NORTHERN IRELAND ELECTRICITY NETWORKS
LIMITED
UNAUDITED INTERIM
REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2017
ISIN number: Northern Ireland
Electricity Networks XS0085211315
Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Limited’s Unaudited
Interim Report and Accounts for the six months ended 30 June 2017 (non statutory) have been submitted
to the National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available for
inspection at: http://www.morningstar.co.uk/NSM and are available
on Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Limited’s website at:
www.nienetworks.co.uk/About-us/financial-information
Contact for enquiries: NIE Networks Corporate Communications –
telephone 0845 300 3356
INTERIM MANAGEMENT REPORT six months
to 30 June 2017
The directors present their interim management report for
Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Limited (NIE Networks or the
Company) and its subsidiary undertakings (the Group) for the six
months ended 30 June 2017.
NIE Networks is part of the Electricity Supply Board (ESB), the
vertically integrated energy group based in the Republic of
Ireland. NIE Networks is an independent business within ESB
with its own Board of Directors, management and staff.
NIE Networks is the owner of the electricity transmission and
distribution networks in Northern
Ireland and is the electricity distribution network
operator, serving around 870,000 customers connected to the
network.
The Group's principal activities are:
- constructing and maintaining the electricity
transmission and distribution networks in Northern Ireland and operating the
distribution network;
- connecting demand and renewable generation customers to the
transmission and distribution networks; and
- providing electricity meters in Northern Ireland and providing metering data
to suppliers and market operators to enable wholesale and retail
settlement.
Business Update
Price Control
NIE Networks is regulated by the Northern Ireland Authority for
Utility Regulation (the Utility Regulator) and is subject to
periodic reviews in respect of the prices it may charge for use of
the transmission and distribution networks in Northern
Ireland. NIE Networks' price control in respect of the fifth
regulatory period since privatisation (RP5) commenced on 1 April
2012 and will apply for the period to 30 September
2017.
NIE Networks' next price control (RP6) will start on 1
October 2017 and run for six and a half years to 31 March
2024. NIE Networks submitted its business plan for the
RP6 period to the Utility Regulator
in June 2016 and, following the
publication of the Utility Regulator’s Final Determination in
June 2017, there was a public
consultation in respect of the licence modifications to effect the
RP6 price control. The
RP6 Final Determination, which is
built largely on the same principles as the RP5 price control, allows for revenues and
capital investment of c£1.4 billion and c£0.7 billion respectively
for the six and a half year price control period (2015-16 prices)
and provides regulatory and financial visibility until March
2024. Additional investment may be approved by the Utility
Regulator in relation to major transmission projects, for example,
the North-South interconnector.
Financial
results
Operating Profit
The Group's operating profit for the six month period increased
from £41.0m last year to £48.0m this year reflecting higher
revenues in relation to connections to the network, together with
timing differences in respect of pass through Public Service
Obligation (PSO) payments partly offset by higher depreciation
costs.
FFO Interest Cover
The ratio of FFO (funds from operations) to interest paid
increased to 3.4 times for the period (six months to 30 June 2016 – 3.0 times) primarily reflecting
the increased operating profits.
Net Assets
The Group's net assets increased from £293.9m as at 31 December 2016 to £312.2m as at 30 June 2017 reflecting profit after tax of
£21.9m partly offset by re-measurement losses (net of tax) on
pension scheme liabilities of £3.6m.
Cash Flow
Cash and cash equivalents increased by £2.1m during the period
reflecting net cash flows from operating activities of £90.9m
together with amounts drawn under the Revolving Credit Facility
(RCF) from ESB of £15.5m partly offset by investing activity out
flows of £104.3m. During the period NIE Networks invested a total
of £54.7m (net of customer contributions) in the transmission and
distribution networks which is largely in line with the total
invested for the six month period in the prior year.
