QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

---

---

FORM 10-Q

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2002

Commission file number: 1-7196

CASCADE NATURAL GAS CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

         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 ý    No o

        Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

---

---

---

CASCADE NATURAL GAS CORPORATION

Index

				Page No.
Part I. Financial Information
	Item 1. Financial Statements
		Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income		3
		Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets		4
		Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows		6
		Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements		7
	Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations			9
	Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk			12
Part II. Other Information
	Item 2. Changes in Securities			13
	Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.			13
	Item 5. Other Information			14
	Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K			14
Signature				15

2

---

PART I. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

CASCADE NATURAL GAS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(unaudited)

			THREE MONTHS ENDED						SIX MONTHS ENDED
			Mar 31, 2002			Mar 31, 2001			Mar 31, 2002			Mar 31, 2001
			(thousands except per share data)
Operating revenues			$	122,361		$	124,728		$	225,122		$	229,693
Less: Gas purchases				80,462			86,552			148,283			155,016
Revenue taxes				8,443			7,381			14,740			14,262
Operating margin				33,456			30,795			62,099			60,415
Cost of operations:
	Operating expenses			10,148			9,481			21,177			18,537
	Depreciation and amortization			3,702			3,427			7,398			6,826
	Property and payroll taxes			1,432			1,264			2,617			2,483
				15,282			14,172			31,192			27,846
Income from operations				18,174			16,623			30,907			32,569
Less interest and other deductions — net				3,247			2,472			6,148			5,198
Income before income taxes				14,927			14,151			24,759			27,371
Income taxes				5,448			5,165			9,037			9,990
Net Income				9,479			8,986			15,722			17,381
Weighted average common shares outstanding				11,045			11,045			11,045			11,045
Net earnings per common share, basic and diluted
	Basic		$	0.86		$	0.81		$	1.42		$	1.57
	Diluted		$	0.86		$	0.81		$	1.42		$	1.57
Cash dividends per share			$	0.24		$	0.24		$	0.48		$	0.48

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

3

---

CASCADE NATURAL GAS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in Thousands)

			Mar 31, 2002			Sep 30, 2001
			(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Utility Plant, net of accumulated depreciation of $208,956 and $201,530			$	290,667		$	286,701
Construction work in progress				6,200			7,485
				296,867			294,186
Other Assets:
	Investments in non-utility property			202			202
	Notes receivable, less current maturities			272			311
				474			513
Current Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents			10,735			422
	Accounts receivable and current maturities of notes receivable, less allowance of $1,384 and $1,421 for doubtful accounts			48,059			18,865
	Materials, supplies and inventories			8,316			8,870
	Prepaid expenses and other assets			3,972			3,783
	Deferred income taxes			594			559
				71,676			32,499
Deferred Charges
	Gas cost changes			14,897			28,861
	Other			9,193			8,194
				24,090			37,055
			$	393,107		$	364,253

4

---

CASCADE NATURAL GAS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)

			Mar 31, 2002			Sep 30, 2001
			(Unaudited)
COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, PREFERRED STOCKS AND LIABILITIES
Common Shareholders' Equity:
	Common stock, par value $1 per share, authorized 15,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 11,045,095 shares		$	11,045		$	11,045
	Additional paid-in capital			97,380			97,380
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			(4,161	)		(4,161	)
	Retained earnings			27,790			17,369
				132,054			121,633
Long-term Debt				165,000			125,000
Current Liabilities:
	Notes payable and commercial paper			—			40,000
	Accounts payable			23,179			13,466
	Property, payroll and excise taxes			8,400			4,921
	Dividends and interest payable			7,902			7,539
	Other current liabilities			9,744			6,426
				49,225			72,352
Deferred Credits and Other				46,828			45,268
Commitments and Contingencies				—			—
			$	393,107		$	364,253

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

5

---

CASCADE NATURAL GAS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

				SIX MONTHS ENDED
				Mar 31, 2002			Mar 31, 2001
				(dollars in thousands)
Operating Activities
	Net income			$	15,722		$	17,381
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
		Depreciation and amortization			7,398			6,826
		Deferrals of gas cost changes			8,636			(38,862	)
		Amortization of gas cost changes			5,328			(2,170	)
		Other deferrals and amortizations			891			1,746
		Deferred income taxes and tax credits — net			614			549
		Change in current assets and liabilities			(11,955	)		(9,118	)
	Net cash provided (used) by operating activities				26,634			(23,648	)
Investing Activities
	Capital expenditures				(10,390	)		(9,915	)
	Customer contributions in aid of construction				592			1,312
	Other				39			38
	Net cash used by investing activities				(9,759	)		(8,565	)
Financing Activities
	Redemption of preferred stock				—			(62	)
	Proceeds from long-term debt, net				38,740			—
	Changes in notes payable and commercial paper, net				(40,000	)		35,500
	Dividends paid				(5,302	)		(5,302	)
	Net cash provided (used) by financing activities				(6,562	)		30,136
Net Increase (decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents					10,313			(2,077	)
Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Beginning of year				422			2,132
	End of period			$	10,735		$	55

