WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT CO
10-Q, 1997-05-15
NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION
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<PAGE>
                                        


                                     




                                 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 quarter ended              March 31, 1997
                      ---------------------------

                                       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.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Common Stock $1.00 par value             43,705,279              April 30, 1997
- ----------------------------       --------------------        ----------------  
Class                              Number of Shares            Date
<S>                                <C>                         <C>
</TABLE>


<PAGE>
                                       1


                          WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY


                                      INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

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

         Item 1.  Financial Statements

           Consolidated Balance Sheet -
                  March 31, 1997 and September 30, 1996....................   2

           Consolidated Statement of Income -
                  Three Months Ended March 31, 1997 and 1996...............   3

           Consolidated Statement of Income -
                  Six Months Ended March 31, 1997 and 1996.................   4

           Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows -
                  Six Months Ended March 31, 1997 and 1996.................   5

           Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements......................   6

         Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
                    Condition and Results of Operations....................7-13

PART II. Other Information:

           Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders ...  14

           Item 5.  Other Information......................................  15

           Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.......................  16

           Signature.......................................................  16

</TABLE>
                                        

<PAGE>
                                       2



                          WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY

                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                       Mar. 31,      Sept. 30,
                                                         1997           1996
                                                    -----------     -----------
                                                    (Unaudited)
                                                           (Thousands)

<S>                                                 <C>             <C>        
ASSETS
Property, Plant and Equipment
  At original cost .............................    $ 1,777,518     $ 1,721,956
  Accumulated depreciation and amortization ....       (612,727)       (591,382)
                                                    -----------     -----------
                                                      1,164,791       1,130,574
                                                    -----------     -----------
Current Assets
  Cash and cash equivalents ....................         10,692           4,589
  Accounts receivable, less reserve ............        215,260          84,967
  Inventories and storage gas purchased ........         34,929          98,254
  Deferred income taxes ........................         21,550          17,888
  Other prepayments, principally taxes .........          8,076          10,047
                                                    -----------     -----------
                                                        290,507         215,745
                                                    -----------     -----------

Deferred Charges and Other Assets ..............        112,266         118,282
                                                    -----------     -----------

  Total ........................................    $ 1,567,564     $ 1,464,601
                                                    ===========     ===========

CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES

Capitalization
  Common shareholders' equity ..................    $   629,702     $   558,809
  Preferred stock ..............................         28,434          28,440
  Long-term debt ...............................        402,506         353,893
                                                    -----------     -----------
                                                      1,060,642         941,142
                                                    -----------     -----------

Current Liabilities
  Current maturities of long-term debt .........          7,707           8,006
  Notes payable ................................         50,563         115,278
  Accounts and wages payable ...................        117,682         104,832
  Customer deposits and advance payments .......          6,444          12,997
  Accrued taxes and interest ...................         59,333          10,504
  Other current liabilities ....................         13,218          22,537
                                                    -----------     -----------
                                                        254,947         274,154
                                                    -----------     -----------

Deferred Credits ...............................        251,975         249,305
                                                    -----------     -----------

  Total ........................................    $ 1,567,564     $ 1,464,601
                                                    ===========     ===========


</TABLE>


See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



<PAGE>
                                       3



                          WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY

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

                                                          Three Months Ended
                                                        -----------------------
                                                         Mar. 31,       Mar. 31,
                                                           1997           1996
                                                        ---------     ---------
                                                        (Thousands, Except Per  
                                                             Share Data)

<S>                                                     <C>           <C>      
Operating Revenues ................................     $ 431,465     $ 431,826
Cost of Gas .......................................       242,888       225,748
                                                        ---------     ---------
Net Revenues ......................................       188,577       206,078
                                                        ---------     ---------

Other Operating Expenses
  Operation .......................................        42,160        47,402
  Maintenance .....................................         8,113         7,287
  Depreciation and amortization ...................        12,819        11,964
  General taxes ...................................        24,854        24,403
  Income taxes ....................................        33,670        39,564
                                                        ---------     ---------
                                                          121,616       130,620
                                                        ---------     ---------

Operating Income ..................................        66,961        75,458
Other Income (Loss) - Net .........................         1,106          (714)
                                                        ---------     ---------

Income Before Interest Expense ....................        68,067        74,744
Interest Expense ..................................         8,923         7,835
                                                        ---------     ---------

Net Income ........................................        59,144        66,909
Dividends on Preferred Stock ......................           333           333
                                                        ---------     ---------