Operations
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are used to measure progress
towards achieving operational objectives. Performance during
the year is summarised below:
KPIs |
Six months ended |
Year ended |
|
30
June |
31 December |
|
2017 |
2016 |
2016 |
Safety:
Lost time incidents |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Network Performance: |
|
|
|
Customer Minutes Lost
(CML)
Planned CML (minutes)
Fault CML (minutes) |
34
31 |
33
34 |
65
56 |
Customer Service: |
|
|
|
Overall standards – defaults
(number of) |
None |
None |
None |
Guaranteed standards – defaults
(number of) |
None |
None |
None |
Stage 2 complaints to the Consumer
Council |
1 |
None |
None |
(number of) |
|
|
|
Connections: |
|
|
|
Customer demand
connections completed
(number of) |
2,653 |
3,143 |
5,984 |
Renewable
generation connected (MW)
Large scale (> 5MW)
Small scale (< 5MW) |
191
52 |
23
29 |
160
74 |
Sustainability: |
|
|
|
Waste recycling rate (%) |
99 |
98 |
98 |
Safety
Ensuring the safety of employees, contractors and the general
public continued to be the number one value at the heart of all NIE
Networks' business operations. The aim is to provide a zero
harm working environment where risks to health and safety are
assessed and controlled. The target for lost time incidents
continues to be set at zero: NIE Networks' strong safety
record continued with one lost time incident during the period
(2016 –one).
Network Performance
The average number of minutes lost per consumer (CML) through
pre-arranged shutdowns for maintenance and construction (Planned
CML) for the period was 34, largely in line with the same period
last year. CML through distribution fault interruptions
(Fault CML) for the period was 31, a reduction from the same period
in the previous year largely reflecting more settled weather
conditions.
Customer Service
The Utility Regulator sets overall and guaranteed standards for
NIE Networks' performance. All the overall standards were
achieved and there were no defaults against the guaranteed
standards for customer services activities delivered during the
period. One complaint was taken up by the Consumer Council on
behalf of customers (Stage 2 Complaints to the Consumer Council for
Northern Ireland) during the
period.
Connections
There were 2,653 customer demand connections completed during
the period, representing a decrease from 3,143 on the same period
last year.
191 MW of large scale renewable generation was connected during
the period including the completion of Gort and Rasharkin Cluster
substations which enabled the connection of 114 MW of generation.
52MW of small scale and micro renewable generation was connected
during the period comprising single wind turbines, anaerobic
digesters, hydro turbines and domestic solar PV microgeneration
projects. The total level of renewable generation capacity
connected to the network is now over 1.3GW.
During the period NIE Networks has continued to make progress
with industry stakeholders to establish arrangements to enable
further generation to connect to the distribution network.
Sustainability
The recycling rate for all hazardous and non-hazardous waste
(excluding excavation from roads and footpaths, civil projects
excavation and asbestos removal) continued at a high level with 99%
of waste recycled during the period.
Principal Risks and Uncertainties
The principal risks and uncertainties facing NIE Networks for
the remainder of the financial year, which are managed under NIE
Networks' risk management framework, are as set out in the Group's
latest annual report for the year to 31
December 2016 which is available at
www.nienetworks.co.uk.
GROUP INCOME STATEMENT
|
|
Six months ended
30
June |
|
Year ended
31 December |
|
Note |
2017
Unaudited
£m |
|
2016
Unaudited
£m |
|
2016
Audited
£m |
Revenue |
2 |
127.2 |
|
119.3 |
|
246.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating costs |
|
(79.2) |
|
(78.3) |
|
(155.1) |
|
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
OPERATING PROFIT |
|
48.0 |
|
41.0 |
|
91.7 |
|
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Finance revenue |
|
- |
|
0.2 |
|
0.1 |
Finance costs |
|
(19.0) |
|
(18.9) |
|
(38.1) |
Net pension scheme interest |
|
(1.8) |
|
(1.9) |
|
(3.5) |
|
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Net finance costs |
|
(20.8) |
|
(20.6) |
|
(41.5) |
|
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
PROFIT BEFORE TAX |
|
27.2 |
|
20.4 |
|
50.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax charge |
3 |
(5.3) |
|
(4.1) |
|
(4.7) |
|
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD / YEAR
ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE EQUITY HOLDERS OF THE PARENT COMPANY |
|
21.9 |
|
16.3 |
|
45.5 |
|
|
==== |
|
==== |
|
==== |
