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Centrica

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FY2016 Annual Report · Centrica
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Satisfying 
the changing 
needs of our 
customers

Annual Report and 
Accounts 2016

We are an energy and 
services company.

Everything we do is 
focused on satisfying  
the changing needs  
of our customers.

Group Highlights

GROUP FINANCIAL SUMMARY (Year ended 31 December)

Group revenue 

Adjusted operating profit

Adjusted earnings

Adjusted basic earnings 
per share (EPS)

£27.1bn

2015: £28.0bn
▼ 3%

£1,515m £895m

2015: £1,459m
▲ 4%

2015: £863m
▲ 4%

16.8p

2015: 17.2p
▼ 2%

Adjusted operating  
cash flow

Group net debt

Return on average capital 
employed (ROACE)

Growth revenue

£2,686m £3,473m 16%

2015: £2,253m
▲ 19%

2015: £4,747m
▼ 27%

2015: 12%
▲ 4ppt

£194m

2015: £114m
▲ 70%

Statutory operating  
profit/(loss)

Statutory profit/(loss) 
for the year attributable 
to shareholders

Net exceptional items  
after taxation included 
in statutory profit/(loss) 

Basic earnings per share

£2,486m £1,672m £27m

2015: £(857)m
● nm

2015: £(747)m
● nm

2015: £(1,846)m
● nm

31.4p

2015: (14.9)p
● nm

GROUP KEY OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Total customer 
account holdings –  
Home

Total customer 
account holdings –  
Business

26,196

2015: 27,069
▼ 3%

*year end, ‘000s

1,348

2015: 1,396
▼ 3%

*year end, ‘000s

Total customer 
gas consumption  
(mmth)

12,022

2015: 12,177
▼ 1%

Total customer 
electricity consumption 
(GWh)

144,810

2015: 151,595
▼ 4%

Direct Group headcount1

Total recordable 
injury frequency rate

1  Direct Group headcount 

excludes contractors, agency 
and outsourced staff. 2015 
has been restated to include 
North America DE&P.

36,494

2015: 39,389
▼ 7%

*year end

0.98

2015: 1.10
▼ 11%

*per 200,000 hours worked

At a Glance

 Iain Conn Group Chief Executive
“We delivered our key objectives 

including improved safety 
performance, better customer 
service, and more innovative 
offerings and solutions, while 
repositioning the portfolio, 
building capability and driving 
significant cost savings.”

SAFETY

Safety, compliance and conduct remains 
our top strategic priority. The Group’s 
total recordable injury frequency rate 
reduced by 11% compared to 2015. 
However there were two Tier 1 process 
safety incidents across the Group 
during the year, up from one last year. 
Improving our performance in this 
area remains a key focus.

GOOD FINANCIAL  
PERFORMANCE 

INVESTING IN NEW 
TECHNOLOGIES AND  
CAPABILITIES

Adjusted operating 
profit and adjusted 
earnings both up 4%.

▲ 4%

Enhanced ‘Internet of 
Things’ platform, data 
science and analytics, 
and digital capability.

▲19%

14%

Adjusted operating 
cash flow up 19% 
to £2,686 million, 
including £357 million 
working capital inflow 
in UK Business.

Underlying adjusted 
operating cash flow 
growth was 14%, in 
excess of the Group’s 
3–5% per annum 
long-term target.

527,000

527,000 Connected 
Home hubs installed; 
now selling Hive 
products in 
North America.

Centrica builds 
a pioneering local 
energy market 
in Cornwall.

CUSTOMER DELIVERY  
MATERIALLY IMPROVED

RESHAPING OUR PORTFOLIO 
IN LINE WITH STRATEGY

BALANCE SHEET SIGNIFICANTLY 
STRENGTHENED

Investment in customer service and 
digital capability resulted in UK Energy 
Supply & Services complaints down 
31% and higher net promoter scores 
across all geographies in 2016.

ENER-G Cogen and Neas Energy 
acquisitions add significant capabilities 
in distributed generation and asset 
management.

Launch of innovative 
new product offers 
for both Centrica 
Consumer and 
Centrica Business 
customers.

Completed exit from wind power 
with GLID and Lincs wind farm sales 
and announced exit from Trinidad 
and Tobago.

COST EFFICIENCY PROGRAMME

£384m

We made strong 
progress with our 
£750 million per 
annum efficiency cost 
programme delivering 
£384 million of savings 
in 2016.

Unless otherwise stated, all references to 
operating profit or loss, taxation, cash flow, 
earnings and earnings per share throughout the 
Strategic Report are adjusted figures, reconciled 
to their statutory equivalents in the Group Financial 
Review on pages 52 to 55. See also notes 2, 4 
and 10 to the Financial Statements on pages 113 
and 114, 118 to 123 and 132, for further details of 
these adjusted performance measures. In addition 
see pages 219 and 220 for an explanation and 
reconciliation of other adjusted performance 
measures used within this document.

▼ 27%

▲ 112%

Net debt down 
27% to £3.5 billion.

Net assets up 112% 
to £2,844 million with 
the share placement 
and current year 
profits offsetting the 
movement in the 
pension deficit.

FOCUS ON CASH FLOW, 
CAPITAL DISCIPLINE AND 
NET DEBT REDUCTION

Adjusted operating 
cash flow expected 
to exceed £2 billion 
in 2017.

£2bn

Great companies meet a need that 
is valued by customers and society. 
Read more in the Chairman’s Statement 
on page 4

Energy Supply 
& Services
Read more on  
pages 36 to 39

Business Model
Read more on pages 16 and 17

Connected  
Home
Read more on  
pages 40 and 41

Distributed 
Energy & Power
Read more on  
pages 42 and 43

Energy Marketing 
& Trading
Read more on  
pages 44 and 45

CONTENTS

14 

12 

10 

16 
18 
20 

Strategic Report
Our Businesses
2 
Chairman’s Statement
4 
Group Chief Executive’s 
6 
Statement
Focused on Innovating  
to Satisfy the Changing 
Needs of our Customers
Focused on Pioneering  
a New Energy Future
Focused on Cutting Energy 
Costs and Carbon Emissions
Our Business Model
Key Performance Indicators
Focused on Peace of Mind 
for our Customers
Focused on Engaging 
with our Customers
Responsible Business 
Update
Our View on Taxation
Focused on Training the 
Employees of the Future
Focused on Training  
our Employees
Business Review
Group Financial Review
Our Principal Risks and 
Uncertainties

36 
52 
56 

31 
32 

34 

22 

24 

Governance
66 
68 
69 

Board of Directors
Senior Executives
Directors’ and Corporate 
Governance Report
Remuneration Report
Independent Auditors’ Report

Smarter energy
Read more on pages 20 and 21

83 
100 

Responsible 
Business 
Update
Read more  
on page 24

Exploration  
& Production
Read more on  
pages 46 and 47

Central Power 
Generation
Read more on  
pages 48 and 49

Group Financial Review
Read more on page 52

Centrica Storage
Read more on  
pages 50 and 51

Principal 
Risks
Read more  
on page 56

Governance
Read more  
on page 65

Remuneration Report
Read more on page 83

Financial Statements
108  Group Income Statement
109  Group Statement of  

Comprehensive Income

109  Group Statement of  

Changes in Equity

110  Group Balance Sheet
111  Group Cash Flow Statement
112  Notes to the 

Financial Statements
190  Company Financial 
Statements

192  Notes to the Company 

Financial Statements

201  Gas and Liquids  

Reserves (Unaudited)

202  Five Year Summary 
(Unaudited)

203  Ofgem Consolidated 
Segmental Statement

Shareholder Information
216  Managing Your Shares
219  Additional Information 

– Explanatory Notes

IBC  Glossary

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

1 

STRATEGIC REPORT  
OUR BUSINESSES

Our Businesses

Our focus

Centrica: a customer-facing 
energy and services company 
for the 21st century

CUSTOMER-FACING BUSINESSES

Connected  
Home
Our Hive smart thermostat 
and other products and 
services help our customers 
in the areas of home energy 
management, home 
automation and peace  
of mind.

Distributed 
Energy & Power
Providing industrial and 
commercial consumers with 
the ability to use energy more 
intelligently, giving customers 
tools to generate and manage 
their energy usage.

Energy Marketing 
& Trading
Providing risk management 
and wholesale market access 
for the Group building on 
strong cross-commodity 
trading capabilities and a 
global presence in LNG.

Energy Supply  
& Services
Supplying energy and services 
to consumer and business 
customers in the UK, the 
Republic of Ireland and 
North America through our 
new business units: UK Home; 
UK Business; Ireland; 
North America Home; and 
North America Business.

ASSET-BASED BUSINESSES

Exploration  
& Production
Targeting production of between 
40 to 50 million barrels of oil 
equivalent per year focused 
on the UK, the Netherlands 
and Norway.

Central Power 
Generation
The thermal power generation 
portfolio is being rationalised 
with a view to simplification and 
cost reduction while retaining 
low cost optionality. We hold 
a 20% interest in eight nuclear 
power stations in the UK.

Centrica  
Storage
The Group operates the 
Rough gas storage facility, 
which is a strategic storage 
asset for the UK.

2

GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONOur strategy

The world of energy is changing and, with our 
chosen businesses, distinctive positions and 
current capabilities, Centrica is well placed 
to deliver for its customers and for society.

We will satisfy our customers, deliver cash 
flow growth and returns for our shareholders 
and be efficient and excellent in our operations.

We are shifting investment towards our 
customer-facing businesses – organised 
around two global customer-facing divisions: 
Centrica Consumer and Centrica Business 
focused on the residential consumer and 
the business customer respectively.

Our areas of focus are Energy Supply 
& Services, Connected Home, Distributed 
Energy & Power, Energy Marketing & Trading 
and the optimisation around Central 
Power Generation.

We supply energy and services to around 
28 million customer accounts mainly in the 
UK, Ireland and North America through 
strong brands such as British Gas, Direct 
Energy and Bord Gáis supported by around 
12,000 engineers and technicians.

We are focused on delivering high levels 
of customer service, improving customer 

engagement and loyalty. We are developing 
innovative products, offers and solutions, 
underpinned by investment in technology.

The role of Exploration & Production is 
to provide diversity of cash flows and the 
balance sheet strength required to supply 
energy and services to our customers. 
It continues to play an important role 
in our portfolio.

We aim to be a good corporate citizen; 
employer of choice and to provide leadership 
in a dynamic and changing world.

Our performance

BREAKDOWN BY EXTERNAL OPERATIONAL REVENUE
BREAKDOWN BY EXTERNAL OPERATIONAL REVENUE

BREAKDOWN BY ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT/(LOSS)
BREAKDOWN BY ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT/(LOSS)

Energy Supply & Services – UK & Ireland 

Energy Supply & Services – UK & Ireland

£12,055m

£906m

Energy Supply & Services – North America 

Energy Supply & Services – North America

£10,366m

£314m

Connected Home 
£25m

Distributed Energy & Power 
£159m

Energy Marketing & Trading

£3,194m

Exploration & Production

£771m

Central Power Generation 

£458m

Centrica Storage 
£74m

Connected Home
£(50)m

Distributed Energy & Power
£(26)m

Energy Marketing & Trading

£161m

Exploration & Production

£187m

Central Power Generation

£75m

Centrica Storage
£(52)m

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STRATEGIC REPORT  
CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

Chairman’s Statement

2016 was an extremely challenging year in which Centrica 
met or beat its targets whilst, importantly, underpinning 
discipline throughout the organisation on key matters 
of safety, ethics and compliance. 

The impact has been broad with financial 
delivery, organisational transformation, 
process efficiency, cash flow and strategic 
implementation all showing distinct progress. 
The business re-orientation has been very 
radical with a particular emphasis on finding 
ways to enable our people and technology 
to better understand and serve the changing 
energy needs of our customers on both 
sides of the Atlantic.

This process of reshaping Centrica has not 
been easy or comfortable for our own people 
and I would like to pay tribute to and thank 
everyone for their hard work and resilience 
during the year. Throughout this process, 
Iain Conn has shown firm, imaginative and 
decisive leadership. He has chosen his senior 
team wisely and led them intelligently. They 
too deserve credit for their performance.

Despite the improvement in our financial 
position, we took the decision not to resume 
a progressive dividend policy at this stage. 
This was a finely weighted judgement. But, in 
these uncertain times, we would rather err on 
the side of prudence as further work still needs 
to be done on strengthening the balance 
sheet and returning the business to growth.

Our growth plans are clearly shaped with 
the shift in investment intensity from the 
resource businesses towards the customer, 
supporting a focus on building our growth 
businesses such as Distributed Energy 
& Power, Connected Home, and Energy 
Marketing & Trading. We are committed to 
investing in these businesses, positioning 
ourselves to compete successfully in 
a fast-moving, attractive and aggressive 
environment. We continuously ask ourselves 
the question ‘What will it take to be a winner?’ 
in this new world, and always seek to act 
to improve our probability of success by 
adapting our capabilities, technologies 
and governance as required.

We made strides in 2016, but we are far 
from satisfied. Our objective is not simply 
a return to profitable growth for the benefit 
of our investors, important though that is. 
Rather we are driven by an over-arching 
aspiration to become a truly great company.

What does that require, in our view?

Great companies meet a need that is valued 
by customers and society. And, in doing so, 
they benefit their shareholders as well as 
wider stakeholders, including employees, 

suppliers, partners and communities. 
And, the most important stakeholder of 
them all, our customers for whom our clear, 
resurrected purpose is unequivocally in 
service; a purpose that seeks to bring a 
contemporary relevance to a set of values 
rooted in our 205-year history. And, in that 
purpose, we are making progress.

Great companies are places where people 
worry more about what is not working 
than what is.

Customer complaints are down. But your 
Board and executive leadership regard any 
complaint as one too many. Efficiency has 
improved. But we have suffered a decline 
in employee engagement. Affordability has 
improved. But our customers live in a world 
where incomes continue to be squeezed. 
And so, we are more consumed by how 
far we still have to travel than by the distance 
travelled thus far.

Great companies are places where people 
think like owners and entrepreneurs, staying 
viscerally and intellectually connected with 
the dynamics of their businesses and the 
forces that shape the operating context of 
those businesses. And that context, today, 
is not easy. Business and wealth creation 
are terms of disparagement. Many reputations 
have been damaged by the actions of a few. 
And the positive impacts of globalisation, 
new technologies and creative investment 
have been drowned out by the concomitant 
growth of social inequality.

“Reshaping Centrica has not 
been easy or comfortable for 
our own people and I would 
like to pay tribute to and thank 
everyone for their hard work 
and resilience during the year.”
Rick Haythornthwaite
Chairman 

4

GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONThis poor opinion of business is bad for us, 
for the UK economy and for prosperity in 
general. So, we are acutely aware that we not 
only need to reconnect with our customers. 
We also need to forge a new partnership with 
government and our other stakeholders, 
based on mutual understanding and a 
willingness to work together.

That is why we welcome the Green Papers 
on Industrial Strategy and Governance 
recently published by the UK Government. 
Government has the power to create a 
constructive context in which businesses 
can make the investments which the 
nation needs.

In the end though, it is businesses, through 
everyday contact with their customers, 
which can make the biggest and most 
immediate impact. The source of real 
economic and social change is at a local, 
community level. And that is where 
companies can be very valuable facilitators 
of change for the better in people’s lives.

Our engineers and technicians visit thousands 
of customers every week. They are trusted on 
an individual level to enter people’s homes 
and meet an immediate need, as well as 
assessing their overall energy requirements.

Our Hattersley call centre on the outskirts of 
Manchester specialises in helping hundreds 
of indebted customers every day to manage 
their energy bills. Last year the proportion of 
our customers in debt fell and, among them, 
the proportion on an agreed repayment plan 
is well above the industry average.

These are just two examples of how we as 
a business connect with communities and 
individuals to effect change on the ground. 
We are close to the real issues and we can 
make a difference. And we know that we 
should do more.

It is in these relationships that trust is born, 
nurtured and thrives.

And great businesses must be built on a 
foundation of trust, a quality that is in short 
supply today.

We are very intent on rebuilding trust in 
our company and sector.

This requires not only an emotional and 
physical investment in our relationship with 
our customers and society but also the 
addressing of the prevalent impression 
that UK governance in general is failing, 
an impression that will render any such 
investment worthless if untreated.

In fact, there is a strong case to be 
made that the UK has the best corporate 
governance framework in the world. 

The answer to any breakdowns in UK 
governance lies not in further embellishment 
of that framework but in promoting better 
compliance and a collective commitment 
to resolve some of the more intractable 
and sensitive issues over time.

Foremost amongst those issues is executive 
remuneration, often the lightning rod for 
criticism of boards. We are making progress 
over time. Long term executive pay trends 
are shifting towards more simplicity, lower 
differentials and internal succession in 
preference to expensive ‘star signings’ from 
outside. The responsibility lies with chairs and 
boards of directors to manage the balance 
between addressing this perniciously divisive 
problem and avoiding the unintended 
consequences that precipitous change, 
though perhaps politically popular in the 
short-term, may carry in terms of weakened 
capabilities and competitiveness. More 
regulation is unlikely to provide the answer.

In respect of compliance, your Board is 
continuously seeking ways in which we might 
better comply with and apply the Code. That 
must always start with recruiting the best 
possible directors whose track record speaks 
to their credentials, wisdom and professional 
approach. The quality of a board ultimately 
flows from the sum of these attributes; perhaps 
the setting and policing of standards in this 
key determinant of good governance holds 
the key to improving global standards rather 
than further embellishment of the Code.

We have worked to enhance our governance 
structures and processes throughout the 
year. Full details of this activity is set out 
in the Governance section on pages 
65 to 82, but it is the ongoing, deliberate 
refreshing of your Centrica Board that 
holds the key.

During the year, we reviewed the succession 
plans in place for the Board and the Executive. 
We identified digital, retail, North America 
and financial services as areas of business 
experience and expertise where the 
recruitment of new Board members could 
complement the strengths of our existing 
Board. We also paid heed to the public 
concerns about the extent to which the 
voices of customers and employees were 
being heard in the boardroom, bolstering our 
agendas and approaches were necessary.

There were several changes to composition 
of the Board. In June, Stephen Hester was 
appointed as a Director of the company 
and, in October, he succeeded Ian Meakins 
as Senior Independent Director. Stephen 
has wide-ranging commercial experience, 
particularly in customer-facing businesses. 

“In the end though, it is 
businesses, through 
everyday contact with their 
customers, which can make 
the biggest and most 
immediate impact.”

In addition, he brings a broad understanding 
of financial services, together with a deep 
knowledge of operating within highly 
regulated businesses. I would like to thank 
Ian for the great contribution he has made 
in his six years’ service on the Board.

Scott Wheway joined the Board in May. 
Scott has a wealth of experience as a 
senior customer-facing business leader 
with a mix of deep retail and consumer 
expertise. He is also a seasoned 
remuneration committee chair and will 
assume that role for Centrica following the 
2017 AGM. Joan Gillman was appointed 
as a Non-Executive Director in October. 
Joan is former executive vice president of 
Time Warner Cable, the second largest 
cable company in the United States, 
and has wide experience in media, 
communications and the shaping of 
network technology strategies. Scott 
and Joan are both valuable additions 
to the Board and are already making 
their contributions felt.

During 2016, the Centrica leadership did 
a great deal to put in place the diverse 
teams, structure and technology required 
to underpin our growth and give us a 
competitive advantage in our chosen 
markets. Centrica has moved a long way 
in 12 months. We may have ‘What does it 
take to be great?’ as a constant challenge 
but equally we never lose sight of the 
question ‘What do we have to do to make 
a difference now and make this future 
possible?’ It is thanks to this healthy 
combination of aspiration and practical 
application amongst our executive team 
that your Board looks to the future with 
growing confidence.

Rick Haythornthwaite
Chairman
23 February 2017

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

5 

STRATEGIC REPORT  
GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S STATEMENT

Group Chief Executive’s Statement

For Centrica, 2016 was a year of robust performance and progress 
in implementing our customer-focused strategy. We delivered our 
key objectives including improved safety performance, better 
customer service, and more innovative offerings and solutions, while 
repositioning the portfolio, building capability and driving significant 
cost savings as we build a platform for the future. 

CENTRICA IN 2016
2016 was a very busy year for the Centrica 
team, but they have delivered a lot, and 
Centrica enters 2017 a stronger company, 
with encouraging underlying momentum 
and positioned to deliver longer-term 
returns and growth.

Our stated purpose is ‘to provide energy 
and services to satisfy the changing needs 
of our customers’. But, as that mission 
statement also recognises, the nature of the 
world in which we operate is evolving rapidly 
and we need to respond equally fast if we 
are to survive and prosper.

During the year, we made a good start in 
the fundamental repositioning of Centrica by 
focusing on our customers, in line with the 
2015 strategic review of the business, and 
concentrating on making ourselves more 
efficient and improving capability in the key 
functions which will allow us to deliver for 
them and build a real competitive advantage.

It is by no means an easy task and we 
are still in the early stages of the process. 
But because of the difficult choices we have 
already made, and specifically the refocusing 
of the company and the significant efficiencies 

we have been able to unlock, we have 
given ourselves the time to establish the 
capabilities necessary to pursue growth. 
We mustn’t waste that opportunity and 
we have exciting plans, but the world of 
energy and services is changing rapidly.

There are three shifts driving change in the 
energy market and in our business. The first 
is the decentralisation of the energy system. 
This arises from more viable technologies 
and many types of solutions for energy 
management at the point of use.

The second shift, which follows on from 
the first, is that customers, communities, 
businesses and individuals, are gaining 
greater power to choose and control 
their energy use.

And thirdly, these trends are being accelerated 
by digital technology, especially big data and 
the actionable insights provided by analytics.

Our focus must be on what customers 
want and how we can best serve them. 
They want affordable energy; they want 
choice; they want control and the ability to 
use less energy; and, increasingly, they want 
lower carbon. We are very well positioned 
to deliver on all of these needs.

Finally, the world beyond the customer 
is also evolving. 2016 has seen some 
big changes in the political and economic 
environment. Centrica must be a trusted 
and constructive partner with governments 
and regulators, while also pursuing our own 
goals and the interests of our shareholders.

2016 was a year of solid strategic progress 
and good performance as we delivered for our 
customers in a rapidly changing economic, 
political and competitive environment.

RESHAPING CENTRICA
Against this backdrop, we have been 
repositioning Centrica to be more customer 
focused, and reallocating resources from 
Exploration & Production (E&P) and Central 
Power Generation towards the customer-
facing businesses. The asset businesses 
remain important to the diversity of 
our portfolio and therefore our cash flow 
stability but, in relative terms, we are 
concentrating more resources on 
the customer.

In February 2017, we announced a major 
step in reorganising our customer-facing 
businesses. We have established two 
operating divisions, Centrica Consumer 
and Centrica Business. These two divisions 
will contain all of our businesses which face 
the residential consumer and the business 
customer respectively. We are organising 
to respond to their changing needs. 
In addition to these two customer-facing 
divisions, we will continue to develop our 
portfolio in E&P and in Centrica Storage.

“2016 was a very busy year 
for the Centrica team, but they 
have delivered a lot, and Centrica 
enters 2017 a stronger company, 
with encouraging underlying 
momentum and positioned 
to deliver longer-term returns 
and growth.”
Iain Conn
Group Chief Executive

6

GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATION“We must ensure we satisfy 
our customers and deliver 
operational excellence 
every day. To this end, we 
are investing £50 million in 
improving customer service, 
we have taken on more 
call centre advisers and we 
have increased the number 
of their training days. We 
try to make sure that our 
customers can always speak 
to someone who truly 
understands their needs.”

If we are to grow the business and enter 
new markets, we need to get our basic 
level of effectiveness right. So, we have 
tackled duplications and inefficiencies and 
we will continue the journey to simplify 
and standardise how Centrica works. 
Altogether, our reorganisation programme 
has so far required a direct like-for-like 
headcount reduction of around 3,000.

I recognise the significant challenges 
faced by colleagues over the last two years. 
The Centrica team has performed very 
well in extremely difficult circumstances. 
But we are now more resilient and adaptable 
to the external environment and all the 
internal changes we have made are aligned 
to achieving the purpose and strategic goals 
of the Group. We are now in a much stronger 
position to deliver for our customers, deliver 
for our shareholders and ultimately deliver 
for our own employees.

SAFETY
As we reposition the business, our overriding 
priority remains safety, compliance and 
conduct. If we don’t get this right, we won’t 
be able to execute all our other plans. Last 
year we saw a big improvement in customer 
safety, with the number of incidents falling 
by a quarter. Recordable and lost time injury 
frequency rates among our own people 
also fell. Sadly, however, one of our partner 
engineers was in a road accident in which 
they tragically died. One incident like this 
is one too many. We continue to focus on 
building safety capability with our people 
through effective communication and training. 
We also pay close attention to compliance 
and the relationships with all our regulators.

SERVING OUR CUSTOMERS
We must ensure we satisfy our customers 
and deliver operational excellence every day. 
To this end, we are investing £50 million in 
improving customer service, we have taken 
on more call centre advisers and we have 
increased the number of their training days. 
We try to make sure that our customers 
can always speak to someone who truly 
understands their needs.

Our continued focus and investment in 
customer service has resulted in higher 
net promoter scores and significantly lower 
complaint levels across our UK, Ireland and 
North America customer-facing businesses.

We aim to be clear and competitive on 
bills and pricing. We committed to freeze 
our standard tariff, one of the cheapest on 
the market, for the entire Winter 2016/17 
period. We have since extended this freeze 
until August 2017 just as other providers 

are putting their prices up. Bord Gáis Energy 
also cut household gas and electricity costs 
by 2.5% and 5% respectively, making it the 
only supplier in Ireland to have reduced 
prices three times since February 2015.

HUMAN CAPABILITY
Centrica will only grow and prosper if we 
have the right people and invest in human 
capability across the company. Regrettably, 
but understandably in the light of our 
restructuring, we suffered a decline in 
employee engagement last year. We’re 
committed to change that and foster an 
engaged, diverse and inclusive workforce 
which will help us to better understand 
the changing needs of our customers.

We pay at least the Living Wage to all 
our UK employees and we continue to 
train thousands of British Gas engineers 
and apprentices every year. We are also 
diversifying our talent pool through the 
Movement to Work scheme which helps 
young, unemployed people secure 
the skills they need for the workplace. 
Since 2014, we have provided 700 training 
placements, of which 60% gained permanent 
employment. As a whole, along with our 
partner organisations, Movement to Work 
has trained over 50,000 people and 54% 
of them have secured some form of 
employment in the workplace.

In 2016, we launched Spectrum, our Lesbian, 
Gay, Bi-Sexual & Transgender Plus (LGBT+) 
employee network which, together with our 
networks for women, carers and parents, 
provides a vital source of support for our 
people and ensures we listen and get 
feedback on how we can be more inclusive 
as an organisation.

Despite all of the organisational change, 
across the Group we have been focusing 
on building capability and ensuring we have 
the processes and tools to compete and 
serve our customers for the long-term.

You can read more about our people and 
some of their stories on pages 32 to 35 
of the Annual Report.

TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
Reshaping the business is not simply 
about efficiency and structure, it is also 
about building new capabilities for the 
future. And here we laid some strong 
foundations in 2016.

We are working hard to understand what 
our customers want and to develop new 
technology and services to provide it. 
We are pioneers of the Connected Home. 
In the UK, we have over half a million users 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

7 

STRATEGIC REPORT  
GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S STATEMENT

Group Chief Executive’s  
Statement continued

Key Events in 2016

of our Hive connected hub. Hive customers 
can now use voice control, through 
Amazon’s Alexa Voice Service, and Hive 
products are also being sold in North America.

Our customers are seeing tangible benefits. 
Our HomeEnergy FreeTime tariff for smart 
meter customers provides free electricity 
9.00am – 5.00pm on a Saturday or Sunday, 
which can save an estimated £60 per year. 
And our Boiler IQ offering provides early 
warning of faults with heating or hot water.

Our Distributed Energy & Power (DE&P) 
business has been boosted by a first full 
year’s contribution from Panoramic Power, 
a leading provider of wireless, device-level 
management solutions, which is helping our 
business customers to take control of their 
energy by giving them the tools to monitor, 
operate and optimise their own assets. 
Distributed energy is growing, altering the 
traditional supply model, and increasingly 
consumers are becoming ‘prosumers’, 
generating their own energy.

We have made strategic, value-creating 
additions to our technological capability. 
Last year we acquired Flowgem, which 
specialises in water leak detection; Neas 
Energy, a leading Danish provider of energy 
management and optimisation services for 
decentralised and renewable assets; and 
ENER-G Cogen, an established supplier 
and operator of Combined Heat & Power.

This year we will start a pioneering £19 
million trial in Cornwall, which will see the 
creation of a virtual marketplace to buy 
and sell energy locally and the installation 
of new technology in over 150 homes and 
businesses. You can read more about it 
in one of our Case Studies on pages 12 
and 13 of this Annual Report.

Innovation is a key driver of growth. That 
is why we have announced the formation 
of a new unit, Centrica Innovations (CI), to 
focus our efforts in this area and act as an 
incubator and accelerator of new ventures. 
The team will be small, agile and outward 
looking, drawing on experience from 
our own businesses, other companies, 
start-ups and entrepreneurs.

We plan to invest £20 million a year over 
the next five years (2017 to 2021) (up to 
£100 million in total) in CI. Our existing Ignite 
£10 million social enterprise investment fund 
will become part of the new CI unit.

Find out more about some of our ground-
breaking products and services in the 
Technology & Innovation section on pages 
10 and 11 of the Annual Report.

8

6
1
0
2

11/02
British Gas leads 
with a further gas 
price cut of 5.1%

05/05
Equity placing  
to access key 
acquisitions and 
strengthen the 
balance sheet in 
uncertain times

01/07
British Gas launches 
innovative new 
energy plan for smart 
meter customers 
called FreeTime

   READ MORE ON  
PAGES 20 AND 21

05/02 
Centrica announces 
sale of Glens of 
Foudland, Lynn and 
Inner Dowsing (GLID)  
wind farms

READ MORE ON 
PAGE 49

21/04 
Centrica announces 
the acquisition  
of Neas Energy a 
trading optimisation 
business

READ MORE ON 
PAGES 45

16/05 
Centrica acquires 
ENER-G Cogen  
a combined heat  
and power (CHP) 
solutions business

READ MORE ON 
PAGES 14 AND 15

15/09 
Hive brings  
voice-control to  
heating, lighting  
and plugs

01/12 
British Gas makes 
commitments to 
energy customers

30/11
Centrica sells Trinidad 
and Tobago assets

   READ MORE ON  
PAGE 47

15/12
First gas flows  
from Cygnus

   READ MORE ON  
PAGE 47

7
1
0
2

GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATION 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PERFORMANCE
Operationally, against a background of weak 
commodity prices, 2016 marked a distinct 
improvement on the previous year. In a 
highly competitive market we delivered 
new customer offers in energy supply 
and services and were very focused on 
improving our service levels. Home energy 
accounts in the UK were broadly flat in the 
second half, UK Business continued to 
deliver strong capital inflows, and North 
America Energy Supply & Services recovered 
well from a warm first half of the year.

We made progress in reducing the scale of 
our asset businesses and in simplifying the 
portfolio. We have now completed our exit 
from wind power generation, while in E&P 
we announced the divestment of our Trinidad 
and Tobago assets. We are targeting the 
sale of our Canadian E&P assets this year.

In 2016 the Group’s financial performance 
was robust. Adjusted operating profit and 
earnings were both up 4%, with adjusted 
earnings per share of 16.8p. Adjusted 
operating cash flow was up 19% to  
£2.7 billion, significantly in excess of our 
3–5% per annum target from 2015 to 2020 
and providing strong underpinnings to that 
objective. Correcting for one-off working 
capital inflows and for changes in commodity 
prices between years, underlying adjusted 
operating cash flow growth was 14%. 

We delivered savings of £384 million as part 
of the Group’s cost efficiency programme, 
which aims to save £750 million a year by 
2020. Organic capital investment came in 
below the £1 billion limit we set, at around 
£850 million.

Our net debt was 27% lower at the end of 
2016, coming in at £3.47 billion, reflecting a 
strong cash focus and capital discipline. We 
have strengthened our balance sheet, and 
our own sources and uses of cash continue 
to be more than balanced.

RESPONDING TO CHANGING TIMES
2016 was the year which upset political 
orthodoxies on both sides of the Atlantic. 
As an international business, Centrica is not 
a passive spectator of these events. They 
affect us and we must manage through 
them, making an active response to 
changing and complex issues.

The UK referendum vote in June to leave 
the European Union and the outcome of 
the United States Presidential election in 
November have added to the uncertainties 
faced by businesses. However, we believe 
the direct impact on Centrica and Direct 
Energy specifically of these events is 
limited in the short term.

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

As far as the UK’s withdrawal from the 
EU is concerned, many details of the 
implementation process remain unclear. 
Extricating ourselves from all the European 
treaties is a task of immense complexity. 
But I hope that, despite the difficulties ahead, 
the UK will find a pragmatic way to deal with 
the issues, and Centrica is well-positioned 
to manage any market impacts.

Our focus continues to be understanding 
what the result means for energy and other 
business regulations. As the UK is now a 
major energy importer, what happens in 
the European energy market will ultimately 
affect the price consumers in the UK pay 
for their energy. We will continue to engage 
with the UK Government and the European 
Commission as they move towards 
a resolution.

A strong and open trading relationship with 
the US is vital if we are to continue to prosper 
as a nation and a business. Free trade is 
fundamental to global prosperity and to the 
efficient functioning of international markets. 
It is important for the UK and the US to 
maintain transatlantic alignment on markets 
and regulation, so as to minimise distortions 
and to safeguard the access which 
businesses need.

US climate change policy is now in a state 
of flux. In the UK, we continue to support the 
Government’s policy aims of decarbonisation, 
security of supply and affordability. We are 
not a passive partner. In fact, our focus on 
customers, in providing them with more 
insight and more tools with which to use less 
energy and to have more choice to produce, 
store and save it, means we are a major 
enabler of the response to climate change.

We welcome the publication of the UK 
Government’s industrial strategy. This 
represents a unique opportunity to forge 
a new partnership between businesses 
and the Government; a partnership where 
the Government focuses on creating 
the conditions for businesses of all sizes 
to grow and flourish across the UK; and 
where businesses invest to upgrade our 
economy for a post-Brexit world.

But the Government must also take the 
lead in tackling one of the major burdens 
on the UK economy: productivity. The UK 
lags US and German labour productivity 
by 30 percentage points, France by over 
25 and Italy by nine. To tackle this, we need 
to upgrade our economy by investing in 
infrastructure, jobs, skills and technology. 
We intend to play our part at Centrica.

2016 brought greater clarity on the regulatory 
front, with the Competition and Markets 
Authority (CMA) publishing the final report 

on its investigation into the UK energy 
market and the UK Government confirming 
reforms to the UK Capacity Market.

We have supported the CMA investigation 
throughout the process, even when we 
disagreed with some of its conclusions, 
and we are now actively implementing 
its remedies. Changes to Retail Market 
Reform rules, especially the increase in 
the number of tariffs we can offer, will also 
allow us to provide more choice for our 
UK Home customers.

The proposed reforms to the UK Capacity 
Market will bring on more generating 
capacity earlier than planned and improve 
the return to investors. Three of our new 
distributed energy projects and the replant 
of our Kings Lynn A power station all 
cleared the capacity market auction in 
December, in addition to our existing 
Langage, Humber and Brigg gas-fired 
power stations and the UK nuclear fleet.

OUTLOOK
Centrica made significant progress and 
delivered robust performance in 2016. 
We delivered our key objectives while 
repositioning the portfolio, improving 
capability and driving significant cost 
synergies as we build a platform for 
the future.

Looking ahead, we are confident that 
the trends we have identified are the right 
ones and our response ensures we are 
well positioned to compete and deliver for 
our customers. We will place increasing 
emphasis on developing and delivering new 
products and services for our customers 
and turn our eyes more to growth in a 
complex world.

We will continue to concentrate on:

•  High standards of safety, compliance 

and conduct;

•  Customer satisfaction and 
operational excellence;

•  Cash flow growth and strategic momentum;
•  Cost efficiency and simplification; and
•  People and building capability.

We will continue to strengthen the company 
and to pay an attractive level of dividends 
to our shareholders.

Through all of this, we will be able to deliver 
for our customers, for our employees, 
and for our shareholders.

Iain Conn
Group Chief Executive
23 February 2017

9 

STRATEGIC REPORT  
TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

Focused on  
Innovating to Satisfy the 
Changing Needs of our Customers

Our customers’ needs are evolving. They want more than just 
affordable energy and choice. They also want control of their energy 
use and the ability to use less. Increasingly, they want to reduce their 
carbon footprint; and to access new on-demand services for their 
homes and businesses, which meet their changing needs.

We see the home as a focal point of 
technology-enabled services where a wide 
range of providers from different sectors are 
competing to integrate devices, service and 
data into a customer-oriented ecosystem.

Big data and technology advancements 
and innovation also have the potential to 
radically change the way that businesses 
interact with energy. They can use 
sophisticated, granular data to understand 
how to run their machines more efficiently, 
saving both money and energy.

This is why our focus on technology and 
innovation is so important. The rapid pace 
of change and growing digital disruption 
in the global energy sector are altering 
the way we work.

BUILDING TECHNICAL CAPABILITY TO 
ACHIEVE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
We can only achieve competitive 
advantage by developing and delivering 
new technology-based products, offerings 
and solutions to residential and business 
customers at a competitive cost.

We have set up Centrica Innovations, 
a new venture to ensure Centrica identifies 
opportunities and is aligned to new 
technology that will benefit our customers. 
We will invest up to £20 million a year over 
the next five years in start-ups – up to 
£100 million in total – giving us access to 
technology and entrepreneurial resources.

We will have people scanning key technology 
hubs around the world – in Seattle, Houston, 
London, Cambridge and Tel Aviv – putting 
us at the forefront of the latest innovations 
and integrating learnings within the Group.

Centrica Innovations will also support 
existing in-house ventures, such as Local 
Heroes, our digital on-demand services 
proposition. It will act as an incubator 
for external ventures which are not yet at 
a maturity level for investment and require 
different types of support, for example, 
business expertise, mentoring or 
product piloting.

Our existing Technology & Engineering 
(T&E) function, established in January 2016, 
further strengthens our capability in this 
area by acting as a catalyst for innovation. 

It brings together our technical specialists, 
scientists and engineers from across 
the business. It maintains operational 
excellence through risk and quality 
assurance and protects our Intellectual 
Property. T&E provides guidance, insight 
and support to the business units in 
planning the right strategies to manage 
potential future technological disruption.

INVESTING IN INNOVATIVE 
CUSTOMER OFFERINGS
In the Internet of Things (IoT), everyday 
objects embedded with electronic sensors 
and software are connected to the internet. 
As customers take more control over their 
energy use, the demand for connected 
or smart devices will increase and provide 
opportunities to develop innovative 
customer solutions.

Digital business platforms
As one of the pioneers in the connected 
home market, Centrica continues to build 
a strong IoT proposition and capability.

•  Honeycomb is our own IoT platform 

supporting over 527,000 hubs and over 
one million devices which communicate 
over one billion messages every week.
•  We are a UK connected home partner 
for Amazon’s Alexa Voice Services, 
which allows our Hive customers 
to control their heating, lighting and 
devices simply by speaking.
•  My Energy Live will provide our 

customers with access to their energy 
use in real-time on smart phones and 
tablets via our app. We have started 
technical trials and customer pilots.

Remote diagnostics
•  Boiler IQ was the UK’s first connected 
boiler service that uses sensors to 
identify and diagnose faults remotely.

•  We have further strengthened our 

capability through the acquisition of 
Flowgem which specialises in the 
remote detection of water leaks.

Data science and analytics
Data science and analytics, together with 
our internally created algorithms, enable 
over 3.6 million of our UK and North American 
customers to reduce energy consumption 
and control their home devices. 

10

HomeEnergy FreeTime
With our innovative tariff, customers can choose 
a day of the weekend to receive free electricity.

>3.6m customers

Data science and analytics, together with our 
internally created algorithms, enable over 3.6 million 
customers to reduce energy consumption and 
control their homes.

>527,000 
Connected Home 
hubs installed

Sold over one million devices that communicate 
over one billion messages every week, supported 
by our Honeycomb platform.

 Iain Conn Group Chief Executive
“We are working hard to 
understand what our customers 
want and to develop new 
technology and services 
to provide it.”

Data analytics identifies energy use by 
category, such as heating appliances 
or lighting.

•  Using Hive data along with thermal 
modelling and machine learning 
we can provide our customers with 
heating failure alerts which give 
advance notice of boiler faults or 
possible breakdowns.

•  Io-Tahoe is an intelligent data 

management system, created by 
our own data scientists, to solve the 
problem of linking our many legacy 
systems and so unlock valuable data 
insights. It is perfectly adapted to 
the creation and management of data 
lakes, and enables rapid generation 
of customer insights and responses 
to solve day-to-day data challenges 
for businesses. Io-Tahoe is being 
launched externally in 2017.

GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONInternet of Things
Building deep technology capability in the home 
IoT space.

Home services on-demand
Book one-off home repairs online.

Hive + Amazon Echo
Gives our Hive customers the ability to control home 
heating, lights and plugs though the Amazon Alexa 
voice assistant.

Innovative remote leak detection
Uses technology to remotely detect water leaks.

My energy live
Provides our customers with access to their energy 
use in real-time via our app.

Boiler IQ
Helps keeps homes running smoothly with the 
UK’s first connected home boiler.

