WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT CO
10-Q, 1997-02-13
NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION
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                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
                                    FORM 10-Q

(MARK ONE)

[ X ]          QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
                         SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED            DECEMBER 31, 1996
                               ----------------------------


                                       OR

[   ]         TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
                         SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM                   TO


COMMISSION FILE NUMBER                       1-1483
                         ----------------------------------------------

                          WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)


DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AND VIRGINIA              53-0162882
- ---------------------------------            --------------
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF                 (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
 INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                              IDENTIFICATION NO.)

1100 H STREET, N. W., WASHINGTON, D. C.              20080
- ---------------------------------------         ----------
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)     (ZIP CODE)

                             (703) 750-4440
                            -----------------
                 REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE


                               NONE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(FORMER  NAME,  FORMER  ADDRESS AND FORMER  FISCAL YEAR,  IF CHANGED  SINCE LAST
REPORT.)


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   X    NO
                                     ----

INDICATE THE NUMBER OF SHARES  OUTSTANDING  OF EACH OF THE  ISSUER'S  CLASSES OF
COMMON STOCK, AS OF THE LATEST PRACTICABLE DATE.

COMMON STOCK $1.00 PAR VALUE        43,708,751         JANUARY 31, 1997
- ----------------------------    ------------------     ----------------
           CLASS                 NUMBER OF SHARES           DATE


<PAGE>



                          WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY


                                      INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                 Page No.
                                                                 --------
<S>                                                                <C>                                                             
PART  I.    Financial Information:

            Item 1.  Financial Statements

               Consolidated Balance Sheet -
                  December 31, 1996 and September 30, 1996......    2

               Consolidated Statement of Income -
                  Three Months Ended December 31, 1996 and
                  1995..........................................    3

               Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows -
                  Three Months Ended December 31, 1996 and
                  1995..........................................    4

               Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.......    5

            Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis
                     of Financial Condition and
                     Results of Operations......................   6-11

PART II. Other Information:

            Item 5.  Other Information..........................    12

            Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K...........    13

            Signature...........................................    13

                                         1
</TABLE>

<PAGE>




                          WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY

                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                          Dec.31,       Sept.30,
                                                           1996          1996
                                                       ----------     ----------
                                                       (Unaudited)
                                                               (Thousands)
<S>                                                    <C>            <C>
ASSETS

Property, Plant and Equipment
  At original cost.........................            $1,749,013     $1,721,956
  Accumulated depreciation and amortization              (601,638)      (591,382)
                                                       ----------     ----------
                                                        1,147,375      1,130,574
                                                       ----------     ----------

Current Assets
  Cash and cash equivalents................                 9,480          4,589
  Accounts receivable, less reserve........               247,655         84,967
  Inventories and storage gas purchased....                90,674         98,254
  Deferred income taxes....................                18,567         17,888
  Other prepayments, principally taxes.....                12,657         10,047
                                                       ----------     ----------
                                                          379,033        215,745
                                                       ----------     ----------

Deferred Charges and Other Assets..........               114,099        118,282
                                                       ----------     ----------

  Total....................................            $1,640,507     $1,464,601
                                                       ==========     ==========


CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES

Capitalization
  Common shareholders' equity..............            $  583,522     $  558,809
  Preferred stock..........................                28,435         28,440
  Long-term debt...........................               401,203        353,893
                                                       ----------     ----------
                                                        1,013,160        941,142
                                                       ----------     ----------

Current Liabilities
  Current maturities of long-term debt.....                13,706          8,006
  Notes payable............................               117,881        115,278
  Accounts and wages payable...............               175,475        104,832
  Customer deposits and advance payments...                 8,252         12,997
  Accrued taxes and interest...............                43,011         10,504
  Other current liabilities................                18,722         22,537
                                                       ----------     ----------
                                                          377,047        274,154
                                                       ----------     ----------

Deferred Credits...........................               250,300        249,305
                                                       ----------     ----------

  Total....................................            $1,640,507     $1,464,601
                                                       ==========     ==========

</TABLE>




See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                         2