Net Income Applicable to Common Stock .............     $  58,811     $  66,576
                                                        =========     =========

Average Common Shares Outstanding .................        43,706        43,317

Earnings per Average Share of Common Stock
  (See Exhibit 11 for computation of fully
   diluted earnings per average share) ............     $    1.35     $    1.54
                                                        =========     =========

Dividends Declared per Common Share ...............     $   0.295     $   0.285
                                                        =========     =========




</TABLE>

                                                                              
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                                                            

<PAGE>
                                       4


                          WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY

                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                                   (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                           Six Months Ended
                                                        -----------------------
                                                         Mar. 31,       Mar. 31,
                                                           1997           1996
                                                        ---------     ---------
                                                        (Thousands, Except Per  
                                                             Share Data)
                                                                               
<S>                                                     <C>           <C>       
Operating Revenues ................................    $  776,423     $ 706,152 
Cost of Gas .......................................       434,162       348,652
                                                        ---------     ---------
Net Revenues ......................................       342,261       357,500
                                                        ---------     ---------

Other Operating Expenses
  Operation .......................................        87,906        92,348
  Maintenance .....................................        16,980        15,104
  Depreciation and amortization ...................        25,398        23,837
  General taxes ...................................        43,800        40,876
  Income taxes ....................................        55,160        62,856
                                                        ---------     ---------
                                                          229,244       235,021
                                                        ---------     ---------

Operating Income ..................................       113,017       122,479
Other Income (Loss) - Net .........................         1,657        (1,565)
                                                        ---------     ---------

Income Before Interest Expense ....................       114,674       120,914
Interest Expense ..................................        18,106        15,665
                                                        ---------     ---------

Net Income ........................................        96,568       105,249
Dividends on Preferred Stock ......................           666           666
                                                        ---------     ---------

Net Income Applicable to Common Stock .............     $  95,902     $ 104,583
                                                        =========     =========

Average Common Shares Outstanding .................        43,710        43,175

Earnings per Average Share of Common Stock
  (See Exhibit 11 for computation of fully
   diluted earnings per average share) ............     $    2.19     $    2.42
                                                        =========     =========

Dividends Declared per Common Share ...............     $   0.580     $   0.565
                                                        =========     =========

</TABLE>


See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



<PAGE>
                                       5



                          WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY

                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                                   (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                           Six Months Ended
                                                        -----------------------
                                                         Mar. 31,       Mar. 31,
                                                           1997           1996
                                                        ---------     ---------
                                                              (Thousands)
                                                                          

                                                                               
<S>                                                      <C>          <C>      
Operating Activities
Net Income ...........................................   $  96,568    $ 105,249
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
  net cash provided by operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortization a/ ...................      29,007       27,152
  Deferred income taxes-net ..........................      (3,440)       5,422
  Amortization of investment tax credits .............        (479)        (488)
  Allowance for funds used during construction .......        (179)        (293)
  Other noncash charges and credits-net ..............      (1,520)       5,190
                                                         ---------    ---------
                                                           119,957      142,232

Changes in assets and liabilities:
  Accounts receivable and accrued utility revenues ...    (145,813)    (173,801)
  Gas costs due from/to customers - net ..............      15,236      (29,638)
  Storage gas costs ..................................      62,052       48,100
  Other prepayments, principally taxes ...............       1,971          491
  Accounts and wages payable .........................      12,085       45,445
  Customer deposits and advance payments .............      (6,553)      (8,973)
  Accrued taxes ......................................      48,761       36,495
  Pipeline refunds due customers .....................      (9,466)       1,687
  Rate refund due customers ..........................         -         (9,306)
  Deferred purchased gas costs .......................      13,367          (29)
  Other-net ..........................................      (1,768)       4,740
                                                         ---------    ---------
    Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities ........     109,829       57,443
                                                         ---------    ---------

Financing Activities
Common stock issued ..................................         312        6,295
Long-term debt issued ................................      83,788       50,000
Long-term debt retired ...............................     (35,506)     (69,830)
Premium on long-term debt retired ....................      (1,422)      (2,263)
Notes payable - net ..................................     (64,715)      23,794
Dividends on common and preferred stock ..............     (25,583)     (24,811)
                                                         ---------    ---------
    Net Cash Used in Financing Activities ............     (43,126)     (16,815)
                                                         ---------    ---------

Investing Activities
Capital expenditures .................................     (60,600)     (48,005)
                                                         ---------    ---------
    Net Cash Used in Investing Activities ............     (60,600)     (48,005)
                                                         ---------    ---------

Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents .....       6,103       (7,377)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period .....       4,589       13,911
                                                         ---------    ---------
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period ...........   $  10,692    $   6,534
                                                         =========    =========

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information

  Income taxes paid ..................................   $  14,462    $  28,111
  Interest paid ......................................   $  15,922    $  16,326




a/  Includes amounts charged to other accounts.
</TABLE>

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



<PAGE>
                                       6

                          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.   During the six months ended March 31, 1997,  the Company  issued a total of
     $83 million in Medium Term Notes (MTNs).  The notes have a 30-year  nominal
     life and coupon rates  ranging from 6.57% to 6.82%.  Holders of $28 million
     of these MTNs have a one-time  option to have the Company  redeem the notes
     at their face  value in seven  years.  The  holders  of the  remaining  $55
     million of MTNs have a one-time option to have the Company redeem the notes
     at their face value in ten years.

E.   In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
     of Financial  Accounting  Standards  (SFAS) No. 128,  "Earnings  Per Share"
     (SFAS No.128) and SFAS No. 129,  "Disclosure of  Information  about Capital
     Structure"  (SFAS No. 129). The Company will adopt both of these statements
     in the first quarter of fiscal year 1998; however, there is not expected to
     be any effect on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

     SFAS No. 128  establishes  standards for computing and presenting  earnings
     per share (EPS) which simplifies calculations currently found in Accounting
     Principles  Board  Opinion  No. 15,  "Earnings  per  Share," as amended and
     interpreted,   and  thus,  makes  them  comparable  to  international   EPS
     standards.  SFAS No. 128 replaces  primary EPS with a presentation of basic
     EPS. Basic EPS excludes  dilution for any potentially  dilutive  securities
     and is computed by dividing income available to common  stockholders by the
     weighted-average  number of common shares outstanding for the period.  SFAS
     No. 128 also requires dual presentation of basic and fully diluted EPS (now
     called  diluted EPS) on the face of the income  statement  for all entities
     with complex capital  structures and requires a reconciliation of the basic
     EPS calculation to the diluted EPS computation.

     SFAS No. 129 continues the existing  requirements to disclose the pertinent
     rights and  privileges of all security  holders other than ordinary  common
     stockholders but expands the number of companies subject to portions of its
     requirements.

F.   As of March 31,  1997,  the  Company  had  permanent  bank  lines of credit
     available  of $20  million,  all of which  were  unused.  In support of the
     permanent  lines, the Company pays commitment or non-usage fees of .07% per
     annum of the unused lines. Of these lines,  $15 million will expire on June
     30, 1997, with the remaining $5 million expiring on June 30, 1998.

G.   Certain   amounts  in  financial   statements  of  prior  years  have  been
     reclassified to conform to the presentation of the current year.

                                                                               

<PAGE>
                                       7


                          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

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1997 vs. MARCH 31, 1996

Earnings

     For the three months ended March 31, 1997, net income  applicable to common
stock amounted to $58.8 million, or $7.8 million lower than for the same quarter
last year.  Earnings per average  common  share were $1.35,  or $.19 per average
common share lower than last year. Average common shares  outstanding  increased
by less than 1% 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 was directly
attributable to significantly  warmer weather in the current quarter,  resulting
in a decrease in firm therms  delivered and thus, net revenues.  Mitigating some
of the  effect of the  warmer  weather  were a 2.9%  increase  in the  number of
customer meters and a decrease in other operating expenses.

Net Revenues

     The variability of weather affects the level of gas delivered to customers,
since 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.  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 on net revenues of deviations
in weather from normal.  Weather for the quarters ended March 31, 1997 and March
31,  1996  was  10.6%   warmer  than  normal  and  14.4%   colder  than  normal,
respectively.

     Net revenues for the period decreased by $17.5 million (8.5%) from the same
period last year to $188.6  million.  The table on the  following  page compares
certain operating statistics for the quarters ended March 31, 1997 and 1996.

