Registration No. 333-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Under
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
SOUTH CAROLINA ELECTRIC & GAS COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
South Carolina 57-0248695
(State or other jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
1426 Main Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
(803) 217-9000
(Address, including zip code and telephone number, including area code,
of registrant's principal executive offices)
H. T. Arthur, Esq.
Senior Vice President and General Counsel
SCANA Corporation
1426 Main Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
(803) 217-8547
(Name, address, including zip code, and
telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
With copies to:
John W. Currie, Esq. James J. Wheaton, Esq.
McNair Law Firm, P.A. Troutman Sanders LLP
1301 Gervais Street - 17th Floor 4425 Corporation Lane, Suite 420
Columbia, SC 29201 Virginia Beach, VA 23462
(803)799-9800 (757) 687-7500
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: After the
effective date of the Registration Statement, as determined by market conditions
and other factors.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant
to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box.
(___)
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box. (X)
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant
to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list
the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. (___)
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under
the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. (___)
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. (___)
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Proposed Proposed
Title of maximum maximum
each class of Amount offering aggregate Amount of
securities to to be price per offering registration
be registered registered unit* price* fee
First Mortgage Bonds $500,000,000 100% $500,000,000 $46,000
* Determined solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee.
Note: Fees of $100,000 were previously paid in connection with Registration
Statement No. 333-65460. Of the First Mortgage Bonds registered under
Registration Statement No. 333-65460, $100,000,000 principal amount is being
carried forward, for which the associated registration fee was $25,000.
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates
as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file
a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement
shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the
Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become
effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a),
may determine.
Pursuant to Rule 429, the prospectus included in this registration statement
includes $100,000,000 principal amount First Mortgage Bonds previously
registered under Registration Statement No. 333-65460.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed.
We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer
to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these
securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION DATED November ___, 2002.
PROSPECTUS
$600,000,000
SOUTH CAROLINA ELECTRIC & GAS COMPANY
1426 Main Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
(803) 217-9000
First Mortgage Bonds
Investing in our First Mortgage Bonds, which we refer to herein as the
New Bonds, involves risks. See "Risk Factors" beginning on page to read about
certain factors you should consider before buying the New Bonds.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the
adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is ___________ ___, 2002.
Table of Contents
Page
About this Prospectus....................................................
Risk Factors.............................................................
Where You Can Find More Information......................................
South Carolina Electric & Gas Company....................................
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.......................................
Use of Proceeds..........................................................
Description of the New Bonds.............................................
Book-Entry System........................................................
Plan of Distribution.....................................................
Experts..................................................................
Legal Opinions...........................................................
About This Prospectus
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") utilizing a "shelf"
registration process. Under this shelf process, we may sell any or all of the
New Bonds described in this prospectus in one or more offerings up to a total
offering amount of $600,000,000. This prospectus provides you with a general
description of the New Bonds. Each time we sell New Bonds, we will provide a
prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of
that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change
information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus
and the relevant prospectus supplement, together with the additional information
described under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information."
We believe we have included all information material to investors but
certain details that may be important to you have not been included. To see more
detail, you should read the exhibits filed with the registration statement. All
references in this prospectus to "SCE&G," "we," "us" and "our" are to South
Carolina Electric & Gas Company and its subsidiary unless otherwise indicated.
Risk Factors
Commodity price changes may affect the operating costs and competitive
positions of our businesses, thereby adversely impacting our results of
operations.
Our energy businesses are sensitive to changes in coal, gas, oil and
other commodity prices. Any changes could affect the prices these businesses
charge, their operating costs and the competitive position of their products and
services. We are able to recover the cost of fuel through retail customers'
bills, but increases in fuel costs affect electric prices and, therefore, the
competitive position of our electric business against other energy sources. In
the case of our natural gas operations, costs for purchased gas are recovered
through customers' bills, but increases in gas cost affect total retail prices
and, therefore, the competitive position of our gas business relative to
electricity, other forms of energy and other gas suppliers.
We are subject to complex government rate regulation, and any inability to
obtain timely rate increases could adversely affect our revenues and results of
operations.
We are subject to extensive regulation which could adversely affect our
operations. In particular, our electric and gas operations are regulated by the
South Carolina Public Service Commission. Although we believe we have a
constructive relationship with our regulators, our ability to obtain rate
increases that will allow us to maintain an acceptable rate of return is
dependent upon regulatory discretion, and there can be no assurance that we will
be able to implement requested rate increases on the schedule desired.
We are vulnerable to interest rate increases and we may not have access to
capital at favorable rates, if at all, which could increase our borrowing costs.
Changes in interest rates can affect the cost of borrowing on variable
rate debt outstanding, on refinancing of debt maturities and on incremental
borrowing to fund new investments. Our business plan reflects the expectation
that we will have access to capital markets on satisfactory terms to fund our
commitments. Moreover, our ability to maintain short-term liquidity by utilizing
our commercial paper program is dependent upon our maintaining an investment
grade rating. Our liquidity would be adversely affected by changes in the
commercial paper market or if our bank credit facilities become unavailable.
Our operating results may be adversely affected by abnormal weather.
We have historically sold less power, delivered less gas and received
lower prices for natural gas, and consequently earned less income, when weather
conditions are milder than normal. Mild weather in the future could diminish our
revenues and results of operations and harm our financial condition. In addition
severe weather can be destructive, causing outages and property damage,
adversely affecting operating expenses and revenues.
Potential competitive changes may adversely affect our electric and gas
business due to the loss of customers or reductions in revenues.
The utility industry has been undergoing dramatic structural change for
several years, resulting in increasing competitive pressures on electric and
natural gas utility companies. Competition in wholesale power sales has been
introduced on a national level. Some states have also mandated or encouraged
competition at the retail level. Increased competition may create greater risks
to the stability of utility earnings generally and may in the future reduce our
earnings from retail electric and natural gas sales. In a deregulated
environment, formerly regulated utility companies that are not responsive to a
competitive energy marketplace may suffer erosion in market share, revenues and
profits as competitors gain access to their customers.
We are subject to risks associated with recent events affecting capital
markets and changes in business climate which could limit our access to capital,
thereby increasing our costs and adversely affecting our results of operations.
The September 11, 2001 attack on the United States and the ongoing war
against terrorism by the United States have resulted in greater uncertainty in
the financial markets. Additionally, the availability and cost of capital for
our business and those of our competitors could be adversely affected by the
bankruptcy of Enron Corporation and disclosures by Enron and other energy
companies of their trading practices involving electricity and natural gas.
These events have constrained and are expected to continue to constrain the
capital available to our industry and could limit our access to funding for our
operations. Other factors that generally could affect our ability to access
capital include: (1) general economic conditions; (2) market prices for
electricity and gas; and (3) our capital structure. Much of our business is
capital intensive, and achievement of our long-term growth targets is dependent,
at least in part, upon our ability to access capital at rates and on terms we
determine to be attractive. If our ability to access capital becomes
significantly constrained, our interest costs will likely increase and our
financial condition and future results of operations could be significantly
harmed.
A downgrade in our credit rating could negatively affect our borrowing
costs and our ability to access capital and to operate our businesses.
In July 2002, Standard & Poor's lowered its long-term credit rating for our
securities by one notch, and Moody's affirmed its ratings. Our senior secured
debt is rated at A- and A1 by Standard and Poor's and Moody's, respectively,
with a stable outlook. However, if Standard & Poor's or Moody's were to further
downgrade our long-term rating, particularly below investment grade, our
borrowing costs would increase, which would diminish our financial results, and
our potential pool of investors and funding sources could decrease. Further, if
our short-term ratings were to fall below A-1 or P-1, the current ratings
assigned by Standard & Poor's and Moody's, respectively, it could significantly
limit our access to the commercial paper market and our liquidity. In addition,
Standard & Poor's rating philosophy links the rating of the utility subsidiary
to the credit rating of the parent corporation. As a result, if Standard &
Poor's were to downgrade SCANA Corporation's (SCANA) long-term credit rating,
our long-term credit rating would also likely be downgraded.
