UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

X Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015 .
OR
___ Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from __________ to __________.

Commission file number   001-36108


ONE Gas, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Oklahoma
46-3561936
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
15 East Fifth Street, Tulsa, OK
74103
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)


Registrant’s telephone number, including area code    (918) 947-7000



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 X   No __


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  
Yes X No __


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer X              Accelerated filer __             Non-accelerated filer __             Smaller reporting company__

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes __ No X

On April 21, 2015, the Company had 52,593,748 shares of common stock outstanding.





























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ONE Gas, Inc.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Financial Information
Page No.
 
Statements of Income - Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014
 
Statements of Comprehensive Income - Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014
 
Balance Sheets - March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014
 
Statements of Cash Flows - Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014
 
Statement of Equity - Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 

As used in this Quarterly Report, references to “we,” “our,” “us” or the “company” refer to ONE Gas, Inc., an Oklahoma corporation, and its predecessors and subsidiary, unless the context indicates otherwise.

The statements in this Quarterly Report that are not historical information, including statements concerning plans and objectives of management for future operations, economic performance or related assumptions, are forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements may include words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “should,” “goal,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “could,” “may,” “continue,” “might,” “potential,” “scheduled” and other words and terms of similar meaning.  Although we believe that our expectations regarding future events are based on reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that such expectations or assumptions will be achieved. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are described under Part I, Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, “Forward-Looking Statements,” in this Quarterly Report and under Part I, Item IA, “Risk Factors,” in our Annual Report.


3


INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE

We make available, free of charge, on our website ( www.onegas.com ) copies of our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, amendments to those reports filed or furnished to the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and reports of holdings of our securities filed by our officers and directors under Section 16 of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after filing such material electronically or otherwise furnishing it to the SEC.  Copies of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Corporate Governance Guidelines and Director Independence Guidelines are also available on our website, and we will provide copies of these documents upon request.  Our website and any contents thereof are not incorporated by reference into this report.

We also make available on our website the Interactive Data Files required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T.


4


GLOSSARY

The abbreviations, acronyms and industry terminology used in this Quarterly Report are defined as follows:
Annual Report
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014
Bcf
Billion cubic feet
CERCLA
Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability
  Act of 1980, as amended
Clean Air Act
Federal Clean Air Act, as amended
Clean Water Act
Federal Water Pollution Control Amendments of 1972, as amended
CNG
Compressed natural gas
DOT
United States Department of Transportation
EPA
United States Environmental Protection Agency
EPS
Earnings per share
Exchange Act
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
GAAP
Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
GRIP
Texas Gas Reliability Infrastructure Program
Heating Degree Day or HDD

A measure designed to reflect the demand for energy needed for heating based on
  the extent to which the daily average temperature falls below a reference
  temperature for which no heating is required, usually 65 degrees Fahrenheit

KCC
Kansas Corporation Commission
KDHE
Kansas Department of Health and Environment
LDCs
Local distribution companies
LIBOR
London Interbank Offered Rate
MMcf
Million cubic feet
Moody’s
Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.
NYSE
New York Stock Exchange
OCC
Oklahoma Corporation Commission
ONE Gas
ONE Gas, Inc.
ONE Gas Credit Agreement
ONE Gas’ $700 million revolving credit agreement, which expires January, 2019
ONE Gas Predecessor
ONE Gas’ predecessor for accounting purposes that consists of the
  business attributable to ONEOK’s natural gas distribution segment that
  was transferred to ONE Gas in connection with its separation from ONEOK
ONEOK
ONEOK, Inc. and its subsidiaries
PBRC
Performance-Based Rate Change
PHMSA
United States Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials
Safety Administration
Pipeline Safety Improvement Act
Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002, as amended
Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty and
  Job Creation Act
Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty and Job Creation Act of 2011, as amended
Quarterly Report(s)
Quarterly Report(s) on Form 10-Q
RRC
Railroad Commission of Texas
S&P
Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services
SEC
Securities and Exchange Commission
Securities Act
Securities Act of 1933, as amended
Separation and Distribution Agreement
Separation and Distribution Agreement dated January 14, 2014, between ONEOK
and ONE Gas
XBRL
eXtensible Business Reporting Language


5


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ONE Gas, Inc.
 
 
 
 
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
( Unaudited )
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
( Thousands of dollars, except per share amounts )
Revenues
 
$
676,531

 
$
766,178

Cost of natural gas
 
413,553

 
506,342

Net margin
 
262,978

 
259,836

Operating expenses
 
 

 
 

Operations and maintenance
 
106,561

 
103,499

Depreciation and amortization
 
31,630

 
31,460

General taxes
 
15,782

 
15,524

Total operating expenses
 
153,973

 
150,483

Operating income
 
109,005

 
109,353

Other income
 
813

 
633

Other expense
 
(454
)
 
(1,148
)
Interest expense
 
(11,169
)
 
(12,950
)
Income before income taxes
 
98,195

 
95,888

Income taxes
 
(37,814
)
 
(36,812
)
Net income
 
$
60,381

 
$
59,076

 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share (Note 6)
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
1.15

 
$
1.13

Diluted
 
$
1.13

 
$
1.13

 
 
 
 
 
Average shares ( thousands )
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
52,707

 
52,334

Diluted
 
53,446

 
52,512

Dividends declared per share of stock
 
$
0.30

 
$

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

6


ONE Gas, Inc.
 
 
 
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
( Unaudited )
2015
 
2014
 
( Thousands of dollars )
Net income
$
60,381

 
$
59,076

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 

 
 

Change in pension and other postretirement benefit plan liability, net of tax of $(88) and $2,124, respectively
140

 
(3,393
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
140

 
(3,393
)
Comprehensive income
$
60,521

 
$
55,683

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


7



ONE Gas, Inc.
 
 
 
 
BALANCE SHEETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
( Unaudited )
 
2015
 
2014
Assets
 
( Thousands of dollars )
Property, plant and equipment
 
 

 
 

Property, plant and equipment
 
$
4,904,206

 
$
4,850,201

Accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
1,578,438

 
1,556,481

Net property, plant and equipment
 
3,325,768

 
3,293,720

Current assets
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
142,502

 
11,943

Accounts receivable, net
 
308,850

 
326,749

Income tax receivable
 
5,590

 
43,800

Natural gas in storage
 
81,277

 
185,300

Regulatory assets (Note 2)
 
22,322

 
50,193

Other current assets
 
43,903

 
49,516

Total current assets
 
604,444

 
667,501

Goodwill and other assets
 
 

 
 

Regulatory assets (Note 2)
 
465,049

 
478,723

Goodwill
 
157,953

 
157,953

Other assets
 
52,274

 
51,313

Total goodwill and other assets
 
675,276

 
687,989

Total assets
 
$
4,605,488

 
$
4,649,210

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


8


ONE Gas, Inc.
 
 
 
 
BALANCE SHEETS
 
 
 
 
(Continued)
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
( Unaudited )
 
2015
 
2014
Equity and Liabilities
 
( Thousands of dollars )
Equity and long-term debt
 
 
 
 
Common stock, $0.01 par value:
   authorized 250,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 52,590,112 shares at March 31, 2015;
     issued and outstanding 52,083,859 shares at December 31, 2014
 
$
526

 
$
521

Paid-in capital
 
1,759,934

 
1,758,796

Retained earnings
 
84,239

 
39,894

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
(5,034
)
 
(5,174
)
   Total equity
 
1,839,665

 
1,794,037

Long-term debt, excluding current maturities
 
1,201,310

 
1,201,311

Total equity and long-term debt

3,040,975


2,995,348

Current liabilities
 
 
 
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
 
6

 
6

Notes payable
 

 
42,000

Accounts payable
 
105,058

 
159,064

Accrued taxes other than income
 
47,859

 
44,742

Accrued liabilities
 
13,648

 
26,019

Customer deposits
 
60,856

 
60,003

Regulatory liabilities
 
54,252

 
32,467

Other current liabilities
 
18,324

 
28,132

Total current liabilities
 
300,003

 
392,433

Deferred credits and other liabilities
 
 

 
 

Deferred income taxes
 
897,458

 
894,585

Employee benefit obligations
 
286,654

 
287,779

Other deferred credits
 
80,398

 
79,065

Total deferred credits and other liabilities
 
1,264,510

 
1,261,429

Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
 


 


Total liabilities and equity
 
$
4,605,488

 
$
4,649,210

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.



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ONE Gas, Inc.
 
 
 
 
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
( Unaudited )
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
( Thousands of dollars )
Operating activities
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
60,381

 
$
59,076

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
31,630

 
31,460

Deferred income taxes
 
10,460

 
152

Share-based compensation expense
 
2,484

 
1,794

Provision for doubtful accounts
 
896

 
891

Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 

 
 
Accounts receivable
 
17,003

 
(42,712
)
Income tax receivable
 
38,210

 

Natural gas in storage
 
104,023

 
84,474

Asset removal costs
 
(8,168
)
 
(8,107
)
Accounts payable
 
(53,777
)
 
6,091

Current income taxes payable
 

 
18,965

Accrued taxes other than income
 
3,117

 
24,125

Accrued liabilities
 
(12,371
)
 
10,363

Customer deposits
 
853

 
1,424

Regulatory assets and liabilities
 
63,434

 
11,066

Other assets and liabilities
 
(17,085
)
 
(16,964
)
Cash provided by operating activities
 
241,090

 
182,098

Investing activities
 
 

 
 

Capital expenditures
 
(54,914
)
 
(65,731
)
Cash used in investing activities
 
(54,914
)
 
(65,731
)
Financing activities
 
 

 
 

Repayments on notes payable, net
 
(42,000
)
 

Issuance of debt, net of discounts
 

 
1,199,994

Long-term debt financing costs
 

 
(10,903
)
Cash payment to ONEOK upon separation
 

 
(1,130,000
)
Issuance of common stock
 
2,156

 
17

Dividends paid
 
(15,773
)
 

Cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 
(55,617
)
 
59,108

Change in cash and cash equivalents
 
130,559

 
175,475

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
11,943

 
3,171

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
142,502

 
$
178,646

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


11


ONE Gas, Inc.
 
 
 
 
STATEMENT OF EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
( Unaudited )
 
Common Stock Issued
Common Stock
Paid-in Capital
 
 
(Shares)
( Thousands of dollars )
 
 
 
 
 
January 1, 2015
 
52,083,859

$
521

$
1,758,796

Net income
 



Other comprehensive income
 



Common stock issued and other
 
506,253

5

875

Common stock dividends - $0.30 per share
 


263

March 31, 2015
 
52,590,112

$
526

$
1,759,934

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.



12


ONE Gas, Inc.
 
 
 
 
STATEMENT OF EQUITY
 
 
(Continued)
 
 
 
 
( Unaudited )
 
Retained Earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Total Equity
 
 
( Thousands of dollars )
 
 
 
 
 
January 1, 2015
 
$
39,894

$
(5,174
)
$
1,794,037

Net income
 
60,381


60,381

Other comprehensive income
 

140

140

Common stock issued and other
 


880

Common stock dividends - $0.30 per share
 
(16,036
)

(15,773
)
March 31, 2015
 
$
84,239

$
(5,034
)
$
1,839,665

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.


13


ONE Gas, Inc.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Our accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. These statements also have been prepared in accordance with GAAP and reflect all adjustments that, in our opinion, are necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The 2014 year-end balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. These unaudited financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and footnotes in our Annual Report. Due to the seasonal nature of our business, the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 , are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a 12-month period.

Separation - Prior to January 31, 2014, ONE Gas, Inc. was a wholly owned subsidiary of ONEOK and comprised its former natural gas distribution business. On January 31, 2014, we became an independent, publicly traded company as a result of a distribution by ONEOK of our common stock to ONEOK’s shareholders. Our common stock began trading “regular-way” under the ticker symbol “OGS” on the NYSE on February 3, 2014.

We provide natural gas distribution services to more than 2 million customers through our divisions in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas through Oklahoma Natural Gas, Kansas Gas Service and Texas Gas Service, respectively. We serve residential, commercial, industrial and transportation customers in all three states. In addition, we also provide natural gas distribution services to wholesale and public authority customers.

Basis of Presentation - Prior to our separation from ONEOK, our financial statements were derived from ONEOK’s financial statements, which included its natural gas distribution business as if we, for accounting purposes, had been a separate company for all periods presented. The financial statements for periods prior to the separation also include expense allocations for certain corporate functions historically performed by ONEOK, including allocations of general corporate expenses related to executive oversight, accounting, treasury, tax, legal, information technology and other services. We believe our assumptions underlying the financial statements, including the assumptions regarding the allocation of general corporate expenses from ONEOK, are reasonable. However, the financial statements may not include all of the actual expenses that would have been incurred by us and may not reflect our results of operations, financial position and cash flows had we been a separate publicly traded company during the periods presented prior to the separation.

All financial information presented after the separation represents the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of ONE Gas. Accordingly:
Our Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2014, consist of the results of ONE Gas for the two months ended March 31, 2014, and the results of ONE Gas Predecessor for the one month ended January 31, 2014.
Our Statement of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014, consists of the results of ONE Gas for the two months ended March 31, 2014, and the results of ONE Gas Predecessor for the one month ended January 31, 2014.

Use of Estimates - The preparation of our financial statements and related disclosures in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions with respect to values or conditions that cannot be known with certainty that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. These estimates and assumptions also affect the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Items that may be estimated include, but are not limited to, the economic useful life of assets, fair value of assets and liabilities, provision for doubtful accounts, unbilled revenues for natural gas delivered but for which meters have not been read, natural gas purchased but for which no invoice has been received, provision for income taxes, including any deferred tax valuation allowances, the results of litigation and various other recorded or disclosed amounts.

We evaluate these estimates on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other methods we consider reasonable based on the particular circumstances. Nevertheless, actual results may differ significantly from the estimates. Any effects on our financial position or results of operations from revisions to these estimates are recorded in the period when the facts that give rise to the revision become known.

Related-Party Transactions - Prior to our separation from ONEOK on January 31, 2014, we had certain transactions with ONEOK, including, but not limited to, natural gas supply, allocated corporate services, employee benefits, cash management,

14


derivatives and long-term lines of credit. Following the separation, any services we continue to receive from ONEOK are now third-party transactions. The remaining related-party transactions were not material.