GROUP
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME |
|
|
Six
months ended
30 June |
|
Year ended
31 December |
|
|
2017
Unaudited
£m |
|
2016
Unaudited
£m |
|
2016
Audited
£m |
Profit for the financial period /
year |
|
21.9 |
|
16.3 |
|
45.5 |
|
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------ |
Other comprehensive income /
(expense): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Re-measurement losses on pension
scheme assets and liabilities |
|
(4.3) |
|
(38.1) |
|
(54.3) |
Deferred tax credit relating to
components of other comprehensive income |
|
0.7 |
|
6.8 |
|
8.0 |
|
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Net other comprehensive income /
(expense) for the period / year |
|
(3.6) |
|
(31.3) |
|
(46.3) |
Total net comprehensive income / (expense) for the period /
year |
|
-------
18.3
==== |
|
-------
(15.0)
==== |
|
-------
(0.8)
==== |
GROUP BALANCE SHEET
|
|
|
As
at |
|
As at |
|
|
|
30
June |
|
31 December |
|
Note |
|
2017
Unaudited
£m |
|
2016
Unaudited
£m |
|
2016
Audited
£m |
Non-current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment |
4 |
|
1,647.8 |
|
1,503.7 |
|
1,577.3 |
Intangible assets |
4 |
|
21.8 |
|
26.6 |
|
24.3 |
Derivative financial assets |
6 |
|
554.3 |
|
540.8 |
|
583.9 |
|
|
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
|
|
2,223.9 |
|
2,071.1 |
|
2,185.5 |
|
|
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inventories |
|
|
14.3 |
|
13.6 |
|
12.9 |
Trade and other receivables |
6 |
|
45.3 |
|
49.2 |
|
60.9 |
Derivative financial assets |
6 |
|
14.8 |
|
9.5 |
|
14.1 |
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
11.4 |
|
15.6 |
|
9.3 |
|
|
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
|
|
85.8 |
|
87.9 |
|
97.2 |
|
|
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
TOTAL ASSETS |
|
|
2,309.7 |
|
2,159.0 |
|
2,282.7 |
|
|
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade and other payables |
6 |
|
122.6 |
|
133.3 |
|
136.6 |
Current tax payable |
|
|
2.8 |
|
4.5 |
|
1.9 |
Deferred income |
|
|
17.5 |
|
12.7 |
|
16.2 |
Financial liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivative financial
liabilities |
6 |
|
14.8 |
|
9.5 |
|
14.1 |
Other financial
liabilities |
6, 7 |
|
11.5 |
|
11.4 |
|
18.3 |
Provisions |
|
|
1.1 |
|
0.6 |
|
1.7 |
|
|
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
|
|
170.3 |
|
172.0 |
|
188.8 |
|
|
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Non-current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
60.3 |
|
63.2 |
|
59.6 |
Deferred income |
|
|
455.9 |
|
370.2 |
|
414.9 |
Financial liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivative financial
liabilities |
6 |
|
554.3 |
|
540.8 |
|
583.9 |
Other financial
liabilities |
6, 7 |
|
607.7 |
|
572.8 |
|
592.1 |
Provisions |
|
|
4.0 |
|
8.0 |
|
3.5 |
Pension liability |
8 |
|
145.0 |
|
136.4 |
|
146.0 |
|
|
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
|
|
1,827.2 |
|
1,691.4 |
|
1,800.0 |
|
|
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
TOTAL LIABILITIES |
|
|
1,997.5 |
|
1,863.4 |
|
1,988.8 |
|
|
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
NET ASSETS |
|
|
312.2 |
|
295.6 |
|
293.9 |
|
|
|
======= |
|
======= |
|
======= |
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share capital |
|
|
36.4 |
|
36.4 |
|
36.4 |
Share premium |
|
|
24.4 |
|
24.4 |
|
24.4 |
Capital redemption reserve |
|
|
6.1 |
|
6.1 |
|
6.1 |
Accumulated profits |
|
|
245.3 |
|
228.7 |
|
227.0 |
|
|
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
TOTAL EQUITY |
|
|
312.2
======= |
|
295.6
======= |
|
293.9
======= |
The accounts were approved by the Board of directors and signed
on its behalf by:
Nicholas Tarrant
Director
Date: 13 September 2017
GROUP STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN
EQUITY
|
Share
capital |
|
Share
premium |
|
Capital redemption
reserve |
|
Accumulated
profits |
|
Total |
|
£m |
|
£m |
|
£m |
|
£m |
|
£m |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 1 January 2016 |
36.4 |
|
24.4 |
|
6.1 |
|
243.7 |
|
310.6 |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Profit for the year |
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
45.5 |
|
45.5 |
Net other comprehensive expense for
the year |
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
(46.3) |
|
(46.3) |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Total net comprehensive expense for
the year |
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
(0.8) |
|
(0.8) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effect of decreased tax rate on
opening asset |
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
0.1 |
|
0.1 |
Dividends to the shareholder |
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
(16.0) |
|
