SEMCO ENERGY INC
10-Q, 1997-08-13
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 June 30, 1997

                                      OR

   [ ]      TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
               SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                    For the fiscal period from               to            
                                               -------------   ------------

                         Commission file number 0-8503


                              SEMCO Energy, Inc.
            (formerly Southeastern Michigan Gas Enterprises, Inc.)
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                Michigan                                   38-2144267
     (State or other jurisdiction of                    (I.R.S. Employer
     incorporation or organization)                    Identification No.)

                 405 Water Street, Port Huron, Michigan 48060
                   (Address of principal executive offices)

                                 810-987-2200
             (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)



     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 
requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes [X]   No [ ]

The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of July 31, 1997, is 
13,024,347.
<PAGE>
                              INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
                              ------------------

                        For Quarter Ended June 30, 1997



                                                                        Page
                                                                       Number
                                                                       ------

COVER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     1


INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     2


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

   Item 1.   Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     3

   Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial 
             Condition and Results of Operations  . . . . . . . . . .    10


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

   Item 1.   Legal Proceedings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    15

   Item 2.   Changes in Securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    15

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


SIGNATURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    17

EXHIBIT INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    18

















                                      -2-
<PAGE>
                        PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.   Financial Statements.
<TABLE>
                              SEMCO ENERGY, INC.
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                                  (Unaudited)
                (Thousands of Dollars Except Per Share Amounts)

<CAPTION>
                                                                Three Months Ended      Six Months Ended      Twelve Months Ended
                                                                     June 30,                June 30,               June 30,     
                                                                ------------------     -------------------    -------------------
                                                                 1 9 9 7   1 9 9 6      1 9 9 7    1 9 9 6     1 9 9 7    1 9 9 6
                                                                --------   -------     --------   --------    --------   --------
<S>                                                             <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>
OPERATING REVENUE
  Gas sales                                                     $ 36,389   $38,624     $126,184   $126,587    $218,968   $207,804
  Gas marketing                                                   80,943    39,876      238,699    123,339     426,744    186,033
  Transportation                                                   3,037     2,821        6,989      6,339      13,008     12,329
  Other operations                                                 1,112     1,069        2,344      2,253       4,608      4,844
                                                                --------   -------     --------   --------    --------   --------
                                                                $121,481   $82,390     $374,216   $258,518    $663,328   $411,010
                                                                --------   -------     --------   --------    --------   --------
OPERATING EXPENSES
  Cost of gas sold                                              $ 22,994   $25,840     $ 87,270   $ 87,365    $151,040   $140,054
  Cost of gas marketed                                            79,943    39,195      232,435    120,969     416,861    182,183
  Operations and maintenance                                      10,159     9,614       22,840     20,682      42,827     38,841
  Depreciation                                                     3,110     2,797        6,222      5,660      11,879     11,734
  Income taxes                                                        35       123        5,117      4,918       6,570      6,676
  Taxes other than income taxes                                    2,242     2,125        4,593      4,369       8,872      8,160
                                                                --------   -------     --------   --------    --------   --------
                                                                $118,483   $79,694     $358,477   $243,963    $638,049   $387,648
                                                                --------   -------     --------   --------    --------   --------
OPERATING INCOME                                                $  2,998   $ 2,696     $ 15,739   $ 14,555    $ 25,279   $ 23,362
Write-down of NOARK investment, 
  net of income taxes of $11,308                                      --        --           --         --     (21,000)        --
OTHER INCOME (LOSS), NET                                             (33)      (45)          46       (319)       (448)       (51)
                                                                --------   -------     --------   --------    --------   --------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME DEDUCTIONS                                 $  2,965   $ 2,651     $ 15,785   $ 14,236    $  3,831   $ 23,311
                                                                --------   -------     --------   --------    --------   --------
INCOME DEDUCTIONS
  Interest on long-term debt                                    $  2,127   $ 2,129     $  4,256   $  4,257    $  8,513   $  8,513
  Other interest                                                     570       292        1,531        864       2,833      1,782
  Amortization of debt expense                                        97        93          190        187         376        411
  Dividends on preferred stock                                        49        48           97         97         194        195
                                                                --------   -------     --------   --------    --------   --------
                                                                $  2,843   $ 2,562     $  6,074   $  5,405    $ 11,916   $ 10,901
                                                                --------   -------     --------   --------    --------   --------
NET INCOME (LOSS)                                               $    122   $    89     $  9,711   $  8,831    $ (8,085)  $ 12,410
                                                                ========   =======     ========   ========    ========   ========
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE                                       $    .01   $   .01     $    .75   $    .68    $   (.62)  $    .95
                                                                ========   =======     ========   ========    ========   ========
CASH DIVIDENDS PER SHARE                                        $    .20   $   .18     $    .38   $    .36    $    .76   $    .72
                                                                ========   =======     ========   ========    ========   ========
AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING (IN THOUSANDS)        13,003    13,008       13,012     13,011      13,017     13,016
                                                                ========   =======     ========   ========    ========   ========
</TABLE>
The notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of 
these statements.





                                      -3-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
                              SEMCO ENERGY, INC.
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


                                  A S S E T S



<CAPTION>
                                          (Unaudited)               (Unaudited)
                                           June 30,   December 31,   June 30,
                                             1997         1996         1996
                                           --------     --------     --------
                                                 (Thousands of Dollars)
<S>                                        <C>          <C>          <C>
UTILITY PLANT
  Plant in service, at cost                $354,322     $342,778     $324,928
    Less - Accumulated depreciation         101,325       96,391       93,554
                                           --------     --------     --------
                                           $252,997     $246,387     $231,374
OTHER PROPERTY, net                           9,373        9,585       10,940
                                           --------     --------     --------
                                           $262,370     $255,972     $242,314
                                           --------     --------     --------
CURRENT ASSETS                                                               
  Cash and temporary cash investments, 
    at cost                                $  5,586     $ 10,232     $  5,770
  Receivables, less allowances of
    $1,103 at June 30, 1997, $1,247 
    at December 31, 1996 and $785
    at June 30, 1996                         22,224       43,585       20,976
  Accrued revenue                            31,071       76,549       17,556
  Materials and supplies, at average cost     3,021        3,025        4,099
  Gas in underground storage                 22,705       33,596       15,899
  Gas charges, recoverable from customers    10,758       13,791        9,400
  Accumulated deferred income taxes             361          364        2,345
  Other                                       3,261       10,040        2,541
                                           --------     --------     --------
                                           $ 98,987     $191,182     $ 78,586
                                           --------     --------     --------
DEFERRED CHARGES                                                             
  Unamortized debt expense                 $  5,270     $  5,328     $  5,515
  Deferred gas charges, recoverable 
    from customers                              116          290          431
  Advances to equity investees                6,726        5,062        4,218
  Other                                      19,881       20,445       20,360
                                           --------     --------     --------
                                           $ 31,993     $ 31,125     $ 30,524
                                           --------     --------     --------
                                           $393,350     $478,279     $351,424
                                           ========     ========     ========

