SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                              WASHINGTON, DC 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q
                QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                     OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                                                               Commission File
For Quarter Ended: September 30, 2000                              No. 0-422
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                             MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY
                             -----------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


INCORPORATED IN NEW JERSEY                                    22-1114430
- --------------------------                                    ----------
(State or other jurisdiction of                            (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                             Identification No.)

1500 RONSON ROAD, ISELIN, NJ                                     08830
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(Address of principal executive offices)                       (Zip Code)

                                 (732) 634-1500
                                 --------------
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


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  and  Exchange Act of 1934
during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that this  registrant
was  required  to file such  reports),  and (2) has been  subject to such filing
requirements for the past 30 days.

                               YES  [  X  ]      NO    [    ]

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


            Class                             Outstanding at September 30, 2000
            -----                             ---------------------------------
Common Stock, No Par Value                                  5,029,553


INDEX PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION PAGE ---- Item 1. Financial Statements: Consolidated Statements of Income 1 Consolidated Balance Sheets 2 Consolidated Statements of Capitalization and Retained Earnings 4 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 5 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 6 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 10 Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures of Market Risk 13 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION 14 SIGNATURE 15

MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) Three Months Nine Months Twelve Months Ended September 30, Ended September 30, Ended September 30, ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- 2000 1999 2000 1999 2000 1999 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Operating Revenues $14,386,999 $15,392,145 $41,425,330 $40,884,826 $54,037,657 $51,508,352 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Operating Expenses: Operations 7,057,061 6,938,208 21,168,803 19,664,043 27,773,107 24,876,649 Maintenance 692,062 662,487 2,008,416 1,908,947 2,718,148 2,427,944 Depreciation 1,170,734 1,023,154 3,477,375 2,762,078 4,599,947 3,599,876 Other Taxes 1,871,767 1,952,789 5,304,962 5,245,111 6,930,956 6,766,475 Federal Income Taxes 900,843 1,200,064 2,191,868 2,762,344 2,618,417 3,339,185 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total Operating Expenses 11,692,467 11,776,702 34,151,424 32,342,523 44,640,575 41,010,129 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Operating Income 2,694,532 3,615,443 7,273,906 8,542,303 9,397,082 10,498,223 Other Income: Allowance for Funds Used During Construction 76,277 241,946 121,041 1,318,782 152,275 1,715,670 Other - Net 36,700 101,714 111,965 484,718 188,238 667,234 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total Other Income 112,977 343,660 233,006 1,803,500 340,513 2,382,904 Income Before Interest Charges 2,807,509 3,959,103 7,506,912 10,345,803 9,737,595 12,881,127 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Interest Charges 1,270,066 1,178,544 3,694,872 3,500,014 4,890,303 4,698,943 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net Income 1,537,443 2,780,559 3,812,040 6,845,789 4,847,292 8,182,184 Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements 63,697 77,697 191,090 237,090 254,786 316,786 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Earnings Applicable to Common Stock $ 1,473,746 $ 2,702,862 $ 3,620,950 $ 6,608,699 $ 4,592,506 $ 7,865,398 =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== Earnings per share of Common Stock: Basic $ 0.29 $ 0.55 $ 0.72 $ 1.34 $ 0.92 $ 1.64 Diluted $ 0.29 $ 0.54 $ 0.72 $ 1.32 $ 0.92 $ 1.62 Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding : Basic 5,024,431 4,931,874 5,014,937 4,915,835 5,001,054 4,794,792 Diluted 5,196,001 5,156,139 5,186,507 5,141,533 5,181,804 5,020,673 Cash Dividends Paid per Common Share $ 0.30 1/2 $ 0.29 1/2 $ 0.91 1/2 $ 0.88 1/2 $ 1.22 $ 1.18 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. -1- MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS ASSETS AND OTHER DEBITS September 30, December 31, 2000 1999 ------------ ------------ (Unaudited) UTILITY PLANT: Water Production $ 66,027,969 $ 70,316,961 Transmission and Distribution 133,168,232 122,002,931 General 19,987,765 19,717,575 Construction Work in Progress 4,731,878 2,858,703 ------------ ------------ TOTAL 223,915,844 214,896,170 Less Accumulated Depreciation 38,107,925 35,174,531 ------------ ------------ UTILITY PLANT-NET 185,807,919 179,721,639 ------------ ------------ NONUTILITY ASSETS-NET 2,605,402 2,087,498 ------------ ------------ CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and Cash Equivalents 3,476,842 5,169,772 Temporary Cash Investments-Restricted 4,362,754 5,731,827 Accounts Receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts) 6,224,226 5,969,546 Unbilled Revenues 3,001,762 2,627,863 Materials and Supplies (at average cost) 1,195,800 956,950 Prepayments and Other Current Assets 661,282 616,224 ------------ ------------ TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 18,922,666 21,072,182 ------------ ------------ DEFERRED CHARGES: Unamortized Debt Expense 2,985,378 3,029,362 Preliminary Survey and Investigation Charges 513,473 472,287 Regulatory Assets Income Taxes 5,955,879 5,955,879 Post Retirement Costs 1,063,228 1,127,884 Other 1,789,178 1,568,934 ------------ ------------ TOTAL DEFERRED CHARGES 12,307,136 12,154,346 ------------ ------------ TOTAL $219,643,123 $215,035,665 ============ ============ See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -2-

MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS LIABILITIES AND OTHER CREDITS September 30, December 31, 2000 1999 ------------ ------------ (Unaudited) CAPITALIZATION (see accompanying statements) $156,694,622 $156,882,012 ------------ ------------ CURRENT LIABILITIES: Current Portion of Long-term Debt 168,739 201,921 Notes Payable 6,025,000 2,000,000 Accounts Payable 2,267,028 3,392,432 Taxes Accrued 6,599,050 5,358,737 Interest Accrued 926,972 1,760,470 Other 1,705,206 1,591,706 ------------ ------------ TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 17,691,995 14,305,266 ------------ ------------ DEFERRED CREDITS: Customer Advances for Construction 11,333,685 11,775,581 Accumulated Deferred Investment Tax Credits 2,030,687 2,089,650 Accumulated Deferred Federal Income Taxes 12,348,036 12,113,286 Employee Benefit Plans 5,419,328 4,656,575 Other 1,527,361 1,059,206 ------------ ------------ TOTAL DEFERRED CREDITS 32,659,097 31,694,298 ------------ ------------ CONTRIBUTIONS IN AID OF CONSTRUCTION 12,597,409 12,154,089 ------------ ------------ TOTAL $219,643,123 $215,035,665 ============ ============ See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. -3-

MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION AND RETAINED EARNINGS September 30, December 31, 2000 1999 ------------- ------------- (Unaudited) CAPITALIZATION: Common Stock, No Par Value Shares Authorized, 10,000,000 Shares Outstanding - 2000 - 5,029,553; 1999 - 5,000,589 $ 48,531,691 $ 47,593,514 Retained Earnings 21,930,244 22,895,844 ------------- ------------- TOTAL COMMON EQUITY 70,461,935 70,489,358 ------------- ------------- Cumulative Preference Stock, No Par Value Shares Authorized, 100,000; Shares Outstanding, None Cumulative Preferred Stock, No Par Value, Shares Authorized - 140,497 Convertible: Shares Outstanding, $7.00 Series - 14,881 1,562,505 1,562,505 Shares Outstanding, $8.00 Series - 12,000 1,398,857 1,398,857 Nonredeemable: Shares Outstanding, $7.00 Series - 1,017 101,700 101,700 Shares Outstanding, $4.75 Series - 10,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 ------------- ------------- TOTAL CUMULATIVE PREFERRED STOCK 4,063,062 4,063,062 ------------- ------------- Long-term Debt: 8.05% Amortizing Secured Note, due December 20, 2021 3,333,636 3,371,527 First Mortgage Bonds: 7.25%, Series R, due July 1, 2021 6,000,000 6,000,000 5.20%, Series S, due October 1, 2022 12,000,000 12,000,000 5.25%, Series T, due October 1, 2023 6,500,000 6,500,000 6.40%, Series U, due February 1, 2009 15,000,000 15,000,000 5.25%, Series V, due February 1, 2029 10,000,000 10,000,000 5.35%, Series W, due February 1, 2038 23,000,000 23,000,000 0.00%, Series X, due August 1, 2018 970,667 1,024,986 4.53%, Series Y, due August 1, 2018 1,095,000 1,135,000 0.00%, Series Z, due September 1, 2019 2,089,061 2,150,000 5.25%, Series AA, due September 1, 2019 2,350,000 2,350,000 ------------- ------------- SUBTOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT 82,338,364 82,531,513 ------------- ------------- Less: Current Portion of Long-term Debt (168,739) (201,921) ------------- ------------- TOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT 82,169,625 82,329,592 ------------- ------------- TOTAL CAPITALIZATION $ 156,694,622 $ 156,882,012 ============= ============= Nine Months Ended Year Ended September 30, December 31, 2000 1999 ----------- ----------- (Unaudited) RETAINED EARNINGS: BALANCE AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD $22,895,844 $21,222,294 Net Income 3,812,040 7,881,041 ----------- ----------- TOTAL 26,707,884 29,103,335 ----------- ----------- Cash Dividends: Cumulative Preferred Stock 191,090 300,786 Common Stock 4,586,550 5,857,405 Common Stock Expenses 0 49,300 ----------- ----------- TOTAL DEDUCTIONS 4,777,640 6,207,491 ----------- ----------- BALANCE AT END OF PERIOD $21,930,244 $22,895,844 =========== =========== See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. -4-

MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) Nine Months Ended Twelve Months Ended September 30, September 30, ------------------------------ ------------------------------ 2000 1999 2000 1999 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net Income $ 3,812,040 $ 6,845,789 $ 4,847,292 $ 8,182,184 Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities: Depreciation and Amortization 3,656,228 3,070,261 4,889,159 4,063,766 Provision for Deferred Income Taxes 234,750 (132,372) 242,807 (197,963) Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (121,041) (1,318,782) (152,275) (1,715,670) Changes in Current Assets and Liabilities: Accounts Receivable (255,123) (1,499,983) 161,381 (1,220,773) Accounts Payable (1,126,167) (1,328,163) (257,231) (1,559,398) Accrued Taxes 1,240,313 1,162,257 216,124 832,025 Accrued Interest (833,498) (1,019,444) 245,086 (12,994) Unbilled Revenues (373,899) (601,800) (101,814) (304,469) Employee Benefit Plans 762,753 680,706 976,106 954,331 Other-Net (91,138) (362,690) 382,620 289,662 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 6,905,218 5,495,779 11,449,255 9,310,701 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Utility Plant Expenditures* (9,932,019) (15,394,729) (17,819,025) (22,905,963) Note Receivable (28,500) 47,512 2,730,090 72,755 Preliminary Survey and Investigation Charges (41,186) (113,498) (123,773) (139,356) Other-Net 40,671 (225,676) 107,751 (453,989) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (9,961,034) (15,686,391) (15,104,957) (23,426,553) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Redemption of Long-term Debt (193,149) (59,655) (205,224) (70,694) Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt -- -- 4,500,000 2,185,000 Short-term Bank Borrowings 4,025,000 -- 5,025,000 (3,500,000) Deferred Debt Issuance Expenses -- (1,864) (20,404) (29,968) Temporary Cash Investments-Restricted 1,369,073 7,083,321 (1,670,003) 8,803,824 Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock-Net 938,177 803,459 1,239,187 13,235,973 Payment of Common Dividends (4,586,549) (4,348,788) (6,095,166) (5,638,274) Payment of Preferred Dividends (191,090) (237,090) (254,786) (316,787) Construction Advances and Contributions-Net 1,424 2,038,064 138,283 2,247,030 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES 1,362,886 5,277,447 2,656,887 16,916,104 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (1,692,930) (4,913,165) (998,815) 2,800,252 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD 5,169,772 9,388,822 8,588,217 1,675,405 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $ 3,476,842 $ 4,475,657 $ 7,589,402 $ 4,475,657 ============ ============ ============ ============ * Excludes Allowance for Funds Used During Construction SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOWS INFORMATION: Cash Paid During the Period for: Interest (net of amounts capitalized) $ 4,274,374 $ 3,094,507 $ 4,317,278 $ 2,852,353 Income Taxes $ 1,101,450 $ 2,322,350 $ 2,507,800 $ 3,279,200 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -5-