(16.0) |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
At 1 January 2017 |
36.4 |
|
24.4 |
|
6.1 |
|
227.0 |
|
293.9 |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Profit for the period |
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
21.9 |
|
21.9 |
Net other comprehensive expense for
the period |
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
(3.6) |
|
(3.6) |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Total net comprehensive income for
the period |
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
18.3 |
|
18.3 |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
At 30 June 2017 |
36.4 |
|
24.4 |
|
6.1 |
|
245.3 |
|
312.2 |
|
====== |
|
====== |
|
====== |
|
====== |
|
====== |
|
Share
Capital |
|
Share
premium |
|
Capital redemption
reserve |
|
Accumulated
profits |
|
Total |
|
£m |
|
£m |
|
£m |
|
£m |
|
£m |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 1 January 2016 |
36.4 |
|
24.4 |
|
6.1 |
|
243.7 |
|
310.6 |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Profit for the period |
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
16.3 |
|
16.3 |
Net other comprehensive expense for
the period |
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
(31.3) |
|
(31.3) |
Total net comprehensive expense for the period |
-------
- |
|
-------
- |
|
-------
- |
|
-------
(15.0) |
|
------
(15.0) |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
At 30 June 2016 |
36.4 |
|
24.4 |
|
6.1 |
|
228.7 |
|
295.6 |
|
====== |
|
====== |
|
====== |
|
====== |
|
====== |
GROUP CASH FLOW STATEMENT
|
|
Six months ended
30 June |
|
Year ended
31 December |
|
|
2017
Unaudited
£m |
|
2016
Unaudited
£m |
|
2016
Audited
£m |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from operating
activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit for the period/year |
|
21.9 |
|
16.3 |
|
45.5 |
Adjustments for: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax charge |
|
5.3 |
|
4.1 |
|
4.7 |
Net finance costs |
|
20.8 |
|
20.6 |
|
41.5 |
Depreciation of
property, plant and equipment |
|
32.2 |
|
29.1 |
|
60.5 |
Release of customers'
contributions and grants |
|
(7.8) |
|
(5.8) |
|
(15.0) |
Amortisation of
intangible assets |
|
2.6 |
|
2.6 |
|
5.2 |
Contributions in respect of
property, plant and equipment |
|
50.1 |
|
38.1 |
|
94.9 |
Defined benefit pension
charge less contributions paid |
|
(7.2) |
|
(8.0) |
|
(16.2) |
Net movement in provisions |
|
- |
|
(0.3) |
|
(3.8) |
|
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Operating cash flows before movement
in working capital |
|
117.9 |
|
96.7 |
|
217.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Decrease in working capital |
|
1.8 |
|
25.0 |
|
12.8 |
|
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Cash generated from
operations |
|
119.7 |
|
121.7 |
|
230.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest received |
|
- |
|
0.1 |
|
0.1 |
Interest paid |
|
(25.7) |
|
(25.7) |
|
(37.9) |
Current taxes paid |
|
(3.1) |
|
(3.6) |
|
(5.9) |
|
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Net cash flows from operating
activities |
|
90.9 |
|
92.5 |
|
186.4 |
|
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Cash flows from investing
activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of property, plant and
equipment |
|
(104.3) |
|
(94.5) |
|
(197.4) |
Purchase of intangible assets |
|
- |
|
(0.1) |
|
(0.4) |
|
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Net cash flows used in investing
activities |
|
(104.3) |
|
(94.6) |
|
(197.8) |
|
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Cash flows used in financing
activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends paid to shareholder |
|
- |
|
- |
|
(16.0) |
Amounts borrowed from group
undertakings |
|
15.5 |
|
- |
|
19.0 |
|
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Net cash flows used in financing
activities |
|
15.5 |
|
- |
|
3.0 |
|
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and
cash equivalents |
|
2.1 |
|
(2.1) |
|
(8.4) |
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of period / year |
|
9.3 |
|
17.7 |
|
17.7 |
|
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Cash and cash equivalents at end
of period / year |
|
11.4 |
|
15.6 |
|
9.3 |
|
|
===== |
|
===== |
|
===== |
For the purposes of the cash flow statement, cash and cash
equivalents comprise cash at bank and in hand, short-term bank
deposits and bank overdrafts.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM
ACCOUNTS
1. Basis of Preparation
The condensed interim accounts for the period ended 30 June 2017 have been prepared in accordance
with International Accounting Standard (IAS) 34 “Interim Financial
Reporting” and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the
Financial Conduct Authority.