Segments - We operate in one reportable business segment: regulated public utilities that deliver natural gas to residential, commercial, industrial, wholesale, public authority and transportation customers. The accounting policies for our segment are the same as described in Note 1 of our Notes to the Financial Statements in our Annual Report. We evaluate our financial performance principally on operating income. For the three months ended March 31, 2015 , and 2014 , we had no single external customer from which we received 10 percent or more of our gross revenues.

Treasury Shares - In February 2015, our Board of Directors authorized us to purchase treasury shares to be used to offset shares issued under our employee and non-employee director equity compensation, dividend reinvestment and employee stock purchase plans. The Board of Directors established an annual limit of $20 million of treasury stock purchases, exclusive of funds received through the dividend reinvestment and employee stock purchase plans. Stock purchases may be made in the open market or in private transactions at times and in amounts that we deem appropriate. There is no guarantee as to the exact number of shares that we may purchase, and we can terminate or limit the program at any time.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Update - In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which clarifies and converges the revenue recognition principles under GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. We are evaluating the impact of this recently issued guidance, which is required to be adopted for our quarterly and annual reports beginning with the first quarter 2017.

2.
REGULATORY ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

The tables below present a summary of regulatory assets, net of amortization, and liabilities for the periods indicated:
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
Current
 
Noncurrent
 
Total
 
 
 
 
( Thousands of dollars )
Pension and postretirement benefit costs (see Note 7)
 

 
$
20,218

 
$
453,382

 
$
473,600

Reacquired debt costs
 

 
812

 
9,527

 
10,339

Other
 

 
1,292

 
2,140

 
3,432

Total regulatory assets, net of amortization
 
 
 
22,322

 
465,049

 
487,371

Accumulated removal costs (a)
 

 

 
(15,038
)
 
(15,038
)
Weather normalization
 
 
 
(8,740
)
 

 
(8,740
)
Over-recovered purchased-gas costs
 

 
(44,015
)
 

 
(44,015
)
Ad valorem tax
 
 
 
(1,497
)
 

 
(1,497
)
Total regulatory liabilities
 
 
 
(54,252
)
 
(15,038
)
 
(69,290
)
Net regulatory assets (liabilities)
 
 
 
$
(31,930
)
 
$
450,011

 
$
418,081

(a) Included in other deferred credits in our Balance Sheets.
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
Current
 
Noncurrent
 
Total
 
 
 
 
( Thousands of dollars )
Under-recovered purchased-gas costs
 

 
$
28,712

 
$

 
$
28,712

Pension and postretirement benefit costs
 

 
18,108

 
466,684

 
484,792

Reacquired debt costs
 

 
812

 
9,730

 
10,542

Other
 

 
2,561

 
2,309

 
4,870

Total regulatory assets, net of amortization
 
 
 
50,193

 
478,723

 
528,916

Accumulated removal costs (a)
 

 

 
(15,451
)
 
(15,451
)
Weather normalization
 
 
 
(16,516
)
 

 
(16,516
)
Over-recovered purchased-gas costs
 

 
(13,055
)
 

 
(13,055
)
Ad valorem tax
 
 
 
(2,896
)
 

 
(2,896
)
Total regulatory liabilities
 
 
 
(32,467
)
 
(15,451
)
 
(47,918
)
Net regulatory assets (liabilities)
 
 
 
$
17,726

 
$
463,272

 
$
480,998

(a) Included in other deferred credits in our Balance Sheets.


15


Regulatory assets on our Balance Sheets, as authorized by the various regulatory commissions, are probable of recovery. Base rates are designed to provide a recovery of costs during the period rates are in effect, but do not generally provide for a return on investment for amounts we have deferred as regulatory assets. All of our regulatory assets recoverable through base rates are subject to review by the respective regulatory authorities during future rate proceedings. We are not aware of any evidence that these costs will not be recoverable through either riders or base rates, and we believe that we will be able to recover such costs, consistent with our historical recoveries.

Purchased-gas costs include the costs that have been over- or under-recovered from customers through the purchased-gas cost adjustment mechanisms and also include natural gas utilized in our operations, premiums paid and any cash settlements received from our purchased natural gas call options.

3.
CREDIT FACILITY AND SHORT-TERM NOTES PAYABLE

ONE Gas Credit Agreement - The ONE Gas Credit Agreement contains certain financial, operational and legal covenants. Among other things, these covenants include maintaining ONE Gas’ debt-to-capital ratio of no more than 70 percent at the end of any calendar quarter. The ONE Gas Credit Agreement also contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants relating to liens, indebtedness of subsidiaries, investments, changes in the nature of business, fundamental changes, transactions with affiliates, burdensome agreements and use of proceeds. In the event of a breach of certain covenants by ONE Gas, amounts outstanding under the ONE Gas Credit Agreement may become due and payable immediately. At March 31, 2015 , our debt-to-capital ratio was 40 percent and we were in compliance with all covenants under the ONE Gas Credit Agreement.

The ONE Gas Credit Agreement includes a $50 million sublimit for the issuance of standby letters of credit and also features an option to request an increase in the size of the facility to an aggregate of $1.2 billion from $700 million upon satisfaction of customary conditions, including receipt of commitments from new lenders or increased commitments from existing lenders. Borrowings made under the facility are available for general corporate purposes. The ONE Gas Credit Agreement contains provisions for an applicable margin rate and an annual facility fee, both of which adjust with changes in our credit rating. Based on our current credit ratings, borrowings, if any, will accrue interest at LIBOR plus 79.5 basis points, and the annual facility fee is 8 basis points.

We have a commercial paper program under which we may issue unsecured commercial paper up to a maximum amount of $700 million to fund short-term borrowing needs. The maturities of the commercial paper notes may vary but may not exceed 270 days from the date of issue. The commercial paper notes are generally sold at par less a discount representing an interest factor.

The ONE Gas Credit Agreement is available to repay the commercial paper notes, if necessary. Amounts outstanding under the commercial paper program reduce the borrowing capacity under the ONE Gas Credit Agreement. At March 31, 2015 , we had no short-term borrowings, $1.0 million in letters of credit issued under the ONE Gas Credit Agreement and $699.0 million of remaining credit available under the ONE Gas Credit Agreement.


4.
LONG-TERM DEBT

Senior Notes - We have senior notes, consisting of $300 million of 2.07 percent senior notes due 2019 , $300 million of 3.61 percent senior notes due 2024 and $600 million of 4.658 percent senior notes due 2044 (collectively, our “Senior Notes”). The indenture governing our Senior Notes includes an event of default upon the acceleration of other indebtedness of $100 million or more. Such events of default would entitle the trustee or the holders of 25 percent in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Senior Notes to declare those Senior Notes immediately due and payable in full.


16


5.
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The following table sets forth the effect of reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on our Statements of Income for the period indicated:
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
Affected Line Item in the
 Income (Loss) Components
 
2015
2014
 Statements of Income
 
 
( Thousands of dollars )
 
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan obligations (a)

 
 
 
 
Amortization of net loss

 
$
12,565

$
8,542

 
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost
 
(373
)
(303
)
 
 
 
12,192

8,239

 
Regulatory adjustments (b)
 
(11,964
)
(13,756
)
 
 
 
228

(5,517
)
Income before income taxes
 
 
(88
)
2,124

Income tax expense
Total reclassifications for the period
 
$
140

$
(3,393
)
Net income
(a) These components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 7 for additional detail of our net periodic benefit cost .
(b) Regulatory adjustments represent pension and other postretirement benefit costs expected to be recovered through rates and are deferred as part of our regulatory assets. See Note 2 for additional disclosures of regulatory assets and liabilities.

6.
EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic EPS is based on net income and is calculated based upon the daily weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented. Also, this calculation includes fully vested stock awards that have not yet been issued as common stock. Diluted EPS includes the above, plus unvested stock awards granted under our compensation plans, but only to the extent these instruments dilute earnings per share.
The following tables set forth the computation of basic and diluted EPS from continuing operations for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
Income
 
Shares
 
Per Share
Amount
 
( Thousands, except per share amounts )
Basic EPS Calculation
 
 
 
 
 
Net income available for common stock
$
60,381

 
52,707

 
$
1.15

Diluted EPS Calculation
 

 
 

 
 

Effect of dilutive securities

 
739

 
 

Net income available for common stock and common stock equivalents
$
60,381

 
53,446

 
$
1.13


 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
Income
 
Shares
 
Per Share
Amount
 
( Thousands, except per share amounts )
Basic EPS Calculation
 
 
 
 
 
Net income available for common stock
$
59,076

 
52,334

 
$
1.13

Diluted EPS Calculation
 
 
 

 
 

Effect of dilutive securities

 
178

 
 

Net income available for common stock and common stock equivalents
$
59,076

 
52,512

 
$
1.13


On January 31, 2014,  51,941,236  shares of our common stock were distributed to ONEOK shareholders in conjunction with the separation. For comparative purposes, and to provide a more meaningful calculation of weighted-average shares outstanding, we have assumed this amount and any shares associated with fully vested stock awards that have not been issued to be outstanding as of the beginning of each period prior to the separation presented in the calculation of weighted-average shares.


17


Dividends - In April 2015, a dividend of $0.30 per share ( $1.20 per share on an annualized basis) was declared for shareholders of record on May 15, 2015, payable June 1, 2015.

7.
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The following tables set forth the components of net periodic benefit cost for our pension and other postretirement benefit plans for the periods indicated:
 
Pension Benefits
 
Three Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
( Thousands of dollars )
Components of net periodic benefit cost
 
 
 
Service cost
$
3,524

 
$
2,768

Interest cost
10,652

 
10,948

Expected return on assets
(15,362
)
 
(14,965
)
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost
67

 
137

Amortization of net loss
11,055

 
7,550

Net periodic benefit cost
$
9,936

 
$
6,438


 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
Three Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
( Thousands of dollars )
Components of net periodic benefit cost
 
 
 
Service cost
$
849

 
$
1,174

Interest cost
2,666

 
2,901

Expected return on assets
(2,908
)
 
(2,848
)
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost
(440
)
 
(440
)
Amortization of net loss
1,510

 
992

Net periodic benefit cost
$
1,677

 
$
1,779


We recover qualified pension benefit plan and other postretirement benefit plan costs through rates charged to our customers. Certain utility commissions require that the recovery of these costs be based on specific guidelines. The difference between these regulatory-based amounts and the periodic benefit cost calculated pursuant to GAAP is deferred as a regulatory asset or liability and amortized to expense over periods in which this difference will be recovered in rates, as promulgated by the applicable utility commission. Regulatory adjustments to the net periodic benefit cost were not material for the three month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

8.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Environmental Matters - We are subject to multiple historical, wildlife preservation and environmental laws and/or regulations which affect many aspects of our present and future operations. Regulated activities include, but are not limited to, those involving air emissions, storm water and wastewater discharges, handling and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes, wetland preservation, hazardous materials transportation, and pipeline and facility construction. These laws and regulations require us to obtain and/or comply with a wide variety of environmental clearances, registrations, licenses, permits and other approvals. Failure to comply with these laws, regulations, licenses and permits may expose us to fines, penalties and/or interruptions in our operations that could be material to our results of operations. In addition, emission controls and/or other regulatory or permitting mandates under the Clean Air Act and other similar federal and state laws could require unexpected capital expenditures. We cannot assure that existing environmental statutes and regulations will not be revised or that new regulations will not be adopted or become applicable to us. Revised or additional statutes or regulations that result in increased compliance costs or additional operating restrictions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.


18


We own or retain legal responsibility for the environmental conditions at 12 former manufactured natural gas sites in Kansas. These sites contain potentially harmful materials that are subject to control or remediation under various environmental laws and regulations. A consent agreement with the KDHE governs all work at these sites. The terms of the consent agreement allow us to investigate these sites and set remediation activities based upon the results of the investigations and risk analysis. Remediation involves typically the management of contaminated soils and may involve removal of structures and monitoring and/or remediation of groundwater.

We have completed or addressed removal of the source of soil contamination at 11 of the 12 sites according to plans approved by the KDHE. Regulatory closure has been achieved at three of the sites. We have begun site assessment at the remaining site where no active remediation has occurred.

Our expenditures for environmental evaluation, mitigation, remediation and compliance to date have not been significant in relation to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows, and our expenditures related to environmental matters had no material effects on earnings or cash flows during 2015 and 2014 . We do not expect to incur material expenditures for these matters in the future.

Pipeline Safety - We are subject to PHMSA regulations, including integrity-management regulations. PHMSA regulations require pipeline companies operating high-pressure transmission pipelines to perform integrity assessments on pipeline segments that pass through densely populated areas or near specifically designated high-consequence areas. In January 2012, the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty and Job Creation Act was signed into law. The law increased maximum penalties for violating federal pipeline safety regulations and directs the DOT and the Secretary of Transportation to conduct further review or studies on issues that may or may not be material to us. These issues include, but are not limited to, the following:
an evaluation of whether natural gas pipeline integrity-management requirements should be expanded beyond current high-consequence areas;
a verification of records for pipelines in class 3 and 4 locations and high-consequence areas to confirm maximum allowable operating pressures; and
a requirement to test previously untested pipelines operating above 30 percent yield strength in high-consequence areas.

The potential capital and operating expenditures related to this legislation, the associated regulations or other new pipeline safety regulations are unknown.

Legal Proceedings - We are a party to various litigation matters and claims that have arisen in the normal course of our operations. While the results of litigation and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe the reasonably possible losses from such matters, individually and in the aggregate, are not material. Additionally, we believe the probable final outcome of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

9.
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Accounting Treatment - We record all derivative instruments at fair value, with the exception of normal purchases and normal sales that are expected to result in physical delivery. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and, if so, the reason for holding it, or if regulatory rulings require a different accounting treatment.

If certain conditions are met, we may elect to designate a derivative instrument as a hedge to mitigate the risk of exposure to changes in fair values or cash flows.

The table below summarizes the various ways in which we account for our derivative instruments and the impact on our financial statements:
 
 
Recognition and Measurement
Accounting Treatment
 
Balance Sheet
 
Income Statement
Normal purchases and
normal sales
-
Recorded at historical cost
-
Change in fair value not recognized in earnings
Mark-to-market
-
Recorded at fair value
-
Change in fair value recognized in, and
recoverable through, the purchased-gas cost adjustment mechanisms


19


We have not elected to designate any of our derivative instruments as hedges. Premiums paid and any cash settlements received associated with the commodity derivative instruments entered into by us are included in, and recoverable through, the purchased-gas cost adjustment mechanisms.

