Southern Company Gas, through SNG, has approved a significant investment in a pipeline development project. The pipeline development project will be constructed and operated by a third party. If the third party fails to perform in a proper manner, the book value of the investment could be impaired and Southern Company Gas could lose part or all of its investment. In addition, Southern Company Gas is required to fulfill capital obligations related to other pipelines in which Southern Company Gas has an ownership interest or, as necessary, guarantee the obligations related thereto.
With respect to the pipeline development project, Southern Company Gas will rely on its joint venture partner for construction management and will not exercise direct control over the process. The project is dependent on contractors for successful and timely completion. Further, the development of the pipeline project involves numerous regulatory, environmental, construction, safety, political, and legal uncertainties and may require a significant investment. This project may not be completed on schedule, at the budgeted cost, or at all. There may be cost overruns and construction difficulties that cause Southern Company Gas' investment to exceed its initial expectations, which may impact the earnings of the joint venture partnership. Moreover, Southern Company Gas' net income will not materially increase immediately upon the expenditure of funds on this pipeline project. Pipeline construction occurs over an extended period of time, and Southern Company Gas' net income will not be materially impacted unless and until the project is placed in service.
See MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – "Construction Programs" in Item 7 herein for information regarding this project.