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

6

---

CASCADE NATURAL GAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2002

        The preceding statements were taken from the books and records of the Company and reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods. All adjustments were of a normal and recurring nature. Because of the highly seasonal nature of the natural gas distribution business, earnings or loss for any portion of the year are disproportionate in relation to the full year.

        Reference is directed to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the 2001 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001, and comments included therein under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations".

Earnings Per Share. The following table sets forth the calculation of earnings per share as prescribed in FAS No. 128.

		Quarter Ended March 31						Six Months Ended March 31
		2002			2001			2002			2001
		(in thousands except per-share data)
Net Income		$	9,479		$	8,986		$	15,722		$	17,381
Weighted average shares outstanding			11,045			11,045			11,045			11,045
Basic earnings per share		$	0.86		$	0.81		$	1.42		$	1.57
Weighted average shares outstanding			11,045			11,045			11,045			11,045
Plus: Issued on assumed exercise of stock options			24			20			24			20
Weighted average shares outstanding assuming dilution			11,069			11,065			11,069			11,065
Diluted earnings per share		$	0.86		$	0.81		$	1.42		$	1.57

Commitments and Contingencies

Gas Service Contracts. During the quarter ended December 31, 2001, the Company terminated all of its gas supply contracts with Enron based on Enron's insolvency and other reasons, including concerns about its ability to perform. These contracts supplied part of the natural gas portfolio used to serve certain non-core customers. The supply has been replaced with contracts with other suppliers. Enron Canada Corp., a Canadian entity is disputing Cascade's right to terminate one of the Enron gas supply contracts. On February 6, 2002, Enron Canada sent a letter to the Company claiming that the Company owes it a termination payment in the amount of $3.7 million. Company management believes that the Company has no further obligation under the terminated contract and intends to contest Enron Canada's claim.

        Other than the above mentioned contracts to replace supplies that had been available under the Enron contracts, the Company has not entered into any new long-term supply commitments during fiscal 2002.

Environmental Matters. There are two claims against the Company for as yet unknown costs for clean up of alleged environmental contamination related to manufactured gas plant sites that were previously operated by companies, which were subsequently merged into Cascade.

        The first claim was received in 1995, and relates to a site in Oregon. An investigation has shown that contamination does exist, but there is currently not enough information available to estimate the potential liability associated with this claim. It is expected that other parties will participate in the clean

7

---

up costs, and negotiations are ongoing as to the sharing arrangement. Through the end of the quarter ended March 31, 2002, the amounts spent, primarily on investigation and containment, have been immaterial.

        The second claim was received in 1997, and relates to a site in Washington. An investigation has determined there is evidence of contamination at the site, but there is also evidence of an oil line crossing the property, operated by an unrelated party, which may have also contributed to the contamination. There is currently not enough information available to estimate the potential liability associated with this claim. The party who originally made this claim has not been actively pursuing it.

        Management intends to pursue reimbursement from its insurance carriers, and recovery from its customers through increased rates, for any remediation costs for which the Company is determined to be liable. There is precedent for such recovery through increased rates, as both the WUTC and OPUC have previously allowed regulated utilities to increase customer rates to recover similar costs. No claims now pending, in the opinion of management, are expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.

Litigation. Various lawsuits, claims, and contingent liabilities may arise from time to time from the conduct of the Company's business. In 1998, the Company was served with a lawsuit by six plaintiffs, claiming unspecified damages for personal injuries in connection with carbon monoxide exposure. The plaintiffs were residents of a house served by the Company at the time of the incident. The Company denied any responsibility for these injuries. In November 2001, the parties agreed to a settlement calling for payments totaling $250,000 to the plaintiffs. During the second quarter of fiscal 2002, this settlement was approved by the courts, and payments were made to the plaintiffs, settling the lawsuit in full. No other claims now pending, in the opinion of management, are expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.

8

---

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

        The following is management's assessment of the Company's financial condition and a discussion of the principal factors that affected consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2002 and 2001.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

        The Company's financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). In following GAAP, management exercises judgment in selection and application of accounting principles. Management considers Critical Accounting Policies to be those where different assumptions regarding application could result in material differences in financial statements.