</TABLE>

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

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
                              SEMCO ENERGY, INC.
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                   STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT AND LIABILITIES
<CAPTION>
                                          (Unaudited)               (Unaudited)
                                           June 30,   December 31,   June 30,
                                             1997         1996         1996
                                           --------     --------     --------
                                                 (Thousands of Dollars)
<S>                                        <C>          <C>          <C>    
COMMON STOCK EQUITY                                                          
  Common stock-par value $1 per share,
    20,000,000 shares authorized; 
    13,018,144, 12,400,331 and 
    12,376,737 shares outstanding          $ 13,018     $ 12,400     $ 12,377
  Capital surplus                            78,879       79,489       79,179
  Retained earnings (deficit)                 3,229       (1,507)      21,244
                                           --------     --------     --------
                                           $ 95,126     $ 90,382     $112,800
                                           --------     --------     --------
CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
  Convertible preferred stock - par value 
    $1 per share; authorized 500,000 
    shares issuable in series; each 
    convertible to 4.11 common shares      $      7     $      7     $      7
  Capital surplus                               162          162          165
                                           --------     --------     --------
                                           $    169     $    169     $    172
                                           --------     --------     --------
CUMULATIVE PREFERRED STOCK OF SUBSIDIARY
  $100 par value (redemption price 
    $105 per share); authorized 
    50,000 shares issuable in series;
    31,000 shares outstanding              $  3,100     $  3,100     $  3,100
                                           --------     --------     --------
LONG-TERM DEBT INCLUDING CAPITAL LEASES    $105,689     $106,468     $105,702
                                           --------     --------     --------
CURRENT LIABILITIES                                                          
  Notes payable to banks                   $ 50,700     $ 91,100     $ 29,000
  Current portion of long-term debt
    and capital leases                        1,438        1,644        1,394
  Accounts payable                           45,354       91,360       29,199
  Customer advance payments                   1,986        5,612        1,757
  Accrued taxes                               3,700          243        5,229
  Accrued interest                            1,030        1,272          977
  Other                                       6,331        6,998        5,232
                                           --------     --------     --------
                                           $110,539     $198,229     $ 72,788
                                           --------     --------     --------
DEFERRED CREDITS                                                             
  Reserve for equity investment            $ 32,942     $ 32,942     $     --
  Accumulated deferred income taxes          10,616       10,113       19,420
  Unamortized investment tax credit           2,651        2,782        2,915
  Customer advances for construction          7,708        8,621        8,854
  Other                                      24,810       25,473       25,673
                                           --------     --------     --------
                                           $ 78,727     $ 79,931     $ 56,862
                                           --------     --------     --------
                                           $393,350     $478,279     $351,424
                                           ========     ========     ========
</TABLE>
The notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of 
these statements.
                                      -5-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
                              SEMCO ENERGY, INC.
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                                  (Unaudited)
                            (Thousands of Dollars)
<CAPTION>
                                                                Three Months Ended      Six Months Ended       Twelve Months Ended
                                                                     June 30,                June 30,                June 30,     
                                                               -------------------     -------------------     -------------------
                                                                1 9 9 7    1 9 9 6      1 9 9 7    1 9 9 6      1 9 9 7    1 9 9 6
                                                               --------   --------     --------   --------     --------   --------
<S>                                                            <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  Cash received from customers                                 $163,057   $139,365     $439,115   $281,960     $645,477   $392,191 
  Cash paid for payrolls and to suppliers                      (132,948)  (109,250)    (371,212)  (230,823)    (598,163)  (348,271)
  Interest paid                                                  (4,373)    (4,012)      (6,028)    (5,278)     (11,293)   (10,344)
  Income taxes paid                                              (3,000)    (2,525)      (3,000)    (2,525)      (3,750)    (3,709)
  Taxes other than income taxes paid                             (1,120)      (469)      (2,100)      (754)      (9,543)    (7,362)
  Other cash receipts and payments, net                             (18)         9          241      1,414        1,726        450 
                                                               --------   --------     --------   --------     --------   -------- 
    NET CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES                         $ 21,598   $ 23,118     $ 57,016   $ 43,994     $ 24,454   $ 22,955 
                                                               --------   --------     --------   --------     --------   -------- 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES                                               
  Natural gas distribution property additions                  $(10,270)  $ (5,092)    $(14,565)  $(10,023)    $(34,711)  $(28,410)
  Other property additions                                          (44)       (86)        (146)      (193)        (293)      (495)
  Property retirement costs, net of proceeds                        215        (63)         201         82          984        875  
  Proceeds from sale and leaseback of capital assets                --          --           --         --           --      3,737 
  Advances to equity investees                                     (816)        --       (1,664)        --       (2,508)    (1,752)
                                                               --------   --------     --------   --------     --------   -------- 
    NET CASH FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES                         $(10,915)  $ (5,241)    $(16,174)  $(10,134)    $(36,528)  $(26,045)
                                                               --------   --------     --------   --------     --------   -------- 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES                                               
  Issuance of common stock                                     $  1,435   $  1,235     $  2,708   $  2,595     $  5,245   $  5,540 
  Repurchase of common stock (see note 2)                        (1,227)    (1,520)      (2,700)    (3,422)      (4,907)    (5,899)
  Net change in notes payable to banks                          (10,700)   (13,500)     (40,400)   (22,700)      21,700     16,450 
  Repayment of long-term debt                                       (25)       (15)         (25)       (15)         (25)       (15)
  Payment of dividends                                           (2,586)    (2,407)      (5,071)    (4,812)     (10,123)    (9,624)
                                                               --------   --------     --------   --------     --------   -------- 
    NET CASH FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES                         $(13,103)  $(16,207)    $(45,488)  $(28,354)    $ 11,890   $  6,452 
                                                               --------   --------     --------   --------     --------   -------- 
    NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND 
    TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS                                 $ (2,420)  $  1,670     $ (4,646)  $  5,506     $   (184)  $  3,362 
                                                               --------   --------     --------   --------     --------   -------- 
CASH AND TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS                                                
  Beginning of Period                                          $  8,006   $  4,100     $ 10,232   $    264     $  5,770   $  2,408 
                                                               --------   --------     --------   --------     --------   -------- 
  End of Period                                                $  5,586   $  5,770     $  5,586   $  5,770     $  5,586   $  5,770 
                                                               ========   ========     ========   ========     ========   ======== 
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO                                                    
 NET CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES                                                
  Net income (loss)                                            $    122   $     89     $  9,711   $  8,831     $ (8,085)  $ 12,410 
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to  
   net cash from operating activities:
    Depreciation                                                  3,110      2,797        6,222      5,660       11,879     11,734 
    Write-down of NOARK investment, net                              --         --           --        --        21,000         -- 
    Deferred taxes and investment tax credits                       186         80          375        110        4,223        424 
    Equity (income) loss, net of distributions                      (86)        81          (68)     1,827        1,845      2,013 
    Receivables                                                  25,705     31,803       21,361     11,344       (1,248)    (6,976)
    Accrued revenue                                              16,600     29,796       45,478     21,298      (13,515)    (4,076)
    Materials and supplies and gas in underground storage       (17,613)   (11,715)      10,895      3,454       (5,728)      (165)
    Gas charges, recoverable from customers                        (172)    (4,269)       3,033     (3,546)      (1,358)    (5,743)
    Other current assets                                          2,576        834        6,779      3,286       (1,346)     3,205 
    Accounts payable                                             (4,392)   (23,418)     (46,006)    (8,819)      16,155     11,280  
    Customer advances and amounts payable to customers             (682)      (236)      (4,539)    (5,161)        (917)    (1,802)
    Accrued taxes                                                (2,314)    (1,513)       3,457      4,525       (1,529)     3,071 
    Other, net                                                   (1,442)    (1,211)         318      1,185        3,078     (2,420)
                                                               --------   --------     --------   --------     --------   -------- 
      NET CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES                       $ 21,598   $ 23,118     $ 57,016   $ 43,994     $ 24,454   $ 22,955 
                                                               ========   ========     ========   ========     ========   ======== 
</TABLE>
The notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of 
these statements.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
                              SEMCO ENERGY, INC.
                NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  (Unaudited)