Determining Fair Value - We define fair value as the price that would be received from the sale of an asset or the transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We use the market and income approaches to determine the fair value of our assets and liabilities and consider the markets in which the transactions are executed. We measure the fair value of a group of financial assets and liabilities consistent with how a market participant would price the net risk exposure at the measurement date.

Fair Value Hierarchy - At each balance sheet date, we utilize a fair value hierarchy to classify fair value amounts recognized or disclosed in our financial statements based on the observability of inputs used to estimate such fair value. The levels of the hierarchy are described below:
Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2 - Significant observable pricing inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are, either directly or indirectly, observable as of the reporting date. Essentially, this represents inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data; and
Level 3 - May include one or more unobservable inputs that are significant in establishing a fair value estimate. These unobservable inputs are developed based on the best information available and may include our own internal data.

We recognize transfers into and out of the levels as of the end of each reporting period.

Determining the appropriate classification of our fair value measurements within the fair value hierarchy requires management’s judgment regarding the degree to which market data is observable or corroborated by observable market data. We categorize derivatives for which fair value is determined using multiple inputs within a single level, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

Derivative Instruments -   At March 31, 2015 , we had no purchased natural gas call options. At December 31, 2014 , we held purchased natural gas call options for the heating season ended March 2015 , with total notional amounts of 16.0 Bcf, for which we paid premiums of $6.4 million , and had a fair value of $0.1 million . The premiums paid and any cash settlements received are recorded as part of our unrecovered purchased-gas costs in current regulatory assets as these contracts are included in, and recoverable through, the purchased-gas cost adjustment mechanisms. Additionally, changes in fair value associated with these contracts are deferred as part of our unrecovered purchase gas costs in our Balance Sheets. Our natural gas call options are classified as Level 1 as fair value amounts are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets including NYMEX-settled prices. There were no transfers between levels for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 .

Other Financial Instruments -   The approximate fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable is equal to book value, due to the short-term nature of these items. Our cash and cash equivalents are comprised of bank and money market accounts and are classified as Level 1.

Short-term notes payable are due upon demand and, therefore, the carrying amounts approximate fair value and are classified as Level 1. The estimated fair value and book value of our long-term debt, including current maturities, was $1.3 billion and $1.2 billion , respectively, at both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 . The estimated fair value of our senior notes at March 31, 2015 , was determined using quoted market prices, and are considered Level 2.

20



ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our unaudited financial statements and the Notes to Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report, as well as our Annual Report.  Due to the seasonal nature of our business, the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 , are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a 12-month period.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Dividend - In April 2015, a dividend of $0.30 per share ( $1.20 per share on an annualized basis) was declared for shareholders of record on May 15, 2015, payable June 1, 2015.

Regulatory Activities - Oklahoma - As previously approved by the OCC in 2014, Oklahoma Natural Gas will file a rate case in 2015 based on a test year consisting of the 12 months ended March 31, 2015.

In March 2015, Oklahoma Natural Gas filed its energy-efficiency program true-up application for its 2014 program year, requesting a utility incentive adjustment of $1.2 million.

In December 2014, the Public Utility Division of the OCC filed an application to close the remaining take-or-pay items associated with its rider. The OCC’s final audit of the take-or-pay rider and related items included a review of the over-recovery of $1.1 million and recommended refunding this over-recovery to customers through Oklahoma Natural Gas’ Purchased Gas Adjustment Clause (PGA) mechanism. The pass-through of the over-recovery through the PGA has no impact on operating income.

Kansas - In March 2015, the KCC issued an order opening an investigation regarding accelerated replacement of obsolete pipeline materials. This order was issued after several open meetings were hosted by the KCC in the fourth quarter of 2014, discussing the status of natural gas infrastructure replacement in Kansas. The KCC requested initial briefs to be submitted by April 2015, addressing whether the KCC has the authority to establish alternative rate-making methodologies for pipe replacement beyond those outlined in Kansas’ Gas System Reliability statute. If the KCC finds it has such jurisdiction, then additional questions will be posed to the affected parties outlined in the docket and the investigation will proceed. The KCC expects to issue a ruling on the jurisdictional question by May 2015.

Texas - In March 2014, Texas Gas Service and the City of El Paso agreed to enter into an annual rate review mechanism called the El Paso Annual Rate Review (EPARR). The EPARR provides for a review of Texas Gas Service’s revenue requirement based upon an agreed upon capital structure and return on equity in lieu of a filing under the GRIP statute with the City of El Paso. Texas Gas Service continued to file under the GRIP statute for other incorporated cities in the El Paso service area until early 2015, when the other incorporated cities in the El Paso service area adopted the EPARR mechanism. GRIP is a capital-recovery mechanism that allows for a rate adjustment providing recovery of and a return on incremental capital investments made between rate cases.

In March 2015, Texas Gas Service filed under the EPARR requesting an increase in revenues of $9.4 million in the City of El Paso and surrounding incorporated cities. The filing included a request to include a payroll adjustment which would increase revenues by an additional $1.8 million, for a total increase in revenues of $11.2 million.  In April 2015, Texas Gas Service filed with the RRC under the GRIP statute, requesting an increase of $0.4 million in revenues for the unincorporated areas of the El Paso service area.

Texas Gas Service filed requests for rate relief under the GRIP statute with the City of Austin, Texas, and surrounding communities in February 2015, for approximately $3.7 million. If approved by the cities, new rates will become effective in May 2015.

In the normal course of business, we have received approval for increases totaling $1.4 million in 2015 for rate relief under the GRIP and cost-of-service adjustments in other Texas jurisdictions to address investments in rate base and changes in cost of service.


21


FINANCIAL RESULTS AND OPERATING INFORMATION

Selected Financial Results - The following table sets forth certain selected financial results for our operations for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Variances
 
March 31,
 
2015 vs. 2014
Financial Results
2015
 
2014
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
( Millions of dollars, except percentages )
Natural gas sales
$
636.8

 
$
724.7

 
$
(87.9
)
 
(12
)%
Transportation revenues
31.4

 
32.5

 
(1.1
)
 
(3
)%
Cost of natural gas
413.6

 
506.3

 
(92.7
)
 
(18
)%
Net margin, excluding other revenues
254.6

 
250.9

 
3.7

 
1
 %
Other revenues
8.4

 
8.9

 
(0.5
)
 
(6
)%
Net margin
263.0

 
259.8

 
3.2

 
1
 %
Operating costs
122.4

 
118.9

 
3.5

 
3
 %
Depreciation and amortization
31.6

 
31.5

 
0.1

 
 %
Operating income
$
109.0

 
$
109.4

 
$
(0.4
)
 
 %
Capital expenditures
$
54.9

 
$
65.7

 
$
(10.8
)
 
(16
)%

The following table sets forth our net margin, excluding other revenues, by type of customer, for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Variances
Net Margin, Excluding Other
March 31,
 
2015 vs. 2014
Revenues
2015
 
2014
 
Increase (Decrease)
Natural gas sales
( Millions of dollars, except percentages )
Residential
$
184.1

 
$
179.6

 
$
4.5

 
3
 %
Commercial and industrial
37.0

 
37.0

 

 
 %
Wholesale and public authority
2.1

 
1.8

 
0.3

 
17
 %
Net margin on natural gas sales
223.2

 
218.4

 
4.8

 
2
 %
Transportation revenues
31.4

 
32.5

 
(1.1
)
 
(3
)%
Net margin, excluding other revenues
$
254.6

 
$
250.9

 
$
3.7

 
1
 %

Our net margin on natural gas sales is comprised of two components, fixed and variable margin. Fixed margin reflects the portion of our net margin attributable to the monthly fixed customer charge component of our rates, which does not fluctuate based on customer usage in each period. Variable margin reflects the portion of our net margin that fluctuates with the volumes delivered and billed. We believe that the combination of the significant residential component of our customer base, the fixed charge component of our sales margin and our regulatory rate mechanisms that we have in place result in a stable cash flow profile. The following table sets forth our net margin on natural gas sales by revenue type for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Three Months
 
March 31,
 
2015 vs. 2014
Net Margin on Natural Gas Sales
2015
 
2014
 
Increase (Decrease)
Net margin on natural gas sales
( Millions of dollars, except percentages )
Fixed margin
$
129.3

 
$
121.7

 
$
7.6

 
6
 %
Variable margin
93.9

 
96.7

 
(2.8
)
 
(3
)%
Net margin on natural gas sales
$
223.2

 
$
218.4

 
$
4.8

 
2
 %

Net margin increased $3.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 , compared with the same period last year, due primarily to the following:
an increase of $8.7 million from new rates primarily in Oklahoma and Texas; and
an increase of $1.3 million in residential sales due primarily to customer growth in Oklahoma; offset partially by
a decrease of $2.5 million in rider and surcharge recoveries due primarily to lower ad-valorem surcharge in Kansas and the expiration of the rider associated with the recovery of take-or-pay settlements in Oklahoma, both of which are offset by lower regulatory amortization in depreciation and amortization expense;

22


a decrease of $2.3 million due to lower sales volumes, net of weather normalization primarily from warmer weather in the first quarter 2015 compared with the first quarter 2014; and
a decrease of $1.0 million due primarily to lower transportation volumes from weather-sensitive customers in Kansas and Oklahoma.

Operating costs increased $3.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 , compared with the same period last year, due primarily to the following:
an increase in employee-related costs of $4.2 million primarily due to $3.4 million in higher labor costs and $2.0 million in higher benefit costs resulting primarily from a change in our discount rate associated with our pension and other postretirement benefit plans; offset partially by a decrease of $1.2 million in lower share-based compensation; and
an increase of $2.1 million in information technology expenses; offset partially by
a decrease of $1.5 million in workers’ compensation expense; and
a decrease of $1.0 million in expenses due primarily to our separation from ONEOK in the prior year.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared with the same period last year, due to an increase in depreciation of $2.7 million from our capital expenditures, offset primarily by a decrease in the amortization of ad-valorem surcharge rider in Kansas and take-or-pay rider in Oklahoma of $2.5 million.

Capital Expenditures - Our capital expenditures program includes expenditures for pipeline integrity, extending service to new areas, modifications to customer service lines, increasing system capabilities, pipeline replacements and information technology assets. It is our practice to maintain and upgrade our infrastructure, facilities and systems to ensure safe, reliable and efficient operations.

Capital expenditures decreased $10.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared with the same period last year, due primarily to information technology hardware and software assets acquired due to our separation from ONEOK in the prior year.

Selected Operating Information - The following tables set forth certain selected operating information for the periods indicated:
 
 
Three Months Ended
Variances
 
 
March 31,
2015 vs. 2014
(in thousands)
 
2015
2014
Increase (Decrease)
Average Number of Customers
 
OK
KS
TX
Total
OK
KS
TX
Total
OK
KS
TX
Total
Residential
 
788

586

606

1,980

782

589

603

1,974

6

(3
)
3

6

Commercial and industrial
 
74

51

35

160

73

51

35

159

1



1

Wholesale and public authority
 


3

3



3

3





Transportation
 
5

6

1

12

5

6

1

12





Total customers
 
867

643

645

2,155

860

646

642

2,148

7

(3
)
3

7


 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
Volumes (MMcf)
 
2015
 
2014
Natural gas sales
 
 
 
 
Residential
 
60,112

 
63,413

Commercial and industrial
 
17,144

 
18,321

Wholesale and public authority
 
1,109

 
809

Total volumes sold
 
78,365

 
82,543

Transportation
 
60,772

 
66,976

Total volumes delivered
 
139,137

 
149,519


Residential and commercial and industrial natural gas sales volumes and transportation volumes delivered decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2015 , compared with the same period last year, due primarily to warmer temperatures in the first quarter of 2015. The impact on residential and commercial margins was mitigated largely by weather-normalization mechanisms.

23



Wholesale sales represent contracted natural gas volumes that exceed the needs of our residential, commercial and industrial customer base and are available for sale to other parties. The impact to net margin from changes in volumes associated with these customers is minimal.

 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015 vs 2014
 
2015
 
2014
Heating Degree Days
 
Actual
 
Normal
 
Actual
 
Normal
 
Actual Variance
 
Actual as a percent of Normal
Oklahoma
 
1,911

 
1,803

 
2,142

 
1,803

 
(11
)%
 
106
%
 
119
%
Kansas
 
2,515

 
2,502

 
2,879

 
2,502

 
(13
)%
 
101
%
 
115
%
Texas
 
1,102

 
994

 
984

 
997

 
12
 %
 
111
%
 
99
%

Normal HDDs are established through rate proceedings in each of our rate jurisdictions for use primarily in weather normalization billing calculations. See further discussion on weather normalization in our Regulatory Overview section in Part 1, Item 1,”Business,” of our Annual Report. Normal HDDs disclosed above are based on:

10-year weighted average HDDs as of December 31, 2008, for years 1999-2008, as calculated using 11 weather stations across Oklahoma and weighted on average customer count for Oklahoma;
30-year average for years 1981-2010 published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, as calculated using 13 weather stations across Kansas and weighted on HDDs by weather station and customers for Kansas; and
a rolling 10-year average of actual natural gas distribution sales volumes by service area for Texas.

Actual HDDs are based on quarter-to-date and year-to-date, weighted average of:

11 weather stations and customers by month for Oklahoma;
13 weather stations and customers by month for Kansas; and
9 weather stations and natural gas distribution sales volumes by service area for Texas.

CONTINGENCIES

Legal Proceedings - We are a party to various litigation matters and claims that have arisen in the normal course of our operations. While the results of litigation and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe the reasonably possible losses from such matters, individually and in the aggregate, are not material. Additionally, we believe the probable final outcome of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

General - We have relied primarily on operating cash flow, commercial paper and the ONE Gas Credit Agreement for our liquidity and capital resource requirements. We fund operating expenses, working capital requirements, including purchases of natural gas, and capital expenditures primarily with cash from operations, commercial paper and bank credit facilities.

