UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 22, 1997
SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
New Mexico 1-3789 75-0575400
State or other jurisdiction of (Commission File No.) (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
Tyler at Sixth, Amarillo, Texas 79101
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number, including area code (806) 378-2121
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ITEM 4. CHANGES IN REGISTRANT'S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
On April 22, 1997, the Company notified its certifying accountants,
Deloitte & Touche LLP, that the client-auditor relationship between the Company
and Deloitte & Touche LLP will be terminated effective with the completion of
the December 31, 1996 audit of the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Additionally, the Company announced its new certifying accountants, Arthur
Andersen LLP, to serve as independent accountants for the calendar year 1997.
The decision to change accountants was made in conjunction with the anticipated
merger with Public Service Company of Colorado and was recommended by the Audit
Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.
Deloitte & Touche's LLP's reports on the Company's financial statements
during the two most recent fiscal years, preceding the date hereof contained no
adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, and was not qualified or modified as
to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.
During the last two fiscal years and the subsequent interim periods
preceding the date hereof, there were no disagreements between the Company and
Deloitte & Touche LLP on any matters of accounting principles or practices,
financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which
disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Deloitte & Touche LLP,
would have caused Deloitte & Touche LLP to make a reference to the subject
matter of the disagreements in connection with its reports.
None of the "reportable events" described under Regulation S-K, Item
304(a)(1)(v), occurred within the Company's two most recent fiscal years and any
subsequent interim periods preceding the date hereof.
During the last two fiscal years and the subsequent interim periods
preceding the date hereof, the Company did not consult Arthur Andersen LLP
regarding any of the matters or events set forth in Item 304(a)(2)(i) and (ii)
of Regulation S-K.
ITEM 8. CHANGE IN FISCAL YEAR
On April 22, 1997, the Board of Directors of Southwestern Public
Service Company approved a change in the Company's fiscal year. The Company's
new fiscal year will be for a twelve-month period ending December 31.
Previously, the Company's fiscal year was a twelve-month period ending August
31.
The Company's fiscal 1997 year will be a twelve-month period ending on
December 31, 1997. The transition period from September 1, 1996, through
December 31, 1996, will be included within the Form 10-K for the four months
ended December 31, 1996.
EXHIBITS INDEX
(16) Letter of Deloitte & Touche LLP in connection with reporting a
change in principal auditors.
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.
SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
/s/ Doyle R. Bunch II
By
Doyle R. Bunch II
Executive Vice-President
Accounting and Corporate Development
DATE: April 28, 1997
EXHIBIT 16. LETTER OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
April 25, 1997
Securities and Exchange Commission
Mail Stop 9-5
450 5th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20549
Dear Sirs/Madams:
We have read and agree with the comments in Item 4 of Form 8-K of Southwestern
Public Service Company dated April 28, 1997.
Yours truly,
Deloitte & Touche LLP
