (17,611 )     28.07  
Forfeited
    -       -  
Nonvested restricted units at December 31, 2007
    110,118     $ 28.35  
Granted
    132,452       12.75  
Vested
    (42,556 )     28.31  
Forfeited
    -       -  
Nonvested restricted units at December 31, 2008
    200,014     $ 18.03  
Granted
    94,189       21.54  
Vested
    (87,620 )     20.31  
Forfeited
    (463 )     25.06  
Nonvested restricted units at December 31, 2009
    206,120     $ 18.53  

As of December 31, 2009, there was $4.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-expired, restricted stock liability units compensation arrangements granted under the restricted stock plans.  That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average contractual period of 2.3 years.  The total fair value of restricted stock equity and liability units that vested during the year ended December 31, 2009 was $2.1 million.  Compensation expense recognized related to restricted stock equity and liability units totaled $2.1 million ($1.3 million, net of tax), $751,000 ($471,000, net of tax), and $752,000 ($472,000, net of tax) for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
The Company settled the restricted stock liability unit awards vesting in 2009 with cash payments of $1.9 million.

 
F-34

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


 
14.  Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation. The Company is involved in legal, tax and regulatory proceedings before various courts, regulatory commissions and governmental agencies regarding matters arising in the ordinary course of business, some of which involve substantial amounts.  Where appropriate, the Company has made accruals in order to provide for such matters.  The Company believes the final disposition of these proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Jack Grynberg, an individual, filed actions for damages against a number of companies, including the Company, which was transferred to the U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming, alleging mis-measurement of natural gas volumes and Btu content, resulting in lower royalties to mineral interest owners.  On October 20, 2006, the District Judge ordered the dismissal of the case against the Company.  Grynberg appeals were denied at all levels including at the United States Supreme Court.  The parties are now seeking recovery of certain costs from Grynberg associated with the defense of the action.  A similar action, known as the Will Price litigation, also has been filed against a number of companies, including the Company, in U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas.  On September 19, 2009, the Court denied plaintiffs’ request for class certification.  Plaintiffs have filed a motion for reconsideration.  The Company believes that its measurement practices conformed to the terms of its FERC natural gas tariff, which was filed with and approved by FERC.  As a result, the Company believes that it has meritorious defenses to the Will Price lawsuit (including FERC-related affirmative defenses, such as the filed rate/tariff doctrine, the primary/exclusive jurisdiction of FERC, and the defense that the Company complied with the terms of its tariff) and will continue to vigorously defend the case.  The Company does not believe the outcome of the Will Price litigation will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

East End Project.  The East End Project involved the installation of a total of approximately 31 miles of pipeline in and around Tuscola, Illinois, Montezuma, Indiana and Zionsville, Indiana.  Construction began in 2007 and was completed in the second quarter of 2008.  PEPL is seeking recovery of each contractor’s share of approximately $50 million of cost overruns from the construction contractor, multiple inspection contractors and the construction management contractor for improper welding, inspection and construction management of the East End Project.  Certain of the contractors have filed counterclaims against PEPL for alleged underpayments of approximately $18 million.  The matter is pending in state court in Harris County, Texas.  Trial is set for September 2010.  The Company does not believe the outcome of this case will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Energy Resources Technology.   Energy Resources Technology (ERT) filed suit against Sea Robin on November 9, 2009 alleging breach of contract due to delays in repairs to Sea Robin’s subsea pipeline as a result of damage during Hurricane Ike. ERT alleges that under its firm transportation contract and due to the delays in repair of the pipeline, non-performance issues have resulted in the loss of ERT’s revenue of $110 million for the last fourteen months of the contract.  The suit was filed in state court in Harris County, Texas and has been removed to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas.   The Company does not believe the outcome of this case will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Environmental Matters.  The Company’s operations are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding water quality, hazardous and solid waste management, air quality control and other environmental matters.  These laws and regulations require the Company to conduct its operations in a specified manner and to obtain and comply with a wide variety of environmental registrations, licenses, permits, inspections and other approvals.  Failure to comply with environmental requirements may expose the Company to significant fines, penalties and/or interruptions in operations.  The Company’s environmental policies and procedures are designed to achieve compliance with such laws and regulations.  These evolving laws and regulations and claims for damages to property, employees, other persons and the environment resulting from current or past operations may result in significant expenditures and liabilities in the future.  The Company engages in a process of updating and revising its procedures for the ongoing evaluation of its operations to identify potential environmental exposures and enhance compliance with regulatory requirements.