<PAGE>
                                       8

                          WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                            Three Months Ended
                                                          ----------------------
                                                           Mar. 31,     Mar. 31,
                                                            1997          1996
                                                          --------      -------

<S>                                                        <C>           <C>
Gas Sales and Deliveries  (thousands of therms)
  Gas Sold and Delivered
       Firm ........................................       484,255       575,951
       Interruptible ...............................        53,278        49,712
       Electric Generation .........................           -             253
                                                           -------       -------
                                                           537,533       625,916
                                                           -------       -------
  Gas Delivered for Others
       Firm ........................................        10,620         1,522
       Interruptible ...............................        54,879        16,399
       Electric Generation .........................         9,587           340
                                                           -------       -------
                                                            75,086        18,261
                                                           -------       -------
          Total Deliveries .........................       612,619       644,177
                                                           =======       =======

Gas Sold Off System  (thousands of therms) .........        56,665        36,056

Degree Days
       Actual ......................................         1,924         2,466
       Normal ......................................         2,152         2,156

Customer Meters  (end of period) ...................       796,653       774,266

</TABLE>

Gas Delivered to Firm Customers

     Therm  deliveries to firm  customers,  including gas sold and delivered and
gas  delivered  for others,  decreased  by 82.6  million  therms  (14.3%) due to
weather  that was 22% warmer than the same  quarter  last year.  This caused the
majority of the decline in net revenues and was  partially  offset by the effect
of a 2.9% increase in the number of customer meters.

Gas Delivered to Interruptible Customers

     Therms  delivered  to  interruptible  customers,  including  gas  sold  and
delivered and gas delivered for others, increased by 42.0 million therms (63.6%)
in the current  quarter  resulting  in a slight  increase in net  revenues  when
compared  to the same  quarter  last year.  The  increase  in volumes  delivered
resulted primarily from significant  interruptions in service to these customers
in the quarter last year due to the 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 class to the firm class.


<PAGE>
                                       9 


                          WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY

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



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 9.0
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 March 31,  1997,  the Company  sold 56.7  million
therms to customers outside its service  territory,  an increase of 20.6 million
therms over the same  period last year.  The effect of these sales on net income
was not material.

Other Operating Expenses

     Operation and maintenance expenses declined by $4.4 million (8.1%) from the
same period last year. This decrease primarily  reflects:  (1) lower labor costs
in the current year resulting from fewer employees;  (2) increased  compensation
to  employees  last year  reflecting  a  lump-sum  cash  payout;  and (3) higher
amortization of environmental expenses recorded last year.

     Depreciation and amortization increased by $855,000 (7.1%) primarily due to
the effect of the Company's rising investment in plant and equipment.

     General  taxes rose by $451,000  (1.8%)  primarily  due to higher  property
taxes resulting from increased investments in property.

     Income taxes,  including  amounts  reflected in other income,  decreased by
$4.9 million,  due primarily to lower pre-tax income. The effective tax rate for
the current quarter was 36.6% and was 36.9% in the prior year's quarter.

Other Income (Loss) - Net

     Other income (loss) - net  increased by $1.8 million due to the  difference
in valuation  reserves for certain  non-utility  activities  recorded in the two
periods.

Interest Expense

     Interest expense increased by $1.1 million (13.9%) primarily due to greater
interest expense on both long- and short-term  debt.  Interest on long-term debt
increased  by $800,000  due almost  exclusively  to a $55.8  million rise in the
average amount of long-term debt outstanding. Partially offsetting this increase
was a decline of .25 percentage points in the weighted average cost of long-term
debt. Interest on short-term debt increased by $600,000 primarily due to a $44.7
million increase in the average amount of short-term debt outstanding. A decline
of .13 percentage points in the average cost of short-term debt partially offset
this increase.


<PAGE>
                                       10



                          WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY

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


SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1997 vs. MARCH 31, 1996

Earnings

     For the six months ended March 31, 1997,  net income  applicable  to common
stock amounted to $95.9 million,  or $8.7 million lower than for the same period
last year.  Earnings per average  common  share were $2.19,  or $.23 per average
common share lower than last year. Average common shares  outstanding  increased
by 1.2% over the prior year.  The  decrease in net income  applicable  to common
stock was directly  attributable  to the warmer  weather in the current  period.
This decrease was  partially  offset by a 2.9%  increase in customer  meters,  a
decrease in other operating expenses and an increase in other income (loss)-net.