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Organization - Middlesex Water Company (Middlesex) is the parent company and sole shareholder of Tidewater Utilities, Inc. (Tidewater), Pinelands Water Company, Pinelands Wastewater Company, Utility Service Affiliates, Inc. (USA), and Utility Service Affiliates (Perth Amboy) Inc. (USA-PA). White Marsh Environmental Systems, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tidewater. The financial statements for Middlesex and its wholly owned subsidiaries (the Company) are reported on a consolidated basis. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The consolidated notes accompanying the 1999 Form 10-K are applicable to this report and, in the opinion of the Company, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position as of September 30, 2000 and the results of operations and its cash flows for the periods ended September 30, 2000 and 1999. Information included in the Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1999, has been derived from the Company's audited financial statements included in its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999. Note 2 - Regulatory Matters Three base rate increase petitions were filed with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU). Pinelands Pinelands Middlesex Water Wastewater ------------- ------------- ------------- Date Filed June 22, 2000 July 7, 2000 July 7, 2000 Amount $ 6.6 million $ 0.1 million $ 0.2 million % Increase 15.92% 31.3% 22.3% Return on Equity 11.80% 12.00% 12.00% Last Increase May 13, 1999 January 28, 1999 January 28, 1999 The requested increases are necessary to cover higher operations and maintenance costs, depreciation and taxes. In addition, continued significant plant investment in the Middlesex system also contributed to the rate request. The last rate increase for the Pinelands Companies represented the final stage of a three-phase implementation. The first increase was effective January 28, 1997. The Company does not expect the three rate matters to be resolved until after the close of this calendar year. -6-

On March 31, 2000, Tidewater amended its base rate increase petition from 38.3% to 21.2%. The original petition was filed with the Delaware Public Service Commission (PSC) in September 1999. The lower request was due mostly to lower than projected capital expenditures. Evidentiary hearings were held in mid-April 2000. The hearing examiner issued his report in late June 2000, which recommended an increase of approximately 5.50%. This matter was brought before the PSC on September 12, 2000, at which time the Company was granted a 2.76% rate increase. The PSC disallowed any recognition of acquisition adjustments and applied a 0.75% credit against the allowed return of equity of 10.0% due to quality of service issues. This credit may be removed by the PSC upon receipt of satisfactory evidence that Tidewater has resolved the quality issues that arose during the course of the rate proceedings. Due to unresolved issues with tariff design, this matter is not expected to be finalized until late November 2000. At that time, an effective date will be authorized by the PSC. Because Tidewater implemented a 14.8% interim rate increase on November 19, 1999, it will be required to refund, along with interest, by way of billing credits, the difference to its customers retroactive to the date interim rates were put into effect. These billing refunds will not affect earnings since Tidewater has been deferring recognition of those revenues until a decision is reached by the PSC. Interest expense is expected to be calculated and recorded in the fourth quarter of 2000. Note 3 - Capitalization Common Stock - During the three months ended September 30, 2000, 9,750 common shares ($0.3 million) were issued under the Company's Dividend Reinvestment and Common Stock Purchase Plan. Note 4 - Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share (EPS) are computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares outstanding. Diluted EPS assumes the conversion of both the Convertible Preferred Stock $7.00 Series and the Convertible Preferred Stock $8.00 Series. (Amounts in Thousands) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Twelve Months Ended September 30, September 30, September 30, 2000 1999 2000 1999 2000 1999 Basic: Income Shares Income Shares Income Shares Income Shares Income Shares Income Shares - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net Income $1,537 5,025 $2,781 4,932 $3,812 5,015 $6,846 4,916 $4,847 5,001 $8,183 4,795 Preferred Dividend (64) (78) (191) (237) (255) (317) ------ ----- ------ ----- ------ ----- ------ ----- ------ ----- ------ ----- Earnings Applicable to Common Stock $1,473 5,025 $2,703 4,932 $3,621 5,015 $6,609 4,916 $4,592 5,001 $7,866 4,795 Basic EPS $0.29 $0.55 $ .72 $1.34 $ .92 $1.64 Diluted: Earnings Applicable to Common Stock $1,473 5,025 $2,703 4,932 $3,621 5,015 $6,609 4,916 $4,592 5,001 $7,866 4,795 $7.00 Series 26 89 26 89 78 89 78 89 104 89 104 89 Dividend $8.00 Series Dividend 24 82 38 135 72 82 118 136 96 92 158 137 ------ ----- ------ ----- ------ ----- ------ ----- ------ ----- ------ ----- Adjusted Earnings Applicable to Common Stock $1,523 5,196 $2,767 5,156 $3,771 5,186 $6,805 5,141 $4,792 5,182 $8,128 5,021 Diluted EPS $0.29 $0.54 $ .72 $1.32 $ .92 $1.62 -7-