 
F-35

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Environmental Remediation.  The Company is responsible for environmental remediation at certain sites on its natural gas transmission systems for contamination resulting from the past use of lubricants containing PCBs in compressed air systems; the past use of paints containing PCBs; and the prior use of wastewater collection facilities and other on-site disposal areas.  The Company has developed and implemented a program to remediate such contamination.  The primary remaining remediation activity on the Panhandle systems is associated with past use of paints containing PCBs or PCB impacts to equipment surfaces and to a building at one location.

The amount of estimated costs to remediate PCBs at the Company’s facilities was increased in 2009 by a total of approximately $5.1 million.  The PCB assessments are ongoing and the related estimated remediation costs are subject to further change.  The Company believes the total PCB remediation costs will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Other remediation typically involves the management of contaminated soils and may involve remediation of groundwater.  Activities vary with site conditions and locations, the extent and nature of the contamination, remedial requirements, complexity and sharing of responsibility.  The ultimate liability and total costs associated with these sites will depend upon many factors.  If remediation activities involve statutory joint and several liability provisions, strict liability, or cost recovery or contribution actions, the Company could potentially be held responsible for contamination caused by other parties.  In some instances, the Company may share liability associated with contamination with other PRPs.  The Company may also benefit from contractual indemnities that cover some or all of the cleanup costs.  These sites are generally managed in the normal course of business or operations.  The Company believes the outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

The table below reflects the amount of accrued liabilities recorded in the consolidated balance sheet at the dates indicated to cover probable environmental response actions:
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In thousands)
 
             
Current
  $ 5,891     $ 1,052  
Noncurrent
    5,654       6,989  
Total environmental liabilities
  $ 11,545     $ 8,041  


Air Quality Control. The KDHE has established certain contingency measures as part of the agency’s ozone maintenance plan for the Kansas City area.  These measures will be triggered if there are any new elevated ozone readings in the Kansas City area.  One of the NOx emission sources that will be impacted is the PEPL Louisburg compressor station.  In addition, the EPA has revised the ozone standard and the Kansas City area will likely be designated as a non-attainment area under the new and stricter standard.  Issues associated with reducing emissions at the Louisburg compressor station are being discussed with the KDHE. In the event KDHE requires emission reductions, it is estimated that approximately $14 million in capital expenditures will be required.

On December 18, 2009, PEPL received an information request from the EPA under Section 114(a) of the federal Clean Air Act.  The information request seeks certain documents and records pertaining to maintenance activities and capital projects associated with combustion emission sources located at eight compressor stations in Illinois and Indiana. The first set of responses was provided February 1, 2010. 

In February 2009, EPA proposed a rule that requires reductions in a number of pollutants, including formaldehyde and carbon monoxide, for all engines regardless of size at Area Sources (sources that emit less than ten tons per year of any one Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP) or twenty-five tons per year of all HAPs) and engines less than 500 horsepower at Major Sources (sources that emit ten tons per year or more of any one HAP or twenty-five tons per year of all HAPs).  The rule is scheduled to be finalized in August 2010 with compliance required in 2013.  It is anticipated that the limits adopted in this rule will be used in a future EPA rule that is scheduled to be finalized

 
F-36

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


in 2013, with compliance required in 2016.  This future rule is expected to require reductions in formaldehyde and carbon monoxide emissions from engines greater than 500 horsepower at Major Sources.