Changes in the environmental laws and regulations to which we are subject
could increase our costs or curtail our activities.
Compliance with extensive federal, state and local environmental laws
and regulations requires us to commit significant capital toward environmental
monitoring, installation of pollution control equipment, emission fees and
permits at our facilities. These expenditures have been significant in the past
and we expect that they will increase in the future. Changes in compliance
requirements or a more burdensome interpretation by governmental authorities of
existing requirements may impose additional costs on us or require us to curtail
some of our activities. Costs of compliance with environmental regulations could
harm our industry, our business and our results of operations and financial
position, especially if emission or discharge limits are tightened, more
extensive permitting requirements are imposed or additional substances become
regulated.
Changing transmission regulatory and energy marketing structures could
affect our ability to compete in our electric markets, thereby adversely
impacting our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") has issued a Notice
of Proposed Rulemaking ("NOPR") on Standard Market Design which proposes
sweeping changes to the country's existing regulatory framework governing
transmission, open access and energy markets and will attempt, in large measure,
to standardize the national energy market. While it is anticipated that
significant change to the NOPR may occur and that implementation, presently
scheduled for September 2004, may not occur for some time, any rules
standardizing the markets may have significant impact on our access to or cost
of power for our native load customers and on our marketing of power outside our
service territory. At this time, management is unable to predict the final rules
or timing of implementation and the impact on our results of operations and cash
flows.
Repeal of PUHCA could adversely impact our business by increasing our costs or
otherwise changing or restricting the nature of activities in which we may
engage. Any such changes could thereby impact our results of operations.
We are a subsidiary of a registered holding company under the Public
Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended ("PUHCA"). Repeal of PUHCA has
been proposed, but it is unclear whether or when such a repeal would occur. It
is also unclear to what extent repeal of PUHCA would result in additional or new
regulatory oversight or action at the federal and state levels, or what the
impact of those developments might be on our business.
Problems with operations could cause us to incur substantial costs, thereby
adversely impacting our results of operations and financial condition.
As the operator of power generation facilities, we could incur problems
such as the breakdown or failure of power generation equipment, transmission
lines, other equipment or processes which would result in performance below
assumed levels of output or efficiency. The failure of a power generation
facility may result in our purchasing replacement power at market rates. These
purchases are subject to state regulatory approval for recovery through rates.
A significant portion of our generating capacity is derived from nuclear power,
the use of which exposes us to regulatory, environmental and business risks.
These risks could increase our costs or otherwise constrain our business,
thereby adversely impacting our results of operations and financial condition.
The V.C. Summer nuclear plant, which we operate, provided approximately 4.5
million MWh, or 21% of our generation capacity, in 2001. Our license to operate
this plant currently expires in 2022. We have filed an application with the
federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission ("NRC") to extend the license for an
additional 20 years, but there can be no assurance that the extension will be
granted.
We are also subject to other risks of nuclear generation, which include the
following:
o The potential harmful effects on the environment and human health
resulting from a release of radioactive materials in connection with
the operation of nuclear facilities and the storage, handling and
disposal of radioactive materials;
o Limitations on the amounts and types of insurance commercially
available to cover losses that might arise in connection with our
nuclear operations or those of others in the United States;
o Uncertainties with respect to contingencies and assessment amounts if
insurance coverage is inadequate; and
o Uncertainties with respect to the technological and financial aspects
of decommissioning nuclear plants at the end of their licensed lives.
The NRC has broad authority under federal law to impose licensing and
safety-related requirements for the operation of nuclear generation facilities.
In the event of non-compliance, the NRC has the authority to impose fines or
shut down a unit, or both, depending upon its assessment of the severity of the
situation, until compliance is achieved. Revised safety requirements promulgated
by the NRC could necessitate capital expenditures at nuclear plants such as
ours. In addition, although we have no reason to anticipate a serious nuclear
incident, if a major incident should occur at a domestic nuclear facility, it
could harm our results of operations or financial condition. A major incident at
a nuclear facility anywhere in the world could cause the NRC to limit or
prohibit the operation or licensing of any domestic nuclear unit. Finally, in
today's environment, there is a heightened risk of terrorist attack on the
nation's nuclear facilities, which has resulted in increased security costs at
our nuclear plant.
Where You Can Find More Information
We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and
other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over
the Internet at the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and
copy any document we file with the SEC at, and obtain copies of these documents
by mail (at prescribed rates) from, the Public Reference section of the SEC, 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference
rooms. Because we have preferred stock which is listed on The New York Stock
Exchange, you may also read our filings at the Stock Exchange's offices at 20
Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
This prospectus does not repeat important information that you can find
in the registration statement and in the reports and other documents which we
file with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange
Act"). The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" the information we file
with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by
referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is
an important part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with
the SEC will automatically update and supersede some of this information. We
incorporate by reference our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2001, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended
March 31, 2002, June 30, 2002 and September 30, 2002, our Current Report on Form
8-K filed October 29, 2002 and any future filing made with the SEC under
Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Exchange Act until we sell all of the
New Bonds. In addition, we are also incorporating by reference any additional
documents that we file with the SEC pursuant to these sections of the Exchange
Act after the date of the filing of the registration statement containing this
prospectus and prior to the date of effectiveness of the registration statement.
We are not required to, and do not, provide annual reports to holders
of our debt securities unless specifically requested by a holder.
You may request a copy of our SEC filings at no cost by writing or
telephoning us at the following address or phone number, as the case may be:
H. John Winn, III
Manager - Investor Relations and Shareholder Services
South Carolina Electric & Gas Company
Columbia, South Carolina 29218
(803) 217-9240
You may obtain more information by contacting SCANA's Internet website
at http://www.scana.com (which is not intended to be an active hyperlink). The
information on SCANA's Internet website is not incorporated by reference in this
prospectus, and you should not consider it part of this prospectus.
You should rely on the information we incorporate by reference or
provide in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized
anyone else to provide you with different information. We are not making an
offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You
should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any prospectus
supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of those
documents, because our business, financial condition, results of operations and
prospects may have changed since that date.
South Carolina Electric & Gas Company
We are a wholly-owned subsidiary of SCANA Corporation and a regulated
public utility engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of
electricity and the purchase and sale, primarily at retail, of natural gas in
South Carolina. Our electric service area extends into 24 counties covering more
than 15,000 square miles of the central, southern and southwestern portions of
South Carolina. Our service area for natural gas encompasses all or part of 33
of South Carolina's 46 counties, and covers more than 22,000 square miles. The
total population of the counties representing our combined service area in South
Carolina is approximately 2.6 million.
We maintain a generally constructive relationship with the Public
Service Commission of South Carolina. We are allowed, subject to state
commission approval during annual fuel and purchased gas cost hearings, full
pass-through to retail customers of our electric fuel and natural gas costs.
Such approval has historically been granted. There is also a weather
normalization clause in effect for natural gas, which mitigates our commodity
price risk and allows us to focus our efforts on serving our customers.
We have significantly increased our marketing of services to commercial
and industrial customers, and have executed long-term power supply contracts
with a significant portion of our industrial customers. We provide all of our
electric generation capacity through our own facilities and maintain a balanced
supply and demand position as it relates to electric generation. We have
executed a contract with a third party for the portion of the generating
capacity of the Jasper plant that we do not expect to be able to utilize
immediately when that plant begins operations, which is scheduled for 2004.
We are subject to the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission of
South Carolina, and in August 2002 we submitted a request for an electric rate
increase, which if approved would go into effect in February 2003. The rate
increase relates primarily to our expenditures for a recently completed
generating station and for the Jasper County, South Carolina generating station.
We also operate and have a two-thirds interest in the V.C. Summer
nuclear station in South Carolina. This station furnished approximately 21% of
our electric generation capacity in 2001. In September 2002 we filed an
application with the NRC to extend our license on the plant for an additional
twenty years, until 2042.