Smart metering
•  Time-of-use tariffs create dynamic 

and flexible time-based energy pricing 
for our smart customers. HomeEnergy 
FreeTime is one of the first time-of-use 
tariffs giving customers one free day 
of electricity use every weekend.

•  We have improved payment channels 
for our smart prepayment customers. 
The introduction of interactive voice 
response, app vending, online top ups 
and phone payments now provide 
our smart prepayment customers 
with additional payment options.

•  Our smart customers are able to switch 
from credit to prepayment methods 
without a physical meter exchange.

Digital services
As part of our focus on transforming 
the digital customer experience, we have 
launched Local Heroes, a technology 
platform for on-demand home services. 
Customers are able to book one-off home 
repairs online and benefit from services 
delivered by local traders and backed 
by a British Gas guarantee.

INNOVATING AND DEVELOPING 
FUTURE ENERGY SYSTEMS
Advanced machine learning algorithms 
analyse energy consumption data 
collected by Panoramic Power’s wireless 
and self-powered sensors. This insight 
allows business-to-business customers 
to improve significantly their energy 
and operational efficiency.

The acquisition of Neas Energy was a 
valuable addition to our Energy Marketing 
& Trading (EM&T) business. Its renewable 
energy trading and Virtual Power Plant 
(VPP) platform allows commercial 
and industrial customers to connect and 
aggregate their energy loads and resources, 
and provides grid services in decentralised 
electricity markets.

In 2016, we signed a funding agreement 
to develop a pioneering local energy market 
in Cornwall. Once complete, participants 
will use the latest smart technologies to 
connect to a virtual marketplace allowing 
them to sell their flexible energy capacity 
both to the grid and the wholesale 
energy market.

   SEE THE CORNWALL PROJECT CASE STUDY 
ON PAGE 12

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

11 

STRATEGIC REPORT  
FOCUSED ON PIONEERING A NEW ENERGY FUTURE

Focused on  
Pioneering a New 
Energy Future

Building a local 
energy market to 
put homes and 
businesses in control
Centrica is investing more than 
£1.2 billion globally to pioneer 
a new energy future for homes 
and businesses that will be 
smarter, greener and cheaper.

We’re bringing this to life in the UK with our 
ground-breaking local energy market trial 
in Cornwall, testing a new world of flexible 
demand, generation and storage, and 
rewarding customers for being more 
responsive in how and when they use 
their energy.

Working with partners, the £19 million 
programme is being funded in part by 
a £13 million grant from the European 
Regional Development Fund. The three-year 
trial will see the installation of new technology, 
including battery storage and combined 
heat and power (CHP), in over 150 homes 
and businesses. Participants will then use 
the very latest smart technology to connect 
to a ‘virtual marketplace’ where they will 
sell their flexible energy capacity to both 
the electricity grid and the wholesale 
energy market.

The trial will test a variety of technologies 
across different users so we can learn how 
the platform will work in a wide range of 

circumstances. We would anticipate that 
homeowners would typically be looking 
for us to automate the process as much 
as possible, while a business might 
need or want more control.

For example, we might offer a homeowner 
a new micro-CHP unit that allows them to 
generate their own energy. We could then 
automate the process so the unit fires up 
at peak times of demand on the network 
and therefore relieves pressure on the grid. 
Providing this service could secure the 
householder a payment, resulting in lower 
energy bills.

On the other hand, a business owner might 
combine their existing on-site generation 
such as a back-up generator with a new 
energy storage unit and choose to make 
the decision themselves about whether to 
export any excess energy to the grid and 
make some money, or store it for use 
on-site at a later time.

12

Cornwall has been at the forefront of moves 
to harness renewable generation. But that 
has created challenges for the local grid.

Our ambition is to explore how battery 
storage, together with flexible demand 
and generation, can reduce pressure on 
the UK’s electricity grid, avoid expensive 
network upgrades and support future 
carbon reduction.

We believe this is a unique opportunity for 
us to work together with local businesses 
and homes to open up new avenues which 
will give consumers more control of their 
energy, both here in the UK and potentially 
around the world.

   TO FIND OUT MORE GO TO  
CENTRICA.COM/CORNWALL

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Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

13 

STRATEGIC REPORT  
FOCUSED ON CUTTING ENERGY COSTS AND CARBON EMISSIONS

Focused on  
Cutting Energy Costs 
and Carbon Emissions

Putting ENER-G into 
sport and leisure
Delivering sustainable energy 
solutions, technologies and 
cogeneration systems from 
10kWe up to 10MWe fuelled by 
natural gas, and several different 
biogas, syngas and liquid fuels.

ABOUT ENER-G
Established in Salford, Greater 
Manchester in the 1980s, ENER-G 
Cogen delivers sustainable energy 
solutions and technologies on a 
business-to-business basis worldwide. 
ENER-G designs, manufactures, 
operates, maintains and finances 
cogeneration systems from 10kWe 
up to 10MWe fuelled by natural gas, 
and several different biogas, syngas 
and liquid fuels. ENER-G was 
acquired by Centrica in 2016.

DAVID LLOYD LEISURE
Over the past 15 years, ENER-G has helped 
to revolutionise the way that dozens of 
David Lloyd Leisure clubs throughout the 
UK and Ireland use their energy.

Combined heat and power (CHP) – the 
simultaneous generation of electricity and 
useful heat – is almost twice as efficient 
as conventional power generation because 
most of the heat is recovered and used on 
site, rather than wasted into the atmosphere.

Since its first CHP system was installed by 
ENER-G in 2001, David Lloyd has amassed 
a fleet of 57 units. As a typical example 
of the benefits, the David Lloyd club in 

Southend saved £30,000 and reduced 
carbon dioxide emissions by over 
300 tonnes between 2013 and 2014.

The usual payback period on CHP 
technology varies between two and four 
years. But for David Lloyd the savings 
were immediate. ENER-G finances and 
installs the CHP system at no capital cost 
to the client, as well as operating and 
maintaining the CHP units throughout 
their life. Energy generated by the units 
is sold to the client at a discount.

14

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NEWCASTLE UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB
In 2012, Newcastle United was the 
first football club in the world to become 
‘carbon positive’, offsetting more carbon 
than it emits, and was awarded the 
prestigious Carbon Trust Standard.

Installation of the CHP unit was challenging. 
There were spacing constraints within the 
existing plant room, which is eight storeys 
within the fabric of the actual stadium, so 
ENER-G had to deliver the CHP system 
in three sections and rebuild it on site.

By generating its own low carbon supply 
of power and heat using an ENER-G CHP 
system, the club is now reducing its carbon 
dioxide emissions by a further 390 tonnes 
per year. This equates to the environmental 
benefit of removing 130 cars from the road, 
or the carbon that would be offset by 320 
acres of forest, which would cover the area 
of approximately 160 football pitches.

In partnership with ENER-G, the club has 
adopted a range of innovative efficiency 
measures, including boiler optimisation, 
burner management, lighting upgrades, 
boreholes for natural pitch irrigation, 
smart building and energy monitoring 
and controls, as well as encouraging 
behavioural changes among the 
operational staff.

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

15 

STRATEGIC REPORT  
OUR BUSINESS MODEL

Our Business Model

Focused on our business model

Our business model is designed to 
deliver returns and growth through 
a focus predominantly on our 
customer-facing businesses.

Our Energy Supply & Services, 
Connected Home, Distributed Energy 
& Power and Energy, Marketing & Trading 
businesses are organised into two global 
customer-facing divisions; Centrica 
Consumer is designed to support the 
needs of residential consumers and 
Centrica Business is designed to support 
the needs of the business customer. 
Each division has a strategic framework 
built around five pillars and these are set 
out in the diagram below. 

Our Central Power Generation business 
is included within the Centrica Business 
division given its role in the management 
and optimisation of central power 
generation and its interface with 
wholesale markets.

Our customer-facing businesses are 
supported by the common operating 
functions of Customer Operations and 
Field Operations. These functions are 
where we touch the customer and 
are fundamental to our success.

Our remaining two asset businesses of 
Exploration & Production and Centrica 
Storage are operated separately and 
continue to play an important role in 
our portfolio. 

To ensure our model remains efficient and 
scalable, all businesses are supported by 
a number of centre-led Group Functions 
that are responsible for setting boundaries 
and standards which allow us to effectively 
manage risk and ensure a strong system 
of internal control.

Customer-facing strategic framework

Centrica 
Business

Energy  
supply

Wholesale 
energy

Energy  
insight

Energy 
optimisation

Energy 
solutions 

•  Gas supply
•  Electricity supply

•  Trading partner
•  Energy commodities  

& risk products

•  Central Power Generation

•  Energy resource 

management & monitoring

•  Asset optimisation
•  Aggregation and 

•  Multi-technology solutions
•  Design, install, 

•  Operational insights 
from energy data

optimisation of distributed 
energy resources (‘VPP’)

maintain & service
•  Business services

•  Preventative maintenance

•  Access to energy, 

capacity & flexible markets

Energy  
supply

Services

Peace  
of mind

Home energy 
management

Home 
automation

•  Gas supply
•  Electricity supply

•  Heating & aircon installation
•  Repair and maintenance

•  Home risk management
•  Remote diagnostics

–  Heating & aircon
–  Plumbing & drains
–  Electrical wiring
–  Appliances

•  Energy insight
•  Energy efficiency
•  Energy optimisation
•  Energy solutions

•  Appliance control
•  Home control

Centrica 
Consumer

16

GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATION 
Customers relationships 
worldwide

28m

Employees worldwide

36,500

Engineers and technicians

12,000

Total gas and 
liquids production

71.2mmboe

Vulnerable customer 
households helped in the UK

2.1m

1  Controllable costs comprise controllable cost of sales (costs which management deem can be directly 

influenced and excluding items such as commodity costs and transmission and distribution costs) and adjusted 
operating costs (excluding depreciation and amortisation, smart metering and solar expenses, dry hole costs, 
profit on fixed asset disposals, business performance impairments, portfolio changes including AlertMe, 
Neas Energy and ENER-G Cogen acquisition costs and foreign exchange movements). Like-for-like controllable 
costs are controllable cost of sales and adjusted operating costs, excluding growth investment in Connected 
Home and Distributed Energy & Power.

Focused on our long-term financial goals

Our long-term financial goals are 
delivered through a clear financial 
framework that enables us to deliver 
long-term shareholder value through 
returns and growth.

The risks to achieving the Group’s 
strategy are monitored and reported 
regularly. For more information on 
managing our exposure to risk see  
our Principal Risks and Uncertainties 
on pages 56 to 64.

Our priorities also ensure that progress 
in delivering performance in Safety, 
Customer Satisfaction, Operational 
Excellence and People is a core part of 
the overall Group performance, which 
is then measured through individual 
employee scorecards.

Metric

Target

3%–5% growth  
per annum

Progressive in line 
with AOCF

Cost growth 
527,000

Percentage of customers with smart 
thermostats who feel more in control 
over their heating

88%4

Smart meters delivered to homes 
and businesses in the UK

3.9m

Smart meters installed as a proportion 
of the UK’s total number of installations

>70%5

BEING CLEAR AND COMPETITIVE 
ON PRICING
Energy bills can be a real worry for  
hard-pressed households. Despite 83% 
of the energy bill being made up of costs 
we cannot fully control, such as wholesale 
energy costs, distribution charges and social 
and environmental taxes, we are committed 
to keeping our prices competitive.

In addition to reducing energy prices 
(see left), British Gas committed to freeze 
its standard tariff for the entire winter 
2016/17 period through to August 2017. 
In spite of increases in external costs, 
British Gas has consistently offered one 
of the cheapest standard energy deals 
available over the last year, made possible 
by significantly reducing our own costs. 
Our standard tariff continues to be cheaper 
than 95% of similar contracts in the market.

In 2016, Bord Gáis Energy also cut 
household gas and electricity costs by 
2.5% and 5% respectively, making it the 
only supplier in the Republic of Ireland 
to have reduced prices three times 
since February 2015.

We continue to engage with the UK 
Government and regulators on securing 
a more affordable and stable energy 
future by improving UK energy policy and 
competition. We are also actively testing 
the role of Distributed Energy & Power 
(DE&P) in building smarter energy systems, 
which have the potential to save the UK 
£8 billion a year by 2030.3

2 

1 

Brand NPS has been implemented consistently in 
the UK, Ireland and North America from 2016. Prior 
period comparatives are presented where available.
Brand NPS for Business energy supply in Ireland is 
not currently reported. Reflecting this, the stated 
metric represents UK Business only.
3  National Infrastructure Commission, 2016.
4  UK Hive satisfaction survey based on feedback from 

around 3,600 customers, March – November 2016.

5  Department of Business, Energy and Industry 

Strategy, September 2016.

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

27 

STRATEGIC REPORT  
RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS UPDATE

Helping those in need

We are making a difference in society by supporting 
vulnerable people with their energy needs and helping 
local communities thrive.

Vulnerable customer households 
helped in the UK

2.1m

Amount spent supporting vulnerable 
people with their energy needs through 
mandatory and voluntary initiatives

£196m

£106 million invested in mandatory 
and voluntary contributions to the 
British Gas Energy Trust since 2004, 
helping over

195,000 people

Through Ignite, we have committed 

alongside

£8m
27,600

hours of employee expertise in 
start-ups which has helped 

41,700

people since 2013

HELPING PEOPLE WITH 
THEIR ENERGY BILLS
While we strive to keep bills as low as 
possible, we recognise some customers 
struggle to pay for energy. Identifying 
customers who need extra support is 
therefore key. That is why the vast majority 
of our call centre advisers receive 
vulnerability training which enables them 
to provide bill assistance, debt advice 
and energy efficiency support.

In 2016, we gave bill assistance payments of 
£140 each to more than 650,000 vulnerable 
customers as part of the mandatory 
Warm Home Discount scheme. Meanwhile 
in North America, nearly 3,700 customers 
received grants of up to $600 (£450) through 
our voluntary Neighbor-to-Neighbor bill 
assistance programme in Texas.

We fund the British Gas Energy Trust, 
an independent charity, with mandatory 
and voluntary contributions. In 2016, the 
Trust helped nearly 22,600 people get back 
on their feet with invaluable debt advice 
and grants.

We are also improving the energy efficiency 
of homes through the Energy Company 
Obligation. This has enabled us to save 
an estimated £68 million on energy bills 
for vulnerable people since 2013.

MAKING ENERGY MORE ACCESSIBLE
We decided to become a dementia-friendly 
organisation in 2016. As part of this, we 
encouraged employees to take part in 
the Dementia Friends programme, which 
is the biggest ever initiative to change 
the perception of dementia and will help 
improve our support for people living with 
the condition. By the end of 2016, over 
5,000 employees had become Dementia 
Friends and we are on track to reach 
10,000 Friends by May 2017. As a result 
of the programme, we have reviewed 
our Power of Attorney process, making it 
easier for customers and their loved ones 
to access and manage their energy.

In 2017, we will roll-out a video relay service 
that will enable British Sign Language users 
to communicate with us like never before.

CREATING IMPACT IN COMMUNITIES
Through Ignite, the UK’s first corporate 
impact investment fund focused on 
energy, we are investing in entrepreneurs 
with innovative energy ideas that make 
a difference in society. So far, we have 
committed £8 million to a range of causes 
from alleviating fuel poverty using free 
solar electricity, to delivering energy 
education programmes for young people 
while at the same time, generating a 
sustainable biofuel.

Ignite was cited by the UK 
Government as a blueprint 
for how business can 
generate value in society.

During 2016, British Gas continued its 
partnership with Shelter to raise standards 
in the private rented sector where over 
a third of homes fail to meet the UK 
Government’s Decent Homes Standard. 
Building on successful campaign wins that 
secured improvements for an estimated 
four million people through better electrical 
and carbon monoxide safety as well 
as protection from retaliatory evictions, 
we supported Shelter’s development of 
the Living Home Standard. The Standard 
defines what everybody needs from a 
home to live comfortably and we hope it 
will help deliver better homes for Britain 
by driving up living standards.

28

GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONBeing a responsible employer

Creating a great place to work is essential for attracting 
and retaining the highly motivated and skilled workforce 
that can deliver for our customers.

SECURING A TALENT PIPELINE
We are building new opportunities to attract 
and retain diverse talent that will support 
the growth of our business, enabling us to 
deliver a better service for customers and 
plug the shortage of skills in our sector.

In 2016, we:

•  Invested £35 million in training 

8,000 British Gas engineers and 
over 1,220 apprentices.

•  Trained 130 technicians through Direct 
Energy partnerships with local schools.
•  Developed workplace skills for 190 people 

on our global graduate programmes.

In 2017, we intend to expand our UK 
apprenticeship intake, with a particular 
focus on customer service.

We are inspiring future generations to 
pursue science, technology, engineering 
and maths (STEM) careers. Through our 
British Gas Generation Green education 
programme, over 460,000 young people 
have learnt to think more innovatively about 
energy since 2010. Similarly, Direct Energy 
will launch its own school programme in 
2017, using Panoramic Power’s wireless 
sensors that show how energy could 
be used more sustainably.

We also reward our people with fair 
remuneration which includes paying at 
least the Living Wage to employees in 
the UK.

GENERATING SKILLS 
THROUGH VOLUNTEERING
We provide our 36,500 employees with 
up to two days paid leave to volunteer 
each year, which not only makes a 
valuable difference in local communities, 
but provides an exciting opportunity 
to learn new skills.

In 2017, we will continue to raise awareness 
about our volunteering programmes and 
we plan to extend our volunteering portal 
across the business to boost involvement.

1 
2 

Excluding the Board and senior management.
58% of employees disclosed data.

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

Total volunteering hours

▲53,513

(2015: 52,588)

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT
Our ability to provide an excellent 
service and retain our people 
is inextricably linked to employee 
engagement. To understand how 
employees feel, we conduct an 
annual survey.

  READ MORE ON PAGE 19

DIVERSITY
We embrace workplace diversity because 
having a range of backgrounds and 
perspectives enables us to better serve 
the changing needs of our customers. 
Our sector, however, traditionally lacks 
diversity so we are working hard to 
address the issue.

  READ MORE ON PAGE 72

MOVEMENT TO WORK
Through Movement to Work, we are 
helping young, unemployed people 
secure workplace skills. Since 2014, we 
have provided 700 training placements, 
with 60% of those taking part going 
on to secure permanent employment 
or further training. We will provide 300 
additional places by the end of 2017.

  READ MORE ON PAGE 32

Our employees

Female

27%1

Female senior management

26%

Ethnic minorities

24%2

Part-time

3%

We are also proud to have launched 
Spectrum, our Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual 
& Transgender Plus (LGBT+) Network 
in 2016, providing a vital source of 
support for employees and feedback 
for our continual improvement.

29 

STRATEGIC REPORT  
RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS UPDATE

Reducing carbon emissions

With around 90% of our carbon emissions arising 
from customer consumption of energy, the greatest role 
we can play in tackling climate change is to empower our 
customers to cut their carbon while reducing emissions 
across our own business.

HELPING HOMES CUT CARBON
We are helping customers reduce their 
energy consumption and carbon emissions 
through innovative and energy efficient 
products that give customers greater 
control and choice (see pages 10 and 11).

In the UK, we calculate that we have 
enabled customers to save nearly  
27mtCO2e from products installed since 
2008 – equivalent to the average annual 
emissions of seven million UK homes.1

In North America, we focused on reducing 
carbon emissions through renewable solar 
generation. While 2016 was a challenging 
year for the solar market, we completed 
residential installations that generated 
21MWp, up slightly from 18MWp in 2015.

GIVING LARGE-SCALE USERS CONTROL
Our global DE&P business is revolutionising 
our relationship with businesses and other 
large-scale energy users, giving them the 
power to operate and optimise their energy. 
We do this by bringing together flexible 
and local renewable generation, storage 
and energy efficiency measures alongside 
smart building management systems. 
This not only lowers carbon emissions 
and cuts bills, but reduces pressure 
on the electricity network.

To develop these capabilities further, 
in 2016 we invested:

•  £19 million with partners in a pioneering 
local energy market trial in Cornwall 
that will explore the role of distributed 
energy across more than 150 homes and 
businesses over three years. We will test 
how participants interact with the latest 
technology and develop a virtual market 
place that provides a platform to buy 
and sell energy to the grid and wholesale 
energy market (see page 12).

•  £149 million to acquire ENER-G Cogen, 
a supplier of combined heat and power 
(CHP) solutions that allow customers 
to reduce costs and carbon emissions 
by generating heat and power on site.

1  Ofgem 2015 household annual usage and 2016 

Defra greenhouse gas emission conversion factors.
Electricityinfo.org, 2015/16.
Restated due to availability of improved data.
Awarded in 2016, based on 2015 data.

2 
3 
4 

30

Our carbon emissions

2016

2015

Total carbon emissions

5,119,709tCO2e

4,392,965tCO2e3

Scope 1

Scope 2

Total carbon intensity by revenue

5,032,493tCO2e

4,282,138tCO2e3

87,216tCO2e

189tCO2e/£m

110,827tCO2e3

157tCO2e/£m

We report on an equity basis with practices drawn from WRI/WBCSD Greenhouse Gas Protocol, IPIECA’s Petroleum 
Industry Guidelines for Reporting Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Defra’s Environmental Reporting Guidelines.

•  £210 million to acquire Neas Energy, 
providing trading optimisation for 
customers with decentralised assets, 
including wind farms and CHP plants.

REDUCING OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT
We emit 63% less carbon for every 
pound of revenue raised compared to 
2010, primarily due to a reduction in 
our gas fired power generation.

In 2015/16, the power we sold to 
customers had the lowest carbon intensity 
among major UK electricity suppliers 
at 137gCO2/kWh; well below the UK 
average of 290gCO2/kWh.2

We are making good progress against our 
Central Power Generation (CPG) carbon 
intensity target of 200gCO2/kWh by 2020. 
While our CPG carbon intensity increased 
17% to 137gCO2/kWh, the rise was due 
to power generation volumes recovering 
following outages in 2015 and was the 
main factor for the increase in our total 
carbon emissions.

We also remain on target to secure a 
20% reduction in our core internal carbon 
footprint by 2025, having achieved an 
8% reduction compared to 2015.

We are recognised as 
leaders in addressing climate 
change by CDP, an international 
non-governmental organisation 
(NGO) reporting to investors 
representing around a 
third of the world’s capital, 
who gave us an ‘A’ grade 
for action and disclosure.4

Our UK fuel mix of power sold

Coal 

Gas 

Nuclear 

Renewables 

Other 

2%

30%

34%

33%

1%

GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONOUR VIEW ON TAXATION

Our View on Taxation

The Group takes its obligations to pay and collect 
the correct amount of tax very seriously. Responsibility 
for tax governance and strategy lies with the Group 
Chief Financial Officer, with the oversight of the Board 
and the Audit Committee.

OUR APPROACH
Wherever we do business in the world we 
take great care to ensure we fully comply 
with all of our obligations to pay or collect 
taxes and to meet local reporting and 
disclosure requirements.

We fully disclose information on ownership, 
transactions and financing structures to the 
relevant tax authorities. Our cross-border 
tax reporting reflects the underlying 
commercial reality of our business.

We ensure that income and costs, 
including costs of financing operations, 
are appropriately recognised on a fair 
and sustainable basis across all countries 
where the Group has a business presence. 
We understand that this is not an exact 
science and we engage openly with tax 
authorities to explain our approach.

TAXES PAID IN THE UK
We maintain a transparent and constructive 
relationship with Her Majesty’s Revenue 
& Customs (HMRC) in the UK. This 
includes regular, open dialogue on issues 
of significance to HMRC and Centrica. 
Our relationship with fiscal authorities in 
other countries where we do business 
is conducted on the same principles.

We carefully manage the tax risks and costs 
inherent in every commercial transaction, 
in the same way as any other cost. However, 
we do not enter into artificial arrangements 
in order to avoid taxation nor to defeat the 
stated purpose of tax legislation.

We actively engage in consultation with 
government on tax policy where we believe 
we are in a position as a Group to provide 
valuable commercial insight.

TAXES PAID OUTSIDE THE UK
Outside the UK the Group’s businesses 
are subject to corporate income tax rates 
in excess of the UK Corporation Tax Rate 
(see below).

Our Group Tax Strategy, a more detailed 
explanation of the way the Group’s tax 
liability is calculated and the timing of 
cash payments is provided on our 
website at centrica.com/responsibletax.

Tax charge v. cash tax by region
2016 £m

Breakdown of UK tax charge 
£m

Statutory tax rates on profits

185

UK

(152)

33

Mainland Europe

77

39

168

207

102

North America

32

27

Total UK tax charge

Group activities

Deferred taxes

33

(185)

UK supply of energy and services

UK oil and gas production

Tax credits due from other periods

Norway oil and gas production

152

2016 taxes to be repaid in 2017

54

2015 taxes paid in 2016

252

284

PRT refund from prior periods

Taxes paid in 2016

35

(12)

77

Netherlands oil and gas production

United States supply of energy 
and services

Canada supply of energy and 
services and oil and gas production

Denmark energy services

Republic of Ireland supply  
of energy and services

%

20

40

78

50

35

26

22

12.5

-150

-100

-50

0

50

100

150

200

250

300 350

-150

-100

-50

0

50

100

150

As at December 2016.

Deferred tax charge

Current tax charge

Net tax charge

Cash tax paid/(received)

Payments made on account in the early part of  
2016 are expected to be repayable in 2017 as a 
consequence of mark to market movements in  
the latter part of 2016.

   FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE TAX  
CHARGE IS SET OUT IN NOTE 9

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

31 

STRATEGIC REPORT  
FOCUSED ON TRAINING THE EMPLOYEES OF THE FUTURE

Focused on  
Training the Employees 
of the Future

Finding a way into 
work through an 
apprenticeship scheme
Centrica is proud to be part of 
Movement to Work, an industry-
wide initiative, working with 
other leading organisations,
to tackle youth unemployment 
in the UK.

Over the last three years, Centrica 
has supported 700 young people 
who were not in education or 
employment by providing training 
and work placements. 90% of those 
who took part said that their confidence 
and understanding of the work place 
increased and that they now felt 
ready to find a role. 60% of those 
taking part have gone on to secure 
a permanent job or further training 
as a result. We have pledged to 
do even more in 2017 by providing 
a further 300 work places, and to 
integrate support for ‘Movement 
to Work’ more closely into our 
successful apprenticeship scheme.

AIMEE HEARN
Customer Service Adviser, British Gas

Aimee had been out of work for six months 
and was struggling to find a job, sapping 
her self-confidence.

“For months, I would visit my local job 
centre really regularly, but struggled to find 
anything. Applying for jobs and being turned 
down for interviews made life very hard 
and I struggled with my self-confidence. 
When you’re unemployed, people look 
down on you. All you need is for someone 
to give you a chance.”

Her job centre adviser suggested applying 
for a British Gas apprenticeship through 
the ‘Movement to Work’ scheme. British 
Gas’ parent company Centrica is proud 
to be part of this industry-wide initiative, 
working with other leading organisations, 
including M&S, Starbucks, BT, Unilever, 
Accenture and BAE Systems, to tackle 
youth unemployment in the UK.

32

After completing the ‘Movement to Work’ 
eight week pre-employment training, 
Aimee was accepted onto the British Gas 
apprenticeship scheme, which she completed 
in July 2015. She now has a permanent, 
full-time Customer Service Adviser role 
with British Gas. It’s an uplifting story 
that Centrica hopes will inspire more 
young people.

   FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MOVEMENT 

TO WORK, VISIT: MOVEMENTTOWORK.COM

   TO LEARN ABOUT CENTRICA’S APPRENTICESHIP 

SCHEME, AND TO APPLY, VISIT: CENTRICA.COM/
CAREERS/APPRENTICE-TRAINEES/ABOUT- 
APPRENTICES-TRAINEES 

GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONLearn

Develop

Engage

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

33 

“I really am a people 
“I really am a people 
person and learning  
person and learning  
about helping customers 
about helping customers 
every day and some of  
every day and some of  
the responses from them 
the responses from them 
are what the job is about, 
are what the job is about, 
it makes you feel good 
it makes you feel good 
about yourself knowing 
about yourself knowing 
you can help others”.
you can help others”.

STRATEGIC REPORT  
FOCUSED ON TRAINING OUR EMPLOYEES

Focused on  
Focused on  
Training our 
Training our 
Employees
Employees

Rewarding careers 
Rewarding careers 
serving our customers
serving our customers
Before joining British Gas, 
Before joining British Gas, 
Ryannie, 16, was at school  
Ryannie, 16, was at school  
and volunteered at a school  
and volunteered at a school  
for children with disabilities.  
for children with disabilities.  
She had always thought  
She had always thought  
about staying on in education  
about staying on in education  
but wasn’t sure what her  
but wasn’t sure what her  
options were. 
options were. 

Ryannie had done a few weeks of casual 
work and knew that she wanted more for 
her education and career, but wasn’t sure 
what that was.

“If I’m honest I was going to go to 
university to be a physiotherapist, but 
the more I thought about it, the more 
I knew that university wasn’t really for me. 
Even though I had no idea what it was like 
being an apprentice in a contact centre, 
it’s been one of the best things I’ve done, 
as I can earn money whilst studying. 
I also feel like I have a career.”

“I applied for the apprenticeship because 
I think it is exciting to be a part of something 
completely different from what I thought 
I wanted to do. Now I’ve been here for a few 
months it’s definitely the opportunity for me 
as I can develop and help customers. I can 
also make a career in customer service.”

Ryannie’s team are one of the top 
performing teams in Edinburgh and 
are making a key difference to the 
Centrica service business by driving 
customer satisfaction scores and 
regulatory adherence. 

Ryannie said, “I really am a people person 
and learning about helping customers 
every day and some of the responses from 
them are what the job is about, it makes 
you feel good about yourself knowing you 
can help others”. 

The new Customer Service Trailblazer 
Apprenticeship has been created by 
leading service employers, including 
British Gas, to ensure we meet and exceed 
the needs of UK customers, learners and 
employers, both now and in the future.

34

GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONEngage

Learn

Develop

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

35 

STRATEGIC REPORT  
BUSINESS REVIEW

Business Review  
Energy Supply & Services –  
UK & Ireland

Supplying energy and services to 
residential and business customers 
in the UK and the Republic of Ireland 
through our new business segments: 
UK Home, UK Business and Ireland.

HIGHLIGHTS

UK Home customer accounts

21.8m

UK Business customer accounts

0.72m

Ireland customer accounts

0.69m

36

GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONENERGY SUPPLY & SERVICES –  
UK & IRELAND
We made good progress in implementing 
our customer-facing strategy in the UK and 
Ireland during 2016. We have established 
a new customer-centric operating model as 
we reposition the business beyond energy 
supply, enabling us to broaden and deepen 
the relationship with the customer in their 
home. Our strategy recognises customers are 
more empowered, with increased demand for 
technology-enabled service and integrated 
devices. Against this backdrop, we are 
focused on improving customer satisfaction, 
enhancing our range of innovative products 
and solutions, and delivering cost efficiencies. 

Our efficiency programme enables us to 
prioritise our resources to defend and grow 
our core energy and services activities and 
invest in new growth opportunities. During 
the year we restructured our UK energy 
and services businesses to create two new 
business units, UK Home and UK Business, 
and two operating functions, Customer 
Operations and Field Operations. This 
has enabled us to realise scale benefits 
from common processes and develop 
a segmented customer approach and 
targeted propositions. We have now 
consolidated operations into fewer sites 
and streamlined our sales channels and 
services product lines and reflecting this, 
direct like-for-like headcount reduced by 
nearly 3,000 during 2016. This resulted 
in redundancy costs, which contributed 
towards the Group’s £228 million exceptional 
restructuring costs, the majority of which 
were incurred in UK Home. In addition, 
we made changes to pension terms with 
our employees, with the vast majority voting 
to accept the proposals. These actions, 
combined with a focus on discretionary 
expenditure and a normalisation of UK 
Business costs, meant total like-for-like 
controllable costs fell by 7% compared 
to 2015 while our cost per UK home 
customer fell by 1%.

UK HOME
Against a competitive backdrop, excellent 
customer service is a core requisite for 
retaining and winning new customers. 
During the year we took actions to improve 
employee training, pro-actively re-assessed 
direct debit payments, implemented a more 
customer friendly ‘moving home’ process 
and improved call scripts. This all led to 
lower complaints in both energy supply 
and services, and Brand NPS improved 
by 10 points to move into positive territory 
at +3. Engineer NPS remains high at +69.

1 

Based on NPS relating to residential 
customer satisfaction.

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

The number of energy supply customer 
account holdings reduced by 409,000 or 3% 
in 2016 including the impact of a significant 
roll-off of long-term fixed price contracts in H1 
2016. However, it was broadly flat in H2 2016, 
despite higher market churn rates, reflecting 
the launch of new competitively priced 
customer offers and British Gas having one 
of the lowest standard variable tariff prices 
in the market following a 5% reduction 
in our residential gas tariff in March. The 
number of services product holdings fell by 
3% in 2016, reflecting the ongoing market 
trend for customers using on-demand and 
home emergency services, although the 
rate of loss was much reduced in the 
second half with targeted offers helping 
improve customer retention. We have 
developed a technology-led on-demand 
proposition, Local Heroes, which leverages 
our engineer base as well as providing 
access to local tradesmen backed by a 
British Gas guarantee. Across both energy 
and services, a greater focus on and 
understanding of customer preferences and 
more sophisticated customer segmentation 
is enabling us to develop more targeted 
offers as we focus increasingly on 
customer value.

We continue to lead the industry in 
the smart meter roll-out, having installed 
3.3 million to date. Smart meters will bring 
significant benefits to customers, with an 
end to estimated bills and a greater ability 
to monitor and reduce consumption helping 
improve customer engagement. Utilising 
smart meter technology, we launched 
our ‘HomeEnergy FreeTime’ tariff in June, 
offering free electricity to customers on 
either a Saturday or Sunday.

UK Home adjusted operating profit fell 8% 
to £810 million, which includes energy supply 
operating profit of £553 million, down 11%. 
This reduction in energy supply profitability 
reflects a changing product mix and lower 
customer account holdings partially offset 
by efficiency benefits. However, adjusted 
operating cash flow increased significantly 
due to strong working capital management.

UK BUSINESS
UK Business returned to profitability in 
2016 following an operating loss in 2015,  
with billing issues associated with the 
migration of customer accounts and 
associated data on to a new billing and 
CRM system from multiple legacy systems 
now fully resolved. Billing accuracy and 
timeliness are now significantly better than 
under the old systems, and as a result, 
complaints fell by around a quarter 

Energy supply complaints down

▼ 31%

UK Home brand NPS up

▲ 10 points

compared to 2015 and operating costs 
returned to pre-implementation levels. 
Following investigations by Ofgem into the 
impact of the transition to a new IT system 
on business customers, and into the roll-out 
of advanced meters for certain categories 
of business customers, we have agreed 
to pay £14 million in total in redress 
distributed across affected micro-business 
customers, the charity Money Advice Trust, 
which provides a business debt line 
service to help customers in need, and to 
fund energy efficiency advice and related 
activities through the Carbon Trust.

Collecting customer debt resulting from 
the billing issues was a key area of focus 
throughout the year and, as a result, adjusted 
operating cash flow was £418 million 
compared to a cash outflow of £132 million 
in 2015. Customer account holdings fell by 
6% in 2016, as we focused on rebuilding 
our reputation in the UK business market 
and our retention activities on higher 
value SME customers. UK Business also 
continues to support the DE&P business 
in the development of energy insights 
and solutions for our customers.

IRELAND
Our Irish business, Bord Gáis Energy, 
delivered a strong result in 2016. Customer 
service levels improved with complaints 
down reflecting investment in customer 
agent training and Brand NPS increasing 
to +20.1 We also delivered 4% growth in 
customer accounts, which reflected our 
competitive pricing position resulting from 
a reduction in gas and electricity prices 
for customers in Q4 of 2016.

Adjusted operating profit and adjusted 
operating cash flow were significantly 
higher than in 2015, with H2 2016 profit 
higher than H2 2015 including a strong 
operational performance in energy 
supply and generation and trading.

37 

STRATEGIC REPORT  
BUSINESS REVIEW

Business Review  
Energy Supply & Services –  
North America

Supplying energy and services to 
residential and business customers  
in North America through our new 
business segments: North America 
Home and North America Business.

HIGHLIGHTS

North America Home customer accounts

3.8m

North America Business customer accounts

0.59m

38

GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONENERGY SUPPLY & SERVICES – 
NORTH AMERICA
We made good progress in implementing 
our North America strategy in 2016, as 
we look to build on our market leading 
consumer and business positions. As in 
the UK and Ireland, our focus remains 
on improving customer satisfaction levels, 
enhancing our range of innovative products 
and solutions and delivering cost efficiencies. 
Overall, North America profitability was down 
3% compared to 2015 and down 17% on 
a local currency basis after normalising for 
the effects of foreign exchange movements. 
This reflected the impact that warm weather 
in H1 2016 had on consumption and in 
reducing spot optimisation opportunities 
from our natural gas pipeline and storage 
capacity contracts. However, H2 2016 
adjusted operating profit was significantly 
higher than both H1 2016 and H2 2015, 
with the realisation of higher B2B forward 
net margin under contract, improved solar 
performance and cost efficiencies.

NORTH AMERICA HOME
Excellent customer service is a core 
requisite for retaining and winning new 
residential customers. During the year we 
made good progress, implementing user 
interface enhancements for our customer 
care agents, providing additional training 
for both customer care and sales agents 
and introducing new service channels 
including social media and online chat. 
This contributed to a 47% reduction in 
energy supply complaints while Brand 
NPS over the year was +32.

We remain focused on continuing to improve 
the sustainability of the business through 
offer differentiation and innovative customer 
propositions. This includes the bundling of 
products, with 21% of energy sales being 
bundled with one or more other products, 
such as a protection plan or smart thermostat. 
In November, we launched bundled energy 
and Hive connected home tariffs in Texas, 
the US North East and Alberta, and a full 
launch is planned in H1 2017.

We are also looking to expand into new 
geographies as opportunities open up 
and during the year we started providing 
energy in New Hampshire and Rhode 
Island, while we opened 78 new services 
franchise territories. Energy customer 
retention improved by 3ppt, however the 
total number of energy supply customer 
accounts fell by 136,000 in 2016, reflecting 
our decisions to stop door-to-door sales in 
Texas and wind down our customer base 
in Ontario, as we focus on the higher value 
customer segments and regions. Services 

North America Home: Brand NPS 
over the year was

+32

The number of paid annuity contracts 
grew by 9%, with increased conversion 
from trial to paid contracts.

▲ 9%

customer account holdings fell by 13%, 
as a number of trial offers came to an end. 
However increased conversion from trial 
to paid contracts resulted in a 9% increase 
in the number of more valuable paid 
annuity contracts.

Our efficiency programme is key to 
retaining a competitive position and 
serving our customers more effectively. 
The combination of our residential energy 
and services activities to create the 
North America Home business unit has 
led to synergies from simplification, more 
effective and efficient sales channel use 
and reductions in headcount. In addition, 
we simplified our services business with 
the divestment of two small non-core 
businesses, Airtron Canada and Airco 
Mechanical. We have also repositioned our 
solar business to make it more efficient, 
restructuring our operations, streamlining 
sales processes and closing a number 
of loss-making offices in non-core markets. 
Cost per Home account increased by 
3% compared to 2015, primarily reflecting 
the lower customer account holdings.

North America Home adjusted operating 
profit increased 21% to £93 million, or 
6% on a local currency basis, reflecting 
improved unit margins in energy resulting 
from our focus on customer value and 
growth in our annuity business. Adjusted 
operating cash flow was down 8%, 
reflecting the impact of weather on 
working capital.

NORTH AMERICA BUSINESS
Customer satisfaction and retention remain a 
key focus in our B2B business. During the year 
we launched a number of new operational 
processes to enhance the experience for our 
customers, including improving the timeliness 
of generating a quote and engaging earlier 
with the customer prior to contract renewal. 

Excellent customer service is a core requisite 
for retaining and winning new customers in 
North America.

We also continued to invest in our systems, 
helping to improve efficiency and delivering 
efficiencies. Reflecting all this, complaints 
fell by 21% while Brand NPS improved 
from +20 in 2015 to +31 in 2016.

Total gas consumption was broadly flat 
and electricity consumption was down 4% 
compared to 2015, reflecting the warmer 
weather, partially offset by a slight shift in 
customer mix towards higher consuming 
customers. We continue to build on our 
position as the largest C&I gas supplier in 
the North East of the United States, as we 
look to increase our brand awareness and 
develop innovative offers. We are focused 
on developing a range of products targeted 
at different customer segments, delivering 
tailored offerings for larger businesses and 
simpler digital offers for small and medium 
sized customers.

We will also continue working closely 
with our international DE&P business, with 
Direct Energy the key channel for the sale 
of Panoramic Power’s wireless energy 
management solution to both new and 
existing customers. The number of licences 
deployed for Direct Energy customers 
increased threefold in 2016 in comparison 
to 2015, with sales to a diverse range of 
customers including retailers, manufacturers, 
cinemas and healthcare providers.

North America Business adjusted operating 
profit was down 10%, or 24% on a constant 
currency basis, and adjusted operating cash 
flow was down 16% compared to 2015. 
This predominantly reflects warmer weather 
in 2016, which impacted consumption and 
imbalance charges and limited the potential 
for spot optimisation profit from our natural 
gas pipeline and wholesale power contracts.

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

39 

STRATEGIC REPORT  
BUSINESS REVIEW

Business Review  
Connected  
Home

In Connected Home, our Hive smart 
thermostat and other services help 
our customers manage their energy 
use in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, 
Canada and the United States. 
We plan to build a global business 
providing new and innovative solutions 
for consumers across the world.