<PAGE>



                          WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY

                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                                  (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



                                                       Three Months Ended
                                                   Dec.31,                Dec.31,
                                                    1996                   1995
                                                 ----------             -------
                                               (Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


<S>                                             <C>                    <C> 
Operating Revenues.....................         $  344,958             $ 274,326
Cost of Gas............................            191,275               122,904
                                                ----------             ---------
Net Revenues...........................            153,683               151,422
                                                ----------             ---------

Other Operating Expenses
  Operation............................             45,746                44,946
  Maintenance..........................              8,866                 7,817
  Depreciation and amortization........             12,579                11,873
  General taxes........................             18,946                16,473
  Income taxes.........................             21,490                23,292
                                                ----------             ---------
                                                   107,627               104,401
                                                ----------             ---------

Operating Income.......................             46,056                47,021
Other Income (Loss) - Net..............                551                  (851)
                                                ----------             ---------

Income Before Interest Expense.........             46,607                46,170
Interest Expense.......................              9,183                 7,830
                                                ----------             ---------

Net Income.............................             37,424                38,340
Dividends on Preferred Stock...........                333                   333
                                                ----------             ---------

Net Income Applicable to Common Stock..         $   37,091             $  38,007
                                                ==========             =========

Average Common Shares Outstanding......             43,711                43,051

Earnings per Average Share of
  Common Stock
  (See Exhibit 11 for computation of
   fully diluted earnings per
   average share)......................         $     0.85             $    0.88
                                                ==========             =========

Dividends Declared per Common Share....         $    0.285             $    0.28
                                                ==========             =========


</TABLE>









See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                         3

<PAGE>



                          WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY

                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                                   (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           Three Months Ended
                                                           Dec.31,      Dec.31,
                                                            1996         1995
                                                       ----------     ----------
                                                                (Thousands)
<S>                                                     <C>           <C>
Operating Activities
Net Income .........................................    $  37,424     $  38,340
Adjustments to reconcile net income
  to net cash used in operating
  activities:
  Depreciation and amortization(a) .................       14,275        13,398
  Deferred income taxes-net ........................         (618)        2,819
  Amortization of investment tax credits ...........         (242)         (247)
  Allowance for funds
    used during construction .......................          (80)         (190)
  Other noncash charges and credits-net ............        1,111         2,319
                                                       ----------     ----------
                                                           51,870        56,439
Changes in assets and liabilities:
  Accounts receivable and accrued
    utility revenues ...............................     (166,141)     (117,806)
  Gas costs due from/to customers - net ............        3,359        (5,831)
  Storage gas purchased ............................        7,878        14,119
  Other prepayments, principally taxes .............       (2,610)       (2,797)
  Accounts and wages payable .......................       69,738        23,916
  Customer deposits and advance payments ...........       (4,745)         (357)
  Accrued taxes ....................................       25,015        22,519
  Accrued interest .................................        7,492         6,508
  Pipeline refunds due customers ...................       (3,718)        5,580
  Rate refund due customers ........................         --          (9,306)
  Deferred purchased gas costs .....................        4,850        (2,236)
  Other-net ........................................       (1,385)          241
                                                        ---------     ---------
    Net Cash Used in Operating Activities ..........       (8,397)       (9,011)
                                                        ---------     ---------

Financing Activities
Common stock issued ................................          313         3,074
Long-term debt issued ..............................       53,000          --
Long-term debt retired .............................           (6)       (2,505)
Notes payable - net ................................        2,603        37,423
Dividends on common and preferred stock ............      (12,737)      (12,357)
                                                        ---------     ---------
    Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities ......       43,173        25,635
                                                        ---------     ---------

Investing Activities
Capital Expenditures ...............................      (29,885)      (21,728)
                                                        ---------     ---------
    Net Cash Used in Investing Activities ..........      (29,885)      (21,728)
                                                        ---------     ---------

Increase (Decrease) in Cash
  and Cash Equivalents .............................        4,891        (5,104)
Cash and Cash Equivalents
   at Beginning of Period ..........................        4,589        13,911
                                                        ---------     ---------
Cash and Cash Equivalents at
  End of Period ....................................    $   9,480     $   8,807
                                                        =========     =========

