LONG-TERM DEBT

Maturities on long-term debt for the five fiscal years subsequent to September 30, 2013 are as follows:



2014	—
2015	—
2016	—
2017	—
2018	$	100	million

On October 15, 2012, the Utility paid at maturity $25 million principal amount of 6 1/2% first mortgage bonds. This maturity was funded through short-term borrowings. Laclede Group issued $25 million of 3.31% 10-year unsecured notes in a private placement on December 14, 2012 and the Utility issued $100 million of first mortgage bonds in a private placement on March 15, 2013, that had been committed to in August 2012. Of this $100 million, $55 million were issued at 3.00% for a 10-year term, maturing in March 2023, and $45 million were issued at 3.40% for a 15-year term, maturing in March 2028. The proceeds were used for the repayment of short-term debt and general corporate purposes. The Utility issued $450 million of first mortgage bonds on August 13, 2013. Of this $450 million, $100 million was issued at 2.00% maturing in August 2018, $250 million was issued at 3.40% maturing in August 2023, and $100 million was issued at 4.625% maturing in August 2043. The proceeds were used to fund a portion of the MGE acquisition.

At September 30, 2013, the Company had fixed-rate long-term debt totaling $915 million. While these long-term debt issues are fixed-rate, they are subject to changes in fair value as market interest rates change. Of the Company’s $915 million in long-term debt, $50 million have no call options, $435 million have make-whole call options, $350 million are callable at par three to six months prior to maturity and $80 million are callable at par beginning in October 2013. None of the debt has any put options.

On August 6, 2013, Laclede Group and Laclede Gas filed with the SEC a joint shelf registration statement on Form S-3 for issuance of various types of debt and equity securities, which expires August 5, 2016. Bonds totaling $450 million were issued by Laclede Gas from this registration statement on August 13, 2013. The amount, timing, and type of additional financing to be issued under these shelf registrations will depend on cash requirements and market conditions.

The Utility has authority from the MoPSC to issue up to $518 million in debt securities and preferred stock, including on a private placement basis, as well as to enter into capital leases, issue common stock and receive paid-in capital. This authorization was originally effective through June 30, 2013. In August 2012, the Utility filed a request with the MoPSC to extend this authority for an additional two years, to June 30, 2015. This extension was approved October 24, 2012, to be effective on November 23, 2012. At November 26, 2013, $370.8 million remained under this authorization. The amount, timing, and type of additional financing to be issued will depend on cash requirements and market conditions.

Substantially all of the Utility plant is subject to the liens of its first mortgage bonds. The mortgage contains several restrictions on the Utility's ability to pay cash dividends on its common stock, which are described more fully in Note 6, Stockholders’ Equity.

At September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Utility had authorized 1,480,000 shares of preferred stock, but none were issued and outstanding.

For information on additional financing commitments, refer to Note 16, Commitments and Contingencies.