Nitrogen oxides are the primary air pollutant from natural gas-fired engines.  Nitrogen oxide emissions may form ozone in the atmosphere.  EPA lowered the ozone standard to seventy-five parts per billion (ppb) in 2008 with compliance anticipated in 2013 to 2015.  In January 2010, EPA proposed lowering the standard to sixty to seventy ppb in lieu of the seventy-five ppb standard, with compliance required in 2014 or later.

In January 2010, EPA finalized a 100 ppb one-hour nitrogen dioxide standard.  Based on the current nitrogen dioxide monitoring network, only one county in the United States fails to meet the new standard.  The rule requires the installation of new nitrogen dioxide monitors in urban communities and roadways by 2013.  This new network may result in additional nitrogen dioxide non-attainment areas.  Facility specific impacts may occur prior to the installation of the new monitors if ambient air quality modeling is required to demonstrate compliance with the new standard.

The Company is currently reviewing the potential impact of the proposed rules regarding HAPs and ozone on its operations and the potential costs associated with the installation of emission control systems on its existing engines.  Costs associated with these activities cannot be estimated with any certainty at this time, but the Company believes such costs will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

SPCC Rules.  In October 2007, the EPA proposed amendments to the SPCC rules with the stated intention of providing greater clarity, tailoring requirements and streamlining requirements.  The most recent extension by the EPA sets the SPCC rule compliance date as November 10, 2010, permitting owners and operators of facilities to prepare or amend and implement SPCC Plans in accordance with previously enacted modifications to the regulations.  The Company is currently reviewing the impact of the modified regulations on its operations and may incur costs for tank integrity testing, alarms and other associated corrective actions as well as potential upgrades to containment structures.  Costs associated with such activities cannot be estimated with certainty at this time, but the Company believes such costs will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Other Commitments and Contingencies.
 
Retirement of Debt Obligations.  The Company plans to repay its $40.5 million 8.25% Senior Notes maturing in April 2010 by utilizing some combination of cash flows from operations or from repayments from Southern Union of intercompany loans.

2008 Hurricane Damage.  In September 2008, Hurricanes Gustav and Ike came ashore on the Louisiana and Texas coasts.  Offshore transportation facilities, including Sea Robin and Trunkline’s Terrebonne system, suffered damage to several platforms and gathering pipelines. In late July 2009, during testing to put the remaining offshore facilities back in service, Sea Robin experienced a pipeline rupture in an area where the pipeline had previously been displaced during Hurricane Ike and subsequently re-buried. Sea Robin experienced reduced volumes until January 2010 when the remainder of the damaged facilities were back in service.

The Company has recorded additional Hurricane Ike related expenses of approximately $12.3 million and $10.5 million, net of insurance recoveries of $2.1 million and nil, in 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The capital replacement and retirement expenditures relating to Hurricane Ike have been increased during 2009 to approximately $185 million and are expected to be incurred through 2010.  These estimates are subject to further revision as certain work, primarily retirements, is ongoing.  Approximately $110 million and $23 million of the capital replacement and retirement expenditures were incurred as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The Company anticipates reimbursement from OIL Insurance Limited (OIL), its member mutual property insurer, for a significant portion of the damages in excess of its $10 million deductible; however, the recoverable amount is subject to pro rata reduction to the extent that the level of total accepted claims from all insureds exceeds the carrier’s $750 million aggregate exposure limit, OIL has announced that it has reached the $750 million aggregate exposure limit and has revised its estimated payout amount to approximately 61 percent based on estimated claim information it has received.  OIL is currently making interim payouts at the rate of 50 percent of accepted claims.  The Company has received $36.7 million for claims submitted to date with respect to Hurricane Ike.  The final amount of any applicable pro rata reduction cannot be determined until OIL has received and assessed all claims.