Regulatory Accounting

        The Company's accounting policies and practices are generally the same as used by unregulated companies for financial reporting under GAAP. However, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (FAS) No. 71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation", require regulated companies to apply special accounting treatment to reflect the financial impact of regulation. For example, in establishing the rates to be charged to the Company's retail customers, the WUTC and the OPUC may not allow the Company to charge its customers for recovery of certain expenses in the same period they are incurred. Instead, rates are established in the future to recover costs that were incurred in a prior period. In this situation, FAS No. 71 requires the Company to defer these costs and include them as regulatory assets on the balance sheet. In the subsequent period when these costs are recovered from customers, the Company then amortizes these costs as expense in the income statement, in an amount equivalent to the amounts recovered. Similarly, certain revenue items, or cost reductions may be deferred as regulatory liabilities, which are later amortized to the income statement as customer rates are reduced.

        In order to apply the provisions of FAS No. 71, the following conditions must apply:

•

The company's customer rates are established by an independent regulator.



•

The rates are designed to recover the company's costs of providing the regulated services or products.



•

There is sufficient demand for the regulated service to reasonably assure that rates can be set at a level to recover the costs.

        The Company periodically assesses whether conditions merit the continued applicability of FAS No. 71. In the event the Company should determine in the future that all or a portion of its regulatory assets and liabilities no longer meet the above criteria, it would be required to write off the related balances of its regulatory assets and liabilities, and reflect the write off in its income statement.

Use of Estimates

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP 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. The Company has used estimates in measuring certain deferred charges and deferred credits related to items subject to approval of the WUTC and the OPUC. Estimates are also used in the development of discount rates and trend rates related to the measurement of retirement benefit obligations and accrual amounts, allowances for doubtful accounts, estimates of unbilled revenue, and in the determination of depreciable lives of utility plant. On an

9

---

ongoing basis, management evaluates the estimates used, based on historical experience, current conditions and on various other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        Net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2002 (quarter ended March 31, 2002) was $9,479,000, or $0.86 (basic and diluted earnings per share), compared to $8,986,000, or $0.81 per share (basic and diluted), for the quarter ended March 31, 2001. This represents a 6% improvement in second quarter earnings per share from second quarter 2001 results. The improvement in results for the quarter result primarily from increases in operating margins. Year to date net income was $15,722,000 ($1.42 per share, basic and diluted), a 10% decline from the comparable period for fiscal 2001.

Operating Margin

        Residential and Commercial Margin. Operating margins derived from sales to residential and commercial customers were as set forth in the following table:

			Second Quarter of Fiscal								Year to Date March 31
									Percent Change								Percent Change
			2002			2001					2002			2001
			(dollars in thousands)								(dollars in thousands)
Degree Days				2,351			2,345		0.3%			4,389			4,653		–5.7%
Average Number of Customers
	Residential			171,041			165,227		3.5%			169,377			163,784		3.4%
	Commercial			28,530			28,140		1.4%			28,266			27,894		1.3%
Average Therm Usage per Customer
	Residential			320			302		6.0%			589			597		–1.3%
	Commercial			1,539			1,530		0.6%			2,774			2,974		–6.7%
Operating Margin
	Residential		$	15,384		$	14,253		7.9%		$	28,031		$	27,431		2.2%
	Commercial			8,910			8,725		2.1%			15,846			16,793		–5.6%

        Residential and commercial operating margins were up in the second quarter by $1,316,000 compared to last year. Although temperatures, as measured by total degree days for the full quarter were roughly the same as last year, increased per customer consumption resulted in $619,000 of added operating margin. The increased consumption is largely attributable to colder weather in the last month of the quarter. The addition of 6,200 new customers added another $697,000. For the six-month period, residential and commercial operating margins were lower by $347,000 due to lower per customer consumption in the first quarter. Per customer gas usage has been influenced by warmer weather through much of the period, conservation efforts that followed last year's western energy crisis, and the national recession.

        Industrial and Other Margin. Operating margins from industrial customers were higher by $1,345,000 for the quarter and higher by $2,171,000 for the six-month period. Factors influencing performance were:

•

Operating margin from electric generation customers was $90,000 higher than last year's second quarter but $105,000 lower year to date. For both the quarter and six-month periods, deliveries to generators were lower than expected. The slow economy, mild temperatures, and greater than anticipated availability of water for hydroelectric generation dramatically affected demand for gas-fired generation.

10

---

•

Margins from gas deliveries to industrial customers other than electric generators were up $410,000 for the quarter and $727,000 year to date, reflecting continuing recovery from recession and from last year's high energy prices.



