Australasian Energy Distribution Operations

Powerco, New Zealand
– Second largest electricity and gas distribution business in New Zealand

Interest: 42%

Description
Powerco is New Zealand’s second largest electricity and gas distribution business with over 410,000 connections across a service area of over 39,000 km2 on the North Island of New Zealand. Powerco’s business represents approximately 40% of the gas connections and approximately 16% of the electricity connections throughout New Zealand.

Regulatory Environment
Improved regulatory environment due to new legislation designed to provide incentives to utilities and benefits to consumers:

  • Utility has option to utilize a customized price path if thought to be beneficial.
  • Regulator sets default price path for each utility.

Predictable Cash Flows

  • Revenue mainly based on regulated tariffs. Electricity, which represents 80% of revenues, has grown at 1.2% CAGR over the past five years.
  • Significant portion of revenues are from state-owned enterprises.

Diverse & Strong Customer Base
Broad, low volatility customer base, diversified both regionally and by customer class. Electricity and gas customers are largely residential, generally contracted via retail energy companies.

Growth Opportunities

  • Energy demand and consumption levels.
  • New connections as a result of new housing developments.
  • Regional economic and population growth.
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