We believe that the combination of the significant residential component of our customer base, the fixed-charge component of our natural gas sales net margin and our regulatory rate mechanisms that we have in place result in a stable cash flow profile. Because the energy consumption of residential customers is less volatile compared with commercial and industrial customers, our business historically has generated stable and predictable net margin and cash flows. Additionally, we have several regulatory rate mechanisms in place to reduce the lag in earning a return on our capital expenditures. We anticipate that our cash flow generated from operations and our expected short- and long-term financing arrangements will enable us to maintain our current and planned level of operations and provide us flexibility to finance our infrastructure investments.

Our ability to access capital markets for debt and equity financing under reasonable terms depends on market conditions and our financial condition and credit ratings. We believe that stronger credit ratings will provide a significant advantage to our business. By maintaining a conservative financial profile and stable revenue base, we believe that we will be able to maintain

24


an investment-grade credit rating, which we believe will provide us access to diverse sources of capital at favorable rates in order to finance our infrastructure investments. Credit rating agencies perform independent analyses when assigning credit ratings.

Short-term Financing - The ONE Gas Credit Agreement contains certain financial, operational and legal covenants. Among other things, these covenants include maintaining a debt-to-capital ratio of no more than 70 percent at the end of any calendar quarter. The ONE Gas Credit Agreement also contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants relating to liens, indebtedness of subsidiaries, investments, changes in the nature of business, fundamental changes, transactions with affiliates, burdensome agreements, and use of proceeds. In the event of a breach of certain covenants by us, amounts outstanding under the ONE Gas Credit Agreement may become due and payable immediately. At March 31, 2015 , our debt-to-capital ratio was 40 percent , and we were in compliance with all covenants under the ONE Gas Credit Agreement.

The ONE Gas Credit Agreement includes a $50 million sublimit for the issuance of standby letters of credit and also features an option to request an increase in the size of the facility to an aggregate of $1.2 billion from $700 million, upon satisfaction of customary conditions, including receipt of commitments from new lenders or increased commitments from existing lenders. Borrowings made under the facility are available for general corporate purposes. The ONE Gas Credit Agreement contains provisions for an applicable margin rate and an annual facility fee, both of which adjust with changes in our credit rating. Based on our current credit ratings, borrowings, if any, will accrue interest at LIBOR plus 79.5 basis points, and the annual facility fee is 8 basis points. The total amount of short-term borrowings authorized by ONE Gas’ Board of Directors is $1.2 billion.

We have a commercial paper program under which we may issue unsecured commercial paper up to a maximum amount of $700 million to fund short-term borrowing needs. The maturities of the commercial paper notes may vary but may not exceed 270 days from the date of issue. The commercial paper notes are generally sold at par less a discount representing an interest factor.

The ONE Gas Credit Agreement is available to repay the commercial paper notes, if necessary. Amounts outstanding under the commercial paper program reduce the borrowing capacity under the ONE Gas Credit Agreement. At March 31, 2015 , we had no short-term borrowings and $1.0 million in letters of credit issued under the ONE Gas Credit Agreement. At March 31, 2015 , we had approximately $142.5 million of cash and cash equivalents and $699.0 million of remaining credit available under the ONE Gas Credit Agreement.

Long-Term Debt - We have senior notes, consisting of $300 million of 2.07 percent senior notes due 2019, $300 million of 3.61 percent senior notes due 2024 and $600 million of 4.658 percent senior notes due 2044 (collectively, our “Senior Notes”). The indenture governing our Senior Notes includes an event of default upon the acceleration of other indebtedness of $100 million or more. Such events of default would entitle the trustee or the holders of 25 percent in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Senior Notes to declare those Senior Notes immediately due and payable in full.

Treasury Shares - In February 2015, our Board of Directors authorized us to purchase treasury shares to be used to offset shares issued under our employee and non-employee director equity compensation, dividend reinvestment and employee stock purchase plans. The Board of Directors established an annual limit of $20 million of treasury stock purchases, exclusive of funds received through the dividend reinvestment and employee stock purchase plans. Stock purchases may be made in the open market or in private transactions at times and in amounts that we deem appropriate. There is no guarantee as to the exact number of shares that we may purchase, and we can terminate or limit the program at any time.

Credit Ratings - Our credit ratings as of March 31, 2015 , were:
Rating Agency
Rating
Outlook
Moody’s
A2
Stable
S&P
A-
Stable

Our commercial paper is currently rated Prime-1 by Moody’s and A-2 by S&P. We intend to maintain strong credit metrics while we pursue a balanced approach to capital investment and a return of capital to shareholders via a dividend that we believe will be competitive with our peer group.

Capitalization structure - As of March 31, 2015 , our total capitalization structure is 40 percent debt to 60 percent equity.


25


Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans - Information about our pension and other postretirement benefits plans, including anticipated contributions, is included under Note 12 of the ONE Gas Notes to Financial Statements in our Annual Report. See Note 7 of the Notes to Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report for additional information.

CASH FLOW ANALYSIS

We use the indirect method to prepare our statements of cash flows. Under this method, we reconcile net income to cash flows provided by operating activities by adjusting net income for those items that impact net income but may not result in actual cash receipts or payments and changes in our assets and liabilities not classified as investing or financing activities during the period. Items that impact net income but may not result in actual cash receipts or payments include, but are not limited to, depreciation and amortization, deferred income taxes, share-based compensation expense and provision for doubtful accounts.

The following table sets forth the changes in cash flows by operating, investing and financing activities for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Variances
 
March 31,
 
2015 vs. 2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
( Millions of dollars )
Total cash provided by (used in):
 
 
 
 
 
Operating activities
$
241.1

 
$
182.1

 
$
59.0

Investing activities
(54.9
)
 
(65.7
)
 
10.8

Financing activities
(55.6
)
 
59.1

 
(114.7
)
Change in cash and cash equivalents
130.6

 
175.5

 
(44.9
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
11.9

 
3.1

 
8.8

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
142.5

 
$
178.6

 
$
(36.1
)

Operating Cash Flows - Operating cash flows are affected by earnings from our business activities. Changes in natural gas prices and demand for our services or natural gas, whether because of general economic or weather conditions, changes in supply or increased competition from other service providers, could affect our earnings and operating cash flows. Typically, our cash flows from operations are greater in the first half of the year compared with the second half of the year.

Cash flows from operating activities increased for the three months ended March 31, 2015 , compared with the same period in 2014 . The net increase was due primarily to the collection of trade and income tax receivables, payment of trade payables and the recovery of natural gas purchase costs through our purchased-gas cost mechanisms. The timing of cash collections from customers and payments to vendors and suppliers varies from period to period in the normal course of business and directly impacts our cash flows from operations.

Investing Cash Flows - Cash used in investing activities decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2015 , compared with the prior period due primarily to capital expenditures for information technology assets associated with our separation from ONEOK.

Financing Cash Flows - The changes in cash flows from financing activities are primarily the result of our $1.19 billion debt issuance and $1.13 billion cash payment to ONEOK for the three months ended March 31, 2014, in connection with our separation from ONEOK, compared with repayments of commercial paper and dividends paid to shareholders for the three months ended March 31, 2015 .

ENVIRONMENTAL, SAFETY AND REGULATORY MATTERS

Environmental Matters - We are subject to multiple historical, wildlife preservation and environmental laws and/or regulations, which affect many aspects of our present and future operations. Regulated activities include, but are not limited to, those involving air emissions, storm water and wastewater discharges, handling and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes, wetland preservation, hazardous materials transportation, and pipeline and facility construction. These laws and regulations require us to obtain and/or comply with a wide variety of environmental clearances, registrations, licenses, permits and other approvals. Failure to comply with these laws, regulations, licenses and permits may expose us to fines, penalties and/or interruptions in our operations that could be material to our results of operations. In addition, emission controls and/or other regulatory or permitting mandates under the Clean Air Act and other similar federal and state laws could require unexpected

26


capital expenditures at our facilities. We cannot assure that existing environmental statutes and regulations will not be revised or that new regulations will not be adopted or become applicable to us. Revised or additional statutes or regulations that result in increased compliance costs or additional operating restrictions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We own or retain legal responsibility for the environmental conditions at 12 former manufactured natural gas sites in Kansas. These sites contain potentially harmful materials that are subject to control or remediation under various environmental laws and regulations. A consent agreement with the KDHE governs all work at these sites. The terms of the consent agreement allow us to investigate these sites and set remediation activities based upon the results of the investigations and risk analysis. Remediation involves typically the management of contaminated soils and may involve removal of structures and monitoring and/or remediation of groundwater.

We have completed or addressed removal of the source of soil contamination at 11 of the 12 sites according to plans approved by the KDHE. Regulatory closure has been achieved at three of the sites. We have begun site assessment at the remaining site where no active remediation has occurred.

Our expenditures for environmental evaluation, mitigation, remediation and compliance to date have not been significant in relation to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows, and our expenditures related to environmental matters had no material effects on earnings or cash flows during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. We do not expect to incur material expenditures for these matters in the future.

Pipeline Safety - We are subject to PHMSA regulations, including integrity-management regulations. PHMSA regulations require pipeline companies operating high-pressure transmission pipelines to perform integrity assessments on pipeline segments that pass through densely populated areas or near specifically designated high-consequence areas. In January 2012, the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty and Job Creation Act was signed into law. The new law increased maximum penalties for violating federal pipeline safety regulations and directs the DOT and the Secretary of Transportation to conduct further review or studies on issues that may or may not be material to us. These issues include, but are not limited to, the following:
an evaluation of whether natural gas pipeline integrity-management requirements should be expanded beyond current high-consequence areas;
a verification of records for pipelines in class 3 and 4 locations and high-consequence areas to confirm maximum allowable operating pressures; and
a requirement to test previously untested pipelines operating above 30 percent yield strength in high-consequence areas.

The potential capital and operating expenditures related to this legislation, the associated regulations or other new pipeline safety regulations are unknown.

Air and Water Emissions - The Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, analogous state laws and/or regulations promulgated thereunder, impose restrictions and controls regarding the discharge of pollutants into the air and water in the United States. Under the Clean Air Act, a federally enforceable operating permit is required for sources of significant air emissions. We may be required to incur certain capital expenditures for air-pollution-control equipment in connection with obtaining or maintaining permits and approvals for sources of air emissions. We do not expect that these expenditures will have a material impact on our respective results of operations, financial position or cash flows. The Clean Water Act imposes substantial potential liability for the removal of pollutants discharged to waters of the United States and remediation of waters affected by such discharge.

Federal, state and regional initiatives to measure and regulate greenhouse gas emissions are underway. We monitor relevant federal and state legislation to assess the potential impact on our operations. The EPA’s Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule requires annual greenhouse gas emissions reporting as carbon dioxide equivalents from affected facilities and for the natural gas delivered by us to our natural gas distribution customers who are not otherwise required to report their own emissions. The additional cost to gather and report this emission data did not have, and we do not expect it to have, a material impact on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows. In addition, Congress has considered, and may consider in the future, legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide and methane. Likewise, the EPA may institute additional regulatory rulemaking associated with greenhouse gas emissions. At this time, no rule or legislation has been enacted that assesses any costs, fees or expenses on any of these emissions.


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CERCLA - The federal CERCLA, also commonly known as Superfund, imposes strict, joint and several liability, without regard to fault or the legality of the original act, on certain classes of “persons” (defined under CERCLA) that caused and/or contributed to the release of a hazardous substance into the environment. These persons include but are not limited to the owner or operator of a facility where the release occurred and/or companies that disposed or arranged for the disposal of the hazardous substances found at the facility. Under CERCLA, these persons may be liable for the costs of cleaning up the hazardous substances released into the environment, damages to natural resources and the costs of certain health studies. We do not expect that our responsibilities under CERCLA will have a material impact on our respective results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Pipeline Security - The United States Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration issued updated pipeline security guidelines in April 2012. Our pipeline facilities have been reviewed according to the current guidelines and no material changes have been required to date.

Environmental Footprint - Our environmental and climate change strategy focuses on taking steps to minimize the impact of our operations on the environment. These strategies include: (1) developing and maintaining an accurate greenhouse gas emissions inventory according to current rules issued by the EPA; (2) improving the efficiency of our various pipelines; (3) following developing technologies for emission control; and (4) utilizing practices to reduce the loss of methane from our facilities.

We participate in the EPA’s Natural Gas STAR Program to voluntarily reduce methane emissions. We continue to focus on maintaining low rates of lost-and-unaccounted-for natural gas through expanded implementation of best practices to limit the release of natural gas during pipeline and facility maintenance and operations.

Regulatory - Several regulatory initiatives impacted the earnings and future earnings potential of our business.  See discussion of our regulatory initiatives in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

IMPACT OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Information about the impact of new accounting standards, if any, is included in Note 1 of the Notes to Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report.

ESTIMATES AND CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The preparation of our financial statements and related disclosures in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions with respect to values or conditions that cannot be known with certainty that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. These estimates and assumptions also affect the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Although we believe these estimates and assumptions are reasonable, actual results could differ from our estimates.

Information about our estimates and critical accounting policies is included under Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, “Estimates and Critical Accounting Policies,” in our Annual Report.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some of the statements contained and incorporated in this Quarterly Report are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act.  The forward-looking statements relate to our anticipated financial performance, liquidity, management’s plans and objectives for our future operations, our business prospects, the outcome of regulatory and legal proceedings, market conditions and other matters.  We make these forward-looking statements in reliance on the safe harbor protections provided under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  The following discussion is intended to identify important factors that could cause future outcomes to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements include the items identified in the preceding paragraph, the information concerning possible or assumed future results of our operations and other statements contained or incorporated in this Quarterly Report identified by words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “should,” “goal,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “could,” “may,” “continue,” “might,” “potential,” “scheduled,” and other words and terms of similar meaning.