  READ MORE ON PAGES 22 AND 23

HIGHLIGHTS

Cumulative hubs installed

527,000

New products launched

5

40

GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONCONNECTED HOME
Connected Home is one of our focus 
areas for growth and we have brought 
together our existing expertise in the 
UK and North America to create a global 
business unit. Connected Home products 
are an important source of differentiation 
when linked to energy and services 
products for residential customers, helping 
drive engagement and brand awareness 
and enabling us to broaden and deepen the 
customer relationship, as well as providing 
growth opportunities in their own right. 
Our Connected Home customer offer is 
being developed around three categories; 
peace of mind, home energy management, 
and home automation.

We already have strong capabilities, 
including ownership of our proprietary 
Connected Home platform acquired through 
the AlertMe acquisition in 2015. We are well 
placed to compete in this space, with our 
existing customer base in the UK, Ireland 
and North America providing a strong 
initial route to market. We installed 527,000 
connected hubs cumulatively by the end 
of 2016, with the number of hubs installed 
in H2 2016 more than double the number 
installed in H1 2016. During the year 
we launched four new Connected Home 
products in the Hive range; the Active Plug, 
Window and Door Sensor, Motion Sensor, 
and Active Lights. We have also redesigned 
our products for non-UK markets and 
we are now selling Hive products in 
North America, with plans for a full launch, 
including the Hive smart thermostat, in H1 
2017. In total we sold over 450,000 Hive 
products in 2016, more than three times 
the amount sold in 2015.

In H1 2016 we also launched ‘Boiler IQ’, 
our innovative connected boiler proposition 
and first subscription-based product, 
which uses sensors to remotely diagnose 
faults, creating a unique experience for 
services contract customers. We have now 
installed around 30,000 ‘Boiler IQ’ devices, 
with very positive feedback. We also continue 
to integrate our Hive product range with other 
eco-systems and in H2 2016 we partnered 
with Amazon Echo, as smart home launch 
partner in the UK, allowing our Hive 
customers to control their heating, lighting 
and plugged-in devices simply by speaking 
through the Alexa voice assistant. In addition, 
our energy insight products, My Energy 
in the UK and Direct Your Energy in 
North America, are now available to more 
than 3.6 million customers.

In 2017, we will continue to invest in 
the business. We will look to expand the 
Hive product range, including the launch 
of a water leak detection product enabled 
by the acquisition of Flowgem in H2 2016, 
and drive sales of Hive products in North 
America. We will also look for opportunities 
to expand into new geographies where 
we don’t currently serve customers and 
build new partnerships across further 
geographies and channels. In addition we 
will look to move towards a subscription 
based commercial model, and have 
already launched a number of trial offers 
in the UK.

Connected Home reported a 74% increase 
in gross revenue in 2016, reflecting the 
increase in the installation of Hive hubs 
and product sales. However, the business 
reported an adjusted operating loss and 
negative adjusted operating cash flow, 
reflecting investment in infrastructure, 
product development and capability 
to support business growth.

Customers love our Hive products so much that 
they are keen to share their stories.

READ MORE ON PAGES 22 AND 23

Our energy insight products, My Energy in the UK 
and Direct Your Energy in North America, are now 
available to more than 3.6 million customers.

Our connected home customer offer is being 
developed around three categories – peace 
of mind, home energy management and 
home automation.

READ MORE ON PAGE 10

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

41 

STRATEGIC REPORT  
BUSINESS REVIEW

Business Review  
Distributed  
Energy & Power

We are an international business 
in which we develop integrated 
energy solutions for commercial and 
industrial customers, including flexible 
generation, energy management 
systems and battery storage. We help 
our customers take control and turn 
their energy into an opportunity.

  READ MORE ON PAGES 12 TO 15

HIGHLIGHTS

Flexible distributed energy capacity 
under management

543MW

Active customer sites

3,924

Panoramic Power sensors deployed

~40,000

42

GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONunder management, which has fallen by 3% 
over the past 12 months reflecting market 
changes in H1 2016 that limited the 
eligibility of some diesel generation in 
the North American market, however, 
it increased by 5% in H2 2016. In March 
we closed the Killingholme gas fired 
power station following completion of 
its winter 2015/16 SBR contract, with the 
asset having become uneconomic due  
to its age and prevailing market conditions. 
The Killingholme site was sold in 
December 2016.

We also announced plans to build new 
distributed power assets, having been 
awarded 15-year contracts in the 2020/21 
capacity market auction for two new 
fast-response 50MW distributed gas fired 
assets at Brigg and Peterborough and a 
49MW battery storage project at Roosecote. 
We will run these plants alongside 
customer-owned assets to optimise them 
as part of a wider portfolio. In December 
we announced a pioneering trial to develop 
a local energy market in Cornwall, which 
will see the development of a virtual 
marketplace and the installation of new 
technology in over 150 homes and 
businesses. The programme will test the 
use of flexible demand, generation and 
storage, allowing participants to sell flexible 
energy capacity to both the grid and the 
wholesale energy market, rewarding 
local people and businesses for being 
more flexible.

Total gross revenue increased by 69% 
to £161 million and secured revenue 
increased to £321 million, predominantly 
reflecting the ENER-G Cogen acquisition. 
DE&P reported an adjusted operating 
loss of £26 million and negative adjusted 
operating cash flow of £15 million in 
2016, with continued low returns from the 
peaking plants and a focus on investments 
to build its distributed energy capability. 
However, the loss was lower than in 2015, 
primarily reflecting the closure of the 
Killingholme plant and additional STOR 
and SBR revenue across our peaking plants, 
as well as an initial contribution from 
ENER-G Cogen.

DISTRIBUTED ENERGY & POWER
Distributed Energy & Power (DE&P) is one 
of our focus areas for growth. Reflecting 
this, we have established a new international 
business unit, bringing together expertise 
from our UK business services and power 
generation activities and our North America 
business division. Our existing capabilities, 
together with the combined heat and power 
(CHP) capabilities obtained through the 
£149 million acquisition of ENER-G Cogen 
in May 2016, provide us with the base to 
capitalise on the global trend towards 
distributed energy. Our distributed energy 
offer is being developed around three 
categories; energy insights, energy 
optimisation, and energy solutions.

The ENER-G Cogen integration has been 
proceeding to plan and we are now able 
to offer both off-the-shelf and bespoke 
end-to-end CHP solutions for B2B customers, 
from initial design through to installation, 
operation and maintenance, complementing 
Centrica’s existing capability in installing and 
managing distributed systems. The business 
operates primarily in the UK, but also has 
operations in North America, Hungary, 
Italy and the Netherlands. The acquisition 
added capacity, under contract, of over 
500MW across 1,400 CHP units.

The acquisition of ENER-G Cogen fits 
alongside the 2015 acquisition of Panoramic 
Power, and with the Energy Marketing & 
Trading acquisition of Neas Energy adding 
enhanced energy optimisation capability, 
we have a good core of experience and 
expertise, and the range of products 
to create a compelling customer offer. 
During 2016 we saw further growth in sales 
of our energy insights product, developed 
by Panoramic Power, and have now 
deployed nearly 40,000 sensors in total 
with H2 2016 sales up 65% compared 
to H1 2016.

The DE&P segment also includes our 
smaller operating gas fired peaking 
plants at Barry, Brigg and Peterborough. 
Peterborough and Barry have Short Term 
Operating Reserve (STOR) contracts 
until March 2018, while the 99MW Brigg 
plant continues to operate as a distributed 
generation asset. All three plants were 
awarded one year capacity contracts 
starting in October 2017 in the Early Capacity 
Auction. Brigg capacity is included within 
our total flexible distributed energy capacity 

ENER-G Cogen
We acquired ENER-G Cogen in May 2016 
enhancing our CHP capabilities.

Barry, Brigg and Peterborough were all 
awarded one year capacity contracts in the 
Early Capacity Auction.

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

43 

STRATEGIC REPORT  
BUSINESS REVIEW

Business Review  
Energy Marketing 
& Trading

Operating in UK and European 
energy markets, we provide risk 
management and wholesale market 
access for customers and across 
the Group. We have a strengthening 
global presence in LNG.

HIGHLIGHTS

Adjusted operating profit

▲ £161m

Neas Energy serves customers with 
installed capacity of approximately

8,600MW

44

GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONENERGY MARKETING & TRADING
Energy Marketing & Trading (EM&T) 
provides risk management and wholesale 
market access for the Group. During the 
year we continued to build on our strong 
cross-commodity trading capabilities, 
made good progress in expanding our 
route to market offer for customers and 
strengthened our global presence in 
liquefied natural gas (LNG).

In October, we completed the £210 million 
acquisition of Denmark based Neas Energy, 
one of Europe’s leading providers of risk 
management and revenue optimisation 
services for decentralised third party owned 
assets. Neas Energy serves customers who 
own 2,500 individual decentralised assets, 
including wind farms, solar plants and CHP 
plants with a combined installed capacity 
of approximately 8,600MW. In addition, the 
transaction brings an enhanced technology 
platform and strengths in energy analytics.

Neas Energy operates predominantly in 
Denmark, the UK, Germany and Sweden, 
and the business model is complementary 
to Centrica’s existing UK-based EM&T 
activities. The acquisition enables Centrica 
to materially accelerate its route to market 
strategy across Europe, while also 
strengthening the optimisation activity 
offering for DE&P customers. The business 
has performed well since acquisition, 
making a strong initial contribution to 
adjusted operating profit and cash flow.

EM&T continues to enhance its global 
presence in LNG. During 2016 we signed 
a Memorandum of Understanding with 
Tokyo Gas Co Ltd, Japan’s largest natural 
gas utility, to optimise contracted volumes 
from both Atlantic and Asia-Pacific markets 
through location swaps. We announced 
a five year Sales and Purchase Agreement 
with Japanese utility JERA, the world’s 
largest buyer of LNG, under which we will 
purchase up to six cargoes per annum 

at the Isle of Grain Terminal in the UK 
from April 2019. We also entered into a new 
five-year supply agreement with Qatargas 
for the purchase of up to two million tonnes 
per annum of LNG, which will start in 
January 2019 following the expiry of our 
existing contract with Qatargas. In October, 
we signed a seven-year agreement with 
GasLog Ltd to charter a new build LNG 
carrier, starting in 2019. The agreement is 
expected to coincide with first commercial 
delivery of our US export supply contract 
with Cheniere.

EM&T continues to have a number of 
flexible gas contracts, the profit and cash 
flow from which will vary between periods 
based on the commodity price environment 
and decisions we take to optimise these 
contracts to maximise value. Some of 
these contracts are ‘take or pay’, where 
the payments are made for gas even if 
delivery is deferred to future periods. The 
commodity price environment provided 
opportunities for us to optimise these 
contracts and associated hedges during 
H2 2016 and the contracts overall were 
profitable for the full year, having been 
loss-making in H1 2016. This optimisation 
strategy was value-accretive in total, 
improving the 2016 result, while reducing 
our 2017 expectation from these contracts.

Overall, EM&T adjusted operating profit 
more than doubled to £161 million, 
reflecting strong trading performance, 
the optimisation of flexible gas contracts 
between 2015–16 and 2016–17, and the 
strong initial contribution from the Neas 
Energy acquisition. Adjusted operating 
cash flow fell 20% reflecting the timing 
of internal tax payments and movements 
in working capital.

Neas Energy
We acquired Neas Energy, one of Europe’s leading 
providers of risk management and revenue 
optimisation services for decentralised third-party 
owned assets.

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

45 

We have a strengthening global presence in LNG.

STRATEGIC REPORT  
BUSINESS REVIEW

Business Review 
Exploration  
& Production

Targeting production of 
between 40 to 50 million barrels  
of oil equivalent per year focused 
on the UK, the Netherlands 
and Norway.

HIGHLIGHTS

Total gas and liquids production

71.2mmboe

Unit lifting and other cash production 
costs1 reduced 19% to

£10.1/boe

Free cash flow

£166m

46

GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONEXPLORATION & PRODUCTION
We made good progress in 2016 in 
transitioning to a sustainable Exploration 
& Production (E&P) business producing 
between 40–50mmboe per annum and 
focused on the UK, Netherlands and Norway. 
Capital expenditure reduced to within our 
targeted £400 million–£600 million range, 
we announced the sale of our portfolio 
of assets in Trinidad and Tobago and we 
continue to work on the divestment of 
our Canadian E&P assets.

Total gas and liquids production of 
71.2mmboe was down 9% compared to 
2015. Production in Europe was down 8%, 
with the positive impact of consistent 
performance in Norway, and the completion 
of a number of infill drilling projects at the 
Kvitebjørn and Statfjord fields more than 
offset by natural portfolio decline, and a 
longer than expected maintenance outage 
at the Morecambe asset. Production 
in the Americas was down 12% reflecting 
significantly reduced drilling activity and some 
shut-ins of producing fields for economic 
reasons in the low gas price environment.

Capital expenditure was down 28% to 
£518 million. This included spend on the 
Cygnus project, which delivered first 
commercial gas in December 2016, and 
production from the asset is expected to 
ramp up towards peak production during 
2017. It also included spend on a fourth 
production well at the York field, which 
failed to deliver commercial volumes owing 
to reservoir quality issues. The well was 
shut-in, resulting in a pre-tax impairment 
of £63 million being reported in adjusted 
operating profit. There was limited exploration 
drilling activity in Europe in 2016.

We continue to focus our investment on 
the most attractive development options 
in our portfolio. The Maria project remains 
on track to produce first oil in 2018, with 
drilling operations scheduled to begin in 2017. 
We also made a positive final investment 
decision on the Centrica-operated Oda field 
in the Norwegian North Sea. Centrica has 
a 40% interest in the field and its share of 
capital expenditure is expected to be around 
£200 million, with estimated development 
costs having reduced by more than 40% 
over the past two years. Production is 
scheduled to start in 2019. In addition, 
further infill wells are planned for Statfjord 
and Kvitebjørn in 2017. In early 2017 a gas 
discovery was announced at Valemon West, 
in which Centrica owns a 13% interest. 
Centrica’s share of reserves is estimated 
at 2.4–6.3mmboe and production is 
expected to start later in Q1 2017.

In November, we announced the disposal 
of our remaining portfolio of gas assets 
in Trinidad and Tobago for $30 million 
(£24 million). The assets consist of 17.3% 
interest in the producing NCMA-1 block 
and 80% and 90% operated interests 
respectively in the undeveloped blocks 
NCMA-4 and Block 22. Centrica will 
receive further payments subject to Block 
22 and NCMA-4 reaching agreed project 
milestones. The transaction is expected 
to close in H1 2017 and an exceptional 
pre-tax write back of £56 million has been 
recognised in the 2016 financial results. 
We sold our other assets in the region, 
Blocks 1a and 1b, in April. We also 
disposed of our interests in the Skene 
and Buckland oil and gas assets in the 
UK North Sea for £10 million in H1 2016, 
which resulted in a £50 million exceptional 
gain on disposal. Reflecting these disposals, 
production during the year and positive 
revisions in Norway, E&P proven and 
probable (2P) reserves were 474mmboe 
at the end of 2016.

The business delivered very strong cost 
reduction performance during 2016. Unit 
lifting and other cash production costs1 were 
15% lower in Europe and 39% lower in the 
Americas, despite reduced production, 
and total lifting and other cash production 
costs were £352 million or 33% lower when 
compared to a 2014 baseline. This includes 
the absorption of incremental costs from 
new projects such as Valemon. We have 
delivered initiatives across all our assets to 
make these savings, including supply chain 
improvements and collaboration with other 
operators to drive efficiency. In 2016 we 
also moved the organisation from a regional 
to an asset-based structure, reducing 
duplication and enabling reductions in 
headcount across all levels.

Adjusted operating cash flow fell 17% 
compared to 2015, to £655 million, with 
materially lower cash production costs, 
working capital management and benefits 
from the phasing of tax payments only 
partially offsetting the impact of lower 
commodity prices, reduced benefits from 
historic hedges and lower production. 
However, including the impact of reduced 
capital expenditure and some small disposals 
the business generated £166 million of 
free cash flow in 2016, higher than in 
2015 despite the lower commodity price 
environment. Adjusted operating profit 
increased by 97% to £187 million, 
which reflects lower costs and reduced 
depreciation resulting from the impairment 
of assets at the end of 2015.

Kvitebjørn
Further infill wells are planned at Kvitebjørn field 
which is situated in block 34/11 of the Tampen area 
in the North Sea, Norway.

Cygnus
At the end of 2016, the first gas flowed from Cygnus, 
the UK North Sea’s largest producing gas field.

1 

Lifting and other cash production costs are 
total operating costs and cost of sales excluding 
depreciation and amortisation, dry hole costs, 
exploration costs and profits on disposal.

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

47 

STRATEGIC REPORT  
BUSINESS REVIEW

Business Review  
Central Power  
Generation

We are rationalising our thermal 
power generation portfolio with 
a view to simplification and cost 
reduction while retaining low 
cost optionality.

HIGHLIGHTS

Best performance of nuclear since 
acquisition – our share of generation 
volume was

13.0 TWh

CCGT Reliability

89%

48

GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONWe have now completed our exit from 
wind power generation, in line with 
the strategy set out in July 2015. In H1 
2016 we disposed of a 50% share in the 
220MW GLID joint venture, resulting in 
cash proceeds to Centrica of £116 million 
and an exceptional gain on disposal of 
£73 million. In February 2017 we disposed 
of our remaining offshore wind farm, 
Lincs, resulting in cash proceeds to 
Centrica of £224 million. Generation from 
our share of wind assets was 39% lower 
than 2015, reflecting the GLID disposal 
and lower wind speeds affecting Lincs.

Central Power Generation adjusted 
operating profit reduced by 41% 
compared to 2015. Adjusted 
operating cash flow was marginally 
negative, reflecting a lower power price 
environment for much of the year and 
reduced benefit from historic hedging, 
and £51 million repayments in 2016 
of amounts owed by the Group to 
the GLID and Lincs joint ventures.

CENTRAL POWER GENERATION
In 2016 we made significant progress 
in improving operational efficiency and 
reshaping our centralised power portfolio, 
in line with our strategy to focus on 
growth in distributed generation.

Gas fired generation volumes were 65% 
higher in 2016 than in 2015, with improved 
plant reliability and power market tightness 
in H2 2016 resulting in higher load factors 
from our Langage and South Humber Bank 
power stations and higher volumes from 
the Spalding tolling arrangement. The three 
plants were awarded one-year agreements 
in the 2020/21 capacity market auction 
held in December 2016, and in the 2017/18 
Early Capacity Auction held in January 2017, 
and all now have contracts for four years 
starting in October 2017. We were also 
awarded a 15-year contract starting in 
October 2020 at the 370MW CCGT at 
King’s Lynn, which had previously 
been mothballed.

Our share of nuclear generation volumes 
was up 7% to 13.0TWh, the highest 
output since we purchased our interest in 
the fleet in 2009. This reflected excellent 
operational performance, with limited 
unplanned outages, and the impact of a 
return to full service of three of the four 
reactors that had been operating at reduced 
temperatures following the identification of 
an issue on one boiler spine at Heysham 1 
in 2014. Following the completion of further 
work at Heysham 1, Reactor 1, load has 
now been raised and the unit is now able 
to operate at up to 87.5%, compared to 
75% previously. All of the nuclear reactors 
in which we own an interest were awarded 
one-year capacity agreements starting 
in October 2020 and were also successful 
in the Early Capacity Auction, meaning all 
now have contracts for four years in total 
starting in October 2017.

Langage
Langage in Devon is the Group’s latest gas fired 
station, which was completed in 2010.

South Humber Bank
Gas fired generation volumes were 65% higher in 
2016 than in 2015, with improved plant reliability.

Nuclear
We have a 20% interest in eight nuclear power 
stations generating electricity to the grid in the UK.

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

49 

STRATEGIC REPORT  
BUSINESS REVIEW

Business Review  
Centrica Storage

The Group operates the 
Rough gas storage facility,  
which is a strategic storage  
asset for the UK.

HIGHLIGHTS

Limited stock in Rough for the first part 
of 2016 was

33–36TWh

50

GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONDuring 2016, the issues with the Rough 
storage asset resulted in customers being 
unable to use the SBU capacity they had 
previously purchased. Reflecting this, 
Centrica Storage agreed with its customers 
to buy back unusable capacity during 
H2 2016. In December, Centrica Storage 
launched a consultation regarding an 
application to Ofgem to reduce the minimum 
Rough capacity for the 2017/18 storage 
year, to avoid being required to sell more 
capacity than Rough can physically deliver.

Gross revenue fell to £93 million, down 
40% compared to 2015, reflecting the 
reduced capacity at Rough during H1 2016, 
the cessation of injection and withdrawal 
operations during H2 2016 and low 
seasonal gas price spreads. This includes 
slightly higher revenue from the sale of 
cushion gas, following consent from 
the Oil and Gas Authority to increase the 
reservoir size of Rough by approximately 
4.5TWh in July 2015. Total costs increased 
by 22% largely due to increased maintenance 
expenditure, as well as costs relating to 
lower asset availability and managing the 
reservoir at lower pressure. Reflecting 
this, Centrica Storage reported an adjusted 
operating loss of £52 million compared 
to a profit of £37 million in 2015. Adjusted 
operating cash flow was an outflow of 
£49 million compared to an inflow of 
£112 million in 2015, which includes the 
impact of a higher volume of Centrica 
Storage operational gas in the reservoir 
at the end of 2016.

A pre-tax exceptional charge of £176 million 
(post-tax £144 million) was recorded in 
2016, resulting from updated assumptions 
on asset availability in the near term, 
future expenditure on asset integrity and 
the impact from the permanent withdrawal 
of the 47/8A installation from service, 
which was announced in September.

CENTRICA STORAGE
Seasonal gas price spreads remained at 
historic low levels through much of 2016, 
with a continued abundance of flexible 
supply across Europe. Reflecting this, 
it was announced in April that all Standard 
Bundled Units (SBUs) for the 2016/17 
storage year had been sold at 15.4 pence, 
significantly lower than the 21.1 pence 
achieved in 2015/16 and the lowest price 
since Centrica acquired the asset in 2002.

Following the identification of a potential 
technical issue in March 2015, the maximum 
operating pressure of the Rough wells 
remained limited to 3,000 psi during H1 
2016, which limited the stock in Rough 
to 33-36TWh. The highest level reached 
in 2014 was 41.1TWh. As a responsible 
operator, and given the age of the field 
and installation, Centrica Storage decided 
to take the prudent step to test and verify 
the operating parameters of the Rough 
wells. Following a change to the Rough 
Undertakings, Centrica Storage was able 
to reduce the number of SBUs it sold for 
the 2016/17 storage year to 340 million, 
from 455 million in 2015/16, to reflect 
the impact of the reduced maximum 
operating pressure.

In June, Centrica Storage identified an 
additional issue on one of the Rough wells 
and as a consequence ceased all injection 
and withdrawal operations pending further 
testing in relation to the issue. In July, it was 
announced that tests on the affected well 
had identified further uncertainties in the 
remaining untested wells and as a result, 
Centrica Storage would continue with 
an enhanced testing programme, with 
completion expected in March to April 2017. 
As a prudent and safe operator Centrica 
Storage extended the cessation of injection 
and withdrawal operations, although 
was able to return 20 wells to service for 
withdrawal operations in December 2016, 
in time for the majority of the winter 2016/17 
withdrawal season.

In February 2017, Centrica Storage 
announced that although it expected to 
complete the testing programme on all 
24 wells at Rough by the end of April 2017, 
Rough will not be available for injection 
operations until at least the end of 
June 2017, as test results are evaluated. 
Returning the asset to injection operations 
in 2017 remains subject to the successful 
completion of the well testing and any 
further works necessary to ensure Rough 
can be safely returned to service.

Easington terminal
The Easington terminal processes gas from the 
Rough gas storage facility.

Rough
The Rough gas storage facility is the largest in the 
UK, able to meet approximately 10% of the UK’s 
winter peak day demand.

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

51 

STRATEGIC REPORT  
GROUP FINANCIAL REVIEW

Group Financial Review

Profit for the year increased to £885 million and after 
adjusting for losses attributable to non-controlling interests, 
adjusted earnings increased by 4% to £895 million.

The low UK adjusted effective tax rate 
is due principally to upstream losses being 
taxed at a rate higher than the UK standard 
rate, together with the impact of a 1% 
reduction to that standard rate.

GROUP EARNINGS AND DIVIDEND
Profit for the year increased to £885 million 
(2015: £833 million) and after adjusting 
for losses attributable to non-controlling 
interests, adjusted earnings increased 
by 4% to £895 million (2015: £863 million). 
Adjusted basic EPS fell 2% to 16.8 pence 
(2015: 17.2 pence) reflecting a higher 
number of shares in issue due to the 
effects of the 7% equity placing in May 
and the scrip dividend.

The statutory profit attributable to 
shareholders for the period was £1,672 
million (2015: loss of £747 million). The 
reconciling items between Group profit for 
the period from business performance and 
statutory profit are related to exceptional 
items and certain re-measurements. 
The difference compared to 2015 
is principally due to a £27 million net 
exceptional credit (2015: charge of 
£1,846 million) and a higher net gain from 
certain re-measurements of £750 million 
(2015: £129 million). The Group reported 
a statutory basic EPS of 31.4 pence  
(2015: loss of 14.9 pence).

In addition to the interim dividend of  
3.6 pence per share, the proposed 
final dividend is 8.4 pence giving a  
total full year dividend of 12.0 pence  
(2015: 12.0 pence).

GROUP REVENUE
Group revenue fell 3% to £27.1 billion 
(2015: £28.0 billion). This primarily reflects the 
impact of lower commodity prices on tariffs 
in UK and North America energy supply 
and on achieved prices in Exploration & 
Production (E&P) and Energy Marketing 
& Trading (EM&T), lower consumption due 
to warmer weather in North America 
and reduced account holdings. 

OPERATING PROFIT
From 1 January 2016 new reporting 
segments are in place. 2015 comparatives 
have been restated accordingly. Within 
the statement, reference is made to a 
number of different profit measures, 
as shown on page 53.

Total adjusted operating profit increased 
4% to £1,515 million. Profit from customer-
facing businesses increased by 9%, with 
strong EM&T performance, a return 
to profitability in UK Business, favourable 
foreign exchange moves and cost efficiencies 
more than offsetting the impact of lower 
account holdings. Combined profitability 
from the asset businesses – E&P, Central 
Power Generation (CPG) and Centrica 
Storage (CSL) – was lower, with cost 
efficiencies only partially offsetting the 
impact of lower commodity prices on E&P 
and CPG and lower CSL profitability due 
to asset availability and low spreads.

GROUP FINANCE CHARGE AND TAX
Net finance costs increased to £300 million 
(2015: £279 million), predominantly reflecting 
a higher interest cost on bonds following 
the issuance of £1 billion equivalent of 
hybrid securities in April 2015 and lower 
interest income following the disposal of 
Lincs wind farm debt in 2015. 

Business performance taxation on profit was 
broadly flat at £282 million (2015: £286 million) 
and after taking account of tax on joint 
ventures and associates, the adjusted tax 
charge was £298 million (2015: £294 million). 
The resultant adjusted tax rate for the Group 
was 25% (2015: 26%). An effective tax rate 
calculation is shown on page 53.

52

Group revenue

£27.1bn

2015: £28.0bn
▼ 3%

Adjusted operating profit

£1,515m

2015: £1,459m
▲ 4%

Adjusted basic earnings  
per share (EPS)

16.8p

2015: 17.2p
▼ 2%

Statutory operating  
profit/(loss)

£2,486m

2015: £(857)m
● nm

Full year dividend per share

12.0p

2015: 12.0p

 0%

Basic earnings per share

31.4p

2015: (14.9p)
● nm

Adjusted effective tax rate

25%

2015: 26%
▼ 1ppt

GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATION“Adjusted 
operating cash 
flow was up 19% 
to £2,686 million.”

Jeff Bell
Group Chief  
Financial Officer

Operating profit

Adjusted operating  
cash flow

£2,686m

2015: £2,253m
▲ 19%

Adjusted earnings

£895m

2015: £863m
▲ 4%

Group net debt

£3.5bn

2015: £4,747m
▼ 27%

Year ended 31 December

Notes

Business
performance
£m

Exceptional
items and certain
re-measurements
£m

 Statutory
result
£m

Business
performance
£m

Exceptional
items and certain
re-measurements
£m

2016

2015

Statutory
result
£m

4(c)

4(c)

4(c)
8
9

Adjusted operating profit/(loss)
Energy Supply & Services – UK & Ireland 
(UK&I ES&S)
Energy Supply & Services – North America 
(NA ES&S)
Connected Home (CH)
Distributed Energy & Power (DE&P)
Energy Marketing & Trading (EM&T)

Total customer-facing businesses
Exploration & Production (E&P)
Central Power Generation (CPG)
Centrica Storage (CSL)

Total adjusted operating profit
Interest and taxation on joint ventures 
and associates

Group operating profit/(loss)
Net finance cost
Taxation

Profit/(loss) for the year

Less loss attributable to  
non-controlling interests

Adjusted earnings

Group tax charge

Year ended 31 December

Adjusted operating profit
Share of joint ventures’/associates’ interest
Net finance cost

Adjusted profit before taxation

Taxation on profit 
Share of joint ventures’/associates’ taxation

Adjusted tax charge

Adjusted effective tax rate

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

906

314
(50)
(26)
161

1,305
187
75
(52)

1,515

(48)

1,467
(300)
(282)

885

10

895

UK
£m

932
(32)
(235)

665

31
16

47

7%

891

323
(49)
(32)
66

1,199
95
128
37

1,459

(61)

1,398
(279)
(286)

833

30

863

UK
£m

1,057
(53)
(156)

848

74
8

82

10%

1,019
–
(242)

777

2,486
(300)
(524)

1,662

Non-UK
£m

583
–
(65)

518

251
–

251

48%

2016

Total
£m

1,515
(32)
(300)

1,183

282
16

298

25%

(2,255)
–
538

(1,717)

(857)
(279)
252

(884)

Non-UK
£m

402
–
(123)

279

212
–

212

76%

2015

Total
£m

1,459
(53)
(279)

1,127

286
8

294

26%

53 

STRATEGIC REPORT  
GROUP FINANCIAL REVIEW

Group Financial Review
continued

Operating cash flow

Year ended 31 December

Net cash flow from operating activities
Add back/(deduct):

Net margin and cash collateral inflow (i)

Payments relating to exceptional charges

Dividends received from joint ventures and associates

Defined benefit deficit pension payment

Adjusted operating cash flow

2016
£m

2,396

(177)

273

117

77

2015
£m

2,197

(282)

81

180

77

2,686

2,253

(i)  Net margin and cash collateral inflow includes the reversal of collateral amounts posted when the related derivative contract settles.

“ The Group’s net debt 
at the end of 2016 fell 
to £3,473 million.”

Jeff Bell
Group Chief Financial Officer

GROUP CASH FLOW, NET DEBT  
AND BALANCE SHEET
Net cash flow from operating activities 
increased to £2,396 million (2015: £2,197 
million). Adjusted operating cash flow, 
which is reconciled to net cash flow from 
operating activities in the table below, 
was up 19% to £2,686 million.

Net cash outflow from investing activities 
increased to £803 million (2015: £611 million), 
with the impact of lower organic capital 
expenditure more than offset by lower 
disposal proceeds, reduced dividends 
received from our UK nuclear associate 
and the acquisitions of ENER-G Cogen 
and Neas Energy in our growth businesses. 

Net cash outflow from financing activities 
reduced to £546 million (2015: £1,331 million), 
reflecting the issuance of new ordinary 
share capital following the equity placing, 
lower financing interest due to hedging 
cash flows and lower net repayment of 
borrowings, partially offset by an increase 
in cash dividends paid.

Reflecting all of the above, the Group’s net 
debt at the end of 2016 fell to £3,473 million 
(2015: £4,747 million), which includes cash 
collateral posted or received in support 
of wholesale energy procurement. 

During the year net assets increased to 
£2,844 million (2015: £1,342 million) with 
the equity placing, a higher level of retained 
earnings and a translation gain on foreign 
operations more than offsetting an 
increased actuarial loss on the Group’s 
defined benefit pension schemes.

The net pension liability at the end of 2016 
was £1,137 million (2015: £119 million). 
The Group has now finalised its triennial 
review with the Pension Trustees, based 
on the position as at 31 March 2015, 
with an agreement to fund a £1,203 million 
deficit on a Technical Provisions basis, 
with additional annual cash contributions 
of £76 million per year over the next 14 
years commencing in 2017. Further details 
can be found in note 22.

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS
In May, the Group acquired 100% of 
ENER-G Cogen, an established supplier 
and operator of combined heat and power 
(CHP) solutions, for cash consideration 
of £149 million. In October, the Group 
acquired 100% of Neas Energy, one of 
Europe’s leading providers of energy 
management and revenue optimisation 
services for decentralised third-party 
owned assets for cash consideration 
of £210 million.

In March, the Group completed the sale 
of the Glens of Foudland, Lynn and Inner 
Dowsing (GLID) wind farm joint venture 
for £116 million, including £22 million for 
outstanding interest due to the Group.

Further details on acquisitions, assets 
purchased and disposals are included 
in notes 4(e) and 12.

54

GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONACCOUNTING POLICIES
UK listed companies are required to 
comply with the European regulation to 
report consolidated financial statements 
in conformity with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by 
the European Union. The Group’s specific 
accounting measures, including changes 
of accounting presentation and selected 
key sources of estimation uncertainty, 
are explained in notes 1, 2 and 3.

RISKS AND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
The Group’s principal risks and uncertainties 
are set out on pages 56 to 64. Details of 
how the Group has managed financial risks 
such as liquidity and credit risk are set out 
in note S3. Details on the Group’s capital 
management processes are provided 
under sources of finance in note 24(a).

EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS
A net exceptional pre-tax charge of 
£11 million was recognised during the 
period (2015: £2,358 million). 

As a result of the implementation of 
a salary cap on pensionable pay for the 
Centrica Pension Plan final salary scheme, 
the Group recognised a past service 
credit of £78 million. It also recognised a 
£53 million net credit on onerous power 
procurement contracts, with a reduction 
in onerous provisions relating to its UK 
gas fired power station tolling contract 
and its US wind power procurement 
arrangements partially offset by an 
additional charge following termination of 
the Group’s Dutch gas fired power station 
tolling contract. The Group recognised a 
£228 million charge relating to restructuring 
associated with implementing the Group’s 
new operating model. 

The Group recognised a £73 million gain on 
disposal of the GLID wind farm joint venture, 
a £50 million gain on disposal of the Skene 
and Buckland oil and gas assets and a 
£22 million loss on disposal of two non-core 
businesses, Airtron Canada and Airco 
Mechanical, in North America.

The Group also recognised a £135 million 
write back on some E&P assets, reflecting 
increases in reserves, cost savings, revisions 
to decommissioning estimates and the 
agreed sale proceeds for its Trinidad and 
Tobago gas assets. A £26 million write 
back was also recognised on the Group’s 
Kings Lynn CCGT, primarily reflecting the 
15-year capacity market contract awarded 
in December 2016. It also recognised a 
£176 million impairment on its UK gas 
storage facility, Rough, in H1 2016 reflecting 
updated assumptions on asset availability 
in the near term and the permanent 
withdrawal of its 47/8A installation 
from service. 

Taxation on these charges generated a 
credit of £9 million (2015: £477 million) and 
combined with a £29 million credit related 
to a decrease in upstream UK tax rates, 
total net exceptional items after tax generated 
a credit of £27 million (2015: £1,846 million 
net exceptional charge). Further details 
can be found in note 7.

CERTAIN RE-MEASUREMENTS
The Group enters into a number of forward 
energy trades to protect and optimise 
the value of its underlying production, 
generation, storage and transportation 
assets (and similar capacity or off-take 
contracts), as well as to meet the future 
needs of our customers. A number of 
these arrangements are considered to be 
derivative financial instruments and are 
required to be fair-valued under IAS 39. 
The Group has shown the fair value 
adjustments on these commodity 
derivative trades separately as certain 
re-measurements, as they do not reflect 
the underlying performance of the business 
because they are economically related 
to our upstream assets, capacity/off-take 
contracts or downstream demand, which 
are typically not fair valued. The operating 
profit in the statutory results includes 
a net pre-tax gain of £1,030 million 
(2015: £103 million) relating to these 
re-measurements. The Group recognises 
the realised gains and losses on these 
contracts in business performance when 
the underlying transaction occurs. The 
profits arising from the physical purchase 
and sale of commodities during the year, 
which reflect the prices in the underlying 
contracts, are not impacted by these 
re-measurements. See note 7 for 
further details.

EVENTS AFTER THE BALANCE  
SHEET DATE
On 13 January 2017, Centrica announced 
the sale of its 50% share in the Lincs 
wind farm for net cash proceeds of 
£224 million. The transaction completed 
on 17 February 2017.

On 16 February 2017, Centrica Storage 
announced that following further well tests 
at the Rough gas storage field, injection 
services cannot currently be offered for the 
2017/18 storage year. Analysis of the testing 
programme is expected to be completed 
by 30 June 2017.

Further details of events after the balance 
sheet date are described in note 26.

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

55 

STRATEGIC REPORT  
OUR PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

Our Principal Risks  
and Uncertainties

Managing our risks and 
uncertainties is key to achieving 
our priorities. 

LINKS TO STRATEGY
In line with our strategy we are concentrating 
more investment on our customer-facing 
businesses organised into the two global 
customer-facing divisions of Centrica 
Consumer and Centrica Business. We are 
focused on delivering high levels of customer 
service, improving customer engagement 
and loyalty, and developing innovative 
products, offers and solutions for both 
residential and business customers, 
underpinned by investment in technology.  
Our asset businesses of Exploration and 
Production and Centrica Storage continue 
to play an important role in our portfolio 
providing cash flow diversity and balance 
sheet strength.

Our activities for near-term implementation 
and delivery of our strategy are framed 
around the five priorities below. These 
priorities are a lens through which we 
assess our risks and discussions around 
risk appetite. Each priority has associated 
risks, which are managed as part of our 
overall system of risk management and 
internal control.

Our five priorities

Safety, compliance and conduct

Customer satisfaction and 
operational excellence

Cash flow growth and strategic momentum

Cost efficiency and simplification

People and building capability

56

GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONThe Group’s strategic review in 2015 and 
its implementation in 2016 highlighted 
emerging risks and provided an opportunity 
to simplify and standardise how significant 
risks are managed. We have identified 
the differing nature of our risks including:

•  Risks that require standards where 
our tolerance for error is generally very 
low. This will include Health, Safety, 
Environment and Security, Legal and 
Regulatory Compliance, Financial 
Processing and Reporting, Information 
Systems and Data Security, and Ethical 
and Behavioural Standards. For these 
risks there will be management systems 
providing clearly prescribed standards 
with ring-fenced functional monitoring 
and assurance.

•  Risks where judgement is required 

within a range of acceptable outcomes 
in order to deliver our priorities. This 
includes areas where we need to take a 
certain level of risk such as in commodity 
trading and our investment in the growth 
areas of the business.

•  Risks resulting from external factors 
where we have limited influence over 
their occurrence, but can influence 
the impact on our business through 
our actions.

MANAGING THE RISKS 
TO THE DELIVERY OF 
OUR PRIORITIES
Risk management is fundamental to the 
way the Group is governed and managed. 
Our system of risk management and 
internal control comprises the following 
elements that are assessed for 
effectiveness annually:

•  Business Principles: sets our expected 

behaviours across the organisation.

•  Enterprise Risk Framework: 

incorporates the principal risks within the 
Group Risk Universe, as outlined below.
•  Board and Committees’ governance: 
committees are structured to be aligned 
with the Principal Risks identified, 
as outlined below.

•  Executive management oversight: 
establishing appropriate executive 
processes to ensure appropriate 
planning and performance management.

•  Operational management 

accountability and certification: 
represents the first line accountability 
for the risk and control environment.
•  Delegations of Authority: structure 

within which accountability is delegated 
through the organisation in accordance 
with identified risk appetite.

•  Management systems: the detailed 
Policies, Standards and Procedures 
establishing the requirement for process 
level controls that are monitored 
throughout the organisation.

•  Assurance providers: second and 

third line assurance provided to ensure 
that Policies, Standards and Procedures 
are being followed and that risks are 
being mitigated in line with risk appetite.

ASSESSING OUR PRINCIPAL RISKS 
IN 2016
As in previous years we identified and 
assessed our risks within the categories 
of Principal Risk overleaf to ensure 
appropriate mitigating activities. During 
2016 the risks that were prioritised for 
leadership attention, and those that had 
most significant impact in our assessment 
of the future viability of the organisation, 
particularly related to:

•  ensuring we deliver a safe and compliant 
operating environment in all respects;

•  our strategic transformation and its 

impact on our people;

•  the changing political environment, 

and the potential for further intervention, 
including Brexit;

•  the evolving regulatory requirements, 

particularly the outcome of the 
Competition and Markets Authority 
(CMA) investigation;

•  ongoing volatility in the commodity 

market with its impact on pricing; and

•  our commitment to our growth 
businesses and excellence in 
customer service.

We align our assessment of the extent 
of risk we wish to take with our priorities 
and express our risk appetite in relation 
to these priorities. For example, in relation 
to ensuring we have a safe and compliant 
operating environment our appetite is 
very low, whereas we are prepared to 
take risks in relation to delivering our 
growth objectives.