•

Gas management and other services contributed improvements of $731,000 for the quarter and $1,199,000 for the six months.



•

Additionally, there was $111,000 for the quarter and $347,000 year to date of margin from off-system pipeline capacity agreements entered into last year.

Cost of Operations

        Cost of operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2002, which consists of operating expenses, depreciation and amortization, and property and payroll taxes, increased $1,110,000 or 8% from the quarter ended March 31, 2001, and $3,346,000 or 12% year to date.

        Operating Expenses, which are primarily labor and benefits expenses, increased $667,000, or 7%, for the quarter, and $2,640,000, or 14% year to date. Most of the increase for both periods resulted from employee-related expenses, including increases in benefit plan expenses, and normal wage and salary increases. The increase in benefit plan expense is largely attributable to fiscal 2001 declines in the value of plan assets. Under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (FAS) No. 87 and FAS No. 106, the effect of such declines is generally amortized over future periods.

        The year to date comparison is affected by market-rate wage and salary adjustments made in fiscal 2001. Also included are increased software and plant maintenance costs, and a one-time $250,000 charge for the settlement of the lawsuit referred to in the footnotes to the March 31 2002 financial statements, in the paragraph entitled "Litigation".

        Depreciation and Amortization increased $275,000, or 8%, for the quarter ended March 31, 2002 compared to the same period a year earlier, and $572,000, or 8% year to date, as a result of increases in depreciable assets.

        Property and Payroll Taxes increased $168,000, or 13%, for the second quarter, and $134,000, or 5% year to date, compared to fiscal 2001 periods. The increase is primarily related to increased wage and salary costs, and the higher payroll taxes generally attributable to the first and second calendar quarters of each year.

Interest and Other Deductions—Net

        Interest and other deductions—net, for the quarter was $3,247,000, a $775,000 (31%) increase from the March 2001 quarter. For the six months ended March 31, interest and other deductions—net was $6,148,000, a $950,000 (18%) increase over last year. Most of the increase for both periods is related to interest on $40 million of 7.5% 30-year notes issued in November 2001.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

        The seasonal nature of the Company's business creates short-term cash requirements to finance customer accounts receivable and construction expenditures. To provide working capital for these requirements, the Company has a $50 million bank revolving credit commitment. This agreement has an annual 0.16% commitment fee, and a term that expires in 2004. The Company also has $25 million of uncommitted lines from two banks. As of March 31, 2002, there was no outstanding debt under these credit lines.

        To provide longer-term financing, the Company in 2001 filed an omnibus registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 providing the ability to issue up to $150 million of new debt and equity securities. On November 26, 2001, the Company issued $40 million of 7.5% 30-year debt under

11

---

the omnibus registration statement, leaving $110 million available under that registration statement for future financing. The proceeds of the $40 million offering were used to pay down outstanding short-term debt. In addition, the Company still has available $15 million of Medium-Term Notes for issuance under an earlier registration statement.

        Because of the availability of short-term credit and the ability to issue long-term debt and additional equity, management believes it has adequate financial flexibility to meet its anticipated cash needs.

Operating Activities

        Net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended March 31, 2002 was $26,634,000. This compares to a use of $23,648,000 for the comparable period a year earlier, representing a cash flow difference of $50,282,000. The improvement is primarily attributable to changes in customer rates and in prices paid for gas purchases. In fiscal 2001, operating cash flow was negatively affected by a nearly $39 million under-recovery of gas costs during the first two quarters. Effective November 1, 2001, the WUTC approved new rates for Washington customers. The new rates reflect a surcharge to recover over a three-year period the gas cost increases incurred and deferred during fiscal 2001. This arrangement is expected to add cash flow of approximately $10 million per year for the three years, as well as stabilize rates for customers for that period. Additionally, most of the supply requirements for core customers are secured by fixed price contracts with suppliers for the period October 2001 through September 2004. Rates designed to recover these fixed supply costs have been approved by both the WUTC and the OPUC, in addition to the above-mentioned surcharge to recover prior under-recoveries. As a result, management does not expect gas cost changes to result in abnormalities in operating cash flows through 2004.

Investing Activities

        Cash used by investing activities for the six months ended March 31, 2002 was $9,759,000, compared to $8,565,000 for the comparable prior year period. Budgeted capital expenditures for fiscal 2002 are approximately $22.8 million. This budget includes $19 million for new customer connections and distribution system replacement and reinforcement.