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One should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which are applicable only as of the date of this Quarterly Report.  Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking statements.  Those factors may affect our operations, markets, products, services and prices.  In addition to any assumptions and other factors referred to specifically in connection with the forward-looking statements, factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking statement include, among others, the following:
our ability to recover operating costs and amounts equivalent to income taxes, costs of property, plant and equipment and regulatory assets in our regulated rates;
our ability to manage our operations and maintenance costs;
changes in regulation, including the application of market rates by state and local agencies;
the economic climate and, particularly, its effect on the natural gas requirements of our residential and
commercial industrial customers;
competition from alternative forms of energy, including, but not limited to, solar power, wind power, geothermal energy and biofuels;
variations in weather, including seasonal effects on demand, the occurrence of storms and disasters, and climate change;
indebtedness could make us more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions, limit our ability to borrow additional funds and/or place us at competitive disadvantage compared with competitors;
our ability to secure reliable, competitively priced and flexible natural gas supply;
the mechanical integrity of facilities operated;
operational hazards and unforseen operational interruptions;
adverse labor relations;
the effectiveness of our strategies to reduce earnings lag, margin protection strategies and risk mitigation strategies;
our ability to generate sufficient cash flows to meet all our cash needs;
changes in the financial markets during the periods covered by the forward-looking statements, particularly those affecting the availability of capital and our ability to refinance existing debt and fund investments and acquisitions;
actions of rating agencies, including the ratings of debt, general corporate ratings and changes in the rating agencies’ ratings criteria;
changes in inflation and interest rates;
our ability to purchase and sell assets at attractive prices and on other attractive terms;
our ability to recover the costs of natural gas purchased for our customers;
impact of potential impairment charges;
volatility and changes in markets for natural gas;
possible loss of LDC franchises or other adverse effects caused by the actions of municipalities;
payment and performance by counterparties and customers as contracted and when due;
changes in regulation of natural gas distribution services, particularly those in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas;
changes in law resulting from new federal or state energy legislation;
changes in environmental, safety, tax and other laws to which we and our subsidiaries are subject;
advances in technology;
acts of nature and the potential effects of threatened or actual terrorism, including cyber attacks, and war;
the sufficiency of insurance coverage to cover losses;
the effects of our strategies to reduce tax payments;
the effects of litigation and regulatory investigations, proceedings, including our rate cases, or inquiries;
changes in accounting standards and corporate governance;
our ability to attract and retain talented management and directors;
the results of financing efforts, including our ability to obtain financing on favorable terms, which can be affected by various factors, including our credit ratings and general economic conditions;
declines in the market prices of equity securities and resulting funding requirements for our defined benefit pension plans;
the ability to successfully complete merger, acquisition or divestiture plans, regulatory or other limitations imposed as a result of a merger, acquisition or divestiture, and the success of the business following a merger, acquisition or divestiture;
the final resolutions or outcomes with respect to our contingent and other corporate liabilities related to the natural gas distribution business and any related actions for indemnification made pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreement;
our ability to operate effectively as a separate, publicly traded company;

29


the costs associated with becoming compliant with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 as a stand-alone company and the consequences of failing to implement effective internal controls over financial reporting as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; and
the costs associated with increased regulation and enhanced disclosure and corporate governance requirements pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and the Consumer Protection Act of 2010.

These factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any of our forward-looking statements.  Other factors could also have material adverse effects on our future results.  These and other risks are described in greater detail in Item 1A, Risk Factors, in our Annual Report.  All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Other than as required under securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or change in circumstances, expectations or otherwise.

ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk are consistent with those discussed in Part II, Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, in our Annual Report.

Commodity Price Risk

Our commodity price risk, driven primarily by fluctuations in the price of natural gas, is mitigated by our purchased-gas cost adjustment mechanisms. Additionally, we inject natural gas into storage during the summer months and withdraw the natural gas during the winter heating season. Pursuant to programs that are approved by the state commissions, we use derivative instruments to mitigate the volatility of natural gas prices for anticipated natural gas purchases during the winter heating months. Premiums paid and any cash settlements received associated with these derivative instruments are included in, and recoverable through our purchased-gas cost adjustment mechanisms.

Interest-Rate Risk

We would be exposed to interest-rate risk with any new debt financing. We are able to manage interest-rate risk through the use of fixed-rate debt, floating-rate debt and, at times, interest-rate swaps. Fixed-rate swaps may be used to reduce our risk of increased interest costs during periods of rising interest rates. Floating-rate swaps may be used to convert the fixed rates of long-term borrowings into short-term variable rates.

Counterparty Credit Risk

We assess the creditworthiness of our customers. Those customers who do not meet minimum standards are required to provide security, including deposits and other forms of collateral, when appropriate. With more than 2 million customers across three states, we are not exposed materially to a concentration of credit risk. We maintain a provision for doubtful accounts based upon factors surrounding the credit risk of customers, historical trends, consideration of the current credit environment and other information. In most jurisdictions, we are able to recover the natural gas cost component of our uncollectible accounts through our purchased-gas cost mechanisms.

ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Quarterly Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures - Our Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report based on the evaluation of the controls and procedures required by Rules 13(a)-15(b) of the Exchange Act.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting - There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended March 31, 2015 , that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION


30


ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are a party to various litigation matters and claims that have arisen in the normal course of our operations. While the results of litigation and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe the reasonably possible losses from such matters, individually and in the aggregate, are not material. Additionally, we believe the probable final outcome of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS

Our investors should consider the risks set forth in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors, of our Annual Report that could affect us and our business.  Although we have tried to discuss key factors, our investors need to be aware that other risks may prove to be important in the future.  New risks may emerge at any time, and we cannot predict such risks or estimate the extent to which they may affect our financial performance.  Investors should carefully consider the discussion of risks and the other information included or incorporated by reference in this Quarterly Report, including “Forward-Looking Statements,” which are included in Part I, Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

ITEM 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Not Applicable.

ITEM 3.
DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not Applicable.

ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 5.
OTHER INFORMATION

On February 17, 2015, our Board of Directors amended our Equity Compensation Plan and the forms of the Performance Unit Award Agreement and the Restricted Unit Award Agreement (which each evidence awards made under our Equity Compensation Plan) to implement a so-called “double trigger” change-in-control vesting provision. Prior to the amendments, outstanding stock awards generally became fully exercisable, vested and payable upon a change-in-control of the company. As a result of the amendments, stock incentive awards will now become fully exercisable, vested and payable following both a change-in-control and either an officer’s termination without cause or resignation for good reason within two years of the change in control.

The description of our Equity Compensation Plan and the forms of the Performance Unit Award Agreement and the Restricted Unit Award Agreement, in each instance as amended to date, is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Equity Compensation Plan and the forms of the Performance Unit Award Agreement and the Restricted Unit Award Agreement which are attached hereto or incorporated by reference as Exhibits 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3.

ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS

Readers of this report should not rely on or assume the accuracy of any representation or warranty or the validity of any opinion contained in any agreement filed as an exhibit to this Quarterly Report, because such representation, warranty or opinion may be subject to exceptions and qualifications contained in separate disclosure schedules, may represent an allocation of risk between parties in the particular transaction, may be qualified by materiality standards that differ from what may be viewed as material for securities law purposes, or may no longer continue to be true as of any given date.  All exhibits attached to this Quarterly Report are included for the purpose of complying with requirements of the SEC.  Other than the certifications made by our officers pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 included as exhibits to this Quarterly Report, all exhibits are included only to provide information to investors regarding their respective terms and should not be relied upon as constituting or providing any factual disclosures about us, any other persons, any state of affairs or other matters.

31



The following exhibits are filed as part of this Quarterly Report:
Exhibit No.
Exhibit Description
 
 
 
 
10.1
ONE Gas, Inc. Equity Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to ONE Gas, Inc.’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on April 1, 2015 (File No. 1-36108)).
 
 
 
 
10.2
Form of 2015 Performance Unit Award Agreement.
 
 
 
 
10.3
Form of 2015 Restricted Unit Award Agreement.
 
 
 
 
31.1
Certification of Pierce H. Norton II pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
31.2
Certification of Curtis L. Dinan pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
32.1
Certification of Pierce H. Norton II pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished only pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b)).
 
 
 
 
32.2
Certification of Curtis L. Dinan pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished only pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b)).
 
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document.

 
 
 
 
101.SCH
XBRL Schema Document.

 
 
 
 
101.CAL
XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
 
101.LAB
XBRL Label Linkbase Document.

 
 
 
 
101. PRE
XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document.

 
 
 
 
101.DEF
XBRL Extension Definition Linkbase Document.


Attached as Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report are the following XBRL-related documents: (i) Document and Entity Information; (ii) Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 ; (iii) Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 ; (iv) Balance Sheets at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 ; (v) Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 ; (vi) Statement of Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2015 ; and (vii) Notes to Financial Statements.

We also make available on our website the Interactive Data Files submitted as Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report.


32


SIGNATURE

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

Date: April 30, 2015
 
ONE Gas, Inc.
 
 
Registrant
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Curtis L. Dinan
 
 
Curtis L. Dinan
 
 
Senior Vice President,
 
 
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer)



33
ONE GAS, INC.

PERFORMANCE UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT

This Performance Unit Award Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of February ___, 2015 (the “Grant Date”) by and between ONE Gas, Inc., an Oklahoma corporation (the “Company”) and [EMPLOYEE NAME] (the “Participant”).

WHEREAS , the Company has adopted the ONE Gas, Inc. Equity Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) pursuant to which Performance Unit Awards may be granted; and

WHEREAS , the Executive Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Committee") has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to grant the Performance Unit Award provided for herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

1.
Grant of Performance Units .

1.1 The Company hereby grants to the Participant an award consisting of [NUMBER] Performance Units (“Performance Units” or the “Award”) on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Notice of Performance Unit Award and Agreement dated February ___, 2015, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, and the Plan. The Performance Units are contingently awarded and will be earned if and only to the extent that the performance goal described on Exhibit A (the “Performance Goal”) is met and vested and distributable only if other conditions in this Agreement are met. Each Performance Unit represents the right to receive one share of the Company’s common stock (“Share”) or, at the Company’s option, an amount of cash as set forth in Section 6.2, in either case, at the times and subject to the conditions set forth herein. The number of Performance Units set forth above is equal to a target number of Shares that the Participant will earn for 100% achievement of the Performance Goal (the “Target Award”). Capitalized terms that are used but not defined herein have the meanings set forth in the Plan.

1.2 The Performance Units shall be credited to a separate account maintained for the Participant on the books and records of the Company (the “Account”). All amounts credited to the Account shall continue for all purposes to be part of the general assets of the Company.

2. Consideration . The Award is granted in consideration of the Participant’s continued employment with the Company.






3. Vesting .

3.1 General . Except as provided in this Section 3, subject to Participant’s continuous employment with the Company during the period beginning on the Grant Date and ending on February ___, 2018 (the “Performance Period”) and subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Participant shall vest at the end of the Performance Period in the number of Performance Units, if any, earned upon, and certified following, the attainment of the Performance Goal as of the end of the Performance Period. Any Performance Units that do not vest as of the end of the Performance Period shall be forfeited. Performance Units that vest pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, including Sections 3.2 and 3.3 below, are hereinafter referred to as “Vested Units” and the date upon which the Performance Units vest is hereinafter referred to as a “Vesting Date.” Unless and until the Performance Units have vested, Participant will have no right to receive any Shares subject thereto. Prior to the actual delivery of any Shares, the Award will represent an unsecured obligation of the Company, payable only from the Company’s general assets.

3.2 Termination of Employment . If prior to the end of the Performance Period, the Participant ceases to be employed by the Company on account of the Participant’s Retirement, Total Disability or death, the Participant will vest in a pro-rata portion of the Performance Units as of the last day of the Performance Period if the Performance Goal and requirements of this Agreement are met as of such date. The pro-rata portion of the Performance Units that vest will be determined by multiplying (x) the maximum number of Performance Units in which the Participant could vest, based on the actual level at which the Performance Goal is attained and certified for the Performance Period, as if the Participant remained in the employ of the Company through the end of the Performance Period, by (y) a fraction, which fraction shall be equal to the number of full months which have elapsed under the Performance Period at the time of such termination of employment by the number of full months in the Performance Period. If the Participant’s employment with the Company terminates prior to the end of the Performance Period for any other reason, Participant shall immediately forfeit any and all Performance Units that have not vested or do not vest on or prior to the Participant’s termination date and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary shall have any further obligations to the Participant under this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, employment with any Subsidiary of the Company shall be treated as employment with the Company. Likewise, a termination of employment shall not be deemed to occur by reason of a transfer of employment between the Company and any Subsidiary. For purposes of this Agreement:

(a)
“Retirement” means a voluntary termination of employment of the Participant with the Company by the Participant if at the time of such termination of employment the Participant has both completed five (5) years of service with the Company and attained age fifty (50).

2




(b)
“Total Disability” means that the Participant is permanently and totally disabled and unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, and has established such disability to the extent and in the manner and form as may be required by the Committee.

3.3 Change in Control . If a Change in Control occurs prior to the end of the Performance Period and when the Participant is employed by the Company at the time of the Change in Control, but subsequently terminates prior to the end of the Performance Period based on an involuntary termination (without cause) or a voluntary termination with "good reason" within 24 months of the Change in Control date, then the Performance Period will end on the date of the Change in Control and the Performance Units will be deemed vested at the Target Award level as of the date of the Change in Control (the “Change in Control Date”). Good reason includes:
Demotion or material reduction of authority or responsibility;
Material reduction in base salary;
Material reduction in annual incentive or LTI targets;
Relocation of greater than 35 miles; or
Failure of the successor company to assume the change-in-control plan.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions set forth in the Plan applicable to a Change in Control shall apply to the Award, and in the event of a Change in Control, the Committee, in its sole discretion and to the extent permitted by Section 409A, may take such actions as it deems appropriate pursuant to the Plan. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Change in Control” shall have the same meaning as provided in the Plan.

3.4 Certification . Except in the event of a Change in Control, the Committee shall, within a reasonably practicable time following the end of the Performance Period, certify to the extent, if any, to which the Performance Goal has been achieved with respect to the Performance Period and the number of Performance Units, if any, earned upon attainment of the Performance Goal. Such certification shall be final, conclusive and binding on the Participant, and on all other persons, to the maximum extent permitted by law.

4. Transfer Restrictions .

4.1 Except as provided in Section 4.2, during the Performance Period and until such time as the Shares underlying the Vested Units have been issued, the Performance Units, related Shares or the rights relating thereto may not be sold, pledged, assigned, transferred or otherwise disposed of by the Participant in any manner other than by will or by laws of descent and

3



distribution. Except as provided in Section 4.2, any attempt to sell, pledge, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of the Performance Units, related Shares or the rights relating thereto shall be wholly ineffective and, if any such attempt is made, the Performance Units, related Shares or the rights relating thereto will be forfeited by the Participant and all of the Participant's rights to such units or related Shares shall immediately terminate without any payment or consideration by the Company.