In 1999 FERC mandated that we reinforce our Lake Murray dam in order to
maintain the lake in case of an extreme earthquake. Construction for the project
and related activities, which began in the third quarter of 2001, is expected to
cost approximately $250 million and be completed in 2005.
Business Strategy
Our business plan is based on traditional utility operations. We have a
straight-forward strategic plan that is focused on retail service to customers
in the South Carolina. We believe we can implement this strategy by:
o Maintaining excellent customer service. We have received several
prominent customer satisfaction awards, including an award for the
highest marks for overall residential customer satisfaction among
investor-owned utilities in the 12-state southern region in a
study released by J. D. Power and Associates in July 2002 and a
number one ranking in five of seven categories in a national
survey of large electric customers released by TQS Research in
August 2002.
o Continuing our ability to provide cost-effective electric
generation with the completion of our Jasper plant and obtaining a
license extension for the V. C. Summer nuclear station.
o Maintaining a strong credit rating and capital structure.
o Developing our personnel by continued training. We conduct ongoing
code of conduct and compliance training for all of our employees
annually.
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
Our historical ratios of earnings to fixed charges are as follows:
Twelve Months Ended Year Ended December 31,
------------------------------------------
September 30, 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
---------------------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
3.55 3.78 4.24 3.71 4.40 3.85
For purposes of this ratio, earnings represent net income plus income taxes and
fixed charges. Fixed charges represent interest charges and the estimated
interest portion of annual rentals.
Use of Proceeds
We will use the proceeds from the sale of the New Bonds to finance our
construction program, to reduce short-term indebtedness incurred for such
purpose, and for other general corporate purposes.
Description of the New Bonds
General
We will issue the New Bonds in one or more series under an Indenture,
dated as of April 1, 1993, between us and The Bank of New York, successor to
NationsBank of Georgia, National Association, as trustee (the "Trustee"), as
supplemented (the "Mortgage"). The New Bonds and all other debt securities
issued and outstanding under the Mortgage are referred to in this prospectus as
the "Bonds." Capitalized terms used under this heading (other than under the
caption "The Class A Mortgage") which are not otherwise defined in this
prospectus have the meanings given those terms in the Mortgage. We have
summarized selected provisions of the Mortgage below. The Mortgage is filed as
an exhibit to the registration statement, and you should read the Mortgage for
provisions that may be important to you. In the summary below, we have included
references to section numbers of the Mortgage so that you can easily locate
these provisions.
Provisions of a Particular Series
The New Bonds of a series need not be issued at the same time, bear
interest at the same rate or mature on the same date. Unless otherwise provided
in the terms of a series, a series may be reopened, without notice to or consent
of any holder of outstanding Bonds, for issuances of additional New Bonds of
that series. Each prospectus supplement which accompanies this prospectus will
set forth the following information to describe the series of New Bonds related
to that prospectus supplement, unless the information is the same as the
information included in this section:
o the title of the series of New Bonds;
o the aggregate principal amount and any limit upon the aggregate
principal amount of the series of New Bonds;
o the portion of the principal payable upon acceleration of maturity, if
other than the entire principal;
o the date or dates on which the principal of the series of New
Bonds will be payable, and any right that we have to change the
date on which principal is payable amount;
o the rate or rates at which the series of New Bonds will bear
interest, if any (or the method of calculating the rate); the date
or dates from which the interest will accrue; the dates on which
the interest will be payable ("Interest Payment Dates"); the
record dates for the interest payable on the Interest Payment
Dates;
o any payments due if the maturity of the New Bonds is accelerated;
o any option on our part to redeem the series of New Bonds and redemption
terms and conditions;
o any obligation on our part to redeem or purchase the series of New
Bonds in accordance with any sinking fund or analogous provisions
or at the option of the holder and the relevant terms and
conditions for that redemption or purchase;
o the denominations of the series of New Bonds;
o whether the series of New Bonds is subject to a book-entry system of
transfers and payments; and
o any other particular terms of the series of New Bonds and of its
offering.
Payment of New Bonds; Transfers; Exchanges
We will pay any interest which is due on each New Bond to the person in
whose name that New Bond is registered as of the close of business on the record
date relating to the Interest Payment Date. (Section 207) However, we will pay
interest which is payable when the New Bonds mature (whether the New Bonds
mature on their stated date of maturity, the date the New Bonds are redeemed or
otherwise) to the person to whom the relevant principal payment on the New Bonds
is to be paid.
We will pay principal of, and any premium and interest on, the New
Bonds at our office or agency in Atlanta, Georgia (currently, the Trustee). The
applicable prospectus supplement for any series of New Bonds will specify any
other place of payment and any other paying agent. We may change the place at
which the New Bonds will be payable, may appoint one or more additional paying
agents (including us) and may remove any paying agent, all at our discretion.
(Section 702)
You may transfer or exchange the New Bonds for other New Bonds of the
same series, authorized denominations (which are, unless otherwise stated in the
prospectus supplement, denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple
thereof) and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount, at our office or
agency in Atlanta, Georgia (currently, the Trustee). At our discretion, we may
change the place for registration and transfer of the New Bonds, and we may
appoint one or more additional security registrars (including us) and remove any
security registrar. The prospectus supplement will identify any additional place
for registration of transfer and any additional security registrar. You are not
responsible for paying a service charge for any transfer or exchange of the New
Bonds, but you may have to pay a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other
governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any registration of
transfer or exchange of the New Bonds. (Sections 202 and 205)
For additional information with respect to the rights of the owners of
beneficial interests in New Bonds subject to a book-entry system of transfers
and payments, see "Book-Entry System."
Redemption
The New Bonds are subject to redemption, as set forth in the relevant
prospectus supplement, only upon notice by mail (unless waived) not less than 30
days prior to the redemption date. If less than all the New Bonds of a series
are to be redeemed, the particular New Bonds to be redeemed will be selected by
the method as shall be provided for any particular series, or in the absence of
any such provision, by any method as the security registrar deems fair and
appropriate. (Sections 409, 903 and 904)
We may, in any notice of redemption, make any redemption conditional
upon receipt by the Trustee, on or prior to the date fixed for redemption, of
money sufficient to pay the redemption price. If the Trustee has not received
that money, we will not be required to redeem those New Bonds and we will then
give notice to that effect.
(Section 904)
Security
General. The New Bonds will be equally and ratably secured with all
other Bonds issued under the Mortgage. The Bonds are secured by:
o a like principal amount of non-interest bearing first and
refunding mortgage bonds (the "Class A Bonds" as more particularly
described below), and
o the lien of the Mortgage on substantially all of our properties
used in the generation, purchase, transmission, distribution and
sale of electricity and any other property which we may elect to
subject to the lien of the Mortgage on the Mortgaged Property.
The lien of the Mortgage is junior to the lien of our Indenture, dated as of
January 1, 1945 (the "Class A Mortgage") to JPMorgan Chase Bank, successor to
Central Hanover Bank and Trust Company, as trustee (the "Class A Trustee").
If we merge or are consolidated with another corporation and certain
conditions set forth in the Mortgage are satisfied, then we may deliver to the
Trustee bonds issued under an existing mortgage on the properties of such other
corporation in lieu of or in addition to Class A Bonds. In that event, the Bonds
will be secured, additionally, by such bonds (which would become Class A Bonds)
and by the lien of the mortgage on the properties of such other corporation,
subject to such existing mortgage, which lien would be junior to the liens of
such existing mortgage (which would become a Class A Mortgage) and the Class A
Mortgage. (Section 1206)
When no Class A Bonds are outstanding under a Class A Mortgage except
for Class A Bonds held by the Trustee, then, subject to the satisfaction of
certain conditions, the Trustee will surrender those Class A Bonds for
cancellation and the related Class A Mortgage will be satisfied and discharged.