The condensed interim accounts consolidate the results of
Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Limited (NIE Networks or the
Company) and its subsidiary undertakings, NIE Networks Services
Limited and NIE Finance PLC (the Group).
The condensed interim accounts have been prepared on the basis
of the accounting policies set out in the accounts for the year
ended 31 December 2016.
Amendments to the following standards and interpretations became
effective during the period, but had either no impact or no
material impact on the Group's accounts:
Amendments to IAS 1: Disclosure Initiative
Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 41: Agriculture: Bearer Plants
Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 38: Clarification of Acceptable
Methods of Depreciation and Amortisation
Amendments to IAS 27: Equity Method in Separate Financial
Statements
Amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 28: Investment Entities:
Applying Consolidation Exception
Amendments to IFRS 11: Accounting for Acquisitions of Interests
in Joint Operations
Annual Improvements to IFRSs – 2012 to 2014 cycle (effective
1 January 2016)
At the date of the authorisation of these accounts, the
following new standards in issue are applicable but not yet
effective and have not been adopted by the
Group:
IFRS
9
Financial Instruments (effective 1 January
2018)
IFRS
15
Revenue from Contracts with Customers (effective 1 January 2018)
IFRS
16
Leases (effective 1 January 2019)
The directors are currently assessing the impact of the new and
amended standards.
Except for IFRS 16 Leases, the impact of which will be assessed
during 2017, the directors do not currently anticipate that the
adoption of the standards and interpretations will have a material
impact on the Group's accounts in the period of initial
application. The adoption of the standards and interpretations may
however result in certain changes in the presentation of the
Group's accounts from 2017 onwards.
The condensed interim accounts have been prepared on the going
concern basis as the directors, having considered available
relevant information, have a reasonable expectation that the Group
has adequate financial resources to continue in operational
existence for a period of 12 months from the date of approval of
the interim report and accounts.
The condensed interim accounts have not been audited or reviewed
by auditors pursuant to the Auditing Practices Board guidance on
“Review of Interim Financial Information performed by the
Independent Auditor of the Entity”.
The information shown for the year ended 31 December 2016 does not constitute statutory
accounts within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act
2006 and has been extracted from the Group's report for the year
ended 31 December 2016, which has
been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The report of the
auditors on the accounts contained within the Group's report for
the year ended 31 December 2016 was
unqualified and did not contain a statement under either Section
498(2) or Section 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006 regarding
inadequate accounting records or a failure to obtain necessary
information and explanations.
Changes in accounting estimates
IT improvements undertaken within the year have enabled the
re-assessment of accounting estimates relating to the recognition
of connections revenue and the provision for obsolete
inventory.
Revenue for the year to 30 June
2017 includes £6.1m of connections revenue arising as a
result of the change in accounting estimate.
Operating costs for the year to 30 June
2017 include a £1.3m reduction in the inventory
provision.