Net Revenues

     Net  revenues  for the six months  ended March 31, 1997  decreased by $15.2
million (4.3%) from the same period last year to $342.3 million.  This primarily
resulted from the significantly colder weather last year, partially offset by an
increase in  customer  meters in the  current  year.  Weather for the six months
ended  March 31,  1997 and March 31,  1996 was 3.6% warmer than normal and 18.0%
colder than normal,  respectively.  The table below compares  certain  operating
statistics for the six months ended March 31, 1997 and 1996.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                            Six Months Ended
                                                         -----------------------
                                                           Mar. 31,     Mar. 31,
                                                            1997         1996
                                                         ---------     ---------
<S>                                                        <C>           <C>    
Gas Sales and Deliveries  (thousands of therms)
   Gas Sold and Delivered
       Firm ........................................       853,400       956,921
       Interruptible ...............................       107,675       108,217
       Electric Generation .........................            51           375
                                                         ---------     ---------
                                                           961,126     1,065,513
                                                         ---------     ---------
   Gas Delivered for Others
       Firm ........................................        13,942         1,585
       Interruptible ...............................        98,807        38,242
       Electric Generation .........................        20,224         6,792
                                                         ---------     ---------
                                                           132,973        46,619
                                                         ---------     ---------
         Total Deliveries ..........................     1,094,099     1,112,132
                                                         =========     =========

Gas Sold Off System  (thousands of therms) .........        85,803        36,056

Degree Days
       Actual ......................................         3,400         4,162
       Normal ......................................         3,528         3,526

Customer Meters  (end of period) ...................       796,653       774,266
</TABLE>


<PAGE>
                                       11


                          WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY

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


Gas Delivered to Firm Customers

     Therm deliveries to firm customers  decreased by 91.2 million therms (9.5%)
resulting in a decline in net revenues. This net reduction was caused by weather
that was 18.3% warmer than for the same period last year,  partially offset by a
2.9% increase in customer meters.

Gas Delivered to Interruptible Customers

     Therms delivered to interruptible customers in the current period increased
by 60.0 million therms (41.0%) due to  significant  interruptions  in service to
these  customers  in the same period last year due to the colder  weather.  As a
result of the previously  mentioned  margin sharing  arrangements in each of the
Company's  jurisdictions,  the effect on net income of increased  deliveries  to
interruptible customers was minimal.

Gas Delivered for Electric Generation

     Volumes  delivered  for  electric  generation  in the  current  six  months
increased by 13.1 million therms from the same period last year due primarily to
a second  customer added in August 1996.  Margins earned on such  deliveries are
being shared with firm customers as described previously in this report.

Gas Sold Off System

     During the six months ended March 31,  1997,  the Company sold 85.8 million
therms to customers outside its service territory, a 49.7 million therm increase
over the same period last year.  The effect of these sales on net income was not
material.

Other Operating Expenses

     Operation and  maintenance  expenses  fell by $2.6 million  (2.4%) from the
same period last year. This decrease primarily  reflects increased  compensation
to  employees  last year from a lump-sum  cash payout and lower labor costs this
year because of reduced employee levels.

     Depreciation  and  amortization  increased by $1.6 million (6.5%) primarily
due to additional  depreciation on the Company's rising  investment in plant and
equipment.

     General taxes  increased by $2.9 million  (7.2%) due primarily to increased
property taxes resulting from increased investments in property and higher gross
receipts taxes on higher revenues. The higher revenues reflect an increased cost
of gas per therm in 1997 compared to 1996.  Gross receipts taxes are included in
revenues  and,  therefore,  fluctuations  in these amounts have no effect on net
income.

     Income taxes,  including  amounts  reflected in other income,  decreased by
$6.2 million,  due primarily to lower pre-tax income. The effective tax rate for
the current year was 36.7% and was 37.1% in the prior year.

<PAGE>
                                       12



                          WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY

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


Other Income (Loss) - Net

     Other income (loss) - net  increased by $3.2 million due to the  difference
in valuation  reserves for certain  non-utility  activities  recorded in the two
periods.

Interest Expense

     Interest expense  increased by $2.4 million (15.6%) primarily due to higher
interest expense on both long- and short-term  debt.  Interest on long-term debt
increased  by  $900,000  primarily  due to a $45.8  million  rise in the average
amount of long-term debt outstanding.  Partially  offsetting this increase was a
decline of .40 percentage points in the weighted average cost of long-term debt.
Interest on short-term  debt increased by $1.8 million  primarily due to a $65.3
million increase in the average amount of short-term debt outstanding reflecting
the effect of financing  increased gas costs and an increased  emphasis on using
short-term debt to finance current assets. A decline of .21 percentage points in
the average cost of short-term debt partially offset this increase.

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.  When  these  assets are  converted  into cash after the winter
heating season, the Company liquidates  short-term debt and acquires storage gas
for the subsequent heating season.

     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,  the Company had $50.6 million
and $23.8 million of short-term debt  outstanding as of March 31, 1997 and March
31, 1996, respectively.  At March 31, 1997, the Company had $8.0 million of bank
loans and $42.6  million of commercial  paper  outstanding.  This  represented a
decline of $64.7 million from the balance outstanding at September 30, 1996.

