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AltaGas

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FY2013 Annual Report · AltaGas
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Think

2013 Annual Report

AltaGas is a leading North American energy infrastructure company. 

We have a 20-year history of delivering safe and reliable service, and exceptional 

shareholder value. We invest in and operate energy infrastructure to serve 

producers and to provide clean and affordable energy to our customers.

Po w er

Utilities

G as

Think Results 

Think Value 

Think Growth 

Think Relationships 

Think Safety & Environment 

Letter to Shareholders 

Corporate Governance 

1

2

4

6

8

10

14 

Five-Year Financial Highlights 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 

Ten-Year Review of Financial and Operating Information 

Shareholder Information 

Corporate Information 

16

17

62

71

116

120

IBC

ThinkResults

We execute on our strategy and deliver results.

The demand for clean energy and the renaissance of natural gas in North America continue to drive AltaGas’ strategy. We are focused 

on investing in and operating infrastructure to serve producers and to provide clean and affordable energy to our customers. By 

growing and diversifying our assets, maintaining financial strength and flexibility, and continuing to evolve our organizational capability, 

we have become a $9 billion enterprise. For the last two decades, we have delivered superior economic returns to investors, and 

2013 was no exception. 

Our track record speaks for itself...

EBITDA 1
($ millions)

Earnings per Share 1
($ per share)

Funds from Operations 1
($ millions)

509

1.51

403

337

266

1.15

1.07

281

219

2011

2012

2013

2011

2012

2013

2011

2012

2013

1  Normalized non-GAAP financial measure; see discussion in Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of the MD&A.

1

AltaGas 2013 Annual Report+84%+41%+91% 
ThinkValue

We deliver long-term value for our shareholders.

Our disciplined and proven strategy continues to create long-term value for shareholders. Since our initial public offering in 1999 we 

have delivered more than 934 percent in total shareholder return. We have also delivered growth and security in our dividend. We 

are proud of the value we have provided to shareholders and we have achieved this through changing environments over the last two 

decades. As our business continues to evolve we will balance yield and growth, maintain financial strength, and remain disciplined 

in allocating capital to provide future value for our shareholders. 

Our achievements reflect the consistent execution of our strategy...

Annual Dividend
($ per common share)

Total Shareholder
Return*

1.53

1.44

1.38

Payout Ratio
(percentage of normalized
funds from operations)

51%

47%

43%

2011

2012

2013

2011

2012

2013

2011

2012

2013

2

AltaGas 2013 Annual Report

*  Based on a $100 investment made on Dec. 31, 

2010 ending on Dec. 31, 2013 and assuming the 
reinvestment of dividends.

-16%+117%+11% 
 
AltaGas serves producers in the 
Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin 
and transacts more than 2 Bcf/d 
of natural gas.

3

AltaGas 2013 Annual ReportThinkGrowth

We see many opportunities to grow our business.

We have taken many strategic steps to become a leading North American energy infrastructure company. The demand for clean 

energy, and the abundance of natural gas in North America, provide significant opportunities to continue to grow our existing business, 

and explore new opportunities like LPG and LNG exports. We have $2.5 billion in growth opportunities across our Gas, Power and 

Utilities segments over the next five years – almost half of which are already secured. We have also positioned ourselves to capitalize 

on $2 billion to $5 billion in energy export investment opportunities. We have the financial strength and flexibility, and the experience 

and expertise, to deliver major projects to create significant shareholder value.

Our best is yet to come...

Total new opportunities 

*$4.5 to7.5 billion

* $2.5 billion in growth opportunities in Gas, Power and Utilities

* $2 billion to $5 billion in LPG and LNG export opportunities

4

AltaGas 2013 Annual ReportAltaGas has 1,096 MW of power from 
five fuel sources with an additional 
277 MW of run-of-river assets and  
a 15 MW cogeneration expansion 
under construction.

5

AltaGas 2013 Annual ReportThinkRelationships

We measure our success by the social value we create and 
the legacy we leave.

We are a trusted partner in the communities where we work and live. Whether we are working with customers, interacting at an open 

house in a First Nation or Aboriginal community, or at an investor meeting, we build relationships through open, honest communication 

and mutual respect. We see great value in continuing to strengthen our relationships and in building new ones. As we grow our 

company and meet significant project and financial milestones, we take tremendous pride in helping communities, customers and 

shareholders succeed.

Our commitments don’t end here...

More than 
420

 organizations across North America
 supported by AltaGas in 2013

6

AltaGas 2013 Annual ReportAltaGas is dedicated to building social 
value by supporting diverse organizations 
and partnering with communities.

7

AltaGas 2013 Annual ReportThinkSafety 
&Environment

We promote a safe and healthy environment.

We are committed to protecting employees, the public and the environment. Safety is a top priority at AltaGas and is paramount 

to how we do business. Each year we strive for continuous improvement, and we have strong management processes and a 

dedicated Board of Directors who oversee all aspects of safety and environment. We are pleased to report that our safety and 

audit scores for our gas operations are once again in the high nineties and we have been independently recognized for our safe, 

responsible and sustainable operations. Stewardship of the environment is critical to AltaGas’ success. In 2013, we significantly 

reduced the emission intensity of our power generation portfolio through the acquisition of Blythe Energy Center in California. This 

facility adds 507 MW of clean-burning, gas-fired generation to our existing power portfolio. We will further reduce emission intensity 

when our 277 MW run-of-river Northwest Projects come online.

Our company continues to grow and evolve and so do our safety and 
environmental practices...

1.5 million tonnes

The quantity of greenhouse gas emissions AltaGas has reduced since 2008

1,100,000 MWh

Health & Safety
Audit Scoring
(%)

100

95

90

85

 The quantity of clean electricity produced by AltaGas-owned facilities since 2009

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

8

AltaGas 2013 Annual Report 
AltaGas has five natural gas 
distribution utilities that serve 
more then 550,000 customers 
in Canada and the U.S.

9

AltaGas 2013 Annual ReportThink

“  

As I reflect upon the last 20 years, we started in the midstream business and we 

have grown and expanded in the gas, power and utilities sectors from an initial seed 

capital investment of $37,000, to assets of more than $7 billion.

Our vision has always been to become a leading energy 

infrastructure company. Over our short 20-year history we have 

been executing our strategy with that goal in mind. We have 

taken steps to build a business that is strong and a future 

that is even more promising.

We continue to focus on providing infrastructure for clean and 

affordable energy. As I reflect upon the last 20 years, we 

started in the midstream business and we have grown and 

expanded in the gas, power and utilities sectors from an initial 

David W. Cornhill
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

10

AltaGas 2013 Annual ReportHarmattan

Forrest Kerr

SEMCO

seed capital investment of $37,000, to assets of more 

Petrogas to provide new markets that are critical to our 

than $7 billion. 20 years ago the first shares we offered to 

customers for their propane. With Idemitsu, we are also 

outside investors were $0.60 a share. If those shareholders 

focused on providing a new market for Canada’s natural gas 

reinvested the dividends, that $0.60 was worth $166 at the 

producers. We believe that smaller export projects like ours 

end of 2013.

have an important role to play in supporting producers in the 

Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB). In addition to 

As important as creating shareholder value is, I believe that it 

our new partnerships, the work that was completed at our 

is equally important to create social value. At AltaGas, we are 

Northwest run-of-river projects was nothing short of phenomenal. 

ensuring that as we grow we are also adding value in the 

The team working in northern B.C. has been able to deliver the 

communities where we work, that our employees are engaged 

$725 million Forrest Kerr project ahead of schedule and on 

and seeing their careers flourish, and that we are safeguarding 

budget. The strong team we have built has been focused and 

our planet for future generations. We also continue to work 

was able to advance the schedule for the Volcano Creek 

closely with First Nations and other Aboriginal communities to 

project by two years. And finally, we also took our first big step 

develop opportunities to create long-term, sustainable community 

into the U.S. power market by acquiring the 507 MW Blythe 

value. Their success is our success. Today we are better 

Energy Center in California. This natural gas-fired plant gave 

positioned than ever before to chart our course for the next 

us a significant footprint that we can build on to meet the 

20 years as we continue to realize our vision of being a 

growing demand for clean energy in the region. 

leading North American energy infrastructure company.

In 2013, we had another year of exceptional accomplishments. 

by more than 31 percent and cash flow per share by over 

We added more than $1 billion in new assets and two new key 

17 percent. We also achieved an all-time record high of 

partnerships. We are excited to work with Idemitsu and 

$509 million in normalized EBITDA. These significant results 

Financially, we increased normalized earnings per share 

11 

AltaGas 2013 Annual Report“  

The renaissance of natural gas and growing demand for clean energy are providing 

future growth opportunities across all areas of our business. We have opportunities  

to invest in new natural gas processing capacity and to provide our customers with 

access to new markets.

supported our ability to raise our dividend by just over 

to deliver LPG to the West Coast for export. Our Power 

6 percent while maintaining a very conservative payout ratio 

business is also expected to benefit from abundant and 

– the second lowest of all our peers. AltaGas is in a good place 

affordable natural gas and the demand for clean energy. We 

to see further dividend growth. In 2014, two of our Northwest 

believe natural gas will continue to play an important role in 

Projects will come online and the third in 2015. These projects 

power generation. Abundant, affordable, clean natural gas is 

provide significant room to grow our dividend. Throughout all of 

also creating opportunities to grow our natural gas utilities. 

this growth we have maintained financial strength and flexibility. 

Customers are seeking to benefit from this clean-burning, 

We have great access to capital. In fact, in early 2014 we 

low-cost energy source and AltaGas is well positioned to 

issued our first ever 30-year medium-term notes – quite an 

continue increasing both our customers and our rate base 

accomplishment for a company that is only 20 years old.

through infill, fuel switching and greenfield expansion of 

services. These opportunities of about $2.5 billion, provide 

The renaissance of natural gas and growing demand for clean 

a strong platform for growth of our gas, power and utilities 

energy are providing future growth opportunities across all 

segments, which we believe we can fund from our 

areas of our business. We have opportunities to invest in new 

internally-generated cash flow.

natural gas processing capacity and to provide our customers 

with access to new markets. In the WCSB we are positioned to 

Asia presents new energy market opportunities for Canada 

build new infrastructure to support significant drilling activity in 

and we believe that AltaGas can be instrumental in supporting 

liquids-rich plays that currently lack the required infrastructure 

the effort to find new markets for Canada’s natural gas supply. 

to get the gas to market. With the addition of our strategic 

Our energy export projects represent an additional $2 billion 

interest in Petrogas in 2013, we increased our energy logistics 

to $5 billion in growth opportunities. With Petrogas, we expect 

capabilities and now have a wider geographical reach to 

to get LPG to the West Coast as early as 2016. Through our 

provide our customers access to additional NGL markets and 

partnership with Idemitsu we can provide access to an 

12

AltaGas 2013 Annual Reportattractive global LNG market for gas producers in the WCSB. 

efficient operations. Last year, AltaGas was once again 

Building on our 2011 acquisition of Pacific Northern Gas, we 

recognized with several top employer awards. As we grow, we 

have the opportunity to expand our natural gas pipeline and 

will continue to do our best to support our employees and 

deliver gas to the West Coast. We expect to see LNG exports 

make a difference in communities. From supporting local 

as early as 2017.

theatre companies, sports teams and hospitals, to partnering 

with organizations like Cross Country Canada, STARS and The 

AltaGas’ success has been achieved through strong 

United Way, we are dedicated to delivering sustainable benefits 

relationships. We continue to strengthen our relationship with 

and building social value. 

First Nations and other Aboriginal communities. We are partners 

with them and we create value together. We are keenly aware 

I would like to thank our employees, the Board of Directors, 

of the role we play to make a difference in the areas of health 

investors, customers, business partners and our service 

and social services, education, and the arts. I am proud of the 

providers for helping us deliver another successful year in our 

long-term relationships we have built with First Nations and 

20-year history. We have proven time and again that together, 

other Aboriginal communities and of the relationships we have, 

we can accomplish great things and there is more to come.

and are continuing to build, in the growing number of 

communities in which we operate.

Sincerely,

AltaGas has also achieved an excellent safety and 

environmental record. This would not be possible without our 

talented and dedicated employees who are committed to 

delivering significant results year after year without losing 

David W. Cornhill 

focus on safety, environmental stewardship, and reliable, 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

13

AltaGas 2013 Annual ReportCorporate Governance

David W. Cornhill 
Chairman and Chief  
Executive Officer

Member of the EOHSC

Catherine M. Best 
Director

Independent director;  
Member of the AC

Allan L. Edgeworth 
Director

Independent director; 
Chair of the EOHSC  
Member of the AC

Hugh A. Fergusson 
Director

Independent director;  
Member of the AC  
and HRCC

Daryl H. Gilbert 
Director

Independent director;  
Chair of the HRCC and 
Member of the EOHSC 

Robert B. Hodgins 
Director

Independent director;  
Chair of the AC and  
Member of the GC

David F. Mackie 
Director

Independent director;  
Member of the GC  
and HRCC

Neil McCrank 
Director

Independent director;  
Member of the GC  
and EOHSC

14

Myron F. Kanik 
Lead Director

The members of the Board of 
Directors of AltaGas are elected 
by the shareholders to manage, 
or supervise the management of 
its business and affairs. It is our 
responsibility to ensure that the 
interests of shareholders and 
other stakeholders are properly 
represented. To that end, the 
Board of Directors has assumed 
responsibility for the stewardship 
of AltaGas, and developed 
standards and procedures for 
its operations that meet a high standard of governance. We 
regularly review AltaGas’ activities, with a view to ensuring 
its business affairs are conducted appropriately with the 
honesty, integrity, transparency and accountability that 
shareholders expect. We are committed to continuously 
meeting those high standards.

Independent director;  
Chair of the GC and  
Member of the HRCC

The annual meeting provides AltaGas’ executives with 
the opportunity to communicate AltaGas’ goals and strategy 
to shareholders. The meeting offers shareholders the chance 
to hear first-hand from management and to understand 
AltaGas’ strategy for seeking to continually increase shareholder 
value and grow AltaGas. The Board of Directors and AltaGas’ 
management team encourage you to attend the annual 
meeting either in person in Calgary or through the live 
webcast that can be viewed at www.altagas.ca.

The annual meeting will be held at 3:30 p.m. MDT  
on Thursday, May 1, 2014 at  
The Fairmont Palliser, Alberta Ballroom,  
133 - 9th Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Myron F. Kanik 
Lead Director

AltaGas 2013 Annual ReportStatement of Governance Practices

AltaGas is committed to a high standard of governance, in the belief that it improves performance 
and benefits all shareholders. The following is a summary of AltaGas’ Governance Practices. 
A more detailed description can be found in AltaGas’ Management Information Circular filed on 
the SEDAR system at www.sedar.com.

Mandate of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors exercises 
responsibility for the management and 
supervision of the affairs of AltaGas. 
This includes the appointment and 
monitoring of the Chief Executive Officer, 
the appointment of other senior officers, 
and the approval of their compensation.

The Board of Directors also reviews 
and approves the annual strategic 
plan, which includes key objectives, 
quantifiable operational and financial 
targets, and processes for the 
identification, monitoring and mitigation 
of principal business risks.

The Board of Directors also establishes 
a succession plan that includes the 
appointment, training and monitoring 
of senior management.

The independent Directors of AltaGas 
meet in the absence of management 
and non-independent Directors at each 
meeting of the Board of Directors.

Composition of the Board of Directors
David W. Cornhill, Chairman and Chief 
Executive Officer of AltaGas, is the only 
member of the Board of Directors who 
is also a member of management and 
considered not to be independent.

Committees of the Board of Directors
The Board has four standing committees: 
Governance (GC); Audit (AC); 
Environment, Occupational Health and 
Safety (EOHSC); and Human Resources 
and Compensation (HRCC). The GC, AC 
and HRCC are composed exclusively of 
non-management, independent directors. 
The EOHSC includes a majority of 
independent, non-management directors, 
as well as the Chairman and Chief 
Executive Officer of AltaGas. Each of 
the committees has a mandate that 
prescribes its composition and 
responsibilities approved by the 
Board of Directors.

Governance Committee
The GC reviews Board performance 
and provides recommendations for 
improvement with respect to all aspects 
of governance. The GC identifies and 
recommends individuals qualified to 
become members of the Board of 
Directors. It reviews and recommends 
compensation for Directors and, on an 
annual basis, formally assesses the 
effectiveness of the Committees and 
the Board of Directors. The GC is also 
responsible for the orientation and 
education of new Board members 
and continuing development of 
existing members.

The Chair of the GC is Myron F. Kanik, 
an energy industry consultant, former 
President of the Canadian Energy Pipeline 
Association, and former Deputy Minister 
in the Alberta Department of Energy.

Audit Committee
The AC consists of four independent and 
financially literate Directors who oversee 
AltaGas’ financial reporting process. It 
reviews and provides recommendations 
to the Board of Directors on annual and 
interim financial statements, and examines 
the adequacy of its risk management 
reporting and disclosure.

The AC approves the appointment, terms 
of engagement, provision of non-audit 
services and proposed fees of the 
independent auditor. At every meeting, 
the AC has the opportunity to meet with 
the independent and internal auditors 
without management present.

The Chair of the AC is Robert B. Hodgins, 
previously Chief Financial Officer of 
Pengrowth Corporation, former Treasurer 
of Canadian Pacific Limited and former 
Chief Financial Officer of TransCanada 
Pipelines Limited.

Environment, Occupational Health 
and Safety Committee
The EOHSC is responsible for reviewing, 
reporting and making recommendations 
to the Board of Directors on AltaGas’ 
policies and procedures with respect to 
the environment and occupational health 
and safety.

AltaGas is committed to being a 
steward of the environment and to the 
health and safety of its employees and 
the communities where we operate.

The Chair of the EOHSC is 
Allan L. Edgeworth, an energy industry 
consultant and former President and 
Chief Executive Officer of Alliance 
Pipeline Ltd.

Human Resources and 
Compensation Committee
The HRCC reviews, reports and provides 
recommendations to the Board of 
Directors on the compensation of the 
Chief Executive Officer, and the 
appointment and compensation of senior 
corporate officers. It also reviews 
succession plans, the compensation 
policy for all other employees and any 
grants of share-based compensation.

AltaGas is committed to operating its 
businesses in an ethical manner. In 2006, 
we adopted a Code of Business Ethics, 
which can be viewed on our website.

The Chair of the HRCC is Daryl H. Gilbert, 
a Managing Director with JOG Capital Inc. 
and prior to that Chief Executive Officer 
of Gilbert Laustsen Jung Associates Ltd., 
consultants in reserves evaluation.

15

AltaGas 2013 Annual ReportFive-Year Financial Highlights

($ millions) 

2013

2012 

2011 1

2010 1,2 

2009 2

Revenue
Net revenue 3
Normalized operating income 3
Normalized EBITDA 3
Net income applicable to common shares
Normalized net income 3
Total assets
Total long-term liabilities
Net additions to property, plant and equipment
Dividends declared
Distributions declared 2
Normalized funds from operations 3

($ per basic share, except shares outstanding)

Normalized EBITDA 3
Net income – basic
Net income – diluted
Normalized net income 3
Dividends declared
Distributions declared per unit
Normalized funds from operations 3
Shares outstanding – basic (millions)

During the year 4
End of year

2,042.9
960.2
352.7
508.9
181.5
175.8
7,281.3
3,727.4
1,144.6
173.6
–
402.7

4.38
1.56
1.52
1.51
1.50
–
3.47

1,449.7
664.4
234.6
336.9
101.8
109.5
5,932.4
3,357.4
1,532.1
132.8
–
281.0

3.55
1.07
1.06
1.15
1.40
–
2.96

116.1
122.3

95.0
105.3

1,280.0
513.1
184.3
265.8
82.7
90.2
3,556.2
1,637.6
642.6
112.2
–
219.0

3.16
0.98
0.97
1.07
1.34
–
2.61

84.0
89.2

1,219.2
504.8
157.4
240.2
117.0
101.4
2,743.1
1,225.4
211.7
54.1
87.0
192.7

2.95
1.43
1.43
1.24
0.66
1.08
2.36

81.5
82.5

1,268.3
456.6
164.9
242.0
141.3
132.8
2,628.9
719.1
486.4
–
170.2
202.3

3.08
1.80
1.79
1.69
–
2.16
2.58

78.5
80.3

1  Results were restated to comply with US GAAP.
2  On July 1, 2010, AltaGas converted from a Trust to a Corporation.
3  Non-GAAP financial measure; see discussion in Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of the MD&A.
4  Weighted average.

Capital Structure
(%)

Funds from Operations*
($ millions)

EBITDA*
($ millions)

Operating Income* 
(%)

403

509

Preferred Shares

Common Shares

Debt

281

337

10

219

202

193

266

242

240

Gas

Power

Utilities

39

29

54

36

16

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

32

* Normalized 

* Normalized 

* Normalized 

AltaGas 2013 Annual Report 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis

The Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) of operations and Consolidated Financial Statements presented herein are provided 

to enable readers to assess the results of operations, liquidity and capital resources of AltaGas Ltd. (AltaGas or the Corporation) as at 

and for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to the year ended December 31, 2012. This MD&A dated February 26, 2014, 

should be read in conjunction with the accompanying audited Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto of AltaGas as at 

and for the year ended December 31, 2013. Effective January 1, 2012, AltaGas follows United States Generally Accepted Accounting 

Principles (US GAAP). Information derived from the Consolidated Statements of Income and Consolidated Balance Sheets for the year 

ended and as at December 31, 2011, along with other selected financial information for 2011 have been restated to comply with US 

GAAP. All prior comparative information that has been restated to US GAAP is labeled “restated”.

This MD&A contains forward-looking statements. When used in this MD&A the words “may”, “would”, “could”, “will”, “intend”, “plan”, 

“anticipate”, “believe”, “seek”, “propose”, “estimate”, “expect”, and similar expressions, as they relate to AltaGas or any affiliate of AltaGas, 

are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this MD&A contains forward-looking statements with respect to, among 

others things, business objectives, expected growth, results of operations, performance, business projects, opportunities and financial 

results. Specifically, such forward-looking statements are set forth under: “2014 Outlook” and “Growth Capital”.

These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ 

materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect AltaGas’ current views with respect to 

future events based on certain material factors and assumptions and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties including without 

limitation, changes in market competition, governmental or regulatory developments, changes in tax legislation, general economic 

conditions and other factors set out in AltaGas’ public disclosure documents.

Many factors could cause AltaGas’ or any of its business segments’ actual results, performance or achievements to vary from those 

described in this MD&A, including without limitation those listed above as well as the assumptions upon which they are based proving 

incorrect. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Factors which could cause results or events to differ from current 

expectations are discussed in the “Risk Management” section of the MD&A and may also include: capital resources and liquidity risk, 

market risk, commodity price risk, operational risk, volume declines, weather, construction, counterparty risk, environmental risk, 

regulatory risk and labour relations. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying 

forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this MD&A as intended, planned, 

anticipated, believed, sought, proposed, estimated or expected, and such forward-looking statements included in this MD&A herein 

should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this MD&A. AltaGas does not intend, and does not 

assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law. The forward-looking statements contained 

in this MD&A are expressly qualified as cautionary statements.

Financial outlook information contained in this MD&A about prospective results of operations, financial position or cash flows is based 

on assumptions about future events, including economic conditions and proposed courses of action, based on management’s assessment 

of the relevant information currently available. Readers are cautioned that such financial outlook information contained in this MD&A 

should not be used for the purposes other than for which it is disclosed herein.

Additional information relating to AltaGas can be found on its website at www.altagas.ca. The continuous disclosure materials of AltaGas, 

including its annual MD&A and Consolidated Financial Statements, Annual Information Form, Information Circular and Proxy Statement, 

material change reports and press releases, are also available through AltaGas’ website or directly through the SEDAR system at  

www.sedar.com.

17

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportALTAGAS ORGANIZATION
The businesses of AltaGas are operated by AltaGas, AltaGas Holding Partnership, AltaGas Extraction and Transmission Limited 

Partnership, AltaGas Pipeline Partnership, AltaGas Processing Partnership, AltaGas Utility Group Inc. (Utility Group), AltaGas Utility 

Holdings (Pacific) Inc., SEMCO Energy, Inc. (SEMCO) and AltaGas Power Holdings (U.S.) Inc.

OVERVIEW OF THE BUSINESS
AltaGas is a diversified energy business with a focus on investing in, and operating infrastructure to provide, clean and affordable 

energy to its customers in North America. It does so through three business segments: Gas, which includes natural gas processing 

and transportation; Power, which includes power generation assets and power purchase arrangements (PPAs) for power supply; and 

Utilities, which include five regulated utilities across North America. AltaGas has an enterprise value of approximately $9 billion. 

With the physical and economic links along the energy value chain, primarily from well head to burner tip, together with its 

experienced and talented workforce and its efficient, reliable and profitable assets, market knowledge and financial discipline, 

AltaGas has provided strong, stable and predictable returns to its investors. AltaGas focuses on maximizing the profitability of its 

assets, adding services that are complementary to its existing business segments, and growing through the acquisition and 

development of energy infrastructure.

Our midstream infrastructure 
processes and moves natural gas 
to key markets

Gas

Natural Gas
Renaissance

Utilities

Power

Our natural gas utilities 
deliver clean and affordable 
natural gas to homes 
and businesses

Our power assets 
generate clean energy 
with natural gas and 
renewable sources

Gas
AltaGas’ Gas segment serves producers in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) and transacts more than 2 Bcf/d of 

natural gas and includes natural gas gathering and processing, natural gas liquids (NGL) extraction and fractionation, transmission, 

storage and natural gas marketing. The Gas segment also includes the Corporation’s 50 percent investment in AltaGas Idemitsu Joint 

Venture Limited Partnership (AIJVLP) along with the Corporation’s 25 percent ownership interest in Petrogas Energy Corp. (Petrogas). 

AIJVLP is pursuing energy export opportunities, including long-term supply and sales arrangements to meet the growing demand for 

liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG or propane) in Asia. Petrogas is a leading North American integrated 

midstream company with an extensive logistics network consisting of over 1,500 rail cars and 24 rail and truck terminals, which 

provides key infrastructure, supply logistics and marketing expertise required to pursue LPG export opportunities. Idemitsu Kosan 

Co., Ltd. (Idemitsu), AltaGas’ partner in AIJVLP, is a global leader in the supply of energy, petroleum, lubricants and petrochemical 

products and services to Japan. Together, AltaGas, Idemitsu and Petrogas bring key infrastructure assets and marketing expertise 

along with energy supply and access to markets in Asia to pursue LPG export opportunities. 

18 AltaGas 2013 Annual Report

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisGas gathering systems move natural gas from producing wells to processing facilities. The gas is then compressed for transportation. 

The extraction and field fractionation facilities reprocess natural gas to extract and recover ethane and NGL. The transmission 

pipelines deliver natural gas and NGL to distribution systems, end users or other downstream pipelines. AltaGas buys and resells 

energy, provides gas transportation, storage and gas marketing for producers, and sources gas supply to some of its processing assets.

Power
The Power segment includes 1,096 MW of power generation capacity from gas-fired, coal-fired, wind, biomass and run-of-river assets, 

along with an additional 277 MW of run-of-river assets under construction. AltaGas owns 50 percent of the Sundance B PPA, giving 

it the rights to power output and ancillary services from coal-fired base-load generation until December 31, 2020.

In 2013, AltaGas acquired Blythe Energy Inc. (Blythe), which owns Blythe Energy Center, a 507 MW natural gas-fired power plant, 

associated major spare parts and a related 230 kV 67-mile electric transmission line in Southern California. Blythe Energy Center  

is fully contracted under a PPA with Southern California Edison (SCE) until July 31, 2020, at which point the facility is uniquely 

positioned to potentially serve both the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) and the Desert Southwest (DSW) market. 

Blythe Energy Center is located on a 76-acre site owned by AltaGas. The facility is directly connected to a Southern California Gas 

Company natural gas pipeline for its supply and interconnects with SCE and the CAISO via the 67-mile transmission line. The 

transmission line is capable of transmitting 1,100 MW and has excess capacity to meet future load growth. 

Further generation projects are in various stages of construction, including the Northwest run-of-river hydro projects (Northwest 

Projects), which consist of the 195 MW Forrest Kerr project (Forrest Kerr), the 66 MW McLymont Creek project (McLymont Creek), 

and the 16 MW Volcano Creek project (Volcano Creek). The 277 MW Northwest Projects are contracted with 60-year Energy Purchase 

Arrangements (EPAs) with BC Hydro, which are fully indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), as well as Impact Benefit Agreements 

with the Tahltan First Nation. Forrest Kerr and Volcano Creek are expected to be in service in mid-2014 and late 2014, respectively, 

contingent on the availability of the Northwest Transmission Line (NTL). McLymont Creek is expected to be in service in mid-2015. 

AltaGas is also expanding its cogeneration fleet at the Harmattan complex (Harmattan) to 45 MW. AltaGas began engineering and 

procured the combustion turbine for the new 15 MW cogeneration facility (Cogeneration III) to meet the increased power demand at 

Harmattan and to increase sales to the Alberta power market. Cogeneration III is expected to be in service in first half 2015.

Gas

Power

Utilities

149.7

122.7

* Normalized

Operating Income*
($ millions)

Invested Capital
($ millions)

Gas

Power

Utilities

154.3

EBITDA
($ millions)

Gas

Power

Utilities

244.5

113.2

378.5

184.2

877.9

143.9

AltaGas 2013 Annual Report

19

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisUtilities
The Utilities segment is comprised of natural gas distribution utilities which serve more than 550,000 customers in Canada and the 

United States. The Utilities segment in Canada is comprised of AltaGas Utilities Inc. (AUI) in Alberta, Pacific Northern Gas Ltd. (PNG) 

in British Columbia, Heritage Gas Limited (Heritage Gas) in Nova Scotia, as well as a one-third equity interest in Inuvik Gas Ltd. (Inuvik 

Gas) in the Northwest Territories. The Utilities segment in the United States is comprised of SEMCO Energy Gas Company (SEMCO 

Gas) in Michigan, and ENSTAR Natural Gas Company (ENSTAR) and a 65 percent interest in Cook Inlet Natural Gas Storage Alaska 

LLC (CINGSA), both of which are in Alaska. The utilities are generally allowed the opportunity to earn regulated returns that provide for 

recovery of costs and a return on, and of capital from the regulator-approved capital investment base.

ALTAGAS’ VISION AND OBJECTIVE
AltaGas’ vision is to be a leading North American energy infrastructure company. The Corporation’s overall objective is to generate 

superior economic returns by investing in low-risk, long-life energy assets. The Corporation focuses on assets underpinned by 

contracts with strong counterparties and regulated assets, both of which provide stable returns and long-life cash flows. The 

Corporation also focuses on growing its business through acquisitions and organic growth to further support dividend and capital 

growth. AltaGas believes that, in the long-term, the abundant supply of natural gas in North America and the worldwide demand for 

clean energy will provide opportunities for continued growth across all business segments.

STRATEGY
AltaGas invests in and operates energy infrastructure to serve producers, and to provide clean and affordable energy to its customers 

in North America. AltaGas’ strategy is to capitalize on the supply and demand for natural gas and the increasing demand for clean 

energy by owning and operating assets in gas, power and utilities. Integral to AltaGas’ strategy is maintaining financial strength and 

flexibility, an investment grade credit rating and ready access to capital markets.

AltaGas operates in a safe, reliable manner with ongoing development of organizational capability to execute its strategy.

Consistent with its mandate of overseeing and directing the Corporation’s strategic direction, the Board of Directors of AltaGas 

(Board of Directors) reviews the Corporation’s strategy on an annual basis. The Corporation continually assesses the macro and 

micro-economic trends impacting its business and seeks opportunities to generate value for shareholders, including acquisitions, 

dispositions or other strategic transactions. Opportunities pursued by AltaGas must meet strategic, operating and financial criteria.

Investing in and Operating Energy Infrastructure
Natural gas supply and demand fundamentals in North America have consistently underpinned the Corporation’s strategy. In recent 

years, the supply and demand fundamentals have been changing. Abundant supply of natural gas in North America has been driven 

by new technology that has improved the economics of unconventional gas plays, including shale, tight gas and coal bed methane. 

New technology such as horizontal drilling and multi-stage hydraulic fracture drilling allow shale and other low productivity gas 

resources to be produced more economically. The abundant supply of natural gas has been positive news for North American energy 

consumers and has led to renewed interest in natural gas as an economically priced, clean burning fuel. As a result, the use of 

natural gas for power generation and household, commercial and industrial uses is expected to increase substantially, providing 

significant opportunities across our Gas, Power and Utilities segments to add and optimize assets.

AltaGas plans to grow through expansion and optimization of its strategically located assets and through the addition of new assets 

to serve new customers and new markets. This new infrastructure is expected to include larger scale facilities supporting the vast 

reserves as well as the strong producer activity in liquids-rich areas in the WCSB. AltaGas’ strategic investment in Petrogas enhances 

the services provided by the Gas segment by offering integrated midstream services to AltaGas’ customers and creating value both 

for the Gas segment and for the Petrogas investment.

20

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportAltaGas expects that economic growth and increased demand for clean sources of power to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will 

require significant development in gas-fired generation. Within the Power segment, growth is planned through the completion of the 

projects under construction, the expansion of existing assets, and through the development of its portfolio of clean energy generation 

in North America.

Within the Utilities segment, growth is expected through expansion of the existing distribution systems to acquire new customers, fuel 

switching as abundant natural gas provides a clean low-cost energy alternative and through investment into the existing distribution 

systems to ensure safe, reliable service for our customers. There are also natural gas storage opportunities currently under development 

in Alaska and Nova Scotia to increase reliability of supply to AltaGas’ natural gas distribution customers in those areas.

The low-cost, abundant natural gas supply as well as the stable economic and political environment in Canada have also resulted in 

increased Asian demand for Canadian natural gas. Lower exports of natural gas from Canada to the United States has also increased 

the need for Canadian producers to seek new markets. In addition to owning the only natural gas pipeline to Kitimat and Prince 

Rupert, the investment in AIJVLP supports the Corporation’s efforts to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the West Coast of 

Canada. The LNG export opportunities are also expected to provide further growth for each of AltaGas’ business segments, ranging 

from natural gas processing infrastructure and pipeline development, to power generation. 

Global demand for LPG has been strong in recent years and is expected to remain high into the future. With Western Canada’s natural 

gas production becoming increasingly liquids-rich, supply to meet world NGL demand is expected to increase in AltaGas’ operating 

areas. The Corporation expects its strategic relationships with Idemitsu, a global leader in the supply of energy, petroleum, lubricants 

and petrochemical products and services, and with Petrogas and its logistics network of rail cars, terminals and storage facilities, 

to foster growth opportunities for the export of LPG to North American and world markets. 

AltaGas is an industry leading operator of energy infrastructure serving energy customers since 1994. AltaGas strives to employ the 

best available practices and technologies for integrity management systems and maintenance and operations in order to mitigate 

risks to the public, employees and the environment. Cost efficiency and operating performance are the drivers for increasing value 

as the Corporation continues to build out its portfolio of assets. Key initiatives continue to increase proficiency in managing costs 

and include changes to cost tracking systems and implementing best practice procurement strategies. Superior service, safety and 

reliability are also integral to AltaGas’ customer value proposition. AltaGas has over 1,500 employees building long-term relationships, 

and sustainable benefits in the communities in which AltaGas operates.

Maintain Financial Strength and Flexibility
Financial discipline is a fundamental cornerstone of the Corporation’s strategy. AltaGas’ financing strategy is to ensure the Corporation 

has sufficient liquidity to meet its capital requirements and do so at the lowest cost possible. As a growth-oriented energy infrastructure 

company, AltaGas creates value for its investors through minimizing its cost of capital and maximizing its return on invested capital, 

which ensures operating cash flows are maintained and growing. The Corporation develops and executes financing plans and 

strategies to maintain and improve its credit ratings, diversify its funding sources and maintain ready access to capital markets.

A key element of the Corporation’s stable business model is mitigation of exposure to certain market price risks. As a result, the 

Corporation has developed robust risk management processes that mitigate earnings volatility from commodity price risk. AltaGas 

proactively hedges interest rates, foreign exchange rates and commodity price exposures. As well, the continued management of 

counterparty credit risk remains an ongoing priority. AltaGas mitigates the foreign exchange exposure on its United States investments 

by incorporating U.S. dollar (US dollar or US$) denominated capital, both debt and preferred shares, into its financing strategy.