Note 5 - Business Segment Data The Company has identified two reportable segments. One is the regulated business of collecting, treating and distributing water on a retail and wholesale basis to residential, commercial, industrial and fire protection customers in parts of New Jersey and Delaware. It also operates a regulated wastewater system in New Jersey. The Company is subject to regulations as to its rates, services and other matters by the States of New Jersey and Delaware with respect to utility service within these States. The other segment is the non-regulated contract services for the operation and maintenance of municipal and private water and wastewater systems in New Jersey and Delaware. On January 1, 1999 the Company began operating the water and wastewater systems of the City of Perth Amboy, New Jersey under a service contract. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Inter-segment transactions relating to operational costs are treated as pass through expenses. Finance charges on inter-segment loan activities are based on interest rates that are below what would normally be charged by a third party lender. -8-

(Amounts in Thousands) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Twelve Months Ended September 30 September 30 September 30 2000 1999 2000 1999 2000 1999 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Operations by Segments: Revenues: Regulated $ 12,656 $ 13,504 $ 36,235 $ 35,380 $ 46,902 $ 45,911 Non - Regulated 1,740 1,897 5,217 5,534 7,171 5,632 Inter-segment Elimination (9) (9) (27) (29) (36) (35) -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Consolidated Revenues $ 14,387 $ 15,392 $ 41,425 $ 40,885 $ 54,037 $ 51,508 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Operating Income: Regulated $ 2,603 $ 3,363 $ 6,957 $ 7,937 $ 8,758 $ 9,892 Non - Regulated 92 252 317 605 639 606 Inter-segment Elimination -- -- -- -- -- -- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Consolidated Operating Income $ 2,695 $ 3,615 $ 7,274 $ 8,542 $ 9,397 $ 10,498 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Depreciation/Amortization: Regulated $ 1,156 $ 1,015 $ 3,437 $ 2,739 $ 4,557 $ 3,581 Non - Regulated 15 8 40 23 43 19 Inter-segment Elimination -- -- -- -- -- -- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Consolidated Depreciation/Amortization $ 1,171 $ 1,023 $ 3,477 $ 2,762 $ 4,600 $ 3,600 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Other Income: Regulated $ 287 $ 928 $ 891 $ 2,970 $ 1,339 $ 3,672 Non - Regulated -- -- (3) -- (3) -- Inter-segment Elimination (174) (585) (655) (1,166) (995) (1,289) -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Consolidated Other Income $ 113 $ 343 $ 233 $ 1,804 $ 341 $ 2,383 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Interest Expense: Regulated $ 1,437 $ 1,298 $ 4,145 $ 3,766 $ 5,471 $ 5,047 Non - Regulated 25 62 69 176 97 214 Inter-segment Elimination (192) (181) (519) (442) (678) (562) -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Consolidated Interest Expense $ 1,270 $ 1,179 $ 3,695 $ 3,500 $ 4,890 $ 4,699 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Net Income: Regulated $ 1,453 $ 2,994 $ 3,703 $ 7,141 $ 4,625 $ 8,516 Non - Regulated 67 190 245 429 539 393 Inter-segment Elimination 17 (403) (136) (724) (317) (727) -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Consolidated Net Income $ 1,537 $ 2,781 $ 3,812 $ 6,846 $ 4,847 $ 8,182 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Capital Expenditures: Regulated 4,037 $ 5,013 $ 9,405 $ 15,395 $ 17,280 $ 22,899 Non - Regulated 7 -- 527 147 539 154 Inter-segment Elimination -- -- -- -- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total Capital Expenditures $ 4,044 $ 5,013 $ 9,932 $ 15,542 $ 17,819 $ 23.053 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------

As of As of September 30, December 31, 2000 1999 --------- --------- Assets: Regulated $ 236,499 $ 231,650 Non - Regulated 3,074 2,405 Inter-segment Elimination (19,930) (19,019) --------- --------- Consolidated Assets $ 219,643 $ 215,036 -9-