The Principal Risks, and their related 
components, are allocated oversight 
through the Board and its Committees 
as indicated overleaf. The table also 
provides an indication of the risk mitigation 
strategy for each risk category, reflecting 
our appetite for risk, and our view on 
changes in the risk climate compared 
with 2015.

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

57 

STRATEGIC REPORT  
OUR PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

Our Principal Risks and Uncertainties
continued

The Board retains overall non-executive responsibility for risk 
across the Group. With the exception of certain risks that the Board 
reserves to itself, oversight of specific Principal Risks contained 
within the Group Risk Universe are delegated by the Board to 
one or more of its Committees. The table below summarises 
each Principal Risk with reference to oversight by the Board 
or its Committee, its risk climate and the associated priority.

Description

Potential impacts

Mitigation

Following the conclusion of the 
strategic review, the delivery of 
our future strategy will involve 
growth in a number of business 
areas, implementing substantial  
cost efficiencies and making certain 
disposals. This is fundamental to 
our future success and incorporates 
both controllable and uncontrollable 
risk elements which require 
careful monitoring. 

•  The Board approves the Group annual plan setting the 
strategic direction and confirming strategic choices that 
are embedded in targets across the business.

•  Quarterly performance reviews are held with all parts of 
the business to monitor progress against these targets.
•  We have a clear financial framework to ensure capital is 
allocated in line with strategy and prioritised to deliver 
optimal business benefits.

•  We continue to strengthen our leadership team in order 
to deliver in our growth areas, including the appointment 
during the year of a Chief Information Officer to support 
our digital strategy.

•  We apprise ourselves constantly of developments that 

are central to achieving our strategy.

Customer behaviour and demand 
can change due to improved 
energy efficiency, climate change, 
government initiatives, long-term 
weather patterns and the general 
economic outlook. In addition we 
face competition in our upstream 
businesses in uncertain commodity 
markets and we must respond 
appropriately.

•  Events within the external market environment sit largely 
outside of our direct control, but set the tone for our 
future business.

•  Regular analysis is undertaken on commodity price 
fundamentals and their potential impact on business 
plans and expectations.

•  We continue to pursue a range of investment options 
across the energy chain and in different markets and 
geographies in response to external market opportunities.

•  We are increasing our investment in connected homes 
through smart meters, personalised customer energy 
usage reports, smart and time-of-use tariffs, applications 
for remote heating control and US appliance rental 
programmes in order to respond to market disruption 
and position us at the forefront of new technology.

We are subject to oversight from 
various political and regulatory 
bodies in the UK, Republic of Ireland, 
US, Canada and elsewhere. These 
bodies set and oversee the terms of 
our licences and the conduct of our 
operations. In particular at present, 
as a consequence of the UK’s 
decision to exit the European Union 
and wider political changes in the 
markets we operate in, risks relating 
to changing policies in relation 
to energy markets and carbon 
emissions are recognised.

•  The Executive Committee members actively engage 
in discussions with all political parties, influencers 
and regulatory authorities.

•  Following the decision to exit the European Union in 

June we have been active in contributing our views on 
the development of the markets in which we operate.

•  We are committed to an open, transparent and 

competitive UK energy market that provides choice 
for consumers.

•  We accept that we may be the subject of focused 

regulatory scrutiny, with informal investigations into one 
or more areas that could result in stakeholder concerns 
and take measures to react as quickly as possible.
•  We work with regulators to seek the right approach 

to intervention.

1

Strategy delivery

Failure to deliver Centrica strategy.

Governance oversight
Board

Risk climate

Priority

Cash flow growth and strategic momentum

2

External market

Changes and events in the external market 
or environment that could impact delivery 
of Centrica’s strategy.

Governance oversight
Board

Risk climate

Priority

Cash flow growth and strategic momentum

3

Political and regulatory 
intervention

Changes, intervention or a failure to 
influence change to the political or 
regulatory landscape.

Governance oversight
Board

Risk climate

Priority

Cash flow growth and strategic momentum

58

GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONRisk climate

Unchanged

Increased

Reduced in some parts of the 
business, but unchanged in others

Overall unchanged, 
but differing drivers

Description

Potential impacts

Mitigation

4

Brand, trust and reputation

Competitive positioning and protection 
of the Centrica and subsidiary brands.

Our primary focus is to serve 
our customers and satisfy their 
changing needs in all of the markets 
we operate in. We also actively 
manage our brands and reputation, 
in order to protect and develop 
our competitive position amongst 
a wide range of stakeholders. 

Governance oversight
Board

Risk climate

Priority

Customer satisfaction and 
operational excellence

5

Business planning, forecasting 
and performance

Business planning, forecasting, risk 
management and achievement of 
anticipated benefits.

We prioritise how we use our 
resources based on our business 
plans and forecasts. Failure to 
accurately plan and forecast 
taking into account the changing 
business environment could result 
in suboptimal decisions and failure 
to realise anticipated benefits.

•  During the year a review of our brand positioning has 
been undertaken to ensure that this is aligned with 
our priorities.

•  The primary mechanism by which we review changes 
in our brand position is through NPS and other metrics 
as described on page 19.

•  We are focused on providing affordable energy and 

excellent service to deliver a fair, simplified and transparent 
offering to all of our consumers.

•  We engage with NGOs, consumer and customer groups, 
political parties, regulators, charities and other stakeholders 
to identify solutions to help reduce bills and improve trust 
in the industry.

•  2016 was the first full year of planning using a refreshed 

approach designed to underpin the delivery of 
the priorities.

•  Group functions have adopted standardised planning 
processes in support of the business priorities, driving 
improved discussion and integration.

•  Quarterly performance review meetings involving the 
Executive Committee enable the discussion of plans 
and forecasts with revisions identified as necessary.
•  Constructive challenge is provided across each level 
of the business to ensure that the key assumptions 
remain robust and appropriate.

Governance oversight
Board

Risk climate

Priority

Cash flow growth and strategic momentum

6

Customer service

Failure to provide good quality customer 
service through the customer lifecycle.

Governance oversight
Board

Risk climate

Priority

Customer satisfaction and 
operational excellence

The delivery of high quality 
customer service is central to our 
business strategy. With the entry 
of new competitors to the market, 
customers are increasingly likely 
to switch supplier if they face an 
unacceptable customer experience. 
Remaining at the forefront of digital 
developments and innovating to 
provide choice and control for 
our customers is critical.

•  Great customer outcomes are at the heart of our 

strategy and their requirements shape our processes 
and interactions.

•  Our risk appetite reflects the need to be innovative 
and to invest appropriately to deliver new products 
and service to our customers.

•  We are wholly focused on providing affordable energy 
and excellent service, working to deliver a fair, simplified 
and transparent offering to consumers and protecting 
the most vulnerable, fuel-poor households through 
initiatives to improve energy efficiency or with financial 
advice and aid.

•  We continue to invest in connected home solutions 

and the development of digital platforms.

•  We have a sustained programme of simplification 

including the use of mobile apps, online service and 
breakdown bookings, and electronic billing.

•  Where we experience issues we invest to put them right, 
including making substantial improvements in our UK 
Business environment during 2016.

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

59 

STRATEGIC REPORT  
OUR PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

Our Principal Risks and Uncertainties
continued

Description

Potential impacts

Mitigation

7

People

Attraction, retention, and succession of 
the right people with the right skills in the 
right role at the right time.

Governance oversight
Board and Safety, Health, Environment, 
Security and Ethics Committee

The attraction, retention, development 
and motivation of our people and 
leaders are critical factors in the 
successful execution of our strategy. 
In addition, we require the right 
behaviours from our leaders and 
employees to deliver our business 
strategy in accordance with our 
values and Business Principles. 

•  We have an established People Committee that has 

overseen the people related challenges inherent in our 
transformation programme.

•  We continue to evolve a clearly defined people strategy 

based on culture and engagement, equality and wellbeing, 
talent development, training and reward and recognition.

•  Our Business Principles are currently under review 
to ensure they drive the right behaviours across our 
organisation, with a view to launching our new 
Code of Conduct in 2017.

•  We regularly review organisational capability in critical 
business areas, reward strategies for key skills, talent 
management, and learning and development programmes 
through external benchmarking.

•  We engage with trade unions on restructuring and 

issues that could impact terms and conditions with clear 
and open processes to promote an environment of trust 
and honesty.

•  Feedback from our annual employee engagement 

survey is acted upon by leadership teams.

•  Fortnightly transformation Steering Group meetings 

are attended by the Executive Committee.

•  Change activity is managed through a structured network 
of programme offices providing oversight and governance 
at the appropriate level.

•  We have established a dedicated change capability at 

Group and business unit level to ensure benefits realisation, 
prioritisation of efforts and share best practice.

•  Our people capability has continued to be developed 

through 2016 to ensure we have the right skills to deliver 
our future plans.

•  We have a clear controls transition framework 
underpinning our system of internal control.

The successful delivery of 
business change is fundamental 
to our future success, and 
includes organisational, cultural 
and technical transformation. 
At the same time, we must 
continue to focus on maintaining 
our systems of internal control 
throughout.

Failure to invest in the maintenance 
and development of our assets could 
result in underperformance, assets 
being out of service or significant 
safety issues, particularly given 
the aging nature of a number of our 
assets. Operational integrity is critical 
to be able to deliver performance in 
line with the strategic objectives.

•  Capital allocation and investment decisions governed 
through the Investment Committee with the decision 
right remaining with the Group Chief Executive.
•  Group-wide minimum standards applied to all assets, 
whether operated or non-operated, in order to have 
confidence in their integrity.

•  Issues related to the integrity of our assets are responded 
to quickly, resulting in a number of unplanned shut downs 
during 2016 to ensure that appropriate investigations 
could be undertaken and remediation performed.
•  The leadership teams in our asset-based businesses 

have been refreshed to ensure that there is appropriate 
experience to provide oversight of this critical area.

Risk climate

Priority

People and  
building capability

8

Change management

Execution of change programmes 
and business restructuring.

Governance oversight
Board

Risk climate

Priority

Cost efficiency and simplification

9

Asset development, 
availability and performance

Investment, development and integrity 
of operated and non-operated assets.

Governance oversight
Board

Risk climate

Priority

Customer satisfaction and 
operational excellence

60

GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONDescription

Potential impacts

Mitigation

10

Sourcing and supplier 
management

Dependency on, and management of, 
third parties to deliver the products and 
services for which they are contracted 
to the agreed time, cost and quality.

Governance oversight
Board and Safety, Health, Environment, 
Security and Ethics Committee

Our business operations rely on 
products and services provided 
through third parties, including 
outsourced activities, infrastructure 
and operating responsibility for some 
assets. We rely on these parties to 
comply with not only contractual 
terms, but also legal, regulatory 
and ethical business requirements.

Risk climate

Priority

Customer satisfaction and  
operational excellence

•  All suppliers are required to sign up to our 

‘Ethical Procurement’ policies and procedures.

•  Financial health, risk and anti-bribery and corruption 

due diligence and monitoring is implemented in supplier 
selection and contract renewal processes.

•  Joint venture audits are conducted in relation to third 

party operation of critical assets.

•  We review the ethical conduct of our suppliers and are 

currently implementing a programme of supplier visits to 
provide additional assurance over practices employed.
•  We appointed a new Chief Procurement Officer in 2016 

and are implementing a programme of activities to ensure 
consistent Group-wide practices are implemented in line 
with our policies.

11

Health, safety, environment 
and security (HSES)

HSES hazards and regulations 
associated with Centrica’s operations.

Governance oversight
Board and Safety, Health, Environment, 
Security and Ethics Committee

Our operations have the potential 
to result in personal or environmental 
harm, or operational loss. Significant 
HSES events could also have 
regulatory, legal, financial and 
reputational impacts that would 
adversely affect some or all of 
our brands and businesses.

Risk climate

Priority

Safety, compliance and conduct

•  HSES remains our highest priority with a continued 

focus across all our assets and operations.

•  We undertake regular reviews and have thorough 

assurance processes in place in relation to these risks, 
with reporting to the HSES Committee on a monthly 
basis and full discussion of all issues arising.

•  Third line of defence responsibility for HSES has been 
transferred into Internal Audit to ensure appropriate 
objectivity and reinforce our assurance provision.
•  We have strengthened our controls through the 
development of the HSES management system, 
focusing on areas including process safety, driving 
and working at heights.

•  We continue to invest in training to ensure we maintain 
safe operating practices, including HSES leadership 
programmes.

•  Security intelligence and operating procedures, as well 

as crisis management and business continuity plans are 
regularly evaluated and tested.

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

61 

STRATEGIC REPORT  
OUR PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

Our Principal Risks and Uncertainties
continued

Description

Potential impacts

Mitigation

12

Information systems 
and security

Effectiveness, availability, integrity 
and security of IT systems and data 
essential for Centrica’s operations.

Governance oversight
Board, Audit Committee and Safety, 
Health, Environment, Security and 
Ethics Committee

Risk climate

Priority

Safety, compliance and conduct

13

Legal, regulatory and 
ethical standards compliance

Compliance with legal regulatory 
and ethical standards requirements.

Governance oversight
Board and Safety, Health, Environment, 
Security and Ethics Committee

Risk climate

Priority

Safety, compliance and conduct

Our substantial customer base 
and strategic requirement to be 
at the forefront of technology 
development, means that it is 
critical our technology is robust, 
our systems are secure and our 
data protected. Sensitive data faces 
the threat of misappropriation from 
hackers, viruses and other sources, 
including disaffected employees.

•  Our information security strategy seeks to integrate 

information systems, personnel and physical aspects 
in order to prevent, detect and investigate threats 
and incidents. 

•  We engage with key technology partners and suppliers, 
to ensure potentially vulnerable systems are identified.
•  We regularly evaluate the adequacy of our infrastructure 
and IT security controls, undertake employee awareness 
and training, and test our contingency and recovery 
processes. 

•  We test our cyber security crisis management and 
business continuity plans recognising the evolving 
nature and pace of the threat landscape. 

•  The appointment of a new Group Chief Information 

Officer during 2016 has provided additional focus on 
ensuring that all information systems and security 
risks are managed appropriately.

Our operations are the subject 
of intense regulatory focus and 
we seek to deliver the highest 
standards in compliance. This is 
part of our operating commitment 
to conduct our business in an 
ethical and compliant manner. 
We recognise any real or perceived 
failure to follow our Business 
Principles or comply with legal or 
regulatory obligations would 
undermine trust in our business. 
Non-compliance could also result 
in fines, penalties or other intervention.

•  Following the completion of the CMA investigation into 

our UK ES&S business we have established a programme 
to implement its recommendations in full.

•  We have similarly responded to changing regulatory 
requirements in a number of our NA ES&S markets 
during 2016.

•  We have moved our regulatory compliance monitoring 

activities to a single function to drive Group-wide 
consistency and quality.

•  We have a programme of improvement activities in place 
to align our practices in areas including our Business 
Principles, financial crime and Speak Up with our 
operating model.

•  Our Business Principles and Values have been subject 
to review in 2016 with the involvement of many of 
our employees.

62

GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONDescription

Potential impacts

Mitigation

Our financial performance and 
price competitiveness is dependent 
upon our ability to manage exposure 
to wholesale commodity prices 
for gas, oil, coal, carbon and power, 
interest rates for our long term 
borrowing, fluctuations in various 
foreign currencies, and environmental 
factors.

Certain events and activities have 
a direct impact on our credit ratings 
and liquidity which could increase 
the cost of, and access to, financing. 
In a changing external environmental 
we need to be able to respond 
to macro-economic or political 
influences. In particular, the lower 
interest rate adversely impacts our 
pension liabilities.

14

Financial market

Exposure to market movements, including 
commodity prices and volumes, inflation, 
interest rates and currency fluctuations.

Governance oversight
Board and Audit Committee

Risk climate

Priority

Cash flow growth and strategic momentum

15

Balance sheet strength 
and credit position

Group balance sheet management 
and credit position.

Governance oversight
Board and Audit Committee

Risk climate

Priority

Cash flow growth and strategic momentum

•  The Audit Committee regularly assesses the effectiveness 

of control mechanisms within EM&T.

•  Following a review undertaken during the year, weekly 

meetings have been introduced within EM&T involving our 
specialist financial risk team and operational management.
•  The Group Financial Risk Management Committee meets 
monthly to review Group financial exposures and assess 
compliance with risk limits.

•  We have an active hedging programme to mitigate 

exposure to commodity and financial market volatility, 
which has enabled British Gas to freeze prices on the 
standard tariff until August 2017. 

•  As we move into new trading arrangements, including 
expanding our LNG business and as a result of the 
acquisition of Neas Energy, we are focused on ensuring 
that our financial risk policies remain appropriate to 
the risks we face.

•  We are investing in our systems to further automate 

our control environment.

•  We assess available resources on a monthly basis and 
this analysis underpins our going concern assumption 
and viability analysis as described on page 64.
•  Significant committed facilities are maintained with 

sufficient cash held on deposit to meet fluctuations as 
they arise.

•  Our private placement, (see note 25), has strengthened 

our balance sheet.

•  Counterparty exposures are restricted by setting credit 

limits for each counterparty, where possible with reference 
to published credit ratings.

•  Wholesale credit risks associated with commodity trading 
and treasury positions are managed in accordance with 
Group policy.

•  We continue to seek to repair the pension deficit and have 
responded with a number of actions implemented during 
2016 (see note 22).

•  We consider accounting assumptions impacting on our 
balance sheet carefully, including decommissioning and 
impairment, as described on page 76.

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

63 

STRATEGIC REPORT  
OUR PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

Our Principal Risks and Uncertainties
continued

Description

Potential impacts

Mitigation

16

Financial processing 
and reporting

Accuracy and completeness of internal 
and external financial information.

Governance oversight
Board and Audit Committee

Risk climate

Priority

Safety, compliance and conduct

We must be able to maintain robust 
financial systems to produce accurate 
financial statements underpinned by 
appropriate accounting judgements 
and the right information to support 
optimal business decisions. 
Our obligation includes maintaining 
processes to avoid misstatement 
through fraud or error so that 
the confidence of our customers, 
investors and regulators is not 
undermined and they can rely 
on available information.

•  The Audit Committee reviews carefully our compliance 
with our internal policies and external requirements.

•  As described above, we maintain a robust control 

framework with a focus on our financial controls and 
management self-assessment compliance.

•  Our dedicated Group Controls function monitors our critical 
financial risks and mitigating controls and reports to the 
Financial Risk, Assurance and Controls Committee quarterly.

•  We maintain an effective working relationship 

with our external auditors, listening to their advice and 
recommendations, and they rely on our internal assurance 
and monitoring activities where appropriate.

•  risks associated with keeping our people 
and our customers safe, incorporating 
potential adverse consequences of 
breaches in regulatory compliance 
obligations; 

•  challenges relating to the security of 

our systems and keeping our data safe, 
including cyber-security;

•  the impact of a loss of containment 

in our upstream assets; and
•  a sustained significant adverse 

movement in commodity prices. 

In making this assessment we have taken 
the worst case assumptions, including all 
significant adverse events on the above 
scenarios, and determined their potential 
impact on the available sources of liquidity 
and net debt throughout the period. 

Based on the conclusions of this assessment, 
the Directors confirm that they have a 
reasonable expectation that the Group will 
continue to operate and meet its liabilities, 
as they fall due, over a period of at least 
three years. 

VIABILITY STATEMENT
In accordance with provisions C.2.1 and 
C.2.2 of the 2014 UK Corporate Governance 
Code, the Directors have assessed the 
prospects for the Group over a longer time 
period than that required in adopting the 
going concern basis of accounting. 

In making this assessment the Directors 
have taken into account: the liquidity 
analysis performed in relation to the Group’s 
net debt and available credit facilities; 
the current business performance, Group 
annual plan for 2017 and strategic plan 
for the years beyond this; consideration 
of potential risks and uncertainties in the 
delivery of the strategic plan through a 
number of potential scenarios and events; 
and available mitigating actions.

The Board has reviewed the timeframe 
over which it makes this assessment and 
considers three years to be the appropriate 
timeframe for consideration. The factors 
taken into account in determining the 
time period include: the alignment of this 
assessment with the period over which we 
perform liquidity analysis for the purpose 
of monitoring credit metrics; the short term 
nature of some of our more significant risks, 
such as the potential for disruption in our 
customer-facing markets and volatility 
related to the current political and economic 
environment; and the increasing uncertainty 
inherent in estimations beyond this time 
period. Three years balances the shorter 
term planning horizons in our customer-
facing businesses, with the longer 
term requirements of our more asset 
based businesses. 

The Directors carry out a robust risk 
assessment of the Principal Risks 
outlined on pages 58 to 64. In making this 
assessment consideration of the potential 
severe, but plausible, impact has been 
made where the realisation of those risks is 
considered more than remote, taking into 
account the effectiveness of our systems 
of risk management and internal control. 
The potential impact is based on known 
consequences, historical evidence and 
similar events observed in the market. 
The consequences have been combined 
into a number of scenarios and events that 
have been compared with the available 
headroom based on our liquidity analysis. 
We have considered available mitigating 
actions such as the potential disposal of 
assets, additional restrictions and limits on 
capital investment and further cost reduction 
opportunities in making this assessment. 

Whilst the Group has a strong position 
in its chosen markets, with strong brands, 
a highly skilled customer-facing workforce 
and reliable operations, there are a number 
of risks that could have a significant impact 
on the financial performance of the Group. 
The risks that we considered, through 
a number of scenarios, to be of most 
significance in making the assessment 
of viability included: 

•  the potential for regulatory or political 
intervention resulting in a significant 
impact on our customer margins 
and retention;

•  our inability to respond to disruption in 
the market and grow our businesses 
as indicated in our strategic plan; 

64

GOVERNANCEFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE

Governance

The ultimate objective of corporate 
governance is to promote good 
decision-making and effective 
stewardship of the Company to 
ensure its sustainable success.

66  Board of Directors

68  Senior Executives

69 

 Directors’ and Corporate 
Governance Report

83  Remuneration Report

100  Independent Auditors’ Report

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

65 

GOVERNANCE  
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board of Directors
Full biographies can be found at centrica.com

JEFF BELL
Group Chief Financial 
Officer
Jeff was appointed Group Chief 
Financial Officer and joined the 
Board on 1 August 2015.

Skills and experience
Jeff has a broad range of 
finance experience. He joined 
the Group’s Direct Energy 
business in Toronto in 2002 
where he held various senior 
finance positions before moving 
to the Company’s head office 
in 2008 to support the Group 
Chief Executive and to lead the 
Group Strategy team. In 2011 
he was appointed Director 
of Corporate Finance. Prior to 
Centrica, Jeff worked in Toronto 
for both KPMG, where he 
qualified as a chartered 
accountant, and the Boston 
Consulting Group. 

RICK HAYTHORNTHWAITE
Chairman
Rick joined the Board as 
a Non-Executive Director 
on 14 October 2013. He was 
appointed Chairman of the 
Board on 1 January 2014 
and is Chairman of the 
Nominations Committee.

Skills and experience
Rick has a wealth of knowledge 
in the energy industry and has 
significant board experience, 
both as an executive and 
non-executive. He led the 
rescue of Invensys from 2001 
to 2005 and the defence, 
turnaround and subsequent 
sale of Blue Circle Industries 
from 1997 to 2001. He has 
served on the boards of Network 
Rail as chairman and Cookson, 
Lafarge, ICI and Land Securities 
as a non-executive director.

External appointments
Chairman of the global board 
of MasterCard Incorporated, 
QIO Technologies and 
Arc International. 

IAIN CONN
Group Chief Executive
Iain was appointed Group 
Chief Executive on 1 January 
2015 and is Chairman of the 
Disclosure Committee.

Skills and experience
Iain possesses a deep 
understanding of the energy 
sector built up over a lifetime in the 
industry and has demonstrated 
strong commitment to customers, 
safety and technology. Iain was 
previously BP’s chief executive, 
downstream (BP’s refining and 
marketing division) a position he 
held for seven years. Iain was a 
board member of BP for 10 years 
from 2004 and had previously 
held a number of senior roles 
throughout BP including in 
trading, exploration and 
production, and the management 
of corporate functions such as 
safety, marketing, technology 
and human resources.

External appointments
Non-executive director of 
BT Group plc. 

MARGHERITA DELLA VALLE
Non-Executive Director
Margherita joined the Board on 
1 January 2011 and is Chairman 
of the Audit Committee.

Skills and experience
Margherita brings considerable 
corporate finance and 
accounting experience and 
she has a sound background 
in marketing. She was chief 
financial officer for Vodafone’s 
European region from April 
2007 to October 2010 and chief 
financial officer of Vodafone Italy 
from 2004 to 2007. Previously 
she worked for Omnitel Pronto 
Italia in Italy and held various 
consumer marketing positions 
in business analytics and 
customer base management 
prior to moving to finance.

External appointments
Deputy Group CFO of 
Vodafone Group plc, a member 
of HM Treasury’s Financial 
Management Review Board of 
HM Government and a trustee 
of the Vodafone Foundation. 

RICK 
HAYTHORNTHWAITE

 C    N

IAIN  
CONN

 D

JEFF  
BELL

 D

MARGHERITA  
DELLA VALLE

 A    N    R    S

JOAN  
GILLMAN

 N    S

MARK  
HANAFIN

STEPHEN  
HESTER

 A    N

MARK  
HODGES

LESLEY  
KNOX

 A    N    R

CARLOS  
PASCUAL

 N    R    S

STEVE  
PUSEY

 A    N    S

SCOTT  
WHEWAY

 N    R    S

 C   Chairman of the Board

 A   Audit Committee

 D   Disclosure Committee

 N   Nominations Committee

 R   Remuneration Committee

 S    Safety, Health, Environment,  
Security & Ethics Committee

  Denotes Committee Chairman

66

STRATEGIC  REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONJOAN GILLMAN
Non-Executive Director
Joan joined the Board 
on 11 October 2016.

Skills and experience
Joan is former executive vice 
president of Time Warner Cable, 
as well as chief operating officer, 
Time Warner Cable Media and 
president, Time Warner Cable 
Media LLC. Prior to its acquisition 
by Charter Communications, 
Time Warner Cable was the 
second largest cable company 
in the United States, operating 
in 29 states and generating over 
$23 billion in annual revenue. 
Joan led one of Time Warner 
Cable’s three operating divisions, 
doubling revenues and 
overseeing the company’s 
big data strategy.

External appointments
Director of Airgain, Inc. 

STEPHEN HESTER
Senior Independent 
Director
Stephen joined the Board 
on 1 June 2016 and is the 
Senior Independent Director.

Skills and experience
Stephen has wide-ranging 
experience, particularly in 
customer-facing businesses, 
together with recognised 
expertise in transforming 
business performance. 
He has a deep knowledge of 
operating within highly regulated 
businesses with over 30 years’ 
experience in financial services 
and FTSE 100 companies.

External appointments
Group chief executive of 
RSA Insurance Group plc. 

LESLEY KNOX
Non-Executive Director
Lesley joined the Board on 
1 January 2012 and is Chairman 
of the Remuneration Committee.

STEVE PUSEY
Non-Executive Director
Steve joined the Board 
on 1 April 2015 and is 
Chairman of the SHESEC.

Skills and experience
Steve has a wealth of 
international experience as 
a senior customer-facing 
business technology leader. 
He has considerable experience 
in the telecommunications 
industry, in both the wireline and 
wireless sectors, and in business 
applications and solutions. 
Steve has worked for Vodafone, 
Nortel and British Telecom and 
is a graduate of the Advanced 
Management Program at 
Harvard University.

External appointments
Non-executive director 
of FireEye, Inc. 

Skills and experience
Lesley brings a wealth 
of strategic and financial 
experience across a range 
of businesses to the Board 
and she is an experienced 
remuneration committee chair. 
She was previously with 
British Linen Bank and was a 
founder director of British Linen 
Advisers. Lesley was senior 
non-executive director of Hays 
plc and also spent 15 years 
with Kleinwort Benson.

External appointments
Non-executive director of 
Thomas Cook Group plc and 
Legal & General Group Plc, 
trustee of the Grosvenor Estate 
and chairman of Grosvenor 
Group Limited. Chairman 
of Design Dundee Limited 
and a trustee of National 
Galleries Scotland. 

MARK HANAFIN
Chief Executive 
Centrica Business
Mark joined the Board 
on 14 July 2008.

MARK HODGES
Chief Executive 
Centrica Consumer
Mark joined the Board 
on 1 June 2015.

Skills and experience
Mark has senior management 
experience across the energy 
value chain from E&P through to 
product sales. He has excellent 
midstream and trading 
credentials as well as a strong 
track record in developing 
supply and marketing 
businesses. Before joining 
Centrica, Mark spent 21 years 
with Royal Dutch Shell.

External appointments
Non-executive director 
of EDF Energy Nuclear 
Generation Group Limited 
(representing Centrica). 

Skills and experience
Mark brings a strong 
understanding of the 
UK consumer market and 
a track record in improving 
business performance. He 
is experienced in working in a 
regulated environment, driving 
significant improvements in 
customer service and efficiency, 
‘offer innovation’, major IT and 
change projects. Mark was 
group chief executive officer of 
Towergate Partnership and prior 
to this he spent over 20 years 
with Norwich Union and Aviva 
plc holding a variety of finance, 
planning and strategy roles 
including sitting on both the 
executive committee and 
Aviva plc board. 

External appointments
Director of Energy UK 
(representing Centrica). 

CARLOS PASCUAL
Non-Executive Director
Carlos joined the Board 
on 1 January 2015.

SCOTT WHEWAY
Non-Executive Director
Scott joined the Board  
on 1 May 2016.

Skills and experience
Scott has a wealth of experience 
as a senior customer-facing 
business leader with a mix 
of deep retail and consumer 
expertise. He has considerable 
knowledge gained in both 
retail and insurance industries, 
together with a strong 
understanding of operating 
within highly regulated 
businesses. Scott worked 
in retail for 27 years both in 
the UK and internationally.

External appointments
Chairman of Aviva Insurance 
Limited and senior independent 
director of Santander UK PLC.

Skills and experience
Carlos has held a number of 
senior positions in the energy 
industry and is a senior leader 
in energy geopolitics and 
economic and commercial 
development. Between 2011 
and 2014 Carlos established 
and directed the US State 
Department’s Energy Resource 
Bureau. Until August 2014 
Carlos was special envoy and 
coordinator for international 
energy affairs, acting as senior 
adviser to the US Secretary of 
State on energy issues. He has 
also served as US ambassador 
in Mexico and Ukraine.

External appointments
Non-resident senior fellow at the 
Centre on Global Energy Policy, 
Columbia University and senior 
vice president for global energy 
at IHS Markit. 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

67 

GOVERNANCE  
SENIOR EXECUTIVES

Senior Executives
Full biographies can be found at centrica.com

CHARLES  
CAMERON

CHRIS  
COX

GRANT  
DAWSON

 D

JILL  
SHEDDEN, MBE

MIKE  
YOUNG

CHARLES CAMERON
Director of Technology 
& Engineering
Charles was appointed Director 
of Technology & Engineering 
on 1 January 2016.

CHRIS COX
Managing Director, 
Exploration & Production
Chris was appointed Managing 
Director, Exploration & Production 
on 1 February 2016.

GRANT DAWSON
Group General Counsel 
& Company Secretary
Grant was appointed Group 
General Counsel & Company 
Secretary in February 1997.

 D    Disclosure Committee

Skills and experience
Charles has extensive 
technology and engineering 
experience and has held 
corporate roles in marketing, 
planning and M&A. Before 
joining Centrica he was head of 
technology, downstream at BP 
plc and was a member of the 
downstream executive team.
Prior to his time at BP, Charles 
spent 23 years with the French 
Institute of Petroleum and their 
catalyst, technology licensing 
and engineering service 
business, Axens. 

Skills and experience
Chris has extensive experience 
in global oil and gas upstream 
activities. Since 2006 and 
prior to his appointment with 
Centrica, he held a number of 
senior roles at BG Group plc 
and was latterly the executive 
vice president, BG Advance 
and a member of the group 
executive team. Prior to his 
time at BG Group plc, Chris 
was with Amerada Hess 
and Chevron Corporation. 

Skills and experience
Grant joined British Gas plc 
in October 1996 and has been 
Group General Counsel & 
Company Secretary of Centrica 
plc since the demerger of British 
Gas plc on 17 February 1997. 
He was called to the Bar in 
1982 and has spent most of 
his career in industry, joining 
the legal department of Racal 
Electronics plc in 1984 and then 
STC plc as legal adviser in 1986 
until they were taken over in 1991 
by Northern Telecom Limited. 
Between 1991 and 1996, 
he was the associate general 
counsel for Nortel in Europe, 
Africa and the Middle East. 

JILL SHEDDEN, MBE
Group HR Director
Jill was appointed Group 
Director, Human Resources 
on 1 July 2011.

Skills and experience
Jill joined British Gas plc as 
a graduate in 1988 and has 
since held a wide range of roles 
across the Group. Prior to her 
appointment as Group HR 
Director Jill was HR Director 
in British Gas Business and 
British Gas Energy. In the 
2017 New Year’s Honours list 
Jill was awarded an MBE for 
‘services to women and equality’ 
in recognition of her work with, 
amongst other organisations, 
the Women’s Business Council.

MIKE YOUNG
Group Chief 
Information Officer
Mike was appointed Group 
Chief Information Officer 
on 1 November 2016.

Skills and experience
Mike brings a wealth of 
experience in managing global 
IS functions in partnership 
with customer-facing units, 
and using big data and digital 
technologies to drive revenue 
growth and improve the 
customer experience. Before 
joining Centrica he was group 
chief information officer 
with the media and digital 
marketing company Dentsu 
Aegis Network.

68

STRATEGIC  REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONDIRECTORS’ AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

Directors’ and Corporate  
Governance Report

Dear Shareholder

I am pleased to confirm that your Company has fully complied 
with the principles and provisions of the UK Governance Code 
throughout the year and the following pages set out in detail 
how we have done so.

Important as this is, however, good corporate governance is 
about much more than compliance. The structures, processes 
and policies described in this report are just the tools we use. 
The ultimate objective of corporate governance is to promote 
good decision-making and effective stewardship of the Company 
to ensure its sustainable success.

It is important to remember that the now familiar features of the 
governance landscape such as separation of responsibility at the 
top of companies, independent and diverse boards, committees 
with clear responsibility for key areas and transparency in reporting 
are but means to an end; preventing unhealthy concentrations 
of power, avoiding groupthink, ensuring decisions are based upon 
informed and wide-ranging discussions and are implemented 
effectively. Most importantly, good governance also depends 
upon the Board setting the tone from the top; the values and 
behaviours that protect and promote the long term success 
of the Company.

It is disappointing therefore that corporate governance has 
been in the news again in 2016 for all the wrong reasons, 
reflecting the failures of a few, exceptional companies, rather 
than the good practice of the many. The Corporate Governance 
Reform Green Paper was prompted largely by these failures. 
We have submitted a response to the consultation and 
stand ready to work with Government and regulators towards 
meaningful improvements, where possible. It is crucial, however, 
that better regulation does not simply mean more regulation 
and that, vitally, any reform retains the comply or explain principle 
that has been the foundation of the very significant improvements 
in corporate governance in the UK over the past two decades.

This Directors’ and Corporate Governance Report describes 
how we are approaching these important issues within Centrica 
and I hope shareholders will find it interesting and informative.

Rick Haythornthwaite
Chairman
23 February 2017

“ It is crucial, however, that better 

regulation does not simply mean 
more regulation and that, vitally, 
any reform retains the comply or 
explain principle that has been the 
foundation of the very significant 
improvements in corporate 
governance in the UK over the 
past two decades.”
Rick Haythornthwaite
Chairman 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

69 

GOVERNANCE  
DIRECTORS’ AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

Directors’ and Corporate Governance Report
continued

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Board believes that effective corporate governance provides 
an essential foundation for the long-term success of the Company. 
This report sets out the key elements of our corporate governance 
arrangements, including how we have sought to apply the 
principles and provisions of the UK Governance Code (the Code). 
The Board confirms that, up to the date of this report, it fully 
complied with the Code.

THE BOARD
The Board is responsible for promoting the overall success of 
the Company. In doing so, it delegates certain responsibilities 
to Board Committees and executive management. Details of the 
Board Committees and their activities during the year are set out 
on pages 74 to 79. The Board delegates authority to the Group 
Chief Executive for the execution of strategy and the day-to-day 
management of the Group. The Board oversees, guides and 
challenges executive management in the execution of 
these activities.

There are certain key responsibilities that the Board does not 
delegate and which are reserved for its consideration. The full 
Schedule of Matters Reserved is available on our website, 
but key features include:

•  the development of strategy and major policies;
•  approving the annual operating plan, Financial Statements 

and major acquisitions and disposals;

•  approving interim dividend payments and recommending 

final dividend payments; and

•  the appointment and removal of Directors and the 

Company Secretary.

For more information on our strategy and operating model 
see page 16 and for more information on our technology and 
innovation developments see pages 10 and 11.

Board meetings
The Board holds regular scheduled meetings throughout the year. 
In 2016, the Board met 9 times. Further information on topics 
considered by the Board in 2016 are detailed on page 73.

Directors
We have sought to ensure we have an appropriate mix of diversity 
and skills on our Board to ensure constructive debate and thoughtful 
decision-making. In addition, we believe it is helpful to maintain 
a blend within the Non-Executive group where some are in full-time 
executive employment and others are pursuing a non-executive 
portfolio career path.

At present, there are a total of 12 Directors, of whom four are 
Executive and eight, including the Chairman, are Non-Executive.

All of our Non-Executive Directors are considered to be 
independent and free from any business interest which could 
materially interfere with the exercise of their judgement. In addition, 
the Board is satisfied that each Non-Executive Director is able 
to dedicate the necessary amount of time to the Company’s 
affairs. Our Non-Executive Directors are members of various 
committees of the Board, which are the Audit, the Nominations, 
the Remuneration and the Safety, Health, Environment, 
Security & Ethics Committees.

During the year the Non-Executive Directors, including the 
Chairman, met frequently without management present. 
In addition, the Senior Independent Director met with the  
Non-Executive Directors in the absence of the Chairman 
to appraise the Chairman’s performance.

The Directors have full access to the advice and services 
of the Group General Counsel & Company Secretary, who is 
responsible for advising the Board, through the Chairman, 
on corporate governance matters. They are also able to seek 
independent professional advice at the Company’s expense 
in respect of their duties.

The Board has agreed that each Director shall stand for 
reappointment at each Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Details of the Directors of the Company are set out with their 
biographies on pages 66 and 67. Information on remuneration 
and share interests are set out in the Remuneration Report on 
pages 83 to 99. Details relating to Directors’ service contracts 
or letters of appointment, in the case of Non-Executive Directors, 
are set out in the remuneration policy that was approved by 
shareholders on 27 April 2015. The full remuneration policy 
can be found on our website.

Copies of the Executive Directors’ service contracts and letters 
of appointment for the Non-Executive Directors are available 
for inspection by shareholders at each AGM and during normal 
business hours at the Company’s registered office.

In line with best practice, the roles of our Chairman and Group 
Chief Executive are separate, formalised in writing and have 
been approved by the Board. A summary of these and other 
roles is shown in the table opposite. 

70

STRATEGIC  REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONBoard composition and roles

Chairman

Rick Haythornthwaite

Group Chief Executive

Iain Conn

Group Chief 
Financial Officer

Independent  
Non-Executive  
Directors

Senior Independent 
Director

Group Executive  
Directors

Jeff Bell

Margherita Della Valle, Joan Gillman,  
Stephen Hester, Lesley Knox, Carlos Pascual, 
Steve Pusey, Scott Wheway

Stephen Hester

Mark Hanafin, Mark Hodges

Recruitment
A rigorous process is followed for the appointment of each 
new Director to the Board, which is led by the Chairman.

The Nominations Committee used the services of executive 
search agents to assist in the search for Non-Executive Directors. 
The agents engaged during 2016 were JCA Group and 
Heidrick & Struggles.

The Committee considered the candidates against an objective 
criteria, having due regard for the benefits of Board diversity.

None of the executive search agents listed above provide 
any other services to the Company.

Appointments
During the year under review, there were a number of changes 
to the Board.

Joan Gillman, Stephen Hester and Scott Wheway were 
appointed as Directors of the Company with effect from 
11 October 2016, 1 June 2016 and 1 May 2016 respectively.

As announced in July 2016, Stephen Hester succeeded 
Ian Meakins to become the Company’s Senior Independent 
Director with effect from 1 October 2016.

Mike Linn and Ian Meakins resigned as Directors of the Company 
with effect from 18 April and 1 October 2016, respectively.

Board evaluation
In accordance with the Code, we conduct an annual evaluation 
of Board performance, which is facilitated by an independent 
third party at least once every three years. As reported last 
year, we considered conducting the third party evaluation during 
2016, a year earlier than required by the Code. On reflection 
however, with three new Directors appointed in 2016 and the 
newly established Committee structure still bedding in, we felt 
it would be more valuable to have the third party evaluation 
in the second half of 2017.

Responsible for the leadership and management of the Board. In doing so, 
he is responsible for promoting high ethical standards, ensuring the effective 
contribution of all Directors and, with support from the Group General 
Counsel & Company Secretary, best practice in corporate governance.

Responsible for the executive leadership and day-to-day management of the 
Company, to ensure the delivery of the strategy agreed by the Board.

Responsible for providing strategic financial leadership of the Company and 
day-to-day management of the finance function.

Responsible for contributing sound judgement and objectivity to the Board’s 
deliberations and overall decision-making process, providing constructive 
challenge and monitoring the Executive Directors’ delivery of the strategy 
within the Board’s risk and governance structure.