2. Revenue
|
Six months ended
30
June |
|
Year ended
31 December |
|
2017
£m |
|
2016
£m |
|
2016
£m |
Revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
Sales revenue |
119.6 |
|
113.3 |
|
232.3 |
Amortisation of customer
contributions from deferred income |
7.6 |
|
6.0 |
|
14.5 |
|
-------
127.2 |
|
-------
119.3 |
|
-------
246.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest receivable |
- |
|
0.2 |
|
0.1 |
|
-------
127.2 |
|
-------
119.5 |
|
-------
246.9 |
|
===== |
|
===== |
|
===== |
The Group's operating activities, which are described in the
interim management report, comprise one operating segment.
3. Tax Charge
|
Six months
ended
30
June |
|
Year ended
31 December |
|
2017
£m |
|
2016
£m |
|
2016
£m |
Current tax charge |
|
|
|
|
|
UK corporation tax at 19.5% (2016 –
20%) |
4.0 |
|
2.5 |
|
5.4 |
Total current tax |
-------
4.0 |
|
-------
2.5 |
|
-------
5.4 |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Deferred tax charge /
(credit) |
|
|
|
|
|
Origination and
reversal of temporary differences in current period |
1.3 |
|
1.6 |
|
4.3 |
Effect of decreased tax rate on
opening liability |
- |
|
- |
|
(5.0) |
Total deferred tax charge / (credit) |
-------
1.3 |
|
-------
1.6 |
|
-------
(0.7) |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Total tax charge |
5.3 |
|
4.1 |
|
4.7 |
|
===== |
|
===== |
|
===== |
4. Capital Expenditure
|
Six
months ended
30
June |
|
Year ended
31 December |
|
2017
£m |
|
2016
£m |
|
2016
£m |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment |
102.9 |
|
95.1 |
|
199.6 |
Intangible assets - computer
software |
- |
|
0.2 |
|
0.4 |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
102.9 |
|
95.3 |
|
200.0 |
|
===== |
|
===== |
|
===== |
No assets were disposed of by the Group during the period (2016
- £nil).
5. Capital Commitments
At 30 June 2017 the Group had
contracted future capital expenditure in respect of property, plant
and equipment of £17.0m (June 2016 -
£12.4m) and computer software assets of £1.1m (June 2016 - £2.4m).
6. Financial Instruments
An overview of financial instruments, other than cash and
short-term deposits, held by the Group as at 30 June 2017 is as follows:
As at 30 June
2017
Financial assets: |
Loans and
receivables
£m |
|
Fair value
profit or loss
£m |
|
|
|
|
Trade and other receivables |
43.8 |
|
- |
Interest rate swaps |
- |
|
14.8 |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Total current |
43.8 |
|
14.8 |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Interest rate swaps |
- |
|
554.3 |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Total non-current |
- |
|
554.3 |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Total financial assets |
43.8 |
|
569.1 |
|
===== |
|
===== |
Financial liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade and other payables |
115.4 |
|
- |
Interest rate swaps |
- |
|
14.8 |
Interest bearing loans and
borrowings |
11.5 |
|
- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Total current |
126.9 |
|
14.8 |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Interest rate swaps |
- |
|
554.3 |
Interest bearing loans and
borrowings |
607.7 |
|
- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Total non-current |
607.7 |
|
554.3 |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Total financial
liabilities |
734.6 |
|
569.1 |
|
===== |
|
===== |
The directors consider that the carrying amount of financial
instruments equals fair value.
NIE Networks has held a £550m portfolio of inflation linked
interest rate swaps since December 2010. The fair value of
inflation linked interest rate swaps is affected by relative
movements in interest rates and market expectations of future
retail price index (RPI) movements.
During 2014 the Company, and its counterparty banks, together
agreed a restructuring of the swaps, including amendments to
certain critical terms. These changes included an extension
of the mandatory break period in the swaps from 2015 to 2022,
including immediate settlement of accretion payments (previously
due for payment in 2015), amendments to the fixed interest rate
element of the swaps and an increase in the number of swap
counterparties. Future accretion payments are now scheduled
to occur every five years, starting in 2018, with remaining
accretion paid at maturity.