4.2 Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Participant may transfer any part or all of the Participant’s rights in the Performance Units to members of the Participant’s immediate family, or to one or more trusts for the benefit of such immediate family members, or partnerships in which such immediate family members are the only partners if the Participant does not receive any consideration for the transfer. In the event of any such transfer, Performance Units shall continue to be subject to the same terms and conditions otherwise applicable hereunder and under the Plan immediately prior to transfer, except that such rights shall not be further transferable by the transferee inter vivos , except for transfer back to the Participant. For any such transfer to be effective, the Participant must provide prior written notice thereof to the Committee and the Participant shall furnish to the Committee such information as it may request with respect to the transferee and the terms and conditions of any such transfer. For purposes of this Agreement, “immediate family” shall mean the Participant’s spouse, children and grandchildren.

5. Dividend Equivalents . During the Performance Period, the Participant's Account shall be credited with an amount equal to all ordinary cash dividends (“Dividend Equivalents”) that would have been paid to the Participant if one Share had been issued on the Grant Date for each Performance Unit granted to the Participant as set forth in this Agreement. The Dividend Equivalents credited to the Participant’s Account will be deemed to be reinvested in additional Performance Units (or fractional units) and will be subject to the same terms and conditions as the Performance Units to which they are attributable and shall vest or be forfeited (if applicable) and settled at the same time as the Performance Units to which they are attributable. Such additional Performance Units shall also be credited with additional Dividend Equivalents as any further dividends are declared.

6. Time and Form of Payment with Respect to Vested Units

6.1 Unless an election is made pursuant to Section 7 below and subject to Section 10 and Section 23.2 and subject to certification by the Committee that the Performance Goal has been achieved and other vesting conditions have been satisfied, the Participant will receive a distribution with respect to the Vested Units within 75 days following the earlier of (i) the last day of the Performance Period (the “Distribution Date”) or (ii) the Change in Control Date. The Vested Units will be settled and distributed in Shares (either in book-entry form or otherwise) or, at the Company’s option, paid in an amount of cash

4



as set forth in Section 6.2. All distributions in Shares shall be in the form of whole Shares, and any fractional Share shall be distributed in cash in an amount equal to the value of such fractional Share determined based on the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Vesting Date.

6.2 If the Company elects to settle the Participant’s Vested Units in cash, the amount of cash payable with respect to each Vested Unit shall be equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Vesting Date.

6.3 To the extent that the Participant does not vest in any Performance Units on or before the end of the Performance Period, all interest in such Performance Units and any additional Performance Units attributable to Dividend Equivalents shall be forfeited. The Participant has no right or interest in any Performance Units that are forfeited.

7. Deferral Election for Officers .

7.1 If the Participant is an officer of the Company, the Participant may irrevocably elect to defer the Distribution Date of Performance Units, Shares and cash that the Participant becomes entitled to receive under this Agreement (the “Deferred Amounts”) to a later date, by filing with the Committee, on or before the deferral election date (the “Election Deadline”) described in Section 7.2 below, a signed written irrevocable election (the “Election”) which shall be in the form substantially the same as attached hereto as Exhibit C, or as otherwise approved by the Committee.

7.2 Any such Election shall be filed with the Committee on or before the Election Deadline, which shall be August ___, 2017, the date that is six (6) months before the end of the Performance Period, and shall become effective and irrevocable on such date provided that the Participant performs services for the Company continuously from the later of the beginning of the Performance Period or the date the Performance Goal was established through the Election Deadline. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the Participant’s Election become effective if any portion of the Deferred Amounts has become readily ascertainable (within the meaning of Section 409A) and is substantially certain to be paid the Participant as of the Election Deadline. To defer the Distribution Date, the Participant must elect to defer one-hundred percent (100%) of the Deferred Amounts. Subject to Section 23.2, the Deferred Amounts shall be distributed to Participant at the time and in the form set forth in the Election (the “Deferred Date”). Notwithstanding a Participant’s Election pursuant to this Section 7, if a Change in Ownership or Control (within the meaning of Section 409A) occurs prior to the Deferred Date, the Deferred Amounts will be distributed to the Participant on the date of the Change in Ownership or Control.

7.3 This Section 7 shall be applicable solely to the Award and shall not apply to any other compensation payable to the Participant under the Plan or otherwise. The right to make a deferral election under this Section 7 is expressly limited to officers of the Company or any

5



subset thereof as determined by the Committee from time to time. This Agreement shall not permit a subsequent election to delay or modify the form of payment unless authorized and agreed upon in writing by the Company and Participant and such subsequent election complies with Section 409A.

8. Conditions to Issuance or Transfer of Shares . The issuance and transfer of Shares shall be subject to compliance by the Company and the Participant with all applicable laws, rules and regulations (“Applicable Laws”) and also to such approvals by governmental agencies as may be deemed appropriate to comply with relevant securities laws and regulations. No Shares shall be issued or transferred unless and until any then applicable requirements of Applicable Laws and regulatory agencies have been fully complied with to the satisfaction of the Company and its counsel.

9. Tax Withholding . Participant shall be required to pay to the Company, and the Company shall have the right to deduct from any compensation paid to the Participant pursuant to the Plan, the amount of any required federal, state and local taxes, domestic or foreign, including payroll taxes, in respect of the Award and to take all such other action as the Committee deems necessary to satisfy all obligations for the payment of such withholding taxes. The Company shall have no obligation to issue any Shares to any Participant unless and until the Participant has made arrangements, satisfactory to the Company in its sole discretion, to satisfy the Participant’s tax liability resulting from the vesting or settlement of the Vested Units. The amount of such withholding shall be determined by the Company. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may permit or require the Participant to satisfy any such tax withholding obligation by any of, or a combination of, the following means:

9.1 tendering a cash payment or check payable to the Company.

9.2 authorizing the Company to withhold an amount from any cash amounts otherwise due or to become due from the Company to the Participant.

9.3 authorizing the Company to withhold Shares from the Shares otherwise issuable to the Participant as a result of the vesting of the Performance Units; provided, however , that no Shares shall be withheld with a value exceeding the minimum amount of tax required to be withheld by Applicable Law.

9.4 delivering to the Company previously owned and unencumbered Shares having a then current Fair Market Value not exceeding the minimum amount of tax required to be withheld by Applicable Law.

10. Rights as Shareholder . Except as otherwise provided in the Agreement, the Participant shall not have any of the rights or privileges of a shareholder with respect to the Shares underlying the Performance Units unless and until the Performance Units vest and certificates

6



representing such Shares (which may be in book-entry form) have been issued and recorded on the Company’s records, and delivered to the Participant or to an escrow account for the Participant’s benefit. After such issuance, recordation and delivery, Participant will have the rights of a shareholder of the Company with respect to such Shares, including without limitation, voting rights and the right to receipt of dividends and distributions on such Shares.

11. No Right to Continued Service . Neither the Plan nor this Agreement shall confer upon the Participant to serve as an employee or other service provider of the Company. Further, nothing in the Plan or this Agreement shall be construed to limit the discretion of the Company to terminate the services of the Participant at any time, with or without Cause.

12. Adjustments . In the event of a change in capitalization described in Section 15 of the Plan prior to the end of the Performance Period, other than a dividend described in Section 5 above, the Performance Units shall be equitably adjusted or terminated in any manner contemplated by the Plan to reflect the effect of such event or change in the Company’s capital structure in such a way as to preserve the value of the Award.

13. Required Participant Repayment/Reduction Provision . Notwithstanding anything in the Plan or this Agreement to the contrary, all or a portion of the Award made to the Participant under this Agreement is subject to being called for repayment to the Company or reduced in any situation where the Board or a committee thereof determines that fraud, negligence, or intentional misconduct by the Participant was a contributing factor to the Company having to restate all or a portion of its financial statement(s). The Committee may determine whether the Company shall effect any such repayment or reduction: (i) by seeking repayment from the Participant, (ii) by reducing (subject to Applicable Law and the Plan’s terms and conditions or any other applicable plan, program, or arrangement) the amount that would otherwise be awarded or payable to the Participant under the Award, the Plan or any other compensatory plan, program, or arrangement maintained by the Company, (iii) by withholding payment of future increases in compensation (including the payment of any discretionary bonus amount) or grants of compensatory awards that would otherwise have been made in accordance with the Company’s otherwise applicable compensation practices, or (iv) by any combination of the foregoing. The determination regarding the Participant’s conduct, and repayment or reduction under this provision shall be within the Committee’s sole discretion and shall be final and binding on the Participant and the Company. The Participant, in consideration of the grant of the Award, and by the Participant's execution of this Agreement, acknowledges the Participant's understanding and agreement to this provision, and hereby agrees to make and allow an immediate and complete repayment or reduction in accordance with this provision in the event of a call for repayment or other action by the Company or Committee to effect its terms with respect to the Participant, the Award and/or any other compensation described herein.

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14. Company Policies . The Participant agrees that the Award will be subject to any applicable insider trading policies, retention policies and other policies that may be implemented by the Board, from time to time.

15. Participant Undertaking . The Participant agrees to take whatever additional actions and execute whatever additional documents the Company may in its reasonable judgment deem necessary or advisable in order to carry out or effect one or more of the obligations or restrictions imposed on the Participant pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. It is intended by the Company that the Plan and Shares covered by the Award are to be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, prior to the grant date; provided that in the event such registration is for any reason not effective for such Shares, the Participant agrees that all Shares acquired pursuant to the grant will be acquired for investment and will not be available for sale or tender to any third party.

16. Beneficiary . The Participant may designate a Beneficiary to receive any rights of the Participant which may become vested in the event of the Participant’s death under procedures and in the form established by the Committee; and in the absence of such designation of a Beneficiary, any such rights shall be deemed to be transferred to the Participant’s estate.

17. Notices . Any notice required to be delivered to the Company under this Agreement shall be in writing and addressed to the Vice President of Human Resources of the Company at the Company's principal corporate offices. Any notice required to be delivered to the Participant under this Agreement shall be in writing and addressed to the Participant at the Participant's address as shown in the records of the Company. Either party may designate another address in writing (or by such other method approved by the Company) from time to time. Any notice shall be delivered by hand, sent by telecopy or enclosed in a properly sealed envelope addressed as stated above, registered and deposited, postage prepaid, in a post office regularly maintained by the United States Postal Service.

18. Incorporation of the Plan; Conflicts . The Performance Units and the Shares issued to Participant hereunder are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. In the event of any inconsistency between (1) the Plan and this Agreement, the Plan will control, or (2) the resolutions and records of the Board or Committee and this Agreement, the resolutions and records of the Board or Committee will control.

19. Successors and Assigns . The Company may assign any of its rights under this Agreement, and this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company’s successors and assigns. Subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth herein and the Plan, this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto.

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20. No Impact on Other Benefits . The Company does not intend for the value of the Award or any Vested Units to be included in the Participant’s normal or expected compensation for purposes of calculating any severance, retirement, welfare, insurance or similar employee benefit; provided, however , that if there is any inconsistency between this Agreement and the terms of another benefit plan, the benefit plan document will control.

21. Discretionary Nature of Plan . The Plan is discretionary and may be amended, cancelled or terminated by the Board at any time, in its discretion. The grant of the Performance Units in this Agreement does not create any contractual right or other right to receive any Performance Units or other awards in the future. Future awards, if any, will be at the Committee’s sole discretion. Any amendment, modification, or termination of the Plan shall not constitute a change or impairment of the terms and conditions of the Participant's employment with the Company.

22. Amendment . In accordance with the Plan, the Committee may amend or otherwise modify, suspend, discontinue or terminate this Agreement at any time, prospectively or retroactively.

23. Section 409A .

23.1 This Award and Agreement is intended to comply with Section 409A or an exemption thereunder and shall be construed and interpreted in a manner that is consistent with the requirements for avoiding additional taxes or penalties under Section 409A. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Agreement, any distributions or payments due hereunder may only be made upon an event and in a manner that complies with Section 409A or an applicable exemption. Any distributions or payments due hereunder upon a termination of employment shall only be made upon a "separation from service" as defined in Section 409A. The right to a series of installment payments under this Agreement shall be treated as a right to a series of separate payments. Except as provided in Section 7, in no event may the Participant, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year of settlement, distribution or payment.

23.2 If an Award is subject to Section 409A and Participant becomes entitled to settlement of the Award on account of a separation from service and is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A on the date of the separation from service, then to the extent necessary to prevent any accelerated or additional tax under Section 409A, such settlement will be delayed until the earlier of: (a) the date that is six months following the Participant's separation from service and (b) the Participant’s death (the “Delayed Payment Date”) and the accumulated amounts shall be distributed or paid in a lump sum payment on the Delayed Payment Date.

23.3 The Company does not represent that the Award or this Agreement comply with Section 409A and in no event shall the Company be liable for all or any portion of any taxes,

9



penalties, interest or other expenses that may be incurred by the Participant on account of non-compliance with Section 409A.

23.4 To the extent that any provision of the Agreement would cause a conflict with the requirements of Section 409A, or would cause the administration of the Agreement to fail to satisfy Section 409A, such provision shall be deemed null and void to the extent permitted by Applicable Law.

24. Entire Agreement . The Plan and this Agreement (including any exhibit hereto) constitute the entire agreement of the parties and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and the Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof.

25. Severability . The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of the Plan or this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of the Plan or this Agreement, and each provision of the Plan and this Agreement shall be severable and enforceable to the extent permitted by law.

26. Governing Law . This Agreement will be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Oklahoma without regard to the conflict of laws provisions thereof.

27. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, including by way of electronic signature, subject to Applicable Law, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together will constitute one instrument.

28. Administration of Award; Acceptance . As a condition of receiving this Award, the Participant agrees that the Committee shall have full and final authority to construe and interpret the Plan and this Agreement, and to make all other decisions and determinations as may be required under the Plan or this Agreement as they may deem necessary or advisable for administration of the Plan or this Agreement, and that all such interpretations, decisions and determinations shall be final and binding on the Participant, the Company and all other interested persons. Any dispute regarding the interpretation of this Agreement shall be submitted by the Participant or the Company to the Committee for review. The resolution of such dispute by the Committee shall be final and binding on the Participant and the Company. Day-to-day authority and responsibility has been delegated to the Company’s Benefit Plan Administration Committee and its authorized representatives, and all actions taken thereby shall be entitled to the same deference as if taken by the Committee itself.