Acts as a sounding board for the Chairman and serves as a trusted 
intermediary for the other Directors, as well as shareholders, as required.

Responsible for executive leadership and day-to-day management of relevant 
business units in support of the Group Chief Executive and the delivery of the 
strategy agreed by the Board.

The internal evaluation was conducted in December 2016, 
via online questionnaires and interviews with the Chairman. 
The Senior Independent Director, Stephen Hester, conducted 
the evaluation of the Chairman’s performance through a series 
of individual discussions with Directors and senior executives.

The results of the evaluation exercises were reviewed by the 
Board and Committees in February 2017. Overall, the Board 
was considered to be performing well, with high scores 
recorded across the range of performance measures. In terms 
of enhancements, Directors identified some common areas 
where more information and discussion would be beneficial; 
in particular, in relation to the Group’s new growth markets and 
to competitor benchmarking. In both areas, Directors felt the 
need for more attention reflected the rapid developments in 
those markets and in the competitive landscape rather than 
a significant gap in the Board’s agenda. Opportunities to 
review these topics in depth have been built into the 2017 
Board programme. 

Balance and independence of the Board
The Board considers the balance of skills, knowledge, 
experience and independence to ensure the Board and 
Committees effectively discharge their duties and responsibilities. 
As part of its annual review of corporate governance, the Board 
considered the independence of each Non-Executive Director, 
other than the Chairman, against the criteria in the Code 
and determined that each Non-Executive Director 
remained independent. 

Balance of Non-Executive and Executive Directors

Non-Executive 

66.6%

Executive 

33.3%

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

71 

 
 
GOVERNANCE  
DIRECTORS’ AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

Directors’ and Corporate Governance Report
continued

Board diversity
Centrica recognises the benefits of diversity in all its forms, 
at Board level and throughout the Group. As at 31 December 
2016, 25% of the Board were women, this is an increase compared 
to 31 December 2015 where females represented 18% of the 
Board. Centrica supports the updated recommendations of the 
Davies review and is continuing to increase the skills, experience 
and knowledge of a diverse pipeline of talent. Just as importantly, 
we have also sought to promote a diverse blend of skills, 
backgrounds and nationalities on the Board.

Tenure %

Nationality %

16.5

16.5

8

25

67

67

0–3 years – 8 directors

3–6 years – 2 directors

6–9 years – 2 directors

9+ years – 0 directors

UK – 8 directors

North America – 3 directors

Mainland Europe – 1 directors

Rest of the World – 0 directors

Breakdown by gender %

Board

25

18

Senior 
Management

Other 
employees

26

27

27

29

82

75

73

74

71

73

2016 Male

2016 Female

2015 Male

2015 Female

72

Employee and senior management diversity
Our employment policies and practices reflect a culture where 
decisions are based on individual ability and potential in relation 
to the business’ needs. We are committed to promoting equal 
opportunities and diversity as part of creating an inclusive working 
environment that attracts and retains the best people and that 
enables everyone in Centrica to fulfil their potential. Individuals 
are treated in a non-discriminatory manner at all stages of 
their employment, including recruitment and selection, reward, 
training and development and promotion and career development. 
By delivering on our commitment to diversity and inclusion 
we are able to:

•  attract a diverse range of talent which we believe is the 

‘fuel’ for the company of the future;

•  create an inclusive environment so that everyone can bring 
their ‘whole self’ to work, to be themselves, have their voice 
heard and contribute to innovation and ideas; and

•  ensure people receive career opportunities based on merit 

so that we have the right people in the right jobs.

At senior management level, 26% are female, and 27% of 
employees excluding the Board and senior management are 
female. Centrica has a range of initiatives in place including 
coaching and mentoring of diverse talent and our participation 
in the 30% Club’s cross-company, cross-sector mentoring 
scheme for mid-career women who will benefit from 
mentoring at their current stage of career.

Two of our global businesses are taking part in a pilot focused 
on increasing diversity and gender parity. The leadership teams 
have set themselves internal goals to achieve these measures 
by challenging internal and external recruiters to present line 
managers with a more diverse candidate list at all stages of the 
recruitment process. In addition they will also be taking part in 
a reverse mentoring programme which will see the leadership 
team members being mentored by more junior and diverse 
talent from across the business.

Our employee networks, which include Women, Carers, 
Parents and Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual & Transgender (LGBT) 
continue to grow, giving us that sense of energy that comes from 
having a broader group of people contributing to ideas and issues 
across our organisation. In recognition of Centrica’s commitment 
to LGBT inclusion, Iain Conn was ranked as one of the Top 30 
Ally Executives in the Financial Times’ 2016 OUTstanding Leading 
LGBT+ & Ally Executives and LGBT+ Future Leaders Lists.

We fully support the Government’s intention to introduce 
measures in the future to require companies to report on the 
gender pay gap, as we believe that transparent reporting 
drives positive intervention within organisations.

BOARD EFFECTIVENESS
Directors’ attendance
Directors are expected to attend all Board and relevant 
Committee meetings. Details of attendance by Directors at 
Board and Committee meetings during 2016 are set out in the 
table opposite. Where a Director was not in attendance, this was 
due to other prior work commitments. Directors who were unable 
to attend specific Board or Committee meetings reviewed the 
relevant papers and provided their comments to the Chairman of 
the Board or Committee, as appropriate. In addition, any Director 
who is unable to attend a meeting will, as a matter of course, 
receive the minutes of that meeting for their reference. 

STRATEGIC  REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONBoard and Committee meetings and attendance  
during the year

Board

Audit
Committee

Remuneration
Committee

Nominations
Committee

Safety, Health,
Environment,
Security
and Ethics
Committee
(SHESEC)

Rick  
Haythornthwaite

Iain Conn

Jeff Bell

Margherita  
Della Valle

Joan Gillman

Mark Hanafin

Stephen Hester

Mark Hodges

Lesley Knox

Mike Linn 

Ian Meakins

Carlos Pascual

Steve Pusey

Scott Wheway

9/9

9/9

9/9

9/9

2/2

9/9

5/5

9/9

9/9

3/3

5/7

9/9

9/9

5/5

N/A

N/A

N/A

6/6

N/A

N/A

3/3

N/A

6/6

N/A

3/4

N/A

6/6

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

4/4

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

4/4

3/3

3/3

4/4

N/A

1/1

6/6

N/A

N/A

6/6

1/1

N/A

3/3

N/A

5/6

2/3

1/5

6/6

6/6

3/3

N/A

N/A

N/A

4/5

1/1

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

2/2

N/A

5/5

5/5

3/3

Induction
All new Directors appointed to the Board receive a comprehensive 
induction programme tailored to meet their individual needs. 
The Chairman and Group General Counsel & Company Secretary 
are responsible for delivering an effective induction programme 
for newly appointed Directors.

During 2016, tailored induction programmes were designed for 
Joan Gillman, Stephen Hester and Scott Wheway. These included 
briefings from members of the Executive team on key areas of 
the business including the internal audit function, an overview 
of the Group’s risk management processes, the key risks facing 
the business, site visits and a briefing in respect of the corporate 
governance framework within Centrica.

Board governance structure

Key issues considered by the Board
During the year, the Board considers a comprehensive programme 
of regular matters covering operational and financial performance 
reporting, strategic reviews and updates and various governance 
reports and approvals. In addition, each Board meeting features 
‘deep dives’ into a specific operation or topic. In 2016, these 
discussions included:

•  Strategic plans for Connected Home, Distributed Energy 

& Power and Liquefied Natural Gas

•  Exploration & Production’s portfolio and asset pipeline review 
•  The Competition and Markets Authority’s report on their 

investigation into the energy market
•  British Gas smart metering roll-out
•  Investor feedback
•  The Group reputation review
•  Information security

Ongoing training and development
Ongoing training and development is also provided to all Directors, 
as agreed with the Chairman and supported by the executive 
management. As part of this approach, two Board insight and 
training sessions are held each year. In 2016, these sessions 
focused on the Group’s pension arrangements and investment 
strategy and increasing the Board’s awareness and understanding 
of process safety and how this is managed within Centrica.

Conflicts of interest
In accordance with the Act and the Company’s Articles, Directors 
are required to report actual or potential conflicts of interest to the 
Board for consideration and, if appropriate, authorisation. If such 
conflicts exist, Directors recuse themselves from consideration 
of the relevant subject matter. The Company maintains a schedule 
of authorised conflicts of interest which is regularly reviewed by 
the Board.

BOARD COMMITTEES
The Board has established a number of Committees to exercise 
oversight in specific areas. Our Board committee structure is set 
out below, and the responsibilities, membership and key issues 
considered during the year by each committee is detailed on 
pages 74 to 79.

Board of Directors

Audit
Committee

Nominations
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Safety, Health, 
Environment, 
Security and 
Ethics Committee

Disclosure
Committee

Group Chief 
Executive

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

73 

GOVERNANCE  
DIRECTORS’ AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

Directors’ and Corporate Governance Report
continued

AUDIT COMMITTEE
Members
•  Margherita Della Valle (Chairman)
•  Stephen Hester
•  Lesley Knox
•  Steve Pusey

MARGHERITA  
DELLA VALLE

Committee Chairman

Report of the Committee Chairman
This report aims to provide you with insight into the workings 
and activities of the Committee during 2016, outlining how as a 
Committee we discharged our duty to provide oversight of the 
adequacy and effectiveness of the Company’s internal financial 
controls and internal control and risk management systems, the 
considerations we gave to matters of financial risk and control 
and the key accounting judgements reached. 

2016 proved to be another busy year for the Committee. We 
requested and received updates on risk and control environments 
in North America and UK Business and on the risk implications 
of the Group’s transformation programme. These reports allow 
the Committee to continue to build its understanding of Centrica’s 
business, including how key risks are identified and mitigated. 
We also took the opportunity to put the external audit out for tender. 
Additionally, the Committee met twice with the Safety, Health, 
Environment, Security and Ethics (SHESEC) Committee to jointly 
consider the Group’s system of internal control and risk management; 
in the first quarter to assess the system’s effectiveness and in the 
fourth quarter to look prospectively at any changes that need to be 
made for 2017. Both committees also jointly received an in-depth 
presentation on the Group’s control environment for Information 
Systems and Cyber Security. Lastly, we considered an external 
quality assurance (EQA) review of the Internal Audit function, 
noting improvements and future areas for enhancement.

The skills and experience of our Committee membership continues 
to strengthen and I believe that the Committee has performed 
effectively in 2016. Compliance with the UK Corporate Governance 
Code, including the risk management and the viability statement 
requirements, is set out on page 64.

Role of the Committee
The role of the Committee is primarily to assist the Board in fulfilling 
its corporate governance obligations in relation to the Group’s 
financial reporting, internal control and risk management systems 
as well as providing oversight of the internal audit function and 
the external auditors.

Membership and attendance
Margherita Della Valle, as deputy group CFO of Vodafone Group 
plc, is considered by the Board to have recent and relevant financial 
experience as required by the Code. Stephen Hester was appointed 
to the Committee on 1 June 2016. Each member of the Committee 
is an independent Non-Executive Director with a wide range 
of relevant business experience. Further details regarding the 
Directors’ skills and experience can be found in their biographies 
on pages 66 and 67. The Board is satisfied that the Committee 
has the resources and expertise to fulfil its responsibilities.

Meetings of the Committee are attended by the Chairman of 
the Board, the Group Chief Executive, the Group Chief Financial 
Officer, the Group General Counsel & Company Secretary, the Group 
Head of Corporate Finance and the Head of Internal Audit, Risk & 
Control, none of whom do so as of right. Other senior executives will 
attend as required to provide information on matters being discussed 

74

which fall into their area of responsibility. The external auditors, 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC), also attended each meeting. 
The Committee meets individually with the external auditors, 
the Group Chief Financial Officer and the Head of Internal Audit, 
Risk & Controls at each meeting without Executives present.

Areas of focus and training
An annual schedule of training is designed to provide the Committee 
members with practical training and insight into specific areas 
of interest. In 2016, there were two training sessions focused 
on understanding and assessing risks in relation to the Group’s 
pension arrangements, including the current funding position 
and the investment strategy, and on process safety management.

Responsibilities of the Audit Committee:
•  to support the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities in relation to 
maintaining effective governance and oversight of the Company’s 
financial reporting, internal controls and risk management;
•  to provide advice to the Board on whether the Annual Report 
and Accounts, when taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and 
understandable and provides all the necessary information for 
shareholders to assess the Company’s performance, business 
model and strategy;

•  monitoring and reviewing the operation and effectiveness of 

the Group’s internal audit function, including its independence, 
strategic focus, activities, plans and resources;

•  the appointment and, if required, the removal of the Head 

of Internal Audit, Risk & Controls;

•  managing the relationship with the Group’s external auditors 
on behalf of the Board including the policy on the award of 
non-audit services;

•  to conduct a tender for the external audit contract at least every 
10 years and make appointment recommendations to the Board;

•  to consider and review legal and regulatory compliance issues, 

specifically in relation to financial reporting and controls, 
and, together with the SHESEC, maintain oversight of the 
arrangements in place for the management of statutory and 
regulatory compliance in areas such as financial crime; and
•  to establish and oversee whistleblowing and fraud prevention 

arrangements within the Group.

Key issues considered by the Audit Committee:
•  reviewed the 2015 Preliminary Results, the 2015 Annual Report 
and Accounts and 2016 half-year results and Interim Report;
•  gave further consideration to the Code changes introduced in 2015 
relating to the robust assessment of risks and the viability statement 
and their application to the 2016 Annual Report and Accounts;

•  the key judgements and financial reporting matters for 2016;
•  in conjunction with the SHESEC Committee, assessed the 

effectiveness of the system of risk management and internal controls;

•  reviewed and approved the audit and non-audit fees;
•  the fair, balanced and understandable test in relation to the 

Annual Report and Accounts, when taken as a whole;

•  the effectiveness of external auditors (PwC);
•  matters highlighted in the Group Risk, Control & Assurance 

Report and Group Ethics & Compliance Report;

•  adherence across the Group with regulatory and compliance 

requirements, including the undertakings in respect of 
Centrica Storage;

•  an external quality assurance (EQA) review of the Internal 

Audit function;

•  whether the judgements, estimates and assumptions used in 
the presentation of the Financial Statements were reasonable 
and consistent; and

•  regular updates of cases reported to the Company’s 

‘Speak Up’ helpline.

STRATEGIC  REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONRisk management and internal controls
Internal audit
The Committee is responsible for monitoring and reviewing the 
operation and effectiveness of the Group’s internal audit function, 
including its independence, strategic focus, activities, plans and 
resources. The appointment and removal of the Head of Internal 
Audit is also a matter for the Committee. 

The Committee approved the Group’s annual Internal Audit 
plan which was primarily risk-based focusing on the assurance 
of core processes. As part of its consideration of the plan, the 
Committee reviewed staffing levels and qualifications to ensure 
these were appropriate and adequate for the delivery of the plan. 
To provide the Committee with insight into the performance 
of the internal audit function relative to similar functions in other 
organisations, an external quality assurance (EQA) review of the 
Internal Audit function was undertaken.

During the year, the Committee received regular reports 
summarising the findings from the Group’s internal audit function’s 
work and action plans to resolve any highlighted areas. The 
Committee monitored the progress of the most significant action 
plans to ensure these were completed satisfactorily. 

The Board’s Review of the system of risk management 
and internal controls
Each year, an extensive process of self-certification operates 
throughout the Group whereby the effectiveness of internal 
controls and compliance with the Group’s Business Principles 
and policies are assessed. Self-certification is completed both 
at the half year and full year. The results of the annual process, 
together with the conclusions of the internal reviews by internal 
audit, inform the annual assessment of the effectiveness of the 
systems of risk management and internal controls performed 
by the Audit Committee and the SHESEC Committee in 2016.

External auditors
The Committee manages the relationship with the Group’s 
external auditors on behalf of the Board. The Committee considers 
annually the scope, fee, performance and independence of the external 
auditors as well as whether a formal tender process is required.

The Board considers it of prime importance that the external 
auditors remain independent and objective and as a safeguard 
against this being compromised, the Committee implemented 
and monitors a policy on the independence of external auditors. 
This policy details the process for the appointment of the external 
auditors, the tendering policy, the provision of non-audit services, 
the setting of audit fees and the rotation of audit partner and staff. 
There are no contractual or similar obligations restricting the 
Group’s choice of external auditors.

Effectiveness and independence of the external auditors
To assess the effectiveness and independence of the external 
auditors, the Committee carried out an assessment of PwC. This 
included a review of the report issued by the audit quality review 
team regarding PwC and an internal questionnaire completed 
by Committee members and relevant members of management 
on their views of PwC’s performance. The questionnaire covered 
a review of the audit partner and team, the audit scope and 
approach, audit plan execution, auditor independence and 
objectivity and robustness of the challenge of management. 
The feedback received was reviewed by management 
and reported to the Committee and the Board.

In addition, to ensure the independence of the external auditors 
and in accordance with International Standards on Auditing 
(UK & Ireland) 260 and Ethical Statement 1 issued by the 
Accounting Practices Board and as a matter of best practice, 
PwC have confirmed their independence as auditors of the 
Company, in a letter addressed to the Directors. Together 

with PwC’s confirmation and report on their approach to audit 
quality and transparency, the Committee concluded that PwC 
demonstrated appropriate qualifications and expertise and 
remained independent of the Group and that the audit 
process was effective.

Non-audit fees
In order to preserve the independence of the external auditor, the 
Committee is responsible for the policy on the award of non-audit 
services to the external auditors. A copy of this policy is available 
on our website. The current cap on non-audit work is £2.75 million, 
which is assessed annually for appropriateness against external 
guidance and regulation. The award of non-audit work, within 
permitted categories, is subject to pre-clearance by the Committee, 
should the fees in a given year exceed a specified threshold. All 
significant non-audit work is tendered and where PwC or Deloitte 
LLP were appointed, it was considered that their skills and 
experience made them the most appropriate supplier of the work. 
Significant engagements undertaken during 2016 included 
audit-related assurance services and advice on corporate finance 
support for acquisitions and disposals. On a quarterly basis, the 
Committee is provided with reports of all non-audit assignments 
awarded to the external auditors and a full breakdown of non-audit 
fees incurred. A summary of fees paid to the external auditors is 
set out in note S9 to the Financial Statements.

Appointment of the external auditors
PwC have been the external auditor of the Group since the 
demerger of Centrica in 1997. In 2016, the Committee led a 
formal audit tender process. The Board and PwC mutually agreed 
that PwC, having regard to the length of their tenure, would not 
participate in the formal tender process. The conclusion of the 
tender process was a firm recommendation to appoint Deloitte 
LLP as the Company’s auditor for the financial year commencing 
1 January 2017. The Board has accepted and endorsed this 
recommendation, which is subject to shareholder approval at 
the Annual General Meeting scheduled for 8 May 2017.

Audit information
Each of the Directors who held office at the date of approval of 
the Annual Report and Accounts confirms that, so far as they are 
aware, there is no relevant audit information of which PwC are 
unaware and that they have taken all steps that they ought to have 
taken as Directors to make themselves aware of any relevant audit 
information and to establish that PwC are aware of that information.

EXTERNAL AUDITOR TRANSITION

Following a rigorous selection process Deloitte LLP was selected as 
the Group’s external auditor for the financial year commencing from 
1 January 2017. Shareholders will be asked to confirm their 
appointment at the 2017 AGM.

The Committee, together with management, spent significant time 
drawing up the assessment criteria to select the successful audit firm. 
The audit tender process involved three firms who each submitted 
their proposals for the audit. Each of the firms’ engagement teams met 
with Centrica management teams across the Group and feedback 
from these meetings was provided to the Committee to inform the 
decision-making process. Additionally, the firms each presented to the 
Committee, which allowed the Committee to assess the prospective 
auditors’ capabilities and their proposed audit approach, in terms of 
the strength of the lead partners and their leadership team, expertise, 
industry experience and audit quality, as well as independence. 
The Board approved the Committee’s recommendation to appoint 
Deloitte LLP due to their extensive experience, particularly in a listed 
environment, their audit quality and audit service quality ratings, 
and their knowledge and experience of energy and utilities industries 
and large-scale transformation programmes.

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

75 

GOVERNANCE  
DIRECTORS’ AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

Directors’ and Corporate Governance Report
continued

Key judgements and financial reporting matters in 2016 

Audit Committee reviews and conclusions 

IMPAIRMENT OF GOODWILL, UPSTREAM GAS AND OIL 
ASSETS, POWER GENERATION ASSETS AND STORAGE 
FACILITY ASSETS

The Group makes judgements and estimates in considering whether the 
carrying amounts of its assets are recoverable. These judgements include 
primarily the achievement of Board approved business plans, long-term 
projected cash flows, generation and production levels (including reserve 
estimates) and macroeconomic assumptions such as the growth and 
discount rates and long-term commodity and capacity market auction 
prices used in the valuation process. In the forecasts, where forward 
market prices are not available, prices are determined based on 
internal model inputs.

PRESENTATION OF CERTAIN RE-MEASUREMENTS 
AND EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS

The Group reflects its underlying financial results in the business 
performance column of the Group Income Statement. To be able to 
provide this clearly and with consistent presentation, the effects of 
certain re-measurements of financial instruments and exceptional 
items are reported separately in a different column in the Group 
Income Statement.

76

The Committee reviewed management reports detailing the carrying and 
recoverable value of the assets and the key judgements and estimates 
used. At the year end it concluded exceptional pre-tax impairment 
write-backs of Exploration & Production gas and oil assets and reductions 
to decommissioning provisions of £135 million relating to the UK, 
Dutch and Norwegian gas and oil assets (£79 million) and Trinidad and 
Tobago gas assets (£56 million) were required, primarily due to increased 
reserves, cost savings, decommissioning reductions and, in the case 
of Trinidad and Tobago, based on the proceeds agreed for the sale of 
these assets. In addition to routine and immaterial impairments recorded 
in business performance, predominantly in E&P, the Committee reviewed 
the recoverable value of the York field and concluded a pre-tax impairment 
of £63 million was required following reservoir quality issues concerning 
the fourth production well which was recorded in business performance.

Following the award of a 15 year capacity contract to the previously 
mothballed combined cycle gas turbine power station at Kings Lynn the 
Committee concluded an exceptional pre-tax impairment write-back 
of £26 million.

At the half year, the Committee had reviewed the recoverable value of the UK 
gas storage assets and, following updated assumptions on asset availability 
in the near term and future expenditure on asset integrity, had agreed an 
exceptional pre-tax impairment of £176 million. The Committee has reviewed 
the updated assumptions of the recoverable value of the UK gas storage 
assets and have concluded no adjustment to this impairment is required. 

There is uncertainty associated with the disposal process of the Group’s 
Canadian oil and gas assets and significant judgement was required in 
determining the recoverable amount of the assets, with a range of possible 
outcomes. The Committee reviewed this and the recoverable amount 
of all other significant balance sheet assets, and concluded their carrying 
values were appropriate.

The external auditors held discussions with the Committee on the key 
judgements and assumptions used in the impairment tests and provided 
their own analytical report. Further detail on impairments arising, and the 
assumptions used in determining the recoverable amounts, is provided 
in notes 7 and S2 on pages 126 to 128 and 163 to 165.

In prior years the Committee received training on the classification 
of exceptional items and certain re-measurements on the face of the 
income statement. This year the Committee asked management to 
present its policy for classification of items as certain re-measurements 
and exceptional items. The Committee reviewed the policy along with 
management reports detailing the judgements regarding the appropriate 
presentation of items as certain re-measurements and exceptional items. 
The Committee considered the size, nature and incidence of these items 
and concluded that separate disclosure of these items was appropriate 
in the Financial Statements.

Exceptional items include the E&P asset impairment write-backs in 
the UK, Netherlands, Norway, and Trinidad and Tobago, impairment 
write-back of the Group’s UK gas fired power station asset at Kings Lynn, 
impairment of its UK gas storage assets, net release of/provisions for 
onerous power procurement contracts, restructuring costs related to 
the strategic review announced in 2015, pension past service credits 
associated with a change to the Centrica Pension Plan, net gains on 
disposal of businesses and assets and changes to E&P tax rates. 
Further detail is provided in note 7 on pages 126 to 128.

STRATEGIC  REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONKey judgements and financial reporting matters in 2016 

Audit Committee reviews and conclusions 

DOWNSTREAM REVENUE RECOGNITION

The Group’s revenue for energy supply activities includes an estimate 
of energy supplied to customers between the date of the last meter 
reading and an estimated year-end meter reading. It is estimated through 
the billing systems, using historical consumption patterns, on a customer 
by customer basis, taking into account weather patterns, load forecasts 
and the differences between actual meter readings being returned and 
system estimates. An assessment is also made of any factors that are 
likely to materially affect the ultimate economic benefits which will flow 
to the Group, including bill cancellation and re-bill rates. To the extent 
that the economic benefits are not expected to flow to the Group, 
revenue is not recognised.

DETERMINATION OF LONG-TERM COMMODITY PRICES 

The Committee has reviewed and held discussions with the external auditors 
on the level of provisions made during the year. The implementation of a 
new billing system in UK Business in 2014 meant that the determination 
of the appropriate level of bad debt provisions last year required more 
judgement than in previous years.

During 2016, improvements in billing performance, levels of cancellations/
errors and complaints backlog have continued. The review of bad debt 
provisioning has continued to require more judgement. The Committee 
has reviewed management reports detailing these judgements and have 
concluded the level of provision is adequate. Further detail of accrued energy 
income and provision for credit loss is provided in note 17 on pages 142 
and 143.

Long-term commodity price forecasts are derived using valuation 
techniques based on available external data. A significant number of 
judgements and assumptions are used in deriving future commodity 
curves. These forecasts are benchmarked against other third party 
forecasts and are approved by the Group’s Executive Committee. 
The long-term commodity price forecasts are used in determining the 
fair values of derivative financial instruments in North America and 
Europe. They are also a key input in the Group’s impairment 
valuation testing. 

The Committee reviewed management reports detailing the key 
developments during the year and a summary of price changes and 
drivers. The Committee also reviewed the proposed valuation commodity 
curves versus those of external third parties. The external auditors also 
provided detailed reporting and held discussions with the Committee 
on the potential impact of changes in the commodity curves. More detail 
on the assumptions used in determining fair valuations is provided in note 
S6 on pages 176 to 178. Sensitivities of the asset impairment tests to 
changes in price forecasts are provided in note 7 on pages 127 and 128.

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

During the year, the Group acquired Ener-G Cogen’s CHP business 
and Neas Energy’s energy management services and trading business. 
Business combinations require a fair value exercise to be undertaken to 
allocate purchase price (cost) to the fair value of the acquired identifiable 
assets, liabilities, contingent liabilities and goodwill. As a result of the 
nature of fair value assessments in the energy industry, this purchase 
price allocation exercise requires subjective judgements based on 
a wide range of complex variables at a point in time. Specifically for 
these acquisitions, judgement is required in valuing the customer 
relationship assets.

PENSIONS

The Committee reviewed management reports detailing the valuations 
and key judgements and estimates. The Committee also approved 
the disclosures in note 12. The external auditors also provided detailed 
reporting and held discussions with the Committee on the key judgements 
and assumptions used. Further details on business combinations are 
set out in note 12 on pages 133 to 135.

The cost, assets and liabilities associated with providing benefits under 
defined benefit schemes is determined separately for each of the Group’s 
schemes. Judgement is required in setting the key assumptions used for 
the actuarial valuation which determines the ultimate cost of providing 
post-employment benefits, especially given the length of the Group’s 
expected liabilities.

The Committee reviewed and approved the key assumptions and 
disclosures in the Financial Statements. Independent actuaries were 
consulted on the appropriateness of the assumptions and discussions 
were held with the external auditors. Further details on pensions are set 
out in note 22 on pages 147 to 151.

GOING CONCERN AND LIQUIDITY RISK

The Group experiences significant movements in its liquidity position 
due primarily to the seasonal nature of its business and margin cash. 
To mitigate this risk the Group holds cash on deposit and maintains 
significant committed facilities. The Group regularly prepares an 
assessment detailing these available resources to support the 
going concern assumption in preparing the Financial Statements.

OFGEM CONSOLIDATED SEGMENTAL STATEMENT

The Group is required to prepare an annual regulatory statement 
(Consolidated Segmental Statement (CSS)) for Ofgem which breaks 
down its licensed activities for the financial year into a generation, 
domestic and non-domestic, and electricity and gas result. The CSS is 
reconciled to our externally reported IFRS Annual Report and Accounts. 
The Group publishes the CSS at the same time as our full year Annual 
Report and Accounts and the CSS is independently audited. In preparing 
the CSS, judgement is required in the allocation of non-specific costs 
between domestic and non-domestic and electricity and gas and the 
distinction between licensed and non-licensed activities.

The Committee reviewed management’s funding forecasts and sensitivity 
analysis and the impact of various possible adverse events including 
significant commodity price movements and credit rating downgrades. 
The external auditors also provided detailed reporting and held 
discussions with the Committee. Following the review, the Committee 
recommended to the Board the adoption of the going concern statement 
in the Annual Report and Accounts 2016. Further details on sources of 
finance are set out in note 24 on pages 153 to 156 and in the Going Concern 
section of the Directors’ and Corporate Governance Report, on page 82.

The Committee reviewed the Ofgem CSS and the key judgements and 
disclosures made in its preparation. The external auditor also provided a 
detailed report and held discussions with the Committee. The full CSS and 
the independent audit opinion approved by the Committee for publication 
are set out on pages 203 to 215.

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

77 

GOVERNANCE  
DIRECTORS’ AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

Directors’ and Corporate Governance Report
continued

SAFETY, HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT, 
SECURITY AND ETHICS COMMITTEE 
(SHESEC)
Members
•  Steve Pusey (Chairman)
•  Margherita Della Valle
•  Joan Gillman
•  Carlos Pascual
•  Scott Wheway

NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE
Members
•  Rick Haythornthwaite (Chairman)
•  Margherita Della Valle
•  Joan Gillman
•  Stephen Hester
•  Lesley Knox
•  Carlos Pascual
•  Steve Pusey
•  Scott Wheway

RICK 
HAYTHORNTHWAITE

Committee Chairman

STEVE  
PUSEY

Committee Chairman

Report of the Committee Chairman
2016 was a busy year for the Nominations Committee. 
We reviewed the succession plans in place for the Board, the 
Executive and senior management. Given the Group’s strategy 
and with the assistance of our skills matrix, we identified digital, 
retail, North America and financial services as additional business 
experience and expertise that new Board members could bring 
to complement those of our existing Board. We considered and 
appointed Scott Wheway, Stephen Hester and Joan Gillman 
as Non-Executive Directors. 

Role of the Committee
The Committee ensures there is a formal and appropriate 
procedure for the appointment of new Directors to the Board. 
The Committee is responsible for leading this process and 
making recommendations to the Board.

Membership and attendance
The Committee is chaired by the Chairman of the Board. Scott 
Wheway, Stephen Hester and Joan Gillman were appointed to 
the Committee on 1 May 2016, 1 June 2016 and 11 October 2016 
respectively. During the year, the Group Chief Executive attended 
all Committee meetings, as do other key executives.

Each member of the Committee is an independent Non-Executive 
Director who has a wide range of relevant business experience.

Key issues considered by the Nominations Committee:
•  Review of Committee membership;
•  The appointments of Scott Wheway, Stephen Hester 

and Joan Gillman;

•  Consideration of exposure to loss of key personnel;
•  Succession planning for the Senior Independent Director,  
the Non-Executive Directors, the Executive and senior 
management; and

•  The skills of each of the Directors and the independence of 

each of the independent Non-Executive Directors prior to the 
2016 AGM and recommendation that each of them be subject 
to election and re-election at the 2016 AGM.

Report of the Committee Chairman
2016 was the first full year of operation for the Safety, Health, 
Environment, Security and Ethics Committee (SHESEC). We spent 
a lot of time formalising the Committee’s forward agenda to ensure 
its focus was aligned with those principal risks considered to have 
a potentially significant impact on the Group. 

We decided that Health, Safety and Resilience were areas that we 
wanted to focus on particularly given the Group’s exposure to these 
risks across all of our businesses. We received regular reports from 
management on Health and Safety performance, covering both 
personal safety and process safety, as well as business resilience 
and provided appropriate challenge and support as required. 
We also received updates on the Ethics & Compliance programme 
intended to provide effective structures for overseeing Ethics & 
Compliance within Centrica. Sourcing and supplier management 
was another area that we focused on, which included receiving 
regular updates on the programmes to streamline and globalise the 
Procurement function and to implement the Group’s compliance 
with the UK’s Modern Slavery Act. 

During the year we met twice with the Audit Committee to jointly 
consider the Group’s system of internal control and risk management; 
in the first quarter to assess the system’s effectiveness and in the 
fourth quarter to look prospectively at any changes that needed 
to be made for 2017.

Role of the Committee
The Committee has responsibility for the oversight of the adequacy 
and effectiveness of the Group’s internal controls and risk 
management systems in respect of certain principal risks identified 
by the Group. These are as follows and the Committee considers 
each one in terms of their ethical and compliance implications:

•  Health, Safety, Environment and Security;
•  People: engagement, culture and behaviours;
•  Sourcing and supplier management;
•  Information Systems Security; and
•  Legal, Regulatory, Ethical Standards and Compliance matters.

Membership and attendance
The Committee is chaired by Steve Pusey, an independent 
Non-Executive Director. Scott Wheway and Joan Gillman were 
appointed to the Committee on 1 May 2016 and 11 October 2016 
respectively. The Board has determined that each member of 
the Committee is independent. During the year, the Chairman 
of the Board and the Group Chief Executive attended all 
Committee meetings, as do other key executives.

Key issues considered by SHESEC:
•  Health and safety matters relating to asset integrity;
•  Developing the priority risk focus for the Committee’s forward 

agenda programme;

•  Sourcing and supplier management;
•  Modern Slavery Act compliance;
•  Cyber and data security; and
•  Business resilience.

78

STRATEGIC  REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONREMUNERATION COMMITTEE
Members
•  Lesley Knox (Chairman)
•  Margherita Della Valle
•  Carlos Pascual
•  Scott Wheway

DISCLOSURE COMMITTEE
Members
•  Iain Conn (Chairman)
•  Jeff Bell
•  Grant Dawson

LESLEY  
KNOX

Committee Chairman

IAIN  
CONN

Committee Chairman

Role of the Committee
The Disclosure Committee is responsible for the implementation 
and monitoring of systems and controls in respect of the 
management and disclosure of inside information and for 
ensuring that regulatory announcements, shareholder circulars, 
prospectuses and other documents issued by the Company 
comply with applicable legal or regulatory requirements.

Membership and attendance
The Committee is chaired by Iain Conn, the Group Chief Executive.

Responsibilities of the Disclosure Committee:
•  Review the preliminary results announcement, the half-year 

results and the trading statements;

•  Consideration of the release of regulatory and 

industry announcements;

•  Review announcements regarding key management changes; and
•  Consideration of announcements in respect of specific projects.

Key issues considered by the Disclosure Committee:
•  The proposed final dividend and the final preliminary 

results announcement;

•  The trading updates and approval of the final draft of the 

announcements; 

•  The interim dividend and the announcement in respect of 
the interim results for the six months to 30 June 2016; and

•  The changes implemented by the EU Market Abuse Regulations 

and the impact of these changes on the Company’s share 
dealing code.

Set out below is an overview of the Remuneration Committee 
including its role and membership during 2016. The full Remuneration 
Report can be found on page 83 which contains our statutory 
remuneration disclosures as well as more detail on the main areas 
of focus for the Committee during the year.

Role of the Committee
The role of the Committee is to determine and make 
recommendations to the Board on the Company’s framework 
and policy for the remuneration of the Chairman of the Board, 
the Company’s Executive Directors and other senior executives.

Membership and attendance
The Committee is chaired by Lesley Knox, an independent 
Non-Executive Director. Scott Wheway was appointed to the 
Committee on 1 May 2016. Each member of the Committee is 
independent. No Director is involved in the determination of, 
or votes on, any matters relating to his or her own remuneration. 
Meetings of the Committee are attended by the Chairman of the 
Board, the Group Chief Executive, the Group General Counsel 
& Company Secretary, the Group HR Director and the Deputy 
Group HR Director & Group Head of Reward.

Responsibilities of the Remuneration Committee:
•  Determine total individual remuneration packages and terms and 
conditions for the Executive Directors and Executive Committee;
•  Approve the design of, and determine targets for, any performance 
related pay schemes for the Executive Directors and the Executive 
Committee and approve the total annual and long-term 
incentive plan payments;

•  Review the design of all share incentive plans for approval 

by the Board and the Company’s shareholders; and

•  Prepare and recommend to the Board for approval each year 
a report on remuneration policy and a separate report on the 
implementation of the policy in the last financial year.

Key issues considered by the Remuneration Committee:
•  The approval of the individual strategic objectives and the 

financial targets for the short and long-term incentive awards 
granted in 2016 to Executive Directors and Executive 
Committee members;

•  Review of base pay for Executive Directors and Executive 

Committee members;

•  The approval of the terms of appointment for two new 

Executive Committee members;

•  Developments and trends in executive remuneration with the 
independent external remuneration committee adviser; and
•  Evaluation of the achievement against the objectives set for 

the vesting of the second tranche of the Group Chief 
Executive’s recruitment award.

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

79 

GOVERNANCE  
DIRECTORS’ AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

Directors’ and Corporate Governance Report
continued

OTHER STATUTORY INFORMATION
The Directors submit their Annual Report and Accounts for 
Centrica plc, together with the consolidated Financial Statements of 
the Centrica group of companies, for the year ended 31 December 
2016. The directors’ report required under the Companies Act 
2006 (the Act) comprises this Directors’ and Corporate Governance 
Report, the Remuneration Report and the Responsible Business 
section for disclosure of our greenhouse gas emissions in the 
Strategic Report.

The management report required under Disclosure and Transparency 
Rule 4.1.5R comprises the Strategic Report, (which includes the risks 
relating to our business), Shareholder Information and details of 
acquisitions and disposals made by the Group during the year in 
note 12. This Directors’ and Corporate Governance Report fulfills 
the requirements of the corporate governance statement required 
under Disclosure & Transparency Rule 7.2.1.

Future developments
A description of future developments can be found in the Strategic 
Report. A description of the Group’s exposure and management 
of risks is provided in the Strategic Report on pages 56 to 64.

Results and dividends
The Group’s results and performance summary for the year are 
set out on page 3. Dividends paid and proposed are set out in 
note 11 to the Financial Statements on page 133.

Financial instruments
Full details of the Group’s financial instruments can be found in 
notes 19, S3 and S6 on pages 143 and 144, 169 to 173 and 176 to 
178 respectively.

Articles of Association (Articles)
The Company’s Articles were adopted at the 2010 AGM and 
were amended at the 2016 AGM. They may only be amended 
by a special resolution of the Shareholders.

Directors
The names of the Directors who held office during the year are 
set out on pages 66 and 67, with the exception of Mike Linn 
and Ian Meakins who retired from the Board on 18 April 2016 
and 1 October 2016 respectively.

Details of the authority, role and powers of Directors are set out 
within this Directors’ and Corporate Governance Report.

Directors’ indemnities and insurance
In accordance with the Articles, the Company has granted a 
deed of indemnity, to the extent permitted by law, to Directors 
and members of the Executive Committee. Qualifying third-party 
indemnity provisions (as defined by section 234 of the Act) were  
in force during the year ended 31 December 2016 and remain 
in force. The Company also maintains directors’ and officers’ 
liability insurance for its Directors and officers.

Employment policies
Employee involvement
We remain committed to employee involvement throughout the 
business. Employees are kept well informed of the performance 
and strategy of the Group through personal briefings, regular 
meetings, email and broadcasts by the Group Chief Executive 
and members of the Board at key points in the year.

The Company’s all-employee share schemes are a long-established 
and successful part of our total reward package, encouraging and 
supporting employee share ownership. In the UK we offer both 
Sharesave, HMRC’s Save as You Earn Scheme, and the Share 
Incentive Plan (SIP) with good levels of take-up across the Group. 
Currently, 57% of eligible UK employees participate in Sharesave 
and 35% of eligible UK employees participate in the SIP. Details of 
both schemes are set out in the Remuneration Report on page 89.

Equal opportunities
The Group is committed to an active equal opportunities policy 
from recruitment and selection, through training and development, 
performance reviews and promotion to retirement. It is our policy 
to promote an environment free from discrimination, harassment 
and victimisation, where everyone receives equal treatment 
regardless of gender, colour, ethnic or national origin, disability, 
age, marital status, sexual orientation or religion. All decisions 
relating to employment practices will be objective, free from 
bias and based solely upon work criteria and individual merit.

  READ MORE ON PAGE 72

Employees with disabilities
It is our policy that people with disabilities should have full and 
fair consideration for all vacancies. During the year, we continued 
to demonstrate our commitment to interviewing those people 
with disabilities who fulfil the minimum criteria, and endeavour 
to retain employees in the workforce if they become disabled 
during employment.

Human rights
As an international company we have a responsibility and are 
committed to uphold and protect the human rights of individuals 
working for us in the communities and societies where we 
operate. We take steps to ensure that our people working in 
countries with a high risk to human rights are safeguarded, 
as set out in our Business Principles and Human Rights Policy. 
We also recognise the opportunity we have to contribute 
positively to global efforts to ensure human rights are 
understood and observed.