At the same time that the restructuring took effect the Company
entered into RPI linked interest rate swap arrangements with ESBNI
Limited, the immediate parent undertaking of the Company, which
have identical matching terms to the restructured swaps. The
back to back matching swaps with ESBNI Limited ensure that there is
no net effect on the accounts of the Company and that any risk to
financial exposure is borne by ESBNI Limited. The fair value
movements have been recognised in finance costs in the income
statement. Positive fair value movements of £21.8m arose on
the swaps in the six months ended 30 June
2017 (June 2016: negative fair
value movements of £91.3m) and were recognised within finance costs
in the income statement, as hedge accounting was not available.
The fair value of interest rate swaps has been valued by
calculating the present value of future cash flows, estimated using
forward rates from third party market price quotations. The
Company uses the hierarchy as set out in IFRS 13 Fair Value
Measurement for determining and disclosing the fair value of
financial instruments by valuation technique:
Level 1: quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for
identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2: other techniques for which all inputs which have a
significant effect on the recorded fair value are observable,
either directly or indirectly; and
Level 3: techniques which use inputs which have a significant
effect on the recorded fair value that are not based on observable
market data.
The fair value of interest rate swaps as at 30 June 2017 is considered by the Company to fall
within the level 2 fair value hierarchy. The Company
determines whether transfers have occurred between levels in the
hierarchy by re-assessing categorisation (based on the lowest level
input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole)
at the end of each reporting period. There have been no transfers
between level 1 or 3 of the hierarchy during the period.
7. Net Debt
|
30 June |
|
30 June |
|
31 December |
|
2017
£m |
|
2016
£m |
|
2016
£m |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash at bank and in hand |
11.4 |
|
15.6 |
|
9.3 |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Debt due before 1 year: |
|
|
|
|
|
Interest payable on £175m bond |
(9.4) |
|
(9.4) |
|
(3.4) |
Interest payable on £400m bond |
(2.0) |
|
(2.0) |
|
(14.8) |
Interest payable to parent
undertaking |
(0.1) |
|
- |
|
(0.1) |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
(11.5) |
|
(11.4) |
|
(18.3) |
Debt due after 1 year: |
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
£175m bond |
(174.7) |
|
(174.5) |
|
(174.6) |
£400m bond |
(398.5) |
|
(398.3) |
|
(398.4) |
Amounts owed to parent
undertaking |
(34.5) |
|
- |
|
(19.1) |
|
-------
(607.7) |
|
-------
(572.8) |
|
-------
(592.1) |
Total net debt |
-------
(607.8) |
|
-------
(568.6) |
|
-------
(601.1) |
|
===== |
|
===== |
|
===== |
8. Pension Commitments
|
30 June |
|
30 June |
|
31 December |
|
2017
£m |
|
2016
£m |
|
2016
£m |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market value of assets |
1,113.0 |
|
1,034.3 |
|
1,105.4 |
Actuarial value of liabilities |
(1,258.0) |
|
(1,170.7) |
|
(1,251.4) |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Net pension liability |
(145.0) |
|
(136.4) |
|
(146.0) |
|
======= |
|
======= |
|
======= |
Changes in the market value of
assets
|
30 June |
|
30 June |
|
31 December |
|
2017 |
|
2016 |
|
2016 |
|
£m |
|
£m |
|
£m |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market value of assets at beginning
of the period / year |
1,105.4 |
|
990.6 |
|
990.6 |
Interest income on scheme
assets |
14.7 |
|
18.7 |
|
37.0 |
Contributions from employer |
12.1 |
|
11.7 |
|
23.9 |
Contributions from scheme
members |
0.2 |
|
0.2 |
|
0.4 |
Benefits paid |
(29.4) |
|
(28.0) |
|
(57.7) |
Administration expenses paid |
(0.8) |
|
(0.4) |
|
(1.1) |
Re-measurement gains on scheme
assets |
10.8 |
|
41.5 |
|
112.3 |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Market value of assets at end of the
period / year |
1,113.0 |
|
1,034.3 |
|
1,105.4 |
|
======= |
|
======= |
|
======= |
Changes in the actuarial value of
liabilities
|
30 June |
|
30 June |
|
31 December |
|
2017 |
|
2016 |
|
2016 |
|
£m |
|
£m |
|
£m |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Actuarial value of liabilities at
beginning of the period / year |
1,251.4 |
|
1,095.0 |
|
1,095.0 |
Interest expense on pension
liability |
16.5 |
|
20.5 |
|
40.5 |
Current service cost |
4.1 |
|
3.3 |
|
6.5 |
Curtailment loss |
0.1 |
|
0.1 |
|
0.1 |
Contributions from scheme
members |
0.2 |
|
0.2 |
|
0.4 |
Benefits paid |
(29.4) |
|
(28.0) |
|
(57.7) |
Effect of changes in financial
assumptions |
15.1 |
|
79.6 |
|
173.8 |
Effect of experience
adjustments |
- |
|
- |
|
(7.2) |
|
------- |
|
------- |
|
------- |
Actuarial value of liabilities at
end of the period / year |
1,258.0 |
|
1,170.7 |
|
1,251.4 |
|
======= |
|
======= |
|
======= |
9. Related Party Transactions
During the period ended 30 June
2017, the Group contributed £14.2m (2016 - £13.6m) to the
Northern Ireland Electricity Pension Scheme.