In that event, the lien of such Class A Mortgage on our property will cease to
exist and the Mortgage will constitute, subject to certain exceptions, a first
mortgage lien on the property mortgaged thereby. (Section 1207)
Class A Bonds. The Class A Bonds are issued under the Class A Mortgage,
and delivered to the Trustee under the Mortgage. The Class A Bonds will be
registered in the name of the Trustee and will be owned and held, subject to the
provisions of the Mortgage, for the benefit of the holders of all of the Bonds
outstanding from time to time. We will have no interest in the Class A Bonds
designated as the basis for authentication and delivery of Bonds. (Section 1201)
The Trustee may not transfer any Class A Bonds which have been
designated as the basis for the authentication and delivery of Bonds, except to
a successor trustee. At the time any Bonds which have been authenticated and
delivered upon the basis of Class A Bonds are no longer outstanding, we may
request the Trustee to surrender for cancellation an equal principal amount of
such Class A Bonds. (Sections 1203 and 1204)
Lien of the Mortgage. The properties subject to the lien of the
Mortgage are also subject to the prior first mortgage lien of the Class A
Mortgage. As discussed under the caption "Description of the New Bonds--The
Class A Mortgage--Security" in this prospectus, the lien of the Class A Mortgage
is a first mortgage lien, subject to certain exceptions, against the properties
subject thereto. Until the Class A Mortgage is discharged, the Bonds have the
benefit of the lien of the Class A Mortgage on the property mortgaged thereby,
to the extent of the aggregate principal amount of Class A Bonds designated as
the basis for the authentication and delivery of Bonds held by the Trustee.
(Granting Clauses and Article Twelve)
The lien of the Mortgage is also subject to liens on after-acquired
property existing at the time of acquisition and to various liens, including:
o tax liens, mechanics', materialmen's and similar liens and certain
employees' liens, in each case, which are not delinquent and which
are being contested,
o certain judgment liens, easements, reservations and rights of
others (including governmental entities) in, and defects of title
to, the property subject to the lien of the Mortgage which do not
materially impair its use by us,
o certain leases, and
o certain other liens and encumbrances. (Granting Clauses and Section
101)
The following, among other things, are excepted from the lien of the
Mortgage:
o cash and securities not held under the Mortgage,
o contracts, leases and other agreements, bills, notes and other
instruments, receivables, claims, certain intellectual property
rights and other general intangibles,
o automotive and similar vehicles, movable equipment, and railroad,
marine and flight equipment,
o all goods, stock in trade, wares and merchandise held for sale in the
ordinary course of business,
o fuel (including nuclear fuel assemblies), materials, supplies and other
personal property consumable in the operation of our business,
o portable equipment,
o furniture and furnishings, and computers, machinery and equipment used
exclusively for corporate administrative or clerical purposes,
o electric energy, gas and other products generated, produced or
purchased,
o substances mined, extracted or otherwise separated from the land and
all rights thereto, leasehold interests, and,
o with certain exceptions, all property which is located outside of the
State of South Carolina or Columbia County, Georgia. (Granting Clauses)
The Mortgage contains provisions subjecting (with certain exceptions
and limitations and subject to the prior lien of the Class A Mortgage)
after-acquired electric utility property to the lien of the Mortgage.
(Granting Clauses)
The Mortgage provides that the Trustee has a lien upon the property
subject to the lien of the Mortgage, for the payment of its compensation and
expenses. This Trustee's lien is prior to the lien on behalf of the holders of
the Bonds. (Section 1607)
Issuance of Bonds
The maximum principal amount of Bonds which we may issue under the
Mortgage is unlimited. (Section 201) We may issue Bonds of any series from time
to time on the basis of, and in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding the
sum of:
o the aggregate principal amount of Class A Bonds issued and delivered to
the Trustee and designated by us as the basis for such issuance,
o 70% of the amount of Unfunded Net Property Additions (generally
defined as Property Additions (net of retirements) which have not
been made or deemed to have been made the basis of the
authentication and delivery of Bonds or used for other purposes
under the Mortgage),
o the aggregate principal amount of retired Bonds, and
o cash deposited with the Trustee. (Sections 101, 104 and 302 and
Articles Four, Five and Six)
Property Additions are generally defined to include any Property
subject to the lien of the Mortgage (the "Mortgaged Property") which we may
elect to designate as such, except (with certain exceptions) goodwill, going
concern value rights, intangible property or any property the cost of
acquisition or construction of which is properly chargeable to an operating
expense account. (Section 104)
Because the Mortgaged Property is subject to the lien of the Class A
Mortgage, the New Bonds are issued on the basis of Class A Bonds. The amount of
Bonds we may issue on that basis will be limited by the amount of Class A Bonds
which may be issued under the Class A Mortgage. See "The Class A Mortgage -
Issuance of Additional Bonds."
With certain exceptions in the case of Bonds issued on the basis of
Class A Bonds and retired Bonds as described above, we can issue Bonds only if
our Adjusted Net Earnings for 12 consecutive months within the preceding 18
months is at least twice the Annual Interest Requirements on:
o all Bonds at the time outstanding,
o the Bonds then applied for, and
o all outstanding Class A Bonds other than Class A Bonds held by the
Trustee under the Mortgage. (Sections 103, 301, 302 and 501)
Release of Property
We may obtain the release of property from the lien of the Mortgage either
upon the basis of an equal amount of Unfunded Net Property Additions or upon the
basis of the deposit of cash or a credit for retired Bonds. We may also obtain
the release of property upon the basis of the release of the property from the
lien of the Class A Mortgage. (Article Ten)
Withdrawal of Cash
We may withdraw cash deposited as the basis for the issuance of Bonds
and cash representing payments in respect of Class A Bonds designated as the
basis for the issuance of Bonds upon the basis of (1) Unfunded Net Property
Additions in an amount equal to ten-sevenths of such cash, (2) an equal amount
of retired Bonds or (3) an equal amount of Class A Bonds not then designated as
the basis for the issuance of Bonds or the withdrawal of cash. (Sections 601 and
1202) In addition, we may withdraw cash upon the basis of (a) an equal amount of
Unfunded Net Property Additions, or (b) ten-sevenths of the amount of retired
Bonds, or may apply such cash to (y) the purchase of Bonds (at prices not
exceeding ten-sevenths of the principal amount thereof) or (z) the redemption or
payment at stated maturity of Bonds. (Sections 601 and 1005)
Modification of Mortgage
Except for modifications which will not have a material adverse effect
upon the interests of the Holders of the Bonds, the holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Bonds (or if only certain series
would be affected, the Outstanding Bonds of that series) must consent to amend
the Mortgage. (Section 1701) However, no amendment may, without the consent of
the holder of each outstanding Bond directly affected by the amendment, among
other things (1) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any
installment of principal of or interest on that Bond, or reduce the principal
amount, or the rate of interest on that Bond, or change the method of
calculating the interest rate, or reduce any premium payable on that Bond, or
impair any right to enforce payment on that Bond, or (2) permit the creation of
a lien prior to the lien of the Mortgage on substantially all of the Mortgaged
Property or otherwise deprive those holders of the security of the lien of the
Mortgage or (3) reduce the percentage in principal amount of Bonds, the consent
of whose Holders is required for any supplemental indenture or any waiver.