Political donations
Centrica’s political donations policy states that Centrica operates 
on a politically neutral basis. No political donations were made 
by the Group for political purposes during the year. However, in 
accordance with the United States Federal Election Campaign Act, 
a Political Action Committee (PAC) called Direct Energy Employee 
Political Action Committee (DEEPAC) was formed to facilitate 
voluntary political contributions by its US employees. DEEPAC is 
controlled by neither Centrica nor Direct Energy but instead by a 
governing board of individual employee members of DEEPAC on a 
voluntary basis. Direct Energy, as authorised by law, has provided 
limited administrative support to DEEPAC. DEEPAC has been 
organised to provide a vehicle to dispense voluntary contributions 
from eligible employees. Participation in DEEPAC is entirely 
voluntary for eligible employees, and political donations from 
DEEPAC are determined by a governing board of DEEPAC 
members. In 2016, contributions to DEEPAC by employees 
amounted to $78,624, and DEEPAC made 54 political donations 
totalling $29,000. 

Relations with shareholders
The Board recognises and values the importance of maintaining 
an effective investor relations and communication programme. 
The Board is proactive in obtaining an understanding of 
shareholder views on a number of key matters affecting the 
Group and receives formal investor feedback regularly.

In 2016, Centrica’s shareholder engagement programme included:

•  formal presentations for the announcement of the Group’s 2015 

preliminary and 2016 interim results;

•  meetings between the Group Chief Executive and Group 

Chief Financial Officer and the Company’s major shareholders 
during the year;

•  the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee meeting with 
a number of the Company’s major shareholders during the 
year to discuss the Company’s remuneration arrangements;

80

STRATEGIC  REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATION•  the Chairman and Senior Independent Director meeting with 
major institutional shareholders in order to gain a first-hand 
understanding of their concerns and key issues and provide 
regular updates of these to the Board; and

•  a meeting with our largest investors and leading proxy advisers 
to provide insight into the key focus and considerations of the 
Board and its Committees and a better understanding of the 
governance measures operating across the business.

The Company’s AGM provides all shareholders with the 
opportunity to develop further their understanding of the Company. 
Shareholders can ask questions of the full Board on the matters 
put to the meeting, including the Annual Report and Accounts and 
the running of the Company generally. The Company intends to 
send the Notice of AGM and any related papers to shareholders 
at least 20 working days before the meeting. All Directors, 
including Committee Chairmen, are in attendance at the AGM 
to take questions.

At the AGM, the Chairman and the Group Chief Executive present 
a review of the Group’s business. A poll is conducted on each 
resolution at all Company general meetings. All shareholders 
have the opportunity to cast their votes in respect of proposed 
resolutions by proxy, either electronically or by post. Following 
the AGM, the voting results for each resolution are published 
and are available on our website.

Stephen Hester, the Senior Independent Director, is available 
to shareholders if they have concerns that contact through 
the normal channels has failed to resolve.

Our website contains up-to-date information for shareholders 
and other interested parties including annual reports, shareholder 
circulars, share price information, news releases, presentations to 
the investment community and information on shareholder services.

Material shareholdings
At 31 December 2016, Centrica had received notification of 
the following material shareholdings pursuant to the Disclosure 
& Transparency Rules:

BlackRock, Inc.

Schroders Investment Management Limited

Newton Investment Management Limited

Schroders plc

Invesco Limited

Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited

31 December 2016

% of share
capital*

5.88

5.72

5.02

5.00

4.95

4.91

* 

Percentages are shown as a percentage of the Company’s issued share 
capital when the Company was notified of the change in holding.

As at 23 February 2017, there were no changes in the details 
shown in the above table.

Share capital
The Company has a single share class which is divided 
into ordinary shares of 614/81 pence each. The Company was 
authorised at the 2016 AGM to allot up to 1,690,057,192 ordinary 
shares as permitted by the Act. A renewal of this authority will be 
proposed at the 2017 AGM. The Company’s issued share capital 
as at 31 December 2016, together with details of shares issued 
during the year, is set out in note 25 to the Financial Statements.

Rights attaching to shares
Each ordinary share of the Company carries one vote. Further 
information on the voting and other rights of shareholders is set out 
in the Articles and in explanatory notes which accompany notices 
of general meetings, all of which are available on our website.

Repurchase of shares
As permitted by the Articles, the Company obtained shareholder 
authority at the 2016 AGM to purchase its own shares up to a 
maximum of 507,017,158 ordinary shares. No shares were 
purchased under this authority in 2016.

As at 31 December 2016, 50,833,460 shares were held as 
treasury shares. These shares held in treasury represent 0.93% 
of the Company’s issued share capital. Dividends are waived 
in respect of shares held in the treasury share account.

Issued share capital
In May 2016 the Company conducted an equity placing of 
350,000,000 ordinary shares of 614/81 pence each at a price 
of 200.00 pence per share, a discount of 13.5%, to raise a total 
of £700 million before expenses (£694 million net of expenses). 
The proceeds from the equity placing allowed the acceleration 
of the Group’s customer-facing strategy through two attractive 
and prioritised acquisitions, ENER-G Cogen and Neas Energy, 
and also allowed the Group to further lower its level of net debt 
in an uncertain external environment, reducing pressure on 
the Group’s targeted strong investment grade credit ratings.

Shares held in employee benefit trusts
The Centrica plc Employee Benefit Trust (EBT) is used to purchase 
shares on behalf of the Company for the benefit of employees, 
in connection with the Deferred and Matching Share Scheme, 
the Restricted Share Scheme and the On Track Incentive Plan. 
The Centrica plc Share Incentive Plan Trust (SIP Trust) is used 
to purchase shares on behalf of the Company for the benefit of 
employees, in connection with the SIP. Both the Trustees of the 
EBT and the SIP, in accordance with best practice, have agreed 
not to vote any unallocated shares held in the EBT or SIP at any 
general meeting and dividends are waived in respect of these 
shares. In respect of allocated shares in both the EBT and the 
SIP Trust, the Trustees shall vote in accordance with participants’ 
instructions. In the absence of any instruction, the Trustees shall 
not vote.

Significant agreements – change of control
There are a number of agreements to which the Company is 
party that take effect, alter or terminate upon a change of control 
of the Company following a takeover bid. The significant agreement 
of this kind relates to 2009, when Centrica entered into certain 
transactions with EDF Group in relation to an investment in the 
former British Energy Group, which owned and operated a fleet of 
nuclear power stations in the UK. The transactions include rights 
for EDF Group and Centrica to offtake power from these nuclear 
power stations. As part of the arrangements, on a change of 
control of Centrica, the Group loses its right to participate on the 
boards of the companies in which it has invested. Furthermore, 
where the acquirer is not located in certain specified countries, 
EDF Group is able to require Centrica to sell out its investments 
to EDF Group.

Related party transactions
Related party transactions are set out in note S8 to the 
Financial Statements.

Events after the balance sheet date
Events after the balance sheet date are disclosed in note 26 
to the Financial Statements.

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

81 

GOVERNANCE  
DIRECTORS’ AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

Directors’ and Corporate Governance Report
continued

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time 
the financial position of the Company and the Group and enable 
them to ensure that the Financial Statements and the Remuneration 
Report comply with the Act and, as regards the Group Financial 
Statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. They are also 
responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and the 
Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention 
and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Furthermore, the Directors are responsible for the maintenance and 
integrity of the Company’s website. Legislation in the UK governing 
the preparation and dissemination of Financial Statements may 
differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

The Directors consider that the Annual Report and Accounts 2016, 
when taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and 
provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess 
the Group’s performance, business model and strategy.

Each of the Directors confirm that to the best of their knowledge:

•  the Group Financial Statements, which have been prepared 

in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU, give a true and 
fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or 
loss of the Group;

•  the Strategic Report contained on pages 2 to 64 together with 
the Directors’ and Corporate Governance Report on pages 65 
to 99, includes a fair review of the development and performance 
of the business and the position of the Group, together with a 
description of the principal risks and uncertainties that it faces;

•  as outlined on page 75, there is no relevant audit information 

of which PwC are unaware; and

•  they have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as a 

Director in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit 
information and to establish that the Company’s auditors are 
aware of that information.

By order of the Board

Grant Dawson
Group General Counsel & Company Secretary
23 February 2017

Disclosures required under Listing Rule 9.8.4R
The Company is required to disclose certain information under 
Listing Rule 9.8.4R in the Directors’ Report or advise where such 
relevant information is contained. All such disclosures are included 
in this Directors and Corporate Governance report, other than the 
following sections of the Annual Report and Accounts 2016.

Information

Directors’  
compensation

Capitalised interest  
(borrowing costs)

Details of long-term  
incentive schemes

Location in  
Annual Report

Page(s)

Remuneration Report

83 to 99

Financial Statements

129, note 8

Remuneration Report

84

Going concern
Accounting standards require that Directors satisfy themselves 
that it is reasonable for them to conclude whether it is appropriate 
to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis. 
The Group’s business activities, together with factors that are 
likely to affect its future development and position, are set out in 
the Group Chief Executive’s statement on pages 6 to 9 and the 
Business Reviews on pages 36 to 51. After making enquiries, 
the Board has a reasonable expectation that the parent company 
and the Group as a whole have adequate resources to continue 
in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, 
the Board continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing 
the Financial Statements. Further details of the Group’s liquidity 
position are provided in notes 24 and S3 to the Financial Statements.

Directors’ responsibilities statement
The Directors, who are named on pages 66 and 67, are 
responsible for preparing the Annual Report, the Remuneration 
Report, the Strategic Report and the Financial Statements in 
accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare Financial Statements 
for each financial year. Accordingly, the Directors have prepared 
the Group Financial Statements in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European 
Union (EU) and have elected to prepare the Company Financial 
Statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice including FRS 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure 
Framework’ (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable 
law). Under company law, the Directors must not approve the 
Financial Statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true 
and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and the Company 
and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period. In preparing 
these Financial Statements, the Directors are required to:

•  select suitable accounting policies and then apply 

them consistently;

•  make judgements and accounting estimates that are 

reasonable and prudent;

•  state whether IFRS as adopted by the EU and applicable UK 
Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any 
material departures disclosed and explained in the Group 
and Company Financial Statements respectively; and 

•  prepare the Financial Statements on the going concern basis 
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will 
continue in business.

82

STRATEGIC  REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONREMUNERATION REPORT

Remuneration Report

On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the 
Remuneration Committee’s report for 2016.

OVERVIEW
During 2016 we operated our Policy, approved by shareholders 
in April 2015, for the second of the intended three-year period. 
We were pleased to receive votes in support of our 2015 
Implementation Report from over 85% of our shareholders 
notwithstanding some expressed concerns about the one-off 
recruitment awards granted to Iain Conn. The awards were 
granted as compensation for the forfeiture of unvested long-term 
incentive plan awards from his previous employer and were a 
critical part of securing his employment in the face of significant 
competition for his services. Set out in detail on page 95 of this 
report is the Committee’s assessment of Iain’s performance 
against the targets that were set in respect of the second and 
final tranche of shares.

PERFORMANCE FOR THE YEAR
The Board believes that the Executive Team has successfully 
repositioned the strategy, organisation and priorities of the Group. 
The Board established targets for the year, the achievement 
of which would enable delivery of the strategy over the medium 
term, in the knowledge that these would be very stretching for 
the Group as a whole and successful achievement would 
require exceptional leadership.

I am able to report that all targets have been achieved or 
exceeded and the pace of change has resulted in greater 
progress along the transformation journey than the Board 
could have reasonably expected. A summary of the individual 
assessment of each Executive Director against the demanding 
personal objectives that were set for the year is set out on 
page 93 of this report.

Following the plan for 2016 being set towards the end of 2015, 
average commodity prices have fallen by 15% – 30%, driven 
by lower demand in Asia, US shale gas resilience, natural gas 
oversupply and continued high production by OPEC member 
states. Whilst some of this price fall has been offset through 
planned hedging, the impact on the Group was significant. 
However, underlying performance, which is a key consideration 
in assessing Group operating cash flow growth, was very strong. 
The key drivers were above plan delivery in the transformation 
and efficiency programme across the Group somewhat offsetting 
gross margin pressures, most notably in UK Energy Supply & 
Services, Exploration & Production, Energy Marketing & Trading 
gross margin generation in trading and the gas asset book, 
and significant improvements in working capital management.

In reaching a view on financial performance, the Committee 
satisfied itself that working capital recovery was not the driver 
of out-performance and the benefit of foreign exchange as the 
pound sterling weakened over the year was more than offset 
by the commodity price impact. The Committee considered 
management behaviour including non-financial metrics. Safety 
outputs missed stretching objectives but personal and customer 
safety improved materially versus 2015 and process safety was 
stable. Employee engagement scores from a full survey taken 
during the most material organisational change period fell back, 
particularly in the areas of greatest change. The Committee also 
considered the communications and investor reaction to the equity 
placing and post-placing developments. Having considered all 
of these factors, overall the Committee concluded that financial 
performance as reported was a fair reflection of management 
performance in the year.

For past performance over the three-year performance period 
ending with 2016, the Group Economic Profit target applying 
in both long-term incentive plans operated under the previously 
approved policy (the Long Term Incentive Scheme and the 
Deferred and Matching Share Scheme) was not met, therefore 
there will be no vesting in 2017 and all of the awards made in 
April 2014 will be forfeit.

TOTAL REMUNERATION
As there were a number of Executive Directors appointed part 
way through the prior year and 2016 has seen very strong in-year 
performance, this Implementation Report will include materially 
increased total remuneration figures when compared to the prior 
year figures. The Committee is satisfied that the remuneration 
determined for each Executive is appropriate in the context of the 
approved Policy and the significant in-year performance delivered.

LOOKING FORWARD
In preparation for presentation of a remuneration policy to 
shareholders at the AGM in 2018 the Committee plans to fully 
review executive remuneration during the forthcoming year 
taking into consideration the strategic direction of the Group, 
appropriate ongoing alignment with that strategy and the 
continuing development of all stakeholders’ views regarding 
executive pay. The Committee expects to consult with major 
shareholders on any proposals in the latter months of the year.

Lesley Knox
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
23 February 2017

“ The Board believes that the 

Executive Team has successfully 
repositioned the strategy, 
organisation and priorities 
of the Group.”
Lesley Knox
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

83 

GOVERNANCE  
REMUNERATION SUMMARY FOR 2016

Remuneration Summary for 2016

SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PERFORMANCE 2016
The charts below set out the measures and their weighting (inner circle) and the performance achieved against the maximum (outer circle) 
for both the short-term (Annual Incentive Plan) and long-term (Long Term Incentive Scheme and Deferred and Matching Share Scheme) 
incentive arrangements operated during the year.

Short-term incentive targets
Group financial performance – adjusted operating cash flow of £2,610 million was required for target achievement and £2,741 million 
for maximum. The threshold level was £2,349 million.

Individual strategic objectives – achievement against strategic objectives aligned to the Group’s strategic priorities, measured in line with 
the Group’s performance management process.

Short-term incentive outcome
Figures in the charts below represent percentage of base salary for each Executive Director. Achievement against individual strategic 
objectives is set out on page 93. 

Iain Conn

Jeff Bell

Mark Hanafin

Mark Hodges

60

75

75

50

75

50

70

75

125

104

125

104

125

104

125

104

Adjusted operating cash flow

Adjusted operating cash flow

Adjusted operating cash flow

Adjusted operating cash flow

Strategic objectives

Strategic objectives

Strategic objectives

Strategic objectives

Long-term incentive targets

Long-term incentive outcome 

For the Long Term Incentive Scheme (LTIS) and the Deferred 
and Matching Share Scheme (DMSS), performance against 
Group Economic Profit (EP), Adjusted Earnings per Share (EPS) 
and non-financial KPIs was measured over a three-year period 
ending with 2016. In addition, a positive or negative TSR multiplier 
is applied to any vesting outcome under the LTIS.

The EP and EPS performance targets have not been achieved. 
Performance against the non-financial KPI dashboard across 
the three-year period was strong, however, as a result of the 
EP target not being met, the non-financial KPI portion of 
the LTIS award will not vest.

Neither of the long-term incentive plans ending with the 2016 
performance year will vest and therefore there will be no payout 
in 2017. Full details of the performance outcomes are set out 
on page 94. 

Jeff Bell

Mark Hanafin

13

19

23

58

17

24

28

48

Group EP

EPS

Group EP

EPS

Non-financial KPIs

Non-financial KPIs

84

STRATEGIC  REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONMAXIMUM TOTAL REMUNERATION OPPORTUNITY AND TOTAL REMUNERATION RECEIVED IN 2016
The chart below sets out the total remuneration received for the year for each Executive Director on the Board during 2016, prepared 
on the same basis as the single figure for total remuneration table set out on page 92. In addition, for comparison purposes, the chart 
provides an indication of minimum, on-target and maximum total remuneration opportunity, prepared on the same basis.

Iain
Conn

Jeff
Bell

Mark
Hanafin

Mark
Hodges

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

£000

Opportunity

Minimum total pay

On-target total pay

Maximum total pay

2016 Actual(i)

2015 Actual

Opportunity

2016 Actual

2015 Actual(ii)

Opportunity

2016 Actual

2015 Actual

Opportunity

2016 Actual

2015 Actual(iii)

Minimum
total pay

On-target total pay

Maximum total pay

Minimum
total pay

Minimum
total pay

On-target total pay

Maximum total pay

On-target total pay

Maximum total pay

Fixed remuneration
Short-term incentive
Recruitment award

(i)   Achievement against the performance conditions set for the final tranche of the recruitment award is disclosed on page 95.
Jeff Bell was appointed to the Board on 1 August 2015. His 2015 remuneration therefore represents 42% of a full year.
(ii) 
(iii)  Mark Hodges was appointed to the Board on 1 June 2015. His 2015 remuneration therefore represents 58% of a full year.

2016 %

2015 %

0.08

0.05

33

36

34

35

2016 CASH FLOW DISTRIBUTION TO STAKEHOLDERS
The Committee monitors the relationship between the Directors’ 
total remuneration and cash outflows to other stakeholders. 
As demonstrated by the chart, the Directors’ aggregate total 
remuneration for the year equates to 0.08% (2015: 0.05%) 
of the Group’s operating cash flow.

12

19

9

22

To staff

To government

To shareholders

Investing activities

To Directors

To staff

To government

To shareholders

Investing activities

To Directors

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

85 

GOVERNANCE  
REMUNERATION POLICY

Remuneration Policy

Set out over the following pages is a summary of the Remuneration 
Policy that was approved by shareholders on 27 April 2015. The full 
Remuneration Policy can be found at centrica.com.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION
The Committee believes that the remuneration arrangements are 
completely aligned with the Executives’ underlying commitment to 
act in the best interests of sustainable shareholder value creation, 
whilst ensuring behaviours remain consistent with the governance 
and values of the business.

Key objectives of reward framework
The Policy aims to deliver a remuneration package:

•  to attract and retain high calibre Executives in a challenging 

and competitive business environment;

•  that delivers an appropriate balance between fixed and variable 

compensation for each Executive;

•  that places a strong emphasis on performance, both the short 

term and long term;

•  strongly aligned to the achievement of strategic objectives 
and the delivery of sustainable value to shareholders; and

•  that seeks to avoid creating excessive risks in the achievement 

of performance targets.

Reward framework
The core design of the total remuneration framework for Executives 
ensures that a substantial portion of the maximum opportunity 
is dependent upon performance as indicated in the chart below. 
Total remuneration comprises fixed pay and variable performance 
related pay, which is further divided into short-term incentive 
(with a one-year performance period) and long-term incentive 
(with a three-year performance period).

Short-term incentives relate to awards under the Annual Incentive 
Plan (AIP) which is described on page 87. Long-term incentives 
relate to awards under the Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) which 
is described on page 88.

KPIs have been selected that align with our purpose: to deliver 
energy and services to satisfy the changing needs of our customers, 
and also support our long-term financial goals. In addition, our 
underlying principles of operating safely and with an engaged 
workforce are included.

The KPIs, set out in detail on pages 18 and 19, influence the design 
and underpin the selection of performance criteria used within the 
incentive arrangements as demonstrated in the KPIs and incentives 
table below. If overall performance is not deemed satisfactory, 
the award for any year may be reduced or forfeited, at the 
discretion of the Committee.

In addition, Executives are subject to a minimum shareholding 
guideline. Under the LTIP there are mandatory holding periods 
of three to five years from grant or award date, to provide further 
alignment with the returns to our shareholders.

Remuneration principles
•  the potential maximum remuneration that Executives could 
receive is a key consideration when agreeing the level of 
base pay and the performance related elements of the 
remuneration package;

•  the Committee takes account of, and is sensitive to, shareholder 
views, market changes, skills availability, competitive pressure 
and/or the economic climate when considering Executive 
remuneration. In so doing, the Committee follows similar 
principles that apply when remuneration is considered for all 
other employees within the Group; and

•  benchmarking against UK cross-industry comparator organisations 
of similar size and complexity is used to assist the Committee 
in evaluating market movement and the relative competitive 
position of Executive remuneration to ensure that packages 
offered support the attraction and retention of high 
calibre individuals.

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Fixed 
remuneration

Short-term
incentive

Long-term
incentive

Cash

Shares

KPIs and incentives 

KPI

Adjusted operating cash flow (AOCF)

Adjusted operating profit

Incentive link

AIP primary financial measure

LTIP EP three-year measure

Adjusted basic earnings per share (EPS)

LTIP EPS growth measure

Total shareholder return (TSR)

AIP deferred share investment and minimum shareholding requirement

Lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR)

Process safety

Customer satisfaction

Employee engagement

LTIP non-financial KPI dashboard

LTIP non-financial KPI dashboard

LTIP non-financial KPI dashboard

LTIP non-financial KPI dashboard

86

STRATEGIC  REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONRemuneration Policy table
The table below sets out the Remuneration Policy that was approved at the AGM on 27 April 2015 and applies to Executives.

Purpose and  
link to strategy

BASE PAY/SALARY

Reflects the scope 
and responsibility of 
the role and the skills 
and experience of 
the individual.

Salaries are set at 
a level sufficient to 
allow the Company 
to compete for 
international talent 
and to recruit, 
motivate and retain 
individuals of the 
correct calibre to 
execute our strategy.

SHORT-TERM 
INCENTIVE PLAN

Designed to reward 
the delivery of key 
strategic priorities 
for the year.

These priorities 
position the Group 
for strong short-term 
financial performance, 
in service of longer-
term strategic goals.

Operation and clawback

Maximum opportunity

Base salaries are reviewed annually, taking account of 
performance, market conditions and pay in the Group 
as a whole. Changes are usually effective from 1 April 
each year.

This is consistent with the previously approved policy.

The AIP, together with the LTIP, replaces the previous 
Annual Incentive Scheme (AIS), Deferred and Matching Share 
Scheme (DMSS) and Long Term Incentive Scheme (LTIS).

The AIP is designed to incentivise and reward the 
achievement of demanding financial and individual 
strategically aligned performance objectives.

Following measurement of the performance outcome, half 
of the AIP award is paid in cash. The other half is required 
to be deferred into shares, two-thirds of which are released 
after three years and the remaining third after four years. 
Dividends are payable on the shares during the 
restricted period.

If overall business performance is not deemed satisfactory, 
an individual’s AIP payment for the year may be reduced 
or forfeited, at the discretion of the Committee.

Malus and clawback apply to the cash and share awards 
(see policy table notes on page 90).

Ordinarily, base salary increases 
in percentage terms will be in line 
with increases awarded to other 
employees of the Group.

Increases may be made above this 
level to take account of individual 
circumstances such as a change 
in responsibility, progression in 
the role or a significant increase 
in the scale or size of the role.

The base salary for an Executive 
will not exceed £1 million per 
annum.

This is consistent with the 
previously approved policy.

Maximum of 200% of base salary.

Half the maximum is payable 
for on-target performance. 
The minimum award is 0%.

The maximum was 180% of 
base salary under the previously 
approved policy.

The 20% of base salary increase 
in maximum opportunity is offset 
by the 80% of base salary 
reduction in maximum long-term 
incentive opportunity and longer 
deferral periods.

Performance 
measures

Not applicable.

Up to 75% of base 
salary based on 
individual strategic 
objectives aligned to 
the Group’s strategic 
priorities, with the 
remainder based on 
adjusted operating 
cash flow.

Assessed over 
one financial year.

Up to 72% of base 
salary was based 
on individual strategic 
objectives under 
the previously 
approved policy.

AIP timeline

50% paid in cash

Performance period

Period subject to clawback

50% awarded in shares

2/3 of shares released

1/3 of shares released

Performance period

Period subject to malus

Period subject to  
malus/clawback

Period subject  
to clawback

Award date

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

87 

GOVERNANCE  
REMUNERATION POLICY

Remuneration Policy
continued

Operation and clawback

Maximum opportunity

Maximum of 300% of base 
salary plus dividend equivalents. 
The minimum vesting level is 0%.

The maximum was 380% 
of base salary plus dividend 
equivalents under the 
previously approved policy.

The LTIP simplifies the previous long-term incentive 
arrangements which were delivered under two 
separate schemes.

LTIP awards are granted to Executives each year based 
on a percentage of base salary at the point of award. 
Shares vest at the end of a three-year performance 
period, depending on the achievement against the 
Company performance targets, but are not released 
until the fifth anniversary of the award date.

LTIP awards are usually delivered as conditional shares 
which vest at the end of the three-year performance 
period. Awards may also be granted as nil-cost options 
with a seven-year exercise period. It is a requirement of 
the LTIP that the net shares are held for a further two years 
following the vesting date. Malus applies to the shares 
during the three-year performance period and clawback 
applies to the shares during the two-year retention period 
(see policy table notes on page 90).

Dividend equivalents are calculated at the end of the 
performance period on any conditional LTIP share awards 
or nil-cost options. Dividend equivalents are paid as 
additional shares or as cash.

If overall performance is not deemed satisfactory, the award 
for any year may be reduced or forfeited, at the discretion 
of the Committee.

Performance 
measures

One-third based 
on EPS over 
the three-year 
performance period.

One-third based on 
absolute aggregate 
EP over the three-year 
performance period.

One-third based 
on non-financial 
KPI dashboard.

Where performance 
falls between stated 
points, vesting is 
calculated on a 
straight-line basis.

The weighting to 
non-financial KPIs has 
marginally increased 
from 30% to 33.3% 
compared with the 
long-term incentive 
arrangements in 
the previously 
approved policy.

This reflects the 
Committee’s view 
of the appropriate 
balance between 
financial and 
non-financial  
measures at 
two-thirds/one-third  
respectively.

Purpose and  
link to strategy

LONG-TERM 
INCENTIVE PLAN

Assists with 
Executive retention 
and incentivises an 
appropriate balance 
between short-term 
performance and 
long-term value 
creation for 
shareholders.

Encourages 
sustainable high 
performance.

Provides a direct 
link between 
remuneration and 
KPIs, reinforcing 
the desire for 
sustainable high 
performance over 
the long term.

LTIP timeline

Award granted

Performance tested and award vests

Shares released

Period subject to malus

Period subject to clawback

Three-year performance period

Two-year holding period

Award date

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

88

STRATEGIC  REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONPurpose and  
link to strategy

PENSION

Positioned to 
provide a competitive 
post-retirement 
benefit, in a way that 
manages the overall 
cost to the Company.

BENEFITS

Positioned to ensure 
competitiveness with 
market practice.

RELOCATION 
AND EXPATRIATE 
ASSISTANCE

To enable the Group to 
recruit or promote the 
right individual into a 
role, to retain key skills 
and to provide career 
opportunities.

ALL-EMPLOYEE 
SHARE PLANS

Provide an opportunity 
for employees to 
voluntarily invest in 
the Company.

Performance 
measures

Not applicable.

Operation and clawback

Maximum opportunity

Incoming Executives are entitled to participate in a 
Company money purchase pension arrangement or to take 
a fixed salary supplement (calculated as a percentage of 
base salary, which is excluded from any bonus calculation) 
in lieu of pension entitlement.

The Group’s policy is not to offer defined benefit 
arrangements to new employees at any level, unless this 
is specifically required by applicable legislation or an 
existing contractual agreement.

This is consistent with the previously approved policy.

Executives employed prior to 2013 are entitled to participate 
in a Centrica pension arrangement or to receive a fixed 
salary supplement in lieu of pension entitlement in 
accordance with the terms of their contracts.

Mark Hanafin is entitled to receive a salary supplement equal 
to 40% of his base salary in lieu of pension or to participate 
in a Company money purchase pension arrangement.

We would continue to honour defined benefit pension 
arrangements in the event of an individual being promoted 
to the Board who retains a contractual entitlement to such 
a pension benefit.

This is consistent with the previously approved policy.

30% salary supplement for 
Chief Executive and 25% 
salary supplement for all 
other Executives.

This is consistent with the 
previously approved policy.

40% salary supplement for 
Executives employed prior  
to 2013.

This is consistent with the 
previously approved policy.

The Group offers Executives a range of benefits including 
some or all of:

•  a company-provided car and fuel, or a cash allowance 

in lieu;

•  life assurance and personal accident insurance;
•  health and medical insurance for the Executive and 

their dependants;
•  health screening; and
•  a contribution towards financial planning advice.

This is consistent with the previously approved policy.

Cash allowance in lieu of 
company car – £22,000 
per annum.

The benefit in kind value of 
other benefits will not exceed 
5% of base salary.

This is consistent with the 
previously approved policy.

Not applicable.

Assistance may include (but is not limited to) removal 
and other relocation costs, housing or temporary 
accommodation, education, home leave, repatriation 
and tax equalisation.

This is consistent with the previously approved policy.

Maximum of 100% of base salary.

Not applicable.

This is consistent with the 
previously approved policy.

UK-based Executives are entitled to participate in the 
HMRC-approved Sharesave and Share Incentive Plan (SIP) 
on the same terms as all other eligible employees. The 
Sharesave plan offers a three or five-year savings period, 
with up to a 20% discount to the market value of the 
shares at the point of grant.

The SIP currently offers partnership and matching shares.

Dividends paid on SIP shares may be reinvested in the plan.

This is consistent with the previously approved policy.

Not applicable.

Maximum contribution limits 
are set by legislation. Levels of 
participation allowed by the Board 
are within these limits and apply to 
all participants. The SIP currently 
awards one free matching share 
for every two partnership shares 
purchased, up to a maximum of 
22 matching shares per month, 
although the plan allows for 
higher levels of matching award.

This is consistent with the 
previously approved policy.

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

89 

GOVERNANCE  
REMUNERATION POLICY

Remuneration Policy
continued

Policy table notes

The Committee reserves the right to make any remuneration payments 
and payments for loss of office, notwithstanding that they are not in 
line with the Remuneration Policy set out above, where the terms of 
the payment were agreed before the policy came into effect, at a time 
when the relevant individual was not an Executive of the Company or, 
in the opinion of the Committee, the payment was not in consideration 
for the individual becoming an Executive of the Company. For these 
purposes payments include the amounts paid in order to satisfy awards 
of variable remuneration and, in relation to an award over shares, 
the terms of the payment are agreed at the time the award is granted.

The Committee may make minor amendments to the policy set out 
above (for regulatory, exchange control, tax or administrative purposes 
or to take account of a change in legislation) without obtaining 
shareholder approval for that amendment.

PENSION ARRANGEMENTS APPLYING TO EXECUTIVES
Centrica Unfunded Pension Scheme (CUPS)
All registered scheme benefits are subject to HMRC guidelines 
and the Lifetime Allowance.

The CUPS defined contribution (DC) section provides benefits for 
individuals not eligible to join the CUPS defined benefit (DB) section 
and for whom registered scheme benefits are expected to exceed 
the Lifetime Allowance. The CUPS DC section is offered as a direct 
alternative to a cash salary supplement.

The CUPS DB section was closed to new members in October 2002.

CUPS is unfunded but the benefits are secured by a charge over 
certain Centrica assets. An appropriate provision in respect of the 
accrued value of these benefits has been made in the Company’s 
balance sheet.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES
Adjusted earnings per share (EPS)
EPS is the Company’s basic earnings per share adjusted for 
exceptional items and certain re-measurements net of taxation.

Adjusted operating cash flow (AOCF)
AOCF is the net cash flow from operating activities (which includes 
taxes paid) adjusted to include dividends received from joint ventures 
and associates and to exclude payments relating to exceptional items, 
UK defined benefit pension deficit contributions and movements in 
variation margin and cash collateral that are included in net debt.

Economic profit (EP)
EP is adjusted operating profit (after share of joint venture interest) less 
a tax charge based on the tax rate relevant to the different business 
segments and after deduction of a capital charge. The capital charge 
is calculated as capital employed multiplied by the Group’s weighted 
average cost of capital.

Where appropriate, expenditure on assets (and related costs) that are 
not yet in use (pre-productive capital) is excluded from capital employed.

Further details of these performance measures are provided in notes 2, 
4(f) and 10 of the financial statements.

Non-financial KPI dashboard
The non-financial KPI dashboard is designed to reward sustained high 
performance over the entire three-year performance period. The equally 
weighted measures are:

•  lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR);
•  significant process safety event;
•  British Gas net promoter score (NPS);
•  Direct Energy NPS; and
•  employee engagement.

Employee engagement survey data is collected by an external provider 
and compared against an independent benchmark database.

Deloitte LLP reviewed the non-financial KPIs linked to executive 
remuneration and provided limited assurance using the International 
Standard on Assurance Engagements ISAE 3000 (Revised). The 2016 
assurance statement and the Basis of Reporting, are available at  
centrica.com/assurance.

For each measure, three performance zones have been established, 
represented by the following indicators:

  High performance zone

  Median performance zone

  Low performance zone

MALUS AND CLAWBACK
The Committee can apply malus (that is reduce the number of shares 
in respect of which an award vests) or delay the vesting of awards if 
it considers it appropriate where a participant has engaged in gross 
misconduct or displayed inappropriate management behaviour which fails 
to reflect the governance and values of the business or where the results 
for any period have been restated or appear inaccurate or misleading.

Where an award has vested, the resulting shares will generally be held 
for a period during which they may be subject to clawback in the event 
that the Committee determines that one or more of the circumstances 
above has occurred.

90

STRATEGIC  REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONNON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION
Remuneration Policy
Centrica’s policy on Non-Executive Directors’ (Non-Executives) fees takes into account the need to attract high quality individuals, 
their responsibilities, time commitment and market practice.

Terms of appointment
Non-Executives, including the Chairman, do not have service contracts. Their appointments are subject to Letters of Appointment 
and the Articles of Association.

Maximum opportunity

Performance 
measures

The maximum level of fees 
payable to Non-Executives, 
in aggregate, is set out in 
the Articles of Association.

Not applicable.

Remuneration Policy table

Purpose and  
link to strategy

Operation

CHAIRMAN AND 
NON-EXECUTIVE 
DIRECTOR FEES

Sufficient level to 
secure the services 
of individuals 
possessing the skills, 
knowledge and 
experience to support 
and oversee the 
Executive Directors 
in their execution of 
the Board’s approved 
strategies and 
operational plans.

The fee levels for the Chairman are reviewed every 
two years by the Remuneration Committee.

The fee levels of the Non-Executives are reviewed 
every two years by the Executive Committee.

Non-Executives are paid a base fee for their services. 
Where individuals serve as Chairman of a Committee 
of the Board, additional fees are payable. The Senior 
Independent Director also receives an additional fee.

Fee levels from 1 January 2016:
Base fee £72,500 per annum.

The following additional fees apply:

•  Chairman of Audit Committee – £25,000 per annum;
•  Chairman of Remuneration Committee – £20,000 

per annum;

•  Chairman of Safety, Health, Environment, Security 
and Ethics Committee – £20,000 per annum; and
•  Senior Independent Director – £20,000 per annum.

Fee levels from May 2010 to 31 December 2015:
Base fee £65,000 per annum.

The following additional fees applied:

•  Chairman of Audit Committee – £23,000 per annum;
•  Chairman of Remuneration Committee – £20,000 

per annum;

•  Chairman of Corporate Responsibility Committee – 

£20,000 per annum;

•  Chairman of Safety, Health, Environment, Security 
and Ethics Committee (established July 2015) – 
£20,000 per annum; and

•  Senior Independent Director – £20,000 per annum.

The Company reserves the right to pay a Committee 
membership fee in addition to the base fees.

Non-Executives are able to use 50% of their fees, after 
appropriate payroll withholdings, to purchase Centrica 
shares. Dealing commission and stamp duty is paid by 
the Non-Executive.

The Non-Executives, including the Chairman, do not 
participate in any of the Company’s share schemes, 
incentive plans or pension schemes.

Non-Executives will be reimbursed for business expenses 
relating to the performance of their duties including travel, 
accommodation and subsistence. In certain circumstances 
these, or other incidental items, may be considered a 
‘benefit in kind’ and if so may be grossed up for any tax due.

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

91 

GOVERNANCE  
DIRECTORS’ ANNUAL REMUNERATION REPORT

Directors’ Annual Remuneration Report

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION IN 2016
This report sets out information on the remuneration of the Directors for the financial year ended 31 December 2016.

Single figure for total remuneration (audited)

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

Salary/
fees

Salary/
fees

Bonus
(cash)

Bonus
(cash)

Bonus
(deferred)

Bonus
(deferred)

Benefits 

(viii) Benefits

LTIPs 
(ix)

LTIPs

925

550

625

625

925

229

621

365

759

424

481

544

581

116

361

230

759

424

481

544

581

116

361

230

29

26

25

82

29

10

24

20

495

495

98

16

47

93

28

70

73

87

48

88

–

–

85

73

85

65

49

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

£000

Executives

Iain Conn

Jeff Bell (i)

Mark Hanafin

Mark Hodges (ii)

Non-Executives

Rick 
Haythornthwaite 

Margherita 
Della Valle

Joan Gillman (iii)

Stephen Hester (iv)

Lesley Knox

Mike Linn (v)

Ian Meakins (vi)

Carlos Pascual

Steve Pusey

Scott Wheway (vii)

Total

Recruit-
ment
award 
(x)

Recruit-
ment
award 
(xi)

1,402

632

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Pension 
(xii)(xiii) Pension

Total
(restated)

Total

277

140

267

156

277

4,151

3,025

58 1,564

529

249 1,879

1,616

91 1,951

936

9,545

6,106

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

495

495

98

16

47

93

28

70

73

87

48

88

–

–

85

73

85

65

49

–

1,055

940

10,600

7,046

(i) 
Jeff Bell was appointed as an Executive Director on 1 August 2015. His 2015 remuneration therefore represents 42% of a full year.
(ii)  Mark Hodges was appointed as an Executive Director on 1 June 2015. His 2015 remuneration therefore represents 58% of a full year.
(iii)  Joan Gillman was appointed as a Non-Executive Director on 11 October 2016.
(iv)  Stephen Hester was appointed as a Non-Executive Director on 1 June 2016.
(v)  Mike Linn resigned as a Non-Executive Director on 18 April 2016.
(vi) 
Ian Meakins resigned as a Non-Executive Director on 1 October 2016.
(vii)  Scott Wheway was appointed as a Non-Executive Director on 1 May 2016.
(viii)  Taxable benefits include car allowance, health and medical benefits and financial planning advice. Non-taxable benefits include matching shares received under the SIP. 

Benefits paid to Mark Hodges in 2016 include relocation support paid in line with Centrica’s relocation policy.

(ix)  The long-term incentives include the value of the LTIS and DMSS matching awards due to vest in April 2017, relating to the three-year performance period ending in 2016. 

The performance targets have not been met and these awards therefore will not vest. Details of the performance outcomes are set out on page 94.

(x)  The recruitment award shares vesting in April 2017 have been valued to calculate an estimated payout using the share price at 31 December 2016 which was 234.1p. 

The value of the estimated dividend equivalent shares has been included. The shares will be held until April 2018.

(xi)  The value of the recruitment award shares vesting in April 2016 has been recalculated based on the share price on the date of vest which was 223.5p. The previous disclosure 

in the 2015 single figure table used an estimated share price.

(xii)  Notional contributions to the CUPS DC scheme for Mark Hanafin and Jeff Bell (less an allowance for CPI inflation on this opening balance of 1.3% in 2015, no allowance 

applicable in 2016) have been included in this table as if CUPS DC were a cash balance scheme.

(xiii)  Iain Conn and Mark Hodges are entitled to receive a salary supplement of 30% and 25% of base pay respectively.

92

STRATEGIC  REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONBase salary/fees
Base salaries for Executives were reviewed on 1 April 2016 and 
were not increased. The salaries will be reviewed during the course 
of 2017 as part of the normal annual cycle.

Base fees for Non-Executives were reviewed in November 2015 
and were increased on 1 January 2016 from £65,000 to £72,500 
per annum. The additional fee for the Chairman of the Audit 
Committee was also increased from £23,000 to £25,000 per 
annum. The increases were in line with the Remuneration Policy. 
Prior to this increase, Non-Executives’ fees had been at the 
same level since 2010.

Bonus – Annual Incentive Plan (AIP)
The financial performance targets for the 2016 AIP are set out 
in the Remuneration Summary. The charts on page 84 under 
short-term incentive outcomes indicate the extent of achievement 
for each Executive receiving a payment relating to 2016, for each 
component of the AIP.

Performance against individual strategic objectives in 2016
In line with the Group’s annual performance management process, 
each Executive had a set of stretching individual objectives aligned 
to the Group’s strategic priorities, for 2016. Set out below is the 
Committee’s assessment of the achievement against these 
objectives for each Executive.

Iain Conn
Iain Conn delivered an outstanding performance, laying the agreed 
strategic foundation for growth at a pace and to an extent that far 
exceeded the stretching expectations of the Board while ensuring 
that all financial outputs were met or exceeded in a year when 
commodity prices continued to be a strong drag on cash flows.