21

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportContinue to Develop Organizational Capability to Support the Strategy
AltaGas recognizes that to be successful in operating and constructing energy infrastructure, specific core competencies are required. 

To that end, the Corporation continues to focus on training and hiring the required competencies for executing the strategy and 

ensuring that the performance management processes support the long-term objective of creating shareholder value.

STRATEGY EXECUTION
AltaGas has successfully executed its strategy to create shareholder value and to maintain financial strength, growing from 

$2.1 billion in assets five years ago to total assets of $7.3 billion at the end of 2013. In the last three years, the Corporation has 

reported 26 percent and 6 percent compound annual growth rate in earnings and dividends per share, respectively. AltaGas delivers 

an effective balance between yield and growth.

2013 was a significant year for AltaGas, with the creation of AIJVLP and the strategic acquisition of the interest in Petrogas. These 

two developments were core to AltaGas’ energy export initiatives. In addition, AltaGas’ acquisition of Blythe increases the Corporation’s 

portfolio of clean energy with stable cash flows under a seven-year PPA. The construction of the Northwest Projects is ongoing and 

continues to proceed ahead of schedule and on budget, with Forrest Kerr and Volcano Creek expected to be in service in mid-2014 

and late 2014, respectively, and McLymont Creek expected to be in service in mid-2015. Throughout this growth cycle, the Corporation 

has maintained its financial strength and flexibility through a combination of internally-generated cash flows, the Corporation’s dividend 

reinvestment program (DRIP), and the issuance of $1.2 billion of equity and long-term debt in 2013. 

In 2013, AltaGas initiated further growth in all business lines with projects such as the completion of phase one and the development 

of the second phase of the Cold Lake expansion, with the construction of Cogeneration III at the Harmattan facility, with the expanded 

main replacement program at SEMCO, and with the compressed natural gas (CNG) developments at Heritage Gas and PNG. 

In 2013, AltaGas also completed several financing transactions demonstrating its ability to maintain financial strength and flexibility. 

The Corporation extended its debt maturity profile and lowered its cost of capital with the $300 million and US$175 million senior 

medium-term notes (MTNs) issued in series. During the year, AltaGas filed a new $4 billion base shelf prospectus on August 23, 2013, 

and completed an approximate $405 million common share issuance, a $200 million preferred share issuance, and an approximate 

$100 million common equity issuance to the vendor of Petrogas. AltaGas also replaced a number of its borrowing facilities with a new 

$1.4 billion syndicated credit facility. At the end of 2013, AltaGas had approximately $1.1 billion of available credit facilities and debt-

to-total capitalization of 53.1 percent.

During 2013, the Board of Directors approved two dividend increases for a total of a 6.25 percent increase from $1.44 per share to 

$1.53 per share on an annual basis. The dividend increases reflect the success of AltaGas’ recent asset additions across all business 

segments and the progress AltaGas has made on the Northwest Projects as well as the strength and stability of its cash flows.

22

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual Report2013 GROWTH HIGHLIGHTS
AltaGas:
•  Acquired a 507 MW natural gas-fired combined cycle plant, Blythe Energy Center for US$515 million. The facility is fully contracted 

under a PPA with SCE until July 31, 2020;

•  Completed mechanical construction for the 195 MW Forrest Kerr project, which is expected to be in service by mid-2014 contingent 

on the availability of the NTL;

•  Completed the powerhouse building, turbine foundations, powerhouse crane installation and penstock excavation for the 16 MW 

Volcano Creek project, with the penstock installation to commence in the spring of 2014. The project is expected to be in service 

in late 2014;

•  Completed construction of the intake access road and excavation of the power portal for the 66 MW McLymont Creek project. 

Excavated approximately 50 percent of the 2,800 metre power tunnel, with installation of the powerhouse foundations ongoing. 

The project is expected to be in service in mid-2015;

•  Formed AIJVLP to pursue opportunities to develop long-term natural gas supply and sales arrangements along with the liquefaction 

infrastructure to meet the growing demand for natural gas in Asia and to develop an LPG export business;

•  Acquired a 25 percent interest in Petrogas, a privately-held leading North American integrated midstream company and subsequently 

announced plans to increase its effective ownership to 33 1/3 percent; and

•  Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, PNG, AltaGas entered into Transportation Reservation Agreements (TRA) with both Douglas 

Channel Gas Services Ltd. and Triton LNG Limited Partnership (Triton LNG), a wholly-owned subsidiary of AIJVLP, for an aggregate 

of 520 Mmcf/d of natural gas transportation capacity on the proposed PNG pipeline expansion. The PNG expansion is expected 

to increase capacity of the PNG system to approximately 750 Mmcf/d;

2013 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
AltaGas:
•  Normalized net income 1 of $175.8 million ($1.51 per share) in 2013, compared to $109.5 million ($1.15 per share) in 2012;

•  Net  income  applicable  to  common  shares  of  $181.5  million  ($1.56  per  share)  in  2013,  compared  to  $101.8  million 

($1.07 per share) in 2012; 

•  Normalized EBITDA 1 of $508.9 million in 2013, compared to $336.9 million in 2012; 
•  Normalized funds from operations 1 of $402.7 million ($3.47 per share) in 2013, compared to $281.0 million ($2.96 per share) 

in 2012;

•  Dividend payout as a percentage of normalized funds from operations 1 of 43 percent in 2013, compared to 47 percent in 2012; 

•  Net debt as at December 31, 2013 of $3,201.3 million, compared to $2,690.5 million as at December 31, 2012; 

•  Debt-to-total capitalization ratio as at December 31, 2013 of 53.1 percent, compared to 57.4 percent as at December 31, 2012;

•  Issued 11,615,000 common shares on April 4, 2013, resulting in aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $405 million;

•  Issued US$175 million senior unsecured MTNs on April 12, 2013. The notes carry a floating coupon rate of three month LIBOR 

plus 0.79 percent and mature on April 13, 2015;

•  Issued $300 million senior unsecured MTNs on June 11, 2013. The notes carry a coupon rate of 3.57 percent and mature on 

June 12, 2023;

•  Filed a $4 billion base shelf prospectus on August 23, 2013, valid for 25 months;

•  Issued 8,000,000 five-year rate-reset Series E Preferred Shares on December 13, 2013 at a price of $25 per Series E Preferred 

Share for aggregate gross proceeds of $200 million; and 

•  Issued $100 million of common equity as partial consideration to the vendor of Petrogas.

1  Non-GAAP financial measure; see discussion in Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this MD&A.

23

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual Report2014 OUTLOOK
In 2014, AltaGas is expected to deliver another strong year in earnings and cash flow growth, with continued operational excellence, 

a full year of earnings from Petrogas and Blythe, the start of commercial operations of the Forrest Kerr and Volcano Creek projects, 

and improved results in the Gas segment as a result of increased producer activity in liquids-rich areas, partially offset by the impact 

of the sales of ECNG Energy L.P. (ECNG) and the Ante Creek facility (Ante Creek).

Natural gas demand in North America is expected to remain strong with increased gas consumption for power generation, industrial 

loads such as oil sands projects and NGL export projects. With the strong market demand for NGL it is expected that producers will 

continue to look to liquids-rich areas for their natural gas development.

In the Gas segment, volumes processed at plants in liquids-rich areas are expected to increase, including at the Gordondale facility 

where volumes are expected to increase to the capacity of 120 Mmcf/d and the Co-stream facility at Harmattan expected to operate 

at 250 Mmcf/d. Management estimates an average of approximately 7,300 Bbls/d will be exposed to frac spread in 2014. For 2014, 

approximately 70 percent of the estimated volumes exposed to frac spread have been hedged at an average price of approximately 

$25/Bbl prior to deducting extraction premiums.

AltaGas is expanding its Cold Lake natural gas transmission system to deliver natural gas to two heavy oil projects near Cold Lake, 

Alberta, offsetting decreased transmission volumes on existing systems. The first expansion project was completed in fourth quarter 

2013 and the second expansion project is expected to be in service in late 2014. The expansion projects are underpinned by long-

term take-or-pay transportation agreements.

In the Power segment, earnings growth is expected to be driven by the full year contribution from Blythe, and the addition of Forrest 

Kerr and Volcano Creek. Forrest Kerr and Volcano Creek are expected to generate annualized EBITDA of approximately $100 million. 

Blythe is scheduled for a major turnaround at the end of first quarter 2014 which is expected to reduce AltaGas’ capacity payment 

earnings for 2014 by approximately US$3.0 million.

For first quarter 2014, AltaGas has hedged approximately 58 percent of volumes exposed to Alberta power prices at an average price 

of $66/MWh. For the second through fourth quarters of 2014, AltaGas has hedged approximately 25 percent of volumes exposed 

to Alberta power prices at an average price of $63/MWh. On a full year basis, AltaGas is approximately one-third hedged at an average 

price of $65/MWh. Management expects to be able to continue to execute short-term hedges throughout the year at premium prices 

to the medium and long-term power prices as reflected in the current forward curves.

In the Utilities segment, AltaGas expects to continue to benefit from the normal seasonally strong first and fourth quarters due to 

the winter heating season. The Utilities are expected to report increased earnings in 2014 driven by forecasted rate base growth of 

10 percent in Canada, and continued customer growth in the United States franchise areas. If the US dollar continues to strengthen 

compared to the Canadian dollar, the earnings from SEMCO, ENSTAR and CINGSA will be proportionally higher in 2014. Earnings at 

AUI, SEMCO and ENSTAR are affected by the weather in their franchise areas. If the weather varies from the previous year, earnings 

at the utilities would be affected. In 2014, ENSTAR will file a general rate case with a decision expected in 2015. Also in the year, 

return on equity (ROE) decisions are expected for AUI and PNG, though they are not expected to materially impact results. 

24

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportGAS
Description of Assets
AltaGas’ Gas segment serves customers primarily in the WCSB and transacts more than 2 Bcf/d of natural gas including natural 

gas gathering and processing, NGL extraction and fractionation, transmission, storage and natural gas marketing. Gas gathering 

systems move natural gas from producing wells to processing facilities where impurities and certain hydrocarbon components are 

removed. The gas is then compressed to meet downstream pipelines’ operating specifications for transportation. Extraction and 

field fractionation facilities reprocess natural gas to extract and recover ethane and NGLs. AltaGas owns 1.6 Bcf/d of extraction 

processing capacity and 1.4 Bcf/d of raw field gas processing capacity. The Gas segment also includes equity investments in 

Petrogas and AIJVLP.

Transmission pipelines deliver natural gas and NGL to distribution systems, end users or other downstream pipelines. AltaGas uses 

its market knowledge and expertise to create value by buying and reselling natural gas, provides gas transportation, storage and gas 

marketing for producers, and sources gas supply to some of the Corporation’s processing assets. The Gas segment also includes 

several expansion and greenfield projects under development, including the energy export projects at AIJVLP.

On January 29, 2013, AltaGas signed an agreement with Idemitsu to form AIJVLP. AltaGas and Idemitsu each own a 50 percent 

interest in AIJVLP. AIJVLP is pursuing opportunities to develop liquefaction infrastructure, and long-term natural gas supply and sales 

arrangements to meet the growing demand for natural gas in Asia. AIJVLP is also pursuing opportunities to develop an LPG export 

business, including logistics, plant refrigeration and storage facilities.

ONTARIO

NOVA SCOTIA

MICHIGAN

Toronto

Detroit

Halifax

Major Processing
Facilities

Transmission Pipeline

Field Gathering &
Processing Area

Storage Facility

Storage Facility
Under Development

BRITISH COLUMBIA

ALBERTA

SASKATCHEWAN

Edmonton

Calgary

Regina

Vancouver

25

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportOn October 1, 2013, AltaGas completed the acquisition of a 25 percent interest in Petrogas, a privately-held leading North American 

integrated midstream company. Petrogas’ extensive logistics network consists of over 1,500 rail cars and 24 rail and truck terminals, 

which provides key infrastructure as well as supply logistics and marketing expertise required to pursue LPG export opportunities. 

On October 24, 2013 AltaGas announced it will increase its effective ownership of Petrogas to 33 1/3 percent. AltaGas plans to 

transfer its current 25 percent ownership to AIJVLP. AIJVLP will acquire an additional 41 2/3 percent interest in Petrogas. As a result 

of the transaction, Petrogas will be owned one-third by each of AltaGas, Idemitsu, and its current majority shareholder. All regulatory 

approvals have been obtained and the transaction is expected to close on March 1, 2014. 

The Gas segment includes:

•  Interests in six NGL extraction plants with net licensed inlet capacity of 1.6 Bcf/d. The extraction assets provide stable fixed-fee 

or cost of service type revenues and margin based revenues;

•  Four natural gas transmission systems with combined transportation capacity of approximately 0.5 Bcf/d and four NGL pipelines 

with combined capacity of 189,300 Bbls/d. The transmission assets provide stable take-or-pay based revenues;

•  More than 70 gathering and processing facilities in 32 operating areas in Western Canada and a network of 6,600 km of gathering 

and sales lines that gather gas upstream of processing facilities and deliver natural gas into downstream pipeline systems that 

feed North American natural gas markets. The field facilities provide fee-for-service revenues based on volumes processed. 

A significant portion of contracts flow through operating costs to producers; 

•  50 percent ownership of the 5.3 Bcf Sarnia natural gas storage facility connected to the Dawn Hub in Eastern Canada; 

•  A natural gas storage development project in Nova Scotia;

•  Natural gas marketing and gas transportation services to optimize the value of the infrastructure assets and meet customer needs;

•  50 percent ownership of AIJVLP which is developing LNG and LPG export opportunities from the West Coast of Canada to Asia; and 

•  25 percent ownership in Petrogas, a leading North American integrated midstream company.

The Gas segment provides safe and reliable natural gas and liquids gathering, processing, extraction, transportation and storage 

services to its customers. The strategic focus is to increase profitability of the existing infrastructure, expand and add new 

infrastructure, and redeploy assets in areas with increased exploration and drilling activities in the WCSB. AltaGas also focuses on 

long-term, fixed-fee, take-or-pay and cost-of-service contracts with strong counterparties to mitigate the impact of volume risk and 

increase stability of earnings.

The Corporation employs a frac hedging strategy which is designed to reduce market commodity exposure. This hedging strategy is 

integrated with the Power segment’s hedging strategy with respect to AltaGas’ combined exposure to commodities.

26

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportCapitalize on Opportunities
AltaGas plans to grow its gas business through expansion and optimization of its strategically located assets and through the addition 

of new assets to serve new customers and new markets. This new infrastructure is expected to be larger scale facilities supporting 

the vast reserves in the WCSB as well as the strong producer activity in liquids-rich areas. AltaGas’ strategic investment in Petrogas 

enhances the services provided by the Gas segment by offering integrated midstream services to AltaGas’ customers and creating 

long-term value both for the Gas segment and for the Petrogas investment. The Corporation’s objectives are to:

•  Capitalize on the infrastructure growth opportunities associated with growing natural gas supply in the WCSB;

•  Increase throughput, utilization and efficiency of existing facilities;

•  Provide the most cost-effective midstream services while delivering reliable and safe operations;

•  Mitigate volume risk by directly recovering operating costs from customers and employing other contractual arrangements to 

mitigate the impact of declining volumes;

•  Acquire and develop new gas infrastructure assets to meet customers’ needs; 

•  Expand into new natural gas infrastructure markets such as regional LNG; and

•  Enhance operational efficiencies and returns through consolidation of facilities, plant upgrades and integration of business lines 

across the energy value chain.

In recent years, the WCSB has changed from a maturing basin to one with significant growth potential. AltaGas remains confident 

that the long-term demand for natural gas, combined with improvements in exploration, drilling and completion technology, will support 

the long-term viability of the WCSB. The emergence of unconventional gas plays in the WCSB such as Montney, Duvernay and 

Glauconite, as well as increased focus on horizontal multi-fracturing technology have resulted in abundant natural gas supply. AltaGas 

expects growing demand for processing infrastructure in the WCSB as natural gas supply increases. Strong NGL prices have continued 

to drive producer focus on liquids-rich natural gas and oil thereby increasing the demand for processing capacity that allows producers 

to earn higher netbacks on liquids-rich gas and associated gas from increasing oil production.

The market demand, including the demand generated from the potential LPG and LNG export projects on the West Coast of Canada, 

provides significant growth opportunities in the Corporation’s Gas segment. AltaGas expects to capitalize on these opportunities by 

increasing throughput at facilities, by increasing interests in existing plants, and acquiring and constructing new facilities in areas 

with growing demand for natural gas processing, extraction, storage and transmission capacity. 

AltaGas is pursuing a regional LNG business to supply LNG to remote industries and communities for power generation and space 

heating in northeastern British Columbia and Northern Canada.

The natural gas supply to AltaGas’ extraction plants, with the exception of Harmattan and Younger extraction plant (Younger), depends 

on natural gas demand pull from residential, commercial and industrial usages inside and outside of Western Canada, and gas liquids 

demand pull from the Alberta petrochemical market and propane heating. Natural gas supply to Younger is dependent on the amount 

of raw natural gas processed at the McMahon gas plant, which is based on the robust natural gas producing region of northeastern 

British Columbia. Harmattan’s raw natural gas supply is based on producer activity in the west-central region of Alberta. Harmattan 

is the only deep-cut and fractionation plant in the area, and is the third largest producer of NGL in the WCSB. There is significant 

demand for gas processing capacity at Harmattan as a result of the high volume of liquids-rich gas being produced in the area. The 

Co-stream facility at Harmattan completed in late 2012 is an example of optimizing and growing the existing assets while increasing 

the utilization at the existing plant. 

27

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportAltaGas also expects to see increased opportunities to acquire or build gathering and processing infrastructure, from or on behalf 

of, producers wishing to redeploy capital to exploration and production activities, rather than to non-core activities such as gas 

processing. The Corporation expects there to be opportunities to increase volumes by tying in new wells and building or purchasing 

adjoining facilities and systems to create larger processing infrastructure to capture operating synergies and enhance its competitive 

advantage. The strategic location of some of its existing gas processing infrastructure is expected to benefit from growing natural 

gas production in northeastern British Columbia and northwestern Alberta, in response to the development of unconventional sources 

of gas, such as Montney and Duvernay shale gas plays. In addition, AltaGas is able to relocate units quickly and cost effectively to 

respond to the changing processing needs of its customers with certain skid-mounted field gas compression and processing units. 

The new Gordondale gas plant and the expansion of Blair Creek facility are meeting liquids extraction needs in the Montney area as 

producers seek to increase netbacks by capitalizing on liquids-rich gas in this prolific area. The contractual underpinning of the 

Gordondale and Blair Creek facilities provides stable cash flows. Overall, the diverse nature of AltaGas’ natural gas and NGL 

infrastructure should provide ongoing opportunities for AltaGas to increase throughput, utilization and profitability.

Due to the integrated nature of AltaGas’ gas gathering and processing assets, transmission services are often offered in 

combination with gathering and processing, natural gas marketing and extraction services. AltaGas works with customers to create 

transmission solutions in areas where pipeline capacity is required to meet producer and end-user demands. This integrated 

service model has been enhanced further with the ownership interest in Petrogas. Petrogas provides logistics and market services 

which can be offered as additional value to AltaGas’ customers. AltaGas also pursues additional opportunities to enhance the 

value of its infrastructure through services ancillary to its infrastructure based businesses. These include maintaining the cost-

effective flow of gas through extraction plants and increasing services provided to producers. AltaGas has significant gas and 

power market knowledge which it employs across all its assets to enhance value along the energy value chain and more effectively 

serve customers’ needs.

28

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportPOWER
Description of Assets
The Power segment includes 1,096 MW of generating capacity from coal-fired, wind, gas-fired, biomass and run-of-river assets. Further 

power generation of 1,422 MW is in various stages of construction and development including 277 MW for the Northwest Projects, 

of which 211 MW are scheduled for completion in 2014.

AltaGas continues to expand its footprint into the United States and at the end of 2013 owned 557 MW of generating capacity in 

the United States. On May 16, 2013, AltaGas acquired the 507 MW Blythe Energy Center. The gas-fired generation capacity at Blythe 

Energy Center is currently operating under a long-term PPA with SCE and serves the CAISO market. Due to the structure of the long-

term PPA, the majority of the facility’s revenues are derived from being available to produce power and not actual production, therefore 

providing stable cash flows. The current capacity is contracted until July 31, 2020, at which point the facility is uniquely positioned 

to potentially serve both the CAISO and DSW market. Blythe Energy Center is located on an owned 76-acre site which provides a 

significant geographic footprint to support future expansions. The facility is directly connected to a Southern California Gas Company 

natural gas pipeline for its supply and interconnects with SCE and the CAISO via 67-mile transmission line. The facility also has the 

capability of directly reconnecting to the DSW market. The transmission line is capable of transmitting 1,100 MW and has excess 

capacity to meet future load growth. Blythe adds to the wind and biomass assets acquired in the United States in 2012. 

AltaGas owns a 50 percent interest in the Busch Ranch wind farm (Busch Ranch), a 29 MW wind farm in Colorado with a 25-year 

PPA with the local utility, which came into service in October 2012. AltaGas’ biomass assets include a 30 percent working interest 

in the 37 MW wood biomass power facility in Grayling, Michigan and a 50 percent working interest in the 48 MW wood biomass power 

facility in Craven County, North Carolina. Both biomass facilities have long-term PPAs.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

ALBERTA

MANITOBA

MICHIGAN

Edmonton

Detroit

Coal-Fired Power Generation

Vancouver

Calgary

Winnipeg

Wind Power Generation

Wind Power Generation
Under Development

Hydro Power Generation

Hydro Power Generation
Under Development

Hydro Power Generation
Under Construction

Biomass Power Generation

Gas-Fired Power
Generation

Denver

COLORADO

Bismarck

Sacramento

NORTH DAKOTA

Santa Fe

NEW MEXICO

NORTH CAROLINA

CALIFORNIA

Los Angeles

Blythe

Charlotte

29

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportThe Power segment includes:

•  507 MW of gas-fired generating capacity in California at Blythe Energy Center;

•  353 MW of coal-fired generating capacity in Alberta through the Sundance B PPA. AltaGas employs an economic hedging strategy 

to mitigate the exposure to Alberta spot power prices;

•  117 MW of wind generation and a further 1,087 MW in various stages of development. All operating wind generation is sold via 

long-term EPAs;

•  42 MW of gas-fired peaking plants in Alberta and a further 3 MW under construction. These gas-fired facilities provide partial 

backstopping to the Sundance B PPA;

•  35 MW of biomass generation in the United States. The plants have long-term EPAs with strong counterparties;

•  30 MW of cogeneration capacity in Alberta and a further 15 MW under construction;

•  12 MW of operating run-of-river generation, a further 277 MW under construction, and 40 MW under development. All run-of-river 

have long-term EPAs, 277 MW of the generation has 60-year EPAs; and

•  Commercial and Industrial (C&I) power sales in Alberta which provide further opportunities to hedge a portion of the Alberta 

generation for periods of one to five years.

The Corporation employs a power economic hedging strategy which is designed to balance market and operational risk related to 

the Sundance B PPA, thereby reducing the exposure to Alberta spot power prices and providing earnings stability in the Power 

segment. AltaGas also sells power to C&I end-users in Alberta, providing further earnings stability. Counterparties are subject to 

credit reviews and credit thresholds in the normal course of business. This hedging strategy is integrated with the Gas segment’s 

hedging strategy with respect to AltaGas’ combined exposure to commodities.

Growth in the Power segment aligns with AltaGas’ strategy of generating clean energy and increasing earnings and cash flow stability 

and predictability. AltaGas’ most significant undertaking to date is the construction of the three Northwest Projects, with total 

generating capacity of 277 MW. The 195 MW Forrest Kerr project is mechanically complete, and commissioning is ongoing. The 

project’s in-service date is mid-2014, contingent on the availability of the NTL. Construction continues to progress well for the two 

smaller projects, 16 MW Volcano Creek and 66 MW McLymont Creek. These projects are expected to be in service in late 2014 and 

mid-2015, respectively. The Northwest Projects, estimated to cost approximately $1.0 billion, are contracted with 60-year EPAs with 

BC Hydro, fully indexed to the CPI, as well as Impact Benefit Agreements with the Tahltan First Nation.

Capitalize on Opportunities
AltaGas pursues opportunities in the Power segment to deliver value to its customers and enhance long-term shareholder value. The 

Corporation’s objectives are to:

•  Capitalize on North American demand for clean energy;

•  Grow and diversify the power generation portfolio by geography and fuel source;

•  Acquire and develop power infrastructure backstopped by long-term power sales arrangements or supported by strong power supply 

and demand fundamentals;

•  Execute power hedges to balance operational and market risk and to increase earnings stability from its Alberta power assets;

•  Operate and dispatch the gas-fired peaking capacity to maximize revenue from both energy sales and ancillary services; and

•  Minimize operating costs across its entire fleet of power generating assets.

AltaGas’ strategy is to build, own and operate long-life, low-risk power infrastructure assets to deliver strong, stable returns for 

investors. Growth is focused on gas-fired and renewable sources of clean energy as the Corporation seeks to capitalize on increasing 

demand for clean power while reducing its carbon footprint.

30

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportThe demand for clean energy continues to be strong across North America, as the industry addresses climate change legislation 

and utilities are faced with renewable portfolio standards. Although coal-fired generation is still the dominant fuel source for power 

generation in North America, it is decreasing in market share based on economic fundamentals. Decreasing natural gas costs have 

made it such that gas-fired generation can compete on a marginal cost basis with coal in many parts of the United States. The 

economic benefit of gas-fired generation is amplified by capital costs and dispatch flexibility are accounted for.

The Sundance facility is among the lowest cost producers of power in Alberta, uniquely positioning AltaGas to maintain profitable 

operations during difficult economic conditions. The evolution of the Rate-Regulated Option (RRO) has changed the wholesale power 

market dynamics in Alberta. As of January 30, 2013, companies that offer the RRO are allowed to buy electricity up to 120 days in 

advance, as opposed to the 45-day lead time previously in effect. This change may reduce sudden price spikes for consumers. RRO 

providers submit their regulated rate proposals to the appropriate regulatory body for approval. The Alberta Utilities Commission 

(AUC) regulates investor owned utilities and approves RRO rates for the cities of Calgary and Edmonton, and rural Alberta. The RRO 

pricing mechanism has lowered liquidity in the long-term market. While the changing market dynamics have presented opportunities 

for AltaGas to benefit from the short-term price volatility, the RRO pricing mechanism results in fewer opportunities to enter into long-

term hedges.

AltaGas actively markets electricity and gas directly to end users, enabling the Corporation to secure fixed price sales at competitive 

market prices while earning fees associated with the administration of the metered data and billing. These C&I sales are typically 

for 3 to 5-year terms. A portion of the electricity sales are used to secure long-term power sales for AltaGas’ Alberta generation 

portfolio, offering AltaGas price certainty and a source of liquidity that has decreased in the wholesale market. C&I customers are 

also supplied through long-term power purchases from third parties. Currently, AltaGas has approximately 125 MW of fixed price 

sales to C&I customers for 2014, 100 MW for 2015, 30 MW for 2016, and 20 MW for 2017, with average prices in the low $60s 

per MWh, excluding retail fees.

Opportunities to develop and own additional power generation are likely to arise with the growing North American demand for cleaner 

energy sources such as natural gas, hydroelectric and wind. Both the Canadian federal government’s stated policy to have coal-fired 

generators retire at the end of their useful economic lives, and the Once Through Cooling Water Policy for power generating facility 

intake structures in California, may prompt additional opportunities to develop new clean power generation capacity. Blythe Energy 

Center, Bear Mountain Wind Park (Bear Mountain), Busch Ranch, Grayling Generating Station, Craven County wood biomass power 

facility and the Northwest Projects under construction are all examples of AltaGas’ strategy in action.

AltaGas has approximately 1,127 MW of renewable power under development, including 1,087 MW of wind power and 40 MW of 

run-of-river hydroelectric, along with 277 MW run-of-river hydroelectric under construction and 18 MW of gas-fired power under 

construction. The wind projects are geographically dispersed in western North America, with 612 MW in Canada and 475 MW in the 

northern and western regions of United States, while the run-of-river projects are located in British Columbia.

In 2013, there was considerable progress made in the natural gas industry in developing LNG projects in Western Canada. The 

potential addition of LNG export facilities is expected to require additional power generation to support the LNG facilities and the 

increased economic and industrial activity expected to occur in the region. The strategic location of AltaGas’ assets and operational 

expertise, along with a track record of collaborating with the First Nations in British Columbia, provide AltaGas a significant 

competitive advantage in its ability to capitalize on opportunities to increase its power generation portfolio to support LNG activities 

as they materialize.

31

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportUTILITIES
Description of Assets
AltaGas owns and operates utility assets that deliver natural gas to end-users in Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Michigan 

and Alaska. AltaGas also owns a one-third equity interest in the utility which delivers natural gas to end-users in Inuvik, Northwest 

Territories.

The utilities are underpinned by regulated returns and regulatory regimes that generally provide stable earnings and cash flows. The 

Utilities segment enhances the diversification of AltaGas’ portfolio of energy infrastructure assets and strengthens the Corporation’s 

business profile, thus allowing the Corporation to meet its objective of generating superior economic returns by investing in regulated, 

long-life assets with stable earnings.

AUI in Alberta, PNG in British Columbia, Heritage Gas in Nova Scotia, SEMCO Gas in Michigan, and ENSTAR and CINGSA in Alaska 

are allowed the opportunity to earn regulated returns. This return on rate base comprises regulator allowed financing costs and ROE. 

In a cost of service regime and Performance Based Regulation (PBR) regime, if actual costs are different from those recoverable 

through approved rates, the utility bears the risk of this difference other than for certain costs that are subject to deferral treatment. 

Inuvik Gas operates a natural gas distribution franchise in a regulatory environment where delivery service and natural gas pricing 

are market based.

Earnings in the Utilities segment are seasonal, as revenues are primarily based on the demand for space heating in the winter months, 

mainly from November to March. Costs, on the other hand, are generally incurred more uniformly over the year. This typically results 

in stronger first and fourth quarters and weaker second and third quarters. In Alberta, Nova Scotia, Michigan and Alaska, earnings 

can be impacted by variations from normal weather resulting in delivered volumes being different than anticipated. Increases in the 

number of customers, or changes in customer usage, are other factors that might typically affect delivered volumes and hence actual 

earned returns for the Utilities segment. PNG is authorized by the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) to maintain a Revenue 

Stabilization Adjustment Mechanism regulatory account to mitigate the effect on its earnings of deliveries to certain customers 

caused principally by volatility in weather and the impact on deliveries.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

ALBERTA

Fort St. John

NOVA SCOTIA

Pictou

Guysborough

Cumberland

Colchester

East Hants

Halifax

Halifax

Gas Distribution Area

Transmission Pipeline

Prince Rupert

Kitimat

MICHIGAN

Edmonton 

ALASKA

Anchorage

32

Calgary

Vancouver

Detroit

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportSEMCO Energy, Inc.

SEMCO, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, owns and operates ENSTAR, a regulated natural gas distribution utility in Alaska and a 

65 percent interest in CINGSA, a regulated natural gas storage utility in Alaska. SEMCO also owns and operates, through a wholly-

owned subsidiary, SEMCO Gas, a regulated natural gas distribution utility in Michigan and an interest in a regulated natural gas 

storage facility in Michigan.

At the end of 2013, SEMCO Gas had approximately 300,000 customers and ENSTAR had approximately 136,000 customers 

(including regulated, transportation and non-regulated business lines). Of these customers, approximately 91 percent are residential. 

In 2013, SEMCO Gas and ENSTAR experienced customer growth of approximately 1.0 and 1.5 percent, respectively, reflecting growth 

in the franchise areas and customer conversions with the favorable price of natural gas.

The rate base at year-end was approximately US$444 million for SEMCO Gas, US$225 million for ENSTAR and US$104 million for 

CINGSA (AltaGas’ 65 percent share).

In 2013, the approved regulated ROE for SEMCO Gas was 10.35 percent on 50 percent equity, while the approved regulated return 

for ENSTAR was 12.55 percent on 51.4 percent equity and the approved regulated rate of return for CINGSA was 12.55 percent on 

50 percent equity.

In December 2012, SEMCO Gas filed an application with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) seeking to amend the 

Main Replacement Program (MRP) effective in 2013. SEMCO Gas proposed to double the amount spent annually on the MRP from 

$4.4 million to $8.8 million; to double the miles of main replaced from 13 miles to 26 miles; to include vintage plastic main as 

eligible main, and to increase the MRP surcharge to recover the incremental capital costs associated with the MRP. On May 29, 2013, 

the MPSC issued an order approving SEMCO Gas’ application. Revised surcharges generating incremental revenue are effective for 

the period June 1, 2013, through May 30, 2017.

ENSTAR will apply for updated rates in 2014 which are expected to be decided upon in 2015. The application is mandated by the 

settlement of ENSTAR’s last rate case in 2010 and is expected to reflect the investments ENSTAR has made since 2009. SEMCO 

Gas is not expecting to apply for updated rates in 2014, but continues to assess if it will apply in 2015 or later. CINGSA is required 

to further update its rates in 2014 to reflect actual construction and operating costs. The CINGSA rate case is not expected to 

materially impact results. CINGSA is also required to file a base rate case with the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) in mid-

2017 based upon data from a test year ending December 31, 2016. SEMCO Gas, ENSTAR and CINGSA operate under cost-of-service 

regulation and utilize actual results from the most recent completed fiscal year along with known and measureable changes in their 

application for new rates.

AltaGas Utilities Inc.

AUI owns and operates a regulated natural gas distribution utility in Alberta. At the end of 2013, AUI served approximately 75,000 

customers. AUI’s customers are primarily residential and small commercial consumers located in smaller population centers or rural 

areas of Alberta. Customer growth in 2013 was 2 percent, reflecting the continued strong growth of the Alberta market.

AUI’s rate base at year-end was approximately $204 million.

For 2013, AUI’s approved placeholder for regulated ROE was 8.75 percent (2012 – 8.75 percent) on a prescribed capital structure 

of 43 percent equity and 57 percent debt. In 2013, the AUC commenced a Generic Cost of Capital (GCOC) proceeding for which a 

hearing is scheduled in second quarter 2014. The decision, which will establish the ROE and capital structures for all AUC regulated 

utilities for 2013, 2014 and, possibly, future years, is not expected prior to fourth quarter 2014.

33

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportAUI is currently operating under a revenue cap per customer formula under PBR, a regulation that commenced with Alberta electric 

and natural gas distribution companies January 1, 2013 in place of the existing cost-of-service regulatory system. Under the PBR 

framework, utility rates are set using a formula that adjusts the prior year’s rates for inflation, productivity, exogenous events, extra 

capital invested and other factors. The PBR framework is intended to incentivize utilities to be more efficient. The 2013 interim rates 

were approximately 2.65 percent higher than those approved for 2012 with a decision on final rates from the AUC expected in the 

second quarter of 2014. The initial PBR term will last for five years and the AUC will make a determination at the end of the initial 

term as to how it will proceed for future years. It is expected that AUI’s framework will fundamentally remain a cost-of-service 

framework, however, the continued use of PBR is not known at this time.

In addition to capital expansion for new business and general plant, AUI spent $11.5 million in 2013 on its multi-year system 

rejuvenation program. This program is being undertaken to maintain public and worker safety and to ensure reliable and efficient 

long-term operation of AUI’s gas delivery systems, many of which are in their fifth and sixth decade of service. Capital investment 

under the rejuvenation program has been allowed by the regulator as an adjustment factor to the PBR rate resulting in AUI earning 

its rate of return on the capital. 

Pacific Northern Gas Ltd.

PNG operates a transmission and distribution system in the west central portion of northern British Columbia (PNG West) and in the 

areas of Dawson Creek and Fort St. John in northeastern British Columbia (PNG NE). PNG is also proposing to the BCUC a CNG filling 

station in northeastern British Columbia to serve additional customers in Dawson Creek and Tumbler Ridge. At the end of 2013, PNG 

served approximately 40,000 customers. Customer growth in 2013 was 0.9 percent, which is strong for PNG’s mature network. PNG’s 

residential customers comprised approximately 87 percent of its total customers. 

PNG’s rate base at year-end was approximately $180 million.