(1)  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

     Under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission 
for Form 10-Q Quarterly Reports, certain footnotes and other financial 
statement information normally included in SEMCO Energy, Inc.'s (the 
Company's), formerly Southeastern Michigan Gas Enterprises, Inc.'s, year-end 
financial statements have been condensed or omitted in the accompanying 
unaudited financial statements.  These financial statements prepared by the 
Company should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes 
thereto included in the Company's 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with 
the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The information in the accompanying 
financial statements reflects, in the opinion of the Company's management, all 
adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a 
fair statement of the information shown, subject to year-end and other 
adjustments, as later information may require.

     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.

     Earnings Per Share.  In February 1997 the Financial Accounting Standards 
Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128 "Earnings Per 
Share" ("SFAS 128"), which is effective for financial statements for periods 
ending after December 15, 1997.  In general, this statement requires 
replacement of Primary EPS, which the company currently uses to calculate EPS, 
with Basic EPS.  Basic EPS is computed by dividing reported earnings available 
to common share holders by weighted average shares outstanding.  No dilution 
for any potentially dilutive securities is included in the Basic EPS 
calculation.  Due to the fact that the Compan-y- has an immaterial amount of 
dilutive securities, it is anticipated that the calculation of Basic EPS under 
the new standard will not significantly differ from the  Company's current 
calculation.

     Fully diluted EPS, which will now be referred to as diluted EPS, is still 
required.

     Stock-Based Compensation.  In October 1995 the FASB issued SFAS 123, 
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation."  In general, SFAS 123 recommends 
that all stock-based compensation given to employees in exchange for their 
services be expensed based on the fair value of the stock instrument.  The 
Company has chosen to continue accounting for these transactions under 
previously existing accounting standards as allowed under SFAS 123.  However, 
if compensation expense under SFAS 123 is materially different, net income and 
earnings per share must be disclosed as if SFAS 123 accounting had been 
applied.  As of June 30, 1997, the fair value of the Company's stock-based 
compensation is not material, and no disclosures have been made.

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
(2)  CAPITALIZATION

Common Stock Equity
- -------------------

     On June 12, 1997, the Company's Board of Directors declared a regular 
quarterly cash dividend on common stock of $.20 per share payable on August 15 
to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 5.

     In May 1997, the Company issued a 5% stock dividend and paid a quarterly 
cash dividend of $.20 per share to its common shareholders.  During the 
quarter, the Company issued 76,206 shares of stock for funds invested through 
the Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the DRIP).  The total 
funds invested by shareholders in the second quarter was $1,435,000.

     The Company purchases shares of its own common stock in the open market 
for reissuance pursuant to the DRIP.  In the second quarter of 1997, the 
Company purchased 66,944 shares for $1,227,000.

     The May 1997 5% stock dividend resulted in 618,579 shares issued to 
existing shareholders.  Earnings per common share, cash dividends per common 
share and weighted average number of shares outstanding give retroactive effect 
for all periods presented to the 5% stock dividends in May 1997 and 1996.


(3)  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

     SEMCO Arkansas Pipeline Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SEMCO Energy 
Ventures, Inc. (Energy Ventures), has a 32% interest in a partnership which 
operates the NOARK Pipeline System.  NOARK is a 302-mile intrastate natural gas 
pipeline, originating in northwest Arkansas and extending northeast across the 
state.

     The Company, SEMCO Arkansas Pipeline Company and Energy Ventures have 
guaranteed 40% of the principal and interest payments on approximately 
$79,825,000 of debt used to finance the pipeline.  Of the total debt, 
$51,975,000 is outstanding pursuant to a long-term arrangement requiring annual 
principal payments of approximately $3,150,000 together with interest on the 
unpaid balance.  This arrangement matures in 2009 and has a fixed interest rate 
of 9.7375%.  The remaining debt is pursuant to a $30,000,000 multibank 
revolving line of credit which currently matures April 26, 1998.  Under the 
terms of the credit agreement, NOARK may request, on an annual basis, a 
one-year extension of the then-effective termination date.  At June 30, 1997, 
NOARK had $27,850,000 outstanding under the agreement with interest payments at 
a variable interest rate.

     NOARK has been operating below capacity and generating losses since it was 
placed in service.  Operating cash flows have been insufficient to meet 
principal and interest payments on the debt.  The Company contributed $906,000 
to NOARK in October 1994, $760,000 in January 1995, $800,000 in April 1995, 
$880,000 in July 1995 and $872,000 in October 1995, in connection with its 
guarantee.


                                      -8-
<PAGE>
     In December 1995, NOARK received $6,000,000 in settlement of litigation 
between Vesta Energy Company and the NOARK partners.  Vesta paid the settlement 
in consideration of termination of a firm transportation agreement with NOARK, 
including all related contracts, and release from all obligations related to 
the NOARK Pipeline System.

     NOARK used the Vesta settlement to temporarily reduce outstanding 
borrowings on its revolving line of credit.  Therefore, the Company was not 
required to make another contribution to NOARK until October 1996, when the 
Company contributed $844,000.  In January and April 1997, the Company 
contributed an additional $848,000 and $816,000, respectively, and estimates 
its required contributions to NOARK for the balance of 1997 to approximate 
$1,600,000.

     In December 1996, the Company recorded a one-time non-cash after-tax 
charge against earnings of $21,000,000 on its investment and participation as a 
general partner in NOARK.  On a pre-tax basis, the charge against earnings 
represents a significant portion of the Company's current investment, including 
loan guarantees, in NOARK.  The Company recorded this write-down due to its 
inability to recover the carrying amount of its investment in NOARK, including 
the loan guarantees.  The Company recognized a loss in value of its NOARK 
investment due to recurring losses generated by NOARK and NOARK's continued 
inability to meet principal and interest payments on the partnership debt.

     The Company's short-term credit arrangements, note agreements and 
long-term debt indentures contain restrictive covenants requiring certain 
levels of earnings and the maintenance of certain financial ratios.  Because of 
the NOARK write-down, the Company would have been in violation of certain of 
these covenants, however the Company has received waivers or amendments for all 
affected covenants.

     The Company will continue to explore opportunities to improve the project, 
but the write-down is expected to eliminate the need for significant NOARK 
operating losses being recorded in the Company's future income statements and 
will not affect the Company's cash or stock dividend.

     The Company will continue to try to sell its interest in NOARK.
















                                      -9-
<PAGE>
                 PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION - (Continued)


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


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     Net income for the quarter ended June 30, 1997 was $122,000 ($.01 per 
share) compared to $89,000 ($.01 per share) for the quarter ended June 30, 
1996.

