Énergir reports results for second quarter of 2010 fiscal year

Competitive advantage of natural gas contributes to 4.5% increase in deliveries in Quebec and will drive more than $19 million back to Gaz Métro’s customers through rates

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Montreal, May 13, 2010 – Énergir Limited Partnership (Gaz Métro) (TSX: GZM.UN) ends the first six months of the 2010 fiscal year with adjusted net income of $183.1 million, or $1.52 per unit, which is $7.7 million, or $0.06 per unit, lower than the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year that included a number of favourable non-recurring items. For the second quarter of the 2010 fiscal year, Gaz Métro’s adjusted net income is $104.0 million, or $0.86 per unit, which is $15.6 million, or $0.13 per unit, lower than adjusted net income for the second quarter of the previous fiscal year¹.

 “During the first semester of the 2009 fiscal year, a few substantial non-recurring items, including the retroactive two-year impact of the National Energy Board’s decision concerning Trans Québec & Maritimes Pipeline’s rates, had a particularly positive effect on our results. Our results continue to reflect the favourable impact of that decision, but on an annual basis only”, said Sophie Brochu, President and Chief Executive Officer.

“Énergir also continues to benefit from a favourable market context that presently makes natural gas competitive in all markets in relation to other energies. This situation contributes significantly to the strength of our core activity, the distribution of natural gas in Quebec. As a result, since the beginning of the fiscal year, normalized natural gas deliveries in Quebec are 4.5% higher than the same period last year. The results for this activity have benefited from this and as of March 31, 2010, Énergir can confirm it will be able to repay its customers, from the anticipated overearnings, the total amount they had advanced to it in the 2010 rate case. Accordingly, more than $19 million will be returned to our customers through rates”, said Madame Brochu.

Income Distribution

Énergir today declared a distribution of $0.31 per unit, payable on July 2, 2010, to Partners of record at the close of business on June 15, 2010. As previously announced, Énergir will then have paid distributions of $1.24 per unit to its Partners during the 2010 fiscal year.

Segment Analysis

Quebec Natural Gas Distribution (Énergir-QDA)

Énergir-QDA’s net income was $90.7 million for the second quarter of the 2010 fiscal year and $155.3 million for the first six months of that year, down $5.7 million and $1.9 million respectively from the corresponding periods of the 2009 fiscal year. The main reason for the results for the first semester of the 2010 fiscal year is the recording of overearnings of $19.3 million that are entirely allocated to customers as a repayment of the advance they made to Gaz Métro-QDA in connection with the 2010 rate case because Gaz Métro-QDA was anticipating, in that rate case, a productivity loss for the 2010 fiscal year. This is partially offset by the 0.26% increase in the authorized rate of return for the 2010 fiscal year over the rate for 2009 and by the recognition of the entire $4.0 million Global Energy Efficiency Plan performance incentive as the annual objective was achieved in the first semester of the 2010 fiscal year ($3.0 million recognized in the first semester of the previous fiscal year).

Énergir-QDA’s normalized deliveries during the second quarter and the first semester of the 2010 fiscal year are 4.5% higher than the same periods the previous fiscal year. The increases are entirely in the commercial and industrial markets.

In the commercial market, the maturation of new sales and the impact of a certain economic recovery are the main reasons natural gas volumes are 5.8% higher than the first semester of the 2009 fiscal year. Industrial volumes are 5.3% higher during the first six months of the 2010 fiscal year because, among other things, of heavier consumption in the refining, petrochemical and metallurgy sectors and higher short-term interruptible service sales.

Customers’ energy efficiency initiatives are basically the reason natural gas volumes are down 2.1% in the residential market for the first semester of this fiscal year. This is partially offset by the maturation of new sales.

Energy Distribution in Vermont

Net income from the energy distribution activity in Vermont was $6.7 million² for the second quarter and $10.5 million²  for the first six months of the current fiscal year, down $1.2 million and $3.4 million respectively from the corresponding periods of the previous fiscal year. These decreases are mainly attributable to lower natural gas and electricity deliveries, which is a reflection, among other things, of warmer temperatures than in the first semester of the 2009 fiscal year as well as the depreciation of the US dollar in relation to the Canadian dollar.