(Section 1702)
Events of Default
Each of the following events is an Event of Default under the Mortgage:
o We fail to make payments of principal or premium within three business
days, or interest within 60 days, after the due date,
o We fail to perform or breach any other covenant or warranty for a
period of 90 days after notice,
o We file for bankruptcy or certain other events involving insolvency,
receivership or bankruptcy occur, or
o We default under any Class A Mortgage. (Section 1101)
If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, either the Trustee or
the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Bonds may declare the
principal amount of all of the Outstanding Bonds to be immediately due and
payable. After the declaration of acceleration has been made, but before the
sale of any of the Mortgaged Property and before the Trustee has obtained a
judgment or decree for payment of money, the Event of Default giving rise to
such declaration of acceleration will be deemed to be waived, and such
declaration and its consequences will be rescinded and annulled, if we (a) pay
to the Trustee all overdue interest, principal and any premium on any
Outstanding Bonds and (b) cure any other such Event of Default. (Sections 1102
and 1117)
The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Bonds
may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for the
enforcement of the Mortgage available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or
power conferred on the Trustee. No Holder of any Bond has the right to institute
any proceeding with respect to the Mortgage, or for the appointment of a
receiver or for any other remedy thereunder, unless:
o that Holder previously gave written notice of a continuing Event of
Default to the Trustee,
o the Holders of a majority in principal amount of Outstanding Bonds
have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity against costs and
liabilities and requested that the Trustee take action,
o the Trustee declined to take action for 60 days, and
o the Holders of a majority in principal amount of Outstanding Bonds have
given no inconsistent direction during such 60-day period;
provided, however, that each Holder of a Bond has the right to enforce
payment of that Bond when due. (Sections 1111, 1112 and 1116)
In addition to the rights and remedies provided in the Mortgage, the
Trustee may exercise any right or remedy available to the Trustee in its
capacity as the owner and holder of Class A Bonds which arises as a result of a
default under the Class A Mortgage. (Section 1119)
Evidence of Compliance
The Trust Indenture Act requires that we give the Trustee, at least
annually, a brief statement as to our compliance with the conditions and
covenants under the Mortgage. (Article Eight)
The Class A Mortgage
General. Capitalized terms used under this caption which are not
otherwise defined in this prospectus have the meanings ascribed to those terms
in the Class A Mortgage. The summaries under this caption are not detailed.
Whenever particular provisions of the Class A Mortgage or terms defined in the
Class A Mortgage are referred to in this caption, those provisions or
definitions are qualified by reference to the Class A Mortgage. References to
article and section numbers in this caption, unless otherwise indicated, are
references to article and section numbers of the Class A Mortgage. A copy of the
Class A Mortgage is included as an exhibit to the registration statement of
which this prospectus is a part.
Security. The Class A Bonds are secured, equally and ratably with all
other bonds issued and outstanding under the Class A Mortgage, by a direct lien
on substantially all of our fixed property and franchises used or useful in our
public utility businesses (except cash, securities, contracts and accounts
receivable, materials and supplies, natural gas, oil, certain minerals and
mineral rights and certain other assets) now owned by us. The lien of the Class
A Mortgage is a first lien except that it is subject to (1) certain excepted
encumbrances and (2) the fact that titles to certain properties are subject to
reservations and encumbrances such as are customarily encountered in the public
utility business and which do not materially interfere with their use. The Class
A Mortgage contains provisions that allow us to subject (with certain exceptions
and limitations) after-acquired property to the lien thereof. (Granting Clauses)
The Class A Mortgage prohibits us from acquiring property subject to
prior liens if, following the acquisition, prior lien bonds would exceed 15% of
the aggregate of outstanding bonds unless the principal amount of indebtedness
secured by such prior liens does not exceed 70% of the cost of such property to
us and unless, in certain cases, the net earnings of such property meet certain
tests. (Section 7.05 and Fifty-third Supplemental Section 2.02)
The Class A Trustee has a lien upon the property subject to the lien of
the Class A Mortgage for payment of its reasonable compensation and expenses and
for indemnification against certain liabilities. This lien is prior to the lien
on behalf of the holders of bonds. (Section 16.10)
Issuance of Additional Bonds. The principal amount of bonds which may be
secured by the Class A Mortgage is currently limited to $5,000,000,000 and may
be increased by a supplemental indenture or indentures without the consent of
bondholders or stockholders. (Section 2.01 and Fifty-third Supplemental Section
1.04) Additional bonds may from time to time be issued on the basis of:
o 70% of unfunded net property additions,
o the deposit of cash, or
o the retirement of bonds. (Articles Four, Five and Six, Fifty-third
Supplemental Section 2.02)
With certain exceptions in the case of bonds issued on the basis of the
retirement of bonds, we can issue bonds only if net earnings for 12 consecutive
months out of the preceding 18 months are at least twice the annual interest
requirements on all bonds to be outstanding and all prior lien bonds. (Section
103 and Articles Four, Five and Six, Fifty-third Supplemental Section 2.02)
We may withdraw, or apply to the purchase or redemption of bonds, cash
deposited with the Class A Trustee as the basis for the issuance of bonds in an
amount equal to the principal amount of bonds which we are then entitled to have
authenticated and delivered. (Section 1.03 and Articles Four, Five and Six) At
September 30, 2002 unfunded net property additions were approximately $1,941
million, sufficient to permit the issuance of approximately $1,359 million
principal amount of bonds under the Class A Mortgage. Retirement credits in the
amount of $148.3 million were available at September 30, 2002.
Sinking Fund. The Class A Mortgage requires us to deposit, on or before
June 1 in each year, with the Class A Trustee as a "sinking fund requirement" an
amount equal to 1% of the aggregate principal amount of bonds (other than bonds
authenticated on the basis of retirements of other bonds and certain retired
bonds). We may pay the sinking fund requirement in cash or bonds. In addition,
we may satisfy a portion of the sinking fund requirement by certifying to the
Class A Trustee unfunded net property additions in an amount equal to
ten-sevenths of the portion of the sinking fund requirement being satisfied. Any
cash deposited may be applied to the purchase or redemption of bonds of any
series or may be withdrawn by us against deposit of bonds. (Section 2.12, Second
Supplemental Section 2, Third through Fifth, Seventh through Eleventh,
Thirteenth through Fifty-third Supplementals Section 1.03 and Sixth and Twelfth
Supplementals Section 2.03)
Events of Default; Concerning the Trustee. The following are defaults
under the Class A Mortgage:
o We fail to make payments of principal or interest when due,
o We fail to make any sinking fund or purchase fund payment when due,
o We file for bankruptcy or certain other events involving insolvency,
receivership or bankruptcy occur, and
o We fail to perform certain covenants or agreements.