     Net income was $9,711,000 ($.75 per share) and $8,831,000 ($.68 per share) 
for the six months ended June 30, 1997 and June 30, 1996, respectively.

     For the twelve months ended June 30, 1997, the Company recorded a net loss 
of $8,085,000 ($.62 per share), which includes the December 1996 $21,000,000 
after-tax write-down of the Company's investment in the NOARK Pipeline System 
(NOARK).  Excluding the NOARK write-down, the Company's net income was 
$12,915,000 ($.99 per share).  This compares to net income of $12,410,000 ($.95 
per share) for the twelve months ended June 30, 1996.

     Since the Company's primary business of natural gas distribution depends 
upon the winter months for the majority of its operating revenue, the Company 
typically experiences nominal net income in the second quarter.

     See Note 3 in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for a 
discussion of commitments and contingencies.

     A comparison of quarterly, year-to-date and twelve-month-to-date revenues, 
margins and system throughput follows on the next page.





















                                     -10-
<PAGE>
Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and 
          Results of Operations. - (Continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  Three Months Ended      Six Months Ended       Twelve Months Ended
                                                       June 30,                June 30,                June 30,     
                                                   -----------------     -------------------     -------------------
                                                   1 9 9 7   1 9 9 6      1 9 9 7    1 9 9 6      1 9 9 7    1 9 9 6
                                                   -------   -------     --------   --------     --------   --------
                                                                      (in thousands of dollars)
<S>                                                <C>       <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>
Operating Revenue
  Gas Sales
    Residential                                    $23,265   $24,485     $ 80,328   $ 79,804     $139,168   $130,658
    Commercial                                      10,875    11,458       38,489     38,034       65,964     61,908
    Industrial                                       2,249     2,681        7,367      8,749       13,836     15,238
                                                   -------   -------     --------   --------     --------   --------
                                                   $36,389   $38,624     $126,184   $126,587     $218,968   $207,804
  Cost of Gas Sold                                  22,994    25,840       87,270     87,365      151,040    140,054
                                                   -------   -------     --------   --------     --------   --------
    Gross Margin                                   $13,395   $12,784     $ 38,914   $ 39,222       67,928     67,750
                                                   =======   =======     ========   ========     ========   ========

  Gas Marketing                                    $80,943   $39,876     $238,699   $123,339      426,744    186,033
  Cost of Gas Marketed                              79,943    39,195      232,435    120,969      416,861    182,183
                                                   -------   -------     --------   --------     --------   --------
                                                   $ 1,000   $   681     $  6,264   $  2,370        9,883      3,850
                                                   =======   =======     ========   ========     ========   ========

  Transportation Revenue                           $ 3,037   $ 2,821     $  6,989   $  6,339       13,008     12,329
                                                   =======   =======     ========   ========     ========   ========

  Other                                            $ 1,112   $ 1,069     $  2,344   $  2,253        4,608      4,844
                                                   =======   =======     ========   ========     ========   ========
<CAPTION>
                                                                     (in millions of cubic feet)          
<S>                                                <C>       <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>
  Gas Volumes
    Gas Sales
      Residential                                    4,514     4,253       16,003     16,349       26,357     26,694
      Commercial                                     2,365     2,239        8,251      8,342       13,579     13,671
      Industrial                                       488       546        1,637      2,090        2,932      3,562
                                                   -------   -------     --------   --------     --------   --------
                                                     7,367     7,038       25,891     26,781       42,868     43,927
                                                   =======   =======     ========   ========     ========   ========

    Gas Marketing                                   39,870    21,221       94,115     51,495      172,048     88,946
                                                   =======   =======     ========   ========     ========   ========

    Gas Transported                                  4,910     4,674       11,180     10,621       21,091     21,526
                                                   =======   =======     ========   ========     ========   ========

  Degree Days - Actual                               1,077       986        4,245      4,532        6,811      7,391
              - Percent of Normal                      116%      109%         100%       108%         100%       109%
  Gas Sales Customers-Average                      236,078   228,040      235,797    227,564      232,794    225,482
</TABLE>

QUARTER RESULTS

     Gross margin on gas sales increased by $611,000 (5%) as gas volumes sold 
for the three month period ended June 30, 1997 increased 5% from the same 
period in 1996.  Volumes increased due to a combination of the addition of over 
8,000 gas sales customers, as well as weather that was approximately 9% colder 
than in 1996.


                                     -11-
<PAGE>
Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and 
          Results of Operations. - (Continued)


     Gas marketing revenue increased $41,067,000 (103%) on increased volumes 
totaling 18,649,000 thousand cubic feet (Mcf) (88%).  This resulted in an 
increase in gas marketing margin of $71,000 (12%), net of gas marketer 
incentive compensation.  The revenue increases of the Company's marketing 
operations are attributable to growth in the Company's out-of-state marketing 
offices and the opening of the Mid-Atlantic office in late 1996.

     Gas marketing volumes and margins are subject to significant competitive 
factors.  In addition to fluctuations caused by the price of alternative fuels 
and seasonal patterns, competition within the natural gas marketing industry 
continues to increase.

     Operations and maintenance expense increased by $545,000 (6%) in the 
second quarter compared to a year ago due primarily to a $248,000 increase in 
gas marketer incentive compensation and an increase in expenses attributable to 
expansion of marketing operations.

     Depreciation and taxes other than income taxes increased by $313,000 (11%) 
and $117,000 (6%), respectively, due primarily to utility plant additions.

     Other interest increased $278,000 (95%), over the prior year, due to 
higher borrowings on the Company's lines of credit.  The increased borrowings 
were primarily for utility plant additions and increased working capital to 
support the higher marketing activity.


YEAR-TO-DATE RESULTS

     Gross margin on gas sales for the first six months of 1997 decreased by 
$308,000 (1%) over the same period in 1996.  Although the Company experienced 
normal weather during the first six months of 1997, the comparable period in 
1996 experienced 6% colder weather resulting in a 3% decrease in volumes sold.  
The increase in gas sales customers of approximately 8,200 or 4% offset the 
majority of the weather related decrease.

     Margins from natural gas marketing activities, net of marketers incentive 
compensation, increased by $1,792,000 (104%) for the first six months of 1997 
versus the same period in 1996.  Contributing to this increase is the 
significant increase in volumes sold, up 83% from 1996, due to the continued 
growth in our out-of-state markets.  The increase in margin from volumes sold 
was offset slightly by lower per-unit margins.  Warmer weather in 1997 compared 
to 1996, as well as competitive factors, contributed to the per-unit margin 
decrease.

     Operations and maintenance expense increased $2,158,000 (10%) for the six 
months ended June 30,1997 compared to the same period the prior year.  The 
majority of this increase, $2,100,000, is attributed to higher expenses 
associated with Energy Services' independent marketing contracts.  Increased 
costs incurred by the marketing operations to expand its markets were offset by 
decreases in health and pension expense.

                                     -12-
<PAGE>
Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and 
          Results of Operations. - (Continued)


     Depreciation expense increased $562,000 (10%) primarily due to increased 
property additions.  These property additions, as well as higher marketing 
activity, were financed by short-term borrowing resulting in an increase in 
Other Interest of 667,000 (77%). 