 
F-37

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



Controlled Group Pension Liabilities.  Southern Union Company (including certain of its divisions) sponsors a number of defined benefit pension plans for employees.  Under applicable pension and tax laws, upon being acquired by Southern Union, the Company became a member of Southern Union Company’s “controlled group” with respect to those plans and, along with Southern Union Company and any other members of that group, is jointly and severally liable for any failure by Southern Union (along with any other persons that may be or become a sponsor of any such plan) to fund any of these pension plans or to pay any unfunded liabilities that these plans may have if they are ever terminated.  In addition, if any of the obligations of any of these pension plans is not paid when due, a lien in favor of that plan or the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation may be created against the assets of each member of Southern Union Company’s controlled group, including the Company and each of its subsidiaries.  Based on the latest actuarial information available as of December 31, 2009, the aggregate amount of the projected benefit obligations of these pension plans was approximately $177.2 million and the estimated fair value of all of the assets of these plans was approximately $115.9 million.

See Note 3 – Regulatory Matters for other potential contingent matters applicable to the Company.
 
15.  Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

The following table provides certain quarterly financial information for the periods presented.
 
   
First
   
Second
   
Third
   
Fourth
       
   
Quarter
   
Quarter
   
Quarter
   
Quarter
   
Total
 
2009
 
(In thousands)
 
Operating revenue
  $ 192,295     $ 172,615     $ 176,092     $ 208,159     $ 749,161  
Operating income
    72,519       71,527       73,830       98,492       316,368  
Net earnings
    32,889       32,444       32,985       51,897       150,215  
                                         
2008
                                       
Operating revenue
  $ 187,051     $ 168,333     $ 173,400     $ 192,856     $ 721,640  
Operating income
    92,649       72,437       66,185       78,329       309,600  
Net earnings
    48,239       34,914       29,990       37,531       150,674  




 
F-38

 
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


To Southern Union Company and the Board of Managers of
Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company, LP:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations, of partners’ capital and comprehensive income and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company, LP and subsidiaries (the "Company") at December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.  We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.



/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP



Houston, Texas
March 1, 2010


 

 
F-39

 

exhibit12.htm  

Exhibit 12
PANHANDLE EASTERN PIPE LINE COMPANY, LP
                         
                               
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
                             
                               
                               
The following table sets forth the consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges on an historical basis for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005. For the purpose of calculating such ratios, “earnings” consist of pre-tax income from continuing operations before income or loss from equity investees, adjusted to reflect distributed income from equity investments, and fixed charges, less capitalized interest. “Fixed charges” consist of interest costs, amortization of debt discount, premiums and issuance costs and an estimate of interest implicit in rentals. No adjustment has been made to earnings for the amortization of capital interest for the periods presented as such amount is immaterial. Interest on FIN 48 liabilities is excluded from the computation of fixed charges as it is recorded by the Company in income tax expense versus interest expense.
 
                               
                               
                               
                               
                               
                               
                               
                               
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
   
(In thousands)
 
FIXED CHARGES:
                             
Interest Expense
  $ 82,881     $ 90,514     $ 83,748     $ 63,322     $ 49,578  
Net amortization of debt discount, premium and
                                       
  issuance expense
    1,615       (1,457 )     (1,197 )     (1,333 )     (1,293 )
Capitalized Interest
    25,701       18,910       14,203       4,645       8,838  
Interest portion of rental expense
    4,122       3,050       3,582       3,780       4,284  
                                         
Total Fixed Charges
  $ 114,319     $ 111,017     $ 100,336     $ 70,414     $ 61,407  
                                         
EARNINGS:
                                       
Consolidated pre-tax income (loss) from continuing
                                       
   operations
  $ 242,315     $ 247,206     $ 246,742     $ 225,794     $ 166,189  
Earnings of equity investments
    (224 )     (304 )     (299 )     (172 )     (226 )
Distributed income from equity investments
    -       -       -       174       203  
Capitalized interest
    (25,701 )     (18,910 )     (14,203 )     (4,645 )     (8,838 )
Minority interest
    -       -       -       -       -  
Total fixed charges (from above)
    114,319       111,017       100,336       70,414       61,407  
                                         