Supplemental Disclosures of
  Cash Flow Information

  Income taxes paid ................................    $       5     $     833
  Interest paid ....................................    $   1,532     $   1,204

</TABLE>

a/  Includes amounts charged to other accounts.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                           4

<PAGE>




                          WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY

                      NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (Unaudited)




A.   In the opinion of the  Company,  the  accompanying  consolidated  financial
     statements  reflect all  adjustments  (which include only normal  recurring
     adjustments)  necessary  to present  fairly the results  for such  periods.
     Refer to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
     September 30, 1996.

B.   Due to the  seasonal  nature of the  Company's  business,  the  results  of
     operations  shown do not indicate the expected  results for the fiscal year
     ended September 30, 1997.

C.   The  preparation  of financial  statements  in  conformity  with  generally
     accepted  accounting  principles  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 the  reported  amounts of revenues  and expenses
     during  the  reporting  period.  Actual  results  could  differ  from those
     estimates.

D.   In October 1996,  the Company  issued a total of $53 million in Medium Term
     Notes (MTNs) with maturity  dates in fiscal year 2027.  Of this total,  $25
     million in such notes were issued  with a coupon rate of 6.82%.  Holders of
     these MTNs have a one-time  option to have the Company  redeem the notes at
     their face value on October 9, 2006.  The  remaining $28 million was issued
     with coupon rates of 6.62% and 6.63%. Holders of these MTNs have a one-time
     option to have the Company  redeem the notes at their face value on October
     23, 2003.



                                           5

<PAGE>


                          WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY

                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
                   OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS




     Statements  contained in this report that are not based on historical facts
are forward-looking  statements as defined in the Private Securities  Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. Actual results could differ from the expectations  discussed
herein.

     Factors that could cause actual results to differ from management's beliefs
described  in this  report  include,  among  other  matters:  (1) the  effect of
fluctuations  in weather from normal  levels;  (2)  regulatory  and  legislative
changes;  (3) variations in prices of natural gas and competing  energy sources;
(4)  improvements  in  products  or  services  offered by  competitors;  and (5)
changing economic conditions.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Earnings

     For the three months ended  December 31,  1996,  net income  applicable  to
common  stock  amounted to $37.1  million,  or $.9  million  lower than the same
period in the prior year.  Earnings per average  common share were $.85, or $.03
per average common share lower than the quarter ended December 31, 1995. Average
common  shares  outstanding  increased  by 1.5% over the prior  year.  Effective
November 1, 1996 shares issued under the Dividend  Reinvestment and Common Stock
Purchase Plan and Employee  Savings Plans are being purchased on the open market
instead of being issued as new shares.  The decrease in net income applicable to
common stock reflected  higher net revenues,  higher other  operating  expenses,
higher other income (loss) - net and higher interest expense.

Net Revenues

     The variability of weather affects the level of gas delivered to customers,
since such a large  portion of the  Company's  deliveries of natural gas is used
for heating.  The Company  establishes its rates on the basis of normal weather.
Weather for the quarters  ended December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995 was 7.3%
and  23.8%  colder  than  normal,  respectively.  The  Company  has  no  weather
normalization tariff provision in any of its jurisdictions. However, the Company
has declining  block rates in two of its three major  jurisdictions  that reduce
the impact of deviations in weather from normal.

     Net revenues for the period  increased by $2.3 million (1.5%) from the same
period last year to $153.7  million.  The table on the  following  page compares
certain operating statistics for the quarters ended December 31, 1996 and 1995.