Financing Activities

        Net cash used by financing activities for the six months ended March 31, 2002 was $6,562,000, compared to a provision of $30,136,000, for the comparable period last year. The principal financing activity during fiscal 2002 to date was the issuance of $40 million of new 7.5% 30-year notes. The net proceeds of $38.7 million were used to pay down short-term debt.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

        Cascade has evaluated its risk related to financial instruments whose values are subject to market sensitivity. The Company has fixed-rate debt obligations, but does not have derivative financial instruments subject to interest rate risk. Cascade makes interest and principal payments on these obligations in the normal course of its business, and does not plan to redeem these obligations prior to normal maturities, except to the extent required under the terms of the Company's $40 million note offering in the case of the death of the owner of the note.

        The Company's natural gas purchase commodity prices are subject to fluctuations over time resulting from weather, congestion on interstate pipelines, and other unpredictable factors. The Company has fixed-price contracts covering a substantial portion of natural gas supply requirements of its core customers through September 2004. This strategy is followed to assure availability of adequate supplies to meet customer needs and to shield the Company and its core customers from price

12

---

volatility. There is risk that market prices may fall below the price levels established in the contracts. However the WUTC and the OPUC support the Company's strategy, and have approved rates that reflect the recovery of the contracted prices. Thus the Company believes that regulatory policy, including Purchased Gas Adjustment mechanisms, assure the recovery of prudently incurred wholesale gas cost, and that the Company's commodity price risk is immaterial. Further, the Company does not engage in significant energy trading activities.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

        Statements contained in this report that are not historical in nature are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual future results to differ materially. Such risks and uncertainties with respect to the Company include, among others, its ability to successfully implement internal performance goals, competition from alternative forms of energy, consolidation in the energy industry, the failure or inability of key natural gas suppliers to honor their commitments, the capital-intensive nature of the Company's business, regulatory issues, including the need for adequate and timely rate relief to recover increased capital and operating costs resulting from customer growth and to sustain dividend levels, the weather, increasing competition brought on by deregulation initiatives at the federal and state regulatory levels, the potential loss of large volume industrial customers due to "bypass" or the shift by such customers to special competitive contracts at lower per unit margins, exposure to environmental cleanup requirements, and economic conditions, particularly in the Company's service area.

PART II. Other Information

Item 2. Changes in Securities

        Under the terms of its bank credit agreement, the Company is required to maintain a minimum tangible net worth of $104,618,000 as of March 31, 2002. Under this agreement, approximately $18,672,000 was available for payment of dividends at March 31, 2002.

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

        At the annual meeting of shareholders on January 24, 2002, the following directors were elected by the vote indicated for terms of office expiring in 2003:

        In addition, a proposal to approve an amendment to the Cascade Natural Gas Corporation 1998 Incentive Stock Plan providing for an increase of 300,000 shares of Common Stock subject to awards was approved by a vote of 8,556,486 for and 943,902 against or withheld.

13

---

Item 5. Other Information

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges:

Twelve Months Ended
3/31/2002		9/30/2001		9/30/2000		9/30/1999		9/30/1998		9/30/1997
3.02		3.39		3.12		3.00		2.42		2.68

        For purposes of this calculation, earnings include income before income taxes, plus fixed charges. Fixed charges include interest expense and the amortization of debt issuance expenses. Refer to Exhibit 12 for the calculation of these ratios, as well as the ratio of earnings to fixed charges including preferred dividends.

Enron Claim:

        During the quarter ended December 31, 2001, the Company terminated all of its gas supply contracts with Enron based on Enron's insolvency and other reasons, including concerns about its ability to perform. These contracts supplied part of the natural gas portfolio used to serve certain non-core customers. The supply has been replaced with contracts with other suppliers. Enron Canada Corp., a Canadian entity is disputing Cascade's right to terminate one of the Enron gas supply contracts. On February 6, 2002, Enron Canada sent a letter to the Company claiming that the Company owes it a termination payment in the amount of $3.7 million. Company management believes that the Company has no further obligation under the terminated contract and intends to contest Enron Canada's claim.

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

a.

Exhibits:

No.		Description
12		Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

b.

Reports on Form 8-K:

        None

14

---

SIGNATURE

        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.

CASCADE NATURAL GAS CORPORATION
By:	/s/  J. D. WESSLING       J. D. Wessling Sr. Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
Date:	May 13, 2002

15

---

QuickLinks

PART I. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

CASCADE NATURAL GAS CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (unaudited)
CASCADE NATURAL GAS CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Dollars in Thousands)
CASCADE NATURAL GAS CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
CASCADE NATURAL GAS CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2002

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

PART II. Other Information

Item 2. Changes in Securities
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Item 5. Other Information
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

SIGNATURE