Certain of these events become defaults only after the lapse of prescribed
periods of time and/or notice from the Class A Trustee. (Section 11.01) The
Trust Indenture Act, with which we have covenanted to abide, requires us to
furnish the Class A Trustee with periodic evidence as to the absence of defaults
and as to compliance with the terms of the Class A Mortgage. (Section 18.03)
Upon the occurrence of a default under the Class A Mortgage, either the
Class A Trustee or the holders of not less than 20% in principal amount of
outstanding bonds may declare the principal of all outstanding bonds immediately
due and payable. However, if the default is cured, the holders of a majority in
principal amount of outstanding bonds may rescind that declaration and waive the
default and its consequences. (Section 11.05)
The holders of a majority in principal amount of outstanding bonds may
direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for the
enforcement of the Class A Mortgage. (Section 11.12) No holder of any bond has
the right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Class A Mortgage
unless:
o the holder previously gave written notice of a default to the Class A
Trustee,
o the holders of not less than 20% in principal amount of
outstanding bonds have offered to the Class A Trustee reasonable
indemnity against costs and liabilities and requested the Class A
Trustee to take action,
o the Class A Trustee declined to take action for 60 days, and
o the holders of a majority in principal amount of outstanding bonds
have given no inconsistent direction;
provided, however, that each holder of a bond shall have the right to enforce
payment of that bond when due. (Section 11.14)
Miscellaneous. Subject to certain exceptions and limitations contained
in the Class A Mortgage, property subject to the lien of that mortgage may be
released only upon the substitution of cash, divisional bonds, bonds
authenticated under the Class A Mortgage or certain other property. (Article
Ten) Amendments of the Class A Mortgage require the consent of the holders of 66
2/3% in principal amount of outstanding bonds; provided, the bondholders shall
have no power:
o to extend the fixed maturity, or reduce the rate or extend the
time of payment of interest on any bonds, or reduce the principal
amount of any bonds, or change provisions relating to the sinking
fund or the redemption provisions of any series of bonds
outstanding under the Class A Mortgage, without the express
consent of the holder of each bond which would be affected,
o to reduce the percentages of holders whose consent is required to
enter into any supplemental indenture, without the consent of the
holders of all bonds outstanding,
o to permit the creation by us of any mortgage or pledge or lien in
the nature thereof, ranking prior to or equal with the lien of the
Class A Mortgage on any of the mortgaged property, or
o to deprive the holder of any bond outstanding under the Class A
Mortgage of the lien of the Class A Mortgage on any of the
mortgaged property. (Fifty-third Supplemental Section 2.01)
Amendment of the Class A Mortgage by Vote of Trustee
The Mortgage provides that, if we request the holders of the Class A
Bonds to eliminate the sinking fund provisions of the Mortgage, the Trustee, as
such a holder, will vote to amend the Class A Mortgage to eliminate the sinking
fund provisions accordingly. The Company intends to request the Trustee to do so
at such time as the Trustee is the sole holder of the Class A Bonds. (Section
1205, Fifty-third Supplemental)
With respect to any other amendments to the Class A Mortgage, the
Trustee will vote proportionately with what it reasonably believes will be the
vote of the holders of all other Class A Bonds. However, if the proposed
amendment of the Mortgage is an amendment or modification described under the
caption "Modification of Mortgage" that requires the prior consent of a majority
in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Bonds (or if only certain
series would be affected, the Outstanding Bonds of such series), then the
Trustee will not vote in favor of that amendment unless the consent requirement
has already been met. (Section 1205)
Book-Entry System
If provided in the prospectus supplement, except under the
circumstances described below, we will issue the New Bonds in the form of one or
more global Bonds (each a "Global Bond"), each of which will represent
beneficial interests in the New Bonds. Each such beneficial interest in a Global
Bond is called a "Book-Entry Bond" in this prospectus. We will deposit those
Global Bonds with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company, New York, New
York ("DTC"), or another depository as we may subsequently designate (the
"Depository") relating to the New Bonds, and register them in the name of a
nominee of the Depository.
So long as the Depository, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a
Global Bond, the Depository or its nominee, as the case may be, will be
considered the owner of that Global Bond for all purposes under the Mortgage. We
will make payments of principal of, any premium and interest on the Global Bond
to the Depository or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of
that Global Bond. Except as set forth below, owners of a beneficial interest in
a Global Bond will not be entitled to have any individual New Bonds registered
in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of
any New Bonds and will not be considered the owners of New Bonds under the
Mortgage.
Accordingly, to exercise any of the rights of the registered owners of
the New Bonds, each person holding a beneficial interest in a Global Bond must
rely on the procedures of the Depository. If that person is not a Direct
Participant (hereinafter defined), then that person must also rely on procedures
of the Direct Participant through which that person holds its interest.
DTC
The following information concerning DTC and DTC's book-entry system
has been obtained from sources that we believe to be reliable, but neither we
nor any underwriter, dealer or agent take any responsibility for the accuracy of
that information.
DTC will act as the initial securities depository for the Global Bonds.
The Global Bonds will be issued only as fully-registered securities registered
in the name of Cede & Co., DTC's partnership nominee, or such other name as may
be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. One fully-registered New
Bond certificate will be issued for each issue of the New Bonds, each in the
aggregate principal amount of such issue, and will be deposited with DTC. If,
however, the aggregate principal amount of any issue exceeds $500 million, one
certificate will be issued with respect to each $500 million of principal amount
and an additional certificate will be issued with respect to any remaining
principal amount of such issue.
DTC, the world's largest depository, is a limited-purpose trust company
organized under the New York Banking Law, a "banking organization" within the
meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a
"clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial
Code, and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section
17A of the Exchange Act. DTC holds and provides asset servicing for over two
million issues of U.S. and non-U.S. equity issues, corporate and municipal debt
issues, and money market instruments from over 85 countries that DTC's
participants ("Direct Participants") deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the
post-trade settlement among Direct Participants of sales and other securities
transactions in deposited securities, through electronic computerized book-entry
transfers and pledges between Direct Participants' accounts. This eliminates the
need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct Participants
include both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust
companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations. DTC is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation ("DTCC").
DTCC, in turn, is owned by a number of Direct Participants of DTC and members of
the National Securities Clearing Corporation, Government Securities Clearing
Corporation, MBS Clearing Corporation, and Emerging Markets Clearing Corporation
(NSCC, GSCC, MBSCC, and EMCC, also subsidiaries of DTCC), as well as by the New
York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange LLC, and the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the DTC system is also
available to others such as both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and
dealers, banks, trust companies, and clearing corporations that clear through or
maintain a custodial relationship with a Direct Participant, either directly or
indirectly ("Indirect Participants"). DTC has Standard & Poor's highest rating:
AAA. The DTC Rules applicable to its Participants are on file with the SEC. More
information about DTC can be found at www.dtcc.com.
Purchases of the New Bonds under the DTC system must be made by or
through Direct Participants, which will receive a credit for the New Bonds on
DTC's records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser of each New Bond
("Beneficial Owner") is in turn to be recorded on the Direct and Indirect
Participants' records. Beneficial Owners will not receive written confirmation
from DTC of their purchase, but Beneficial Owners are expected to receive
written confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic
statements of their holdings, from the Direct or Indirect Participant through
which the Beneficial Owner entered into the transaction. Transfers of ownership
interests in the New Bonds are to be accomplished by entries made on the books
of Direct and Indirect Participants acting on behalf of Beneficial Owners.
Beneficial Owners will not receive certificates representing their ownership
interests in the New Bonds, except in the event that use of the book-entry
system for the New Bonds is discontinued.
To facilitate subsequent transfers, all New Bonds deposited by Direct
Participants with DTC are registered in the name of DTC's partnership nominee,
Cede & Co., or such other name as may be requested by an authorized
representative of DTC. The deposit of New Bonds with DTC and their registration
in the name of Cede & Co. or such other nominee do not effect any change in
beneficial ownership. DTC has no knowledge of the actual Beneficial Owners of
the New Bonds; DTC's records reflect only the identity of the Direct
Participants to whose accounts such New Bonds are credited, which may or may not
be the Beneficial Owners. The Direct and Indirect Participants will remain
responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.
Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to Direct
Participants, by Direct Participants to Indirect Participants, and by Direct
Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by
arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as
may be in effect from time to time. Beneficial Owners may wish to take certain
steps to augment transmission to them of notices of significant events with
respect to the New Bonds, such as redemptions, tenders, defaults and proposed
amendments to the New Bond documents. Beneficial Owners may wish to ascertain
that the nominee holding the New Bonds for their benefit has agreed to obtain
and transmit notices to Beneficial Owners. In the alternative, Beneficial Owners
may wish to provide their names and addresses to the registrar and request that
copies of the notices be provided directly to them.
Redemption notices shall be sent to DTC. If less than all of the New
Bonds within an issue are being redeemed, DTC's practice is to determine by lot
the amount of the interest of each Direct Participant in such issue to be
redeemed.
Neither DTC nor Cede & Co., nor any other DTC nominee, will consent or
vote with respect to the New Bonds, unless authorized by a Direct Participant in
accordance with DTC's procedures. Under its usual procedures, DTC mails an
Omnibus Proxy to us as soon as possible after the record date. The Omnibus Proxy
assigns Cede & Co.'s consenting or voting rights to those Direct Participants to
whose accounts the New Bonds are credited on the record date (identified in a
listing attached to the Omnibus Proxy).