                                           6

<PAGE>


                          WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY

                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
                   OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                                   (continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



                                                        Three Months Ended
                                                       Dec. 31,      Dec. 31,
                                                         1996          1995
                                                       -------       -------
<S>                                                    <C>           <C>
Gas Sales and Deliveries
(thousands of therms)
  Gas Sold and Delivered
     Firm................................              369,145       380,970
     Interruptible.......................               54,397        58,505
     Electric generation.................                   51           122
                                                       -------       -------
                                                       423,593       439,597
                                                       -------       -------
  Gas Delivered for Others
     Firm................................                3,322            63
     Interruptible.......................               43,928        21,843
     Electric generation.................               10,637         6,452
                                                       -------       -------
                                                        57,887        28,358
                                                       -------       -------
       Total Deliveries..................              481,480       467,955
                                                       =======       =======

Gas Sold Off System
 (thousands of therms)...................               29,138          -
Degree Days.............................                 1,476         1,696
Customer Meters (end of period).........               789,897       768,252
</TABLE>


Gas Delivered to Firm Customers

     Therm  deliveries to firm customers  decreased by 8.6 million therms (2.2%)
due to weather  that was 13.0%  warmer than the same quarter last year, a factor
that caused the  variation  in net  revenues.  However,  a 2.8%  increase in the
number of  customer  meters and an  increase  in gross  receipts  taxes due from
customers  that are  included  in  operating  revenues  offset the effect of the
warmer weather on net revenues.  Various taxing  authorities levy these taxes on
revenues which, therefore, increase with rises in revenues. The Company recovers
the taxes from customers and remits them to the various taxing authorities.  The
Company  records  amounts of  increased  gross  receipts  taxes in  general  tax
expenses  and,  therefore,  the increase in net revenues  associated  with gross
receipts  taxes does not affect net income.  Revenues  for the  current  quarter
increased due to a sharp rise in the cost of gas over the same period last year.
The Company  does not earn a profit on the sale of the  natural  gas  commodity.
Rather, it passes these costs on to its customers  through its rates.  Operating
revenues and cost of gas both reflect the increased  cost of gas  experienced in
the quarter, and therefore the increase had no impact on net revenues.


                                           7

<PAGE>


                          WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY

                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
                   OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                                   (continued)



Gas Delivered to Interruptible Customers

     Therms  delivered  to  interruptible   customers  in  the  current  quarter
increased by 18.0 million therms (22.4%)  resulting in a slight  increase in net
revenues.  The increase in volumes delivered resulted primarily from significant
interruptions in service to these customers in the same quarter last year due to
the sharply colder weather. Margin sharing arrangements in each of the Company's
major jurisdictions minimized the effect on net income of increases in sales and
deliveries to the interruptible  class.  Under these  arrangements,  the Company
returns  a  majority  of the  margins  earned  on sales  and  deliveries  to the
interruptible  class to firm  customers  after it reaches a certain gross margin
threshold  or in exchange for the shift of a portion of the fixed costs from the
interruptible to the firm class.

Gas Delivered for Electric Generation

     The Company sells and/or transports gas to two customers with facilities in
Maryland where the customers use the supplies to generate  electricity.  Volumes
delivered  for  electric  generation  in the current  quarter  increased  by 4.1
million  therms due  primarily to the addition of the second  customer in August
1996.  The  Company  shares a  significant  majority  of the  margins  earned on
deliveries to these customers with firm customers and, therefore,  the change in
volumes delivered between periods had an immaterial effect on net income.

Gas Sold Off System

     During the quarter ended  December 31, 1996,  the Company sold 29.1 million
therms to customers outside the Company's service territory, the effect of which
on net income was not material.

Other Operating Expenses

     Operation and  maintenance  expenses  rose by $1.8 million  (3.5%) over the
same period last year. The increase  primarily reflects higher expenses relating
to  uncollectible  accounts  resulting  from higher  revenues and  miscellaneous
operating provisions recorded in the current year.

     Depreciation and amortization increased by $706,000 (5.9%) due primarily to
additional  depreciation  on  the  Company's  rising  investment  in  plant  and
equipment.


                                           8

<PAGE>


                          WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY

                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
                   OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                                   (continued)



     General  taxes  increased by $2.5 million  (15.0%) due  primarily to higher
gross receipts  taxes on higher  revenues.  The Company  reflects gross receipts
taxes billed to customers in operating  revenues and gross receipts taxes due to
the  taxing  authorities  in general  taxes.  Therefore,  fluctuations  in these
amounts have no effect on net income.