Iain has established a strong leadership tone in matters of safety, 
ethics, compliance and management discipline with a commensurate 
improvement in the performance potential, resilience and risk profile 
of Centrica. This underpinned delivery of very strong momentum 
in the drive for greater efficiency resulting in greater than planned 
cost reductions and the leeway to follow differentiated strategies 
in the customer-facing businesses.

Under his guidance, material progress has been made in repositioning 
the portfolio with a focus on creating a future pathway for Exploration 
& Production and the establishment of strong momentum in the 
new customer-facing business units. The repositioning required 
shifts in organisation, capabilities, systems, processes and culture 
of a scale that required very considerable skill, diligence and 
imagination to achieve. Although employee engagement suffered 
modestly during this difficult period of change, personnel safety 
levels, customer satisfaction and complaints levels all started 
to strongly move in the right direction.

Iain is proving to be a very strong CEO, well suited to the challenges 
faced by Centrica in terms of its need to adapt rapidly to deliver 
profitable growth in a significantly changed strategic context while 
establishing a reputation as a company that is fully in tune with 
the expectation of its stakeholders and society at large.

Jeff Bell
Jeff Bell played a key role in delivering against the financial targets 
and accelerating the realisation of the group cost efficiency targets. 
Along with the improvements in the debt position, and working 
capital recovery, he also engaged proactively with the rating 
agencies with the result that strong investment grade credit 
ratings were maintained.

He led a tightening up of core finance management processes and 
improved the capability of the Finance function through a number 
of critical senior appointments. Jeff has made real progress in 
implementing and leading new performance management and 
review processes, with added functional quarterly performance 

reviews, new KPIs for internal and external use, a new Group 
Performance Report and improved quality of management 
information generally.

Through his leadership of the Centrica Pensions Committee 
the triennial pensions valuation process reached a successful 
conclusion within the proposed boundary conditions.

Overall, Jeff has grown confidently into his role as Chief 
Financial Officer and exceeded expectations in what was 
a very challenging year.

Mark Hanafin
Mark Hanafin expertly guided the successful establishment of 
the new global Distributed Energy & Power business and ensured 
a strong set-up for the future with some excellent hires and the 
acquisition of ENER-G Cogen.

Energy Marketing & Trading beat its plan by some margin. 
The new organisation following a smooth relocation is working well, 
and material growth was delivered through the Neas Energy 
acquisition and the expansion of the LNG book.

Mark showed skilled handling of strategic disposals and acquisitions. 
As well as the two key acquisitions, both wind farms and Trinidad 
and Tobago have been successfully divested, with Canada also 
on track for sale.

Mark’s overall portfolio exceeded its cash flow targets. This was 
particularly impressive in Exploration & Production which experienced 
the most challenging environment in 20 years.

He ensured that cost efficiency targets were met or exceeded. 
There was excellent progress in reducing E&P lifting and other 
cash production costs.

Strong safety standards were maintained and significant progress 
was made in tightening discipline, improving reporting and 
developing capability.

Overall, Mark made significant progress in reshaping the 
business in line with the Group Operating Model against a 
difficult market backdrop.

Mark Hodges
Mark Hodges has more than delivered on all fronts, managing 
by far the largest change agenda in the Group’s history, delivering 
excellent financial outcomes, building capability and changing the 
organisation, behaviours and mind-set. His leadership style has 
been pragmatic, Group-minded and delivery-oriented.

Mark has effectively grasped the challenges and helped to ensure 
an enhanced customer experience at reduced cost, with significant 
efficiencies delivered and customer outcomes improved materially, 
with complaints down 31% in UK Home and 22% in UK Business.

A new business-to-consumer participation strategy was agreed 
with clear pathways established for the growth of Hive and our 
wider technological capability. Downstream profits were maintained 
during delivery of the cost efficiency programme, despite a 
reduction in customer holdings and gross margin compression.

He showed strong leadership in the drive towards an incident free 
workplace, with employee injury frequency rates and customer 
injuries both declining significantly.

Under Mark’s direction, Connected Home has been successfully 
established as a rapidly growing global business unit with a 
NPS of +65 for customers with multi-connected products. Overall, 
Mark has exceeded the financial plan for his portfolio in a challenging 
environment, as well as building a constructive relationship with 
our regulators and reinforcing British Gas as a responsible 
market participant.

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

93 

GOVERNANCE  
DIRECTORS’ ANNUAL REMUNERATION REPORT

Directors’ Annual Remuneration Report
continued

Long-term incentive plans vesting in 2017
Performance conditions
The performance conditions relating to the LTIS awards vesting in 2017 are set out below, together with an explanation of the 
achievement against these performance conditions.

Vesting criteria

Performance conditions over three-year period

35% on EPS growth against RPI growth

Full vesting for EPS growth exceeding RPI growth by 30%

Zero vesting if EPS growth does not exceed RPI growth by 9%

Vesting will increase on a straight-line basis between 25% and 100% between these points

35% on absolute aggregate EP

Full vesting for aggregate EP of £3,400 million

Zero vesting if aggregate EP is below £2,600 million

Vesting will increase on a straight-line basis between 25% and 100% between these points

30% on non-financial KPI dashboard

As disclosed below

Positive/negative multiplier on TSR 
performance against the FTSE 100 Index

0.667 multiplier for Index -7% per annum and 1.5 multiplier for Index +7% per annum, subject to 
a cap at the face value of the award. Where performance falls between stated points, vesting is 
calculated on a straight-line basis

Performance outcome
Earnings per share (EPS)
EPS growth during the three-year period ending with 2016 did not 
exceed RPI growth by 9%. Consequently, the EPS portion of the 
2014 LTIS award will not vest.

Economic Profit (EP)
Aggregate EP achieved during the three-year period ending 
with 2016 was £1,891 million when compared to a threshold 
level of £2,600 million and a maximum level of £3,400 million. 
Consequently, the EP portion of the 2014 LTIS awards, 
and the DMSS matching awards, will not vest.

LTIS non-financial KPI dashboard
Throughout each three-year performance period, for each median 
performance zone outcome, 5% of the KPI shares will be forfeited 
and for each low performance zone outcome, 10% of the 
KPI shares will be forfeited.

  High performance zone
  Median performance zone
  Low performance zone

The non-financial KPI results in 2014, 2015 and 2016 are as follows:

Performance period – LTIS awards granted
in 2014 and due to vest in 2017

Year 1
2014

Year 2
2015

Year 3
2016

Measure
Lost time injury 
frequency rate (LTIFR)

Significant process  
safety event

British Gas net promoter 
score (NPS)(i) (ii)

Direct Energy NPS(ii)

Employee engagement

Performance against the non-financial KPI dashboard for the 
three-year period ending with 2016 resulted in 70% of the KPI 
portion of the 2014 LTIS award becoming eligible for vesting.

As a result of the EP performance target not being met for the 
three-year period ending with 2016, the KPI portion of the 2014 
LTIS award will not vest. There will therefore be no payout 
under the LTIS in 2017.

READ MORE ABOUT OUR KPIS ON PAGES 18 AND 19

94

Non-financial KPI update for long-term incentive plans 
vesting in future years
KPI performance under the LTIP
Set out below is the achievement against the KPI dashboard 
for the first two years of measurement for LTIP awards granted 
in 2015 and 2016.

Performance period – LTIP awards granted
in 2015 and due to vest in 2018

Year 1
2015

Year 2
2016

Year 3
2017

Performance period – LTIP awards granted
in 2016 and due to vest in 2019

Year 1
2016

Year 2
2017

Year 3
2018

Measure
Lost time injury 
frequency rate (LTIFR)

Significant process  
safety event

British Gas net promoter 
score (NPS)(i) (ii)

Direct Energy NPS(ii)

Employee engagement

Measure
Lost time injury 
frequency rate (LTIFR)

Significant process  
safety event

British Gas net promoter 
score (NPS)(i) (ii)

Direct Energy NPS(ii)

Employee engagement

(i) 

In 2015, British Gas NPS methodology changed to focus on experiences at the 
end of key customer journeys which is the LTIP NPS KPI. In 2016, British Gas 
journey NPS decreased to -1 (low performance zone), from an originally reported 
2015 score of +4 (median performance zone) which has subsequently been 
restated to +1 following survey changes that refocused measurement on key 
customer journeys. The outgoing British Gas methodology based on contact and 
brand scores used under the former LTIS, with the last cycle ending in 2016, was 
+25 (median performance zone), down from +28 (high performance zone). For 
Direct Energy NPS, under both LTIP and LTIS, performance rose strongly to +43 
(high performance zone), from +37 (high performance zone). 

(ii)  The NPS disclosed on this page are the former metrics, used for executive 

remuneration, and differ from the new Brand NPS reported elsewhere in the 
Annual Report and in financial reporting (see page 19 for more information). The 
new Brand NPS are seen as important operational metrics and they improved 
across all geographies in 2016.

STRATEGIC  REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONGroup Chief Executive recruitment award granted 
in 2015
In accordance with the Company’s approved recruitment policy 
and as previously announced, the Committee agreed to provide 
compensation to Iain Conn for the forfeiture of existing unvested 
long-term incentive awards in the form of conditional Centrica shares.

Two awards of conditional shares were granted to Iain Conn in 
April 2015 (see below), the first with a face value equal to £925,000 
vesting on the first anniversary of the award date and the second 
with a face value equal to £1,850,000 vesting on the second 
anniversary of the award date and released in April 2018. 

First award – 282,634 shares vested in April 2016

Second award – 718,223 shares due to vest April 2017, subject to 
performance achievement

In accordance with the minimum shareholding guidelines, any shares 
released (following the sale of sufficient shares to cover the income 
tax and National Insurance contributions due on vesting) will be held 
until his shareholding is above the minimum guideline for Executives. 

The vesting of both awards is subject to the achievement of 
personal strategic objectives. Three-quarters of each award will vest 
if the Committee is satisfied that Iain Conn’s performance, in relation 
to the objectives set, has at least matched the expectations of 
the Board. Each award may vest in full if the Committee considers 
his performance to have significantly exceeded expectations. 
If the Committee considers his performance to have been below 
expectations, the shares will not vest and the award will be forfeit.

In reviewing Iain Conn’s performance, the Committee stated that 
it would consider progress against the following objectives:

•  strategy: to establish a sustainable growth strategy for Centrica 
that is attractive to and earns the support of all key stakeholders 
(expected by end Q3 2015);

•  organisational structure: to consider organisational structure, 
processes, systems, culture and costs and effect any change 
deemed appropriate (expected by end Q4 2015);

•  capability: to ensure that all the capabilities crucial to the 

success of the growth strategy have robust development plans 
that can be delivered at a pace commensurate with competitive 
demands (expected by end Q2 2016); and

•  reputation: to build relationships with society necessary to 

achieve a demonstrable improvement in the external belief in 
Centrica as a consumer-centric company, UK national leader, 
influential in Europe and North America and a responsible 
market participant (expected by end Q4 2016).

These measures are in addition to but complement the objectives 
set in respect of the AIP.

Performance achievement
As previously explained, the Committee made a two-part award 
as part of the CEO recruitment process in order to secure the 
appointment of the Board’s strongly favoured candidate. The 
Committee considered carefully investor feedback on the use of 
subjective criteria in respect of these awards. After reflection the 
Committee believes that in this case they have served their purpose 
as intended. However, although Iain Conn’s performance since 
his appointment has surpassed expectations, we have determined 
the vesting level in deference to the external sensitivity to the 
making of such awards and total remuneration for the year.

Under Iain’s leadership, a new organisational model was developed 
for the whole Group, including the move to three new global growth 
business units and more centralised functions. He has led the 
recruitment of a number of key individuals and overall capability 

was materially repositioned during the year to drive the new 
Group strategy. Improved succession plans have also been put 
in place.

Gaps in capability in the areas of Technology & Engineering, 
Group Marketing, and Ethics and Compliance were identified 
and these functions established. The need to establish a Group 
Information Systems (IS) function with digital capability was 
identified, resulting in centralisation of IS.

In the business unit that will now be known as the Centrica 
Consumer division British Gas has been completely reorganised, 
the largest restructuring since Centrica was incorporated in 1997, 
and significant efficiency, cultural and capability changes have 
been identified and delivered, all heavily influenced by Iain’s focus 
on satisfying the changing needs of the customer and founded 
on a new common operating model. A new leadership structure 
was established and new senior hires made. Connected Home 
was established as a global business unit and capability built for 
the technology pipeline and business development including 
the successful acquisition of Flowgem.

The business unit that will now be known as the Centrica 
Business division has also seen fundamental redesign, with the 
establishment of Distributed Energy & Power and reshaping of 
Energy Marketing & Trading. With direction from Iain, targeted 
strategic acquisitions were pursued and secured, including 
Panoramic Power, ENER-G Cogen and Neas Energy.

Iain established a new reputation framework during the year, 
which was reviewed by the Board. Quarterly standardised 
reputation measurement was put in place with the Reputation 
Institute, and the Group now has a clear Corporate Affairs 
Engagement Plan to drive reputation.

There has been a demonstrable improvement in the external 
belief in Centrica as a consumer-centric company as evidenced 
by higher net promoter scores, significant interest in partnering 
from high profile competitors and the ability to attract talent 
in customer-focused areas.

Engagement with the UK Government, regulators and opinion 
formers has been very proactive and Iain has personally 
participated through bilateral meetings, speeches, blogs on 
subjects such as energy policy, the EU, Brexit and industrial 
strategy, all of this is building Centrica’s reputation as a leading, 
serious, professional and forward-thinking company.

Under Iain’s guidance, we continue to develop an open and 
constructive relationship with our key regulators. The two-year 
CMA investigation into the UK energy market was handled with 
huge effort and expertise, underlining the Group’s role as a 
responsible market participant.

In the energy supply business, our shift in pricing stance and 
focus on improved customer service has resulted in a material 
reduction in complaints and NPS results at or exceeding plan. 
Iain has also driven an increased focus on our work with vulnerable 
customers and our apprenticeship and recruitment schemes.

Investors are supportive of the Group strategy. Communication 
regarding the equity placing was not as well managed as it 
should have been but feedback from investors suggests that 
they remain positive about the Group’s direction and progress.

In light of these achievements, the Committee is satisfied that 
Iain Conn has met the expectations of the Board as set out 
in the objectives and as a result 75% (the “on-target” level) of 
the second and final tranche of the recruitment award will vest. 
The shares will vest in April 2017 and will be released in April 2018. 
The estimated value of the shares due to vest, including dividend 
equivalents, has been included in the single figure table on page 92.

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

95 

GOVERNANCE  
DIRECTORS’ ANNUAL REMUNERATION REPORT

Directors’ Annual Remuneration Report
continued

Pension
Iain Conn and Mark Hodges elected to receive salary supplements of 30% and 25% of base salary respectively, in lieu of participating 
in a Centrica pension plan. These salary supplements are included in the single figure for total remuneration table on page 92.

Jeff Bell is entitled to receive a salary supplement of 25% of base pay or participate in the CUPS DC Scheme. As Mark Hanafin was 
an Executive prior to 2013, he is entitled to receive a salary supplement of 40% of base pay or participate in the CUPS DC Scheme. 
During the year, they both participated in the CUPS DC Scheme and received an unfunded promise equal to 25% and 40% of base 
pay respectively.

Notional contributions to the CUPS DC Scheme have been included in the single figure for total remuneration table as if it was a cash 
balance scheme and therefore notional investment returns for the year have been included. The notional pension fund balances are 
disclosed below.

Pension benefits earned by Directors in the CUPS DC Scheme (audited)

CUPS DC Scheme(i)
Jeff Bell

Mark Hanafin

(i) 

The retirement age for the CUPS DC Scheme is 62.

Awards granted in 2016

LTIP awards granted in 2016 (audited)

Iain Conn

Jeff Bell

Mark Hanafin

Mark Hodges

Total notional
pension fund
as at
31 December
2016
£

197,101

1,085,701

Total notional
pension fund
as at
31 December
2015
£

57,600

818,860

Number
of shares

1,221,498

726,296

825,336

825,336

Value
£000
(i) (ii)

2,775

1,650

1,875

1,875

Vesting date

April 2019

April 2019

April 2019

April 2019

(i)  Awards were made in 2016 to Executives based on a value of 300% of salary. The performance conditions relating to these awards are set out below.
(ii)  The share price used to calculate the number of shares granted was 227.18p, being the average closing share price over five business days immediately preceding 

the grant date of 1 April 2016.

LTIP performance conditions for awards granted in 2016

Vesting criteria

Performance conditions over three-year period

1/3 based on EPS growth over  
the 3-year period 2016–18

Full vesting for EPS growth of 24% or more

Zero vesting if EPS growth does not exceed 9%

1/3 based on absolute aggregate EP  
over the 3-year period 2016–18

Full vesting for aggregate EP of £3,500 million

Zero vesting if aggregate EP is below £1,500 million

Vesting will increase on a straight-line basis between 0% and 100% between these points

Vesting will increase on a straight-line basis between 0% and 100% between these points

1/3 based on non-financial KPI dashboard 
over the 3-year period 2016–18

As disclosed on page 94

96

STRATEGIC  REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONLTIP timeline

2016

2016

2017

2018

Vesting of shares based  
on performance

2019

2020

2021

Award

Performance period

Holding period

Release

Directors’ interests in shares (number of shares) (audited)
The table below shows the interests in the ordinary shares of the Company of the Directors on the Board at the end of the year together 
with the minimum shareholding guideline for the Executives, which is 200% of salary, and the achievement against the guideline.

Also included to provide full disclosure (but not included as part of the minimum shareholder guideline calculation) are details of shares 
owned by the Executives that are subject to continued service, unvested share awards that are subject to company performance 
conditions and fully vested unexercised nil-cost share options.

Executives have a period of five years from appointment to the Board, or any material change in the minimum shareholding requirement, 
to meet the guideline.

Shares
owned
outright as at
31 December
2015  
(i)

Shares
owned
outright as at
31 December
2016 
(i)

Minimum
shareholding
guideline
(% of salary)

Achievement
as at
31 December
2016
(% of salary)

140,812

87,910

363,863

320

33,476

24,653

–

–

14,427

–

21,570

–

663,219

238,416

518,550

125,817

34,721

37,308

–

20,700

15,076

–

35,151

10,187

200

200

200

200

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

168

101

194

47

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Unvested share
awards subject
to company
performance
conditions
(incl awards 
granted in
2016) as at
31 December
2016 
(iii)

Shares owned
(subject to
continued
service) as at
31 December
2016 
(ii)

Fully vested
unexercised 
options
as at
31 December
2016

–

2,882,733

209,962

1,333,898

–

–

99,992

2,293,203

215,261

374

1,462,506

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Executives

Iain Conn(iv)

Jeff Bell(v)

Mark Hanafin(vi)

Mark Hodges(vii)

Non-Executives

Rick Haythornthwaite

Margherita Della Valle

Joan Gillman

Stephen Hester

Lesley Knox

Carlos Pascual

Steve Pusey

Scott Wheway

(i) 

These shares are owned outright by the Director or a connected person and they are not subject to continued service or performance conditions. They include shares 
purchased in April 2016 with deferred Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) funds which have mandatory holding periods of 3 and 4 years.

(ii)  Shares owned subject to continued service are DMSS deferred awards, SIP matching shares that have not yet been held for the 3 year holding period and for Jeff Bell, 

shares that were awarded in 2014 and 2015 under the Share Award Scheme and the On Track Incentive Plan, before he was appointed to the Board.

(iii)  Shares and options that are subject to the achievement of long-term performance conditions are the awards granted under the LTIS in 2014, matching awards granted under 

the DMSS in 2014 and 2015, recruitment awards granted to Iain Conn, and include all awards granted in 2016 which are disclosed elsewhere in this Remuneration Report.
(iv)  Shares owned outright include 100,000 shares purchased directly by Iain Conn during the year. Following the release and allotment of shares in April 2017, it is estimated 

that Iain Conn will hold shares with a value equal to 330% of salary.

(v)  Following the release and allotment of shares in April 2017, it is estimated that Jeff Bell will hold shares with a value equal to 207% of salary.
(vi)  Following the release and allotment of shares in April 2017, it is estimated that Mark Hanafin will hold shares with a value equal to 281% of salary.
(vii)  Following the allotment of shares in April 2017, it is estimated that Mark Hodges will hold shares with a value equal to 134% of salary.

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

97 

GOVERNANCE  
DIRECTORS’ ANNUAL REMUNERATION REPORT

Directors’ Annual Remuneration Report
continued

Percentage change in Group Chief Executive’s 
remuneration compared with other employees
The table below shows the percentage change in base pay/salary, 
taxable benefits and bonus (annual incentive) payments between 
2015 and 2016 for Iain Conn, compared with a comparator group 
of UK employees, over the same period of time.

Salary and fees

Taxable benefits

Annual incentive

Group
Chief Executive
% change

0.00

0.00

30.64

Employees
% change

1.75

0.99

28.57

The comparator group includes management and technical or 
specialist employees based in the UK in Level 2 to Level 6 (where Level 
1 is the Group Chief Executive). The employees selected have been 
employed in their role throughout 2015 and 2016 to give a meaningful 
comparison. The group has been chosen as the employees have 
a remuneration package with a similar structure to the Group 
Chief Executive, including base salary, benefits and annual bonus.

Pay for performance
The table below shows the Group Chief Executive’s total remuneration 
over the last eight years and the achieved annual variable and 
long-term incentive pay awards as a percentage of the plan maximum.

Group
Chief Executive
single figure
of total
remuneration
£000

Annual bonus
payout
against max
opportunity
%

Long-term
incentive
vesting against
max opportunity
%

4,151

3,025

3,272

2,235

5,709

5,047

5,322

4,627

82

63

34

50

61

50

91

92

0

0

35

0

67

59

62

73

Year

Iain Conn

2016

2015

Sam Laidlaw

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

The performance graph below shows Centrica’s TSR performance 
against the performance of the FTSE 100 Index over the eight-year 
period to 31 December 2016. The FTSE 100 Index has been 
chosen as it is an index of similar sized companies and Centrica 
has been a constituent member throughout the period.

Total return indices – Centrica and FTSE 100

220

200

180

160

140

120

100

98

Dec
2008

Dec
2009

Dec
2010

Dec
2011

Dec
2012

Dec
2013

Dec
2014

Dec
2015

Dec
2016

Centrica return index

FTSE 100 return index

Source: Datastream

Fees received for external appointments  
of Executive Directors
In 2016, Iain Conn received £121,000 (£97,500 in 2015) as a  
non-executive director of BT Group plc.

Relative importance of spend on pay
The following table sets out the amounts paid in dividends and 
staff and employee costs for the years ended 31 December 2015 
and 2016.

Dividends

Staff and 
employee costs(i)

2016
£m

532

2015
£m

387

2,183

2,126

%
Change

37

3

(i)  Staff and employee costs are as per note 5 in the Notes to the Financial Statements.

Payments for loss of office
During 2016, there were no payments made for loss of office.

Funding of share schemes in 2016
During 2016, market purchased shares, held in trust, were used 
to satisfy outstanding allocations under DMSS (deferred and 
investment shares), LTIS 2014, the Restricted Share Scheme and 
the On Track Incentive Plan (conditional share plans for Centrica 
employees below the executive level). Treasury shares were used 
to satisfy the release of shares or exercise of options under the 
DMSS, LTIS, the Share Award Scheme and On Track Incentive 
Plan (conditional share plans for Centrica employees below the 
executive level), and Centrica’s all-employee share plans. At 
31 December 2016, 50,833,460 shares were held in treasury 
(2015: 58,705,016), following the share repurchase programme 
throughout 2013 and 2014.

Advice to the Remuneration Committee
The membership of the Remuneration Committee during 2016 
is set out in the Directors’ and Corporate Governance Report 
on page 79.

The Chairman, Group Chief Executive, Group HR Director, 
Group General Counsel & Company Secretary and Deputy 
Group HR Director & Group Head of Reward are normally invited 
to attend each Committee meeting and provide advice and 
guidance to the Committee, other than in respect of their 
own remuneration.

The Committee also has access to detailed external information 
and research on market data and trends from independent 
consultants. Deloitte LLP (Deloitte) was appointed by the 
Committee in 2011, following a competitive tender process, 
as independent external adviser.

In addition, Deloitte was appointed by the Company in 2014 
to provide a TSR monitoring and reporting service. The fees 
for TSR reports provided to the Committee on completion of 
the LTIS performance cycles during 2016 amounted to £1,200. 
Deloitte also provided quarterly TSR reports and updates 
to the Company which were used to keep the general LTIS 
population regularly updated with TSR performance.

Deloitte has also provided advice to Centrica globally during  
2016 in the areas of employment taxes, share schemes, 
pensions, corporate finance, management consulting 
and internal audit.

STRATEGIC  REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONCHANGES SINCE 1 JANUARY 2017
Share Incentive Plan (SIP)
During the period from 1 January 2017 to 23 February 2017, 
Mark Hanafin and Mark Hodges both acquired 174 shares 
and Iain Conn acquired 88 shares through the SIP.

The Remuneration Report has been approved by the 
Board of Directors and signed on its behalf.

Grant Dawson
Group General Counsel & Company Secretary
23 February 2017

During the year, Centrica announced its intention to tender 
for the audit contract in the second half of 2016. To avoid any 
independence restrictions, the Committee appointed New 
Bridge Street consultants, part of Aon Consulting Ltd (Aon), 
in March 2016 on an interim basis to provide training and insight 
as well as independent advice to the Committee until the 
outcome of the audit tender was announced.

The fees for the advice including preparation for and attendance 
at Committee meetings amounted to £16,200.

Aon has also provided advice and services to Centrica globally 
during 2016 in the areas of payroll and workforce administration 
as well as system and process implementation.

The Committee will consider the appointment of a permanent 
independent external adviser during the course of 2017.

The Committee takes into account the Remuneration Consultants 
Group’s Code of Conduct when dealing with its advisers. 
The Committee is satisfied that the advice it received during 
the year was objective and independent and that the provision 
of any other services by Deloitte and Aon in no way compromises 
their independence.

2016 VOTING
At the AGM held on 18 April 2016, shareholders approved 
the Directors’ Annual Remuneration Report for the year ended 
31 December 2015. Below are the results in respect of the 
resolution, which required a simple majority (of 50%) of the votes 
cast to be in favour in order for the resolution to be passed:

Directors’ Remuneration Report

Votes for

3,082,860,058

%

Votes against

85.49

523,100,568

%

14.51

70,713,647 votes were withheld.

A full schedule in respect of shareholder voting on the above 
and all resolutions at the 2016 AGM is available at centrica.com.

IMPLEMENTATION IN THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR
No changes to the Policy are anticipated in 2017. Awards will be 
granted in line with the limits set out in the Policy table. Performance 
measures and targets for the short and long-term incentive plans 
align with the Group’s strategy and therefore will remain unchanged.

Adjusted operating cash flow targets are considered commercially 
sensitive until the year end and will therefore be disclosed 
retrospectively in the Remuneration Report for the year in question.

Base salaries for Executives will be reviewed during the course 
of 2017 as part of the normal annual cycle taking account of 
performance, market conditions and pay in the Group as a whole. 
No changes to pensions or benefits are anticipated.

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

99 

GOVERNANCE  
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

Independent Auditors’ Report
to the members of Centrica plc

REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Our opinion
In our opinion:

•  Centrica plc’s Group Financial Statements and parent Company 
Financial Statements (the ‘Financial Statements’) give a true and 
fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the parent Company’s 
affairs as at 31 December 2016 and of the Group’s profit and 
cash flows for the year then ended;

•  the Group Financial Statements have been properly prepared 

in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(‘IFRSs’) as adopted by the European Union;

•  the parent Company Financial Statements have been properly 

prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally 
Accepted Accounting Practice; and

•  the Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance 

with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards 
the Group Financial Statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

What we have audited
The Financial Statements, included within the Annual Report 
and Accounts (the ‘Annual Report’), comprise:

•  the Group Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2016;
•  the Company Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2016;
•  the Group Income Statement and Group Statement of 

Comprehensive Income for the year then ended;

•  the Group Cash Flow Statement for the year then ended;
•  the Group Statement of Changes in Equity for the year 

then ended;

•  the Company Statement of Changes in Equity for the year 

then ended; and

•  the notes to the Financial Statements, which include a 
summary of significant accounting policies and other 
explanatory information.

Certain required disclosures have been presented elsewhere in the 
Annual Report, rather than in the notes to the Financial Statements. 
These are cross-referenced from the Financial Statements and are 
identified as audited.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the 
preparation of the Group financial statements is IFRSs as adopted 
by the European Union, and applicable law. The financial reporting 
framework that has been applied in the preparation of the parent 
Company Financial Statements is United Kingdom Accounting 
Standards, comprising FRS 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’ 
(United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), and 
applicable law.

The scope of our audit and our areas of focus
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards 
on Auditing (UK and Ireland) (‘ISAs (UK & Ireland)’).

We designed our audit by determining materiality and assessing 
the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements. 
In particular, we looked at where the Directors made subjective 
judgements, for example in respect of significant accounting 
estimates that involved making assumptions and considering 
future events that are inherently uncertain. As in all of our audits 
we also addressed the risk of management override of internal 
controls, including evaluating whether there was evidence of bias 
by the Directors that represented a risk of material misstatement 
due to fraud.

The risks of material misstatement that had the greatest effect 
on our audit, including the allocation of our resources and effort, 
are identified as ‘areas of focus’ in the table below. We have also 
set out how we tailored our audit to address these specific areas 
in order to provide an opinion on the financial statements as a whole, 
and any comments we make on the results of our procedures 
should be read in this context. This is not a complete list of all 
risks identified by our audit.

Our audit approach – overview

Materiality

Audit scope

Areas of focus

100

MATERIALITY
•  Overall Group materiality is £59 million which represents 5% of 3 year average 
pre-tax profit adjusted for exceptional items and certain re-measurements as 
defined in the financial statements.

AUDIT SCOPE
•  We conducted our audit work across the Group’s locations including the UK, 

the Republic of Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, the United States and Canada.
•  Senior members of the Group audit team performed site visits across the Group’s 
locations. This included North America Home in Houston, the Neas Energy 
business acquired in Denmark and the significant parts of the UK business 
including UK Home, UK Business and Energy Marketing & Trading.

•  Taken together, the territories and functions where we performed our audit 

work accounted for 94% of Group revenues and 80% of Group profit before tax. 
The coverage levels have been calculated using absolute values (ie the sum of 
the numerical values without regard to whether they were profit or losses for the 
components). This coverage also includes business units where only specific audit 
procedures have been performed.

AREAS OF FOCUS
Our areas of focus comprised:

•  Impairment assessment
•  Valuation of derivative transactions 

in commodity trading

•  Presentation of exceptional items 
and certain re-measurements

•  Onerous contracts
•  Downstream revenue recognition
•  Pensions

STRATEGIC  REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONArea of focus

How our audit addressed the area of focus

IMPAIRMENT ASSESSMENT

The Group has £5.3 billion of property, plant, and equipment, the majority 
of which relates to gas production, storage and power generation assets, 
£1.8 billion of intangible assets and £2.6 billion of goodwill.

Impairment assessments of these assets require significant judgement 
and there is the risk that valuation of the assets may be incorrect and 
any potential impairment charge or reversal miscalculated.

The value of Centrica’s assets is supported by either value in use 
calculations, which are based on future cash flow forecasts or fair value 
less costs of disposal.

There has been some improvement in forecast oil and gas prices in 2016. 
In addition, favourable oil and gas reserve revisions and cost reductions 
have resulted in pre-tax impairment reversals of £63 million in relation 
to the Norwegian gas and oil assets in the Exploration & Production 
business. A pre-tax impairment reversal of £56 million has been 
recognised in relation to certain gas assets in Trinidad and Tobago 
after considering the proceeds expected under the sale and purchase 
agreement. An amount of £16 million (pre-tax) was also reversed in 
relation to decommissioning on previously impaired assets.

An impairment assessment was performed on combined cycle gas 
turbine (CCGT) power stations with a pre-tax impairment reversal of 
£26 million recognised within exceptional items in relation to the 
King’s Lynn power station following the award of a 15 year capacity 
market contract.

Impairment indicators were identified for the Storage facility following 
operational issues. This has resulted in a total pre-tax impairment charge 
of £176 million being recognised. The model remains highly sensitive 
to key assumptions including price, volume and well performance.

In 2015 the Group announced E&P Canada was no longer a core part 
of the Exploration & Production business and would be divested. 
The Directors have received a range of bids and have considered 
internal discounted cash flow analysis which evidence a wide range  
of possible outcomes in relation to the valuation of the business. 
Considerable judgement has therefore been applied in determining the 
recoverable amount of the assets. As significant uncertainty remains  
in the disposal process for E&P Canada, the Directors were unable to 
conclude that completion of the sale is highly probable within 12 months 
from balance sheet date. Therefore it has not been classified as 
held for sale at year end.

Refer to pages 76 and 77 for details on the Audit Committee reviews 
and conclusions and notes 3, 7, 13, 15 and S2 in the Financial Statements.

We assessed and challenged the impairment analysis prepared by the 
Directors as outlined below.

With regard to the overall impairment assessments performed by the 
Directors, we evaluated the design of internal controls in place to check 
that the Group’s assets are valued appropriately including those controls 
in place to determine any asset impairments or impairment reversals. 
We also reviewed the assets that Directors assessed for indicators 
of impairment and no indicators were identified. 

We evaluated the Directors’ assumptions and estimates used to 
determine the recoverable value of the gas and oil production and storage 
assets, power generation assets, intangible assets, and goodwill. This 
included reviewing fundamental curves, benchmarking their oil and gas 
price assumptions, reviewing operating cost forecasts and expected 
production profiles. We tested these assumptions by reference to third 
party documentation where available, such as commodity price 
forecasts, and consultation with operational management. With regard  
to Trinidad and Tobago, we reviewed the Directors’ assessment of the 
recoverable amount of the assets with consideration to the sale and 
purchase agreement.

We used PwC valuation specialists to help us assess the commodity 
prices and discount rates used by the Directors. We benchmarked these 
to external data and challenged the assumptions based on our knowledge 
of the Group and its industry. In addition we tested the Directors’ sensitivity 
and stress test scenarios to ensure appropriate judgement had been applied. 

We challenged the key assumptions used in each impairment model and 
performed sensitivity analysis around key drivers of cash flow forecasts, 
including output volumes, commodity prices, operating costs and 
expected life of assets.

With regard to E&P Canada, we have challenged the Directors’ assessment 
that the business should not be classified as held for sale at the balance 
sheet date. This included meeting with operational and group management 
to assess the status of the disposal process as at the balance sheet date, 
understanding the status of bids, negotiations and assessment of the 
options being considered by the Directors. In relation to assessing the 
recoverable amount of the E&P Canadian assets, we have considered the 
Directors’ internal discounted cash flow analysis, performed a range of 
sensitivity analyses on the discounted cash flow and understood the third 
party bids received.

Based on our analysis and the analysis performed by our valuations team, 
we did not identify any material issues with the impairment conclusions and 
valuation of exploration and production, storage and power generation 
assets and goodwill. We did not identify any material issues with the 
accuracy of the impairment charges and reversals and the associated 
disclosures including the classification of assets.

VALUATION OF DERIVATIVE TRANSACTIONS 
IN COMMODITY TRADING

The Group enters into a number of forward energy trades to help protect 
and optimise the value of its underlying production and storage assets, 
power generation assets, and transportation assets, as well as to meet 
the future energy and supply needs of customers.

Certain of these arrangements are accounted for as derivative financial 
instruments and are recorded at fair value.

Judgement is required in valuing these derivative contracts, particularly 
where the life of the contract is beyond the liquid market period. The fair 
value calculation requires bespoke models to be used that are specific 
to the derivative and, as such, we gave particular focus to the valuation 
of derivative contracts at the balance sheet date.

Refer to pages 76 and 77 for details on the Audit Committee reviews 
and conclusions and notes 2 and 7 in the Financial Statements.

We assessed the overall commodity trading process including internal 
risk management procedures and the system and controls on the 
origination and maintenance of complete and accurate information 
relating to derivative contracts. We found the controls in place over this 
process to be operating effectively and therefore placed reliance on 
these controls in our testing.

We tested the valuation of derivative contracts at the year end date which 
requires the use of the Directors’ valuation models. Our audit procedures 
focused on the integrity of these valuation models and the incorporation 
of the contract terms and the key assumptions, including future prices and 
discount rates. We verified input prices into the system and recalculated 
valuations for a sample of derivatives, as well as performing sensitivity 
analyses for more complex derivatives. Our testing focused on ensuring 
appropriate judgement had been applied in the valuation of the contracts 
and we did not identify any material errors.

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

101 

GOVERNANCE  
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

Independent Auditors’ Report
continued

Area of focus

How our audit addressed the area of focus

For each of the material exceptional items, we considered Directors’ 
analyses of why they were determined to be exceptional and performed 
our own, independent assessment by looking, primarily, at the nature 
of the items. The detailed work we performed on the exceptional items 
relating to the impairment charges and reversals, which is one of the 
most significant items, is described on pages 126, 127 and 128.

We have performed audit testing over the restructuring costs recorded 
during the year including assessing whether any related provisions meet 
the requirements under IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and 
Contingent Assets. Our testing did not identify any material issues and 
we have ensured appropriate judgement has been applied in classifying 
restructuring costs as an exceptional item.

For certain re-measurements we audited the principles management use 
to determine whether a trade should be recognised as part of business 
performance or presented separately. We evaluated whether the agreed 
principles had been applied consistently by testing that a sample of 
the trades had been presented correctly as optimisation or speculative 
trading. Based on the work performed we did not identify any material 
issues with the presentation, classification or disclosure of exceptional 
items and certain re-measurements.

We tested the identification and completeness of onerous contracts 
through discussions with management, examination of board minutes, 
obtaining and reading the new significant contracts entered into during 
the year and testing Directors’ assumptions for a sample of contracts.

We tested the valuation of the onerous contract provisions by evaluating 
whether appropriate judgements and assumptions had been applied 
in determining the unavoidable costs of meeting the obligation and the 
estimate of the expected benefits to be received under the contract.

For the Spalding onerous contract provision release, we examined the 
revised contract and tested the updated cash flow forecasts. In relation  
to the Rijnmond tolling contract settlement, we have reviewed the settlement 
agreement and verified the cash payment made. We have also reviewed 
management’s updated model for the North America wind farm power 
purchase agreement to ensure the appropriate judgement had been applied.

PRESENTATION OF EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS AND CERTAIN 
RE-MEASUREMENTS

The middle column of the Income Statement represents exceptional items 
and certain re-measurements. In the current year, there is a total pre-tax 
exceptional charge of £11 million and a £1,030 million pre-tax net gain 
relating to re-measurements, included within operating profit.

Exceptional items
The current year exceptional items pre-tax charge comprises of 
restructuring costs of £228 million and an impairment charge on the 
UK gas storage assets of £176 million. Impairment reversals were 
recognised on certain exploration and production assets of £135 million 
and combined cycle gas turbine (CCGTs) power stations of £26 million. 
A net gain on disposal of businesses and assets of £101 million, a one-off 
past service credit as a result of the implementation of a reduced salary 
cap on pensionable pay of £78 million, and a net release of onerous 
power procurement contracts of £53 million were also included within 
exceptional items in the current year.

The appropriate classification of exceptional items involves subjective 
judgement by the Directors including whether the item is truly exceptional 
by virtue of its nature, size or incidence. Our focus was on testing that 
the presentation and disclosure of these items is materially correct.

Certain re-measurements (as defined in the Financial Statements)
Certain re-measurements which resulted in a pre-tax net gain of £1,030 
million, relates to the fair valuing of forward energy trades. There are two 
main types of trades the Group participates in:

•  optimisation trades – it is the Directors’ view that movements in the fair 

value of optimisation trades do not reflect the underlying performance 
of the business because they are economically related to parts of 
the business which are not fair valued, for example exploration and 
production assets or downstream demand. As such, these trades 
are only reflected in business performance when the underlying 
transaction or asset impacts the profit or loss; and

•  speculative trading – it is entered into for the purpose of making profit. 
Therefore all fair value movements associated with it are disclosed as 
part of underlying business performance.

Our focus was on testing the correct classification of optimisation 
and speculative trades.

Refer to pages 76 and 77 for details on the Audit Committee reviews 
and conclusions and notes 2 and 7 in the Financial Statements.

ONEROUS CONTRACTS

The Group enters into a number of significant and complex contracts, 
for example, power procurement and tolling contracts. Macro-economic 
factors, such as forecast commodity prices, can have a significant impact 
on the profitability of these contracts, and therefore the Directors make 
an assessment as to whether the impact of such factors has resulted 
in contracts becoming onerous.

The onerous contract provision of £64 million in relation to the Spalding 
power station tolling agreement has been released following the 
renegotiation of the contract and further improvements in elements of  
the cash flow forecasts underpinning the provision. The Group has also 
negotiated an exit from the Rijnmond tolling contract which resulted in  
an additional onerous contract provision of £26 million being recognised. 
The onerous contract provision for the North America wind farm power 
purchase agreement was updated to take into account changes to 
forecast US power prices resulting in a £15 million release to the 
provision being recorded at year end.

The Directors’ existing assessment of expected costs in relation to the 
European gas transportation contract remains materially unchanged.

Our focus on onerous contracts was assessing whether material onerous 
contracts have been identified and that the valuation of any provision is 
materially correct.

Refer to pages 76 and 77 for details on the Audit Committee reviews 
and conclusions and notes 3, 7 and 21 in the Financial Statements.