Long-Term Cash Requirements and Related Financing

     Capital  expenditures  for the  first six  months of fiscal  year 1997 were
$60.6 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
Company's last significant base rate increase became effective in December 1994.
The  number  of  customer  meters  and the  variability  of the  weather  almost
exclusively affect the level of therm sales.


<PAGE>
                                       13


                          WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY

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




     Net cash provided by operating  activities  was $109.8  million  during the
first six months of fiscal year 1997 and compares to $57.4  million for the same
period  in  fiscal  year  1996.  This   improvement  came  from:  (1)  increased
collections  from customers of gas costs;  (2) lower funds  supporting  accounts
receivable  due to warmer  weather and  decreased  gas costs in March 1997;  (3)
decreased  income tax payments in 1997 even though  taxable income between years
did not vary  significantly  due to the  timing of  current  deductions  for gas
costs;  and (4) increased  levels of storage gas  injections in the prior period
due to the colder weather  experienced  last year.  The combined  effect of: (1)
decreased  sources  of cash  reflected  in  accounts  and wages  payable  due to
decreased  gas prices in March 1997  compared  to March 1996 and the  payment of
amounts  associated with the redesign of the Company's  organization;  (2) lower
refunds  received from  pipelines;  and (3) lower net income,  partially  offset
these sources.

     The total  long-term  debt issued in the current  six month  period  ($83.8
million)  represents  issuances of Medium-Term  Notes (MTNs) in October 1996 and
February 1997 and other  long-term debt ($.8 million)  issued by a subsidiary of
the Company.  The $30.0  million  issuance of MTNs in February 1997 was used for
the  retirement on March 27, 1997 of $27.5 million of the 8-5/8% Series of First
Mortgage  Bonds that were callable on or after March 1, 1997.  The $30.0 million
of MTNs have a 30-year  nominal life and a coupon rate of 6.57%.  Holders of the
notes have a one-time  option to have the Company redeem the notes at their face
value on February 22, 2007.  Other  retirements of long-term debt ($8.0 million)
occurred in January  1997  related to the  maturity of MTNs with coupon rates of
6.50% to 6.58%.

     The  discontinuation  of new  shares  being  issued  through  the  Dividend
Reinvestment  and Common Stock  Purchase Plan and Employee  Savings Plans caused
the $6.0 million  decrease in cash  provided by common stock  issued.  Effective
November 1, 1996, the plans purchase shares in the open market.

     During the six months ended March 31, 1997, the Company sold with recourse,
$19.2 million of non-utility accounts receivable. This compares to $17.3 million
sold in the six months ended March 31, 1996.

<PAGE>
                                       14



                           PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

(a)  The annual meeting of stockholders was held on February 21, 1997.

(c)  Matters voted upon at the meeting:

          The  following  individuals  were elected to the Board of Directors at
     the annual meeting on February 21, 1997:

            Director                      Votes in Favor  Votes Withheld
     ----------------------------         --------------  --------------

       Michael D. Barnes                    35,927,869        717,743
       Fred J. Brinkman                     36,005,498        763,045
       Daniel J. Callahan, III              36,047,620        597,992
       Orlando W. Darden                    35,924,471        721,141
       James H. DeGraffenreidt, Jr.         36,030,021        615,591
       Melvyn J. Estrin                     35,943,554        702,058
       Patrick J. Maher                     36,077,089        568,523
       Karen Hastie Williams                35,795,294        850,318
       Stephen G. Yeonas                    35,998,261        647,351

          The  following  other  matters were  introduced  and voted upon at the
     annual meeting:

          The Board of Directors  recommended that the  stockholders  ratify the
     appointment of Arthur  Andersen LLP,  independent  public  accountants,  to
     audit the books,  records and accounts of the Company for fiscal year 1997.
     This proposal was approved by a vote of 35,945,030 in favor of the proposal
     and 341,759 against. There were 367,858 abstentions.

          A  stockholder  proposed  that the Board of  Directors  take  steps to
     provide for cumulative  voting in the election of Directors.  This proposal
     was defeated by a vote of 6,182,823 in favor of the proposal and 20,013,930
     against. There were 10,090,036 broker non-votes.