     Income taxes, including amounts reflected in other income decreased by $1.3
million,  due  primarily  to  lower  pre-tax  income  and a  slight  drop in the
effective income tax rate in the most recent quarter. The effective tax rate for
the current  quarter was 36.8% and was 37.6% in the prior  year's  quarter.  The
decline in the  effective  tax rate  included the effect of  valuation  reserves
recorded in other income (loss) - net in the quarter ended December 31, 1995 for
which the Company did not provide a tax benefit.

Other Income (Loss) - Net

     Other  income  (loss) - net  increased  by $1.4  million  due to  valuation
reserves for certain non-utility activities recorded in the quarter last year.

Interest Expense

     Interest  expense  increased by $1.4  million  (17.3%) over the same period
last year, almost exclusively due to an $86.2 million rise in the average amount
of short-term debt outstanding  reflecting the effect of increased gas costs and
an increased  emphasis on using  short-term debt to finance  current  assets.  A
decline of .38 percentage points in the weighted average cost of short-term debt
slightly offset this increase.  Interest on long-term debt was approximately the
same as the quarter ended  December 31, 1995. A decline in the weighted  average
cost of such debt of .55 percentage  points almost completely offset an increase
of $35.7 million in the average amount of long-term debt outstanding.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Short-Term Cash Requirements and Related Financing

     The  Company's   business  is  highly   weather   sensitive  and  seasonal.
Approximately  75% of the Company's therms delivered  (excluding  deliveries for
electric generation) occur in the first and second fiscal quarters. This weather
sensitivity causes short-term cash requirements to vary significantly during the
year.  Cash  requirements  peak in the  fall and  winter  months  when  accounts
receivable,  accrued  utility  revenues  and  storage  gas are at or near  their
highest  levels.  After  the  winter  heating  season,  the  Company  liquidates
short-term debt and acquires storage gas for the subsequent  heating season when
these assets are converted into cash.

                                           9

<PAGE>


                          WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY

                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
                   OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                                   (continued)



     The  Company  uses  short-term  debt in the form of  commercial  paper  and
short-term bank loans to fund seasonal cash requirements.  Alternative  seasonal
sources include unsecured lines of credit, some of which are seasonal,  and $130
million in a revolving  credit  agreement  maintained with a group of banks. The
Company  activates these  financing  options to support or replace the Company's
commercial paper. Excluding current maturities,  short-term debt outstanding was
$117.9 million as of December 31, 1996,  and $115.3  million was  outstanding at
September 30, 1996.

Long-Term Cash Requirements and Related Financing

     Capital  expenditures  for the first three  months of fiscal year 1997 were
$29.9 million with a budget of $153.2 million for the year. To fund construction
expenditures  and  other  capital  requirements,  the  Company  draws  upon both
internal  and  external  sources of cash.  The  Company's  ability  to  generate
adequate cash internally depends upon a number of factors,  including the timing
and amount of rate increases  received and the level of therm sales.  The number
of customers meters and the variability of the weather almost exclusively affect
the level of therm sales.

     Net cash used in operating  activities  was $8.4  million  during the first
three  months of fiscal  year 1997 and  compares  to $9.0  million  for the same
period in fiscal year 1996.  The slight  improvement  came from:  (1)  increased
sources of cash reflected in accounts and wages payable due to higher gas prices
and the amounts associated with the redesign of the Company's  organization that
have not been paid;  2) refunds made to customers  of amounts  overcollected  in
interim  rates  made in the  prior  year;  and (3)  increased  collections  from
customers of gas costs. The combined effect of: (1) higher funds used to support
accounts  receivable  resulting  from  increased  gas costs;  (2) reduced use of
storage gas  inventories in the current period;  and (3) lower refunds  received
from pipelines, more than offset these sources.

     The $53  million  of  long-term  debt  issued  during the  current  quarter
represents  issuances of Medium-Term  Notes (MTNs) in October 1996. The terms of
these MTNs are discussed in Note D to the Consolidated Financial Statements.