Natural Gas Transportation

Net income from the natural gas transportation segment was $5.6 million for the second quarter of the 2010 fiscal year and $13.4 million for the first six months, down $6.5 million and $2.0 million respectively from the corresponding periods of the previous fiscal year. These decreases are mainly due to the recognition, during the second quarter of the previous fiscal year, of the $6.7 million favourable impact of a rate adjustment for the 2007 and 2008 fiscal years that the National Energy Board (NEB) approved in March 2009 for Trans Québec & Maritimes Pipeline Inc. (TQM). For the first semester of the 2010 fiscal year, this decrease was partially offset by the recognition, in the first quarter of the 2010 fiscal year, of the $2.9 million favourable impact of an interim rate adjustment for TQM for the 2009 fiscal year. Portland Natural Gas Transmission System’s (PNGTS) pre-tax income is down $0.5 million for the first semester of the current fiscal year, reflecting lower short-term and interruptible service sales, offset by an income tax recovery of $2.0 million paid to the State of New Hampshire.

Energy Services and Other

Adjusted net income³ for the Energy Services and Other segment was $1.4 million for the second quarter of the 2010 fiscal year and $3.1 million for the first six months, down $1.7 million and $1.4 million respectively from the corresponding periods of the previous fiscal year. These decreases are mainly due to the recognition of $2.0 million in March 2009, being the last third of the gain on the sale of 50% of the units of Climatisation et Chauffage Urbains de Montréal, s.e.c. (CCUM) to Dalkia Canada Inc. in February 2006. This unfavourable item is partially offset by an increase in the net income of certain subsidiaries of Énergir Plus Limited Partnership as well as the sale of all of the shares of Teldig Systems Inc. in November 2009, which generated a gain of $0.8 million.

Cash and Capital Management 

During the first six months of the current fiscal year, cash flows from operations of $318.1 million were down $39.4 million compared to the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. This decrease basically reflects lower natural gas and electricity deliveries because of warmer temperatures ($27.1 million), and the $5.1 million reduction in distributions received from companies subject to significant influence. 

The debt/total capitalization ratio is 61.6% as at March 31, 2010, compared to 65.1% as at September 30, 2009, and is similar to the ratio as at March 31, 2009.

Development Projects 

In coming months, Énergir has a number of projects that flow from its complementary and inclusive energy vision, which is counting on the compatibility of energy and environment. A few of these projects are described below.

Wind power: After receiving a decree from the government of Quebec, Énergir and its partner, Boralex Inc. are proceeding with the development of the two Seigneurie de Beaupré wind power projects in accordance with the planned timetable. The specific steps planned to carry out the projects are applying for construction permits, signing a final agreement with Enercon Canada Inc., the turbine supplier, signing a final agreement for the civil engineering work and arranging financing. The private land of the Séminaire de Québec, where the consortium’s projects will be located, gives them a distinct advantage. Apart from the exceptional wind resources, the site is not close to any urban or residential centres, thereby making the visual and noise impacts almost non-existent for the neighbouring communities. The projects, which will have total installed capacity of 272 megawatts, should be commissioned around December 2013.

Smart electricity distribution system in Vermont: In connection with the U.S. federal government’s stimulus package for businesses, Green Mountain Power Corporation (GMP) was awarded a grant for financial assistance for a smart electricity distribution system in the State of Vermont. The assistance was in the form of a subsidy of US$19.0 million to finance part of the total investment of US$ 38.0 million that GMP will make over the next three years. This three-year project involves, among other things, replacing the present customer information system, purchasing and installing smart meters for customers and participating in dynamic rates pilot projects with other utilities in Vermont. GMP and the other utilities are collaborating closely to finalize the contract and the planning for the implementation of this major project. In GMP’s opinion, the success of the project could transform its customer relationships and the way it manages its operations, by incorporating advanced technology into its activities.

Natural gas for the transportation industry: Énergir is working on expanding its commercial offer in the road transportation sector, which is responsible for 40% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Quebec. It is specifically targeting heavy-duty diesel fleets. Vehicles that use natural gas emit 25% less GHG than diesel. This solution is accessible in the short-term to reduce the environmental impact of that economic activity. Énergir recently signed an agreement in principle with a major freight carrier aiming to supply several trucks with liquefied natural gas (LNG). To this end,
Énergir will have to build two refuelling stations to supply the trucks. Even though it is a non-regulated activity, on March 31, 2010 Énergir requested the Régie’s approval for a method of calculating the costs billed for the use of the LSR plant in connection with the sale of LNG. Énergir is expecting a decision on this case by the summer of 2010. The parties intend to have signed the contract and built the facilities by the end of the 2010 calendar year. As Énergir already has liquefaction equipment at the LSR plant, the investments required would be limited to the refuelling stations and the tanks for transporting LNG.

Biomethanation: Énergir believes that waste reclamation is a promising solution to Quebec’s energy needs and would reduce GHG emissions. The Partnership is therefore very receptive to the government of Quebec’s biomethanation program, which aims to divert organic residues from landfill sites for reclamation purposes. Énergir intends to play a key role in promoting these initiatives are economically viable, in particular by providing access to its distribution system.
Énergir wants to facilitate the short-term development of this activity and is working with various partners to define the technical and economic modalities for injecting this new natural gas supply source into its network, while continuing to provide reliable safe service.