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Results of Operations - Three Months Ended September 30, 2000 Operating revenues fell $1.0 million for the quarter due to weather related consumption decreases in our New Jersey service territory. Continued customer growth in our Delaware operations helped to offset the effect of similar consumption decreases. Our customer base in Delaware grew by over 23%, which includes the acquisition of 12 mobile home park water systems in early 2000. Operating expense declined by $0.1 million, which reflects a $0.3 million decline in Federal income taxes and includes higher water treatment costs of $0.2 million. Depreciation expense increased 14.4% over the same period from last year. The improvements to Middlesex primary treatment facility, the Carl J. Olsen Treatment Plant (CJO Plant), were placed in service July 1999 causing most of the increase in depreciation expense. Other taxes declined due to lower revenue related taxes for New Jersey revenues. Other income fell by $0.2 million compared to the same three-month period in 1999. With the completion of the CJO Plant, we ceased recording an Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC), which resulted in a decrease of just under $0.2 million. Interest income decreased due to a lower level of funds available for short-term investment. Net income fell 44.7% to $1.5 million due mostly to the benefit of the net financing activity realized during the construction phase of the CJO Plant upgrade in the prior year and higher operations costs. The preferred stock dividend requirement decreased by 18% as a result of the partial exercise of the conversion feature of the $8.00 Series of Preferred Stock in late 1999. Results of Operations - Nine Months Ended September 30, 2000 Operating revenues rose $0.5 million or 1.3% for the year. The 1999 rate increases for our New Jersey operations, which accounted for $2.0 million, were completely offset by weather related consumption decreases. Customer growth in our Delaware operations contributed $0.5 million. Operations expenses rose $1.8 million or 5.6%, which is attributable to all operating categories except income taxes. Some of the more significant increases were for water treatment costs, which increased $0.6 million and labor and benefits, which added $0.5 million. Depreciation expense increased $0.7 million or 25.9% as a result of the CJO Plant completion in July 1999. -10-

The expense for Federal income taxes fell $0.6 million reflecting lower earnings during the year. Other income fell $1.6 million with lower AFUDC accounting for approximately $1.2 million of the decline and lower earnings on excess funds falling by $0.4 million. Net income fell 44.3% to $3.8 million due mostly to the benefit of the net financing activity realized during the construction phase of the CJO Plant upgrade in the prior year, higher operations costs and increased depreciation expense. The 19.4% decrease in preferred stock dividend requirements reflects the partial exercise of the conversion feature of the $8.00 Series of Preferred Stock in late 1999. Results of Operations - Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2000 Operating revenues rose $2.5 million or 4.9% for the twelve-month period. The 1999 rate increases for our New Jersey operations accounted for $3.2 million Current year weather patterns and last year's mid-summer drought restrictions decreased our New Jersey consumption revenues by $2.4 million. A one-time refund to a large industrial customer of Middlesex also reduced revenues by $0.7 million. Customer and consumption growth in our Delaware operations contributed an additional $0.6 million to revenues. Contract services revenues for the operation of the Perth Amboy water and wastewater systems increased $1.9 million. USA-PA initiated services under this contract on January 1, 1999. Operating expenses for the twelve months increased 8.9% or $3.6 million. Forty-four percent of the increase is due to a full years worth of costs associated with the service contract to operate the water and wastewater systems of Perth Amboy. There were also increases in water treatment costs of $ 0.9 million, labor and benefits of $ 0.6 million,. Maintenance expenses increased 12.0% due to increased emergency repairs for main and service breaks in both New Jersey and Delaware. Most of the depreciation expense increase of $1.0 million or 27.8% was a result of the CJO Plant completion in July 1999. Taxes other than income taxes increased $0.2 million. Revenue related taxes were up due to the higher rate related revenues in New Jersey. Income taxes fell 21.6%, which reflects current lower earnings. The decline was somewhat offset by lower deferred tax benefits in the current period. Other income fell $2.0 million with lower AFUDC accounting for approximately $1.6 million of the decline and lower earnings on excess funds accounting for the balance of the decline. Net income fell 40.7% to $4.8 million due mostly to the benefit of the net financing activity realized during the construction phase of the CJO Plant upgrade in the prior year, higher operations costs and increased depreciation expense. The 19.6% decrease in preferred stock dividend requirements reflects the partial exercise of the conversion feature of the $8.00 Series of Preferred Stock in late 1999. -11-