     Other Income (Loss) year-to-date for 1997 was a gain of $46,000 compared 
to a loss of ($319,000) in 1996.  For the six months ended June 30,1996, Other 
Income (Loss) includes losses from the Company's investment in NOARK totaling 
$778,000 which is net of interest accrued on advances to NOARK.  No losses have 
been recorded, or interest accrued, during the first half of 1997 as a result 
of the December 1996 write-down of NOARK.


TWELVE-MONTH RESULTS

     Gas sales margin increased $178,000 for the twelve month period ended 
June 30, 1997, compared to the same period a year earlier.  Eight percent 
warmer weather was offset by the addition of approximately 7,300 gas sales 
customers and, to a lesser extent, by a December 1995 rate increase.

     Gas marketing margin increased $2,571,000, net of marketers' incentive 
compensation, primarily due to an 93% increase in volumes sold.  In 1996 the 
Company began expanding its operations outside its traditional markets through 
the use of independent contractors.  This has lead to the significant increase 
in sales volumes, however, per unit margins have decreased slightly as 
competition continues to put downward pressure on these margins.

     Operations and maintenance expense increased by $3,986,000 (10%) in the 
current period compared to the same period a year ago.  Contributing to the 
increase between periods were marketers' incentive compensation, which 
increased over $3,000,000, and costs related to expansion of marketing 
operations.

     Other interest increased $1,051,000 (59%).  This increase is due to 
short-term debt incurred to fund the Company's increased marketing activity and 
for customer additions.

     Other income (loss), net, decreased from a loss of $51,000 for the twelve 
months ended June 30, 1996 to a loss of $448,000 in the same period ending 
June 30, 1997.  The twelve-month results for 1996 include a non-recurring gain 
of $1,251,000, net of tax, on the settlement of the lawsuit involving NOARK.  
Excluding this gain, the loss from NOARK, net of tax, was $1,821,000 for the 
twelve-month period ended June 30, 1996.  The twelve month period ended June 
30, 1997 includes six months of NOARK losses totaling $896,000.  As a result of 
the December 1996 write-down of the NOARK investment, no losses were incurred 
during the first half of 1997.



                                     -13-
<PAGE>
Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and 
          Results of Operations. - (Continued)


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

     Net cash from operating activities for the three, six and twelve month 
periods ended June 30, 1997, as compared to the same periods last year, 
increased/(decreased) ($1,520,000), $13,022,000 and $1,499,000, respectively.  
The changes in operating cash flows between the periods is primarily due to the 
timing of cash receipts and cash payments and its effect on working capital.

     The Company anticipates spending approximately $14,565,000 for capital 
items during the remainder of 1997.  These estimated amounts will primarily 
relate to customer additions and system replacement in the gas distribution 
operations.

     See Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a 
discussion of contributions to the NOARK Pipeline System pursuant to the 
Company's guarantees of the pipeline's debt.

     Financing activities used $13,103,000 in funds during the second quarter 
of 1997, primarily to reduce notes payable to banks.


FUTURE FINANCING SOURCES

     The remainder of the Company's operating cash flow needs, as well as 
dividend payments and capital expenditures for the balance of 1997, is expected 
to be generated primarily through operating activities and short-term 
borrowings.  At June 30, 1997, the Company had $49,200,000 in unused lines of 
credit.

Long-Term Debt
- --------------

     The Company has signed an agreement with a private placement agent and is 
in the process of issuing up to $60,000,000 of long-term Notes, with one-half 
maturing in five years and the remainder in ten years.  The proceeds of the 
offering will be used to pay down short-term debt.

     It is anticipated that the placement will be finalized by the end of 
August 1997.











                                     -14-
<PAGE>
                          PART II - OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1.   Legal Proceedings.

          None.

Item 2.   Changes in Securities.

          The Company has short-term credit arrangements, note agreements and 
long-term debt indentures which contain restrictive financial covenants 
including, among others, limits on the payment of dividends beyond certain 
levels.  Because of the NOARK write-down in December 1996, the Company would 
not have been in compliance with certain of these covenants.  However, the 
Company has received waivers or amendments with respect to the affected credit 
arrangements and expects no deviation from its historical dividend payment 
record in 1997.

Item 3.   Not applicable.

Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Securityholders.

          At the April 15, 1997 Annual Meeting of Common Shareholders the 
following nominees were elected to hold office on the Board of Directors for a 
term of three years:

               Name                         Votes For      Votes Withheld
               ----                         ---------      --------------

          John T. Ferris                    9,302,947         882,524
          Michael O. Frazer                 9,253,610         931,861
          Frederick S. Moore                9,371,033         814,438
          Edith A. Stotler                  9,245,816         939,655

          Also at the April 15, 1997 Annual Meeting of Common Shareholders, the 
following proposals were approved:

          -- Approval of a change in the Company's name to SEMCO Energy, Inc.

                    For            Against            Abstain
                    ---            -------            -------

                 9,281,667         697,174            206,630

          -- Approval of a Long-Term Incentive Plan.

                    For            Against            Abstain
                    ---            -------            -------

                 7,954,986        1,747,154           483,331

          -- Authorization of class of Preference Stock composed of 3,000,000 
shares.

                    For            Against            Abstain
                    ---            -------            -------

                 6,434,585        1,645,697           494,479

                                     -15-
<PAGE>
                   PART II - OTHER INFORMATION - (Continued)


Item 5.   Not applicable.

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

     (a)  List of Exhibits - (See page 18 for the Exhibit Index.)

          --Articles of Incorporation of SEMCO Energy, Inc. (formerly 
               Southeastern Michigan Gas Enterprises, Inc.), as restated 
               July 11, 1989.
          --Certificate of Amendment to Article III of the Articles of 
               Incorporation dated May 16, 1990.
          --Certificate of Amendment to Articles I, III and VI of the Articles 
               of Incorporation dated April 16, 1997.
          --Bylaws--last revised June 12, 1997.
          --Trust Indenture dated April 1, 1992, with NBD Bank, N.A. as 
               Trustee.
          --Note Agreement dated as of June 1, 1994, relating to issuance of 
               $80,000,000 of long-term debt.
          --Rights Agreement dated as of April 15, 1997 with Continental Stock 
               Transfer & Trust Company, as Rights Agent.
          --Guaranty Agreement dated October 10, 1991, relating to financing of 
               NOARK.
          --Short-Term Incentive Plan.
          --Deferred Compensation and Phantom Stock Purchase Agreement (for 
               outside directors only).
          --Supplemental Retirement Plan for Certain Officers.
          --1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan.
          --Stock Option Certificate and Agreement dated October 10, 1996 with 
               William L. Johnson.
          --Stock Option Certificate and Agreement dated February 26, 1997 with 
               William L. Johnson.
          --Employment Agreement dated October 10, 1996, with William L. 
               Johnson.
          --Change of Control Employment Agreement dated October 10, 1996, with 
               William L. Johnson.
          --Proxy Statement dated March 7, 1997.

     (b)  Reports on Form 8-K.

          On June 17, 1997, the Company filed Form 8-K to report the 
resignation of its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.