The Participant hereby acknowledges receipt of this Agreement, the Notice of Performance Unit Award and Agreement dated February ____, 2015, and a copy of the Plan. Participant agrees to be bound by all of the provisions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan and acknowledges that there may be adverse tax consequences upon the

10



vesting or settlement of the Performance Units or disposition of the underlying Shares and that Participant has been advised to consult a tax advisor prior to such vesting, settlement or disposition. Participant and accepts the Award under the terms and conditions stated in this Agreement, subject to all terms and provisions of the Plan, by electronic acceptance of the grant.





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Exhibit A
Performance Unit Performance Goal
2015-2018 Performance Period
Subject to the terms of the Agreement, Participant shall vest in a percentage of the Target Award (including any Dividend Equivalents) at the end of the Performance Period based on the Company’s ranking for Total Stockholder Return against the ONE Gas Peer Group listed in Exhibit C, all as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.

ONE Gas Total Stockholder Return (TSR): vs. ONE Gas Peer Group
ONE Gas TSR Ranking vs. ONE Gas Peer Group
Percentage of Performance Units Earned
90 th  percentile and above
75 th  percentile
50 th  percentile
25 th  percentile
Below 25 th  percentile
200%
150%
100%
50%
0%

If ONE Gas’s TSR ranking at the end of the Performance Period is between the stated percentile levels in the above table, the percentage of the Performance Units earned will be interpolated between the earning levels. No Performance Units are earned if ONE Gas’s TSR ranking at the end of the Performance Period is below the 25 th percentile.





Exhibit B
Illustration of Hypothetical 2015-2018 Performance Period
Performance Unit Award Calculation
Illustration assumes 500 Performance Units Granted in February 2015
Total Stockholder Return (TSR) vs. ONE Gas Peer Group

Hypothetical 2015-2018 ONE Gas TSR Ranking = 40 th  percentile

A 40 th  percentile TSR ranking earns 80% of Performance Units granted (i.e., 500 units)
as interpolated between 50% and 100% from Table A (see chart below)

400 Performance Units earned*

Total Performance Units Earned

400 Performance Units

400* Performance Units earned out of 500 units granted = 80% “earn-out”
[80% of 500 shares paid and distributed in the form of Shares]

































* In addition, applicable Dividend Equivalents will be added with an 80% “earn-out”.





Exhibit C

2015-2018 ONE GAS TSR Peer Group

Company Name
Sym
 
 
 
 
AGL Resources Inc.
AGL
 
 
 
 
Atmos Energy Corp
ATO
 
 
 
 
Avista Corp
AVA
 
 
 
 
Laclede Group Inc
LG
 
 
 
 
New Jersey Resources Corp
NJR
 
 
 
 
Northwest Natural Gas
NWN
 
 
 
 
ONE Gas, Inc .
OGS
 
 
 
 
Piedmont Natural Gas Co
PNY
 
 
 
 
Questar Corp
STR
 
 
 
 
South Jersey Industries Inc
SJI
 
 
 
 
Southwest Gas Corp
SWX
 
 
 
 
Vectren Corp
VVC
 
 
 
 
WGL Holdings Inc
WGL
 
 
 
 

In the event that any of the Peer Group companies are not available for performance comparison either by going out of business, being sold, being merged into another company or any other reason, then that company will be dropped from the list and the performance comparison will be made with the remaining Peer Group companies.





Exhibit D

ONE GAS, Inc. Equity Compensation Plan
Performance Unit Deferral Election


INSTRUCTIONS: This Deferral Election must be completed and returned to [CONTACT] at ONE Gas, Inc. no later than August __, 2017 (the “Election Deadline”). This election becomes irrevocable as of the Election Deadline; provided, however, this election shall only become effective to the extent permitted by Section 409A.

This Election is made by the undersigned Participant pursuant to the terms of the ONE GAS, Inc. Equity Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) and that certain Performance Unit Award Agreement issued to me under the Plan on the __ day of February, 2015 (the “Agreement”). Capitalized terms that are used but not defined herein have the meanings set forth in the Agreement.

1.      Irrevocable Elections as to the Time and Form of Payment

I hereby irrevocably elect to defer the payment and my receipt of all Performance Units, Shares and cash that I may become entitled to receive pursuant to the Agreement (the “Deferred Amounts”) from the regularly scheduled time of payment set forth in Section 6 of the Agreement until a later date as follows:

A.     Specified Time of Payment Election ( Put initials by your choice)

___    I elect to have the Deferred Amounts deferred and paid to me on the later of (i) the date of my separation from service as an employee of the Company, or (ii) [________, 20__] in the form specified below.

___    I elect to have the Deferred Amounts deferred and paid to me on the date of my separation from service as an employee of the Company in the form specified below.

B.     Form of Payment Election (Put initials by your choice)

___     I elect to receive the Deferred Amounts in a single lump sum payment.

____    I elect to receive the Deferred Amounts in ______ (specify 2, 3, 4 or 5) equal annual installments commencing on the Specified Time of Payment that I have elected in Part A above, until fully paid. The number of Shares or cash received in each installment will equal the number and amount, respectively, that have not been paid as of the date immediately preceding the installment payment date, divided by the number of installments remaining to be paid as of the date immediately preceding the installment payment date. The resulting number shall




be rounded down to the next whole number, except that the final installment shall be rounded up to the next whole number.

C.     Election in the Event of Death (Put initials by your choice)

___    In the event of my death prior to, or after, the Specified Time of Payment that I have elected above, I elect to have my named beneficiaries (or my estate, if I do not have any designated beneficiaries) receive payment and transfer of the Deferred Amounts in a single lump sum within 60 days following my death.

___    In the event of my death prior to, or after, the Specified Time of Payment that I have elected above, I elect to have my named beneficiaries (or my estate, if I do not have any designated beneficiaries) receive payment and transfer of the Deferred Amounts in ______ ( specify 2, 3, 4 or 5 ) equal annual installments commencing within 60 days following my death, until fully paid. The number of Shares or cash received in each installment will equal the number and amount, respectively, that have not been paid as of the date immediately preceding the installment payment date, divided by the number of installments remaining to be paid as of the same date. The resulting number shall be rounded down to the next whole number, except that the final installment shall be rounded up to the next whole number.

D.    Change in Ownership or Control (Mandatory Distribution)

Notwithstanding the above elections, if a Change in Ownership or Control (within the meaning of Section 409A) occurs prior to the full distribution of the Deferred Amounts, all Deferred Amounts that have not been paid and transferred will be paid and transferred on the date of the Change in Ownership or Control. In the event Shares no longer exist at the time of payment and transfer, each of the deferred Performance Units shall be converted in a manner that is consistent with the manner in which Shares held by shareholders of the Company were treated with respect to the Change in Ownership or Control.

2.      Additional Terms

A.
Unforeseeable Emergency . You may request an accelerated payment of all or a portion of the Deferred Amounts if you experience an Unforeseeable Emergency (as defined in the Plan), subject to the requirements set forth in Plan Section 13.5. If approved, payment shall be made in a single lump sum within 90 days after the approval date.
B.
Specified Employee . If you become entitled to a distribution on account of a separation from service and you are “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A) on the date of your separation from service, payment of all or a portion of your Deferred Amounts may be delayed in accordance with Plan Section 13.4.





C.
Re-deferrals and Changing the Form of Payment . You may, at the Committee’s discretion, be permitted to make a re-deferral election with respect to the amounts deferred hereunder in accordance with Plan Section 13.3.
D.
Withholding . You will be required to satisfy any tax withholding obligations relating to the Deferred Amounts, and delivery of the Shares or cash will be conditional upon your satisfaction of such obligations.
 
3.      Acknowledgment

By executing this Election, I acknowledge that:

A.
I have read the terms of the Plan, the Agreement and this Election and agree to all the terms and conditions.
B.
I understand that any amounts that I defer hereunder are unfunded and unsecured and subject to the claims of the Company’s creditors in the event of the Company’s insolvency.
C.
I understand that the Plan, the Agreement and this Election are intended to comply with Section 409A and that they will be interpreted accordingly. However, I understand that the Company will have no liability with respect to any failure to comply with Section 409A.
D.
I understand that this Election will become irrevocable as of the Election Deadline.
E.
I have consulted with my own tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of participating in the Plan and making this election.

I hereby make this election as of this ___ day of ____, 20__.


_____________________________________
Participant Signature


_____________________________________
Print Participant’s Name


_____________________________________
Employee ID Number



Copy received this ____ day of ________, 20__,


______________________________________
For the Committee


ONE GAS, INC.
RESTRICTED UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
This Restricted Unit Award Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of February ___, 2015 (the “Grant Date”) by and between ONE Gas, Inc., an Oklahoma corporation (the “Company”) and [EMPLOYEE NAME] (the “Participant”).
WHEREAS , the Company has adopted the ONE Gas, Inc. Equity Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) pursuant to which Restricted Unit Awards may be granted; and
WHEREAS , the Executive Compensation Committee (the "Committee") has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to grant the Restricted Unit Award provided for herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

1.
Grant of Restricted Units .

1.1    The Company hereby grants to the Participant an award consisting of [NUMBER] Restricted Units (“Restricted Units” or the “Award”) on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Notice of Restricted Unit Award and Agreement dated February ___, 2015, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, and the Plan. Each Restricted Unit represents the right to receive one share of the Company’s common stock (“Share”) or, at the Company’s option, an amount of cash as set forth in Section 6.3, in either case, at the times and subject to the conditions set forth herein. Capitalized terms that are used but not defined herein have the meanings set forth in the Plan.

1.2    The Restricted Units shall be credited to a separate account maintained for the Participant on the books and records of the Company (the “Account”). All amounts credited to the Account shall continue for all purposes to be part of the general assets of the Company.

2. Consideration . The Award is granted in consideration of the Participant’s continued employment with the Company.

3. Vesting .

3.1     General . Subject to Participant’s continuous employment with the Company during the period beginning on the Grant Date and ending on February ___, 2018 (the “Restricted Period”) and subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Participant will vest in such amounts and at such times as are set forth below:





Vesting Date
Percentage of Award That Vests
February __, 2018
100%


For purposes of this Agreement, employment with any Subsidiary of the Company shall be treated as employment with the Company. Likewise, a termination of employment shall not be deemed to occur by reason of a transfer of employment between the Company and any Subsidiary.
Restricted Units that vest pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, including Sections 3.2 and 3.3 below, are referred to as “Vested Units” and the date upon which the Restricted Units vest is referred to as a “Vesting Date.” Unless and until the Restricted Units have vested, Participant will have no right to receive any Shares subject thereto. Prior to the actual delivery of any Shares, the Award will represent an unsecured obligation of the Company, payable only from the Company’s general assets.

3.2     Termination of Employment .

(a) If the Participant's employment with the Company is terminated prior to the end of the Restricted Period by the Company without Cause or on account of the Participant’s Retirement, Total Disability or death, the Participant will vest in a pro-rata portion of the Restricted Units as of the Participant’s termination date. The pro-rata portion of the Restricted Units that vest will be determined by multiplying the number of Restricted Units granted hereunder by a fraction, which fraction shall be equal to the number of full months which have elapsed under the Restricted Period at the time of such termination of employment by the number of full months in the Restricted Period. If the Participant’s employment with the Company terminates for any other reason, Participant shall immediately forfeit any and all Restricted Units that have not vested or do not vest on or prior to the Participant’s termination date and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary shall have any further obligations to the Participant under this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement:

(i) “Cause” will mean any of the following: (i) the Participant’s conviction in a court of law of a felony, or any crime or offense involving misuse or misappropriation of money or property, (ii) the Participant’s violation of any covenant, agreement or obligation not to disclose confidential information regarding the business of the Company (or Subsidiary), (iii) any violation by the Participant of any covenant not to compete with the Company (or Subsidiary), (iv) any act of dishonesty by the Participant which adversely effects the business of the Company (or Subsidiary), (v) any willful or intentional act of the Participant which adversely affects the business of, or reflects unfavorably on the reputation of

2




the Company (or Subsidiary), (vi) the Participant’s use of alcohol or drugs which interferes with the Participant’s duties as an employee of the Company (or Subsidiary), or (vii) the Participant’s failure or refusal to perform the specific directives of the Company’s Board, or its officers which directives are consistent with the scope and nature of the Participant’s duties and responsibilities with the existence and occurrence of all of such causes to be determined by the Company, in its sole discretion; provided, that nothing contained in the foregoing provisions of this Section shall be deemed to interfere in any way with the right of the Company (or Subsidiary), which is hereby acknowledged, to terminate the Participant’s employment at any time without Cause.

(ii) “Retirement” means a voluntary termination of employment of the Participant with the Company by the Participant if at the time of such termination of employment the Participant has both completed five (5) years of service with the Company and attained age fifty (50).

(iii) “Total Disability” means that the Participant is permanently and totally disabled and unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, and has established such disability to the extent and in the manner and form as may be required by the Committee.

3.3 Change in Control . If a Change in Control occurs prior to the end of the Restricted Period and when the Participant is employed by the Company, at the time of the Change in Control, but subsequently terminates prior to the end of the Restricted Period based on an involuntary termination (without cause) or a voluntary termination with "good reason" within 24 months of the CIC date, then the Participant shall become one hundred percent (100%) vested in the Award upon the occurrence of the Change in Control. Good reason includes:
Demotion or material reduction of authority or responsibility;
Material reduction in base salary;
Material reduction in annual incentive or LTI targets;
Relocation of greater than 35 miles; or
Failure of a successor company to assume the change-in-control plan.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions set forth in the Plan applicable to a Change in Control shall apply to the Award, and in the event of a Change in Control, the Committee, in its sole discretion and to the extent permitted by Section 409A, may take such actions as it deems appropriate pursuant to the Plan. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Change in Control” shall have the same meaning as provided in the Plan unless the Award is or becomes subject to Code section 409A, in which event “Change in Control” shall have the meaning provided in Code section 409A and the related Treasury Regulations.

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4. Transfer Restrictions .
 
4.1 Except as provided in Section 4.2, during the Restricted Period and until such time as the Shares underlying the Vested Units have been issued, the Restricted Units, related Shares or the rights relating thereto may not be sold, pledged, assigned, transferred or otherwise disposed of by the Participant in any manner other than by will or by laws of descent and distribution. Except as provided in Section 4.2, any attempt to sell, pledge, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of the Restricted Units, related Shares or the rights relating thereto shall be wholly ineffective and, if any such attempt is made, the Restricted Units, related Shares or the rights relating thereto will be forfeited by the Participant and all of the Participant's rights to such units or related Shares shall immediately terminate without any payment or consideration by the Company.