Principal and interest payments on the New Bonds will be made to Cede &
Co. or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of
DTC. DTC's practice is to credit Direct Participants' accounts, upon DTC's
receipt of funds and corresponding detail information from us or the Trustee, on
the relevant payment date in accordance with their respective holdings shown on
DTC's records. Payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by
standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities
held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in "street
name," and will be the responsibility of such Participant and not of DTC (nor
its nominee), the Trustee or us, subject to any statutory or regulatory
requirements as may be in effect from time to time. Payment of principal and
interest to Cede & Co., or such other nominee as may be requested by an
authorized representative of DTC, is our responsibility or that of the Trustee.
Disbursement of such payments to Direct Participants is the responsibility of
DTC, and disbursement of such payments to the Beneficial Owners shall be the
responsibility of Direct and Indirect Participants.
A Beneficial Owner shall give notice to elect to have its New Bonds
purchased or tendered by us, through its Participant, to the Trustee and shall
effect delivery of such Book-Entry Bonds by causing the Direct Participant to
transfer the Participant's interest in the New Bonds representing such New
Bonds, on DTC's records, to the Trustee. The requirement for physical delivery
of New Bonds in connection with a demand for repayment will be deemed satisfied
when the ownership rights in the Global Bond or Bonds representing such New
Bonds are transferred by Direct Participants on DTC's records and followed by a
credit of tendered New Bonds to the Trustee's DTC account.
DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depository
with respect to the New Bonds at any time by giving reasonable notice to us or
the Trustee. Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor securities
depository is not obtained, New Bonds in certificated form are required to be
printed and delivered. In addition, we may decide to discontinue use of the
system of book-entry transfers through DTC or a successor securities depository.
In that event, New Bonds in certificated form will be printed and delivered.
Neither we nor the Trustee will have any responsibility or obligation
to the Depository, any Participant in the book-entry system or any Beneficial
Owner with respect to (1) the accuracy of any records maintained by DTC or any
Participant; (2) the payment by DTC or by any Participant of any amount due to
any Participant or Beneficial Owner, respectively, in respect of the principal
amount or purchase price or redemption price of, or interest on, any New Bonds;
(3) the delivery of any notice by DTC or any participant; (4) the selection of
the Beneficial Owners to receive payment in the event of any partial redemption
of the New Bonds; or (5) any other action taken by DTC or any Participant.
Plan of Distribution
We may offer the New Bonds in any of three ways:
o through underwriters or dealers,
o directly to a limited number of purchasers or to a single purchaser, or
o through agents.
Each prospectus supplement will set forth:
o the terms of the offering of the New Bonds,
o the proceeds to us,
o any underwriting discounts and other items constituting underwriters'
compensation, and
o any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions
allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers.
From time to time, we may change any initial public offering price and any
discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers.
By Underwriters
If underwriters are used in the sale, the New Bonds being sold will be
acquired by them for their own account and they may resell the New Bonds from
time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at
a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of
sale. Underwriters may offer the New Bonds to the public either through
underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters or
directly by one or more firms acting as underwriters. The applicable prospectus
supplement will name any underwriter involved in a sale of New Bonds and the
cover page will state the name of the managing underwriter. Any underwriting
agreement will provide that the obligations of the underwriters are subject to
certain conditions precedent, and that the underwriters will be obligated to
purchase all of the New Bonds to which that underwriting agreement relates if
any are purchased. Any initial public offering price and any discounts or
concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to underwriters or dealers may be
changed from time to time.
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against some liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, or to contribute to
payments the underwriters may be required to make because of any of those
liabilities. Specifically, the underwriting agreement will provide that we will
indemnify the underwriters for losses, claims, liabilities, expenses or damages
arising out of or based on untrue statements of a material fact contained in
this prospectus or the registration statement of which the prospectus is a part
(or any amendment hereto or thereto) or in any document filed under the Exchange
Act and deemed to be incorporated by reference herein, or omissions to state
material facts required to be stated herein or therein in order to make the
statements contained herein or therein not misleading, with certain exceptions.
Direct Sales
We may also sell the New Bonds directly. In this case, no underwriters or agents
would be involved.
By Agents
We may sell the New Bonds directly or through agents designated by us
from time to time. In the applicable prospectus supplement, we will state the
name of any agent involved in the offer or sale of the New Bonds as well as any
commissions payable by us to such agent. Unless otherwise indicated in the
prospectus supplement, any such agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for
the period of its appointment.
Experts
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement
schedule incorporated in this prospectus by reference from our Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 have been audited by Deloitte &
Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their report which is
incorporated herein by reference (which report expresses an unqualified opinion
and includes an explanatory paragraph referring to a change in our method of
accounting for operating revenues), and has been so incorporated in reliance
upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting
and auditing.
Legal Opinions
McNair Law Firm, P.A., of Columbia, South Carolina, and H. Thomas Arthur,
Esq., our Senior Vice President and General Counsel, or Sarena D. Burch, our
Deputy General Counsel, will pass upon the validity of the New Bonds for us.
Troutman Sanders LLP, of Richmond, Virginia, will serve as counsel to any
underwriters. Troutman Sanders LLP will rely as to all matters of South Carolina
law upon the opinion of H. Thomas Arthur, Esq. or Sarena D. Burch, Esq.
At September 30, 2002, H. Thomas Arthur, Esq., and Sarena D. Burch, Esq.,
owned beneficially 15,089 and 4,192, respectively (and options to purchase
70,930 and 29,876, respectively), shares of SCANA's Common Stock, including
shares acquired by the trustee under its Stock Purchase-Savings Program by use
of contributions made by Mr. Arthur and Ms. Burch and earnings thereon and
including shares purchased by the trustee by use of SCANA contributions and
earnings thereon.
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED
IN PROSPECTUS
Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution
Securities and Exchange Commission filing fee....... $71,000
Printing Expense.................................... 15,000*
Blue Sky and Legal fees............................. 125,000*
Rating Agency fees.................................. 100,000*
Trustee fees........................................ 25,000*
Accounting services................................. 30,000*
Miscellaneous....................................... 10,000*
--------
Total.............................................. $376,000*
*Estimated
Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
The South Carolina Business Corporation Act of 1988 permits
indemnification of the Registrant's directors and officers in a variety of
circumstances, which may include indemnification for liabilities under the
Securities Act. Under Sections 33-8-510, 33-8-550 and 33-8-560 of the South
Carolina Business Corporation Act of 1988, a South Carolina corporation is
authorized generally to indemnify its directors and officers in civil or
criminal actions if they acted in good faith and reasonably believed their
conduct to be in the best interests of the corporation and, in the case of
criminal actions, had no reasonable cause to believe that the conduct was
unlawful. In addition, the Registrant carries insurance on behalf of directors,
officers, employees or agents that may cover liabilities under the Securities
Act.
Item 16. Exhibits
Exhibits required to be filed with this registration statement are
listed in the following Exhibit Index. Certain of such exhibits which have
heretofore been filed with the SEC and which are designated by reference to
their exhibit numbers in prior filings are hereby incorporated herein by
reference and made a part hereof.
Item 17. Undertakings
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are
being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i) to include any prospectus required by section
10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events
arising after the effective date of
the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof)
which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the
information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the
total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was
registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum
offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the
Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume
and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering
price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective
registration statement; and
(iii) to include any material information with
respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration
statement or any material change to such information in the registration
statement;
Provided, however, that paragraphs (1)(i) and (1)(ii) do not apply if the
information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those
paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the
Commission by the Registrant pursuant to section 13 or section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the
registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under
the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein,
and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
Registrant's annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the
registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3, except for the assignment of a security
rating pursuant to transaction requirement B-2 of Form S-3, which requirement
the Registrant reasonably believes will be met by the time of sale, and has duly
caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Columbia, State of South
Carolina, on November 25, 2002.