Taxation of Flow-through Entities

The new tax rules for “specified investment flow-through entities” (SIFTs) will apply to the Partnership as of October 1, 2010 and will transfer the payment of income taxes to Énergir (presently paid by each Partner) at the corporate tax rate and treat after-tax income distributions as dividends for tax purposes.

In its present form, this amendment would reduce Énergir’s distributable net income because it would be after income taxes. During the 2009 fiscal year, approximately 85% of Énergir’s pre-tax income came from entities that were not taxable at Énergir’s level. Only that portion of its income would be affected by the change in the law. The impact on Partners will depend on their individual tax status.

In this context, the Board of Directors of GMi, the General Partner of Énergir and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Noverco Inc., continues to examine the various options available to it in the interest of Partners and other stakeholders. A Board committee composed solely of independent directors has been created to assess how the options would impact the public unitholders, and discussions have been initiated with the Canada Revenue Agency. The intention is that the public unitholders would remain stakeholders of Énergir. Whatever option is chosen, it is expected to be effective on or around September 30, 2010 in order to benefit from the attractive tax treatment of the current structure for as long as possible.



Conference call

Énergir will hold a telephone conference with financial analysts on Thursday, May 13, 2010, at 3:00 p.m. (Eastern time) to discuss the results for its second quarter ended March 31, 2010. Sophie Brochu, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Pierre Despars, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Chief Financial Officer, will be the speakers. This will be followed by a question period. Media and other interested individuals are invited to listen in.

The conference can be accessed live by dialling 647-427-7450 or toll-free 1-888-231-8191. It will also be Webcast on Énergir’s Web site in the “Webcasts” section.

Rebroadcasts can be accessed for 30 days by telephone at 416-849-0833 or toll-free at 1-800-642-1687 (access code: 69341749), and for 90 days on Énergir’s Web site.

Énergir Overview

With over $3.6 billion in assets, Énergir is Quebec’s leading natural gas distributor. Operating in this regulated industry for over 50 years, Énergir has become the trusted energy provider to some 180,000 customers in Quebec and 136,000 customers in Vermont while developing the skills and expertise needed to diversify beyond natural gas. Énergir’s prudent growth strategy has been marked by the successful entry into electricity distribution in Vermont and development of wind power projects in Quebec. Offering historically strong and stable distributions and showing a competitive spirit, Énergir is committed to its customers, Partners, employees and the community. Énergir’s units are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol GZM.UN.
www.gazmetro.com

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements

Certain statements in this press release may be forward-looking pursuant to applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking information reflects the intentions, plans, expectations and opinions of the management of Énergir inc. (GMi), Énergir’s general partner, and is based on information currently available to management and on assumptions with respect to future events. The words “plans”, “expects”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “believes”, or similar expressions, including the negative of these terms and future or conditional forms, often identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors outside management’s control. A number of factors could cause actual results of Énergir and GMi to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, terms of decisions rendered by regulatory bodies, general economic conditions, the competitiveness of natural gas in relation to other energy sources, the reliability of natural gas supplies, the integrity of the natural gas distribution system, exchange rates fluctuations, the evolution of development projects, SIFT rules and other factors described in the 2009 Annual Information Form of each of Énergir and GMi under the item “Risks”, and in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of each of Énergir and GMi for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. Although the forward looking statements contained herein are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, including assumptions to the effect that no unforeseen changes in the legislative and regulatory framework of energy markets in Quebec and in the State of Vermont will occur, that no significant event occurring outside the ordinary course of business, such as a natural disaster or other calamity, will occur, and other assumptions described in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of each of Énergir and GMi for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, management cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of this date, and management assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required pursuant to applicable securities laws. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Non-GAAP financial measures

In management’s view, certain “adjusted” indicators, such as adjusted net income and adjusted net income per unit provide readers with information it considers useful for analyzing its financial results. However, they are not standardized in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for other performance measures that are in accordance with GAAP. The results obtained might not be comparable with similar indicators used by other issuers and should therefore only be considered as complementary information.

¹Adjusted net income excludes an unfavourable non-monetary adjustment of $0.1 million in the second quarter of the 2010 fiscal year ($1.1 million unfavourable for the first half of the 2010 fiscal year) and an unfavourable non-monetary adjustment of $0.6 million in the second quarter of the 2009 fiscal year ($1.3 million unfavourable for the first half of the 2009 fiscal year), related to future income taxes.
²Net of financing costs.
³Adjusted net income excludes non-monetary adjustments related to future income taxes.


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