                                     -16-
<PAGE>
                                  SIGNATURES



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

                                       SEMCO ENERGY, INC.
                                               (Registrant)



Dated:  August 13, 1997  
                                      By: /s/Robert J. Digan, II
                                          -------------------------------------
                                          Robert J. Digan, II
                                          Senior Vice President and 
                                          Principal Accounting and Financial 
                                          Officer

































                                     -17-
<PAGE>
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
                                   Form 10-Q
                              Second Quarter 1997
                                                                 Filed
                                                          --------------------
Exhibit                                                                  By
  No.               Description                           Herewith    Reference
- --------            -----------                           --------    ---------
 2        Plan of Acquisition, etc.                          NA           NA
 3.(i).1  Articles of Incorporation of SEMCO Energy, Inc.
          (formerly Southeastern Michigan Gas 
          Enterprises, Inc.), as restated 
          July 11, 1989.(e)                                               x
 3.(i).2  Certificate of Amendment to Article III
          of the Articles of Incorporation dated
          May 16, 1990.(f)                                                x
 3.(i).3  Certificate of Amendment to Articles I,
          III and VI of the Articles of Incorporation
          dated April 16, 1997.(l)                                        x
 3.(ii)   Bylaws--last revised June 12, 1997.                x
 4.1      Trust Indenture dated April 1, 1992, with
          NBD Bank, N.A. as Trustee.(b)                                   x 
 4.2      Note Agreement dated as of June 1, 1994,
          relating to issuance of $80,000,000 of 
          long-term debt.(d)                                              x
 4.3      Rights Agreement dated as of April 15, 1997
          with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, 
          as Rights Agent.(j)                                             x
10        Material Contracts.
10.1      Guaranty Agreement dated October 10, 1991, 
          relating to financing of NOARK.(a)                              x
10.2      Short-Term Incentive Plan.(c)                                   x
10.3      Deferred Compensation and Phantom Stock
          Purchase Agreement (for outside
          directors only).(g)                                             x
10.4      Supplemental Retirement Plan for Certain 
          Officers.(h)                                                    x
10.5      1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan.(j)                               x
10.6      Stock Option Certificate and Agreement
          dated October 10, 1996 with 
          William L. Johnson.(k)                                          x
10.7      Stock Option Certificate and Agreement
          dated February 26, 1997 with
          William L. Johnson.(k)                                          x
10.8      Employment Agreement dated October 10, 1996,
          with William L. Johnson.(l)                                     x
10.9      Change of Control Employment Agreement dated
          October 10, 1996, with William L. Johnson.(l)                   x
11        Statement re computation of per share earnings.    NA           NA
15        Letter re unaudited interim financial 
          information.                                       NA           NA
18        Letter re change in accounting principle.          NA           NA

                                     -18-
<PAGE>
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
                                  (Continued)
                                   Form 10-Q
                              Second Quarter 1997
                                                                 Filed
                                                          --------------------
Exhibit                                                                  By
  No.               Description                           Herewith    Reference
- --------            -----------                           --------    ---------
19        Report furnished to security holders.              NA           NA
22        Published report regarding matters submitted 
          to a vote of security holders.                     NA           NA
23        Consent of Independent Public Accountants.         NA           NA
24        Power of Attorney.                                 NA           NA
27        Financial Data Schedule.                           x            
99.1      Proxy Statement dated March 7, 1997.(i)                         x



Key to Exhibits Incorporated by Reference 

     (a)  Filed with SEMCO Energy, Inc.'s (formerly Southeastern Michigan Gas 
          Enterprises, Inc.'s) Registration Statement, Form S-2, No. 33-46413, 
          filed March 16, 1992.
     (b)  Filed with SEMCO Energy, Inc.'s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 
          31, 1992, File No. 0-8503.
     (c)  Filed with SEMCO Energy, Inc.'s Form 10-K for 1992, dated March 30, 
          1993, File No. 0-8503.
     (d)  Filed with SEMCO Energy, Inc.'s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
          June 30, 1994, File No. 0-8503.
     (e)  Filed with SEMCO Energy, Inc.'s Form 10-K for 1989, dated March 29, 
          1990, File No. 0-8503.
     (f)  Filed with SEMCO Energy, Inc.'s Form 10-K for 1990, dated March 28, 
          1991, File No. 0-8503.
     (g)  Filed with SEMCO Energy, Inc.'s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
          September 30, 1994, File No. 0-8503.
     (h)  Filed with SEMCO Energy, Inc.'s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
          March 31, 1996, File No. 0-8503.
     (i)  Filed March 6, 1997, pursuant to Rule 14a-6 of the Exchange Act, File 
          No. 0-8503.
     (j)  Filed as part of SEMCO Energy, Inc.'s 1997 Proxy Statement, dated 
          March 7, 1997, File No. 0-8503.
     (k)  Filed with SEMCO Energy, Inc.'s Form 10-K for 1996, dated March 27, 
          1997, File No. 0-8503.
     (l)  Filed with SEMCO Energy, Inc.'s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 
          March 31, 1997, File No. 0-8503.







                                     -19-


Exhibit 3.(ii)

                                                  Revised 6/12/97

                       SEMCO Energy, Inc.
                             BYLAWS

                            ARTICLE I
                              STOCK

     Section 1.     Capital Stock.  The Capital of this 
Corporation consists of Twenty Million (20,000,000) shares 
designated "Common Stock, $1.00 Par Value", Five Hundred Thousand 
(500,000) shares designated "Cumulative Preferred Stock, $1 Par 
Value" and Three Million (3,000,000) shares designated 
"Preference Stock, $1 Par Value".

     Section 2.     Certificate of Shares.  The Certificates for 
shares of the Capital Stock of this Corporation shall be in such 
form, not inconsistent with the Articles of Incorporation of the 
Corporation, as shall be prepared or be approved by the Board of 
Directors.  The Certificates shall be signed by the President or
a Vice President.  The signatures may be facsimiles to the
extent allowed by law.

     Section 3.     Record Date for Determination of 
Shareholders.  The Board of Directors may in its discretion for 
the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to notice of and 
to vote at a meeting of shareholders or any adjournment thereof, 
or to express consent or dissent from a proposal without a 
meeting, or for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled 
to receive payment of a dividend or allotment of a right, or for 
the purpose of any other action, fix in advance a date as the 
record date for any such determination of shareholders.  The 
record date shall not be more than sixty (60) nor less than ten 
(10) days before the date of the meeting, nor more than sixty 
(60) days before any other action.  When a determination of 
shareholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a 
meeting of shareholders has been made as provided in this
Section 3, the determination applies to any adjournment of the
meeting, unless the Board fixes a new record date under this
Section 3 for the adjourned meeting.

     Section 4.     Lost Certificates.  In case of the loss of 
any certificate of shares of stock, upon due proof by the 
registered holder or his representatives, by affidavit of such 
loss, the transfer agent shall issue a duplicate certificate in 
its place, upon the Corporation's being fully indemnified 
therefor. 

     Section 5.     Fiscal Year.  The fiscal year of the 
Corporation shall end on the 31st day of December in each year. 

     Section 6.     Corporate Seal.  Each certificate shall 
contain the seal of the Corporation or a facsimile thereof. 

     Section 7.     Redemption of Control Shares.  Consistent 
with the provisions of Section 799 of the Michigan Business 
Corporation Act, MCL 450.1799, control shares of the Company 
acquired in a control share acquisition, with respect to which no 
acquiring person statement has been filed with the Company, are, 
at any time during the period ending 60 days after the last 
acquisition of control shares or the power to direct the exercise 
of voting power of control shares by the acquiring person, 
subject to redemption by the Company at the fair value of the 
shares pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. 