                                          10

<PAGE>


                          WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY

                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
                   OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                                   (continued)



     On December 30, 1996, the Company filed a shelf registration statement with
the Securities and Exchange  Commission (SEC) for the issuance and sale of up to
a total of $250  million in  unsecured  notes.  It was declared by the SEC to be
effective  on  January 9, 1997.  To the extent the notes are sold,  the  Company
expects to use the net proceeds for three primary purposes: (1) the refunding of
maturing long-term debt and satisfaction of sinking fund  requirements;  (2) the
refunding of higher-coupon  long-term debt as market conditions  permit; and (3)
for general corporate  purposes,  including capital  expenditures and additional
working capital requirements.

     The  discontinuation  of new  shares  being  issued  through  the  Dividend
Reinvestment  and Common Stock  Purchase Plan and Employee  Savings Plans caused
the $2.8 million  decrease in cash  provided by common stock  issued.  Effective
November 1, 1996, the plans purchase shares in the open market.

     During the three  months ended  December  31,  1996,  the Company sold with
recourse, $8.6 million of non-utility accounts receivable. This compares to $9.1
million sold in the three months ended December 31, 1995.


                                          11

<PAGE>



                           PART II. OTHER INFORMATION



Item 5.

Other Information


A.   On December 18, 1996 Fitch Investors Service (Fitch) changed ratings on $18
     billion of preferred stock issued by 37 companies  (including the Company),
     putting  ratings on a scale  with  bonds.  Due to the new rating  criteria,
     Fitch  rates all  preferred  stock one notch  below  senior  debt rated AAA
     through  A. As a result,  the  Company's  outstanding  preferred  stock was
     lowered  to A+ from AA-.  The  Company  has been  advised by Fitch that its
     rating  change was  entirely  the result of Fitch's  new policy and not the
     result of a weakened credit profile.

B.   On December 16, 1996, the State  Corporation of Virginia  approved a filing
     made by the Company to revise its interruptible  delivery service tariff to
     expand the eligible base of interruptible  customers who could purchase gas
     from third-party suppliers.  Effective January 1, 1997, the revised tariffs
     reduced the minimum annual requirement for delivery service from 250,000 to
     60,000 therms.

C.   On December 30, 1996, the Company filed a shelf registration statement with
     the Securities and Exchange  Commission  (SEC) for the issuance and sale of
     up to a total of $250  million in unsecured  notes.  It was declared by the
     SEC to be effective  on January 9, 1997.  To the extent the notes are sold,
     the  Company  expects  to use the  net  proceeds  from  the  sale of  these
     securities  for three  primary  purposes:  (1) the  refunding  of  maturing
     long-term  debt and  satisfaction  of sinking  fund  requirements;  (2) the
     refunding of higher-coupon  long-term debt as market conditions permit; and
     (3) for general  corporate  purposes,  including  capital  expenditures and
     additional working capital requirements.

D.   Many in the  energy  industry,  including  the  Company,  believe  that the
     increasingly deregulated and more competitive energy industry will continue
     to lead to industry  consolidation,  combination,  disaggregation and other
     strategic  alliances and  restructuring as energy companies seek to offer a
     broader range of energy services to compete more  effectively in attracting
     and retaining  customers.  For example,  affiliations  with other operating
     utilities  could  potentially  result  in  economies  and  synergies,   and
     combinations could provide a means to offer customers a more complete range
     of energy services. Others are discontinuing operations in certain portions
     of the  energy  industry  or  divesting  portions  of  their  business  and
     facilities.  The Company,  from time to time, performs studies, and in some
     cases holds discussions  regarding utility and  energy-related  investments
     and  transactions.   The  ultimate  impact  on  the  Company  of  any  such
     investments and  transactions  that may occur can not be determined at this
     time.

                                       12

<PAGE>



                     PART II. OTHER INFORMATION (continued)



Item 6.