4.2 Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Participant may transfer any part or all of the Participant’s rights in the Restricted Units to members of the Participant’s immediate family, or to one or more trusts for the benefit of such immediate family members, or partnerships in which such immediate family members are the only partners if the Participant does not receive any consideration for the transfer. In the event of any such transfer, Restricted Units shall continue to be subject to the same terms and conditions otherwise applicable hereunder and under the Plan immediately prior to transfer, except that such rights shall not be further transferable by the transferee inter vivos , except for transfer back to the Participant. For any such transfer to be effective, the Participant must provide prior written notice thereof to the Committee and the Participant shall furnish to the Committee such information as it may request with respect to the transferee and the terms and conditions of any such transfer. For purposes of this Agreement, “immediate family” shall mean the Participant’s spouse, children and grandchildren.

5. Dividend Equivalents . During the Restricted Period, the Participant's Account shall be credited with an amount equal to all ordinary cash dividends (“Dividend Equivalents”) that would have been paid to the Participant if one Share had been issued on the Grant Date for each Restricted Unit granted to the Participant as set forth in this Agreement. The Dividend Equivalents credited to the Participant’s Account will be deemed to be reinvested in additional Restricted Units and will be subject to the same terms and conditions as the Restricted Units to which they are attributable and shall vest or be forfeited (if applicable) and settled at the same time as the Restricted Units to which they are attributable. Such additional Restricted Units shall also be credited with additional Dividend Equivalents as any further dividends are declared.

6. Settlement of Vested Units; Distribution or Payment .

6.1 Vested Units shall be settled and distributed in Shares (either in book-entry form or otherwise) or, at the Company’s option, paid in an amount of cash as set forth in Section 6.3. All distributions in Shares shall be in the form of whole Shares, and any fractional Share shall be distributed in cash in an amount equal to the value of such fractional Share determined based on the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Vesting Date.

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6.2 Subject to Section 9 and Section 22.2, on each Vesting Date, the Company shall distribute to the Participant the number of Shares equal to the number of Vested Units within 75 days after the applicable Vesting Date.

6.3 If the Company elects to settle the Participant’s Vested Units in cash, the amount of cash payable with respect to each Vested Unit shall be equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Vesting Date.

6.4 To the extent that the Participant does not vest in any Restricted Units on or before the end of day of the Restricted Period, all interest in such Restricted Units and any additional Restricted Units attributable to Dividend Equivalents shall be forfeited. The Participant has no right or interest in any Restricted Units that are forfeited.

7. Conditions to Issuance or Transfer of Shares . The issuance and transfer of Shares shall be subject to compliance by the Company and the Participant with all applicable laws, rules and regulations (“Applicable Laws”) and also to such approvals by governmental agencies as may be deemed appropriate to comply with relevant securities laws and regulations. No Shares shall be issued or transferred unless and until any then applicable requirements of Applicable Laws and regulatory agencies have been fully complied with to the satisfaction of the Company and its counsel.

8. Tax Withholding . Participant shall be required to pay to the Company, and the Company shall have the right to deduct from any compensation paid to the Participant pursuant to the Plan, the amount of any required federal, state and local taxes, domestic or foreign, including payroll taxes, in respect of the Award and to take all such other action as the Committee deems necessary to satisfy all obligations for the payment of such withholding taxes. The Company shall have no obligation to issue any Shares to any Participant unless and until the Participant has made arrangements, satisfactory to the Company in its sole discretion, to satisfy the Participant’s tax liability resulting from the vesting or settlement of the Vested Units. The amount of such withholding shall be determined by the Company. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may permit or require the Participant to satisfy any such tax withholding obligation by any of, or a combination of, the following means:

8.1    tendering a cash payment or check payable to the Company.

8.2    authorizing the Company to withhold an amount from any cash amounts otherwise due or to become due from the Company to the Participant.

8.3    authorizing the Company to withhold Shares from the Shares otherwise issuable to the Participant as a result of the vesting of the Restricted Units; provided, however , that no Shares shall be withheld with a value exceeding the minimum amount of tax required to be withheld by Applicable Law.

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8.4    delivering to the Company previously owned and unencumbered Shares having a then current Fair Market Value not exceeding the minimum amount of tax required to be withheld by Applicable Law.

9. Rights as Shareholder . Except as otherwise provided in the Agreement, the Participant shall not have any of the rights or privileges of a shareholder with respect to the Shares underlying the Restricted Units unless and until the Restricted Units vest and certificates representing such Shares (which may be in book-entry form) have been issued and recorded on the Company’s records, and delivered to the Participant or to an escrow account for the Participant’s benefit. After such issuance, recordation and delivery, Participant will have the rights of a shareholder of the Company with respect to such Shares, including without limitation, voting rights and the right to receipt of dividends and distributions on such Shares.

10. No Right to Continued Service . Neither the Plan nor this Agreement shall confer upon the Participant to serve as an employee or other service provider of the Company. Further, nothing in the Plan or this Agreement shall be construed to limit the discretion of the Company to terminate the services of the Participant at any time, with or without Cause.

11. Adjustments . In the event of a change in capitalization described in Section 15 of the Plan prior to the end of the Restricted Period, other than a dividend described in Section 5 above, the Restricted Units shall be equitably adjusted or terminated in any manner contemplated by the Plan to reflect the effect of such event or change in the Company’s capital structure in such a way as to preserve the value of the Award.

12. Required Participant Repayment/Reduction Provision . Notwithstanding anything in the Plan or this Agreement to the contrary, all or a portion of the Award made to the Participant under this Agreement is subject to being called for repayment to the Company or reduced in any situation where the Board or a committee thereof determines that fraud, negligence, or intentional misconduct by the Participant was a contributing factor to the Company having to restate all or a portion of its financial statement(s). The Committee may determine whether the Company shall effect any such repayment or reduction: (i) by seeking repayment from the Participant, (ii) by reducing (subject to Applicable Law and the Plan’s terms and conditions or any other applicable plan, program, or arrangement) the amount that would otherwise be awarded or payable to the Participant under the Award, the Plan or any other compensatory plan, program, or arrangement maintained by the Company, (iii) by withholding payment of future increases in compensation (including the payment of any discretionary bonus amount) or grants of compensatory awards that would otherwise have been made in accordance with the Company's otherwise applicable compensation practices, or (iv) by any combination of the foregoing. The determination regarding the Participant’s conduct, and repayment or reduction under this provision shall be within the Committee’s sole discretion and shall be final and binding on the Participant and the Company. The Participant, in consideration of the grant of the Award, and by the Participant's execution of this Agreement, acknowledges the Participant's understanding and agreement to this provision, and hereby agrees to make and allow an immediate and complete repayment or reduction in accordance with this provision in the event of

6




a call for repayment or other action by the Company or Committee to effect its terms with respect to the Participant, the Award and/or any other compensation described herein.

13. Company Policies . The Participant agrees that the Award will be subject to any applicable insider trading policies, retention policies and other policies that may be implemented by the Board, from time to time.

14. Participant Undertaking . The Participant agrees to take whatever additional actions and execute whatever additional documents the Company may in its reasonable judgment deem necessary or advisable in order to carry out or effect one or more of the obligations or restrictions imposed on the Participant pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. It is intended by the Company that the Plan and Shares covered by the Award are to be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, prior to the grant date; provided that in the event such registration is for any reason not effective for such Shares, the Participant agrees that all Shares acquired pursuant to the grant will be acquired for investment and will not be available for sale or tender to any third party.

15. Beneficiary . The Participant may designate a Beneficiary to receive any rights of the Participant which may become vested in the event of the Participant’s death under procedures and in the form established by the Committee; and in the absence of such designation of a Beneficiary, any such rights shall be deemed to be transferred to the Participant’s estate.

16. Notices . Any notice required to be delivered to the Company under this Agreement shall be in writing and addressed to the Vice President of Human Resources of the Company at the Company's principal corporate offices. Any notice required to be delivered to the Participant under this Agreement shall be in writing and addressed to the Participant at the Participant's address as shown in the records of the Company. Either party may designate another address in writing (or by such other method approved by the Company) from time to time. Any notice shall be delivered by hand, sent by telecopy or enclosed in a properly sealed envelope addressed as stated above, registered and deposited, postage prepaid, in a post office regularly maintained by the United States Postal Service.

17. Incorporation of the Plan; Conflicts . The Restricted Units and the Shares issued to Participant hereunder are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. In the event of any inconsistency between (1) the Plan and this Agreement, the Plan will control, or (2) the resolutions and records of the Board or Committee and this Agreement, the resolutions and records of the Board or Committee will control.

18. Successors and Assigns . The Company may assign any of its rights under this Agreement, and this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company’s successors and assigns. Subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth herein and the Plan, this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto.

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19. No Impact on Other Benefits . The Company does not intend for the value of the Award or any Vested Units to be included in the Participant’s normal or expected compensation for purposes of calculating any severance, retirement, welfare, insurance or similar employee benefit; provided, however , that if there is any inconsistency between this Agreement and the terms of another benefit plan, the benefit plan document will control.

20. Discretionary Nature of Plan . The Plan is discretionary and may be amended, cancelled or terminated by the Board at any time, in its discretion. The grant of the Restricted Units in this Agreement does not create any contractual right or other right to receive any Restricted Units or other awards in the future. Future awards, if any, will be at the Committee’s sole discretion. Any amendment, modification, or termination of the Plan shall not constitute a change or impairment of the terms and conditions of the Participant's employment with the Company.

21. Amendment . In accordance with the Plan, the Committee may amend or otherwise modify, suspend, discontinue or terminate this Agreement at any time, prospectively or retroactively.

22. Section 409A .

22.1 This Award and Agreement is intended to comply with Section 409A or an exemption thereunder and shall be construed and interpreted in a manner that is consistent with the requirements for avoiding additional taxes or penalties under Section 409A. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Agreement, any distributions or payments due hereunder may only be made upon an event and in a manner that complies with Section 409A or an applicable exemption. Any distributions or payments due hereunder upon a termination of employment shall only be made upon a "separation from service" as defined in Section 409A. The right to a series of installment payments under this Agreement shall be treated as a right to a series of separate payments. In no event may the Participant, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year of settlement, distribution or payment.

22.2 If an Award is subject to Section 409A and Participant becomes entitled to settlement of the Award on account of a separation from service and is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A on the date of the separation from service, then to the extent necessary to prevent any accelerated or additional tax under Section 409A, such settlement will be delayed until the earlier of: (a) the date that is six months following the Participant's separation from service and (b) the Participant’s death (the “Delayed Payment Date”) and the accumulated amounts shall be distributed or paid in a lump sum payment on the Delayed Payment Date.

22.3 The Company does not represent that the Award or this Agreement comply with Section 409A and in no event shall the Company be liable for all or any portion of any taxes, penalties, interest or other expenses that may be incurred by the Participant on account of non-compliance with Section 409A.

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22.4 To the extent that any provision of the Agreement would cause a conflict with the requirements of Section 409A, or would cause the administration of the Agreement to fail to satisfy Section 409A, such provision shall be deemed null and void to the extent permitted by Applicable Law.

23. Entire Agreement . The Plan and this Agreement (including any exhibit hereto) constitute the entire agreement of the parties and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and the Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof.

24. Severability . The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of the Plan or this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of the Plan or this Agreement, and each provision of the Plan and this Agreement shall be severable and enforceable to the extent permitted by law.

25. Governing Law . This Agreement will be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Oklahoma without regard to the conflict of laws provisions thereof.

26. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, including by way of electronic signature, subject to Applicable Law, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together will constitute one instrument.

27. Administration of Award; Acceptance. As a condition of receiving this Award, the Participant agrees that the Committee shall have full and final authority to construe and interpret the Plan and this Agreement, and to make all other decisions and determinations as may be required under the Plan or this Agreement as they may deem necessary or advisable for administration of the Plan or this Agreement, and that all such interpretations, decisions and determinations shall be final and binding on the Participant, the Company and all other interested persons. Any dispute regarding the interpretation of this Agreement shall be submitted by the Participant or the Company to the Committee for review. The resolution of such dispute by the Committee shall be final and binding on the Participant and the Company. Day-to-day authority and responsibility has been delegated to the Company’s Benefit Plan Administration Committee and its authorized representatives, and all actions taken thereby shall be entitled to the same deference as if taken by the Committee itself.

The Participant hereby acknowledges receipt of this Agreement, the Notice of Restricted Unit Award and Agreement dated February ___, 2015, and a copy of the Plan. Participant agrees to be bound by all of the provisions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan and acknowledges that there may be adverse tax consequences upon the vesting or settlement of the Restricted Units or disposition of the underlying Shares and that Participant has been advised to consult a tax advisor prior to such vesting, settlement or disposition. Participant and accepts the Award under the terms and conditions stated in this Agreement, subject to all terms and provisions of the Plan, by electronic acceptance of the grant.


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Exhibit 31.1


Certification

I, Pierce H. Norton II, certify that:

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of ONE Gas, Inc.;

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors:

a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.


Date: April 30, 2015

 
/s/ Pierce H. Norton II
 
Pierce H. Norton II
 
Chief Executive Officer






Exhibit 31.2


Certification

I, Curtis L. Dinan, certify that:

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of ONE Gas, Inc.;

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors:

a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.


Date: April 30, 2015

 
/s/ Curtis L. Dinan
 
Curtis L. Dinan
 
Chief Financial Officer





Exhibit 32.1


CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of ONE Gas, Inc. (the “Registrant”) for the period ending March 31, 2015, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Pierce H. Norton II, Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)
the Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2)
the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.


/s/ Pierce H. Norton II
Pierce H. Norton II
Chief Executive Officer

April 30, 2015


A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to ONE Gas, Inc. and will be retained by ONE Gas, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.





Exhibit 32.2


CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of ONE Gas, Inc. (the “Registrant”) for the period ending March 31, 2015, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Curtis L. Dinan, Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)
the Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2)
the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.


/s/ Curtis L. Dinan
Curtis L. Dinan
Chief Financial Officer

April 30, 2015


A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to ONE Gas, Inc. and will be retained by ONE Gas, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.