Earnings Available for Fixed Charges
  $ 330,709     $ 339,009     $ 332,576     $ 291,565     $ 218,735  
                                         
                                         
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
    2.9       3.1       3.3       4.1       3.6  



 
 

 

exhibit23_1.htm  


Exhibit 23.1


 
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-162896) of Southern Union Company of our report dated March 1, 2010 relating to the consolidated financial statements of Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company, LP, which appears in this Form 10-K.
 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Houston, Texas
March 1, 2010
 

 
 

 

exhibi24.htm  


 Exhibit 24



POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Richard N. Marshall and Robert M. Kerrigan, III, or either of them, acting individually or together, as such person's true and lawful attorney(s)-in-fact and agent(s), with full power of substitution and revocation, to act in any capacity for such person and in such person's name, place and stead in any and all capacities, to sign the Annual Rerport on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 of Panhandle Eastern Line Company LP, a Delaware limited partnership, and any amendments thereto, and to file the same with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the New York Stock Exchange.

Dated:   March 1, 2010


/s/ George L. Lindemann                                                                               /s/ Eric D. Herschmann                              
George L. Lindemann                                                                                    Eric D. Herschmann

 
/s/ Michal Barzuza                                                                                         /s/ Herbert H. Jacobi                                  
Michal Barzuza                                                                                               Herbert H. Jacobi

 
/s/ David Brodsky                                                                                         /s/ Thomas N. McCarter, III                     
David Brodsky                                                                                               Thomas N. McCarter, III


/s/ Frank W. Denius                                                                                      /s/ George Rountree, III                           
Frank W. Denius                                                                                            George Rountree, III


/s/ Kurt A. Gitter, M.D.                                                                                 /s/ Allan D. Scherer                                   
Kurt A. Gitter, M.D.                                                                                       Allan D. Scherer


 
 

 

exhibit31_1.htm  


Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION
 
 
I, Robert O. Bond, certify that:

(1)  I have reviewed this Report on Form 10-K of Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company, LP;

(2)  Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

(3)  Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

(4)  The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
(a)  
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
 
(b)  
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)  
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)  
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

(5)  The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)  
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)  
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.


Date:           March 1, 2010                                                                 

/s/ ROBERT O. BOND
Robert O. Bond
President and Chief Operating Officer

 
 

 

exhibit31_2.htm  


Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Richard N. Marshall, certify that:

(1)  I have reviewed this Report on Form 10-K of Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company, LP;

(2)  Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

(3)  Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

(4)  The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
(a)  
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
 
(b)  
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)  
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)  
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

(5)  The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)  
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)  
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.


Date:           March 1, 2010                                                                           

/s/ RICHARD N. MARSHALL
Richard N. Marshall
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

 
 

 

exhibit32_1.htm  


Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PUSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PUSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Form 10-K of Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company, LP (the "Company") for the year ended December 31, 2009, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Robert O. Bond, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge (i)  the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13 (a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except as otherwise noted under Item 9A(T) therein, and (ii)  the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ ROBERT O. BOND
Robert O. Bond
President and Chief Operating Officer
March 1, 2010




This Certification is being furnished solely to accompany the Report pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and shall not be deemed “filed” by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, whether made before or after the date of this Report, irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other documents authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

 
 

 

exhibit32_2.htm  



Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PUSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PUSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
 
In connection with the Form 10-K of Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Company, LP (the "Company") for the year ended December 31, 2009, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Richard N. Marshall, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge (i)  the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13 (a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except as otherwise noted under Item 9A(T) therein, and (ii)  the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/  RICHARD N. MARSHALL
Richard N. Marshall
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
March 1, 2010




This Certification is being furnished solely to accompany the Report pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and shall not be deemed “filed” by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, whether made before or after the date of this Report, irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing.
 
 
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other documents authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.