The immediate parent undertaking of the Group and the ultimate
parent company in the UK is ESBNI Limited (ESBNI). The
ultimate parent undertaking and controlling party of the Group and
the parent of the smallest and largest group of which NIE Networks
is a member and for which group accounts are prepared is
Electricity Supply Board (ESB), a statutory corporation established
under the Electricity (Supply) Act 1927 domiciled in the Republic
of Ireland. A copy of ESB's accounts is available from ESB's
registered office at Two Gateway, East Wall Road, Dublin 3, DOA A995.
Principal subsidiaries of ESB are related parties of the
Group. Transactions between the Group and related parties are
disclosed below:
|
Interest charges |
Revenue
from
related
party |
Charges
from
related
party |
Amounts
owed by
related
party at
period end |
Amounts
owed to
related
party at
period end |
|
£m |
£m |
£m |
£m |
£m |
Six months
ended
30 June 2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
ESB |
(0.2) |
- |
- |
- |
(34.6) |
ESB subsidiaries |
- |
8.1 |
(2.2) |
1.9 |
(0.5) |
|
----- |
----- |
----- |
----- |
----- |
|
(0.2) |
8.1 |
(2.2) |
1.9 |
(35.1) |
|
===== |
===== |
===== |
===== |
===== |
Six months
ended
30 June 2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
ESB |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
ESB subsidiaries |
- |
6.5 |
(2.0) |
1.5 |
2.0 |
|
----- |
----- |
----- |
----- |
----- |
|
- |
6.5 |
(2.0) |
1.5 |
2.0 |
|
===== |
===== |
===== |
===== |
===== |
10. Contingent Liabilities
In the normal course of business the Group has contingent
liabilities arising from claims made by third parties and
employees. Provision for a liability is made when the
directors believe that it is probable that an outflow of funds will
be required to settle the obligation where it arises from an event
prior to the year end.
In 2014 the Lands Tribunal of Northern
Ireland (the Tribunal) ruled that compensation was payable
in respect of two out of four test cases heard by the Tribunal
where claims were made by third parties in relation to potential
diminution in the value of land due to the existence of electricity
apparatus. Total compensation awarded for two of the cases
was £45,500. No award of compensation was made in the other
two cases.
Although the Tribunal stated that evidence of a loss of value
was insufficient, compensation was awarded in both cases using an
‘intuitive approach'. As the Company knows of no precedent
for the use of such an approach, the Company lodged an appeal to
the Court of Appeal. The appeal decision is expected in
autumn 2017 and until then, it remains uncertain as to whether a
liability will arise. Therefore the Company has not provided
for any compensation awarded by the Tribunal in these accounts.
STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS'
RESPONSIBILITIES
Each of the directors, whose names and positions are included in
the Group's annual report for the year to 31
December 2016 which is available at www.nienetworks.co.uk,
confirm that to the best of their knowledge:
(i) the interim accounts have been prepared in accordance with
IAS 34 “Interim Financial Reporting” and give a true and fair view
of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit of the
Group for the six months to 30 June
2017; and
(ii) the interim management report includes a fair review of the
information required by DTR 4.2.7R of the Disclosure and
Transparency Rules.
By order of the Board
Nicholas Tarrant
Director
13 September 2017