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a) Exhibits Filed Herewith:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


              Description                                        Page in 10-Q
          ---------------------------------------                -------------
     <S>    <C>                                                  <C>
     11     Computation of Earnings per Average                  See separate
            Share of Common Stock Assuming Full                     Volume
            Dilution from Conversions of the $4.60
            and $4.36 Convertible Preferred Series

     27     Financial Data Schedule                                   "

     99.0   Computation of Ratio of Earnings to                       "
            Fixed Charges                                              

     99.1   Computation of Ratio of Earnings to                       "   
            Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock
            Dividends
</TABLE>

(b)  Reports on Form 8-K

       There  were no reports on Form 8-K filed  during the three  months  ended
       December 31,1996.






                                    SIGNATURE


Pursuant to the  requirements  of the  Securities  and Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant  has duly  caused  this  report  to be  signed  on its  behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


                                                    WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY
                                                           (Registrant)





Date February 13, 1997                               /s/ Robert E. Tuoriniemi
    ------------------------                         ------------------------
                                                               Controller
                                                  (Principal Accounting Officer)

                                         

<PAGE>



                                                                      EXHIBIT 11


                     WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                    Computation of Earning per Average Share
                of Common Stock Assuming Full Dilution from Conversion
                  of the $4.60 and $4.36 Convertible Preferred Series
                                   (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>




                                                         Three Months Ended
                                                       Dec. 31,          Dec. 31,
                                                         1996              1995
                                                       --------         --------
                                               (Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


EARNINGS PER AVERAGE SHARE ASSUMING FULL DILUTION
<S>                                                    <C>              <C>
Net Income                                             $ 37,424         $ 38,340

Dividends on preferred stock
    (excluding dividends on convertible
    preferred stock)                                        330              330
                                                       --------         --------

Net income applicable to common stock                  $ 37,094         $ 38,010
                                                       ========         ========

Average common shares  outstanding on a 
    fully diluted basis assuming  conversion
    of the outstanding shares of the $4.60 
    and $4.36 convertible preferred stock
    on October 1 of each year based on the
    applicable conversion price                          43,739           43,082
                                                       ========         ========


Earnings per average share of common stock
  assuming full dilution                               $    .85         $    .88
                                                       ========         ========

</TABLE>




Note:These  calculations  are submitted in accordance with  Securities  Exchange
     Act of 1934  Release  No.  9083  although  not  required  by  footnote 2 to
     paragraph  14 of  Accounting  Principles  Board  Opinion  No. 15 because no
     dilution results.


   
<PAGE>

WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

<TABLE> <S> <C>
                  
<ARTICLE>               UT      
<LEGEND> 
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE INTERIM
CONSOLIDATED  INCOME  STATEMENT,  BALANCE SHEET AND STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>                       
<MULTIPLIER>            1,000   
                        
<S>                                                <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                      3-MOS   
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                  SEP-30-1997     
<PERIOD-START>                                     OCT-01-1996     
<PERIOD-END>                                       DEC-31-1996     
<BOOK-VALUE>                                       PER-BOOK        
<TOTAL-NET-UTILITY-PLANT> .................        1,144,312
<OTHER-PROPERTY-AND-INVEST> ...............            3,063
<TOTAL-CURRENT-ASSETS> ....................          379,033
<TOTAL-DEFERRED-CHARGES> ..................          114,099
<OTHER-ASSETS> ............................                0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> ............................        1,640,507
<COMMON> ..................................           43,742
<CAPITAL-SURPLUS-PAID-IN> .................          301,518
<RETAINED-EARNINGS> .......................          238,262
<TOTAL-COMMON-STOCKHOLDERS-EQ> ............          583,522
 .....................                0
 ...............................           28,435
<LONG-TERM-DEBT-NET> ......................          401,203 <F1>
<SHORT-TERM-NOTES> ........................                0
<SHORT-TERM-NOTES-PAYABLE> ................           37,900 <F2>
<COMMERCIAL-PAPER-OBLIGATIONS> ............           79,981 <F2>
<LONG-TERM-DEBT-CURRENT-PORT> .............           13,706
 .................                0
<CAPITAL-LEASE-OBLIGATIONS> ...............                0
<LEASES-CURRENT> ..........................              266
<OTHER-ITEMS-CAPITAL-AND-LIAB> ............          495,494
<TOT-CAPITALIZATION-AND-LIAB> .............        1,640,507
<GROSS-OPERATING-REVENUE> .................          344,958
<INCOME-TAX-EXPENSE> ......................           21,490
<OTHER-OPERATING-EXPENSES> ................          277,412
<TOTAL-OPERATING-EXPENSES> ................          298,902
<OPERATING-INCOME-LOSS> ...................           46,056
<OTHER-INCOME-NET> ........................              551
<INCOME-BEFORE-INTEREST-EXPEN> ............           46,607
<TOTAL-INTEREST-EXPENSE> ..................            9,183
<NET-INCOME> ..............................           37,424
 ...............              333
<EARNINGS-AVAILABLE-FOR-COMM> .............           37,091
<COMMON-STOCK-DIVIDENDS> ..................           12,455
<TOTAL-INTEREST-ON-BONDS> .................            9,183 <F3>
<CASH-FLOW-OPERATIONS> ....................           (8,397)
<EPS-PRIMARY> .............................             0.85
<EPS-DILUTED> .............................             0.85