PNG is regulated by the BCUC. PNG is currently a participant in the GCOC proceeding established by the BCUC during 2012, which will 

determine the approved ROE for 2013 and possibly beyond. For PNG West and Tumbler Ridge division in PNG NE, PNG has proposed a 

50 percent common equity ratio and a 9.75 percent common equity return which is one percent over the BCUC benchmark. For 

Fort St. John/Dawson Creek division in PNG NE, PNG has proposed a 45 percent common equity ratio and a 9.25 percent common 

equity return. A decision is expected in first half 2014.

PNG operates under cost-of-service regulation and filed its 2014 revenue requirement in November 2013. The applications sought 

approval to increase 2013 approved rates on an interim basis effective January 1, 2014 pending the BCUC’s review of the applications. 

The BCUC approved interim rates effective January 1, 2014 at the levels set forth in the applications. The decision on 2014 revenue 

requirement application is expected in the third quarter of 2014. 

34

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportHeritage Gas Limited

Heritage Gas has the exclusive rights to distribute natural gas through its distribution system to all or part of six counties in Nova 

Scotia, including the Halifax Regional Municipality. At the end of 2013, Heritage Gas had over 5,000 customers. Customer growth 

in 2013 was 17 percent reflecting Heritage Gas’ relatively new presence in the Nova Scotia energy market. Heritage Gas has a 

relatively balanced mix of residential, small commercial and large commercial customers.

Heritage Gas’ rate base at year-end was approximately $220 million.

For 2013, Heritage Gas’ approved regulated ROE was 11 percent (2012 – 11 percent) and debt recovery rate of 7.25 percent 

(2012 – 7.25 percent) on a prescribed capital structure of 45 percent equity and 55 percent debt.

Heritage Gas operates under cost of service regulation. Heritage Gas is regulated by the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board 

(NSUARB). Heritage Gas is not expecting to apply for updated rates in 2014, but continues to assess if it will apply in 2015 or later.

In 2012, Heritage Gas began to develop a CNG distribution system which will allow customers not connected through the distribution 

infrastructure to gain access to natural gas. Heritage Gas invested $8.7 million into the CNG business in 2013 (2012 – $3.7 million) 

and operations commenced in May 2013. This CNG project is being developed and operated initially as a non-regulated business.

Inuvik Gas Ltd. & Ikhil Joint Venture

AltaGas has a one-third equity interest in Inuvik Gas and a 33.3335 percent interest in the Ikhil Joint Venture (Ikhil) natural gas 

reserves, which supply Inuvik Gas with natural gas to be delivered to the Town of Inuvik. The Ikhil natural gas reserves have depleted 

more rapidly than expected. As such, alternative energy sources are being pursued. Inuvik Gas has installed a propane air mixture 

system to produce synthetic natural gas. Potential long-term energy solutions are being investigated and work continues with the 

Town of Inuvik, the government of Northwest Territories and other parties. In August 2013, Inuvik Gas gave notice to the Town of 

Inuvik that they did not intend on extending the natural gas distribution franchise when it expires in August 2014.

Capitalize on Opportunities
While providing safe and reliable service, AltaGas pursues opportunities in the Utilities segment to deliver value to its customers 

and enhance long-term shareholder value. The Corporation’s objectives are to:

•  Grow its existing utility infrastructure through infill and expansion of services within current franchise or certificate areas;

•  Continue to upgrade the delivery systems within each utility to maintain public and worker safety, and to ensure reliable and efficient 

long-term operation of the gas delivery systems;

•  Continue to work within regulatory processes to ensure fair returns are earned for shareholders;

•  Develop rate-regulated infrastructure supporting the growth of LNG exports to Asia; and

•  Develop or acquire assets in new market areas in Canada and in the United States.

AltaGas expects to grow its existing utility infrastructure with customer growth in the franchise areas and through the conversion of 

users of alternative energy sources to natural gas. The growth rate of new customers varies amongst the Corporation’s utilities with 

Heritage Gas seeing significant growth as it penetrates its market while mature utilities such as AUI and SEMCO Gas see more 

moderate growth rates which are generally tied closely to the economic growth of the region.

Certain of AltaGas’ utilities have delivery system upgrade programs underway. SEMCO Gas has the MRP program which is replacing 

26 miles per year of vintage plastic main. AUI has a multi-year system rejuvenation program which is replacing certain infrastructure, 

much of which is in its fifth and sixth decade of service.

AltaGas’ wholly-owned subsidiary PNG is pursuing an expansion of approximately 600 Mmcf/d on its transmission line. The expansion 

would be part of PNG’s regulated asset base and would provide transportation infrastructure for the export of LNG from the West Coast 

of Canada.

35

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL REVIEW

Years ended December 31 ($ millions) 

Revenue
Net revenue 1 
Normalized operating income 1
Normalized EBITDA 1 
Net income applicable to common shares
Normalized net income 1
Total assets
Total long-term liabilities
Net additions to property, plant and equipment
Dividends declared 2
Cash flows

Normalized funds from operations 1

2013

2012

2,042.9
960.2
352.7
508.9
181.5
175.8
7,281.3
3,727.4
1,144.6
173.6

1,449.7
664.4
234.6
336.9
101.8
109.5
5,932.4
3,357.4
1,532.1
132.8

2011
(restated)
1,280.0
513.1
184.3
265.8
82.7
90.2
3,556.2
1,637.6
642.6
112.2

402.7

281.0

219.0

($ per share, except shares outstanding)

2013

2012

Normalized EBITDA 1
Net income – basic
Net income – diluted
Normalized net income 1
Dividends declared 2
Cash flows

Normalized funds from operations 1
Shares outstanding – basic (millions)

During the year 3
End of year

4.38
1.56
1.52
1.51
1.50

3.47

3.55
1.07
1.06
1.15
1.40

2.96

116.1
122.3

95.0
105.3

2011
(restated)
3.16
0.98
0.97
1.07
1.34

2.61

84.0
89.2

1  Non-GAAP financial measure; see discussion in Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this MD&A.
2  Dividends declared per common share per month of $0.11 beginning July 1, 2010, $0.115 beginning October 27, 2011, 

$0.12 beginning September 10, 2012, $0.125 beginning April 24, 2013 and $0.1275 beginning July 31, 2013.

3  Weighted average.

FULL YEAR 2013 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL REVIEW
Normalized net income was $175.8 million ($1.51 per share) for 2013, an increase of 61 percent compared to $109.5 million 

($1.15 per share) reported for 2012. Results for 2013 reflect the strength of AltaGas’ operations and the positive contributions from 

growth across all business segments in the year.

Normalized net income increased in the year primarily due to the addition of SEMCO in August 2012 and Blythe in May 2013, both of 

which exceeded expectations. The Corporation also benefitted from higher realized power prices in Alberta, adjustments to the deferred 

tax liability, increased volumes processed in the Gas segment, earnings contribution from Petrogas, and colder weather in Alberta, 

Michigan and Nova Scotia. These increases were partially offset by higher interest expense as a result of financing the Corporation’s 

growth projects, lower realized frac prices, lower transmission revenue, and higher general and administrative expenses. 

36

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportNet income applicable to common shares for 2013 was $181.5 million ($1.56 per share) compared to $101.8 million ($1.07 per 

share) for 2012. In addition to the factors described in normalized net income, PNG received regulatory approval for the amended 

acquisition agreement for the sale of its interest in Pacific Trail Pipelines Limited Partnership (PTP) resulting in a $32.8 million 

after-tax gain. The Corporation also recorded after-tax provisions of $16.5 million related to certain non-core gas and utility assets 

which are expected to be sold and a $3.2 million write-off of certain power assets in 2013. On December 16, 2013, AltaGas sold 

ECNG, an energy management business in Burlington, Ontario, resulting in an after-tax gain of $2.9 million. In addition to these 

amounts, net income applicable to common shares for 2013 also included unrealized losses on risk management contracts, 

realized and unrealized gain (loss) on long-term investments, development costs incurred at AIJVLP, the impact of statutory tax 

rate changes, and acquisition related transaction costs.

Increased earnings also resulted in growth in cash flow for 2013. Normalized EBITDA for 2013 was $508.9 million, a 51 percent 

increase, compared to $336.9 million for 2012. Normalized funds from operations for 2013 increased 43 percent to $402.7 million 

($3.47 per share), compared to $281.0 million ($2.96 per share) for 2012. 

Normalized operating income for 2013 was $352.7 million, 50 percent higher compared to $234.6 million for 2012. Normalized 

operating results were driven by the same factors as described above related to normalized net income excluding interest expense 

and income taxes.

Operating and administrative expense for 2013 was $430.5 million, compared to $323.0 million for 2012. The increases were primarily 

due to growth in assets and the energy export development initiatives in 2013. Amortization expense for 2013 was $152.5 million 

compared to $99.3 million for 2012 mainly due to the asset growth of the Corporation. In 2013, $22.6 million of provisions related to 

non-core assets were recorded, compared to $2.9 million in 2012. Accretion expense for 2013 was $3.7 million compared to 

$3.1 million for 2012. 

Interest expense for 2013 was $102.1 million compared to $61.2 million for 2012. Interest expense increased due to a higher average 

debt balance of $2,966.4 million for 2013, compared to $1,894.8 million for 2012, and due to a lower capitalized interest of 

$30.6 million in 2013, compared to $35.2 million in 2012. The higher average debt balance was a result of the Corporation’s growth 

in the past year, primarily due to the addition of SEMCO and Blythe, the construction of the Northwest Projects, the acquisition of a 

25 percent interest in Petrogas and the addition of gas projects constructed in 2012. The increase in interest expense was partially 

offset by a lower average borrowing rate of 4.5 percent in 2013 (2012 – 5.1 percent).

AltaGas recorded income tax expense of $40.1 million for 2013 compared to $46.1 million for 2012. Income tax expense decreased 

as a result of adjustments to deferred income tax liabilities, unrealized losses on risk management contracts and an income tax 

recovery resulting from the enactment of a Canadian tax amendment that increased the deduction arising from the tax on dividends 

paid on preferred shares in the current and prior years. The decrease in income tax expense was partially offset by higher earnings 

from the businesses and the gains on asset dispositions during the year.

GROWTH CAPITAL
Based on projects currently under review, development or construction, AltaGas expects capital expenditures in the range of 

$400 million to $500 million for 2014. The Corporation continues to focus on enhancing productivity and streamlining businesses, 

including the disposition of smaller non-core assets.

AltaGas’ committed capital program is fully funded through internally-generated cash flow, the DRIP, and available bank lines. As at 

December 31, 2013, the Corporation had approximately $1.1 billion available on its credit facilities. 

Northwest Projects
The Northwest Projects consist of three run-of-river hydroelectric projects in northwestern British Columbia: Forrest Kerr, Volcano Creek 

and McLymont Creek. All three projects are currently in various phases of construction. The 277 MW Northwest Projects are contracted 

with 60-year EPAs with BC Hydro fully indexed to the CPI, as well as Impact Benefit Agreements with the Tahltan First Nation.

37

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportForrest Kerr

Construction of the 195 MW Forrest Kerr run-of-river project continues ahead of schedule and on budget. The nine turbine generator 

units are assembled, aligned and grouted into position. The project is mechanically complete and commissioning is ongoing with 

in-service date expected to be in mid-2014, contingent on the availability of the NTL. Based on progress made over the past six 

months, AltaGas expects the NTL to be available in time to enable Forrest Kerr to be in service by mid-2014.

Volcano Creek

Construction continues to progress well on the 16 MW Volcano Creek run-of-river project. Intake construction and weir installation 

have been completed. The powerhouse building, turbine foundations and powerhouse crane installation have also been completed. 

The penstock excavation is complete with penstock installation to commence in the spring of 2014. The project is expected to be 

in service in late 2014.

McLymont Creek

Construction continues to progress well on the 66 MW McLymont Creek run-of-river project. Construction of the 7-kilometre McLymont 

Creek intake access road is complete. Excavation of the McLymont Creek power portal has been completed and approximately 

50 percent of the 2,800 metre power tunnel has been excavated. Excavation of the powerhouse foundation is complete and 

installation of the powerhouse foundations has commenced. The project is expected to be in service in mid-2015.

AltaGas Idemitsu Joint Venture Limited Partnership (AIJVLP)
On January 29, 2013, AltaGas signed an agreement with Idemitsu to form AIJVLP. AltaGas and Idemitsu each own a 50 percent 

interest in AIJVLP. AIJVLP is pursuing opportunities to develop liquefaction infrastructure, and long-term natural gas supply and sales 

arrangements to meet the growing demand for natural gas in Asia. AIJVLP is also pursuing opportunities to develop an LPG export 

business, including logistics, plant refrigeration and storage facilities.

LNG Export Business 

Triton LNG, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AIJVLP, is currently developing the proposed project feasibility study which is expected to be 

completed in 2014. Triton LNG is also preparing preliminary engineering designs for the construction of the liquefaction facilities and 

is in discussions for potential site locations. Triton LNG is currently in discussions with market participants to develop sales and 

supply agreements. On October 29, 2013 Triton LNG filed an application with the National Energy Board (NEB) to export up to 

2.3 million tonnes per year of LNG. Subject to consultations with First Nations, and the completion of the feasibility study, permitting, 

regulatory approvals and facility construction, the proposed LNG exports could begin as early as 2017.

Triton LNG has signed a TRA with PNG for 325 Mmcf/day of natural gas transportation capacity related to the PNG expansion providing 

a vital pipeline link to the west coast region of British Columbia. The TRA commits Triton LNG to backstop development costs related 

to the expansion of the pipeline.

LPG Export Business

AIJVLP is currently developing the proposed project feasibility study for LPG exports which is expected to be completed in 2014. 

Preliminary engineering designs for the construction of the LPG facilities as well as discussions on potential site locations have 

begun. AIJVLP is currently in discussions with market participants to develop sales and logistics agreements. Subject to consultations 

with First Nations, and the completion of the feasibility study, permitting, regulatory approvals and facility construction, the proposed 

LPG export business could begin as early as 2016.

38

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportOn October 1, 2013, AltaGas completed the acquisition of a 25 percent equity interest in Petrogas, a privately-held leading North 

American integrated midstream company. Petrogas’ extensive logistics network consists of over 1,500 rail cars and 24 rail and truck 

terminals, which provides key infrastructure as well as supply logistics and marketing expertise required to pursue LPG export 

opportunities. On October 24, 2013 AltaGas announced it will increase its effective ownership of Petrogas to 33 1/3 percent. AltaGas 

plans to transfer its current 25 percent ownership to AIJVLP. AIJVLP will acquire an additional 41 2/3 percent interest in Petrogas. 

As a result of the transaction, Petrogas will be owned one-third by each of AltaGas, Idemitsu, and its current majority shareholder. All 

regulatory approvals have been obtained and the transaction is expected to close on March 1, 2014.

Pacific Northern Gas Ltd. Pipeline Looping Project (PLP)
PNG continues to proceed with the development of the potential expansion of approximately 600 Mmcf/d on its transmission line. 

PNG has signed TRAs with two parties to support the PNG expansion project. The TRAs provide for cost recovery of development 

costs related to the PLP and are backstopped by letters of credit provided by the counterparties. Douglas Channel Gas Services Ltd., 

one of the parties, is currently in a Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act proceeding, of which the outcome is not known at this 

time. On July 24, 2013, the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office issued an order accepting PNG’s PLP into the 

environmental assessment process following PNG’s filing of its project description. PNG expects to continue environmental and 

consultation processes with a final investment decision on PLP expected in late 2015.

Cold Lake System Expansion
AltaGas is expanding its Cold Lake natural gas transmission system to deliver natural gas to two heavy oil projects near Cold Lake, 

Alberta. The expansions are underpinned by long-term take-or-pay transportation agreements and estimated to cost approximately 

$30 million. The first expansion project was completed in fourth quarter 2013, ahead of schedule and below budget. The second 

expansion project is expected to be in service in late 2014.

Cogeneration III
AltaGas is expanding its Cogeneration fleet at Harmattan to 45 MW. AltaGas began engineering and procured the combustion turbine 

for the new 15 MW Cogeneration III to meet the increased power demand at Harmattan and increase sales to the Alberta power 

market. Cogeneration III is expected to be in service in first half 2015 with a total project cost estimated at $40 million.

Alton Natural Gas Storage Project
AltaGas is developing the Alton Natural Gas Storage Project (Alton), with up to 10 Bcf of natural gas storage located near Truro, 

Nova Scotia. The first phase of the project is 4.5 Bcf of storage and is expected to be in service in 2017 at a construction cost of 

approximately $100 million. Alton expects to complete a 20-year firm storage agreement with Heritage Gas for approximately 4 Bcf of 

the first phase, which will be subject to regulatory approval.

39

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportNON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
This MD&A contains references to certain financial measures that do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and may 

not be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities. The non-GAAP measures and their reconciliation to GAAP financial 

measures are shown below. These measures provide additional information that management believes is meaningful regarding 

AltaGas’ operational performance, liquidity and capacity to fund dividends, capital expenditures and other investing activities. The 

specific rationale for and incremental information associated with each non-GAAP measure are discussed below.

References to net revenue, normalized operating income, normalized EBITDA, normalized net income and normalized funds from 

operations throughout this document have the meanings as set out in this section.

Net Revenue

Years ended December 31 ($ millions) 

Net revenue 1
Add (deduct): 

Other income (expenses)
Income from equity investments

Cost of sales
Revenue (GAAP financial measure)

1  Amounts may not add due to rounding.

2013

2012

$   960.2

$   664.4

(41.2)
(112.2)
1,236.2
$2,042.9

(0.6)
(66.6)
852.5
$1,449.7

2011
(restated)
$   513.1

9.4
(75.3)
832.8
$1,280.0

Management believes that net revenue, which is revenue plus other income (expenses) plus income from equity investments not 

held-for-trading, less the cost of commodities purchased for sale and shrinkage, is a better reflection of performance than revenue, 

since changes in the market price of commodities affect both revenue and cost of sales, and equity investments are part of operating 

activities for the Corporation.

Normalized Operating Income

Years ended December 31 ($ millions) 

Normalized operating income
Add (deduct):

Transaction costs related to acquisitions
Realized/unrealized gain (loss) on long-term investments
Provision on property, plant and equipment
Sundance force majeure arbitration decision
Gain on asset dispositions
Joint venture development costs

Operating income
Add (deduct):

Unrealized gain (loss) on risk management contracts
Interest expense 
Foreign exchange loss 
Income tax expense
Net income applicable to non-controlling interests
Preferred share dividends

Net income applicable to common shares (GAAP financial measure)

2013

2012

$352.7

$234.6

2011
(restated)
$184.3

(2.4)
(5.4)
(22.6)
–
41.4
(3.6)
360.1

(9.2)
(102.1)
(0.3)
(40.1)
(7.3)
(19.6)
$181.5

(6.8)
0.2
(2.9)
(11.0)
–
–
214.1

22.0
(61.2)
(8.5)
(46.1)
(3.5)
(15.0)
$101.8

(5.7)
(9.1)
(0.6)
–
6.2
–
175.1

(9.0)
(52.7)
(0.4)
(20.3)
–
(10.0)
$  82.7

40

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportOperating income is a measure of AltaGas’ profitability from its principal operating activities prior to how these activities are financed, 

how the results are taxed, or the impact of unrealized gains or losses on risk management contracts. The measure is used to assess 

operating performance since management believes that it is a better indicator of operating performance than net income. Operating 

income is calculated from the Consolidated Statements of Income using net income applicable to common shares adjusted for 

pre-tax unrealized gains or losses on risk management contracts, interest expense, foreign exchange (gain) loss, income tax expense, 

net income applicable to non-controlling interests and preferred share dividends.

Normalized operating income represents operating income adjusted for non-operating related expenses such as transaction costs 

related to acquisitions, realized/unrealized gain (loss) on long-term investments, provision taken on property, plant and equipment, 

gain on asset dispositions and arbitration decisions. Normalized operating income also includes an adjustment for the development 

costs incurred by AIJVLP, net of recovered costs from AltaGas.

Normalized EBITDA

Years ended December 31 ($ millions) 

Normalized EBITDA
Add (deduct):

Transaction costs related to acquisitions
Realized/unrealized gain (loss) on long-term investments
Gain on asset dispositions
Joint venture development costs
Sundance force majeure arbitration decision

EBITDA
Add (deduct):

Unrealized gain (loss) on risk management contracts
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
Provision on property, plant and equipment
Accretion of asset retirement obligations
Interest expense
Foreign exchange loss 
Income tax expense
Net income applicable to non-controlling interests
Preferred share dividends

Net income applicable to common shares (GAAP financial measure)

2013

2012

$508.9

$336.9

2011
(restated)
$265.8

(2.4)
(5.4)
41.4
(3.6)
–
538.9

(9.2)
(152.5)
(22.6)
(3.7)
(102.1)
(0.3)
(40.1)
(7.3)
(19.6)
$181.5

(6.8)
0.2
–
–
(11.0)
319.3

22.0
(99.2)
(2.9)
(3.1)
(61.2)
(8.5)
(46.1)
(3.5)
(15.0)
$101.8

(5.7)
(9.1)
6.2
–
–
257.2

(9.0)
(79.1)
(0.6)
(2.4)
(52.7)
(0.4)
(20.3)
–
(10.0)
$  82.7

EBITDA is a measure of AltaGas’ operating profitability without the impact of risk management contracts and prior to how business 

activities are financed, assets are amortized or earnings are taxed. AltaGas does not speculate on commodity prices, but rather 

enters into financial instruments to manage risk on a significant portion of the volumes subject to commodity price fluctuations, and 

therefore evaluates company performance excluding unrealized gains or losses from risk management contracts. EBITDA is calculated 

from the Consolidated Statements of Income using net income applicable to common shares adjusted for pre-tax unrealized gains 

or losses on risk management contracts, depreciation, depletion and amortization, provision taken on property, plant and equipment, 

accretion of asset retirement obligations, interest expense, foreign exchange (gain) loss, income tax expense, net income applicable 

to non-controlling interests, and preferred share dividends.

Normalized EBITDA represents EBITDA adjusted for non-operating related one-time expenses such as transaction costs related to 

acquisitions, realized/unrealized gain (loss) on long-term investments, gain on asset dispositions and arbitration decisions. Normalized 

EBITDA also includes an adjustment for the development costs incurred by AIJVLP, net of recovered costs from AltaGas.

41

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportNormalized Net Income

Years ended December 31 ($ millions) 

Normalized net income
Add (deduct) after-tax: 

Unrealized gain (loss) on risk management contracts
Realized/unrealized gain (loss) on long-term investments
Transaction costs and foreign exchange loss related to acquisitions
Gain on asset dispositions
Provision on property, plant and equipment
Joint venture development costs
Sundance force majeure arbitration decision
Statutory tax rate change

Net income applicable to common shares (GAAP financial measure)

2013

2012

$175.8

$109.5

2011
(restated)
$90.2

(6.9)
(4.7)
(1.6)
36.2
(16.6)
(2.7)
–
2.0
$181.5

16.4
0.2
(12.9)
–
(2.1)
–
(8.2)
(1.1)
$101.8

(6.9)
(8.0)
(4.3)
5.4
(0.5)
–
–
6.8
$82.7

Normalized net income represents net income applicable to common shares adjusted for all mark-to-market accounting and non-

operating related one-time expenses, such as transaction costs related to acquisitions including foreign exchange gains or losses, 

gain on asset dispositions, provision taken on property, plant and equipment, statutory tax rate changes and arbitration decisions. 

Normalized net income also includes an adjustment for the development costs incurred by AIJVLP, net of recovered costs by AltaGas.

Normalized Funds from Operations

Years ended December 31 ($ millions) 

Normalized funds from operations
Add (deduct):

Transaction costs and foreign exchange loss related to acquisitions 
Sundance force majeure arbitration decision

Funds from operations

Add (deduct):
Net change in operating assets and liabilities
Asset retirement obligations settled
Cash from operations (GAAP financial measure)

2013

2012

$402.7

$281.0

(2.4)
–
400.3

(32.1)
(1.9)
$366.3

(15.4)
(11.0)
254.6

(105.9)
(2.3)
$146.4

2011
(restated)
$219.0

(5.7)
–
213.3

(27.0)
(0.9)
$185.4

Normalized funds from operations are used to assist management and investors in analyzing financial performance without regard to 

changes in operating assets and liabilities in the period and non-operating related one-time expenses such as transaction costs and 

arbitration decisions. Funds from operations as presented should not be viewed as an alternative to cash from operations or other 

cash flow measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.

Funds from operations are calculated from the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and are defined as cash from operations before 

net changes in operating assets and liabilities, expenditures incurred to settle asset retirement obligations and non-operating related 

expenses.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS BY REPORTING SEGMENT
Normalized Operating Income 1

Years ended December 31 ($ millions) 
Gas
Power
Utilities
Sub-total: Operating Segments
Corporate

1  Non-GAAP financial measure; See discussion in Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of this MD&A. 

42

2013
$113.2
122.7
149.7
385.6
(32.9)
$352.7

2012
$  93.8
91.3
79.6
264.7
(30.1)
$234.6

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportGAS
OPERATING STATISTICS

Years ended December 31
Extraction and Transmission (E&T) 

Extraction inlet gas processed (net Mmcf/d) 1
Extraction ethane volumes (Bbls/d) 1
Extraction NGL volumes (Bbls/d) 1
Total extraction volumes (Bbls/d) 1,2
Frac spread – realized ($/Bbl) 1,3
Frac spread – average spot price ($/Bbl) 1,4

Field Gathering and Processing (FG&P)

Processing throughput (gross Mmcf/d) 1

Energy Services 

Average volumes transacted (GJ/d) 1,5

2013

2012

941
30,999
20,672
51,671
24.96
27.15

889
25,499
14,593
40,092
30.83
29.22

420

372

356,271

356,526

1  Average for the year.
2  Excludes Harmattan NGL processed on behalf of customers. 
3  Realized frac spread or NGL margin, expressed in dollars per barrel of NGL, is derived from sales recorded by the segment during the year for frac exposed volumes 

plus the settlement value of frac hedges settled in the period less extraction premiums, divided by the total frac exposed volumes produced during the year.

4  Average spot frac spread or NGL margin, expressed in dollars per barrel of NGL, are indicative of the average sales price that AltaGas receives for propane, butane 

and condensate less extraction premiums, divided by the respective frac exposed volumes for the period.

5  Includes volumes marketed directly, volumes transacted on behalf of other operating segments and volumes sold in gas exchange transactions.

In 2013, average Extraction inlet gas processed increased by 52 Mmcf/d, average ethane volumes produced increased by 

5,500 Bbls/d and NGL volumes produced increased by 6,079 Bbls/d, compared to 2012. Higher ethane and NGL volumes for 2013 

were due to the addition of the Co-stream facility at Harmattan, optimization of certain extraction facilities, and higher volumes processed 

at Younger due to increased volumes from the Septimus pipeline, partially offset by routine turnarounds at certain AltaGas facilities.

During 2013, the Co-stream facility operated at 40 percent of its designed capacity. Throughout the year, AltaGas experienced lower 

pressures on the third party pipeline upstream of the Co-stream facility and compression issues within the facility. The operational 

issues have been fixed and the facility is now operating at full capacity.

FG&P throughput for 2013 averaged 420 Mmcf/d, a 13 percent increase compared to 372 Mmcf/d in 2012. The increase was 

primarily driven by the addition of the Gordondale facility, the Blair Creek expansion and the acquisition of a 50 percent interest in 

the Quatro Resources Inc.’s midstream assets, including its 87 percent interest in the 75 Mmcf/d Gilby Gas Plant, in second half 

2012. In 2013, the Blair Creek facility operated at approximately 75 percent utilization and the Gordondale gas plant operated as 

expected, with volumes increasing throughout the year with a year-end exit utilization of approximately 84 percent.

Full Year Results 2013

The Gas segment reported normalized operating income of $113.2 million in 2013, compared to $93.8 million in 2012. The increase 

was a result of higher natural gas volumes processed, higher frac exposed volumes and the earnings contribution from Petrogas. 

These increases were partially offset by lower realized frac prices and lower transmission revenue. Operating income in the Gas 

segment was $96.2 million for 2013 (2012 – $93.6 million) which includes the provision related to non-core assets for sale, 

transaction costs and AIJVLP development costs.

For the year ended December 31, 2013, AltaGas hedged approximately 70 percent of frac exposed NGL production at an average 

price of $27/Bbl before deducting extraction premiums. For the year ended December 31, 2012, AltaGas hedged approximately 

80 percent of frac exposed NGL production at an average price of $35/Bbl before deducting extraction premiums. The average spot 

NGL frac spread in 2013 was approximately $27/Bbl after deducting extraction premiums compared to approximately $30/Bbl for 

2012 after deducting extraction premiums.

43

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportPOWER
OPERATING STATISTICS

Years ended December 31
Volume of power sold (GWh)
Average price realized on the sale of power ($/MWh) 1
Alberta Power Pool average spot price ($/MWh)

1  Price received excludes Blythe as it earns fixed capacity payments under its PPA with SCE.

2013
4,458
76.82
80.19

2012
3,317
69.42
64.32

For the year ended December 31, 2013, volume of power sold increased by 1,141 GWh compared to 2012. Volumes sold during 

2013 comprised of 4,004 GWh conventional power generation and 454 GWh renewable power generation, compared to 2,875 GWh 

conventional power generation and 442 GWh renewable power generation in 2012. The increase in power generated was primarily 

due to the Blythe acquisition in May 2013, which added 471 GWh of power and the addition of new power generation assets 

throughout 2012. The Sundance Unit 3 had lower generation in 2012 due to a prolonged outage.

Full Year Results 2013
For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Power segment reported normalized operating income of $122.7 million compared to 

$91.3 million for 2012. Normalized operating income increased primarily as a result of the addition of Blythe Energy Center, and 

higher realized power prices and higher generation in Alberta. Variances in the volume of power generated at Blythe do not generally 

affect its earnings as the PPA with SCE provides a fixed capacity payment for Blythe. Operating income in the Power segment was 

$117.4 million in 2013, compared to $76.9 million in 2012, and includes the impact of transaction costs related to acquisitions, 

while 2012 included a one-time $11.0 million charge for the Sundance force majeure arbitration decision.

For the year ended December 31, 2013, AltaGas was 62 percent hedged in Alberta at an average price of $66/MWh. In 2012, AltaGas 

was 70 percent hedged at an average price of $67/MWh.

UTILITIES
OPERATING STATISTICS

Years ended December 31
Canadian utilities 

Natural gas deliveries – end-use (PJ) 1
Natural gas deliveries – transportation (PJ) 1

U.S. utilities 2

Natural gas deliveries – end-use (Bcf) 1
Natural gas deliveries – transportation (Bcf) 1

Service sites 3
Degree day variance from normal – AUI (%) 4
Degree day variance from normal – Heritage Gas (%) 4
Degree day variance from normal – SEMCO Gas (%) 2,5
Degree day variance from normal – ENSTAR (%) 2,5

2013

2012

30.4
5.8

28.5
6.8

70.1
41.4
555,198
0.5
1.3
9.0
(1.0)

26.0
13.9
547,977
(0.7)
(9.1)
(0.2)
9.6

1  Petajoule (PJ) is one million gigajoules. Bcf is one billion cubic feet.
2  Results for U.S. utilities are from August 30, 2012.
3  Service sites reflect all of the service sites of AUI, PNG, Heritage Gas and U.S. utilities, including transportation and non-regulated business lines.
4  A degree day for AUI and Heritage Gas is the cumulative extent to which the daily mean temperature falls below 15 degrees Celsius at AUI and 18 degrees Celsius 
at Heritage Gas. Normal degree days are based on a 20-year rolling average. Positive variances from normal lead to increased delivery volumes from normal 
expectations. Degree day variances do not materially affect the results of PNG as the BCUC has approved a rate stabilization mechanism for its residential and 
small commercial customers.

5  A degree day for U.S. utilities is a measure of coldness determined daily as the number of degrees the average temperature during the day in question is below 
65 degrees Fahrenheit. Degree days for a particular period are determined by adding the degree days incurred during each day of the period. Normal degree days 
for a particular period are the average of degree days during the prior 15 years for SEMCO Gas and during the prior 10 years for ENSTAR.

44

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportREGULATORY METRICS

Years ended December 31
Approved ROE (%)

Canadian utilities (average)
U.S. utilities (average) 2
Approved return on debt (%)

Canadian utilities (average)
U.S. utilities (average) 2

Rate base ($ millions) 1
Canadian utilities
U.S. utilities 2,3,4

2013

2012

10.0
11.3

6.1
5.6

604.8
773.0

10.0
11.3

6.5
5.6

569.6
741.0

1  Rate base is indicative of the earning potential of each utility over time. Approved revenue requirement for each utility is typically based on the rate base 

as approved by the regulator for the respective rate application, which may be different from that indicated above.

2  Results for U.S. utilities are from August 30, 2012.
3  In US dollars.
4  Reflects AltaGas’ 65 percent interest in Cook Inlet Natural Gas Storage Alaska LLC. The rate base excludes gas in storage for ENSTAR. Currently ENSTAR is 
compensated for its gas in storage of $53.1 million (2012 $16.4 million) through a carry cost component. ENSTAR will determine, in association with its next rate 
case, the best way to be compensated for the cost associated with gas in storage, either as part of the rate base or through a carry cost component, and present 
that approach in its 2014 rate case filing for approval.

Full Year Results 2013
For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Utilities segment reported normalized operating income of $149.7 million compared to 

$79.6 million for 2012. Normalized operating income increased mainly due to the acquisition of SEMCO which reported its first full 

year of earnings and performed better than expected. Colder weather in Michigan, Alberta and Nova Scotia and rate base growth at 

the utilities also added to earnings in the year.

Operating income in the Utilities segment was $184.2 million for 2013 (2012 – $80.7 million) and includes the pre-tax gain on the 

sale of PTP of $37.5 million and the provision related to certain assets.

CORPORATE
Full Year Results 2013
The normalized operating loss for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $32.9 million, compared to $30.1 million in 2012. The 

higher normalized loss was due to increased administrative expenses mainly for the energy export development initiatives. Operating 

loss in the Corporate segment was $37.7 million for 2013 (2012 – $37.1 million) and includes the impact of acquisition related 

transaction costs, the unrealized mark-to-market loss and a reclassification from other comprehensive income (OCI) to earnings for 

the period of $4.3 million of a pre-tax other than temporary loss on one of the Corporation’s long-term investments.

INVESTED CAPITAL
For the year ended December 31, 2013, AltaGas increased property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and long-term investments 

by $1,427.1 million, compared to $1,586.3 million in 2012. The net invested capital was $1,412.0 million for the year ended 

December 31, 2013, compared to $1,554.2 million in 2012.

45

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportInvested Capital – Investment Type

Year ended December 31, 2013 ($ millions) 
Invested capital:

Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Long-term investments 

Disposals:

Property, plant and equipment

Net Invested capital

Invested Capital – Investment Type

Year ended December 31, 2012 ($ millions) 
Invested capital:

Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Long-term investments 

Disposals:

Property, plant and equipment

Net Invested capital

Gas

Power

Utilities

Corporate 

Total

$  36.9
3.6
338.0
378.5

(15.1)
$363.4

$877.9
–
–
877.9

–
$877.9

$148.7
5.6
–
154.3

–
$154.3

$  4.8
11.6
–
16.4

–
$16.4

$1,068.3
20.8
338.0
1,427.1

(15.1)
$1,412.0

Gas

Power

Utilities

Corporate 

Total

$361.5
2.4
0.8
364.7

$316.8
–
–
316.8

(0.5)
$364.2

(31.6)
$285.2

$882.9
17.9
1.8
902.6

–
$902.6

$0.8
1.4
–
2.2

–
$2.2

$1,562.0
21.7
2.6
1,586.3

(32.1)
$1,554.2

AltaGas categorizes its invested capital into maintenance, growth and administrative.