          A stockholder proposed that the Board of Directors stop giving pension
     or other retirement  benefits to outside  Directors unless the shareholders
     vote on the  pension  package;  and  that  current  non-employee  Directors
     voluntarily give up their pension benefits. This proposal was defeated by a
     vote of 8,821,524 in favor of the proposal and  17,249,516  against.  There
     were 10,215,749 broker non-votes.


<PAGE>
                                       15

                     PART II. OTHER INFORMATION (continued)


Item 5.

Other Information

A.   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.

B.   On March 26,  1997,  the Board of  Directors  declared a dividend on common
     stock of $.295 per share. This compares to a $.285 dividend declared in the
     quarter ended March 31, 1996. The higher dividend rate, if declared for the
     next three  quarters,  would represent an annual increase of $.04 per share
     and an annualized dividend of $1.18 per share.

C.   As previously  reported on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 1996,
     during  1995,  the  Company  conducted   contract   negotiations  with  the
     International Union of Gas Workers (IUGW). The IUGW unit did not ratify the
     Company's contract offer. Beginning June 10, 1995, a 16-week lockout of the
     unit followed  dozens of  bargaining  sessions,  intercession  by a federal
     mediator,  a strike  authorization  vote and the IUGW's  statement  that it
     would strike when appropriate.  In September 1995, after further efforts to
     bargain, negotiations reached an impasse and the Company invited workers to
     return to work under the terms and conditions of its final contract  offer.
     All IUGW-eligible  employees returned to work. In June 1996, the IUGW voted
     to affiliate with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT).

     IBT  Local  96-eligible  employees  have been  working  under the terms and
     conditions  of the  Company's  final  contract  offer,  as  amended,  since
     September  1995.  The National  Labor  Relations  Board (NLRB) has ruled in
     favor of the  Company  three  separate  times on  charges  of unfair  labor
     practices  brought by IUGW,  including  a decision on April 29, 1996 by the
     Office of Appeals of the NLRB to dismiss  IUGW's  appeal of those  rulings,
     with no further right of appeal.

     In October 1996, the Company  invited IBT Local 96 to resume  negotiations.
     IBT Local 96 accepted the  invitation  and the parties have returned to the
     bargaining  table.  Since the Company has not yet reached an agreement with
     IBT Local 96, the no strike/no lockout  provision,  usually included in its
     collective bargaining agreements,  is not in effect and no assurance can be
     given  that work  stoppages  will not occur.  In the event a work  stoppage
     occurs, the Company is prepared to maintain operations.


<PAGE>
                                       16

                     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 Share of              See separate
       Common Stock Assuming Full Dilution from                     volume
       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

     On February  6, 1997 the Company  reported  that on January  24,  1997,  it
     executed a Distribution  Agreement  with Salomon  Brothers Inc; M.R. Beal &
     Company;  Merrill Lynch & Co. and PaineWebber  Incorporated for issuance of
     up to $250 million of Medium-Term Notes.






                                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    May 15, 1997                             /s/    Robert E. Tuoriniemi
     ------------------                         -------------------------------
                                                           Controller
                                                 (Principal Accounting Officer)


<PAGE>
                                       1



                                                                      EXHIBIT 11

                  WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

            Computation of Earnings 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      Six Months Ended
                                    --------------------    --------------------
                                    Mar. 31,    Mar. 31,    Mar. 31,    Mar. 31,
                                      1997       1996         1997        1996
                                    --------    --------    --------    --------
                                          (Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


EARNINGS PER AVERAGE SHARE
 ASSUMING FULL DILUTION


<S>                                 <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>     
Net Income .....................    $ 59,144    $ 66,909    $ 96,568    $105,249

Dividends on preferred
 stock (excluding
 dividends on convertible
 preferred stock) ..............         330         330         660         660
                                    --------    --------    --------    --------

Net income applicable
 to common stock ...............    $ 58,814    $ 66,579    $ 95,908    $104,589
                                    ========    ========    ========    ========


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 ..............      43,734      43,349      43,737      43,207
                                    ========    ========    ========    ========

Earnings per average
 share of common stock
 assuming full dilution ........    $   1.34    $   1.54    $   2.19    $   2.42
                                    ========    ========    ========    ========
</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 they result in
     dilution of less than 3%.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
                                       