                                
                                                        
<F1> REPRESENTS TOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT INCLUDING $85,500 IN FIRST MORTGAGE BONDS,                  
$316,500 IN UNSECURED MEDIUM-TERM NOTES, $184 IN OTHER LONG-TERM DEBT AND $(981)                        
IN UNAMORTIZED PREMIUM AND DISCOUNT-NET.                        
<F2> TOTAL OF SHORT-TERM NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL PAPER TIES TO BALANCE                     
SHEET CAPTION ENTITLED NOTES PAYABLE.                   
<F3> REPRESENTS TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE, PER STATEMENT OF INCOME.                        
                        

</TABLE>

                        






                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.0



                     WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

                      Twelve Months Ended December 31, 1996
                                   (Unaudited)

                             (Dollars in Thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                                                                   <C>
FIXED CHARGES:

  Interest Expense ..............................................     $  31,187
  Amortization of Debt Premium, Discount and Expense ............           276
  Interest Component of Rentals .................................            64
                                                                      ---------
           Total Fixed Charges ..................................     $  31,527
                                                                      =========


EARNINGS:
  Net Income ....................................................     $  80,674
  Add:
    Income Taxes Applicable to Operating Income .................        47,574
    Income Taxes Applicable to Other Income (Loss) - Net ........          (132)
      Total Fixed Charges .......................................        31,527
                                                                      ---------
  Total Earnings ................................................     $ 159,643
                                                                      =========
  Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges ............................           5.1
                                                                      =========
</TABLE>




<PAGE>


                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.1



                     WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and
                            Preferred Stock Dividends

                      Twelve Months Ended December 31, 1996
                                   (Unaudited)

                             (Dollars in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


<S>                                                                   <C>
FIXED CHARGES AND PRE-TAX PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS:

  Interest Expense ..............................................     $  31,187
  Amortization of Debt Premium, Discount and Expense ............           276
  Interest Component of Rentals .................................            64
                                                                      ---------
    Total Fixed Charges .........................................        31,527
  Pre-tax Preferred Dividends ...................................         2,115
                                                                      ---------

        Total ...................................................     $  33,642
                                                                      =========



  Preferred Dividends ...........................................     $   1,332
  Effective Income Tax Rate .....................................         .3703
  Complement of Effective Income Tax Rate
    (1 - Tax Rate) ..............................................         .6297

  Pre-Tax Preferred Dividends ...................................     $   2,115
                                                                      =========

EARNINGS:

  Net Income ....................................................    $   80,674
  Add:
    Income Taxes Applicable to Operating Income .................        47,574
    Income Taxes Applicable to Other Income (Loss) - Net ........          (132)
    Total Fixed Charges .........................................        31,527
                                                                      ---------

  Total Earnings ................................................     $ 159,643
                                                                      =========

  Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and
        Preferred Stock Dividends ...............................           4.7
                                                                      =========
</TABLE>





<PAGE>


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