Invested Capital – Use

Year ended December 31, 2013 ($ millions) 
Invested capital:
Maintenance 
Growth
Administrative
Invested capital

Invested Capital – Use

Year ended December 31, 2012 ($ millions) 
Invested capital:
Maintenance 
Growth
Administrative
Invested capital

Gas

Power

Utilities

Corporate 

Total

$  14.5
363.3
0.7
$378.5

–
877.9
–
$877.9

–
154.3
–
$154.3

–
0.4
16.0
$16.4

$    14.5
1,395.9
16.7
$1,427.1

Gas

Power

Utilities

Corporate 

Total

$    9.4
352.7
2.6
$364.7

$    2.1
314.7
–
$316.8

–
902.6
–
$902.6

–
0.2
2.0
$2.2

$      11.5
1,570.2
4.6
$1,586.3

For the year ended December 31, 2013, growth capital expenditures were $1,395.9 million (2012 – $1,570.2 million). In the Gas 

segment, growth capital included $330.5 million for the Petrogas acquisition, $10.8 million for completion of the Co-stream facility, 

$7.0 million invested in AIJVLP, and $15.0 million for various small Gas related projects. In the Power segment, growth capital projects 

included $544.5 million related to the Blythe acquisition, $263.4 million for Forrest Kerr, $36.1 million for McLymont Creek, 

$19.5 million for Volcano Creek, $12.3 million for Cogeneration III and $2.1 million for other power assets. The Utilities segment 

invested $76.2 million of capital at the U.S. utilities, $69.4 million at the Canadian utilities and $8.7 million related to the CNG 

business at Heritage Gas. The Corporate segment invested $0.4 million in 2013.

Maintenance and administrative capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2013 were $14.5 million and $16.7 million, 

respectively (2012 – $11.5 million and $4.6 million, respectively).

46

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportRISK MANAGEMENT
The Corporation is exposed to market risk and potential loss from changes in the value of financial instruments. AltaGas enters into 

financial derivative contracts to manage exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices, interest rates and foreign exchange rates. 

During 2013, the Corporation had positions in the following types of derivatives, which are also disclosed in Note 19 of the 

Consolidated Financial Statements:

Commodity Forward Contracts

The Corporation executes gas, power and other commodity forward contracts to manage its asset portfolio and lock in margins from 

back-to-back purchase and sale agreements. In a forward contract, one party agrees to deliver a specified amount of an underlying 

asset to the other party at a future date at a specified price. The energy services division transacts primarily on this basis.

The fair value of power, natural gas and NGL derivatives was calculated using estimated forward prices from published sources for 

the relevant period. The calculation of fair value of interest rate and foreign exchange derivatives used quoted market rates.

AltaGas does not speculate on commodity prices and therefore does not engage in commodity transactions that create incremental 

exposure or are based solely on expectations of future energy market price movements. Commodity transactions are used to lock in 

margins, optimize underlying physical assets or reduce exposure to energy price movements. AltaGas’ risk management group reviews 

commodity and credit risk on a daily basis and has created and adheres to a conservative risk policy and hedging program.

Commodity Swap Contracts

Power hedges

AltaGas executes fixed for floating power price swaps to manage its power asset portfolio. A fixed for floating price swap is an 

agreement between two counterparties to exchange a fixed price for a floating price. The Power segment results are affected 

by the price of electricity in Alberta. AltaGas employs derivative commodity instruments for the purpose of managing AltaGas’ 

exposure to power price volatility. The Alberta Power Pool settles power prices on an hourly basis and prices ranged from 

$0.00/MWh to $1,000.00/MWh in  both 2013 and 2012. The average Alberta spot price was $80.19/MWh in 2013 

(2012 – $64.32/MWh). AltaGas moderated the impact of this volatility on its business through the use of financial hedges on 

a portion of its power portfolio. The average price realized for power by AltaGas, excluding Blythe which earns fixed capacity 

payments under its PPA with SCE, was $76.82/MWh in 2013 (2012 – $69.42/MWh). AltaGas is approximately one-third hedged 

for 2014 at an average price of approximately $65/MWh.

NGL frac spread hedges

The Corporation executes fixed for floating NGL frac spread swaps to manage its exposure to frac spreads. The financial results 

of several extraction plants are affected by fluctuations in NGL frac spreads. During 2013, the Corporation had NGL frac spread 

hedges for an average of 4,000 Bbls/d at an average price of approximately $27/Bbl. The average spot NGL frac spread for 2013 

was approximately $27/Bbl (2012 – $29/Bbl). The average NGL frac spread realized by AltaGas in 2013 was $25/Bbl 

(2012 – $31/Bbl). For 2014, AltaGas has hedged approximately 70 percent of its estimated volumes that are exposed to frac 

spread at an average price of $25/Bbl prior to deducting extraction premiums.

Interest Rate Forward Contracts

From time to time, the Corporation enters into interest rate swaps where cash flows of a fixed rate are exchanged for those of a 

floating rate, or vice versa. At December 31, 2013, the Corporation had no interest rate swaps outstanding. At December 31, 2013, 

the Corporation had fixed the interest rate on 72.7 percent of its debt (December 31, 2012 – 73.5 percent).

Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts

Foreign exchange exposure created by transacting commercial arrangements in foreign currency is managed through the use of foreign 

exchange forward contracts whereby a fixed rate is locked in against a floating rate and option agreements whereby an option to 

transact foreign currency at a future date is purchased or sold. As at December 31, 2013, management designated US$570.0 million 

of outstanding debt to hedge against the currency translation effect of its foreign investments (December 31, 2012 – US$396.5 million).

47

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportBusiness Risks

AltaGas manages its exposure to business risks using the strategies outlined in the following table:

Risks

Strategies and Organizational Capability to Mitigate Risks 

Long-term 

natural gas 

•  Contract provisions underpin capital commitments

•  Long-term contracts such as take-or-pay, area of mutual interest, geographic franchise with economic out

volume declines 

•  Increase market share by expanding existing facilities or acquiring or constructing new facilities

•  Increase geographic and customer diversity to reduce exposure to individual customer or area of the WCSB

•  Strategically locate facilities to provide secure access to gas supply

•  Capitalize on integrated aspects of AltaGas’ business to increase volumes through its processing facilities

Volume of 

power 

generated

•  PPAs include specified target availability levels

•  Diversification of fuel sources and geography

•  Hedging strategy to balance price and operating risk

•  Undertake extensive wind and hydrology studies to support investment decisions

Operational

•  Acquire large working interests to control and optimize operations and maximize efficiencies

•  Contractual provisions often provide for recovery of operating costs

•  Centralized procurement strategy to reduce costs

•  Maintain control over operational decisions, operating cost and capital expenditures by operating facilities

•  Maintain standard operating practices, assess and document employee competency, and maintain formal 

inspection, maintenance, safety and environmental programs

•  Long-term maintenance contract with wind turbine manufacturer (Enercon)

•  Fixed price operating and maintenance contracts with equipment manufacturers

•  Hedging strategy used to balance price and operating risk; deliveries of certain hedge contracts are 

suspended if there is an outage at Sundance B

•  Backstop Sundance B PPA operations by adding new power generation capacity

Commodity 

•  Contracting terms, processing, storage and transportation fees independent of commodity prices through 

price 

fee-for-service, take-or-pay, fixed-fee or cost-of-service provisions

•  Disciplined hedging strategy with hedge targets approved by the Board of Directors

•  Monitor hedge transactions through Risk Management Committee

•  AltaGas’ policy dealing with commodity risk (Commodity Risk Policy) prohibits transactions for speculative 

purposes

•  Employ hedging practices to reduce exposure to commodity prices and volatility, and lock in margins when 

the opportunity arises to increase profitability and reduce earnings volatility

•  Employ strong systems and processes for monitoring and reporting compliance with the Commodity Risk 

Policy

•  In-depth knowledge and experience of transportation systems, natural gas, NGL and power markets

•  Hedge power costs

•  Direct marketing to end-use commercial and industrial customers

•  Own  and  operate  gas-fired  peaking  capacity  to  backstop  the  Sundance  B  PPA  and  sell  energy  and 

ancillary services

•  Increase base-load natural gas-fired generating capacity

•  Execute long-term inflation adjusted electricity purchase arrangements with power buyers

48

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportRisks

Strategies and Organizational Capability to Mitigate Risks 

Counterparty

•  Strong credit policies and procedures

•  Continuous review of counterparty credit worthiness

•  Establish credit thresholds using conservative credit metrics

•  Closely monitor exposures and impact of price shocks on liquidity

•  Build a diverse customer and supplier base

•  Active accounts receivable monitoring and collections processes in place

•  Credit terms included in contracts

Construction

•  Major Projects Group manages and monitors significant construction projects

•  Strong project control and management framework

•  Appropriate internal management structure and processes

•  Engage specialists in designing and building major projects

•  Contractual arrangements to mitigate cost and schedule risks

Weather

•  Anticipated volumes are determined based on the 20-year rolling average for weather for the Canadian 

utilities and 15 years for SEMCO Gas and 10 years for ENSTAR

•  PNG has a weather normalization account for residential and small commercial customers which means 

variations in weather do not materially affect PNG’s earnings

Regulatory and 

•  Regulatory and commercial personnel monitor and react to regulatory issues

First Nations

•  Proactive regulatory and government relations group, with strong working relationships with First Nations 

and their stakeholders, and the respective regulators and their staff

•  Build risk mitigation into contracts where appropriate

•  Skilled regulatory department retained

•  Use of expert third parties when needed

Environment 

•  Strong safety and environmental management systems, which AltaGas continually strives to improve

and safety

•  Focus on mitigating the impact of the Specified Gas Emitters Regulations

Labour relations

•  Access to a strong labour market to attract qualified talent to the organization

•  Positive employee relations to retain existing talent and maintain strong relations with unions

49

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportLIQUIDITY
Cash Flows

Years ended December 31 ($ millions) 
Cash from operations
Investing activities
Financing activities
Effect of exchange rate
Change in cash

2013
$366.3
(1,264.8)
930.8
0.6
$  32.9

2012
$146.4
(1,624.5)
1,487.1
–
$    9.0

Cash from Operations
Cash  from  operations  reported  on  the  Consolidated  Statements  of  Cash  Flows  was  $366.3  million  in  2013  compared  to 

$146.4 million in 2012. The increase in cash from operations was primarily due to earnings from new and expanded assets, higher 

realized power prices and higher generation in Alberta, and higher distributions from equity investments, partially offset by lower 

realized frac prices. In addition, cash from operating assets and liabilities decreased by $32.1 million compared to a decrease of 

$105.8 million in 2012 mainly due to seasonality of the new U.S. utility assets and the timing of asset acquisitions in 2012.

Working Capital

As at December 31 ($ millions except current ratio) 
Current assets
Current liabilities
Working capital
Current ratio

2013
$618.4
724.4
(106.0)
0.85

2012
$607.7
575.2
32.5
1.06

Working capital was in a deficit position of $106.0 million as at December 31, 2013, compared to a working capital surplus of 

$32.5 million as at December 31, 2012. The working capital ratio was 0.85 at the end of 2013 compared to 1.06 at the end of 2012. 

The working capital ratio decreased mainly due to the reclassification of $200 million of AltaGas’ MTNs with maturity of April 1, 2014 

as current portion of long-term debt.

Investing Activities
Cash used for investing activities in 2013 was $1,264.8 million compared to $1,624.5 million in 2012. Investing activities in 2013 

were primarily comprised of $536.8 million related to the Blythe acquisition, $501.2 million related to construction of capital projects, 

$230.5 million related to the investment in Petrogas and $46.5 million for intangible assets, compared to investing activities in 2012 

of $806.0 million related to the SEMCO and Decker acquisitions, $768.7 million related to construction activity and $52.8 million for 

intangible assets. During 2013, the Corporation received $51.0 million (2012 – $18.3 million) as proceeds from disposition of assets, 

primarily related to the sale of PTP and ECNG.

Financing Activities
Cash received from financing activities was $930.8 million in 2013 compared to $1,487.1 million in 2012. Financing activities in 

2013 were primarily comprised of net proceeds from issuance of $2.1 billion of long-term debt, issuance of common shares of 

$447.6 million from DRIP and stock option exercises, and issuance of preferred shares of $194.9 million, partially offset by 

$1.6 billion repayment of long-term debt. Financing activities in 2012 were primarily comprised of $1,054.0 million from issuance 

of MTNs and other long-term debt, $105.1 million of long-term debt repayment, and net proceeds from issuance of common shares 

of $419.4 million, primarily related to the acquisition of SEMCO, and issuance of preferred shares of $199.0 million. Dividends paid 

to common and preferred shareholders in 2013 were $189.8 million, compared to $145.3 million in 2012.

CAPITAL RESOURCES
AltaGas’ objective for managing capital is to maintain its investment grade credit ratings, ensure adequate liquidity and to maximize 

the profitability of its existing assets and grow its energy infrastructure to create long-term value and enhance returns for its investors. 

AltaGas considers shareholders’ equity (including non-controlling interests), short-term and long-term debt (including current portion) 

less cash and cash equivalents to comprise its capital structure.

50

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportThe use of debt or equity funding is based on AltaGas’ capital structure which is determined by considering the norms and risks 

associated with each of its business segments.

As at December 31, 2013, AltaGas had $2,111.1 million in MTNs outstanding, PNG debenture notes of $60.9 million, SEMCO long-

term debt of $405.8 million and $822.5 million drawn from bank credit facilities. As at December 31, 2013, AltaGas’ current portion 

of long-term debt was $209.1 million.

AltaGas’ earnings interest coverage for the rolling twelve months ended December 31, 2013 was 2.64 times.

AltaGas’ debt-to-total capitalization ratio as at December 31, 2013 was 53.1 percent (December 31, 2012 – 57.4 percent).

($ thousands)
Debt

Short-term debt
Current portion of long-term debt
Long-term debt
Less: cash and cash equivalent

Net debt
Shareholders' equity
Non-controlling interests
Total capitalization
Debt-to-total capitalization ratio (%)

December 31, 2013

December 31, 2012

$    84,350
209,069
2,952,673
(44,812)
3,201,280
2,791,707
37,763
$6,030,750
53.1

$    66,938
9,302
2,626,086
(11,827)
2,690,499
1,959,791
40,006
$4,690,296
57.4

All of the borrowing facilities have covenants customary for these types of facilities, which must be met at each quarter end. AltaGas 

has been in compliance with these covenants each quarter since the establishment of the facilities. The following table summarizes 

the Corporation’s debt covenants for all credit facilities as at December 31, 2013:

Ratios 
Debt-to-capitalization 
EBITDA-to-interest expense
EBITDA-to-interest expense (SEMCO)
Debt-to-capitalization (SEMCO)
Debt-to-capitalization (PNG)

Debt covenant requirements
not greater than 65 percent
not less than 2.5x
not less than 2.25x
not greater than 60 percent
not greater than 65 percent

As at December 31, 2013, the Corporation had approximately $1.1 billion of available credit facilities and $44.8 million in cash 

and cash equivalents.

On August 30, 2012, SEMCO entered into an agreement for a new US$100 million unsecured credit facility which is available for 

working capital purposes and expires on August 30, 2014.

On September 28, 2012, AltaGas issued $350 million of senior unsecured MTNs. The notes carry a coupon rate of 3.72 percent 

and mature on September 28, 2021.

On September 28, 2012, AltaGas extended its US$300 million unsecured credit facility with three Canadian chartered banks. The 

credit facility’s term was extended with a new maturity date of September 2, 2014.

On April 4, 2013, AltaGas closed a public offering of 11,615,000 common shares at a price of $34.90 per common share for 

aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $405 million.

51

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportOn April 12, 2013, AltaGas issued US$175 million of senior unsecured MTNs. The notes carry a floating rate coupon of three-month 

LIBOR plus 0.79 percent and mature on April 13, 2015.

On May 17, 2013, the CINGSA construction credit facility for US$90 million was converted to a term loan of US$82.1 million with 

maturity of November 13, 2015.

On June 7, 2013, PNG repaid and cancelled its $35 million term revolver. The majority of the funds used to repay the term revolver 

were sourced from PNG’s new 5-year $70 million revolving term facility provided by AltaGas.

On June 11, 2013, AltaGas issued $300 million of senior unsecured MTNs. The notes carry a coupon rate of 3.57 percent and 

mature on June 12, 2023.

On August 23, 2013, a new $4 billion base shelf prospectus valid for 25 months was filed. The purpose of the shelf is to facilitate 

timely execution of future debt and/or equity issuances by disclosing standardized information required for each capital issuance. 

As at December 31, 2013, $3.8 billion remains available on the base shelf prospectus.

On December 13, 2013, AltaGas issued 8,000,000 five-year rate-reset Series E Preferred Shares, at a price of $25 per Series E 

Preferred Share for aggregate gross proceeds of $200 million.

On December 20, 2013, SEMCO amended its US$100 million unsecured credit facility dated August 30, 2012 by increasing the 

size of the facility to US$150 million and extending the maturity date to December 20, 2018.

On December 20, 2013 AltaGas entered into an agreement for a $1.4 billion unsecured credit facility which expires on December 

15, 2017. This facility replaces the $200 million Utility Group revolving credit facility, the US$300 million unsecured credit facility 

and the $600 million AltaGas Ltd. revolving credit facility.

Credit Facilities 

($ millions)
Demand operating facilities
Extendible revolving letter of credit facility
PNG operating facility
PNG term revolver 1 
Bilateral letter of credit facility 
AltaGas Ltd. revolving credit facility 2,3
Utility Group revolving credit facility 3
US$ unsecured credit facility 2,3 
SEMCO Energy US$ unsecured credit facility 2,4 
CINGSA US$ secured construction and term loan facility 2,4,5

$ 

Borrowing  
capacity
  70.0
150.0
25.0
–
125.0
1,400.0
–
–
150.0
–
$1,920.0

Drawn at  
December 31, 2013
$  10.8
67.5
15.3
–
67.6
597.6
–
–
63.7
–
$822.5

Drawn at  
December 31, 2012
$    6.1
50.0
15.4
30.0
89.8
227.3
131.3
169.1
50.0
77.1
$846.1

1  The facility was paid and cancelled in June 2013.
2  Amount drawn at December 31, 2013 converted at December 2013 month-end rate of 1 US dollar = 1.0636 Canadian dollar (Amount drawn at December 31, 

2012 converted at December 2012 month-end rate of 1 US dollar = 0.9949 Canadian dollar).

3  On December 20, 2013, these facilities were consolidated into the $1.4 billion AltaGas Ltd. revolving credit facility.
4  Borrowing capacity assumed at par.
5  Converted into long-term debt with maturity of November 14, 2015.

52

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportCONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

December 31, 2013

($ millions)
Long-term debt
Capital leases
Operating leases
Purchase obligations
Capital project commitments
Pension plan and retiree benefits
Total contractual obligations

Payments Due by Period

Total
$3,161.2
0.4
36.8
1,326.8
267.2
193.0
$4,985.4

Less than  
1 year
$210.4
–
7.4
278.9
65.6
28.9
$591.2

1-3 years
$   578.5
–
12.1
548.8
35.0
29.1
$1,203.5

4-5 years
$   971.7
–
7.0
454.4
19.6
32.5
$1,485.2

After  
5 years
$1,400.6
0.4
10.3
44.7
147.0
102.5
$1,705.5

AltaGas has long-term operating lease agreements for gas storage, office space, office equipment and automotive equipment.

Capital project commitments are related to the construction costs of the Northwest Projects and Gas projects. Amounts are estimates 

and are subject to variability depending on actual construction costs.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
AltaGas and one of its managers agreed on a loan in the principal amount of $750,000, to be paid in full with accrued interest 

at the rate prescribed by the Income Tax Act (Canada) on the earlier of the date of employment termination and May 31, 2015 

(December 31, 2012 – $750,000).

For the year ended December 31, 2013, AltaGas recovered $830,000 from AIJVLP, inclusive of $600,000 for staffing costs and 

$230,000 for office rent and administrative services (2012 – Nil).

CREDIT RATINGS
On December 20, 2013, Standard & Poor’s (S&P) reaffirmed the BBB and P-3 High (H) ratings for AltaGas.

On December 4, 2013, DBRS Limited (DBRS) commenced rating of the Series E Preferred Shares with a rating of Pfd-3.

On December 10, 2013, S&P commenced rating of the Series E Preferred Shares with a rating of P-3 (H).

On September 24, 2012, DBRS reaffirmed the BBB and Pfd-3 ratings for AltaGas.

On May 31, 2012, DBRS commenced rating of the Series C Preferred Shares with a rating of Pfd-3.

On May 30, 2012, S&P commenced rating of the Series C Preferred Shares with a rating of P-3(H).

According to the DBRS rating system, debt securities rated BBB are of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of 

financial obligations is considered acceptable, but the entity may be vulnerable to future events which reduce the strength of the 

entity and its rated securities. “High” or “low” grades are used to indicate the relative standing within a particular rating category. A 

Pfd-3 rating by DBRS is the third highest of six categories granted by DBRS. According to the DBRS rating system, preferred shares 

rated Pfd-3 are of adequate credit quality. While protection of dividends and principal is still considered acceptable, the issuing entity 

is more susceptible to adverse changes in financial and economic conditions, and there may be other adversities present which 

detract from debt protection. Pfd-3 ratings normally correspond with companies whose bonds are rated in the higher end of the BBB 

category. “High” or “low” grades are used to indicate the relative standing within a rating category. The absence of either a “high” 

or “low” designation indicates the rating is in the middle of the category.

53

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportAccording to the S&P rating system, an obligation rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic 

conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment 

on the obligation. The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing 

within the major rating categories. A P-3 rating by S&P is the third highest of eight categories granted by S&P. According to the S&P 

rating system, while securities rated P-3 are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, they are less vulnerable to 

non-payment than other speculative issues. However, it faces ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or 

economic conditions which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. The 

ratings from P-1 to P-5 may be modified by “high” and “low” grades which indicate relative standing within the major rating categories.

The credit ratings accorded to the securities by the rating agencies are not recommendations to purchase, hold or sell the securities 

in as much as such ratings do not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor. There is no assurance that any 

rating will remain in effect for any given period of time or that any rating will not be revised or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency 

in the future if, in its judgment, circumstances so warrant.

SHARE INFORMATION
As at December 31, 2013, AltaGas had 122.3 million common shares, 8.0 million series A Preferred Shares, 8.0 million series C 

US$ Preferred Shares and 8.0 million series E Preferred Shares outstanding with a combined market capitalization of approximately 

$5.6 billion based on a closing trading price on December 31, 2013 of $40.77 per common share, $25.32 per series A Preferred 

Share, $24.87 per series C US$ Preferred Share and $25.40 per series E Preferred Share respectively.

As at December 31, 2013, there were 5.6 million options outstanding and 2.9 million options exercisable under the terms of the 

share option plan.

DIVIDENDS
AltaGas declares and pays a monthly dividend to its common shareholders. Dividends are determined by giving consideration to the 

ongoing sustainable cash flow as impacted by the consolidated net income, maintenance and growth capital expenditures and debt 

repayment requirements.

On October 27, 2011, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the monthly dividend to $0.115 per common share from $0.11 

per common share effective with the November dividend.

On September 10, 2012, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the monthly dividend to $0.12 per common share from 

$0.115 per common share effective with the September dividend.

On April 24, 2013, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the monthly dividend to $0.125 per common share from 

$0.12 per common share effective with the May dividend.

On July 31, 2013, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the monthly dividend to $0.1275 per common share from 

$0.125 per common share effective with the August dividend.

54

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportThe following table summarizes AltaGas’ dividend declaration history:

Dividends 

Years ended December 31 ($ per common share)
First quarter 
Second quarter 
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Total

Series A Preferred Share Dividends 

Years ended December 31 ($ per preferred share)
First quarter 
Second quarter 
Third quarter 
Fourth quarter
Total

Series C Preferred Share Dividends 

Years ended December 31 (US$ per preferred share)
First quarter 
Second quarter 
Third quarter 
Fourth quarter
Total

2013 
$  0.36
0.37
0.38
0.3825
$1.4925

2013 
$0.3125
0.3125
0.3125
0.3125
$    1.25

2013 
$0.275
0.275
0.275
0.275
$  1.10

2012 
$0.345
0.345
0.35
0.36
$1.40

2012 
$0.3125
0.3125
0.3125
0.3125
$    1.25

2012
–
–
0.3473
0.2750
$0.6223

2011 
$  0.33
0.33
0.33
0.34
$1.33

2011
$0.3125
0.3125
0.3125
0.3125
$    1.25

2011
–
–
–
–
–

The first dividend declaration for Series E Preferred Shares is expected in March 2014.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On October 24, 2013, AltaGas announced that it will increase its effective ownership of Petrogas to 33 1/3 percent. AltaGas plans 

to transfer its current 25 percent ownership to AIJVLP. AIJVLP will acquire an additional 41 2/3 percent interest in Petrogas. As a 

result of the transaction, Petrogas will be owned one-third by each of AltaGas, Idemitsu, and its current majority shareholder. All 

regulatory approvals have been obtained and the transaction is expected to close on March 1, 2014. 

On December 20, 2013, AltaGas entered in a unit and share purchase agreement for the acquisition of the remaining 50 percent 

ownership interest in Alton that it does not already own. The transaction closed on February 20, 2014. 

On January 13, 2014, AltaGas issued $200 million of senior unsecured MTNs with a coupon rate of 4.40 percent and maturity of 

March 15, 2024 and $100 million senior unsecured MTNs with a coupon rate of 5.16 percent and maturity of January 13, 2044. 

On January 24, 2014, AltaGas Processing Partnership, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AltaGas, entered in a sale agreement for Ante 

Creek, a 58.5 Mmcf/d (licensed capacity) gas processing facility located near Sturgeon Lake, northwestern Alberta. The transaction 

closed on February 12, 2014, with a realized pre-tax gain from the sale of the asset of approximately $12 million. 

On February 14, 2014, AltaGas redeemed $200 million of senior unsecured MTNs early, which had a coupon rate of 7.42 percent 

and a maturity of April 29, 2014. 

55

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportCRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
Since a determination of the value of many assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses is dependent upon future events, the preparation 

of the AltaGas’ Consolidated Financial Statements requires the use of estimates and assumptions that have been made using careful 

judgment. AltaGas’ significant accounting policies are contained in the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Certain of 

these policies involve critical accounting estimates as a result of the requirement to make particularly subjective or complex 

judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain and because of the likelihood that materially different amounts could be 

reported under different conditions or using different assumptions.

AltaGas’ critical accounting estimates continue to be financial instruments, depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment 

expense, asset retirement obligations and other environmental costs, asset impairment assessment, income taxes, pension plans 

and post-retirement benefits, and regulatory assets and liabilities.

Financial Instruments and Hedge Accounting
All financial instruments on the balance sheet are initially measured at fair value. The financial assets are classified as held-for-

trading, held-to-maturity, loans and receivables, or available-for-sale. Financial liabilities are classified as held-for-trading or other 

financial liabilities. Subsequent measurement of a financial instrument depends on its classification. AltaGas does not have any 

held-to-maturity financial instruments.

Held-for-trading financial assets and liabilities consist of swaps, options, forwards and equity investments. These financial instruments 

are initially accounted for at their fair value, and changes to fair value are recorded in income. Loans and receivables are accounted 

for at their amortized cost using the effective interest method. The available-for-sale classification includes non-derivative financial 

assets that are designated as available-for-sale or are not included in the other three classifications. Available-for-sale instruments 

are initially accounted for at their fair value, and changes to fair value are recorded through other comprehensive income. Declines 

in fair value below the amortized cost basis that are other-than-temporary are reclassified out of OCI to earnings for the period. 

Investments in equity instruments that do not have a quoted market price in an active market are measured at cost. Income earned 

from these investments is included in other revenue. Other financial liabilities not classified as held-for-trading are accounted for at 

their amortized cost, using the effective interest method.

Derivatives embedded in other financial instruments or contracts (the host instrument) are recorded separately and are measured 

at fair value if the economic characteristics of the embedded derivative are not closely related to the host instrument, the terms of 

the embedded derivative are not the same as those of a stand-alone derivative, and the total contract is not held-for-trading or 

accounted for at fair value. Changes in fair value are included in income. All derivatives, other than those that meet the expected 

purchase, sale or usage requirements exception, are carried on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value.

Fair value is defined as the amount of consideration that would be agreed upon in an arms-length transaction, other than a forced 

sale or liquidation, between knowledgeable, willing parties who are under no compulsion to act. The best evidence of fair value is a 

quoted bid or ask price, as appropriate, in an active market. Fair value based on unadjusted quoted prices in an active market requires 

minimal judgment by management. Where bid or ask prices in an active market are not available, management’s judgment on 

valuation inputs is necessary to determine fair value. AltaGas uses over-the-counter derivative instruments to manage fluctuations 

in commodity, interest rate and foreign exchange rates. AltaGas estimates forward prices based on published sources adjusted for 

factors specific to the asset or liability, including basis and location differentials, discount rates, currency exchange and interest rate 

yield curves. The forward curves used to mark these derivative instruments to market are vetted against public sources. Where 

observable market data is not available, AltaGas uses valuation techniques which require significant judgment by management.

AltaGas applies hedge accounting to its arrangements that qualify for hedge accounting treatment for cash flow hedges. In a cash 

flow hedging relationship, the effective portion of the change in the fair value of the hedging derivative is recognized in other 

comprehensive income, while any ineffective portion is recognized in income. Gains and losses on derivatives are reclassified to net 

income from accumulated other comprehensive income when the hedged item is sold or terminated early, or when a hedged 

anticipated transaction is no longer expected to occur.

56

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportAltaGas designates certain derivatives as hedges at the inception of the hedging contract. The effectiveness of hedges is assessed 

on a regular basis and any changes in the fair value resulting from hedge ineffectiveness, is immediately recognized as income.

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
AltaGas performs assessments of amortization of property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets. When it is determined that 

assigned asset lives do not reflect the estimated remaining period of benefit, prospective changes are made to the depreciable lives 

of those assets. For regulated entities amortization rates are generally prescribed by the applicable regulatory authority. Oil and gas 

capitalized costs are depleted (amortized) to income on a unit-of-production basis over the estimated production life of proved 

reserves. Amortization is a critical accounting estimate because:

•  There are a number of uncertainties inherent in estimating the remaining useful life of certain assets;

•  There is uncertainty related to assumptions about reserve quantities; and

•  Changes in assumptions could result in material adjustments to the amount of amortization that AltaGas recognizes from period 

to period.

Asset Retirement Obligations and Other Environmental Costs
AltaGas records liabilities relating to asset retirement obligations and other environmental matters. Asset retirement obligations and 

other environmental costs are critical accounting estimates because:

•  The majority of the asset retirement costs will not be incurred for a number of years (estimated between 2016 and 2164), requiring 

AltaGas to make estimates over a long period of time;

•  Environmental laws and regulations could change, resulting in a change in the amount and timing of expenses anticipated to be incurred; 

and

•  A change in any of these estimates could have a material impact on AltaGas’ Consolidated Financial Statements.

Asset Impairment
AltaGas reviews long-lived assets and intangible assets with finite lives whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that 

the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability is determined based on an estimate of undiscounted cash 

flows, and measurement of an impairment loss is determined based on the fair value of the assets. This is a critical accounting 

estimate because:

•  It requires management to make assumptions about future cash inflows and outflows over the life of an asset, which are susceptible 

to changes from period to period due to changing information available related to the determination of the assumptions; and

•  The impact of recognizing impairment may be material to the AltaGas’ Consolidated Financial Statements.

With respect to impairment assessment, management has made fair value determinations related to goodwill, estimating future cash 

flows as well as appropriate discount rates. The estimates have been applied consistent with prior periods.

Income Taxes
The Corporation is subject to the provisions of the Income Tax Act (Canada) for purposes of determining the amount of income that 

will be subject to tax in Canada and the Internal Revenue Code (U.S.) for the purposes of determining the amount of income that will 

be subject to tax in the United States. The determination of AltaGas’ and its subsidiaries’ provision for income taxes requires the 

application of these complex rules.

Substantial deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements. The recognition of 

deferred tax assets depends on the assumption that future earnings will be sufficient to realize the deferred benefit. The amount of the 

deferred tax asset or liability recorded is based on management’s best estimate of the timing of the realization of the assets or liabilities.

If management’s interpretation of tax legislation differs from that of tax authorities or if timing of reversals is not as anticipated, the 

provision for income taxes could increase or decrease in future periods. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

57

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportPension Plans and Post-retirement Benefits
The determination of pension plan obligations and expense is based on a number of actuarial assumptions. Two critical assumptions 

are the expected long-term rate-of-return on plan assets and the discount rate applied to pension plan obligations. For post-retirement 

benefit plans, which provide for certain health care premiums and life insurance benefits for qualifying retired employees and which 

are not funded, critical assumptions in determining post-retirement obligations and expense are the discount rate and the assumed 

health care cost trend rates. Notes 2 and 23 to the Consolidated Financial Statements include information on the assumptions used 

for the purposes of recording the funding status of the plans and the associated expenses.

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
SEMCO, AUI, Heritage Gas, and PNG engage in the delivery and sale of natural gas and are regulated by the MPSC and RCA, AUC, 

NSUARB and BCUC, respectively.

The MPSC, RCA, AUC, NSUARB and BCUC exercise statutory authority over matters such as tariffs, rates, construction, operations, 

financing, returns and certain contracts with customers. In order to recognize the economic effects of the actions and decisions of 

the MPSC, RCA, AUC, NSUARB and BCUC, the timing of recognition of certain assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses as a result 

of regulation may differ from that otherwise expected using US GAAP for entities not subject to rate regulation.

Regulatory assets represent future revenues associated with certain costs incurred in the current period or in prior periods that are 

expected to be recovered from customers in future periods through the rate-setting process. Regulatory liabilities represent future 

reductions or limitations of increases in revenue associated with amounts that are expected to be refunded to customers through the 

rate-setting process.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
AltaGas is not party to any contractual arrangement under which an unconsolidated entity may have any obligation under certain 

guarantee contracts, a retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity or similar arrangement that 

serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to that entity for such assets. AltaGas has no obligation under derivative instruments 

or a material variable interest in an unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit risk support or engages 

in leasing, hedging or research and development services.

DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES (DCP) AND INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING (ICFR)
AltaGas’ management is responsible for establishing and maintaining DCP and ICFR, as those terms are defined in National 

Instrument 52-109 “Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings”. The objective of this instrument is to improve 

the quality, reliability and transparency of information that is filed or submitted under securities legislation.

•  DCP to provide reasonable assurance that material information relating to AltaGas’ business is made known to them particularly 

during the period in which AltaGas’ annual filings are being prepared and information required to be disclosed by AltaGas in its 

annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted under securities legislation is processed, summarized and reported 

within the time periods specified in securities legislation; and

•  ICFR to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for 

external purposes in accordance with US GAAP.

The ICFR have been designed based on the framework established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee 

of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

58

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportThe Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have evaluated, with the assistance of AltaGas’ employees, the effectiveness 

of AltaGas’ DCP and ICFR and concluded that AltaGas’ DCP and ICFR were effective at December 31, 2013. All internal control 

systems, regardless of how well designed, have inherent limitations. As a result, even those systems determined to be effective can 

provide only reasonable assurance.

During 2013, there were no changes made to AltaGas’ ICFR that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, 

its ICFR.

FOURTH QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS
Normalized Operating Income

Three months ended December 31 ($ millions)
Gas 1
Power 2
Utilities
Sub-total: Operating Segments
Corporate 3

2013 
$38.8
29.6
55.4
123.8
(11.9)
$111.9

2012 
$26.5
28.1
50.5
105.1
(8.7)
$96.4

1  Excludes transaction costs, gains on asset disposition and AIJVLP development costs. 
2  Excludes transaction costs, and provision on property, plant and equipment.
3  Excludes transaction costs, realized/unrealized gain/loss on long-term investments and recovery of costs from joint venture.

Fourth quarter results reflect the seasonality of earnings from the natural gas distribution utilities. Natural gas distribution utilities 

earn the majority of revenue in first and fourth quarters during the winter heating season. 

Normalized net income for fourth quarter 2013 was $59.9 million, an increase of 29 percent compared to $46.6 million reported in 

fourth quarter 2012. On a per share basis, earnings increased 11 percent to $0.49 compared to $0.44 for same quarter last year. 

Normalized net income increased primarily due to asset growth and positive earnings contributions across all three business segments 

driven by higher frac exposed volumes, adjustments to the deferred tax liability, higher volumes at Bear Mountain, and colder weather 

in Michigan and Nova Scotia compared to fourth quarter 2012. The increases were partially offset by lower realized frac prices, higher 

interest expense, lower realized Alberta power prices, and higher general and administrative expenses.