<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>           YEAR    
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>               SEP-30-1997     
<PERIOD-START>          OCT-01-1996     
<PERIOD-END>            MAR-31-1997     
<BOOK-VALUE>            PER-BOOK        
<TOTAL-NET-UTILITY-PLANT>                           1,161,686
<OTHER-PROPERTY-AND-INVEST>                             3,105
<TOTAL-CURRENT-ASSETS>                                290,507
<TOTAL-DEFERRED-CHARGES>                              112,266
<OTHER-ASSETS>                                              0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                      1,567,564
<COMMON>                                               43,742
<CAPITAL-SURPLUS-PAID-IN>                             301,780
<RETAINED-EARNINGS>                                   284,180
<TOTAL-COMMON-STOCKHOLDERS-EQ>                        629,702
                                       0
                                            28,434
<LONG-TERM-DEBT-NET>                                  402,506<F1>
<SHORT-TERM-NOTES>                                      8,000<F2>
<LONG-TERM-NOTES-PAYABLE>                                   0
<COMMERCIAL-PAPER-OBLIGATIONS>                         42,563<F2>
<LONG-TERM-DEBT-CURRENT-PORT>                           7,707
                                   0
<CAPITAL-LEASE-OBLIGATIONS>                                 0
<LEASES-CURRENT>                                          200
<OTHER-ITEMS-CAPITAL-AND-LIAB>                        448,452
<TOT-CAPITALIZATION-AND-LIAB>                       1,567,564
<GROSS-OPERATING-REVENUE>                             776,423
<INCOME-TAX-EXPENSE>                                   55,160
<OTHER-OPERATING-EXPENSES>                            608,246
<TOTAL-OPERATING-EXPENSES>                            663,406
<OPERATING-INCOME-LOSS>                               113,017
<OTHER-INCOME-NET>                                      1,657
<INCOME-BEFORE-INTEREST-EXPEN>                        114,674
<TOTAL-INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               18,106
<NET-INCOME>                                           96,568
                               666
<EARNINGS-AVAILABLE-FOR-COMM>                          95,902
<COMMON-STOCK-DIVIDENDS>                               25,348
<TOTAL-INTEREST-ON-BONDS>                              18,106<F3>
<CASH-FLOW-OPERATIONS>                                109,829
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                            2.19
<EPS-DILUTED>                                            2.19
                        

<FN>
<F1> REPESENTS TOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT INCLUDING $56,000 IN FIRST MORTGAGE BONDS,
$346,500 IN UNSECURED MEDIUM-TERM NOTES, $971 IN OTHER LONG-TERM DEBT AND ($965)
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.               
</FN>
        
                        

</TABLE>


<PAGE>
                                       1


                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.0


                  WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
                       Twelve Months Ended March 31, 1997
                -------------------------------------------------
                                   (Unaudited)

                             (Dollars in Thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                                                                     <C>     
FIXED CHARGES:

  Interest Expense ................................................     $ 32,345
  Amortization of Debt Premium, Discount and Expense ..............          284
  Interest Component of Rentals ...................................           64
                                                                        --------
               Total Fixed Charges ................................     $ 32,693
                                                                        ========
EARNINGS:
  Net Income.......................................................     $ 72,910
     Add:
       Income Taxes Applicable to Operating Income ................       41,680
       Income Taxes Applicable to Other Income (Loss) - Net .......          887
       Total Fixed Charges ........................................       32,693
                                                                        --------
     Total Earnings ...............................................     $148,170
                                                                        ========
     Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges ...........................          4.5
                                                                        ========
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
                                       1


                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.1


                  WASHINGTON GAS LIGHT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and
                            Preferred Stock Dividends
                       Twelve Months Ended March 31, 1997
              -----------------------------------------------------
                                   (Unaudited)

                             (Dollars in Thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

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

  Interest Expense ................................................     $ 32,345
  Amortization of Debt Premium, Discount and Expense ..............          284
  Interest Component of Rentals ...................................           64
                                                                        --------
        Total Fixed Charges .......................................       32,693
  Pre-tax Preferred Dividends .....................................        2,110
                                                                        --------

        Total .....................................................     $ 34,803
                                                                        ========


  Preferred Dividends .............................................     $  1,332
  Effective Income Tax Rate .......................................        .3686
  Complement of Effective Income Tax Rate (1 - Tax Rate) ..........        .6314

  Pre-Tax Preferred Dividends .....................................     $  2,110
                                                                        ========

EARNINGS:

Net Income ........................................................     $ 72,910
   Add:
   Income Taxes Applicable to Operating Income ....................       41,680
   Income Taxes Applicable to Other Income (Loss) - Net ...........          887
   Total Fixed Charges ............................................       32,693
                                                                        --------

Total Earnings ....................................................     $148,170
                                                                        ========

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and
  Preferred Stock Dividends........................................          4.3
                                                                        ========
</TABLE>



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