Capital Resources The Company's capital program for 2000 is estimated to be $14.4 million and includes $4.0 million for water system additions and improvements for our Delaware systems and $3.0 million for the RENEW Program, which is our program to clean and cement line approximately nine miles of unlined mains in the Middlesex System. There is a total of approximately 160 miles of unlined mains in the 670 mile Middlesex System. Final expenditures on the upgrade to the CJO Plant are estimated at $2.2 million. The capital program also includes $5.2 million for scheduled upgrades to our existing systems in New Jersey. The scheduled upgrades consist of $1.1 million for mains, $0.8 million for service lines, $0.4 million for meters, $0.3 million for hydrants, $0.1 million for computer systems and $2.5 million for various other items. Liquidity Middlesex issued $4.5 million of First Mortgage Bonds in November 1999 through the New Jersey State Revolving Fund (SRF). $2.2 million of that financing will be used to cover the cost of the 2000 RENEW Program. The balance will be used to fund the 2001 RENEW program. The capital program in Delaware will be financed through a combination of a capital contribution from Middlesex and long-term debt financing from either a financial institution or the Company. Other capital expenditures will be financed through internally generated funds and sale of common stock through the Dividend Reinvestment and Common Stock Purchase Plan (DRP). Capital expenditures of $9.9 million have been incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2000. The Company may also utilize short-term borrowings through $18.0 million of available lines of credit it has with two commercial banks for working capital purposes. At September 30, 2000, there was $6.0 million outstanding against the lines of credit. Accounting Standards In June 2000, The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) amended SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." This Statement establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts. The Company will adopt this accounting standard on January 1, 2001. The Company expects the adoption of this Standard will not have a material impact on the financial statements. Outlook Earnings for 2000 are expected to be at least 35% percent below calendar year 1999 results. In addition, to the discussion in this report on results of operations for nine months, other factors will impact our earnings over the last quarter of the year. Although not as significant as during the normally high demand summer months, we expect continued lower consumption due to the unusual weather patterns experienced in our service territories. Less than anticipated rate relief in Delaware will reduce our ability to earn a fair and reasonable return on our investment. The Public Service Commission has tentatively approved a 2.76% increase which compares unfavorably to the 21.2% requested increase (See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). We have filed for rate relief in our regulated New Jersey franchise areas, but a decision is not expected until after the close of the year 2000. -12-

Forward Looking Information Certain matters discussed in this report on Form 10-Q are "forward-looking statements" intended to qualify for safe harbors from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may address future plans, objective, expectations and events concerning various matters such as capital expenditures, earnings, litigation, growth potential, rate and other regulatory matters, liquidity and capital resources and accounting matters. Actual results in each case could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures of Market Risk The Company is subject to the risk of fluctuating interest rates in the normal course of business. Our policy is to manage interest rates through the use of fixed rate, long-term debt and, to a lesser extent, short-term debt. The Company's interest rate risk related to existing fixed rate, long-term debt is not material due to the term of the majority of our First Mortgage Bonds, which have maturity dates ranging from 2009 to 2038. Over the next twelve months, approximately $0.2 million of the current portion of four existing long-term debt instruments will mature. Applying a hypothetical change in the rate of interest charged by 10% on those borrowings, would not have a material effect on earnings. -13- PART II. OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings None Item 2. Changes in Securities None Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities None Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders None Item 5. Other Information None Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K (a) Exhibits: No. 27, Financial Data Schedule. (b) Reports on Form 8-K: None -14-

SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereto duly authorized. MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY (Registrant) /s/A. Bruce O'Connor -------------------- Date: November 14, 2000 A. Bruce O'Connor Vice President and Controller -15-

  

UT 0000066004 MIDDLESEX WATER COMPANY 9-MOS DEC-31-2000 SEP-30-2000 PER-BOOK 185,807,919 2,605,402 18,922,666 12,307,136 0 219,643,123 48,531,691 0 21,930,244 70,461,935 0 4,063,062 82,169,626 6,025,000 0 0 168,739 0 0 0 56,754,762 219,643,123 41,425,330 2,191,868 31,959,556 34,151,424 7,273,906 233,006 7,506,912 3,694,872 3,812,040 191,090 3,620,950 4,586,549 4,290,086 6,905,218 0.72 0.72