Net income applicable to common shares for fourth quarter 2013 was $53.2 million ($0.44 per share) compared to $26.7 million 

($0.25 per share) in fourth quarter 2012. In addition to the items noted in normalized net income, the Corporation recorded a 

$2.0 million after-tax write down of certain power assets under development. On December 16, 2013, AltaGas sold ECNG, an energy 

management business in Burlington, Ontario, resulting in an after-tax gain of $2.9 million.

Net income applicable to common shares for fourth quarter 2013 was normalized for after-tax amounts related to the following: the 

gain on the sale of assets, provision taken on non-core assets, unrealized gains on risk management contracts, development costs 

incurred for the AIJVLP projects, realized and unrealized losses on long-term investments and acquisition related transaction costs.

Normalized EBITDA for fourth quarter 2013 was $153.3 million, an 18 percent increase, compared to $129.4 million in same quarter 

2012. Normalized funds from operations for fourth quarter 2013 increased five percent to $117.1 million ($0.96 per share), compared 

to $112.0 million ($1.07 per share) in same quarter 2012. The lower normalized funds from operations on a per share basis was due 

to the timing of cash distributions from equity-owned investments.

Normalized operating income for fourth quarter 2013 was 16 percent higher at $111.9 million compared to $96.4 million in same 

quarter 2012. Normalized operating results were driven by the same factors as described above related to normalized net income 

excluding interest expense and income taxes.

59

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportOperating and administrative expense for fourth quarter 2013 was $117.6 million, compared to $98.7 million in same quarter 2012. 

The increases were primarily due to growth in assets and the energy export development initiatives in fourth quarter 2013. Amortization 

expense for fourth quarter 2013 increased to $40.4 million compared to $32.3 million in same quarter 2012 mainly due to the 

asset growth of the Corporation. Accretion expense for fourth quarter 2013 was $0.9 million compared to $0.8 million in same 

quarter 2012. 

Interest expense for fourth quarter 2013 was $27.1 million compared to $21.6 million in same quarter 2012. Interest expense 

increased due to a higher average debt balance of $3,331.0 million in fourth quarter 2013 (fourth quarter 2012 – $2,637.3 million) 

and lower capitalized interest of $9.1 million in fourth quarter 2013 (fourth quarter 2012 – $9.7 million). The higher debt was a result 

of the Corporation’s growth in the past year. The increase in interest expense was partially offset by a lower average borrowing rate of 

4.3 percent in fourth quarter 2013 (fourth quarter 2012 – 4.7 percent).

AltaGas recorded an income tax expense of $14.5 million for fourth quarter 2013 compared to income tax expense of $18.5 million 

in same quarter 2012. Income tax expense decreased as a result of an adjustment to the deferred income tax liability, partially offset 

by higher earnings from the business and lower unrealized losses on risk management contracts in fourth quarter 2013.

SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
The following table illustrates the anticipated effects of possible economic and operational changes on AltaGas’ expected 2014 net 

income.

Factor Share
Gathering and Processing volumes 
Gathering and Processing operating margin per Mcf
Alberta electricity prices 1
Natural gas liquids fractionation spread 2
Degree day variance from normal – Canadian utilities 3
Degree day variance from normal – U.S. utilities 4
Change in CAD per US$ exchange rate

Increase or decrease
5 Mmcf/d
1 cent/Mcf
$1/MWh
$1/Bbl
5 percent
5 percent
$0.05

Increase or decrease in  
net income per share
$0.01
$0.01
$0.01
less than $ 0.01
$0.02
$0.02
$0.02

1  Based on approximately two-thirds percent of Sundance PPA volumes being hedged.
2  Based on approximately two-thirds of frac spread exposed NGL volumes being hedged.
3  Degree days – Canadian Utilities relate to AUI and Heritage Gas service areas. A degree day is the cumulative extent to which the daily mean temperature falls 
below 15 degrees Celsius at AUI and 18 degrees Celsius at Heritage Gas. Normal degree days are based on a 20-year rolling average. Positive variances from 
normal lead to increased delivery volumes from normal expectations. Degree day variances do not materially affect the results of PNG as the BCUC has approved 
a rate stabilization mechanism for its residential and small commercial customers.

4  Degree days – U.S. utilities relate to SEMCO Gas and ENSTAR service areas. For U.S. utilities degree days are a measure of coldness determined daily as the 
number of degrees the average temperature during the day in question is below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Degree days for a particular period are determined by 
adding the degree days incurred during each day of the period. Normal degree days for a particular period are the average of degree days during the prior 
15 years for SEMCO Gas and during the prior 10 years for ENSTAR.

60

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportSUMMARY OF CONSOLIDATED RESULTS FOR THE EIGHT MOST RECENT QUARTERS 1

($ millions)
Total revenue
Net revenue 2
Operating income 2
Net income before taxes
Net income applicable to common shares 

Q4-13
581.2
264.6
104.7
75.1
53.2

Q3-13
389.7
246.6
80.9
57.4
43.3

Q2-13
458.6
211.8
66.8
39.6
35.9

Q1-13
613.5
237.1
107.7
76.4
49.0

Q4-12
525.8
207.6
81.7
51.8
26.7

Q3-12
290.0
146.2
33.4
18.8
8.0

Q2-12
272.2
144.0
29.4
37.9
25.8

Q1-12
361.7
166.5
69.6
57.8
41.3

($ per share)
Net income applicable to common shares

Basic
Diluted

Dividends declared

Q4-13

Q3-13

Q2-13

Q1-13

Q4-12

Q3-12

Q2-12

Q1-12

0.44
0.43
0.38

0.36
0.35
0.38

0.31
0.30
0.37

0.46
0.45
0.36

0.25
0.25
0.36

0.08
0.08
0.35

0.29
0.28
0.345

0.46
0.45
0.345

1  Amounts may not add due to rounding.
2  Non-GAAP financial measure. See discussion in the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this MD&A.

Significant items that impacted individual quarterly earnings were as follows:

•  In second quarter 2012, AltaGas recorded $3.5 million gain from the settlement of a dispute with a gas processing customer;

•  In third quarter 2012, AltaGas completed the acquisition of SEMCO for total consideration of US$1.156 billion including 

US$371 million in assumed debt, adding approximately US$725 million in regulated rate base. In the quarter, AltaGas recorded 

$12.5 million in pre-tax transaction costs and foreign exchange losses primarily related to the acquisition of SEMCO and other 

business development related activities;

•  In fourth quarter 2012, AltaGas wrote down $2.9 million related to three wind projects under development;

•  In fourth quarter 2012, AltaGas received an independent arbitration panel ruling regarding a claim of force majeure on Sundance 

Unit 3. As a result, AltaGas recorded a $11.0 million charge in cost of sales which was previously accrued in accounts receivable;

•  In second quarter 2013, AltaGas completed the acquisition of Blythe for total consideration of US$515 million. AltaGas recorded 

$1.3 million in pre-tax transaction costs;

•  In second quarter 2013, AltaGas recorded an adjustment to its deferred tax liability and an income tax recovery resulting from the 

enactment of a Canadian tax amendment that increased the deduction arising from the tax on dividends paid on preferred shares;

•  In third quarter 2013, AltaGas reported a $37.5 million pre-tax gain on the sale of PTP by PNG;

•  In third quarter 2013, AltaGas recorded provisions of $18.9 million related to the planned sale of certain non-core gas and utility 

assets;

•  In fourth quarter 2013, AltaGas sold its Energy Management business in Burlington, Ontario to an unrelated third party. AltaGas 

recorded a pre-tax gain of $3.9 million and transaction costs of $0.5 million related to this transaction;

•  In fourth quarter 2013, AltaGas acquired a 25 percent interest in Petrogas, a privately-held leading North American integrated 

midstream company. AltaGas paid for the initial 25 percent interest with 2.8 million shares priced at $35.69 per share and 

$230.5 million of cash;

•  In fourth quarter 2013, AltaGas reclassified an other-than-temporary pre-tax loss of $4.3 million on its investment in Alterra from 

OCI to income for the period; and

•  In fourth quarter 2013, AltaGas recorded pre-tax provisions of $3.1 million related to six wind projects under development.

61

Management’s Discussion and AnalysisAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportConsolidated Financial Statements

MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Consolidated Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) are the responsibility of the management 

of AltaGas Ltd. (AltaGas or the Corporation) and have been approved by the Board of Directors of the Corporation. The Consolidated 

Financial Statements have been prepared by management in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles 

(US GAAP) and include amounts that are based on estimates and judgments. The MD&A is based on the Corporation’s financial 

results. It compares the Corporation’s financial and operating performance in 2013 to that in 2012. The MD&A should be read in 

conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes.

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls over financial reporting for the Corporation. 

Management has designed and maintains a system of internal controls over financial reporting, including a program of internal audits 

to carry out its responsibility. Management believes these controls provide reasonable assurance that financial records are reliable 

and form a proper basis for the preparation of financial statements. Management undertakes communication to employees of policies 

that govern ethical business conduct.

Under the supervision and with the participation of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, 

management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting. Management concluded, 

based on its evaluation, that internal controls over financial reporting are effective as of December 31, 2013, to provide reasonable 

assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes.

The MD&A and Consolidated Financial Statements are approved by the Board of Directors after considering the recommendation of 

the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is composed of directors who are not officers or employees.

The Audit Committee meets with management at least five times a year and meets independently with internal and external auditors 

and as a group to review any significant accounting, internal controls and auditing matters in accordance with the terms of the Charter 

of the Audit Committee, which is set out in the Annual Information Form. The Audit Committee’s responsibilities include overseeing 

management’s performance in carrying out its financial reporting responsibilities and reviewing the Consolidated Financial Statements 

and MD&A, before these documents are submitted to the Board of Directors for approval. The internal and independent external 

auditors have access to the Audit Committee without the requirement to obtain prior management approval.

The Audit Committee approves the terms of engagement of the independent external auditors and reviews the annual audit plan, the 

Auditors’ Report and the results of the audit. It also recommends to the Board of Directors the firm of external auditors to be 

appointed by the shareholders.

The shareholders have appointed Ernst & Young LLP as independent external auditors to express an opinion as to whether the 

Consolidated Financial Statements present fairly, in all material respects, the Corporation’s consolidated financial position, results 

of operations and cash flows in accordance with US GAAP. The report of Ernst & Young LLP outlines the scope of its examination and 

its opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

David W. Cornhill 

Deborah S. Stein

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of 

Senior Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer of

AltaGas Ltd. 

AltaGas Ltd.

62

Consolidated Financial StatementsAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportINDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
To the Shareholders of AltaGas Ltd.
We have audited the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of AltaGas Ltd., which comprise the consolidated balance 

sheets as at December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income and accumulated 

other comprehensive income (loss), equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies 

and other explanatory information.

Management’s Responsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with 

United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable 

the preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditors’ Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these Consolidated Financial Statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits 

in accordance with Canadian Generally Accepted Auditing Standards. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements 

and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the Consolidated Financial Statements are free from 

material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the Consolidated Financial 

Statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditors’ judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material 

misstatement of the Consolidated Financial Statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor 

considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in order 

to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the 

effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and 

the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the Consolidated 

Financial Statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audits is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion
In our opinion, the Consolidated Financial Statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of AltaGas Ltd. 

as at December 31, 2013 and 2012 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with 

United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

Calgary, Canada 

February 26, 2014 

Ernst & Young LLP

Chartered Accountants

63

Consolidated Financial StatementsAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportCONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

As at ($ thousands)
ASSETS
Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable (note 19)
Inventory (note 8)
Restricted cash holdings from customers
Regulatory assets (note 18)
Risk management assets (note 19)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Deferred income taxes (note 17)

Property, plant and equipment (note 9)
Intangible assets (note 10) 
Goodwill (note 11) 
Regulatory assets (note 18) 
Risk management assets (note 19)
Deferred income taxes (note 17)
Restricted cash holdings from customers
Long-term investments and other assets (notes 12 and 19) 
Investments accounted for by equity method (note 13)

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (note 19)
Dividends payable
Short-term debt (note 14)
Current portion of long-term debt (notes 15 and 19) 
Customer deposits
Regulatory liabilities (note 18) 
Risk management liabilities (note 19)
Deferred income taxes (note 17)
Other current liabilities 

Long-term debt (notes 15 and 19) 
Asset retirement obligations (note 16) 
Deferred income taxes (note 17) 
Regulatory liabilities (note 18) 
Risk management liabilities (note 19) 
Other long-term liabilities 
Future employee obligations (note 23)

64

December 31
2013

December 31 
2012

$     44,812
368,296
123,408
2,662
6,046
34,988
33,224
4,975
618,411
4,952,526
195,259
743,101
241,210
12,250
836
12,763
25,864
479,083
$7,281,303

$   318,982
15,594
84,350
209,069
34,955
1,838
44,675
508
14,478
724,449
2,952,673
76,125
442,844
124,262
7,071
52,584
71,825
4,451,833

$     11,827
382,610
94,709
28,626
4,345
47,788
21,456
16,375
607,736
3,949,166
189,790
714,902
275,263
18,132
4,060
–
24,969
148,358
$5,932,376

$   370,011
12,640
66,938
9,302
51,756
1,971
39,734
12,539
10,301
557,192
2,626,086
56,632
399,171
104,282
10,526
33,786
126,904
3,932,579

Consolidated Financial StatementsAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportCONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)

As at ($ thousands)
Shareholders’ equity

Common shares, no par value; unlimited shares authorized; 122.3 million  

issued and outstanding (note 20) 

Preferred shares Series A cumulative redeemable five-year; par value $25; 

authorized 8 million; 8 million issued and outstanding (note 20) 

Preferred shares Series C cumulative redeemable five-year; par value US$25; 

authorized 8 million; 8 million issued and outstanding (note 20) 

Preferred shares Series E cumulative redeemable five-year; par value $25; 

authorized 8 million; 8 million issued and outstanding (note 20) 

Contributed surplus
Accumulated deficit
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

Total shareholders’ equity
Non-controlling interests 

Commitments (note 22)

See accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Approved by the Board of Directors of AltaGas Ltd.

 David W. Cornhill 

 Director 

Robert B. Hodgins

Director

December 31
2013

December 31 
2012

2,211,400

 1,639,895

 194,126

 194,126

 200,626

 200,626

 194,873
13,350
(62,148)
39,480
2,791,707
37,763
$7,281,303

–
10,570
(69,979)
(15,447)
1,959,791
40,006
$5,932,376

65

Consolidated Financial StatementsAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

For the years ended December 31 ($ thousands except per share amounts)
REVENUE 
Sales
Services
Regulated operations
Other revenue (loss)
Unrealized gain (loss) on risk management contracts (note 19)

EXPENSES

Cost of sales, exclusive of items shown separately
Operating and administrative
Accretion of asset retirement obligations (note 16)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization (notes 9 and 10)
Provision on property, plant and equipment (note 4)

Income from equity investments (note 13)
Other income (expenses) (notes 5 and 7)
Foreign exchange loss
Interest expense

Short-term debt
Long-term debt

Income before income taxes
Income tax expense (note 17) 

Current
Deferred

Net income after-taxes
Net income applicable to non-controlling interests
Net income applicable to controlling interests
Preferred share dividends
Net income applicable to common shares

Net income per common share (note 21)

Basic
Diluted

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (notes 20 and 21) 
($ thousands)
Basic
Diluted

See accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

2013

2012

$747,466
416,910
888,933
(1,135)
(9,242)
2,042,932

1,236,157
430,479
3,736
152,485
22,593
1,845,450
112,175
41,221
(290)

2,292
99,782
248,514

19,835
20,252
208,427
7,331
201,096
19,630
$181,466

$674,156
436,765
313,041
3,661
22,057
1,449,680

852,545
323,012
3,115
99,275
2,853
1,280,800
66,597
580
(8,512)

1,552
59,685
166,308

8,973
37,077
120,258
3,489
116,769
14,922
$101,847

$      1.56
$      1.52

$      1.07
$      1.06

116,068
119,509

94,986
96,311

66

Consolidated Financial StatementsAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the years ended December 31 ($ thousands)
Net income after-taxes
Total other comprehensive income (loss) (net of taxes)
Comprehensive income attributable to common shareholders and non-controlling 

interests (net of tax)

Comprehensive income attributable to:

Non-controlling interests
Common shareholders

2013
$208,427
54,927

2012
$120,258
(3,607)

$263,354

$116,651

$7,331
256,023
$263,354

$3,489
113,162
$116,651

CONSOLIDATED ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)1 

($ thousands)
Opening balance, January 1, 2013
Other comprehensive income before 

reclassification

Amounts reclassified from other 
comprehensive income (note 3)

Net current period other 

Available- 
for-sale
$(5,787)

Cash flow 
hedges 
$    (994)

Defined 
benefit  
pension  
plans 
$(10,246)

Hedge net 
investments 
$  (2,263)

Translation 
foreign 
operations
$  3,843

 Total
$(15,447)

(879)

(10,147)

3,898

(33,663)

90,633

49,842

3,721

734

630

–

–

5,085

comprehensive income (loss)

$  2,842

$  (9,413)

$    4,528

$(33,663)

$90,633

$ 54,927

Ending balance,  

December 31, 2013 2,3,4,5

Opening balance, January 1, 2012
Other comprehensive income (loss) 

before reclassification

Amounts reclassified from other 
comprehensive income (note 3)

Net current period other 

$(2,945)

$(10,407)

$  (5,718)

$(35,926)

$94,476

$ 39,480

$(5,895)

$  (2,803)

$  (3,142)

–

–

$(11,840)

108

–

(6,770)

(2,263)

3,843

(5,082)

–

1,809

(334)

–

–

1,475

comprehensive income (loss)

$    108

$   1,809

$  (7,104)

(2,263)

3,843

$  (3,607)

Ending balance,  

December 31, 2012 2,3,4,5

$(5,787)

$     (994)

$(10,246)

(2,263)

3,843

$(15,447)

1  All amounts are net of tax where applicable. Amounts in parenthesis indicate debits.
2  Available-for-sale – net of tax recovery $427 (December 31, 2012 – tax recovery $723)
3  Cash flow hedges – net of tax recovery $3,415 (December 31, 2012 – Nil).
4  Defined benefit pension plans – net of tax recovery $1,009 (December 31, 2012 – tax recovery $2,480).
5  Hedge net investment – net of tax recovery $5,175 (December 31, 2012 – tax recovery $323).

See accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

67

Consolidated Financial StatementsAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

For the years ended December 31 ($ thousands)
Common shares (note 20)
Balance, beginning of year
Shares issued for cash on exercise of options
Shares issued under DRIP 1
Shares issued on private issuance (note 6)
Shares issued on public offering
Shares issued on conversion of subscription receipts
Balance, end of year
Preferred shares (note 20)
Balance, beginning of year
Series C issued 
Series E issued 
Balance, end of year
Contributed surplus
Balance, beginning of year
Share options expense
Exercise of share options
Forfeiture of share options
Balance, end of year
Accumulated deficit 
Balance, beginning of year
Net income applicable to controlling interests
Acquisition of non-controlling interest
Common share dividends
Preferred share dividends
Balance, end of year
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance, beginning of year
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance, end of year
Total shareholders' equity
Non-controlling interests
Balance, beginning of year
Net income applicable to non-controlling interests
Business acquisition 
Acquisition of non-controlling interests
Distribution by subsidiaries to non-controlling interests
Contributions from subsidiaries to non-controlling interests
Balance, end of year
Total equity

1  Dividend Reinvestment and Optional Share Purchase Plan.

See accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

68

2013

2012

$1,639,895
18,916
60,305
100,000
392,284
–
 2,211,400 

394,752
–
194,873
589,625

10,570
4,575
(1,386)
(409)
13,350

(69,979)
201,096
–
(173,635)
(19,630)
(62,148)

(15,447)
54,927
39,480
2,791,707

40,006
7,331
–
–
(9,574)
–
37,763
$2,829,470

$1,204,269
16,197
41,071
–
–
378,358
 1,204,269 

194,126
200,626
–
394,752

7,441
4,032
(649)
(254)
10,570

(38,634)
116,769
(405)
(132,787)
(14,922)
(69,979)

(11,840)
(3,607)
(15,447)
1,959,791

5,426
3,489
36,439
(5,438)
(1,357)
1,447
40,006
$1,999,797

Consolidated Financial StatementsAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the years ended December 31 ($ thousands)
Cash from operations 
Net income after-taxes
Items not involving cash:

Depreciation, depletion and amortization
Provision on property, plant and equipment
Accretion of asset retirement obligations 
Share-based compensation
Deferred income tax expense 
Gain on sale of assets
Income from equity investments
Unrealized (gain)/loss on risk management contracts
Realized/unrealized (gain)/loss on long-term investments
Other
Asset retirement obligations settled 
Distributions from equity investments
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: 

Accounts receivable
Inventory
Other current assets
Regulatory assets (current)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Customer deposits
Regulatory liabilities (current)
Other current liabilities
Other operating assets and liabilities

Investing activities
Change in restricted cash holdings from customers
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
Acquisition of intangible assets
Proceeds from dispositions of assets
Contributions to equity investments
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired
Acquisition of equity investment
Acquisition of non-controlling interest

2013

2012

$208,427

$120,258

152,485
22,593
3,736
4,166
20,252
(41,512)
(112,175)
9,242
5,379
5,296
(1,859)
122,381

28,045
(18,774)
(8,987)
(1,490)
(48,633)
(8,259)
(372)
2,668
23,732
366,341

6,058
(501,156)
(46,530)
50,999
(6,841)
(536,795)
(230,500)
–
(1,264,765)

99,275
2,853
3,115
3,129
37,077
(73)
(66,597)
(22,057)
(173)
3,734
(2,329)
73,978

(107,977)
(10,050)
17,135
827
33,742
4,763
1,147
(17,849)
(27,571)
146,357

(6,802)
(768,651)
(52,809)
18,261
(2,606)
(806,014)
–
(5,843)
(1,624,464)

69

Consolidated Financial StatementsAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)

For the years ended December 31 ($ thousands)
Financing activities
Net issuance of short-term debt
Issuance of long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs
Repayment of long-term debt
Dividends – common shares
Dividends – preferred shares
Distributions to non-controlling interest
Distributions from non-controlling interest
Net proceeds from shares issued on exercise of options
Net proceeds from issuance of common shares
Net proceeds from issuance of preferred shares

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
Change in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

The following cash payments have been included in the determination of earnings:

For the years ended December 31 ($ thousands)
Interest paid (net of capitalized interest)
Income taxes paid

See accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

2013

2012

14,555
2,091,724
(1,637,420)
(170,681)
(19,159)
(9,574)
–
18,916
447,556
194,898
930,815
594
32,391
11,827
$44,812

2013
$98,942
$  5,181

48,905
1,053,949
(105,071)
(130,411)
(14,922)
(1,357)
1,447
16,197
419,429
198,975
1,487,141
(82)
9,034
2,875
$11,827

2012
$55,850
$11,824

70

Consolidated Financial StatementsAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(Tabular amounts and amounts in footnotes to tables are in thousands of Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.)

1.  ORGANIZATION AND OVERVIEW OF BUSINESS

The businesses of AltaGas Ltd. (AltaGas or the Corporation) are operated by the Corporation, AltaGas Holding Partnership, 

AltaGas Extraction and Transmission Limited Partnership, AltaGas Pipeline Partnership, AltaGas Processing Partnership, AltaGas 

Utility Group Inc. (Utility Group), AltaGas Utility Holdings (Pacific) Inc., SEMCO Energy, Inc. (SEMCO) and AltaGas Power Holdings 

(U.S.) Inc.

AltaGas is a diversified energy infrastructure business with a focus on natural gas, power and regulated utilities. AltaGas has 

three business segments, Gas, Power and Utilities.

AltaGas’ Gas segment serves producers in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) and includes natural gas gathering 

and processing, natural gas liquids (NGL) extraction and fractionation, transmission, storage and natural gas marketing. Gas 

segment also includes the liquefied natural gas (LNG) export and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG or propane) development projects.

The Power segment includes 1,096 MW of generating capacity from gas-fired, coal-fired, wind, biomass and run-of-river assets 

in Canada and United States, along with an additional 277 MW of run-of-river assets under construction.

The Utilities segment is predominantly comprised of natural gas distribution rate-regulated utilities, where financial results are 

generally based on a regulated allowed return on capital invested. AltaGas owns and operates regulated natural gas utilities in 

Canada and United States. The utilities are generally allowed the opportunity to earn regulated returns that provide for recovery 

of costs and a return on, and of capital from the regulator-approved capital investment base.

2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

BASIS OF PRESENTATION
These Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared by management in accordance with United States Generally 

Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP).

Pursuant to National Instrument 52-107, Acceptable Accounting Principles and Auditing Standards (NI 52-107), US GAAP 

reporting is generally permitted by Canadian securities laws for companies subject to reporting obligations under U.S. securities 

laws. However, given that AltaGas is not subject to such reporting obligations and could not therefore rely on the provisions of 

NI 52-107 to that effect, AltaGas sought and obtained, exemptive relief by the securities regulators in Alberta and Ontario to 

permit it to prepare its financial statements in accordance with US GAAP. The exemption will terminate on or after the earlier of 

January 1, 2019, the date to which AltaGas ceases to have activities subject to rate regulation, or the effective date prescribed 

for a mandatory application of International Financial Reporting Standard for rate-regulated accounting.

These Consolidated Financial Statements of AltaGas include the accounts of the Corporation and all of its wholly-owned 

subsidiaries, and its interest in various partnerships and joint ventures where AltaGas has an undivided interest in the assets 

and liabilities of the joint venture or partnership.

Transactions between and amongst, AltaGas and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and the proportionate interests in joint ventures 

or partnerships are eliminated on consolidation as required by US GAAP. Where there is a party with a non-controlling interest 

in a subsidiary that AltaGas controls, that non-controlling interest is reflected as “Non-controlling interests” in the Consolidated 

Financial Statements. The non-controlling interests in net income (or loss) of consolidated subsidiaries is shown as an allocation 

of the consolidated net income and is presented separately in “Net income applicable to non-controlling interests”.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Business Acquisitions
Business acquisitions are accounted for using the acquisition method. Under the acquisition method assets and liabilities of 

the acquired entity are recorded at fair value. Acquisition related costs are expensed as incurred. The excess of the consideration 

transferred over the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired is recognized as goodwill.

71

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsAltaGas 2013 Annual Report 
 
 
Rate-Regulated Operations
SEMCO, AltaGas Utilities Inc. (AUI), Pacific Northern Gas Ltd. (PNG) and Heritage Gas Limited (Heritage Gas) (collectively “Utilities”) 

engage in the delivery and sale of natural gas and are regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) and 

Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA), Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) and 

the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (NSUARB), respectively.

The MPSC, RCA, AUC, BCUC and NSUARB exercise statutory authority over matters such as tariffs, rates, construction, operations, 

financing, returns, accounting and certain contracts with customers. In order to recognize the economic effects of the actions and 

decisions of the MPSC, RCA, AUC BCUC and NSUARB, the timing of recognition of certain assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses 

as a result of regulation may differ from that otherwise expected using US GAAP for entities not subject to rate regulation.

Regulatory assets represent future revenues associated with certain costs incurred in the current period or in prior periods that 

are expected to be recovered from customers in future periods through the rate-setting process. Regulatory liabilities represent 

future reductions or limitations of increases in revenue associated with amounts that are expected to be refunded to customers 

through the rate-setting process. 

Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, balances with banks and investments in money market instruments with 

original maturities of less than three months.

Accounts Receivable
Receivables are recorded net of the allowance for doubtful accounts in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. AltaGas 

regularly analyzes and evaluates the collectability of the accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. If circumstances 

related to the collectability change, the allowance for doubtful accounts is further adjusted. Accounts are written off when 

collection efforts are complete and future recovery is unlikely.

Inventory
Inventory consists of materials, supplies and NGL, which are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost of inventory 

is assigned using a weighted average cost formula. Gas inventory held in storage is reported at average cost. In general, 

commodity costs and variable transportation costs are capitalized as gas in underground storage. Fixed costs, primarily pipeline 

demand charges and storage charges, are expensed as incurred through the cost of gas.

Restricted Cash Holdings from Customers
Cash deposited which is restricted and is not available for general use by AltaGas is separately presented as restricted cash 

holdings in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Property, Plant and Equipment (PPE), and Depreciation and Amortization
Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost. The Corporation depreciates the cost of capital assets, net of salvage value, on 

a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets, with the exception of rate-regulated utilities assets, where depreciation 

is calculated on a straight-line basis or over the contract term of a specific agreement at rates as approved by the regulatory authorities.

The U.S. utilities include in depreciation expense an amount allowed for regulatory purposes to be collected in current rates for 

future removal and site restoration costs. The Canadian utilities that collect future removal and site restoration costs in rates 

defer the revenue until the costs are incurred.

Interest costs are capitalized on major additions to property, plant and equipment until the asset is ready for its intended use. 

The interest rate used for calculating the interest costs to be capitalized is based on AltaGas’ prior quarter actual borrowing 

long-term interest rate, unless AltaGas borrowed funds specifically for the purpose of obtaining an asset. In this case, the interest 

costs to be capitalized are calculated using the actual interest rate applicable to the funds obtained for that asset.

72

AltaGas 2013 Annual ReportNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
Utilities capitalize an imputed carrying cost on assets during construction as authorized by regulatory authorities and the amount 

so capitalized is an allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC). AFUDC is the amount that a rate-regulated enterprise 

is allowed to recover for its cost of financing assets under construction. Capitalized overhead, administrative expenses and 

AFUDC are included in the cost of the related assets and are recovered in rates charged to customers through depreciation 

expense, as allowed by the regulators.

The range of useful lives for AltaGas’ property, plant and equipment is as follows:

Gas 

Extraction and transmission (E&T)  

15-45 years

Field gathering and processing (FG&P) 

15-36 years

Other  

Power generation assets 

Utilities assets 

Corporate assets 

1-32 years

5-30 years

3-80 years

1-5 years

As required by the respective regulatory authorities, net additions to utility assets at Heritage Gas and PNG are not depreciated 

until the year after they are brought into active service and net additions to utility assets at AUI and SEMCO are depreciated 

commencing in the year in which the assets are brought into active service.

Generally, when a regulated asset is retired or disposed of, there is no gain or loss recorded in income. Any difference between 

the cost and accumulated depreciation of the asset, net of salvage proceeds, is charged to accumulated depreciation or another 

regulatory asset or liability account. It is expected that any gain or loss that is charged to accumulated depreciation or another 

regulatory account will be reflected in future depreciation expense when it is refunded or collected in rates.

Leases are classified as either capital or operating. Leases that transfer substantially all the benefits and risks of ownership 

of property to AltaGas are accounted for as capital leases.

Intangible Assets
Intangible assets are recorded at cost, and are amortized on a straight-line basis over their term or estimated useful life:

Energy services relationships  

E&T contracts  

Electricity service agreement 

Computer software 

Land rights 

Franchises and consents 

15-19 years

10-20 years

60 years

28-60 months

25-60 years

9-25 years

The electricity service agreement relates to the 60-year Energy Purchase Arrangement (EPA) fully indexed to the Consumer Price 

Index (CPI) for the Forrest Kerr run-of-river project (Forrest Kerr). Until commercial operation, the asset is not subject to amortization.

Goodwill
Goodwill represents that portion of the consideration on acquisitions which was in excess of the fair value of the net assets 

acquired. Goodwill is not subject to amortization but assessed at least annually for impairment, or more often when impairment 

indicators exist. If an impairment test of goodwill shows that the carrying amount of the goodwill is in excess of the fair value, 

a corresponding impairment loss would be recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Income. 

73

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsAltaGas 2013 Annual Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
If facts and circumstances suggest that a long-lived asset or an intangible asset may be impaired, the carrying value is reviewed. 

If this review indicates that the value of the asset is not recoverable, as determined by the projected undiscounted cash flows 

related to the asset over its remaining life, then the carrying value of the asset is reduced to its estimated fair value less cost 

to sell.

Financial Instruments
Financial instruments are recorded using the mark-to-market method of accounting for transactions under derivative contracts 

for which AltaGas is not permitted, or does not elect, to use accrual accounting or hedge accounting in order to match the 

earnings impact of those activities to the greatest extent permissible. Under the mark-to-market method of accounting, the fair 

value of these contracts is recorded as derivative assets and liabilities at the time of contract execution.

The financial assets are classified as “held-for-trading”, “held-to-maturity”, “loans and receivables”, or “available-for-sale”. 

Financial liabilities are classified as held-for-trading or other financial liabilities. Subsequent measurement is determined by 

classification.

Held-for-trading financial assets and liabilities consist of swaps, options, forwards and equity securities. These financial 

instruments are initially recorded at their fair value, with subsequent changes in fair value recorded in net income. AltaGas does 

not have any held-to-maturity financial instruments. Loans and receivables are recognized at amortized cost using the effective 

interest method. The available-for-sale classification includes non-derivative financial assets that are designated as available-

for-sale or are not included in the other three classifications. Available-for-sale instruments are initially recorded at fair value 

and changes to fair value are recorded through “Other comprehensive income” (OCI). Declines in fair value below the amortized 

cost basis that are other-than-temporary are reclassified out of OCI to earnings for the period. Investments in equity instruments 

that do not have a quoted market price in an active market are measured at cost. Income earned from these investments is 

included in the Consolidated Statement of Income under “Other revenue (expenses)”. 

Other financial liabilities not classified as held-for-trading are recognized at amortized cost, using the effective interest method.

Derivatives embedded in other financial instruments or contracts (the host instrument) are recorded separately and are measured 

at fair value if the economic characteristics of the embedded derivative are not closely related to the host instrument, the terms 

of the embedded derivative are the same as those of a stand-alone derivative and the entire contract is not held-for-trading or 

accounted for at fair value. Changes in fair value are included in income. All derivatives, other than those that meet the normal 

purchase and normal sale (NPNS) exemption, are carried on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value. A physical contract 

generally qualifies for the NPNS exemption if the transaction is reasonable in relation to AltaGas’ business needs, the counterparty 

owns or controls resources within the proximity to allow for physical delivery, AltaGas intends to receive physical delivery of the 

commodity, and AltaGas deems the counterparty credit worthy. AltaGas continually assesses the contracts designated under 

the NPNS exemption and will discontinue the treatment of these contracts under this exemption where the criteria are no longer 

met.

Offsetting
Offsetting of fair value amounts is generally not applied except where a right of set-off exists. A right of set-off exists only if and 

when AltaGas and its counterparty in the financial instrument owe a determinable amount, the two parties agreed to set-off the 

amounts due, AltaGas intends to set-off, and the right of set-off is enforceable by law.

Hedges
As part of its risk management strategy, AltaGas uses derivatives to reduce its exposure to commodity price, interest rate and 

foreign exchange risk. AltaGas designates certain derivatives as hedges and prepares documentation at the inception of the 

hedging contract. AltaGas performs an assessment at inception and during the term of the contract to determine if the derivative 

used as a hedge is effective in offsetting the risks in the values or cash flows of the hedged item.

74

AltaGas 2013 Annual ReportNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges is recognized in OCI. Ineffective portions and amounts 

excluded from effectiveness testing of hedges are included in income. Gains or losses from cash flow hedges that have been 

included in accumulated other comprehensive income are included in net income when the underlying transaction has occurred 

or is likely not to occur.

AltaGas designated some of its long-term debt denominated in U.S. dollar (US dollar or US$) as a foreign currency hedge of its 

investment in foreign operations. Accordingly, foreign exchange gains and losses, from the dates of designation, on the translation 

of the US dollar-denominated long-term debt are included in OCI.

Long-Term Investments and Other Assets
Long-term investments are recorded at cost or designated as available-for-sale or held-for-trading. Investments in equity 

instruments that do not have a quoted market price in an active market are measured at cost.

Investments Accounted for by Equity Method 
Investments in entities in which AltaGas has the ability to exercise significant influence but not control, are accounted for using 

the equity method.

AltaGas accounts for its investments in less than majority owned corporate joint ventures and affiliates (equity investments) 

under the equity method. AltaGas applies the equity method to the equity investments when it has the ability to exercise 

significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the joint venture and affiliate. Under this method, the assets 

and liabilities of the joint ventures and affiliates are not consolidated. The investments in net assets of the equity investments 

are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets in “Investments accounted for by equity method”. The gain or loss from 

operations of the joint ventures and affiliates is reported on a net basis as equity in the income statement under the caption 

“Income from equity investments”.