(REGISTRANT) South Carolina Electric & Gas Company
By: s/N. O. Lorick
(Name & Title): N. O. Lorick, President and Chief Operating Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
(i) Principal executive officer:
By: s/W. B. Timmerman
(Name & Title): W. B. Timmerman, Chairman of the Board,
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Date: November 25, 2002
(ii) Principal financial officer:
By: s/K. B. Marsh
(Name & Title): K. B. Marsh, Senior Vice President-Finance and
Chief Financial Officer
Date: November 25, 2002
(iii) Principal accounting officer:
By: s/J. E. Swan, IV
(Name & Title) J. E. Swan, IV, Controller
Date: November 25, 2002
(iv) Other Directors:
*B. L. Amick; J. A. Bennett; W. B. Bookhart, Jr.; W. C. Burkhardt; E. T.
Freeman; D. M. Hagood; W. H. Hipp; L. M. Miller; M. K. Sloan; H. C. Stowe and
G. S. York
* Signed on behalf of each of these persons by Kevin B. Marsh, Attorney-in-Fact
Date: November 25, 2002
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No.
Description
1.01 Underwriting Agreement
Form of Underwriting Agreement relating to the New Bonds
(Filed herewith)
3.01 Restated Articles of Incorporation, as adopted on May 3, 2001
(Filed as Exhibit 3.01 to Registration Statement No. 333-65460)
3.02 Articles of Amendment dated May 22, 2001 (Filed as Exhibit 3.02
to Registration Statement No. 333-65460)
3.03 Articles of Correction dated June 1, 2001 (Filed as Exhibit 3.03
to Registration Statement No. 333-65460)
3.04 Articles of Amendment dated June 14, 2001 (Filed as Exhibit 3.04
to Registration Statement No. 333-65460)
3.05 Articles of Amendment dated August 30, 2001 (Filed herewith)
3.06 Articles of Amendment dated March 13, 2002 (Filed herewith)
3.07 Articles of Amendment dated May 9, 2002 (Filed herewith)
3.08 Articles of Amendment dated June 4, 2002 (Filed herewith)
3.09 Articles of Amendment dated August 12, 2002 (Filed herewith)
3.10 By-Laws as revised and amended on February 22, 2001 (Filed as
Exhibit 3.05 to Registration Statement No. 333-65460)
4.01 Indenture dated as of January 1, 1945, from the South Carolina
Power Company (the "Power Company") to Central Hanover Bank and
Trust Company, as Trustee, as supplemented by three Supplemental
Indentures dated respectively as of May 1, 1946, May 1, 1947 and
July 1, 1949 (Filed as Exhibit 2-B to Registration Statement No.
2-26459)
4.02 Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 1, 1950, to
Indenture referred to in Exhibit 4.01, pursuant to which SCE&G
assumed said Indenture (Filed as Exhibit 2-C to Registration
Statement No. 2-26459)
4.03 Fifth through Fifty-second Supplemental Indentures to Indenture
referred to in Exhibit 4.01 dated as of the dates indicated
below and filed as exhibits to the Registration Statements
whose file numbers are set forth below:
December 1, 1950 Exhibit 2-D to Registration No. 2-26459
July 1, 1951 Exhibit 2-E to Registration No. 2-26459
Exhibit No. Description
June 1, 1953 Exhibit 2-F to Registration No. 2-26459
June 1, 1955 Exhibit 2-G to Registration No. 2-26459
November 1, 1957 Exhibit 2-H to Registration No. 2-26459
September 1, 1958 Exhibit 2-I to Registration No. 2-26459
September 1, 1960 Exhibit 2-J to Registration No. 2-26489
June 1, 1961 Exhibit 2-K to Registration No. 2-26459
December 1, 1965 Exhibit 2-L to Registration No. 2-26459
June 1, 1966 Exhibit 2-M to Registration No. 2-26459
June 1, 1967 Exhibit 2-N to Registration No. 2-26459
September 1, 1968 Exhibit 4-O to Registration No. 2-29693
June 1, 1969 Exhibit 4-C to Registration No. 2-31569
December 1, 1969 Exhibit 4-O to Registration No. 33-38580
June 1, 1970 Exhibit 4-R to Registration No. 2-35388
March 1, 1971 Exhibit 2-B-17 to Registration No. 2-37363
January 1, 1972 Exhibit 2-B to Registration No. 2-40324
July 1, 1974 Exhibit 2-A-19 to Registration No. 33-38580
May 1, 1975 Exhibit 4-C to Registration No. 2-51291
July 1, 1975 Exhibit 2-B-21 to Registration No. 33-38580
February 1, 1976 Exhibit 2-B-22 to Registration No. 2-53908
December 1, 1976 Exhibit 2-B-23 to Registration No. 2-55304
March 1, 1977 Exhibit 2-B-24 to Registration No. 2-57936
May 1, 1977 Exhibit 4-C to Registration No. 2-58662
February 1, 1978 Exhibit 4-C to Registration No. 33-38580
June 1, 1978 Exhibit 2-A-3 to Registration No. 2-61653
April 1, 1979 Exhibit 4-C to Registration No. 33-38580
June 1, 1979 Exhibit 2-A-3 to Registration No. 33-38580
April 1, 1980 Exhibit 4-C to Registration No. 33-38580
June 1, 1980 Exhibit 4-C to Registration No. 33-38580
December 1, 1980 Exhibit 4-C to Registration No. 33-38580
April 1, 1981 Exhibit 4-D to Registration No. 33-49421
June 1, 1981 Exhibit 4-D to Registration No. 2-73321
March 1, 1982 Exhibit 4-D to Registration No. 33-49421
April 15, 1982 Exhibit 4-D to Registration No. 33-49421
May 1, 1982 Exhibit 4-D to Registration No. 33-49421
December 1, 1984 Exhibit 4-D to Registration No. 33-49421
December 1, 1985 Exhibit 4-D to Registration No. 33-49421
June 1, 1986 Exhibit 4-D to Registration No. 33-49421
February 1, 1987 Exhibit 4-D to Registration No. 33-49421
September 1, 1987 Exhibit 4-D to Registration No. 33-49421
January 1, 1989 Exhibit 4-D to Registration No. 33-49421
January 1, 1991 Exhibit 4-D to Registration No. 33-49421
February 1, 1991 Exhibit 4-D to Registration No. 33-49421
July 15, 1991 Exhibit 4-D to Registration No. 33-49421
August 15, 1991 Exhibit 4-D to Registration No. 33-49421
April 1, 1993 Exhibit 4-E to Registration No. 33-49421
July 1, 1993 Exhibit 4-D to Registration No. 33-57955
Exhibit
No. Description
4.04 Fifty-Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 1, 1999, to
Indenture referred to in Exhibit 4.01 (Filed as Exhibit 4.04 to
Registration Statement No. 333-86387)
4.05 Indenture dated as of April 1, 1993 from SCE&G to NationsBank of
Georgia, National Association (Filed as Exhibit 4-F to
Registration Statement No. 33-49421)
4.06 First Supplemental Indenture to Indenture referred to in
Exhibit 4.05 dated as of June 1, 1993
(Filed as Exhibit 4-G to Registration Statement No. 33-49421)
4.07 Second Supplemental Indenture to Indenture referred to in
Exhibit 4.05 dated as of June 15, 1993
(Filed as Exhibit 4-G to Registration Statement No. 33-57955)
5.01 Opinion Re Legality
Opinion of H. Thomas Arthur, Esq. (Filed herewith)
8.01 Opinion Re Tax Matters (Not Applicable)
10.01 Service Agreement between SCE&G and SCANA Services, Inc.,
effective April 1, 2002 (Filed herewith)
12.01 Statements Re Computation of Ratios (Filed herewith)
15.01 Letter re Unaudited Interim Financial Information
(Not applicable)
23.01 Consents of Experts and Counsel
A. Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP (Filed herewith)
B. Consent of H. Thomas Arthur, Esq. (Included in opinion filed
as Exhibit 5.01).
24.01 Power of Attorney (Filed herewith)
25.01 Statement of Eligibility of Trustee
Statement of Eligibility of The Bank of New York, as Trustee
(Form T-1) (Filed herewith)
26.01 Invitations for Competitive Bids (Not applicable)