     After an acquiring person statement has been filed and after
the meeting at which the voting rights of the control shares 
acquired in a control share acquisition  are submitted to the
shareholders, the shares are subject to redemption by the
Company at the fair value of the shares pursuant to procedures
adopted by the Board of Directors unless the shares are accorded
full voting rights by the shareholders as provided in Section
798 of the Michigan Business Corporation Act.


                           ARTICLE II
                     SHAREHOLDERS' MEETINGS

     Section 1.     Time, Place and Purpose.  Meetings of the 
shareholders of the Corporation shall be held annually on the 
third Tuesday in April in each year, beginning in the year 1978,
(or if said day be a legal holiday, then on the next succeeding
day not a holiday) at 2:00 o'clock P.M., at the office of the
Corporation in the City of Port Huron, Michigan, or at such
other place within or without the State of Michigan as may be
fixed by the Board of Directors, for the purpose of electing
Directors and for the transaction of such other business as may
properly be brought before the meeting.

     Section 2.     Special Meetings.  Special meetings of the 
shareholders may be called by the President and Secretary, and 
shall be called by either of them by vote of a majority of the
Board of Directors or at the request in writing of shareholders
of record owning a majority of the entire shares of the
Corporation issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at such
meetings.

     Section 3.     Notice.  Written notice of any shareholders' 
meeting shall be mailed to each shareholder of record entitled to 
vote at the meeting at his last known address, as the same 
appears on the stock book of the Corporation, or otherwise, or 
delivered in person, not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty 
(60) days before any meeting, and such notice of meeting shall 
indicate the object or objects thereof.  Nevertheless, if all the
shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting shall waive notice 
of the meeting, no notice of the same shall be required and,
whenever all the shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting
shall meet in person or by proxy, such meeting shall be valid
for all purposes, without call or notice, and at such meeting
any corporate action shall not be invalid for want of notice.

     Section 4.     Quorum.  At any meeting of the shareholders, 
the holders of the issued and outstanding shares of the 
Corporation entitled to cast a majority of the votes at the 
meeting, whether present in person or represented by proxy, shall 
constitute a quorum.  The shareholders present in person or by 
proxy at such meeting may continue to do business until 
adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough 
shareholders to leave less than a quorum.  Whether or not a 
quorum is present, meetings may be adjourned from time to time to 
a further date without further notice other than the announcement 
at such meeting and, when a quorum shall be present upon such 
adjourned date, any business may be transacted which might have 
been transacted at the meeting as originally called. 

     Section 5.     Voting.  Each shareholder entitled to vote at 
any meeting shall have one vote in person or by proxy for each 
share held by him which has voting power upon the matter in 
question at the time, but no proxy shall be voted after three 
years from its date unless said proxy provides for a longer 
period.  In all elections for Directors, each shareholder 
entitled to vote shall have the right to vote, in person or by 
proxy, the number of voting shares owned by him, for as many 
persons as there are Directors to be elected, or to cumulate said 
shares and give one candidate as many votes as the number of 
Directors multiplied by the number of his voting shares shall 
equal, or to distribute them on the same principle among as many 
candidates as he shall see fit. 

     Section 6.     Organization.  Meetings of the shareholders 
shall be presided over by the Chairman of the Board, or the 
President, or if neither is present, by any Vice President or, if 
no Vice President is present, by a chairman to be chosen at the 
meeting.  The Secretary of the Corporation or, if he is not 
present, an Assistant Secretary of the Corporation, if present, 
shall act as Secretary of the meeting, but if no such officer is 
present, the presiding officer shall appoint any person to act as 
Secretary of the meeting. 

     Section 7.     Inspectors.  The Board of Directors, in 
advance of a shareholders' meeting, may appoint one or more 
inspectors to act at the meeting or any adjournment thereof.  The 
inspectors shall perform such duties and shall make such 
determinations as are prescribed by law. 

     Section 8.     Giving Notice.  Any notice required by 
statute or by these Bylaws to be given to the shareholders, or to 
Directors, or to any officer of the Corporation, shall be deemed 
to be sufficient to be given by depositing the same in a post 
office box in a sealed, postpaid wrapper, addressed to such 
shareholder, Director, or officer at his last known address with 
proper postage and such notice shall be deemed to have been
given at the time of such mailing.

     Section 9.     New Shareholders.  Every person becoming a 
shareholder in this Corporation shall be deemed to assent to 
these Bylaws, and shall designate to the Secretary the address
to which he desires that the notice herein required to be given
may be sent, and all notices mailed to such addresses, with
postage prepaid, shall be considered as duly given at the date
of mailing, and any person failing to so designate his address
shall be deemed to have waived notice of such meeting.


                           ARTICLE III
                            DIRECTORS

     Section 1.     Number, Classification and Term of Office.  
The business and the property of the Corporation shall be managed
and controlled by the Board of Directors.  The number of 
Directors shall be eleven (11).  Directors shall hold office for
staggered terms as provided in the Articles of Incorporation.

     Section 2.     Place of Meeting.  The Directors may hold 
their meetings in such place or places within or without this 
State as a majority of the Board of Directors may, from time to 
time, determine. 

     Section 3.     Meetings.  Meetings of the Board of Directors 
may be called at any time by the Chairman, President or 
Secretary, or by a majority of the Board of Directors.  Directors 
shall be notified in writing of the time, place and purpose of 
all meetings of the Board at least three days prior thereto.  Any
Director shall, however, be deemed to have waived such notice by 
his attendance at any meeting.  The Chairman of the Board, or in
his absence the President, shall preside at meetings of the
Board.

     Section 4.     Quorum.  A majority of the Board of Directors 
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and, if 
at any meeting of the Board of Directors there be less than a 
quorum present, a majority of those present may adjourn the 
meeting from time to time.

     Section 5.     Vacancies.  Vacancies in the Board of 
Directors shall be filled by the remaining members of the Board 
and each person so elected shall be a Director until his 
successor is elected by the shareholders. 

     Section 6.     Compensation.  No Director shall receive any 
salary or compensation for his services as Director, unless 
otherwise especially ordered by the Board of Directors or by the 
Bylaws. 

     Section 7.     Age of Retirement.  Notwithstanding anything 
above to the contrary, no individual shall serve as a director 
past the Retirement Age.  Any individual reaching the Retirement 
Age while serving as director shall be considered to have 
resigned as of that date.  No individual who has reached the 
Retirement Age shall qualify to run for election, or serve, as a 
director. The Retirement Age for individuals serving as directors 
on January 1, 1987 shall be 75 years.  The Retirement Age for all
other individuals shall be 70 years.  The Board of Directors, 
however, may waive the provisions of this Section as to any
director in its discretion by majority vote of the remaining
directors in office.

     Section 8.     Resignation of Employee Director.  
Notwithstanding anything above to the contrary, any individual 
who is an employee of the Corporation or any majority-owned 
subsidiary when elected or appointed as a director, shall cease 
to be a director when that employment ends for any reason and 
shall be considered to have resigned as a director as of that 
date.  The Board of Directors, however, may waive the provisions 
of this Section as to any director in its discretion by majority 
vote of the remaining directors in office. 