Development Costs
AltaGas expenses development costs as incurred unless such development costs meet certain criteria related to technical, 

market, regulatory and financial feasibility for capitalization. Development costs are examined annually to ensure capitalization 

criteria continue to be met. When the criteria that previously justified the deferral of costs are no longer met, the unamortized 

balance is taken as a charge to income in the period when this determination is made. Development costs are amortized based 

on the expected period of benefit, beginning at the commencement of commercial operations.

Asset Retirement Obligations
AltaGas recognizes asset retirement obligations in the period in which the legal obligation is incurred and a reasonable estimate 

of fair value can be determined. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the asset 

and are depreciated over the estimated useful life of the asset. The liability is increased due to the passage of time over the 

estimated period until the settlement of the obligation, with a corresponding charge to accretion expense for asset retirement 

obligations. Certain utility assets will have future legal obligations on retirement but an asset retirement obligation has not been 

recorded due to its indeterminate life, and corresponding indeterminable timing and scope of these asset retirement obligations. 

The U.S. utilities recognize asset retirement obligations for some interim-retirements, as expected by their regulators, whereas 

utilities in Canada do not.

Revenue Recognition
In the Gas and Power reporting segments, revenue is recognized at the time the product or service is delivered.

Electricity sold via a power purchase agreement (PPA) is accounted for as an operating lease whereby minimum lease payments 

are recorded on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract.

75

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsAltaGas 2013 Annual Report 
 
 
 
 
The Utilities reporting segment recognizes revenue when the product or service is delivered on the basis of regular meter 

readings or estimates of usage and is consistent with the underlying rate-setting mechanism mandated by the applicable 

regulatory authority.

Realized gains and losses from risk management activities related to commodity prices are recognized when the sale occurs 

or when the underlying financial asset or financial liability is removed from the Consolidated Balance Sheet items “Risk 

management assets” or “Risk management liabilities”. Unrealized gains and losses in respect of fair value changes to AltaGas’ 

risk management activities which do not meet the criteria as effective hedges are recorded as revenue based on the related 

mark-to-market calculations at the end of the reporting period in the Corporate reporting segment.

Transaction Costs Related to Financial Instruments
Transaction costs related to the acquisition of held-for-trading financial assets and liabilities are expensed as incurred.

Transaction costs for obtaining debt financing are capitalized and included under “Long-term investments and other assets” on 

the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Premiums and discounts are netted against long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. 

The deferred charges are amortized over the life of the related debt on an effective interest basis and included in interest 

expense on the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Foreign Currency Translation
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency for domestic entities are converted at the exchange rate in 

effect at the balance sheet date. Adjustments resulting from the conversion are recorded in the Consolidated Statement of 

Income. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are converted at the exchange rate in effect at the transaction date. Revenues and 

expenses are converted at the exchange rate applicable at the transaction date.

For foreign entities with a functional currency other than Canadian dollars, AltaGas’ reporting currency, assets and liabilities are 

translated into Canadian dollars at the rate in effect at the reporting date. The exchange rate used to convert a US dollar to a 

Canadian dollar for the year ended December 31, 2013 was 1.0636 (December 31, 2012 – 0.9949). Revenues and expenses 

are translated at average exchange rates during the reporting period. All adjustments resulting from the translation of the foreign 

operations are recorded in OCI. The average exchange rate used to convert a US dollar to a Canadian dollar for the year ended 

December 31, 2013 was 1.0301 (December 31, 2012 – 0.9837).

Share-Based Compensation Plans
AltaGas follows the fair value method of accounting for share options granted to certain employees and directors. Share options 

are valued at the date of the grant and recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period of the options. Consideration 

received by AltaGas on exercise of the option rights is credited to shareholders’ equity.

AltaGas uses the Black-Scholes-Merton model to determine the fair value of the options on their grant date and recognizes the 

share-based compensation cost over the vesting period.

AltaGas has a share-based compensation plan in which participants receive phantom shares requiring settlement by cash 

payments. During the graded vesting period, compensation expense is recognized using the liability method and is recorded 

as operating and administrative expense over the vesting period. A change in value of the vested phantom shares is recognized 

in the period the change occurs.

Pension Plans and Post-Retirement Benefits
AltaGas recognizes the overfunded or underfunded status of its pension and post-retirement benefit plans as either assets or 

liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

76

AltaGas 2013 Annual ReportNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
The cost of defined benefit pension plans and post-retirement benefits is actuarially determined using the projected benefit 

method prorated on service with a reasonable range of expected plan investment performance and management’s best estimate 

of salary escalation, retirement ages of employees and expected health care costs. The current service cost is the sum of the 

individual current service costs, and the accrued benefit obligation is the sum of the accrued liabilities for all participants.

For purposes of calculating the expected return on plan assets, those assets are valued at fair value. The cumulative net 

actuarial gain or loss at the beginning of the year in excess of 10 percent of the greater of the accrued benefit obligation and 

the fair value of plan assets is amortized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service life of the active employees. 

The average remaining service period of the active members covered by the defined benefit pension plans and post-retirement 

benefit plans is 12.7 years and 12.9 years, respectively.

Unamortized actuarial gains (losses) and transitional obligations for non-utility plans are initially recognized in the other 

comprehensive income (losses) and amortized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service life of active employees 

for the respective plan through the income statement. Utilities recognize unamortized actuarial gains (losses) and transitional 

obligations for pension plans and post-retirement benefits under regulatory and other liabilities.

Income Taxes
Income taxes for the Corporation and its subsidiaries are calculated using the liability method of tax accounting. Under this 

method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the carrying value and the tax 

bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that are in effect in the periods in which 

the differences are expected to be settled or realized.

Investment tax credits are deferred and amortized over the estimated service lives of the related properties.

The rate-regulated natural gas distribution subsidiaries recognize a separate regulatory asset or liability for the amount of 

deferred income taxes expected to be recovered from or paid to customers in the future. 

Net Income per Share
Basic and diluted net income applicable to common shares are computed respectively using the weighted average number of 

common shares and the weighted average number of common shares that could potentially dilute earnings during a reporting 

period (share-based compensation awards). Net income applicable to common shares is the difference between the net income 

applicable to controlling interests less preferred share dividends.

The potentially dilutive impact of the share-based compensation awards is determined using the treasury stock method. Under 

the treasury stock method, awards are treated as if they had been exercised with any proceeds used to repurchase common 

stock at the average market price during the period. Any incremental difference between the assumed number of shares issued 

and purchased is included in the diluted share computation.

The computation of the diluted net income applicable to common shares excludes the anti-dilutive instruments. These anti-

dilutive instruments were due to certain share-based compensation awards calculated under the treasury stock method. This 

anti-dilution occurs where the exercise prices are higher than the average market value of AltaGas’ stock-price during the 

applicable period.

Emission Credits
As no active market currently exists, emission credits are carried at cost and included in “Prepaid expenses and other 

current assets”.

77

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsAltaGas 2013 Annual Report 
 
 
USE OF ESTIMATES AND MEASUREMENT UNCERTAINTY
The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with US GAAP requires management to make estimates 

and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses 

during the period. Key areas where management has made complex or subjective judgments, when matters are inherently 

uncertain include but are not limited to depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, asset retirement obligations, long-lived 

and intangible assets impairment assessment, financial instruments, income taxes, employee future benefits, litigation, share-

based compensation and regulatory assets and liabilities. Certain estimates are necessary for the regulatory environment in 

which AltaGas’ subsidiaries or affiliates operate which often requires amounts to be recorded at estimated values until these 

amounts are finalized pursuant to regulatory decisions or other regulatory proceedings. By their nature, these estimates are 

subject to measurement uncertainty and may impact the Consolidated Financial Statements of future periods.

RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
Balance Sheet Disclosures – Offsetting Assets and Liabilities 
In  December  2011,  the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  (FASB)  issued  an  accounting  standards  update  (ASU) 

No. 2011-11 which requires companies to disclose gross information and net information about both instruments and 

transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial positions and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement 

similar to a master netting arrangement to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements 

on its financial position.

In January 2013, FASB issued ASU No. 2013-01 “Clarifying the Scope of Disclosure about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities”. 

The objective of ASU No. 2013-01 is to clarify that the scope of ASU No. 2011-11 would apply to derivatives including bifurcated 

embedded derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities 

lending transactions. ASU No. 2011-11 and ASU No. 2013-01 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those 

years, beginning on or after January 1, 2013 with required disclosures made retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. 

The update required additional disclosure with no impact on the financial results.

Comprehensive Income and Equity
In June 2011, FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, “Other Comprehensive Income”. In February 2013, FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02 

“Reporting of Amounts Reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income”. These standards amend Accounting 

Standards Codification (ASC) 220 to improve the comparability, consistency and transparency of comprehensive income 

reporting. The adoption of these updates change the order in which certain financial statements are presented and provide 

additional detail on those financial statements where applicable, with no other impact to the financial statements. These 

amendments were effective on or after December 15, 2012. The update required additional disclosure with no impact on the 

financial results.

FUTURE CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements
In February 2013, FASB issued ASU No. 2013-04, “Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which 

the Total Amount of the Obligation is fixed at the Reporting Date”. The objective of this update is to provide guidance for the 

recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the 

total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date. Examples of obligations within the scope of this update include debt 

arrangements, other contractual obligations, and settled litigation and judicial rulings. The update is effective for fiscal years, 

and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 31, 2013. Management has assessed that this update does 

not have any impact on the preparation and presentation of AltaGas’ Consolidated Financial Statements at December 31, 2013.

78

AltaGas 2013 Annual ReportNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment
In March 2013, FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, “Parent’s accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon De-recognition 

of Certain Subsidiaries or Group of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity”. This update applies to 

the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a 

foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity. The update 

is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Management has assessed 

that this update does not have any impact on the preparation and presentation of AltaGas’ Consolidated Financial Statements at 

December 31, 2013.

3.  RECLASSIFICATION FROM ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (AOCI)

AOCI components reclassified
Cash flow hedges

Commodity contracts –  

NGL (ineffective hedge)

Commodity contracts –  

Bond forward 

Defined benefit pension plans
Available-for-sale

Deferred income taxes

Income Statement line item

December 31, 2013

December 31, 2012

Year ended  

Year ended  

Unrealized gains on risk  
management contracts

Interest expense – Long-term debt
Operating and administrative expense
Other income (expenses)
Total before income taxes
Income tax expenses – Deferred

–

734
1,269
4,257
6,260
(1,175)
$5,085

$1,506

679
(548)
–
1,637
(162)
$1,475

4.  PROVISION ON PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 

Gas
Power
Utilities

December 31
2013
$15,904
3,689
3,000
$22,593

December 31 
2012
–
2,853
–
$2,853

In 2013, the Gas segment identified certain of its non-core assets that it expects to sell. AltaGas recorded a provision for the 

value of these assets expected to be realized in the sale process. In addition, a gas-fired peaking unit was damaged and written 

off during the year.

In 2013, the Power segment recorded a provision for six wind projects under development (2012 – two wind projects under 

development) due to their unlikely probability of reaching commercial operations.

In 2013, the Utilities segment tested certain of its assets for impairment and determined that the expected undiscounted cash 

flows were less than the carrying value for the assets.

79

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsAltaGas 2013 Annual Report 
 
5.  OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES)

On March 2, 2011, PNG sold its 50 percent interest in Pacific Trail Pipelines Limited Partnership (PTP), subject to a contingent 

reversionary right at the end of 2013. The purchase price of $50 million was to be paid in two tranches. The first tranche of 

$30 million was paid to PNG on closing in March 2011 while the remaining $20 million was to be paid upon the buyers’ advising 

PNG that they had issued a notice to proceed with respect to the construction of the Kitimat LNG project. On May 23, 2013 

PNG and the buyers amended the acquisition agreement by increasing the second payment from $20 million to $38 million and 

removing the contingent reversionary right. During third quarter 2013, PNG received regulatory approval for the amendment, 

received payment of the consideration from the buyers and recognized a $37.5 million pre-tax gain on the transaction.

6.  BUSINESS ACQUISITION

PETROGAS
On October 1, 2013 AltaGas completed the acquisition of a 25 percent interest in Petrogas Energy Corp. (Petrogas), a privately-held 

leading North American integrated midstream company. Petrogas is engaged in the marketing, storage, and distribution of natural 

gas liquids, drilling fluids, fracing fluids, crude oil and condensate diluents. Petrogas and its subsidiaries own underground storage 

facilities, own and lease surface storage, and own and operate processing plants, truck and transportation equipment, loading and 

terminaling facilities and crude oil blending facilities. Petrogas and its subsidiaries have operations throughout Canada and seven 

states in the United States. 

On October 24, 2013, AltaGas announced it will increase its effective ownership of Petrogas to 33 1/3 percent. AltaGas plans to 

transfer its current 25 percent ownership to the AltaGas Idemitsu Joint Venture Limited Partnership (AIJVLP). AIJVLP will acquire 

an additional 41 2/3 percent interest in Petrogas for consideration of cash and a note payable to the vendor. As a result of the 

note payable to the vendor, no further consideration is required from AltaGas. As a result of the transaction, Petrogas will be owned 

one-third by each of AltaGas, Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. (Idemitsu), and its current majority shareholder. All regulatory approvals have 

been obtained and the transaction is expected to close on March 1, 2014.

AltaGas paid for the initial 25 percent interest with approximately 2.8 million common shares priced at $35.69 per share and 

$230.5 million of cash. The Petrogas investment is accounted for using the equity method. 

BLYTHE
On May 16, 2013, AltaGas, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, AltaGas Power Holdings (U.S.) Inc., completed the acquisition of 

Blythe Energy Inc. (Blythe) for US$515 million before adjustments for working capital. Blythe owns a 507 MW natural gas-fired 

power plant, associated major spare parts, and a related 230 kV 67-mile electric transmission line in Southern California. Blythe 

Energy Center is contracted under a PPA through to July 2020 with Southern California Edison (SCE). Contract provisions match 

PPA revenues to all major plant costs. 

AltaGas paid an aggregate purchase price of $536.8 million. AltaGas financed the acquisition through a combination of 

$405 million gross proceeds from 11,615,000 common shares public offering and the remainder from a US$300 million senior 

unsecured revolving credit facility with three Canadian chartered banks. Transaction costs such as legal, accounting, valuation 

and other professional fees related specifically to the acquisition were $1.6 million pre-tax and have been expensed in the 

Consolidated Statement of Income, within “Operating and administrative expenses”.

80

AltaGas 2013 Annual ReportNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
Below is a provisional purchase price allocation based on the statement of financial position as at May 16, 2013, using an 

exchange rate of 1.0163 to convert a US dollar to Canadian dollar.

Cash consideration
Total consideration
Purchase price allocation
Assets acquired:
Current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Non-current assets

Less liabilities assumed:

Current liabilities
Deferred income taxes
Asset retirement obligations

$536,795
$536,795

$  20,144
546,235
4,924
571,303

10,618
21,648
2,242
34,508
$536,795

7.  SALE OF SUBSIDIARY

On December 16, 2013, AltaGas sold its 100 percent ownership in a non-core business entity, ECNG Energy L.P. (ECNG) to an 

unrelated third party. ECNG provides energy consulting and supply management services and arranges natural gas and power 

supply for non-residential end-users. After deconsolidation, AltaGas does not retain any investment in ECNG with no continuing 

involvement and the acquiring third party remains unrelated to the Corporation. AltaGas recorded a pre-tax gain of $3.9 million 

from this transaction, which is shown on the Consolidated Statement of Income, within “Other income (expenses)”. Transaction 

related costs of $0.5 million have been recognized in “Operating and administrative expenses”.

8. 

INVENTORY

As at December 31
Natural gas held in storage
Other inventory

9.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

2013
$106,715
16,693
$123,408

2012
$86,005
8,704
$94,709

As at December 31

2013 

Accumulated 
amortization 

Cost

Net book  
value 

2012
Accumulated 
amortization

Cost 

Net book  
value 

Gas

E&T assets
FG&P assets
Energy services assets
Other assets

Power
Utilities
Corporate

$1,172,177
1,082,436
1,015
14,249
1,759,575
1,568,990
25,210
$5,623,652

$   (202,794)
(330,769)
(661)
(11,718)
(50,968)
(65,946)
(8,270)
$   (671,126)

$   969,383
751,667
354
2,531
1,708,607
1,503,044
16,940
$4,952,526

$1,137,218
1,074,891
1,808
13,821
853,375
1,376,010
21,930
$4,479,053

$(174,365)
(282,443)
(1,368)
(10,157)
(28,276)
(27,764)
(5,514)
$(529,887)

$   962,853
792,448
440
3,664
825,099
1,348,246
16,416
$3,949,166

Interest capitalized on long-term capital construction projects for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $30.6 million  

(2012 – $35.2 million).

81

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportAs at December 31, 2013, the Corporation had spent approximately $943.3 million (2012 – $578.7 million) on capital projects 

under construction that were not yet subject to amortization.

Depreciation expense related to property, plant and equipment (including assets under capital leases) for the year ended 

December 31, 2013 was $142.3 million (2012 – $91.5 million).

Net additions to Utilities assets at PNG and Heritage Gas are not amortized until the year after they are brought into active 

service as required by the respective regulating authorities. Utilities assets not yet subject to amortization were $36.7 million 

as at December 31, 2013 (December 31, 2012 – $31.9 million).

10.  INTANGIBLE ASSETS

As at December 31

E&T contracts
Electricity service agreement
Energy services relationships
Computer software
Land rights
Franchises and consents

2013 

Accumulated 
amortization 
$(18,922)
–
(5,388)
(29,757)
(1,639)
(1,017)
$ (56,723)

Cost
$  57,298
90,000
10,249
73,523
17,290
3,622
$251,982

Net book  
value 
$   38,376
90,000
4,861
43,766
15,651
2,605
$195,259

2012

Accumulated 
amortization
$(16,616)
–
(9,494)
(23,762)
(1,571)
(962)
$(52,405)

Cost 
$   57,798
90,000
20,892
54,030
15,853
3,622
$242,195

Net book  
value 
$   41,182
90,000
11,398
30,268
14,282
2,660
$189,790

The electricity service agreement relates to a 60-year EPA fully indexed to the CPI not yet subject to amortization. 

Amortization expense related to intangible assets for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $10.2 million 

(2012 – $7.8 million).

As at December 31, 2013, the Corporation had accrued approximately $11.5 million in software costs (2012 – Nil), not yet 

subject to amortization.

The following table sets forth the estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for the years ended December 31:

2014 
2015 
2016
2017
2018
Thereafter

11.  GOODWILL

As at December 31
Balance, beginning of period
Business acquisition 
Other changes 
Foreign exchange translation

82

$  11,903
12,543
11,951
10,637
10,412
$131,480

2012
$  281,123
430,024
–
3,755
$714,902

2013
$  714,902
–
(1,679)
29,878
$743,101

AltaGas 2013 Annual ReportNotes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsIn 2008, the Corporation recognized $143.7 million of goodwill on the acquisition of 100 percent interest in Taylor NGL Limited 

Partnership (Taylor). In 2009, the Corporation recognized $61.2 million of goodwill on the acquisitions of 100 percent interests 

in AUI and Heritage Gas. In 2010, the Corporation recognized $17.7 million of goodwill on the acquisition of 100 percent interest 

in Landis Energy Corporation. In 2011, the Corporation recognized $58.6 million on the acquisition of 100 percent interest in 

PNG. In 2012, the Corporation recognized $430.6 million on the acquisition of 100 percent interest in SEMCO. In 2013, AltaGas 

finalized the purchase price allocation for the SEMCO’ acquisition with a reduction in previously allocated goodwill by $1.7 million.

Goodwill has been assessed for impairment with no evidence of an impairment loss.

12.  LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS

As at December 31
Investments in publicly-traded entities
Investment in private equities
Debt financing costs
Loan to employees
Other

2013
$  4,990
676
17,017
750
2,431
$25,864

2012
$  7,151
864
14,818
750
1,386
$24,969

In January 2009, AltaGas purchased common shares of Alterra Power Corp. (Alterra), through a private equity offering. These 

shares were classified as available-for-sale. In December 2013, an other-than-temporary pre-tax loss of $4.2 million was 

reclassified from OCI and recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income under “Other income (expenses)”. The recognition 

of the other-than-temporary loss was the result of the length of time and extent to which the market value of Alterra’s shares 

has been less than cost. The remaining accumulated amount in OCI was an unrealized pre-tax loss of $2.9 million as at 

December 31, 2013 (December 31, 2012 – unrealized pre-tax loss of $5.8 million).

In July 2009, AltaGas purchased additional shares of Alterra as part of its initial public offering. These shares were classified 

as held-for-trading. In July 2010, AltaGas purchased a second tranche of common shares in Alterra, which were classified as 

held-for-trading. All shares of Alterra are reported under “Long-term investments and other assets”. Unrealized gains (losses) 

on held-for-trading are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income under “Other income (expenses)”.

Summary of Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Held-for-trading Recognized in Net Income

For the years ended December 31
Financial assets held-for-trading

2013
$(1,122)

Summary of After-tax Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-sale Recognized in AOCI

For the years ended December 31
Changes in fair value
Other-than-temporary loss

2013
$  (879)
3,721
$2,842

2012
$173

2012
$108
–
$108

83

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsAltaGas 2013 Annual Report 
 
13.  INVESTMENTS ACCOUNTED FOR BY EQUITY METHOD

Investments in entities in which AltaGas has the ability to exercise significant influence but not control are accounted for using 

the equity method. Investments accounted for by equity method balance breakdown is as follows:

As at December 31
Affiliates
Joint ventures

2013
$338,801
140,282
$479,083

2012
$     3,134
145,224
$148,358

AltaGas accounts for its investments in joint ventures where the Corporation has an undivided interest in the assets and 

liabilities using the proportionate consolidation method and in joint ventures with jointly controlled interests and affiliates using 

the equity method of accounting. The proportionate consolidation and equity methods are applied using the pro-rata share of 

interest controlled by AltaGas.

Description, as at December 31, 2013
AltaGas Idemitsu Joint Venture LP
AltaGas Idemitsu Management Inc.
Alton Natural Gas Storage Inc.
Alton Natural Gas Storage LP
ASTC Power Partnership
Boston Bar LP
Busch Ranch Wind Project
Craven County Wood Energy GP
Craven County Wood Energy LP
Eaton Rapids Gas Storage System
Edmonton Ethane Extraction Plant (EEEP)
Empress ATCO (EGLJV)
Empress Provident (PEEP)
Gilby Midstream
Grayling Generating Station GP
Grayling Generating Station LP
Ikhil Joint Venture
Inuvik Gas Ltd. 
Petrogas Energy Corp.
Sarnia Airport Storage Pool LP
Sarnia Airport Storage Pool Management Inc.
Younger

Location
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
United States
United States
United States
United States
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
United States
United States
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada

Ownership Percentage
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
25
50 
50 
50 
50 
48.667 
7.20 
11.25 
50 
50 
50 
33.334 
33.333 
25
50 
50 
56.667 

Accounting Method
Equity
Equity
Equity
Equity
Equity
Equity
Proportionate
Equity
Equity
Equity
Proportionate
Proportionate
Proportionate
Proportionate
Equity
Equity
Proportionate
Equity
Equity
Equity
Equity
Proportionate

84

AltaGas 2013 Annual ReportNotes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsThe tables below represent 100 percent of the investee financial information.

For the year ended December 31, 2013
Revenues
Expenses

As at December 31, 2013
Current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Long-term investments and other assets
Current liabilities
Other long-term liabilities

For the year ended December 31, 2012
Revenues
Expenses

As at December 31, 2012
Current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Long-term investments and other assets
Current liabilities
Other long-term liabilities

Proportionate 
Consolidation Method
$194,897
148,411
$   46,486

57,625
313,228
20,000
1,229
(4,174)
(41,852)

Proportionate 
Consolidation Method
$149,561
109,209
$  40,352

56,149
313,845
16,000
1
(15,674)
(5,263)

14.  SHORT-TERM DEBT

As at December 31
Bank indebtedness
$50 million demand operating facility
US$150 million operating facility
$25 million operating facility
$20 million demand operating facility
$150 million unsecured revolving letter of credit facility
$125 million unsecured bilateral letter of credit facility

Equity Method
$716,438
284,212
$432,226

677,391
363,301
85,813
12,540
(406,433)
(65,949)

Equity Method
$355,026
230,196
$124,830

92,966
113,761
98,072
5,013
(84,197)
(5,401)

2013
$  3,454
7,190
62,752
10,954
–
–
–
$84,350

Total 

$911,335
432,623
$478,712

735,016
676,529
105,813
13,769
(410,607)
(107,801)

Total 
$504,587
339,405
$165,182

149,115
427,606
114,072
5,014
(99,871)
(10,664)

2012
$  2,149
2,675
49,745
12,369
–
–
–
$66,938

Bank Indebtedness
Bank Indebtedness bears interest at the lender’s prime rate or at the interest rate applicable to bankers’ acceptances. The 
prime lending rate at December 31, 2013 was 3.0 percent (December 31, 2012 – 3.0 percent).

Revolving Operating Credit Facilities
As at December 31, 2013, the Corporation held a $50.0 million (December 31, 2012 – $50.0 million) unsecured demand 
revolving operating credit facility with a Canadian chartered bank. Draws on the facility bear interest at the lender’s prime rate 
or at the bankers’ acceptance rate plus a stamping fee. Letters of credit outstanding at December 31, 2013 were $0.02 million 
(December 31, 2012 – $0.02 million).

As at December 31, 2013, SEMCO held a US$150.0 million (December 31, 2012 – US$100.0 million) unsecured revolving 
operating credit facility with a Canadian chartered bank with a maturity date of December 15, 2018. Draws on the facility can 
be by way of U.S. base-rate loans, letters of credits and LIBOR loans. Letters of credit outstanding at December 31, 2013 were 

$1.0 million (December 31, 2012 – $0.2 million).

85

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsAltaGas 2013 Annual Report 
 
 
As at December 31, 2013, AltaGas held a $25.0 million (December 31, 2012 – $25.0 million) bank operating facility which 

is available for working capital purposes, has a term of 18 months and expires on May 22, 2015. The operating facility 

was acquired through the acquisition of PNG. Draws on the facility are by way of prime-rate advances, bankers’ acceptance or 

letters of credits at the bank’s prime rate or for a fee. Letters of credit outstanding at December 31, 2013 were $4.2 million 

(December 31, 2012 – $3.0 million).

As at December 31, 2013, the Utility Group held a $20.0 million (December 31, 2012 – $20.0 million) unsecured uncommitted 

demand operating credit facility with a Canadian chartered bank. Draws on the facility can be by way of prime rate loans, U.S. 

base-rate loans, letters of credit or bankers’ acceptances and LIBOR loans. Letters of credit outstanding at December 31, 2013 

were $3.6 million (December 31, 2012 – $3.4 million).

As at December 31, 2013, AltaGas held a $150.0 million (December 31, 2012 – $75.0 million) unsecured four-year 

extendible revolving letter of credit facility. Draws on the facility can be by way of prime loans, U.S. base rate loans, LIBOR loans, 

bankers’ acceptances or letter of credit facility. Letters of credit outstanding at December 31, 2013 were $67.5 million 

(December 31, 2012 – $50.0 million). 

As at December 31, 2013, AltaGas held a $125.0 million (December 31, 2012 – $125.0 million) unsecured bilateral letter of 

credit facility. Borrowings on the facility bear fees and interest at rates relevant to the nature of the draws made. Letters of 

credit outstanding at December 31, 2013 were $67.6 million (December 31, 2012 – $89.8 million). 

86

AltaGas 2013 Annual ReportNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements15.  LONG-TERM DEBT

As at December 31
Credit facilities

$35 million PNG 5-year revolver – 4.36 percent 1,2
$200 million Utility Group 3
$600 million Unsecured extendible revolving 3
$1,400 million Unsecured extendible revolving 4
US$300 million Unsecured 3

Medium-term notes

$200 million Senior unsecured – 7.42 percent
$200 million Senior unsecured – 4.10 percent
$100 million Senior unsecured – 6.94 percent
$200 million Senior unsecured – 5.49 percent
$175 million Senior unsecured – 4.60 percent
$200 million Senior unsecured – 4.55 percent
$200 million Senior unsecured – 4.07 percent
$350 million Senior unsecured – 3.72 percent
$300 million Senior unsecured – 3.57 percent
US$175 million Senior unsecured – floating 5

SEMCO long-term debt

US$5 million SEMCO secured – 7.03 percent
US$90 million CINGSA secured construction  

and term loan 6

US$300 million SEMCO Senior secured –  

5.15 percent 7

Debenture notes

PNG RoyNat Debenture – 3.72 percent 1
PNG 2018 Series Debenture – 8.75 percent 1
PNG 2024 CFI Debenture – 7.39 percent 8
PNG 2025 Series Debenture –9.30 percent 1
PNG 2027 Series Debenture – 6.90 percent 1

Loan from Province of Nova Scotia 9
SEMCO capital lease obligation – 3.50 percent
Promissory notes
Other long-term debt

Less current portion

Maturity date

2013

2012

30-Jan-2015
17-Nov-2015
30-May-2016
15-Dec-2017
02-Sep-2014

29-Apr-2014
24-Mar-2016
29-Jun-2016
27-Mar-2017
15-Jan-2018
17-Jan-2019
01-Jun-2020
28-Sep-2021
12-Jun-2023
13-Apr-2015

–
–
–
578,566
–

200,000
200,000
100,000
200,000
175,000
200,000
200,000
350,000
300,000
186,130

25-Nov-2013

–

14-Nov-2015

86,258

$     30,000
131,342
227,345
–
169,133

200,000
200,000
100,000
200,000
175,000
200,000
200,000
350,000
–
–

4,923

77,105

21-Apr-2020

319,080

298,470

15-Sep-2017
15-Nov-2018
01-Nov-2024
18-Jul-2025
02-Dec-2027
31-Jul-2017
01-May-2040
25-Oct-2015

11,000
11,000
7,899
15,000
16,000
3,060
471
1,946
332
3,161,742
209,069
$2,952,673

12,200
11,600
8,353
15,500
16,500
3,964
445
2,866
642
2,635,388
9,302
$2,626,086

1   Collateral for the Secured Debentures consists of a specific first mortgage on substantially all of PNG’s property, plant and equipment, and gas purchase 

and gas sales contracts, and a first floating charge on other property, assets and undertakings.

2  The facility was repaid and cancelled on June 7, 2013.
3   The facilities were paid in full on December 20, 2013 through the issuance of the $1,400 million unsecured extendible revolving. See (4) below.
4   Borrowings on the facility can be by way of prime loans, U.S. base-rate loans, LIBOR loans, bankers’ acceptances or letters of credit. Borrowings on the 
facility have fees and interest at rates relevant to the nature of the draw made. Letters of credit outstanding as at December 31, 2013 were $19.0 million 
(December 31, 2012 – Nil).

5   The notes carry a floating rate coupon of three months LIBOR plus 0.79 percent.
6   Borrowings on the facility can be by way of LIBOR loans or alternative base rate loans. Borrowings on the facility have fees and interest at rates relevant to 

the nature of the draw made. The facility is non-recourse to the Cook Inlet Natural Gas Storage Alaska LLC (CINGSA) subsidiary.

7   Collateral for the US$ MTNs is certain SEMCO assets.
8   Collateral for the Corpfinance International ltd. (CFI) Debenture consists of first fixed specific and floating charges and a security interest over all the assets 

and undertakings of McNair Creek, a first security interest over all the interests of PNG in partnership interests and shares in McNair Creek.

9   The loan is non-interest bearing and, if certain prescribed revenue targets are achieved, interest will immediately begin to accumulate on a prospective 
basis at a rate of 6 percent per annum. In July 2011, Heritage Gas elected to repay the loan in five equal installments beginning July 31, 2012. Heritage 
Gas may also elect to fully repay the loan at any time with no penalty.

87

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsAltaGas 2013 Annual Report16.  ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

Balance, beginning of year
New obligations
Obligations settled
Revision in estimated cash flow
Accretion expense
Business acquisitions
Foreign exchange translation
Balance, end of year

2013
$56,632
293
(1,859)
14,952
3,736
2,242
129
$76,125

2012
$44,318
6,421
(2,329)
(5,220)
3,115
10,238
89
$56,632

The majority of the asset retirement obligations are associated with FG&P and extraction facilities in the Gas segment.

AltaGas estimates the undiscounted cash required to settle the asset retirement obligations at December 31, 2013 was 

$271.3 million (December 31, 2012 – $221.9 million).

The asset retirement obligations have been recorded in the Consolidated Financial Statements at estimated values discounted 

at rates between 5.0 and 8.5 percent and are expected to be incurred between 2016 and 2164. No assets have been legally 

restricted for settlement of the estimated liability.

88

AltaGas 2013 Annual ReportNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements17.  INCOME TAXES 

Consolidated Tax Position
The tax provision recorded in the Consolidated Financial Statements differs from the amount computed by applying the combined 

Canadian federal and provincial income tax statutory rates to income before tax as follows:

For the years ended December 31
Income before income taxes – consolidated
Financial instruments – net
Income before financial instruments and income taxes
Income before income taxes – operating subsidiaries
Statutory income tax rate (%)
Expected taxes at statutory rates
Add (deduct) the tax effect of:

Financial instruments
Rate adjustments to enacted Canadian rates
Permanent differences between accounting and tax basis of  

assets and liabilities

Non-taxable portion of capital (gains) losses on disposition of assets 

and investments
Rate adjustment 1
Tax on preferred shares
Change in enacted rates on preferred shares
Other

Deferred income tax recovery on regulated assets
Prior year adjustment

Income tax provision

Current

Canada
United States

Deferred

Canada
United States

Effective income tax rate (%)

2013
$248,514
9,242
257,756
257,756
25.18
64,903

(2,294)
(2,178)

 1,230

 (4,549)
639
981
(3,083)
(549)
(4,433)
(10,580)
40,087

11,059
8,776
19,835

3,837
16,415
$  20,252
16.13

2012
$166,308
(22,057)
144,251
144,251
25.13
36,250

5,568
593

 2,190

 22
1,125
2,623
–
984
(5,617)
2,312
46,050

7,344
1,629
8,973

32,122
4,955
$  37,077
27.69

1  During 2013, the enacted statutory provincial income tax rate for British Columbia was increased to 11 percent from the previously enacted rate of 
10 percent. During 2013, there was a change in the enacted multiplier on Part V1.1 to 3.5 from multiplier rates in prior years. During 2012, the enacted 
statutory provincial income tax rate for Ontario was increased to 11.5 percent from the previously enacted rate of 10 percent. 

89

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsAltaGas 2013 Annual Report 
In 2013, $22.7 million of deferred income tax liabilities were assumed on the acquisition of Blythe. In 2012, $96.2 million of 

deferred income tax liabilities were assumed on the acquisition of SEMCO.

Deferred income taxes were composed of the following:

As at December 31
PPE and Intangible assets
Regulatory assets
Deferred financing
Deferred compensation
Financial instruments
Non-capital losses
Other

2013
$437,846
124,603
(9,770)
3,600
(6,709)
(113,907)
1,878
$437,541

2012
$384,400
101,956
(6,120)
195
3,452
(93,370)
762
$391,275

The amount shown on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as deferred income tax liabilities represents the net differences between 

the tax basis and book carrying values on the Corporation’s balance sheets at enacted tax rates.

As at December 31, 2013 the Corporation had tax-affected non-capital losses of approximately $114.0 million for tax purposes, 

which will be available to offset future taxable income. If not used, these losses will expire between 2014 and 2032.

Undistributed earnings of the Corporation’s operations in the United States amounted to approximately $79.0 million at 

December 31, 2013. Those earnings are considered to be indefinitely reinvested; accordingly no provision for U.S. federal 

withholding taxes has been provided thereon. Upon repatriation of those earnings, in the form of dividends, the Corporation 

would be subject to U.S. withholding taxes payable to the United States.

Uncertain Tax Positions
The Corporation recognizes the benefit of an uncertain tax position only when it is more likely than not that such a position will 

be sustained by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The current and deferred tax impact is 

equal to the largest amount, considering possible settlement outcomes, that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized 

upon settlement with the taxing authorities.

On an annual basis the Corporation and its subsidiaries file tax returns in Canada and various foreign jurisdictions. In Canada 

AltaGas’ federal and provincial tax returns for the years 2007 to 2012 remain subject to examination by taxation authorities. 

In the United States both the federal and state tax returns filed for the years 2009 to 2012 remain subject to examination by 

the taxation authorities.

Management determined that the following provision was required for uncertainty on income taxes during the year:

Years ended December 31
Balance, beginning of year
Increases as a result of business combinations
Increases as a result of positions taken during the year
Decreases due to expiration of statute of limitations
Balance, end of year

2013
$3,303
–
–
–
$3,303

2012
–
3,675
466
(838)
$3,303

90

AltaGas 2013 Annual ReportNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
18.  REGULATORY ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

AltaGas accounts for certain transactions in accordance with ASC 980, Regulated Operations. AltaGas refers to this accounting 

guidance for regulated entities as “regulatory accounting”. Under regulatory accounting, utilities are permitted to defer expenses 

and income as regulatory assets and liabilities, respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets when it is probable that those 

expenses and income will be allowed in the rate-setting process in a period different from the period in which they would have 

been reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income by a non-rate-regulated entity. These deferred regulatory assets and 

liabilities are included in the Consolidated Statements of Income in future periods when the amounts are reflected in customer 

rates. Management’s assessment of the probability of recovery or pass-through of regulatory assets and liabilities requires 

judgment and interpretation of laws and regulatory agency orders, rules, and ratemaking conventions. The relevant regulatory 

bodies are the AUC, BCUC and NSUARB in Canada, and MPSC and RCA in the United States.

If, for any reason, the Corporation ceases to meet the criteria for application of regulatory accounting for all or part of its 

operations, the regulatory assets and liabilities related to those portions ceasing to meet such criteria would be de-recognized 

from the Consolidated Balance Sheets and included in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the period in which the 

discontinuance of regulatory accounting occurs. Criteria that give rise to the discontinuance of regulatory accounting include 

(i) increasing competition that restricts the ability of the Corporation to charge prices sufficient to recover specific costs, and 

(ii) a significant change in the manner in which rates are set by regulatory agencies from cost-based regulation to another form 

of regulation. The Corporation’s review of these criteria currently supports the continued application of regulatory accounting 

for utilities.

91

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportThe following table summarizes the regulatory assets and liabilities recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, as well as 

the remaining period, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, over which the Corporation expects to realize or settle the assets 

or liabilities:

Regulatory assets – current

Deferred cost of gas
Deferred property taxes
Other

Regulatory assets – non-current

Deferred regulatory costs and rate stabilization 

adjustment mechanism
Pipeline rehabilitation costs
Future recovery of pension and other retirement 

benefits (a)

Deferred environmental costs
Deferred loss on reacquired debt
Deferred depreciation and amortization (b)
Deferred future income taxes (c)
Revenue deficiency account (d)
Other

Regulatory liabilities – current

Deferred cost of gas
Deferred property taxes
Deferred regulatory costs

Regulatory liabilities – non-current
Termination payment deferral
Option fees deferral (e)
Refundable tax credit (f)
Future removal and site restoration costs (g)

Load balancing
Insurance recovery of environmental costs

December 31, 2013

December 31, 2012

Recovery Period

$    6,046
–
–
$    6,046

 10,976
6,669

70,396
21,484
3,212
16,995
71,219
40,007
252
$241,210

1,388
365
85
$1,838

–
1,583
12,763
107,484
1,342
1,090
$124,262

$    3,965
323
57
$    4,345

 6,248
5,251

119,205
19,742
3,508
12,808
63,588
44,508
405
$275,263

1,710
–
261
$1,971

1,862
3,033
–
98,283
–
1,104
$104,282

Less than one year
Less than one year
Less than one year

 1-3 years
10 years

Various
1-10 years
4-7 years
Various
Various
Various
1-3 years

Less than one year
Less than one year
Less than one year

Various
Various
Various
Various
Various
6 years

a.   Certain utilities have recovered pension costs related to regulated operations in rates, and as such the Corporation has 

recorded a regulatory asset for the pension funding deficiency. Depending on the method utilized by the utility the recovery 

period can be either the expected service life of the employees or the benefit period for employees or a specific recovery 

period as approved by the respective regulator.

b.   Pursuant to the NSUARB decision dated February 12, 2009, Heritage Gas was ordered to suspend amortization of property, 

plant and equipment and intangible assets for regulatory purposes for the fiscal periods from 2009 to 2011 inclusively. The 

NSUARB, in its most recent decision dated November 24, 2011, continued the order to suspend amortization for regulatory 

purposes for the fiscal periods from 2012 to 2013 inclusively, however amortization should resume for regulatory purposes 

in 2014 at 25 percent of authorized rates; 2015 at 50 percent of authorized rates; 2016 at 75 percent of authorized rates; 

and 2017 at 100 percent of authorized rates. As a result of this order, the Corporation recognizes a regulatory asset equal 

to the amortization that would have otherwise been included in rates. The deferred regulatory asset is expected to be 

recovered over the remaining useful life of related assets commencing in 2014.

92

AltaGas 2013 Annual ReportNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statementsc.   Remaining amortization period varies depending on the timing of underlying transactions.

d.   Heritage Gas has an approval from the NSUARB to use a revenue deficiency account (RDA) until it is fully recovered, subject 

to a cap of $50 million, imposed in 2010, which may be increased subject to approval by the NSUARB. The RDA is the 

cumulative difference between the revenue requirements and the actual amounts billed to customers.

e.   In 2009, Merrill Lynch paid $2.5 million in option and extension fees to PNG to secure excess firm pipeline capacity. In 2010, 

further deposits totaling $2.0 million were paid to PNG and the agreement between PNG and Merrill Lynch was assigned and 

novated by Merrill Lynch to LNG Partners, LLC (LNG Partners). In 2011 and 2012, further deposits totaling $2.0 million and 

$1.0 million, respectively, were paid to PNG. Pursuant to the BCUC approved 2009, 2010 and 2011 negotiated settlement 

agreement, PNG has recorded these amounts as an interest-bearing, non-rate base regulatory liability to be credited to cost-

of-service in future years. The 2013 closing balance reflects total contributions of $7.5 million of which PNG has drawn down 

$6 million.

f.   On September 18, 2013, CINGSA received a US$15.0 million gas storage facility tax credit from the State of Alaska for the 

benefit of its firm storage service customers. CINGSA will derive no direct or indirect benefit from the Tax Credit. Following 

receipt of the Tax Credit, CINGSA deposited it in a separate interest-bearing account. CINGSA will act as a custodian of the 

Tax Credit and any interest earned for the benefit of CINGSA’s customers. On an annual basis, covering the years 2012 

through 2021, CINGSA will disburse to the customers 1/10th of the amount of the Tax Credit not subject to refund to the 

State and interest earned. The RCA has approved the disbursement methodology.

g.   This amount and timing of draw down is dependent upon the cost of removal of underlying utility property, plant and equipment 

and the life of property, plant and equipment.

19.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

The Corporation purchases and sells natural gas, NGL, and power and issues short and long-term debt. The Corporation uses 

derivative instruments to reduce exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices, interest rates and foreign currency exchange 

rates that arise from these activities. The Corporation does not make use of derivative instruments for speculative purposes.

Fair Values of Financial Instruments
The fair value of power, natural gas and NGL derivatives was calculated using estimated forward prices from published sources 

for the relevant period. The fair value of interest rate and foreign exchange derivatives was calculated using quoted market rates.

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each significant class of financial instruments:

Cash, Cash Equivalents, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Short-term debt and Dividends Payable – the carrying amount 

approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.

Current portion of long-term debt and Long-term debt – the fair value of current portion of long-term debt and long-term debt have 

been estimated based on discounted future interest and principal payments using estimated interest rates.

93

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsAltaGas 2013 Annual Report 
Summary of Fair Values
Current portion of long-term debt

Carrying amount
Fair value of current portion of long-term debt

Summary of Fair Values
Long-term debt excluding non-financial instruments

December 31
2013

December 31 
2012

$209,069
$212,354

$  9,302
$10,243

December 31
2013

December 31 
2012

Carrying amount
Fair value of long-term debt excluding non-financial instruments

$2,952,673
$3,062,636

$2,626,086
$2,800,759

Fair Value Hierarchy 
AltaGas categorizes its financial assets and financial liabilities into one of three levels based on fair value measurements and 

inputs used to determine the fair value.

Level 1 – fair values are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Fair values are 

based on direct observations of transactions involving the same assets or liabilities and no assumptions are used. Included in 

this category are publicly traded shares valued at the closing price as at the balance sheet date.

Level 2 – fair values are determined based on inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability. 

AltaGas uses over-the-counter derivative instruments to manage fluctuations in commodity prices, interest rates and foreign 

exchange rates. AltaGas estimates forward prices based on published sources adjusted for factors specific to the asset or 

liability, including basis and location differentials, discount rates, currency exchange and interest rate yield curves. The forward 

curves used to mark-to-market these derivative instruments are vetted against public sources.

Level 3 – fair values are based on inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data. AltaGas uses 

valuation techniques when observable market data is not available.

94

AltaGas 2013 Annual ReportNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2013
Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents
Risk management assets – current
Risk management assets – non-current
Long-term investments and other assets 1

Financial liabilities

Risk management liabilities – current
Risk management liabilities – non-current
Current portion of long-term debt
Long-term debt

December 31, 2012
Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents
Risk management assets – current
Risk management assets – non-current
Long-term investments and other assets 1

Financial liabilities

Risk management liabilities – current
Risk management liabilities – non-current
Current portion of long-term debt
Long-term debt

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

$44,812
–
–
$5,365

–
$      34,988
$      12,250
–

–
–
–
–

$      44,675
$        7,071
$    212,354
$3,062,636

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

$      44,812
$      34,988
$      12,250
$        5,365

$      44,675
$        7,071
$    212,354
$3,062,636

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

$11,827
–
–
$  7,715

–
$      47,788
$      18,132
–

–
–
–
–

$      39,734
$      10,526
$      10,243
$2,800,759

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

$      11,827
$      47,788
$      18,132
$       7,715

$      39,734
$      10,526
$      10,243
$2,800,759

1  Excludes non-financial assets and financial assets carried at cost. 

Summary of Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Risk Management Recognized in Net Income

For the years ended December 31
Natural gas
Storage optimization
NGL Frac Spread
Power
Heat rate
Interest rate swaps
Foreign exchange
Embedded derivative

2013
$   (753)
(1,448)
(3,933)
(2,253)
182
–
(540)
(497)
$(9,242)

2012
$ (9,976)
296
15,940
15,960
(578)
7
16
392
$22,057

Summary of Unrealized Gains (Losses) and Tax Recovery (Expense) on Cash Flow Hedges Recognized in AOCI 

Unrealized  
Losses
$     (260)
(13,562)
$(13,822)

Tax 
Recovery
–
3,415
$3,415

Year ended 
December 31 
2013
(260)
(10,147)
$(10,407)

Unrealized 
Losses
$(994)
–
$(994)

Tax  
Recovery
–
–
–

Year Ended 
December 31 
2012
$(994)
–
$(994)

Bond forward
NGL Frac Spread
AOCI

95

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsAltaGas 2013 Annual Report 
 
Offsetting of Derivative Assets and Derivative Liabilities

As at December 31, 2013

Risk management assets 1
Natural gas
Storage optimization

Risk management liabilities 2
Natural gas
Storage optimization
Total

Gross amounts of 
recognized assets/
liabilities
$88,223
1,910
$90,133

$84,106
3,126
$87,232

Gross amounts  
offset in  
Balance Sheet
$57,465
1,204
$58,669

$57,465
1,204
$58,669

Net amounts  
presented in  
Balance Sheet 

$30,758
706
$31,464

$26,641
1,922
$28,563

1  Net amount of risk management assets on the Balance Sheet is comprised of risk management assets (current) balance of $27,177 and risk management 

assets (non-current) balance of $4,287.

2  Net amount of risk management liabilities on the Balance Sheet is comprised of risk management liabilities (current) balance of $25,376 and risk 

management liabilities (non-current) balance of $3,187.

As at December 31, 2012

Risk management assets 1
Natural gas
Storage optimization

Risk management liabilities 2
Natural gas
Storage optimization
Total

Gross amounts of 
recognized assets/
liabilities
$110,809
30,574
$141,383

$105,940
30,342
$136,282

Gross amounts  
offset in  
Balance Sheet
$  73,573
27,114
$100,687

$  73,573
27,114
$100,687

Net amounts  
presented in  
Balance Sheet 

$37,236
3,460
$40,696

$32,367
3,228
$35,595

1  Net amount of risk management assets on the Balance Sheet is comprised of risk management assets (current) balance of $34,383 and risk management 

assets (non-current) balance of $6,313.

2  Net amount of risk management liabilities on the Balance Sheet is comprised of risk management liabilities (current) balance of $31,432 and risk 

management liabilities (non-current) balance of $4,163.

Offsetting of fair value amounts is generally not applied except where a right of set-off exists. A right of set-off exists only when 

AltaGas and its counterparty in the financial instrument owe a determinate amount, the two parties agree to set-off the amounts 

due, AltaGas intends to set-off, and the right of set-off is enforceable by law.

  Market Risk on Financial Instruments

AltaGas is exposed to market risk and potential loss from changes in the values of financial instruments. AltaGas enters into 

financial derivative contracts to manage exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices, interest rates and foreign exchange rates.

96

AltaGas 2013 Annual ReportNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
Commodity Price Risk Management

Natural Gas

AltaGas purchases and sells natural gas to its customers. The fixed price and market price contracts for both the purchase and 

sale of natural gas extend to 2018. AltaGas had the following contracts outstanding: 

December 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments
Commodity forward
Commodity forward

December 31, 2012
Derivative Instruments
Commodity forward
Commodity forward

Fixed price (per GJ) Period (months)
1-58
1-58

$3.05 to $11.20
$3.06 to $11.80

Sales
79,260,225
–

Purchases
–
74,652,589

Fair value
$3,328
$    747

Notional volume (GJ)

Fixed price (per GJ) Period (months)
1-58
1-58

$2.56 to $9.85
$2.57 to $8.80

Sales
113,661,098
–

Purchases
–
99,215,653

Fair value
$(5,244)
$ 7,028

Notional volume (GJ)

AltaGas had the following commodity swaps outstanding related to the storage optimization activities:

December 31, 2013

Derivative Instruments
Swaps

December 31, 2012

Derivative Instruments
Swaps
Swaps

NGL Frac Spread

Fixed price (per 

MMBTU) Period (months)
1-3

$4.19 to $4.41

Sales
–

Purchases
18,000

Fair value
–

Notional volume (MMBTU)

Notional volume (MMBTU)

Fixed price (per 

MMBTU) Period (months)
1-2
1-2

$3.27 to $4.03
$3.32 to $3.51

Sales
4,225,155
–

Purchases
–
4,225,155

Fair value
$(12,438)
$  15,807

AltaGas entered into a series of swaps to lock in a portion of the volumes exposed to NGL frac spread and propane sales. 

AltaGas had the following contracts outstanding:

December 31, 2013
Product
Propane
Butane
WTI
US$ swaps
Natural gas

December 31, 2012
Product

Propane
Butane
WTI
US$ swaps
Natural gas

Fixed price Period (months)

$0.7895 to $1.0464 US/gallon
$1.15 to $1.3017 US/gallon
$91.68 to $96.80 US/Bbl
$1.03
$3.145 to $3.49/GJ

Notional volume

Sales
1-12 56,107,800 gallons
1-12 14,103,600 gallons
153,300 Bbl
1-12
–
1-12
–
1-12

Purchases

Fair value
– $(14,034)
– $  (1,385)
– $     (399)
$34,662,298 $     (621)
7,040,580 GJ $    2,877

 Fixed price Period (months)

 Sales

 Purchases  Fair value

Notional volume

$1.2525 to $1.2824 US/
gallon
$1.51 to $1.7577 US/gallon
$91.40 to $100.73 US/Bbl
$1.0232
$3.1950 to $4.0150/GJ

1-12 20,958,000 gallons
1-12
6,661,200 gallons
1-12 72,300,661 gallons
–
1-12
–
1-12

–
–
–
$21,928,630
3,109,700 GJ

$    188
$  5,077
$   (223)
$    521
$(1,629)

97

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsAltaGas 2013 Annual Report 
 
 
 
Power 

Under the Sundance B PPA AltaGas has an obligation to buy power at agreed terms and prices to December 31, 2020. The 

Corporation sells the power to the Alberta Electric System Operator at market prices and uses swaps to fix the prices over time 

on a portion of the volumes. AltaGas’ strategy is to mitigate the cash flow risk to Alberta power prices to provide predictable 

earnings. Certain contracts met the expected purchase, sale or usage requirements exception and have not been included in 

risk management assets or liabilities. At December 31, 2013, AltaGas had no intention to terminate any contracts prior to 

maturity. AltaGas had the following commodity forward contracts on electrical power outstanding:

December 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments
Commodity forward
Commodity forward

December 31, 2012
Derivative Instruments
Commodity forward
Commodity forward

Fixed price (per MWh) Period (months)
1-48
1-60

$43.94 to $94.10
$48.50 to $105.50

 Sales
1,631,338
–

 Purchases  Fair value
$  7,851
$(1,336)

–
1,825,960

Notional volume (MWh)

Fixed price (per MWh) Period (months)
1-60
1-60

$43.94 to $94.10
$48.50 to $99.90

 Sales
1,780,422
–

 Purchases  Fair value
$ 6,412
–
$(1,227)
1,637,641

Notional volume (MWh)

AltaGas had the following commodity swaps outstanding:

December 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments

Swaps 
Swaps 

December 31, 2012
Derivative Instruments
Swaps
Swaps 

Fixed price (per MWh) Period (months)

 Sales

 Purchases  Fair value

$58.75 to $66.00
$56.50

1-12
1-48

111,360
–

–
105,192

$  230
$(544)

Notional volume (MWh)

Fixed price (per MWh) Period (months)
1-12
1-60

$64.00 to $77.00
$56.50

Sales
412,560
–

Purchases
–
131,472

Fair value
$3,739
$  (470)

Notional volume (MWh)

AltaGas had the following heat rate hedges outstanding:

December 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments
Natural gas 
Power 

December 31, 2012
Derivative Instruments
Natural gas 
Power 

Fixed price (per GJ or MWh) Period (months)
2
2

$3.085 to $3.7875
$66.00 to $86.63

Sales
–
28,800

Purchases
122,400
–

Fair value
$  74
$188

Notional volume (GJ or MWh)

Fixed price (per GJ or MWh) Period (months)
1
$2.975
1
$91.9 to $95.35

Sales
–
12,400

Purchases
124,000
–

Fair value
$ (1)
$79

Notional volume (GJ or MWh)

98

AltaGas 2013 Annual ReportNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
Interest Rate Risk Management

To hedge against the effects of future interest rate movements, AltaGas, from time to time, enters into interest rate swap 

agreements to fix the interest rate on a portion of its bankers’ acceptances issued under credit facilities.

AltaGas had no interest rate swaps outstanding as at December 31, 2013 and 2012.

Foreign Exchange Risk Management

To manage the risk of fluctuating cash flows due to variations in foreign exchange rates, AltaGas enters into foreign exchange 

forwards, swaps and options for US dollars.

AltaGas had no contracts outstanding as at December 31, 2013 and 2012.

Bond Forward

In April 2009 AltaGas issued $200 million of senior unsecured MTNs with a maturity date of April 2014. To partially hedge 

against the risk of rising interest rates, AltaGas entered into a $50 million bond forward contract with a Canadian chartered 

bank in December 2008, to lock in a five-year Government of Canada bond yield of approximately 3.28 percent. AltaGas settled 

the bond forward contract in April 2009, and the $3.4 million payment was recorded in other comprehensive income and is being 

amortized to interest expense over the term of the MTN.

Sensitivity Analysis 

The sensitivity analysis is estimated based on the notional volumes of each commodity contract and equity security outstanding, 

taking into consideration future income tax impact.

The following table illustrates potential effects of changes in relevant risk variables on AltaGas’ net income and OCI for contracts 

in place at December 31, 2013:

Factor Share
Alberta electricity average pool prices
Natural gas spot price (AECO)
NGL frac spread:

Propane
Butane
WTI
Natural gas to replace heat value of NGL
Change in CAD per US$ exchange rate

Equity risk

1  Estimated increase or decrease to forward prices or curves

Increase or  
decrease 1
$1/MWh
$0.50/GJ

Increase or decrease  
in net income
$282
$868

Increase or  
decrease in OCI
–
–

$1/Bbl
$1/Bbl
$1/Bbl
$0.50/GJ
1 percent
1 percent

–
–
–
–
–
$23

$1,000
$158
$115
$2,634
$240
$21

Credit Risk on Financial Instruments 
Credit risk results from the possibility that a counterparty to a financial instrument fails to fulfill its obligations in accordance 

with the terms of the contract.

AltaGas’ credit policy details the parameters used to grant, measure, monitor and report on credit provided to counterparties. 

AltaGas minimizes counterparty risk by conducting credit reviews on counterparties in order to establish specific credit limits, 

both prior to providing products or services and on a recurring basis. In addition, most contracts include credit mitigation clauses 

that allow AltaGas to obtain financial or performance assurances from counterparties under certain circumstances. AltaGas 

provides an allowance for doubtful accounts in the normal course of its business.

99

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsAltaGas 2013 Annual Report 
 
 
 
 
AltaGas’ maximum credit exposure consists primarily of the carrying value of the non-derivative financial assets and the fair 

value of derivative financial assets. As at December 31, 2013, AltaGas had no concentration of credit risk with a single 

counterparty.

Accounts Receivable Past Due or Impaired
AltaGas had the following past due or impaired receivables:

Trade receivable
Other
Allowance for credit 

losses

As at December 
31, 2013
$370,536
1,563

Receivables 
impaired
$3,803
–

Less than  
30 days
$343,734
–

 (3,803)
$368,296

 (3,803)
–

 –
$343,734

Receivables by period and not impaired

31 to  
60 days
$14,098
–

 –
$14,098

61 to  
90 days
$4,727
–

 –
$4,727

Over  
90 days
$4,174
1,563

 –
$5,737

Allowance for credit losses
Allowance for credit losses, beginning of year
Foreign exchange translation
New allowance
Allowance applied to uncollectible customer accounts
Allowance for credit losses, end of year

As at December 31, 2013
$3,595
86
1,547
(1,425)
$3,803

Trade receivable
Other receivable
Allowance for credit 

losses

As at December 
31, 2012
$370,993
15,212

Receivables 
impaired
$3,595
–

Less than  
30 days
$348,149
13,750

(3,595)
$382,610

(3,595)
–

–
$361,899

Receivables by period and not impaired

31 to  
60 days
$8,747
–

–
$8,747

61 to  
90 days
$8,801
–

–
$8,801

Over  
90 days
$1,701
1,462

–
$3,163

Allowance for credit losses
Allowance for credit losses, beginning of year
Business acquisition
Foreign exchange translation
New allowance
Allowance applied to uncollectible customer accounts
Allowance for credit losses, end of year

As at December 31, 2012
$2,099
1,594
(14)
255
(339)
$3,595

Liquidity Risk on Financial Instruments
Liquidity risk is the risk that AltaGas will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. AltaGas manages this risk 

through its extensive budgeting and monitoring process to ensure it has sufficient cash and credit facilities to meet its obligations. 

AltaGas’ objective is to maintain its investment-grade ratings to ensure it has access to debt and equity funding as required.

100

AltaGas 2013 Annual ReportNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
AltaGas had the following contractual maturities with respect to non-derivative financial liabilities:

As at December 31, 2013
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Dividends payable
Short-term debt
Current portion of long-term debt
Long-term debt

As at December 31, 2012
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Dividends payable
Short-term debt
Current portion of long-term debt
Long-term debt

Total 
$   318,982
15,594
84,350
209,069
2,952,673
$3,580,668

Total 
$   370,011
12,640
66,938
9,302
2,626,086
$3,084,977

Less than  
1 year
$318,982
15,594
84,350
209,069
–
$627,995

Less than  
1 year
$370,011
12,640
66,938
9,302
–
$458,891

Payments Due by period

1-3 years
–
–
–
–
789,874
$789,874

4-5 years
–
–
–
–
762,230
$762,230

After 5 years
–
–
–
–
1,400,569
$1,400,569

Payments Due by period

1-3 years
–
–
–
–
620,400
$620,400

4-5 years
–
–
–
–
741,732
$741,732

After 5 years
–
–
–
–
1,263,954
$1,263,954

20.  SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Authorization
AltaGas is authorized to issue an unlimited number of voting common shares. AltaGas is also authorized to issue preferred 

shares not to exceed 50 percent of the voting rights attached to the issued and outstanding common shares.

On April 4, 2013, AltaGas closed a public offering of 11,615,000 common shares at a price of $34.90 per common share for 

aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $405 million.

On October 1, 2013 AltaGas issued 2,801,905 common shares priced at $35.69 per common share as part of the acquisition 

of a 25 percent interest in Petrogas.

Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP)
AltaGas has adopted a Dividend Reinvestment and Optional Share Purchase Plan for holders of common shares (the Plan).

The Plan, as may be amended from time to time, provides eligible holders of common shares with the opportunity to reinvest 

the cash dividends paid by AltaGas on their common shares towards the purchase of new common shares at a 5 percent 

discount to the average market price (as defined below) of the common shares on the applicable dividend payment date (the 

dividend reinvestment component of the Plan). The Plan also provides shareholders who are enrolled in the dividend reinvestment 

component of the Plan with the opportunity to purchase new common shares at the average market price (with no discount) on 

the applicable dividend payment date (the optional cash payment component of the Plan). Each of the components of the Plan 

is subject to prorating and other limitations on availability of new common shares in certain events. The “average market price”, 

in respect of a particular dividend payment date, refers to the arithmetic average (calculated to four decimal places) of the daily 

volume weighted average trading prices of common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange for the trading days on which at least 

one board lot of common shares is traded during the 10 business days immediately preceding the applicable dividend payment 

date. Such trading prices will be appropriately adjusted for certain capital changes (including common share subdivisions, 

common share consolidations, certain rights offerings and certain dividends). Shareholders resident outside of Canada are not 

entitled to participate in the Plan.

101

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsAltaGas 2013 Annual Report 
 
Preferred Shares
Holders of the Series A Preferred Shares are entitled to receive a cumulative quarterly fixed dividend for the initial period ending 

on but excluding September 30, 2015 at an annual rate of 5.00 percent, payable quarterly, as and when declared by the Board 

of Directors of AltaGas. The first dividend payment of $0.4589 per Series A Preferred Share was made on December 31, 2010. 

The dividend rate will reset on September 30, 2015, and every five years thereafter at a rate equal to the sum of the then five-

year Government of Canada bond yield plus 2.66 percent. The Series A Preferred Shares are redeemable by AltaGas, at its 

option, on September 30, 2015, and on September 30 of every fifth year thereafter.

Holders of the Series A Preferred Shares have the right to convert all or any part of their shares into cumulative redeemable 

floating rate preferred shares, the Series B Preferred Shares, subject to certain conditions, on September 30, 2015, and on 

September 30 of every fifth year thereafter. Holders of Series B Preferred Shares will be entitled to receive a cumulative quarterly 

floating dividend at a rate equal to the sum of the then 90-day Government of Canada Treasury Bill yield plus 2.66 percent, as 

and when declared by the Board of Directors of AltaGas.

Holders of the Series C Preferred Shares are entitled to receive a cumulative quarterly fixed dividend for the initial period 

ending on but excluding September 30, 2017 at an annual rate of US$1.10 per share, payable quarterly, as and when declared 

by the Board of Directors of AltaGas. The first dividend payments of $0.3473 per Series C Preferred Share was payable on 

October 1, 2012. The dividend rate will reset on September 30, 2017, and every five years thereafter, equal to the sum of 

the U.S. Government Bond Yield on the applicable rate calculation date plus 3.58 percent. The Series C Preferred Shares 

shall not be redeemable prior to September 30, 2017. On September 30 in every fifth year thereafter, AltaGas may, at its 

option, redeem for cash all or any part of the outstanding Series C shares by payment of US$25 per Series C share plus 

accrued and unpaid dividends.

Holders of the Series C Preferred Shares have the right to convert all or any part of their shares into cumulative redeemable 

floating rate preferred shares, the Series D Preferred Shares, subject to certain conditions, on September 30, 2017, and on 

September 30 of every fifth year thereafter. Holders of Series D Preferred Shares will be entitled to receive a cumulative quarterly 

floating dividend at a rate equal to the sum of the floating quarterly dividend rate by US$25 per share and multiplying that product 

by a fraction, the numerator of which is the actual number of days in such quarterly floating rate period and the denominator of 

which is 365 or 366, depending upon the actual number of days in the applicable year. The floating quarterly dividend rate will 

be the annual rate of interest equal to the sum of the Treasury Bill rate on the applicable rate calculation date plus 3.58 percent.

Holders of the Series E Preferred Shares are entitled to receive a cumulative quarterly fixed dividend for the initial period ending 

on but excluding December 31, 2018 at an annual rate of 5.0 percent, payable quarterly, as and when declared by the Board 

of Directors of AltaGas. The first dividend payment of $0.3699 per Series E Preferred Share will be payable on March 31, 2014. 

The dividend rate will reset on December 31, 2018, and every five years thereafter at a rate equal to the sum of the then five-

year Government of Canada Bond Yield plus 3.17 percent. The Series E Preferred Shares are redeemable by AltaGas, at its 

option, on December 31, 2018 and on December 31 of every fifth year thereafter.

Holders of the Series E Preferred Shares have the right to convert all or any part of their shares into cumulative redeemable 

floating rate preferred shares, the Series F Preferred Shares, subject to certain conditions, on December 31, 2018, and on 

December 31 of every fifth year thereafter. Holders of Series F Preferred Shares will be entitled to receive a cumulative quarterly 

floating dividend at a rate equal to the sum of the then 90-day Government of Canada Treasury Bill yield plus 3.17 percent, as 

and when declared by the Board of Directors of AltaGas.

102

AltaGas 2013 Annual ReportNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
Common Shares Issued and Outstanding
January 1, 2012
Shares issued for cash on exercise of options 
Shares issued under DRIP
Shares issued on conversion of subscription receipts
December 31, 2012
Shares issued for cash on exercise of options
Shares issued under DRIP
Shares issued on private issuance
Shares issued on public offering
Issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013

Preferred Shares Series A Issued and Outstanding
January 1, 2012
December 31, 2012
Issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013

Preferred Shares Series C Issued and Outstanding
January 1, 2012
Shares issued on public offering
December 31, 2012
Issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013

Preferred Shares Series E Issued and Outstanding
Shares issued on public offering
Issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding 
Number of shares – basic
Dilutive equity instruments 1
Number of shares – diluted

Number of shares
89,248,374
779,969
1,393,541
13,915,000
105,336,884
806,093
1,745,411
2,801,905
11,615,000
122,305,293

Number of shares 
8,000,000
8,000,000
8,000,000

Number of shares 
–
8,000,000
8,000,000
8,000,000

Number of shares 
8,000,000
8,000,000

Amount
$1,204,269
16,197
41,071
378,358
$1,639,895
18,916
60,305
100,000
392,284
$2,211,400

Amount 
194,126
$194,126
$194,126

Amount 
–
200,626
$200,626
$200,626

Amount 
194,873
$194,873

2013 
116,068,088
3,440,922
119,509,010

2012 
94,986,369
1,324,669
96,311,038

1  Includes all options that have a strike price lower than the market share price of AltaGas’ common shares at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Share Option Plan
AltaGas has an employee share option plan under which employees and directors are eligible to receive grants. As at December 

31, 2013, 6,669,024 shares were reserved for issuance under the plan. As at December 31, 2013, options granted under the 

plan generally have a term of 6 to 10 years until expiry and vest no longer than over a four-year period.

As at December 31, 2013, the unexpensed fair value of share option compensation cost associated with future periods was 

$6.2 million (December 31, 2012 – $7.9 million). As at December 31, 2013, the compensation expense recorded for share 

options was $4.2 million (December 31, 2012 – $3.1 million).

103

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsAltaGas 2013 Annual Report 
The following table summarizes information about the Corporation’s share options:

Share options outstanding, beginning of year
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Share options outstanding, end of year
Share options exercisable, end of year

1  Weighted average.

Options outstanding

2013

2012

Number of 
options
5,846,460
801,500
(806,093)
(280,362)
5,561,505
2,917,955

Exercise  
price 1 
$25.01
37.72
21.75
26.38
$27.25
$23.28

Number of 
options
5,337,705
1,544,500
(781,220)
(254,525)
5,846,460
2,720,298

Exercise  
price 1 
$20.37
31.15
19.93
22.17
$25.01
$21.66

The following table summarizes the employee share option plan as at December 31, 2013:

$9.48 to $18.00
$18.01 to $25.08
$25.09 to $41.00

Options outstanding

Options exercisable

 Weighted 
average 
exercise price
$15.65
20.90
31.90
$27.25

Weighted 
average 
remaining 
contractual life
5.41
6.10
7.49
6.90

 Number 
outstanding
570,480
1,509,975
3,481,050
5,561,505

 Number 

exercisable  Exercise price
$15.50
20.77
29.55
$23.28

523,105
1,248,488
1,146,362
2,917,955

The fair value of each option granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model with 

assumptions for grants as follows:

Years ended December 31
Risk-free interest rate (%)
Expected life (years)
Expected volatility (%)
Annual dividend per share ($)

2013
1.41-2.34
6-10
23.59-24.46
1.53

2012
2.55
10
24.54
1.44

Equity-based Compensation Plan
In 2004, AltaGas implemented an equity-based compensation plan, which awards phantom shares to certain employees. 

Beginning in 2008, all employees were eligible to receive phantom shares. The phantom shares are valued based on dividends 

declared and the trading price of the Corporation’s common shares. The shares vest on a graded vesting schedule over three 

years. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the compensation expense recorded was $3.3 million (2012 – $5.5 million).

As at December 31, 2013, the unexpensed fair value of equity-based compensation cost associated with future periods was 

$9.2 million (December 31, 2012 – $8.8 million).

104

AltaGas 2013 Annual ReportNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
21.  NET INCOME APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHARES

The following table summarizes the computation of net income applicable to common shares:

Years ended December 31
Numerator:

Net income applicable to controlling interests
Less: Preferred share dividends

Net income applicable to common shares
Denominator:

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
Dilutive equity instruments 1
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted

Basic net income applicable per common share
Diluted net income applicable per common share

2013

2012

$201,096
19,630
$181,466

116,068
3,441
119,509
$      1.56
$      1.52

$116,769
14,922
$101,847

94,986
1,325
96,311
$      1.07
$      1.06

1  Includes all options that have a strike price lower than the market share price of AltaGas’ common shares at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

For year ended December 31, 2013, 805,500 options were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because 

their effects were not dilutive (year ended December 31, 2012 – 668,516 options).

22.  COMMITMENTS

AltaGas has long-term natural gas purchase arrangements, service agreements, power purchase agreements, and operating 

leases for office space, office equipment and automobile equipment, all of which are transacted at market prices and in the 

normal course of business.

Future payments of these commitments at December 31, 2013 are estimated as follows:

Gas purchase
Service agreement
Storage services
Purchase obligations
Capital projects
Leases

2014
$274,676
866
3,366
4,232
65,607
7,341
$356,088

2015
$263,094
1,644
3,389
5,033
25,233
6 , 2 3 0
$304,623

2016
$275,625
1,644
3,413
5,057
9,800
5,885
$301,424

2017
$297,675
1,644
3,436
5,081
9,800
5,097
$  322,733

2018
$146,496
1,644
3,460
5,105
9,800
1,945
$168,450

2019 and 
beyond
–
4,933
39,719
44,652
147,000
10,312
$246,616

Total
$1,257,566
12,375
56,783
69,160
267,240
36,810
$1,699,934

AltaGas enters into contracts to purchase natural gas and natural gas transportation and storage services from various suppliers 

for its utilities. These contracts, which have expiration dates that range from 2013 to 2019, are used to ensure that there is 

an adequate supply of natural gas to meet the needs of customers and to minimize exposure to market price fluctuations.

In 2007, AltaGas entered into a service and maintenance agreement with Enercon GmbH for the wind turbines for Bear Mountain. 