     Section 9.     Qualifications.  In addition to any other 
qualifications for a director imposed by law, these Bylaws, or 
the Articles of Incorporation, a person shall not qualify to
serve as a director if that person has previously served
concurrently as a director of the Corporation and an employee of
the Corporation or any majority-owned subsidiary, but is no
longer an employee.  The Board of Directors, however, may waive
the provisions of this Section as to any director in its
discretion by majority vote of the remaining directors in office.


                           ARTICLE IV
                            OFFICERS

     Section 1.     Number, Classification and Term of Office.  
The Board of Directors shall select a President, a Secretary and 
a Treasurer and may select one or more additional Vice 
Presidents, Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers, who 
shall be elected by the Board of Directors at their regular 
annual meeting.  The term of office shall be for one year and 
until their successors are chosen.  No one of such officers, 
except the President, need be a Director.  Any two of the 
offices, except those of President and Vice President, may be 
held by the same person, but no officer shall execute, 
acknowledge, or verify any instrument in more than one capacity.  
The Board of Directors shall fix the salaries of the officers of 
the Corporation.  The Board of Directors may also fill any 
vacancy in the foregoing offices at any regular or special 
meeting duly called and held. 

     Section 2.     Appointments and Removal of Officers.  The 
Board of Directors may also appoint such other officers and 
agents as they may deem necessary for the transaction of the 
business of the Corporation.  All officers and agents shall 
respectively have such authority and perform such duties in the 
management of the property and affairs of the Corporation as may 
be designated by the Board of Directors.  Without limitation of 
any right of an officer or agent to recover damages for breach of 
contract, the Board of Directors may remove any officer or agent 
whenever, in their judgment, the business interests of the 
Corporation will be served thereby. 

     Section 3.     Bonding of Officers.  The Board of Directors 
may secure the fidelity of any or all of such officers by bond or
otherwise. 


                            ARTICLE V
                       DUTIES OF OFFICERS

     Section 1.     President.  The President shall be the chief 
executive officer of the Company and, as such, shall have 
supervision of its policies, business and affairs, and such
other powers and duties as are commonly incident to the office
of chief executive officer.  He may sign, execute, and deliver
in the name of the Company powers of attorney, contracts, bonds,
and other obligations and shall perform such other duties as may
be prescribed from time to time by the Board of Directors or by
the Bylaws.  He may appoint officers, agents, or employees other
than those appointed by the Board of Directors.

     Section 2.     Executive Vice President.  The Executive Vice
President shall be the chief financial officer of the Company. He 
shall exercise such duties as customarily pertain to the office 
of chief financial officer and shall have such other duties as 
shall be delegated by the President. 

     Section 3.     Senior Vice President.  The Senior Vice 
President shall be the chief operating officer of the Company.  
He shall exercise such duties as customarily pertain to the 
office of chief operating officer and shall have such other 
duties as shall be delegated by the President.  In the absence or
disability of the President, the Senior Vice President shall 
perform the duties and exercise the powers of the President.

     Section 4.     Vice President(s).  If the Board of Directors 
shall have selected one or more additional Vice Presidents, any 
such Vice President shall do and perform such acts and shall 
exercise such powers and have such responsibilities as the Board 
of Directors may, from time to time, authorize or direct. 

     Section 5.     Treasurer.  The Treasurer shall have custody 
and keep account of all money, funds and property of the 
Corporation, unless otherwise determined by the Board of 
Directors, and he shall render such accounts and present such
statement to the Directors and President as may be required of
him.  He shall deposit all funds of the Corporation which may
come into his hands in such bank or banks as the Board of
Directors may designate.  He shall keep his bank accounts in the
name of the Corporation, and shall exhibit his books and
accounts, at all reasonable times, to any Director of the
Corporation upon application at the offices of the Corporation
during business hours.  He shall pay out money as the business
may require upon the order of the properly constituted officer
or officers of the Corporation, taking proper vouchers therefor;
provided, however, that the Board of Directors shall have power
by resolution to delegate any of the duties of the Treasurer to
other officers, and to provide by what officers, if any, all
bills, notes, checks, vouchers, orders or other instruments
shall be countersigned.  He shall perform, in addition, such
other duties as may be delegated to him by the Board of
Directors.

     Section 6.     Secretary.  The Secretary of the Corporation 
shall keep the minutes of all the meetings of the Shareholders, 
Board of Directors and Committees of the Board in books provided 
for that purpose; shall attend to the giving and receiving of all
notices of the Corporation; and, in addition, shall perform such 
other duties as may be delegated to the Secretary by the Board
of Directors.


                           ARTICLE VI
            INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

     1.   The Corporation shall indemnify any person against 
expenses (including attorney fees), judgments, fines and amounts 
paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such 
person by reason of the fact that such person is or was a 
director or officer of the Corporation, in connection with any 
threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding to 
the full extent allowed by Sections 561, 562, 563 and 564 of the 
Michigan Business Corporation Act from time to time in effect 
(including, where permitted and upon any undertaking required, 
payment in advance of expenses); provided, however, that except 
with respect to actions, suits or proceedings initiated by any 
such person to enforce his or her rights to indemnification or 
advancement of expenses under this Article or otherwise, the 
Corporation shall indemnify any such person in connection with
an action, suit or proceeding initiated by such person only if
such action, suit or proceeding was authorized or ratified by
the Board of Directors of the Corporation.  "Proceeding" as used
in this Article shall include any proceeding within an action or
suit.

     2.   Without limiting in any way Section 1 of this Article: 

          (a)  The Corporation may, by action of or approval by 
its Board of Directors, provide indemnification and/or 
advancement of expenses to employees or agents of the Corporation 
who are not directors or officers in the same manner and to the 
same extent as such rights are provided to directors and officers 
pursuant to this Article. 

          (b)  The indemnification and advancement of expenses 
provided by or granted pursuant to this Article shall not be 
deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking 
indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under 
these Bylaws, the Articles of Incorporation, contractual
agreement, or otherwise by law and shall continue as to a person
who has ceased to be a director or officer of the Corporation
and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and
administrators of such person.


                           ARTICLE VII
                           AMENDMENTS

     The shareholders entitled to vote or the Board of Directors 
may alter, amend, add to or repeal these Bylaws, including the 
fixing and altering of the Board of Directors; provided that the 
Board of Directors shall not make or alter any Bylaws fixing
their number, qualifications, classification, or term of office.


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<ARTICLE> UT
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME, THE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AND THE
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
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<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
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<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1997
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<TOTAL-NET-UTILITY-PLANT>                      252,997
<OTHER-PROPERTY-AND-INVEST>                      9,373
<TOTAL-CURRENT-ASSETS>                          98,987
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<CAPITAL-SURPLUS-PAID-IN>                       78,879
<RETAINED-EARNINGS>                              3,229
<TOTAL-COMMON-STOCKHOLDERS-EQ>                  95,126
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                                      3,269
<LONG-TERM-DEBT-NET>                           103,548
<SHORT-TERM-NOTES>                              50,700
<LONG-TERM-NOTES-PAYABLE>                            0
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<GROSS-OPERATING-REVENUE>                      374,216
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<OTHER-OPERATING-EXPENSES>                     353,360
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