AltaGas has an obligation to pay a minimum of $12.6 million over the next 8 years, of which $7.4 million is payable in the next five 

years.

In 2009, AltaGas entered into a 20-year storage contract at the Dawn Hub in southwest Ontario. AltaGas is obligated to pay 

approximately $3.4 million per annum over the term of the contract for storage services.

105

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportIn 2010, AltaGas entered into a 60-year Consumer Price Index indexed EPA with BC Hydro for the Northwest run-of-river projects. 

As at December 31, 2013, AltaGas is committed to pay approximately $61.2 million for construction work related to these 

projects which are expected to be in service in 2014 and 2015. As at December 31, 2013, AltaGas paid $90 million, recognized 

as “Intangible assets”, to BC Hydro in support of the construction and operation of the Northwest Transmission Line. After 

commercial operation date, AltaGas shall make a series of 20 annual payments (annual considerations), the first of which shall 

be in the amount of approximately $4.9 million, and annually thereafter in the amount of approximately $9.8 million adjusted 

for inflation. Annual considerations have not been recognized in the statement of financial position as at December 31, 2013 

and are included in the commitments payable in next years.

23.  PENSION PLANS AND RETIREE BENEFITS

Defined Contribution Plan
AltaGas has a defined contribution (DC) pension plan for substantially all employees who are not members of defined benefit 

plans. The net pension expense recorded for the defined contribution plan was $4.8 million for the year ended December 31, 

2013 (2012 – $2.5 million).

Defined Benefit Plans
AltaGas has several defined benefit pension plans in Canada and the United States for unionized and non-unionized employees. 

These benefit plans are funded.

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP)

AltaGas has non-registered, defined benefit plans that provide defined benefit pension benefits to eligible executives based on 

average earnings, years of service and age at retirement. The SERP benefits will be paid from the general revenue of the 

Corporation as payments come due. Security will be provided for the SERP benefits through a letter of credit within a retirement 

compensation arrangement trust account.

Post-Retirement Benefits
AltaGas has several post-retirement benefit plans for the unionized and non-unionized employees in Canada and the United 

States. Benefits provided to retired employees are limited to the payment of life insurance and health insurance premiums. 

These benefit plans are not funded. Post-retirement benefit plans in the United States provide certain medical and prescription 

drug benefits to eligible retired employees, their spouses and covered dependents. Benefits are based on a combination of the 

retiree’s age and years of service at retirement.

The most recent actuarial valuation of the defined benefit plans for funding purposes was completed as of December 31, 2013. 

Information from the funding valuation was used in the actuarial valuation completed for expense calculation purposes. The 

next actuarial valuation for funding purposes is required to be completed as of a date no later than December 31, 2014.

106

AltaGas 2013 Annual ReportNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 
The following table summarizes the details of the defined benefit plans, including the SERP and post-retirement plans in Canada 

and the United States:

Year ended December 31, 2013
Accrued benefit obligation
Balance, beginning of year 
Actuarial (gain) loss
Current service cost
Member contributions
Interest cost
Benefits paid
Foreign exchange translation
Balance, end of year
Plan assets
Fair value, beginning of year 
Actual return on plan assets
Employer contributions
Member contributions
Benefits paid
Foreign exchange translation
Fair value, end of year 
Accrued benefit liability

Year ended December 31, 2012
Accrued benefit obligation
Balance, beginning of year 
Assumed through acquisition 1
Transfer of obligations
Actuarial (gain) loss
Current service cost
Member contributions
Interest cost
Benefits paid
Plan amendments
Foreign exchange translation
Balance, end of year
Plan assets
Fair value, beginning of year 
Assumed through acquisition 1
Transfer of assets
Actual return on plan assets
Employer contributions
Member contributions
Benefits paid
Actual plan expenses
Foreign exchange translation
Fair value, end of year 
Accrued benefit liability

Canada

United States

Total 

Defined 
Benefit

Post-
Retirement 
Benefits

Defined 
Benefit

Post-
Retirement 
Benefits 

Defined 
Benefit

Post-
Retirement 
Benefits

$109,219
(7,551)
6,298
29
4,557
(4,166)
–
108,386

67,156
7,567
9,376
137
(4,166)
–
80,070
$ (28,316)

$13,769
(2,820)
620
130
451
(275)
–
11,875

2,312
106
1,489
–
(275)
–
3,632
$ (8,243)

$181,639
(19,226)
6,212
–
7,761
(6,714)
12,543
182,215

119,049
24,969
11,739
–
(6,714)
8,221
157,264
$ (24,951)

$ 53,142
2,443
1,313
–
2,314
(2,047)
3,670
60,835

40,271
8,318
529
–
(1,531)
2,781
50,368
$(10,467)

$290,858
(26,777)
12,510
29
12,318
(10,880)
12,543
290,601

186,205
32,536
21,115
137
(10,880)
8,221
237,334
$ (53,267)

$ 66,911
(377)
1,933
130
2,765
(2,322)
3,670
72,710

42,583
8,424
2,018
–
(1,806)
2,781
54,000
$(18,710)

Canada

United States

Total 

Defined 
Benefit

$85,631
–
220
18,808
4,905
22
4,469
(4,836)
–
–
109,219

56,924
–
220
5,714
9,006
128
(4,836)
–
–
67,156
$(42,063)

Post-
Retirement 
Benefits

$ 10,064
–
–
3,003
434
–
533
(265)
–
–
13,769

1,716
–
–
56
805
–
(265)
–
–
2,312
$(11,457)

Defined 
Benefit

–
180,640
–
(3,633)
1,666
–
2,449
(1,540)
–
2,057
181,639

–
111,616
–
4,790
2,912
–
(1,540)
–
1,271
119,049
$(62,590)

Post-
Retirement 
Benefits 

Defined 
Benefit

Post-
Retirement 
Benefits

–
55,099
–
(1,131)
316
–
740
(563)
(1,946)
627
53,142

–
37,840
–
–
1,618
382
–
–
431
40,271
$(12,871)

$   85,631
180,640
220
15,175
6,571
22
6,918
(6,376)
–
2,057
290,858

56,924
111,616
220
10,504
11,918
128
(6,376)
–
1,271
186,205
$(104,653)

$ 10,064
55,099
–
1,872
750
–
1,273
(828)
(1,946)
627
66,911

1,716
37,840
–
56
2,423
382
(265)
–
431
42,583
$(24,328)

1  Includes the plans acquired in the acquisition of SEMCO on August 30, 2012.

107

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportThe following amounts were included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Other current liabilities
Future employee obligations

Defined Benefit 
2013
$   (418)
570
53,115
$53,267

Post-Retirement 
Benefits 2013
–
–
18,710
$18,710

Defined Benefit 
2012
–
2,077
102,576
$104,653

Post-Retirement 
Benefits 2012
–
–
24,328
$24,328

The following amounts were not recognized in the net periodic benefit cost and recorded in the other comprehensive losses:

Year ended December 31, 2013
Amounts included in 
accumulated other 
comprehensive income (Loss)

Transitional obligation 
Past service cost
Net actuarial loss
Total accumulated other 

comprehensive income (loss) 
on a pre-tax basis

Increase (decrease) by the 

amount included in deferred 
tax liabilities

Net amount in accumulated 

other comprehensive income 
(loss) after-tax

Year ended December 31, 2012
Amounts included in  
accumulated other 
comprehensive income (Loss)

Transitional obligation 
Past service cost
Net actuarial loss
Total accumulated other 

comprehensive income (loss) 
on a pre-tax basis

Increase (decrease) by the 

amount included in deferred 
tax liabilities

Net amount in accumulated 

other comprehensive income 
(loss) after-tax

Canada

United States

Total 

Defined 
Benefit

Post-
Retirement 
Benefits

Defined 
Benefit

Post-
Retirement 
Benefits 

Defined 
Benefit

Post-
Retirement 
Benefits

$    108
(299)
(7,107)

$      1
–
(287)

$(193)
–
–

(7,298)

(286)

(193)

1,785

74

200

$(5,513)

$(212)

$      7

–
–
–

–

–

–

$      (85)
(299)
(7,107)

$      1
–
(287)

(7,491)

(286)

1,985

74

$(5,506)

$(212)

Canada

United States

Total 

Defined 
Benefit

Post-
Retirement 
Benefits

Defined 
Benefit

Post-
Retirement 
Benefits 

Defined 
Benefit

Post-
Retirement 
Benefits

$(1,503)
77
(10,998)

$  (48)
–
(615)

$(718)
–
–

(12,424)

(663)

(718)

3,106

166

287

$(9,318)

$(497)

$(431)

–
–
–

–

–

–

$(2,221)
77
(10,998)

$  (48)
–
(615)

(13,142)

(663)

3,393

166

$(9,749)

$(497)

108

AltaGas 2013 Annual ReportNotes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsAmounts to be amortized in the next fiscal year
Actuarial losses

The following are the benefit cost components:

Defined Benefit
$3,339

Post-Retirement 
Benefits
$489

Year ended December 31, 2013
Net benefit plan expense  

for the year:

Current service cost and 

expenses
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of actuarial loss 

on accrued benefit obligation

Costs arising in the year

Year ended December 31, 2012
Net benefit plan expense  

for the year:

Current service cost and 

expenses
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of actuarial loss 

on accrued benefit obligation

Costs arising in the year

Canada

United States

Total 

Defined 
Benefit

Post-
Retirement 
Benefits

Defined 
Benefit

Post-
Retirement 
Benefits 

Defined 
Benefit

Post-
Retirement 
Benefits

$6,190
4,557
(3,863)

2,451
$9,335

$   620
581
(74)

267
$1,394

$6,212
7,761
(10,356)

4,350
$7,967

$1,313
2,314
(3,390)

310
$   547

$12,402
12,318
(14,219)

6,801
$17,302

$1,933
2,895
(3,464)

577
$1,941

Canada

United States

Total 

Defined 
Benefit

Post-
Retirement 
Benefits

Defined 
Benefit

Post-
Retirement 
Benefits 

Defined 
Benefit

Post-
Retirement 
Benefits

$4,800
4,470
(3,345)

1,057
$6,982

$434
533
(59)

76
$984

$1,647
2,421
(2,722)

1,004
$2,350

$312
732
(940)

45
$149

$6,447
6,891
(6,067)

2,061
$9,332

$   746
1,265
(999)

121
$1,133

109

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportThe objective of the Corporation’s investment policy is to maximize long-term total return while protecting the capital value of 

the fund from major market fluctuations through diversification and selection of investments.

The objective for fund returns, over three to five-year periods, is the sum of two components – a passive component, which is the 

benchmark index market returns for the asset mix in effect, plus the added value expected from active management. It is the 

Corporation’s belief that the potential additional returns justify the additional risk associated with active management. The risk 

inherent in the investment strategy over a market cycle (a three to five-year period) is two-fold. There is a risk that the market 

returns, as measured by the benchmark returns, will not be in line with expectations. The other risk is that the expected added 

value of active management over passive management will not be realized over the time period prescribed in each fund manager’s 

mandate. There is also the risk of annual volatility in returns which means that in any one year the actual return may be very different 

from the expected return.

Cash and money market investments may be held from time to time as short-term investment decisions at the discretion of the 

fund manager(s) within the constraints prescribed by their mandate(s).

The Corporation has set an overall objective to have a target asset allocation for the Canadian plans of 45 percent to 

55 percent of fixed income assets. This objective has taken into account the nature of the liabilities and the risk reward 

tolerance of the Corporation

The target asset allocation for the U.S. plans is 67 percent equities and 33 percent debt instruments.

110

AltaGas 2013 Annual ReportNotes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsThe collective investment mixes for the plans are as follows as at December 31, 2013:

Cash and short-term equivalents
Canadian Equities
Foreign Equities
Fixed Income
Real Estate

Significant actuarial assumptions  

used as at December 31

Discount rate (%)
Expected long-term rate of return on  

plan assets (%)

Rate of compensation increase (%)
Average remaining service life of active 

employees (years)

Fair value
$3,438
27,715
154,225
103,197
2,759
$291,334

Level 1
$3,438
27,715
154,225
103,197
–
$288,575

Level 2
–
–
–
–
2,759
$2,759

Percentage of 
Plan Assets (%)
1.18
9.51
52.94
35.42
0.95
100.00

Defined Benefit 
2013

Post-Retirement 
Benefits 2013

Defined Benefit 
2012

Post-Retirement 
Benefits 2012

3.20-5.00

0.00-5.00

3.20-4.40

3.95-4.40

0.00-8.00
0.00-4.00

0.00-8.00
0.00-3.50

0.00-8.00
0.00-4.00

0.00-8.00
0.00-4.00

12.7

12.9

12.3

12.4

The estimates for health care benefits take into consideration increased health care benefits due to aging and cost increases 

in the future. The assumed initial health care cost trend rates used to measure the expected cost of benefits range between 

4 and 10 percent and the ultimate trend rate between 4 and 5 percent, which is expected to be achieved by 2027.

The assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for health care plans. A one 

percentage point change in the assumed health care trend rates would have the following effects for 2013:

Service and interest costs
Accrued benefit obligation

Increase
$ 11,544
$69,865

Decrease
$  (9,007)
$(49,574)

111

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportThe following table shows the expected cash flows for defined benefit pension and other post-retirement plans:

Expected employer contributions:

2014

Expected benefit payments:

2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019-2023

Defined  
Benefit 

Post-Retirement 
Benefits

$14,240

$  3,187

$  9,370
$11,329
$12,959
$12,892
$13,789
$83,990

$  2,135
$  2,337
$  2,517
$  2,760
$  3,021
$18,518

24.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

In the normal course of business, AltaGas transacts with its subsidiaries, affiliates and joint ventures. Amounts due to or from 

related parties on the Consolidated Balance Sheet were measured at the exchange amount and were as follows:

As at December 31, 2013
Due from related parties
Accounts receivable 1
Long-term investments and other assets 2

Due to related parties
Accounts payable 3
Long-term debt 4

$  1,076
750
$  1,826

$20,620
332
$20,952

1  Receivable from joint ventures and an affiliate.
2  AltaGas and one of its managers agreed on a loan in the principal amount of $750,000, to be paid in full with accrued interest at the rate prescribed by 

the Income Tax Act (Canada) on the earlier of the date of employment termination and May 31, 2015.

3  Payables to joint ventures.
4  Due to an affiliate of the Corporation.

Year ended December 31, 2013
Revenue 1
Cost of sales 2
Operating and administrative expenses 3
Other income (expenses)
Interest expense on long-term debt

1  In the ordinary course of business, AltaGas sold natural gas to an affiliate.
2  In the ordinary course of business, AltaGas purchased natural gas from two of its joint ventures.
3  Administrative costs recovered from joint ventures.

$24,032
12,493
1,272
121
164

112

AltaGas 2013 Annual ReportNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements25.  COMPARATIVE FIGURES

Certain comparative figures related to deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities for the year ended 

December 31, 2012 have been reclassified to conform to the US GAAP financial statement presentation.

26.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Subsequent events have been reviewed through February 26, 2014, the issuance date of these financial statements.

On October 24, 2013, AltaGas announced that it will increase its effective ownership of Petrogas to 33 1/3 percent. AltaGas plans 

to transfer its current 25 percent ownership to AIJVLP. AIJVLP will acquire an additional 41 2/3 percent interest in Petrogas. As a 

result of the transaction, Petrogas will be owned one-third by each of AltaGas, Idemitsu, and its current majority shareholder. All 

regulatory approvals have been obtained and the transaction is expected to close on March 1, 2014. 

On December 20, 2013, AltaGas entered in an unit and share purchase agreement for the acquisition of the remaining 

50  percent  ownership  interest  in  Alton  Natural  Gas  Storage  that  it  does  not  already  own.  The  transaction  closed  on 

February 20, 2014. 

On January 13, 2014, AltaGas issued $200 million of senior unsecured MTNs with a coupon rate of 4.40 percent and maturity of 

March 15, 2024 and $100 million senior unsecured MTNs with a coupon rate of 5.16 percent and maturity of January 13, 2044. 

On January 24, 2014, AltaGas Processing Partnership, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AltaGas, entered into a sale agreement for 

Ante Creek, a 58.5 Mmcf/d (licensed capacity) gas processing facility located near Sturgeon Lake, northwestern Alberta. The 

transaction closed on February 12, 2014, with a realized pre-tax gain from the sale of the asset of approximately $12 million. 

On February 14, 2014, AltaGas redeemed $200 million of senior unsecured MTNs early, which had a coupon rate of 7.42 percent 

and a maturity of April 29, 2014. 

113

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsAltaGas 2013 Annual Report27.  SEGMENTED INFORMATION

AltaGas owns and operates a portfolio of assets and services used to move energy from the source to the end-user. The following 

describes the Corporation’s four reporting segments:

Gas

•  NGL processing and extraction plants;

•  transmission pipelines to transport natural gas and NGL;

•  natural gas gathering lines and field processing facilities;

•  purchase and sale of natural gas and electricity;

•  natural gas storage facilities; and

•  LNG and LPG development projects.

Power

•  coal-fired, gas-fired, wind, biomass and run-of-river power output under power purchase arrangements; 

both operational and under construction;

•  gas-fired power plants in Alberta; and

•  sale of power to commercial and industrial users in Alberta.

Utilities

•  rate-regulated natural gas distribution assets in Michigan, Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia and Nova 

Scotia; and

•  rate-regulated natural gas storage in Michigan and Alaska.

Corporate

•  the cost of providing corporate services, financing and general corporate overhead, investments in 

public and private entities, corporate assets, financing other segments and the effects of changes in 

the fair value of risk management contracts.

Geographic Information

Years ended December 31 
Revenue 1
Canada
United States

Total

As at December 31
Property, plant and equipment

Canada 
United States

Total

1  Operating revenue from external customers.

2013

2012

$1,376,019
676,155
$2,052,174

$1,207,426
220,197
$1,427,623

2013

2012

$3,418,878
1,533,648
$4,952,526

$3,083,197
865,969
$3,949,166

114

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

AltaGas 2013 Annual Report 
The following tables show the composition by segment: 

Year ended December 31, 2013
Revenue
Unrealized gain on risk management
Cost of sales
Operating and administrative
Accretion of asset retirement obligations
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
Provision on property, plant and 

equipment

Income from equity investments
Other income (expenses)
Foreign exchange loss 
Interest expense
Income (loss) before income taxes
Net additions (reductions) to:
Property, plant and equipment 1

Intangible assets
Investments accounted for by equity 
method

As at December 31, 2013:

Goodwill
Segmented assets

Year ended December 31, 2012
Revenue
Unrealized loss on risk management
Cost of sales
Operating and administrative
Accretion of asset retirement obligations
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
Provision on property, plant and 

equipment

Income from equity investments
Other income (expenses)
Foreign exchange loss
Interest expense
Income (loss) before income taxes
Net additions (reductions) to:

Property, plant and equipment 1
Intangible assets
Investments accounted for by  

equity method

As at December 31, 2012:

Gas

Power

Utilities
$1,019,793 $  300,435 $  894,415
-
(502,465)
(190,125)
(34)
(57,254)

–
(658.103)
(184,708)
(3,576)
(68,525)

–
(231,765)
(33,135)
(126)
(22,766)

(15,905)
1,620
5,590
–
–

(3,000)
2,514
40,193
–
–
$     96,186 $   117,366 $   184,244

(3,688)
108,041
370
–
–

Corporate
–
(9,242)
–
(28,804)
–
(3,940)

–
–
(4,932)
(290)
(102,074)
$(149,282)

Intersegment
Total
Elimination
$(162,469) $2,052,174
(9,242)
156,176 (1,236,157)
(430,479)
(3,736)
(152,485)

6,293
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

(22,593)
112,175
41,221
(290)
(102,074)
$248,514

$     42,138 $  333,801 $   765,379
$      (6,997) $       (209) $      6,472

$     3,280
$     9,246

– $1,144,598
– $       8,512

$   337,533 $     (7,988) $      1,180

–

– $   330,725

$   161,401
– $   581,700
$2,451,736 $1,924,549 $2,765,889

–
$  139,129

– $    743,101
– $7,281,303

Gas

Power

Utilities
$   843,998 $   216,137 $   437,638
–
(225,819)
(104,542)
(22)
(27,457)

–
(172,230)
(18,075)
(83)
(11,122)

–
(522,615)
(168,224)
(3,010)
(57,177)

–
622
–
–
–

–
859
–
–
–
$     93,594 $     76,890 $     80,657

(2,853)
65,116
–
–
–

Corporate
–
22,057
–
(34,202)
-
(3,519)

–
–
580
(8,512)
(61,237)
$  (84,833)

Intersegment
Elimination

Total
$(70,150) $1,427,623
22,057
(852,545)
(323,012)
(3,115)
(99,275)

–
68,119
2,031
–
–

(2,853)
–
66,597
–
580
–
(8,512)
–
–
(61,237)
– $   166,308

$   362,945 $   302,662 $   866,236
$           (81) $          613 $     12,020

$      254
$      (278)

– $1,532,097
– $     12,274

$       2,340 $     34,551 $    23,984

–

– $     60,875

Goodwill
Segmented assets

$161,401

– $   553,501
$2,196,540 $1,050,180 $2,541,500

–
$144,156

– $   714,902
– $5,932,376

1  Net additions to property, plant and equipment and long-term investments and other assets may not agree to changes reflected in Consolidated Balance 

Sheets due to classification of business acquisition and foreign exchange changes on U.S. assets.

115

Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsAltaGas 2013 Annual ReportTen-Year Review of Financial Information

($ millions unless otherwise indicated)

2013

2012

Financial Highlights 1
Income Statement

Revenue
Net revenue 2
EBITDA 2
Operating Income 2

Gas
Power
Utility
Corporate

Net income

Net income per basic share
EBITDA per basic share 2

Cash Flow

Funds from operations 2
Funds from operations per basic share 2
Dividends/distributions per share declared 3

Balance Sheet

Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Total assets
Short-term debt
Long-term debt 
Shareholders’ equity

Share Data (millions)

Shares outstanding at year-end
Weighted average shares outstanding for the year (basic)

Ratios (%)

Return on average equity
Return on average invested capital
Debt as a percentage of total capitalization

2,042.9
960.2
538.9

1,449.7
664.4
319.3

96.2
117.4
184.2
(37.7)
360.1
181.5

$1.56
$4.64

400.3
$3.45
$1.50

4,952.5
195.3
7,281.3
84.4
2,952.7
2,791.7

122.3
116.1

9.4
8.5
53.1

93.6
76.9
80.7
(37.1)
214.1
101.8

$1.07
$3.36

254.6
$2.68
$1.40

3,949.2
189.8
5,932.4
66.9
2,626.1
1,959.8

105.3
95.0

7.8
7.7
57.4

1  Financial results 2010 and 2011 were restated to comply with US GAAP.
2  Non-GAAP financial measure. See discussion on the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of the MD&A.
3  On July 1, 2010, AltaGas converted from a Trust to a Corporation.

2011

(restated)

1,280.0
513.1
257.2

105.2
86.7
24.2
(41.0)
175.1
82.7

$0.98
$3.06

213.3
$2.54
$1.34

2,486.1
177.5
3,556.2
16.8
1,214.3
1,355.4

89.2
84.0

8.0
8.5
49.5

116

Ten-Year Review of Financial Information

AltaGas 2013 Annual Report2010

(restated)

1,192.4
504.8
234.9

95.0
76.4
24.6
(43.9)
152.1
117.0

$1.43
$2.88

191.7
$2.35
$1.74

1,923.5
80.0
2,743.1
9.5
903.0
1,209.9

82.5
81.5

9.4
8.2
42.8

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

1,268.3
456.6
247.8

1,816.8
476.5
245.4

102.9
88.0
7.5
(27.7)
170.6
141.3

$1.80
$3.16

202.3
$2.58
$2.16

1,857.1
128.9
2,628.9
14.5
1,000.1
1,048.9

80.3
78.5

13.6
10.0
49.2

103.6
117.9
 – 
(43.1)
178.4
163.6

$2.38
$3.57

217.1
$3.15
$2.13

1,436.7
138.9
2,132.3
4.5
560.8
957.4

71.9
68.8

19.6
13.6
37.8

1,428.4
324.0
245.4

59.3
94.6
 – 
(27.3)
125.5
108.8

$1.90
$4.28

162.9
$2.84
$2.065

682.3
95.7
1,172.7
3.6
217.2
584.7

58.1
57.4

19.8
16.2
27.4

1,362.6
318.9
172.6

63.4
90.9
 – 
(27.6)
126.7
114.5

$2.06
$3.10

161.7
$2.92
$1.995

677.9
103.3
1,109.6
-
265.5
529.4

56.4
55.5

22.7
16.3
33.4

1,502.3
296.9
156.8

60.1
48.7
6.2
(6.9)
108.1
90.3

$1.67
$2.90

129.0
$2.39
$1.85

645.4
110.9
1,068.3
2.7
266.3
478.6

54.6
54.0

18.4
13.0
36.0

864.6
250.4
134.5

47.9
35.8
7.9
 – 
91.6
65.8

$1.33
$2.72

108.6
$2.20
$1.31

746.7
113.1
1,108.6
7.0
352.5
483.5

53.2
49.4

15.7
11.6
42.6

Ten-Year Review of Financial Information

117

AltaGas 2013 Annual Report 
Ten-Year Review of Operating Information

Operating Statistics
Gas

Extraction inlet gas processed (Mmcf/d) 1 
Extraction ethane volumes (Bbls/d) 1
Extraction NGL volumes (Bbls/d) 1
Total extraction volumes (Bbls/d) 1,2
Frac spread – realized ($/Bbl) 1,3
Frac spread – average spot price ($/Bbl) 1,4
Field processing throughput (gross Mmcf/d) 1
Field processing capacity Utilization (%) 1
Average gas volumes marketed (GJ/d) 1,5

Power

Volume of power sold (GWh)
Price received on the sale of power ($/MWh) 6
Alberta Power Pool price ($/MWh) 

Canadian utilities

Natural gas deliveries – end-use (PJ) 7
Natural gas deliveries – transportation (PJ) 7

U.S. utilities 8

Natural gas deliveries – end-use (Bcf) 7
Natural gas deliveries – transportation (Bcf) 7

2013

2012

2011

941
30,999
20,672
51,671
24.96
27.15
420
30
356,271

4,458
76.82
80.19

30.4
5.8

70.1
41.4

889
25,499
14,593
40,092
30.83
29.22
372
30
356,526

3,317
69.42
64.32

28.5
6.8

26.0
13.9

883
26,565
14,513
41,078
33.67
42.88
391
33
369,603

3,003
75.94
76.22

21.8
4.6

 – 
 – 

Service sites 9

555,198

547,977

115,011

Degree day variance from normal (%)

AUI 10
Heritage Gas 10
SEMCO Gas 8,11
ENSTAR 8,11

 0.5
1.3
9.0
(1.0)

(0.7)
(9.1)
(0.2)
9.6

 – 
(12.7)
 – 
 – 

1  Average for the year.
2  Excludes Harmattan NGL processed on behalf of customers.
3  Realized frac spread or NGL margin, expressed in dollars per barrel of NGL, is derived from sales recorded by the segment during the year for frac exposed 
volumes plus the settlement value of frac hedges settled in the period less extraction premiums, divided by the total frac exposed volumes produced during 
the year.

4  Average spot frac spread or NGL margin, expressed in dollars per barrel of NGL, are indicative of the average sales price that AltaGas receives for propane, 

butane and condensate less extraction premiums, divided by the respective frac exposed volumes for the period.
Includes volumes marketed directly, volumes transacted on behalf of other operating segments and volumes sold in gas exchange transactions.

5 
6  Price received excludes Blythe as it earns fixed capacity payments under its power purchase arrangement with Southern California Edison. 

118

Ten-Year Review of Operating Information

AltaGas 2013 Annual Report2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

–
25,453
12,654
38,107
27.27
31.95
423
35
386,004

2,828
66.79
50.76

19.90
5.30

 –
 –

–
26,817
13,236
40,053
23.46
19.51
453
39
354,513

2,726
68.97
47.84

6.62
 0.55

 –
 –

74,664

72,717

(1.60)
(13.20)
 – 
 – 

9.90
(1.00)
 – 
 – 

–
24,795
12,242
37,037
26.97
28.79
541
46
302,392

2,623
84.51
89.95

 – 
 – 

 –
 –

–

–
– 
 – 
 – 

–
13,355
6,752
20,108
21.38
22.48
527
52
388,217

2,661
68.59
66.84

–
–

 –
 –

–

–
 – 
 – 
 – 

–
13,132
6,564
19,696
18.47
18.47
555
54
327,057

2,878
69.26
80.48

 – 
– 

 –
 –

–

–
–
 – 
 – 

–
13,155
6,202
19,357
9.31
9.31
563
60
312,272

3,466
54.59
70.19

10.5
9.5

 –
 –

–
8,602
4,834
13,436
10.51
10.51
560
61
174,337

3,481
48.77
54.54

14.7
11.6

 –
 –

61,447

60,430

(1.4)
(5.7)
 – 
 – 

2.6
2.3
 – 
 – 

7  Petajoule (PJ) is one million gigajoules. Bcf is one billion cubic feet.
8  Results for U.S. utilities are from August 30, 2012.
9  Service sites reflect all of the service sites of AUI, PNG, Heritage Gas and U.S. utilities, including transportation and non-regulated business lines.
10  A degree day for AUI and Heritage Gas is the cumulative extent to which the daily mean temperature falls below 15 degrees Celsius at AUI and 18 degrees Celsius 
at Heritage Gas. Normal degree days are based on a 20-year rolling average. Positive variances from normal lead to increased delivery volumes from normal 
expectations. Degree day variances do not materially affect the results of PNG as the BCUC has approved a rate stabilization mechanism for its residential and 
small commercial customers.

11  A degree day for U.S. utilities is a measure of coldness determined daily as the number of degrees the average temperature during the day in question is below 
65 degrees Fahrenheit. Degree days for a particular period are determined by adding the degree days incurred during each day of the period. Normal degree 
days for a particular period are the average of degree days during the prior 15 years for SEMCO Gas and during the prior 10 years for ENSTAR.

Ten-Year Review of Operating Information

119

AltaGas 2013 Annual Report 
Shareholder Information

2013 Dividend Declaration History

Ex-Dividend Date
January 23, 2013
February 21, 2013
March 21, 2013
April 23, 2013
May 23, 2013
June 21, 2013
July 23, 2013
August 22, 2013
September 23, 2013
October 23, 2013
November 23, 2013
December 23, 2013
Total 2013 Dividends

Record Date
January 25, 2013
February 25, 2013
March 25, 2013
April 25, 2013
May 27, 2013
June 25, 2013
July 25, 2013
August 26, 2013
September 25, 2013
October 25, 2013
November 25, 2013
December 27, 2013

Payment Date
February 15, 2013
March 15, 2013
April 15, 2013
May 15, 2013
June 17, 2013
July 15, 2013
August 15, 2013
September 16, 2013
October 15, 2013
November 15, 2013
December 16, 2013
January 15, 2014

Amount
$0.120 
$0.120 
$0.120 
$0.120 
$0.125 
$0.125 
$0.125 
$0.1275 
$0.1275 
$0.1275 
$0.1275 
$0.1275 
$1.4925 

Dividend Reinvestment and Optional Common Share Purchase Plan of AltaGas Ltd. for Holders of Common Shares
AltaGas has adopted a Dividend Reinvestment and Optional Share Purchase Plan (“Plan”) for holders of common shares of AltaGas Ltd.

The Plan provides shareholders with a convenient and economical way to maximize their investment in AltaGas. The Plan enables 

eligible shareholders to direct cash dividends paid by AltaGas in respect of their existing shares be reinvested at 95 per cent of the 

average market price (as defined in the Plan) of a share. Shareholders resident outside of Canada are not entitled to participate in 

the Plan. Eligible shareholders can also make optional share purchases at the weighted average market price subject to Plan limits.

If you wish to participate in the Plan, eligible registered shareholders must enroll directly with Computershare Trust Company of 

Canada, while beneficial shareholders should simply contact their broker, investment dealer, financial institution or other nominee 

through which shares are held, as they must enroll on your behalf.

Complete details on the DRIP are available on the AltaGas website at www.altagas.ca.

AltaGas Share Price and Volume (ALA)

Volume Traded (millions)

High/Low

Close (dollars)

25

20

15

10

5

$50

$40

$30

$20

$10

January
2012

March
2012

June
2012

September
2012

December
2012

March
2013

June
2013

September
2013

December
2013

120

Shareholder Information

AltaGas 2013 Annual ReportCorporate Information

AltaGas is an energy infrastructure business with a focus on natural gas, power and 
regulated utilities. The Corporation creates value by acquiring, growing and optimizing 
its energy infrastructure, including a focus on clean energy sources. 
For more information visit: www.altagas.ca

Management Team

David W. Cornhill 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Dennis A. Dawson 
Vice President General Counsel 
and Corporate Secretary

David M. Harris 
Chief Operating Officer

John E. Lowe 
Executive Vice President  
Corporate Development

Deborah S. Stein 
Senior Vice President Finance  
and Chief Financial Officer

Kent E. Stout 
Vice President 
Corporate Resources

David R. Wright 
Executive Vice President

Auditors
Ernst & Young LLP 
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Transfer Agent
Computershare Trust Company of Canada 
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Toll-free: 1-800-564-6253 
Email: service@computershare.com

Investors are encouraged to contact 
Computershare for information concerning 
their security holdings.

Stock Exchange Listing
Toronto Stock Exchange:  
ALA, ALA.PR.A, ALA.PR.U, ALA.PR.E 

Annual Meeting
The annual meeting will be held 
at 3:30 p.m. MDT on  
Thursday, May 1, 2014 at  
The Fairmont Palliser, Alberta Ballroom 
133 - 9th Avenue S.W.  
Calgary, Alberta

Definitions
Bbls/d 
Bcf 
EBITDA 

GJ 
GWh 
kV 
Mcf 
Mmcf/d 
MW 
MWh 
PJ 
MMBTU 

barrels per day
billion cubic feet
earnings before interest, taxes, 
depreciation and amortization
gigajoule
gigawatt-hour
kilovolt
thousand cubic feet
million cubic feet per day
megawatt
megawatt-hour
petajoule
million British thermal unit

Printed on
recycled paper.

Forward-looking Information
This annual report may contain certain information that is forward looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties. The words “may”, “would”, “could”, “should”, 
“will”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “believe”, “seek”, “propose”, “estimate”, “project”, “outlook”, “forecast” or other similar words are used to identify such 
forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements in this annual report are intended to provide AltaGas security holders and potential investors with information 
regarding AltaGas and its subsidiaries, including management’s assessment of AltaGas’ and its subsidiaries’ future financial and operations plans and outlook. Forward-
looking  statements  in  this  annual  report  may  include,  among  others,  statements  regarding  business  objectives  and  anticipated  business  prospects,  projects  and 
financial performance of AltaGas and its subsidiaries, expectations or projections about the future, and strategies and goals for growth and expansion. All forward-looking 
statements reflect AltaGas’ beliefs and assumptions based on information available at the time the statements were made. Actual results or events may differ from those 
predicted in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, the 
ability of AltaGas to successfully implement its strategic initiatives and whether such strategic initiatives will yield the expected benefits, the operating performance of 
AltaGas’ assets, the price of energy commodities, regulatory processes and decisions, changes in environmental and other laws and regulations, competitive factors in 
the natural gas and power energy sectors, construction and completion of capital projects, labour, equipment and material costs, access to capital markets, interest and 
currency exchange rates, weather, economic conditions in North America. This list should not be considered to be exhaustive. By its nature, forward-looking information 
is subject to various risks and uncertainties, which could cause AltaGas' actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or expectations 
expressed. Additional information on these and other factors is available in the reports filed by AltaGas with Canadian securities regulators and available through the 
SEDAR system at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date it is expressed 
in this annual report or otherwise, and to not use future-oriented information or financial outlooks for anything other than their intended purpose. AltaGas undertakes 
no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. 

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TSX: ALA

Investor Relations

AltaGas trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange
TSX: ALA, ALA.PR.A, ALA.PR.U, ALA.PR.E

For investor relations enquiries
please contact:

Tel: 
1-403-691-7100
Toll free:  1-877-691-7199
1-403-691-7150
Fax: 
investor.relations@altagas.ca
email: 

altagas.ca

1700, 355 - 4th Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta  T2P OJ1