102

STRATEGIC  REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONArea of focus

How our audit addressed the area of focus

DOWNSTREAM REVENUE RECOGNITION

The accuracy of the recorded energy services revenue within the Group 
and its presentation in the income statement is dependent on complex 
estimation methodologies and algorithms used to assess the amount of 
energy supplied to customers between the date of the last meter reading 
and the year end (known as unread revenue). Unread gas and electricity 
revenue comprises both billed and unbilled revenue. The specific risk 
over unread revenue is the accuracy of the estimation. Where an unread 
estimate is billed this gives the customer an opportunity to challenge the 
estimate which can lead to the subsequent refinement of unread estimates.

Where unread estimates are unbilled, there continues to be a risk over 
accuracy, recoverability and therefore correct recognition in the income 
statement and balance sheet.

Furthermore, following the implementation of a new billing system in UK 
Business in 2014, Directors’ have performed additional levels of review 
over the revenue and receivables cycle including making judgements 
over the level of accounts receivable provisioning.

Refer to pages 76 and 77 for details on the Audit Committee reviews 
and conclusions and notes 3, 4 and 17 in the Financial Statements.

In order to test the accuracy of the unread billed and unbilled revenue 
in UK Home, UK Business and UK Home Services, we assessed the 
IT general controls, system application configuration, and business 
process controls in relation to the revenue estimation and billing systems. 
Our testing in these areas was sufficient to enable us to place reliance 
on the system generated revenue estimation for the year end audit. In 
North America Home and North America Business, we performed detailed 
testing to support the accuracy of the unread billed and unbilled revenue.

Given the relatively short time period between the end of the financial 
year and the audit, the majority of unbilled revenue as at 31 December 
remained unbilled and uncollected at the date of this report. We therefore 
focused our substantive testing on the manual adjustments to estimated 
unbilled revenue, assessing the appropriateness of the estimation 
methodologies and the reconciliation of unbilled reports to the general 
ledger at the year end. Where manual adjustments were made to the 
unbilled revenue estimate, we challenged the basis of the adjustments 
made, the source of the data used and the consistency of the 
adjustments with prior years to confirm we were comfortable with 
the adjustments.

In assessing the methodology used to derive the unbilled revenue 
estimate at the balance sheet date, and testing the performance of 
historical billing and collections, we did not identify any material issues 
with the recognition of unbilled revenue.

With regard to the new billing system in UK Business, we increased 
our scope of work in order to assess any continued impact of the 
implementation, specifically on accounts receivable and associated 
provisioning. This included assessing the recoverability of debt and 
additional procedures over the calculation of the debt provision at 
year end.

Based on our work we did not identify any material misstatements 
with downstream revenue recognition.

We used PwC pension specialists to help us assess the assumptions 
used by the Directors in the valuation of the pension deficit. We compared 
the discount and inflation rates used in the valuation to our internally 
developed benchmarks. We have an internally developed range of 
acceptable discount rates for valuing pension liabilities, which is based 
on our view of various economic indicators. While our range is, itself, 
subjective, the discount rate used by the Group is in the middle of our 
expected range, however the inflation RPI is at the more optimistic 
end of the range.

Based on the work performed, we did not identify any material issues 
over the assumptions used in valuing the pension deficit.

PENSIONS

The Group has a net defined benefit pension deficit of £1,137 million, 
consisting of a £7,938 million asset, offset by a £9,075 million liability.

The assumptions used in valuing the pension liability are both 
judgemental and sensitive to change and thus there is a risk that a 
small change in the judgements used will have a significant impact 
on the valuation of the pension deficit.

The continued fall in gilt rates and the low yield environment has reduced 
the discount rate on which the Group’s pension deficit is calculated to 
2.7% (2015: 3.9%), while the remaining assumptions are reasonably 
consistent with the prior year.

As such our area of focus was on the assumptions used in calculating 
the liability, particularly the discount rate.

Refer to pages 76 and 77 for details on the Audit Committee reviews 
and conclusions and notes 3 and 22 in the Financial Statements.

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

103 

GOVERNANCE  
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

Independent Auditors’ Report
continued

How we tailored the audit scope
We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed 
enough work to be able to give an opinion on the financial 
statements as a whole, taking into account the geographic 
structure of the Group, the accounting processes and controls, 
and the industry in which the Group operates.

The Group is made up of the following business lines: UK Home, 
UK Business, Ireland, North America Home, North America 
Business, Connected Home, Distributed Energy & Power, Energy 
Marketing & Trading, Exploration & Production, Central Power 
Generation and Centrica Storage. The Group Financial Statements 
are a consolidation of these business lines and comprise the 
Group’s operating businesses and centralised functions.

Accordingly, based on size and risk characteristics, we performed 
a full scope audit of the financial information for the following  
business units: UK Home, UK Business, North America Home, 
North America Business, Exploration & Production, Energy 
Marketing & Trading and elements of Central Power Generation.

Where the work was performed by component auditors, we 
determined the level of involvement we needed to have in the 
audit work at those business units to conclude whether sufficient 
appropriate audit evidence had been obtained as a basis for 
our opinion on the Group Financial Statements as a whole.

Across the Group, the Group team involvement comprised of site 
visits, conference calls, review of component auditor work papers, 
attendance at component audit clearance meetings and other 
forms of communication as considered necessary. Members of 
the Group team are also directly involved in the component audits 
of UK Home, UK Business, Energy Marketing & Trading and  
Central Power Generation. In addition, senior members of the 
Group audit team performed a number of site visits throughout  
the year including to North America Home in Houston and the  
Neas Energy business in Denmark.

Taken together, the business units where we performed our audit 
work accounted for 94% of Group revenues and 80% of Group 
profit before tax. The coverage levels have been calculated using 
absolute values (ie the sum of the numerical values without regard 
to whether they were profit or losses for the components). This 
coverage also includes business units where only specific audit 
procedures have been performed.

Materiality
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of 
materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for materiality. 
These, together with qualitative considerations, helped us to 
determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent 
of our audit procedures on the individual financial statement line 
items and disclosures and in evaluating the effect of misstatements, 
both individually and on the Financial Statements as a whole.

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality 
for the Financial Statements as a whole as follows:

OVERALL GROUP MATERIALITY

£59 million (2015: £78 million).

HOW WE DETERMINED IT

5% of 3 year average pre-tax profit adjusted for exceptional items 
and certain re-measurements (rounded down) as defined in the 
Financial Statements.

RATIONALE FOR BENCHMARK APPLIED

The Group materiality benchmark has been calculated as 5% of profit 
from continuing operations, adjusted to exclude the effect of volatility 
on underlying performance from disclosed exceptional items and certain 
re-measurements. These items have impacted the income statement to 
a quantitatively material degree and are not considered to form part of 
the underlying results of the Group. To eliminate further volatility in trading 
performance, a 3 year average on the same benchmark was used in 
calculating the overall materiality.

COMPONENT MATERIALITY

For each component in our audit scope, we allocated a materiality that is 
less than our overall Group materiality. The range of materiality allocated 
across components was between £10 million and £50 million. Certain 
components were audited to a local statutory audit materiality that was 
also less than our overall Group materiality.

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to 
them misstatements identified during our audit above £5 million 
(2015: £10 million) as well as misstatements below that amount 
that, in our view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons.

Going concern
Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the Directors’ 
Statement, set out on page 82, in relation to going concern. 
We have nothing to report having performed our review.

Under ISAs (UK & Ireland) we are required to report to you if we 
have anything material to add or to draw attention to in relation 
to the Directors’ Statement about whether they considered it 
appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the 
Financial Statements. We have nothing material to add or to 
draw attention to.

As noted in the Directors’ Statement, the Directors have concluded 
that it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in preparing 
the Financial Statements. The going concern basis presumes that 
the Group and parent company have adequate resources to remain 
in operation, and that the Directors intend them to do so, for at 
least one year from the date the Financial Statements were signed. 
As part of our audit we have concluded that the Directors’ use 
of the going concern basis is appropriate. However, because not 
all future events or conditions can be predicted, these statements 
are not a guarantee as to the Group’s and parent Company’s 
ability to continue as a going concern.

104

STRATEGIC  REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONOTHER REQUIRED REPORTING
Consistency of other information and compliance with applicable requirements
Companies Act 2006 reporting
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

•  the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ and Corporate Governance Report for the financial year for 

which the Financial Statements are prepared is consistent with the Financial Statements; and

•  the Strategic Report and the Directors’ and Corporate Governance Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable 

legal requirements.

In addition, in light of the knowledge and understanding of the Company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, 
we are required to report if we have identified any material misstatements in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ and Corporate 
Governance Report. We have nothing to report in this respect.

ISAs (UK & Ireland) reporting

Under ISAs (UK & Ireland) we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:

•  information in the Annual Report is:  

We have no exceptions to report.

–  materially inconsistent with the information in the audited Financial Statements; or
–  apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, our knowledge  
of the Group and parent Company acquired in the course of performing our audit; or

–  otherwise misleading.

•  the statement given by the Directors on page 82, in accordance with provision C.1.1 of the UK 

We have no exceptions to report.

Corporate Governance Code (the ‘Code’), that they consider the Annual Report taken as a whole 
to be fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary for members 
to assess the Group’s and parent Company’s position and performance, business model and 
strategy is materially inconsistent with our knowledge of the Group and parent Company 
acquired in the course of performing our audit.

•  the section of the Annual Report on page 74, as required by provision C.3.8 of the Code, 
describing the work of the Audit Committee does not appropriately address matters 
communicated by us to the Audit Committee.

We have no exceptions to report.

The Directors’ assessment of the prospects of the Group and of the principal risks that would threaten the solvency 
or liquidity of the Group

Under ISAs (UK & Ireland) we are required to report to you if we have anything material to add or to 
draw attention to in relation to:

•  the Directors’ confirmation on page 64 of the Annual Report, in accordance with provision C.2.1 

of the Code, that they have carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the Group, 
including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity.

We have nothing material to add or to 
draw attention to.

•  the disclosures in the Annual Report that describe those risks and explain how they are being 

managed or mitigated.

•  the Directors’ explanation on page 64 of the Annual Report, in accordance with provision C.2.2 
of the Code, as to how they have assessed the prospects of the Group, over what period they 
have done so and why they consider that period to be appropriate, and their statement as to 
whether they have a reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to continue in operation 
and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of their assessment, including any related 
disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications or assumptions.

We have nothing material to add or to 
draw attention to.

We have nothing material to add or to 
draw attention to.

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the Directors’ statement that they have carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the 
Group and the Directors’ Statement in relation to the longer-term viability of the Group. Our review was substantially less in scope than an audit and only 
consisted of making inquiries and considering the Directors’ process supporting their statements; checking that the statements are in alignment with the 
relevant provisions of the Code; and considering whether the statements are consistent with the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing 
our audit. We have nothing to report having performed our review.

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

105 

What an audit of Financial Statements involves
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and 
disclosures in the Financial Statements sufficient to give reasonable 
assurance that the Financial Statements are free from material 
misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes 
an assessment of:

•  whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the 
Group’s and the parent Company’s circumstances and 
have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed;

•  the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates 

made by the Directors; and

•  the overall presentation of the Financial Statements.

We primarily focus our work in these areas by assessing the 
Directors’ judgements against available evidence, forming our 
own judgements, and evaluating the disclosures in the 
Financial Statements.

We test and examine information, using sampling and other 
auditing techniques, to the extent we consider necessary to 
provide a reasonable basis for us to draw conclusions. We obtain 
audit evidence through testing the effectiveness of controls, 
substantive procedures or a combination of both.

In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information 
in the Annual Report to identify material inconsistencies with the 
audited financial statements and to identify any information that is 
apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent 
with, the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the 
audit. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements 
or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report. 
With respect to the Strategic Report and Directors’ and Corporate 
Governance Report, we consider whether those reports include 
the disclosures required by applicable legal requirements.

Charles Bowman
(Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors  
London

23 February 2017

GOVERNANCE  
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

Independent Auditors’ Report
continued

Adequacy of accounting records and information 
and explanations received
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, 
in our opinion:

•  we have not received all the information and explanations we 

require for our audit; or

•  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent 
company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been 
received from branches not visited by us; or

•  the parent company financial statements and the part of the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are not in 
agreement with the accounting records and returns.

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

Directors’ remuneration
Directors’ Remuneration Report – Companies Act 2006 opinion
In our opinion, the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report 
to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with 
the Companies Act 2006.

Other Companies Act 2006 reporting
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, 
in our opinion, certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration 
specified by law are not made. We have no exceptions to report 
arising from this responsibility.

Corporate Governance Statement
Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the part of the 
Corporate Governance Statement relating to ten further provisions 
of the Code. We have nothing to report having performed 
our review.

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
AND THE AUDIT
Our responsibilities and those of the Directors
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement, 
the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the Financial 
Statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and 
fair view.

Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the 
Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and ISAs 
(UK & Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the 
Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.

This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and 
only for the parent Company’s members as a body in accordance 
with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and for 
no other purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, accept or 
assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person 
to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come 
save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

106

STRATEGIC  REPORTFINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Financial  
Statements

108  Group Financial Statements

112  Notes to the Financial Statements

General information

112  1  Summary of significant new accounting policies  

and reporting changes

113  2 Centrica specific accounting measures
114  3  Critical accounting judgements and key sources  

of estimation uncertainty

Group Income Statement (including Dividends)

118  4 Segmental analysis
124  5 Costs of operations
125  6  Share of results of joint ventures and associates
126  7  Exceptional items and certain re-measurements
129  8 Net finance cost
129  9 Taxation
132  10 Earnings per ordinary share
133  11 Dividends

Group Balance Sheet
133  12 Acquisitions and disposals
137  13 Property, plant and equipment
138  14 Interests in joint ventures and associates
139  15 Other intangible assets and goodwill
141  16 Deferred tax liabilities and assets
142  17 Trade and other receivables
143  18 Inventories
144  19 Derivative financial instruments
145  20 Trade and other payables
146  21 Provisions for other liabilities and charges
147  22 Post retirement benefits
151  23 Commitments and contingencies

Capital structure and financing

153  24 Sources of finance
157  25 Share capital

Post-balance sheet events

157  26 Events after the balance sheet date

Supplementary information

158  S1 General information
158  S2 Summary of significant accounting policies
169  S3 Financial risk management
174  S4 Other equity
175  S5 Hedge accounting
176  S6 Fair value of financial instruments
179  S7 Fixed-fee service and insurance contracts
180  S8 Related party transactions
180  S9 Auditors’ remuneration
181  S10 Related undertakings

190  Company Financial Statements

192  Notes to the Company Financial Statements

201  Gas and Liquids Reserves (Unaudited)

202  Five Year Summary (Unaudited)

203  Ofgem Consolidated Segmental Statement

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

107 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Income Statement 

Year ended 31 December 
Group revenue 

Cost of sales before exceptional items and 
certain re-measurements 
Re-measurement of energy contracts 

Cost of sales 
Gross profit 

Operating costs before exceptional items 
Exceptional items – restructuring costs 
Exceptional items – impairments 
Exceptional items – impairment write-backs 
Exceptional items – net gain on disposal 
Exceptional items – other 

Operating costs 
Share of profits/(losses) of joint ventures and 
associates, net of interest and taxation 
Group operating profit/(loss) 

Financing costs 
Investment income 

Net finance cost 
Profit/(loss) before taxation 
Taxation on profit/(loss)  
Profit/(loss) for the year 
Attributable to: 

Owners of the parent 
Non-controlling interests 

Earnings per ordinary share 

Basic 
Diluted 

Interim dividend paid per ordinary share 
Final dividend proposed per ordinary share 

Business 
performance 
 £m 
27,102 

Exceptional  
items and certain 
re-measurements 
£m 
– 

Notes 

4(b) 

– 
1,058 
1,058 
1,058 
– 
(228) 
(176) 
161 
101 
131 
(11) 

(28) 
1,019 
– 
– 
– 
1,019 
(242) 
777 

777 
– 

(22,711) 
– 
(22,711) 
4,391 
(3,054) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(3,054) 

130 
1,467 
(337) 
37 
(300) 
1,167 
(282) 
885 

895 
(10) 

5 

7 

5 

5 

7 

7 

7 

7 

7 

5 

6, 7 

4(c) 

8 

8 

7, 9 

10 

10 

11 

11 

Business 
 performance 
 £m 
27,971 

Exceptional 
 items and certain 
 re-measurements 
 £m 
– 

(23,734) 
– 
(23,734) 
4,237 
(3,039) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(3,039) 

200 
1,398 
(334) 
55 
(279) 
1,119 
(286) 
833 

863 
(30) 

– 
116 
116 
116 
– 
– 
(2,284) 
16 
– 
(90) 
(2,358) 

(13) 
(2,255) 
– 
– 
– 
(2,255) 
538 
(1,717) 

(1,610) 
(107) 

2016   

Results for 
 the year 

 £m   
27,102   

(22,711)  
1,058   
(21,653)  
5,449   
(3,054)  
(228)  
(176)  
161   
101   
131   
(3,065)  

102   
2,486   
(337)  
37   
(300)  
2,186   
(524)  
1,662   

1,672   
(10)  

Pence   
31.4   
31.2   
3.60   
8.40   

2015 

Results for 
 the year 
 £m 
27,971 

(23,734) 
116 
(23,618) 
4,353 
(3,039) 
– 
(2,284) 
16 
– 
(90) 
(5,397) 

187 
(857) 
(334) 
55 
(279) 
(1,136) 
252 
(884) 

(747) 
(137) 

Pence 
(14.9) 
(14.9) 
3.57 
8.43 

The notes on pages 112 to 189 form part of these Financial Statements. 

108 
108

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Statement of Comprehensive Income 

Year ended 31 December 
Profit/(loss) for the year 
Other comprehensive income/(loss): 

Items that will be or have been recycled to the Group Income Statement: 
Gains on revaluation of available-for-sale securities, net of taxation 
Transfer of available-for-sale reserve gains to Income Statement 

Net gains on cash flow hedges 
Transferred to income and expense on cash flow hedges 
Transferred to assets and liabilities on cash flow hedges 
Taxation on cash flow hedges 

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations  
Share of other comprehensive (loss)/income of joint ventures and associates, net of taxation 

Items that will not be recycled to the Group Income Statement: 
Net actuarial losses on defined benefit pension schemes 
Exchange (loss)/gain on translation of actuarial reserve 
Taxation on net actuarial losses on defined benefit pension schemes 

Share of other comprehensive income/(loss) of joint ventures and associates, net of taxation 

Other comprehensive loss net of taxation 
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year 
Attributable to: 

Owners of the parent 
Non-controlling interests 

Notes 

2016 
£m 
1,662   

S4 

S4 

S4 

S4 

S4 

S4 

S4 

S4 

S4 

S4 

S4 

S10 

8   
(5)   

161   
(129)   
(4)   
(3)   
25   
549   
(4)   
573   

(1,174)   
(7)   
194   
(987)   
65   
(349)   
1,313   

1,287   
26   

Group Statement of Changes in Equity 

1 January 2015 
Total comprehensive loss 
Employee share schemes 
Scrip dividend 
Dividends paid to equity holders (note 11) 
Taxation on share-based payments 
31 December 2015 
Total comprehensive income 
Employee share schemes 
Scrip dividend 
Dividends paid to equity holders (note 11) 
Distributions to non-controlling interests 
Issue of share capital 
31 December 2016 

Share  
capital  
(note 25)  
£m 
311 
– 
– 
6 
– 
– 
317 
– 
– 
4 
– 
– 
21 
342 

Share 
 premium 
£m 
931 
– 
– 
204 
– 
– 
1,135 
– 
– 
121 
– 
– 
673 
1,929 

Retained 
 earnings 
 £m 
1,825 
(747) 
2 
– 
(598) 
– 
482 
1,672 
1 
– 
(651) 
– 
– 
1,504 

Other 
 equity 
 (note S4) 
 £m 
(332) 
(480) 
58 
– 
– 
(2) 
(756) 
(385) 
32 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(1,109) 

Non-controlling  
interests 
 (note S10) 
 £m 
336 
(172) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
164 
26 
– 
– 
– 
(12) 
– 
178 

Total 
 £m 
2,735 
(1,227) 
60 
210 
(598) 
(2) 
1,178 
1,287 
33 
125 
(651) 
– 
694 
2,666 

The notes on pages 112 to 189 form part of these Financial Statements. 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

2015 
£m 
(884) 

5 
– 

20 
(12) 
7 
(6) 
9 
(256) 
3 
(239) 

(321) 
3 
50 
(268) 
(8) 
(515) 
(1,399) 

(1,227) 
(172) 

Total 
 equity 
 £m 
3,071 
(1,399) 
60 
210 
(598) 
(2) 
1,342 
1,313 
33 
125 
(651) 
(12) 
694 
2,844 

109 
109 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Balance Sheet 

Non-current assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Interests in joint ventures and associates 
Other intangible assets 
Goodwill 
Deferred tax assets 
Trade and other receivables 
Derivative financial instruments 
Retirement benefit assets 
Securities  

Current assets 
Trade and other receivables 
Inventories 
Derivative financial instruments 
Current tax assets 
Securities 
Cash and cash equivalents (i) 

Assets of disposal groups classified as held for sale 

Total assets 
Current liabilities 
Derivative financial instruments 
Trade and other payables 
Current tax liabilities 
Provisions for other liabilities and charges 
Bank overdrafts, loans and other borrowings (i) 

Liabilities of disposal groups classified as held for sale 

Non-current liabilities 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Derivative financial instruments 
Trade and other payables 
Provisions for other liabilities and charges 
Retirement benefit obligations 
Bank overdrafts, loans and other borrowings 

Total liabilities 
Net assets 
Share capital 
Share premium  
Retained earnings 
Other equity 
Total shareholders’ equity 
Non-controlling interests 
Total shareholders’ equity and non-controlling interests 

31 December 
2016 

Notes 

£m 

31 December 
2015 
(restated) (i)  
£m 

1 January  
2015 
(restated) (i) 
£m 

13 

14 

15 

15 

16 

17 

19 

22(d) 

24 

17 

18 

19 

24 

24 

12(c) 

19 

20 

21 

24 

12(c) 

16 

19 

20 

21 

22(d) 

24 

25 

S4 

S10 

5,298 
1,697 
1,769 
2,614 
356 
66 
582 
– 
219 
12,601 

5,102 
372 
1,291 
241 
13 
2,036 
9,055 
238 
9,293 
21,894 

(1,100) 
(5,525) 
(355) 
(457) 
(398) 
(7,835) 
(42) 
(7,877) 

(245) 
(493) 
(69) 
(3,099) 
(1,137) 
(6,130) 
(11,173) 
(19,050) 
2,844 
342 
1,929 
1,504 
(1,109) 
2,666 
178 
2,844 

4,629 
1,839 
1,775 
2,049 
497 
61 
440 
91 
233 
11,614 

4,905 
395 
936 
126 
11 
1,158 
7,531 
13 
7,544 
19,158 

(1,460) 
(5,034) 
(389) 
(396) 
(773) 
(8,052) 
(46) 
(8,098) 

(98) 
(508) 
(70) 
(2,839) 
(210) 
(5,993) 
(9,718) 
(17,816) 
1,342 
317 
1,135 
482 
(756) 
1,178 
164 
1,342 

6,377 
2,395 
1,991 
2,609 
354 
87 
313 
185 
263 
14,574 

6,226 
555 
617 
88 
11 
775 
8,272 
– 
8,272 
22,846 

(1,565) 
(5,667) 
(348) 
(395) 
(1,789) 
(9,764) 
– 
(9,764) 

(663) 
(588) 
(83) 
(3,203) 
(123) 
(5,351) 
(10,011) 
(19,775) 
3,071 
311 
931 
1,825 
(332) 
2,735 
336 
3,071 

(i)

Cash and cash equivalents and current bank overdrafts, loans and other borrowings have been restated for 2015. An opening balance sheet for 2015 has been presented in accordance 
 with the requirements of IAS 1: ‘Presentation of financial statements’. See note 1 for further information. 

The Financial Statements on pages 108 to 189, of which the notes on pages 112 to 189 form part, were approved and authorised for 
issue by the Board of Directors on 23 February 2017 and were signed below on its behalf by: 

Iain Conn 
Group Chief Executive 

Jeff Bell 
Group Chief Financial Officer 

110 
110

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Cash Flow Statement 

Year ended 31 December 
Group operating profit/(loss) including share of results of joint ventures and associates 
Less share of profit of joint ventures and associates, net of interest and taxation 
Group operating profit/(loss) before share of results of joint ventures and associates 
Add back/(deduct): 

Depreciation, amortisation, write-downs and impairments 
Profit on disposals 
Decrease in provisions 
Defined benefit pension service cost and contributions 
Employee share scheme costs 
Unrealised gains arising from re-measurement of energy contracts  

Operating cash flows before movements in working capital 
Decrease in inventories 
Decrease in trade and other receivables  
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables  
Operating cash flows before payments relating to taxes, interest and exceptional charges 
Taxes paid 
Payments relating to exceptional charges 
Net cash flow from operating activities  
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired 
Sale of businesses  
Purchase of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 
Sale of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 
Investments in joint ventures and associates 
Dividends received from joint ventures and associates 
Repayments of loans to, and disposal of investments in, joint ventures and associates 
Interest received 
Sale of securities 
Net cash flow from investing activities 
Issue and surrender of ordinary share capital, including issue for share awards 
Payments for own shares 
Distribution to non-controlling interests 
Financing interest paid  
Repayment of borrowings and finance leases 
Cash received from borrowings, net of linked deposit 
Equity dividends paid 
Net cash flow from financing activities 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents including overdrafts at 1 January 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
Cash and cash equivalents including overdrafts at 31 December 
Included in the following line of the Group Balance Sheet: 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Overdrafts included within current bank overdrafts, loans and other borrowings 

The notes on pages 112 to 189 form part of these Financial Statements. 

Notes 

6 

9(d) 

4(e) 

14(a) 

24(c) 

S4 

24(c) 

24(c) 

24(c) 

24(c) 

2016  
£m 
2,486 
(102) 
2,384 

1,068 
(126) 
(32) 
(179) 
46 
(737) 
2,424 
90 
221 
140 
2,875 
(206) 
(273) 
2,396 
(335) 
35 
(829) 
13 
(17) 
117 
94 
91 
28 
(803) 
694 
(17) 
(10) 
(204) 
(477) 
– 
(532) 
(546) 
1,047 
860 
53 
1,960 

2,036 
(76) 

2015  
£m 
(857) 
(187) 
(1,044) 

3,482 
(14) 
(2) 
(131) 
45 
(12) 
2,324 
138 
769 
(604) 
2,627 
(349) 
(81) 
2,197 
(79) 
8 
(970) 
9 
(13) 
180 
190 
38 
26 
(611) 
28 
(11) 
– 
(311) 
(1,650) 
1,000 
(387) 
(1,331) 
255 
621 
(16) 
860 

1,158 
(298) 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

111 
111 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Notes to the Financial Statements provide additional information 
required by statute, accounting standards or Listing Rules to explain 
a particular feature of the consolidated Financial Statements. 
The notes to these Financial Statements focus on areas that  
are key to understanding our business. Additional information 
that we are required to disclose by accounting standards or 
regulation is disclosed in the Supplementary Information (notes 
S1 to S10).  
In addition, for clarity, each note begins with a simple introduction 
outlining its purpose.  

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT NEW ACCOUNTING POLICIES 
AND REPORTING CHANGES 

This section details new accounting standards, amendments  
to standards and interpretations, whether these are effective  
in 2016 or later years, and if and how these are expected  
to impact the financial position and performance of the Group. 

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these 
consolidated Financial Statements are set out below and in the 
Supplementary Information (note S2). Unless otherwise stated,  
these policies have been consistently applied to the years presented. 

(a) Basis of preparation 
The consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 
adopted by the European Union (EU) and therefore comply with 
Article 4 of the EU IAS Regulation and the Companies Act 2006.  

The consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared on  
the historical cost basis except for derivative financial instruments, 
available-for-sale financial assets, financial instruments designated  
at fair value through profit or loss on initial recognition, and the assets 
of the Group’s defined benefit pension schemes that have been 
measured at fair value and the liabilities of the Group’s defined benefit 
pension schemes that have been measured using the projected unit 
credit valuation method. The carrying values of recognised assets 
and liabilities that are hedged items in fair value hedges, and are 
otherwise carried at cost, are adjusted to record changes in the  
fair values attributable to the risks that are being hedged.  

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS,  
as adopted by the EU, requires the use of certain critical accounting 
estimates. It requires management to exercise its judgement in the 
process of applying the Group’s accounting policies. The areas 
involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity and areas 
where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated 
Financial Statements are described in notes 2 and 3.  

(b) Standards, amendments and interpretations 
effective or adopted in 2016 
From 1 January 2016, the following standards and amendments 
are effective in the consolidated Group Financial Statements.  
Their first time adoption does not have a material impact on  
the consolidated Group Financial Statements: 

●  Amendment to IAS 1: ‘Presentation of financial statements’ 

related to the disclosure initiative; 

●  Amendment to IAS 16: ‘Property, plant and equipment’ and IAS 
38: ‘Intangible assets’ related to the clarification of acceptable 
methods of depreciation and amortisation;  

●  Amendment to IAS 19: ‘Employee benefits’ related to employee 

contributions to defined benefit plans;  

●  ‘Annual Improvement Project 2010-2012’; and 
●  ‘Annual Improvement Project 2012-2014’. 

112 
112

From 1 January 2016, an amendment to IFRS 11: ‘Joint arrangements’ 
on the acquisitions of interests in joint operations is effective. This 
amendment clarifies that an acquisition of a joint operation that meets 
the definition of a business is accounted for in accordance with IFRS 3: 
‘Business combinations’. This will lead to a change to the Group’s 
current accounting policy for this type of acquisition. However, the 
amendment is only applicable prospectively for acquisitions on or after 
1 January 2016 and therefore the accounting for acquisitions prior to 
this date has not been restated. As these accounting requirements 
apply to non-recurring transactions whose size may vary, the Group 
cannot quantify the impact that the amendment to this standard will 
have in the future. 

(c) Standards and amendments that are issued but not 
yet applied by the Group 
The Group has not yet applied the following standards and 
amendments as these are not yet effective in the consolidated 
Group Financial Statements, although they have been endorsed  
by the EU and will be effective from 1 January 2018: 

●  IFRS 9: ‘Financial instruments’; and 
●  IFRS 15: ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’.  

Management has established and progressed separate projects  
to oversee the implementation of both standards but a detailed  
and complete quantitative assessment of the impact upon transition 
has not been finalised yet. 

Management’s preliminary assessment of the impact of IFRS 9 was 
that it would not have a material impact on the Group’s consolidated 
Financial Statements. The more detailed reviews performed by the 
business in 2016 have continued to corroborate this initial 
assessment. To date, given the nature of the Group’s financial 
instruments held and/or issued, limited changes to the classification 
and measurement of financial instruments have been identified. Initial 
reviews have been performed across the business to determine the 
impact of the change from the incurred credit loss model to the 
expected credit loss model for impairment. Further work is required  
in selected areas but to date, no significant changes have been 
identified. The impact of the hedge accounting requirements of the 
standard, with certain exceptions, will be applied prospectively from  
1 January 2018. Whilst the requirements for hedge accounting are 
simplified in IFRS 9, the Group does not expect to hedge account 
significantly more items because hedging strategies for the Group’s 
commodity exposure are portfolio based and dynamic in nature. 
Therefore, they may still not be eligible for hedge accounting and 
even if they were, this would still require an excessive administrative 
burden. Hence, with some limited exceptions, the majority of the 
Group’s derivative financial instrument fair value movements are 
expected to remain classified as certain re-measurements in the 
Group Income Statement and separately reported, as detailed  
in note 2. Further work will be conducted in 2017 to complete the 
outstanding reviews and update the assessment for new financial 
instruments entered into by the Group in 2017.  

In relation to IFRS 15, management has made significant progress 
in the assessment of the impact of the new standard on the Group. 
During 2016, the Group’s business units have continued to review 
the contractual arrangements that comprise their current revenue 
streams to determine how IFRS 15 will impact the recognition  
and disclosure of revenues from these arrangements. The work 
performed to date has identified that, for the majority of the Group’s 
revenue, the application of IFRS 15 will have no impact on the 
current revenue recognition under IAS 18: ‘Revenue’.  

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT NEW ACCOUNTING POLICIES 
AND REPORTING CHANGES 
The principal reasons for this are: 

●  the majority of Energy Supply revenue relates to open-ended 
customer contracts with no minimum quantities whereby the 
Energy Supply business delivers the amount of energy required 
by customers on demand. Under IFRS 15, it has been concluded 
that the Supply business only has an enforceable right to bill for 
consumption once the customer begins to consume energy; 
●  a portion of our Energy Services revenue is from fixed-fee service 

contracts, which are within the scope of IFRS 4: ‘Insurance 
contracts’ and consequently is not in the scope of IFRS 15. 
Revenue from these contracts will be separately identified from 
revenue in the scope of IFRS 15; and 

●  the majority of the production from our upstream assets (for 

example Exploration & Production gas producing fields, Central 
Power Generation gas fired power stations and sales of power 
from the Group’s associate investment in Nuclear) is transferred 
to the Group’s Energy Marketing & Trading segment and is sold 
in the market using trades in the scope of IAS 39: ‘Financial 
instruments: recognition and measurement’. These transactions 
are therefore outside the scope of IFRS 15. Revenue from these 
contracts will also be separately identified from revenue in the 
scope of IFRS 15. 

The revenue streams where differences have been identified to date 
are not significant. Further work is still required in 2017 to complete 
the reviews of certain revenue streams, for example for the recently 
acquired Neas Energy business and a number of less material 
revenue streams. Additionally, as the business develops new 
product offerings, the IFRS 15 implications of these will also  
need to be reviewed. 

Separately, there will be changes to the amounts deferred on the 
balance sheet related to costs to obtain contracts under IFRS 15 
when compared to the current treatment. The exact change in the 
amount deferred has yet to be formally quantified but is in the 
process of being assessed. 

The necessary processes to capture all of the adjustments and 
additional disclosures required under IFRS 15 will be put into place 
during 2017. 

The following standards and amendments are not yet effective 
in the consolidated Group Financial Statements and have not yet 
been endorsed by the EU:  

●  Amendment to IAS 7: ‘Statement of cash flows’ related to the 

disclosure initiative. Effective from 1 January 2017; 
●  Amendment to IAS 12: ‘Income taxes’. Effective from  

1 January 2017; 

●  Amendment to IFRS 2: ‘Classification and measurement of 

share-based payment transactions’. Effective from  
1 January 2018; 

●  Amendment to IFRS 15: ‘Revenue from contracts with 

customers’ clarifications. Effective from 1 January 2018; 

●  IFRS 16: ‘Leases’. Effective from 1 January 2019; 
●  ‘Annual Improvement Project 2014-2016’. Effective from 

1 January 2017 and 1 January 2018 depending on amendments 
to different standards; and 

●  IFRIC Interpretation 22: ‘Foreign currency transactions and 
advance consideration’. Effective from 1 January 2018. 

Management does not anticipate that the application of the 
amendments to IAS 7, IAS 12, IFRS 2, IFRIC 22 and the ‘Annual 
Improvement Project 2014-2016’ will have a material impact on  
the amounts reported and disclosed. The clarification of IFRS 15 
has been considered as part of the wider IFRS 15 project. 

The implementation of IFRS 16, which was issued in January 2016, 
is likely to have a significant impact on the Group’s future consolidated 
Financial Statements as all leases will be recognised on the balance 
sheet (with the exception of short-term and immaterial leases).  
A project has been established to oversee the implementation  
of this standard. Initial assessments of the impact of the standard 
are ongoing. The majority of the implementation work will take place 
in 2017 and therefore it has not been practicable at this stage  
to quantify the full effect it will have on the Group’s consolidated 
Financial Statements upon transition. 

(d) Restatements 
In March 2016, the IFRS Interpretations Committee issued an 
agenda decision regarding the treatment of offsetting and cash-
pooling arrangements in accordance with IAS 32: ‘Financial 
instruments: presentation’. This provided additional guidance on 
when bank overdrafts in cash-pooling arrangements would meet 
the requirement for offsetting in accordance with IAS 32. Following 
this additional guidance, the Group has reviewed its cash-pooling 
arrangements and has revised its presentation of bank overdrafts 
on the Group Balance Sheet and now shows £76 million of bank 
overdrafts within current bank overdrafts, bank loans and other 
borrowings. Comparatives at 31 December 2015 have been restated 
by £298 million. The impact on the 2015 opening balance sheet was 
£154 million, and a third balance sheet has been presented on the 
Group Balance Sheet in accordance with IAS 1. 

Following the conclusion of the strategic review in 2015, new reporting 
segments have been established reflecting the implementation of the 
Group’s new structure. The new segmental structure and the new 
adjusted operating cash flow measures are consistent with the 
internal reporting to, and regular review by, the Group’s Executive 
Committee (which is the entity’s Chief Operating Decision Maker  
as defined by IFRS 8: ‘Operating segments’) for the purposes  
of evaluating segmental performance and allocating resources.  
In accordance with IFRS 8, the segmental analysis disclosures in 
note 4 have been restated accordingly. Additionally, the goodwill 
allocation to cash generating units has been amended following the 
change in the segmental structure, reflecting the level at which goodwill 
is monitored for internal management purposes. See note 15(b). 

2. CENTRICA SPECIFIC ACCOUNTING MEASURES 

This section sets out the Group’s specific accounting measures 
applied in the preparation of the consolidated Financial 
Statements. These measures enable the users of the accounts 
to understand the Group’s underlying and statutory business 
performance separately. 

(a) Use of adjusted performance measures 
The Directors believe that reporting adjusted profit, adjusted 
earnings per share and adjusted operating cash flow provides 
additional useful information on business performance and underlying 
trends. These measures are used for internal performance purposes. 
The adjusted measures in this report are not defined terms under 
IFRS and may not be comparable with similarly titled measures 
reported by other companies. 

The measure of operating profit used by management to evaluate 
segment performance is adjusted operating profit. Adjusted 
operating profit is defined as operating profit before: 

●  exceptional items; and 
●  certain re-measurements; 

but including: 

●  the Group’s share of results from joint ventures and associates 

before interest and taxation. 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

113 
113 

 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

2. CENTRICA SPECIFIC ACCOUNTING MEASURES 
Note 4 contains analysis of adjusted operating profit by segment 
and a reconciliation of adjusted operating profit to operating profit 
after exceptional items and certain re-measurements. Note 4 also 
details an analysis of adjusted operating profit after taxation by 
segment and a reconciliation to the statutory results for the year. 
Adjusted operating profit after taxation is defined as segment 
operating profit after taxation, before exceptional items and certain 
re-measurements. This includes the operating results of equity-
accounted interests, net of associated taxation, before interest  
and associated taxation.  

Adjusted earnings is defined as earnings before: 

●  exceptional items net of taxation; and  
●  certain re-measurements net of taxation. 

A reconciliation of earnings is provided in note 10. 

Adjusted operating cash flow is used by management to assess the 
cash generating abilities of each segment. Adjusted operating cash 
flow is defined as net cash flow from operating activities before: 

●  payments relating to exceptional items; 
●  deficit reduction payments made to the UK defined benefit 

pension schemes via Centrica’s Scottish Limited Partnership 
entities; and 

●  movements in variation margin and cash collateral that are 

included in net debt; 

but including: 

●  dividends received from joint ventures and associates.  

Payments related to exceptional items are excluded since  
the Directors do not consider these to represent underlying 
business performance. Deficit reduction payments and movements 
in variation margin and cash collateral are excluded since the 
Directors do not consider these to represent the operating cash 
flows generated by underlying business performance in the current 
year, since they are predominantly triggered by wider market 
factors and, in the case of variation margin and cash collateral,  
this represents a timing difference. Dividends received from joint 
ventures and associates are considered by the Directors to 
represent operating cash flows generated by the Group’s 
operations that are structured in this manner. 

(b) Exceptional items and certain re-measurements 
The Group reflects its underlying financial results in the ‘business 
performance’ column of the Group Income Statement. To be able 
to provide readers with this clear and consistent presentation, the 
effects of ‘certain re-measurements’ of financial instruments, and 
‘exceptional items’, are reported in a different column in the Group 
Income Statement. 

The Group is an integrated energy business. This means that it 
utilises its knowledge and experience across the gas and power 
(and related commodity) value chains to make profits across the 
core markets in which it operates. As part of this strategy, the 
Group enters into a number of forward energy trades to protect  
and optimise the value of its underlying production, generation, 
storage and transportation assets (and similar capacity or off-take 
contracts), as well as to meet the future needs of our customers 
(downstream demand). These trades are designed to reduce the 
risk of holding such assets, contracts or downstream demand and 
are subject to strict risk limits and controls. 

Primarily because some of these trades include terms that permit 
net settlement (they are prohibited from being designated as ‘own 
use’), the rules within IAS 39 require them to be individually fair 
valued. Fair value movements on these commodity derivative trades 
do not reflect the underlying performance of the business because 

114 
114

they are economically related to our upstream assets, capacity/off-
take contracts or downstream demand, which are typically not fair 
valued. Therefore, these certain re-measurements are reported 
separately and are subsequently reflected in business performance 
when the underlying transaction or asset impacts profit or loss. 

The arrangements discussed above and reflected as certain  
re-measurements are all managed separately from proprietary 
energy trading activities where trades are entered into speculatively 
for the purpose of making profits in their own right. These 
proprietary trades are included in the business performance  
column (in the results before certain re-measurements). 

Exceptional items are those items that, in the judgement of the 
Directors, need to be disclosed separately by virtue of their nature, 
size or incidence. Again, to ensure the business performance 
column reflects the underlying results of the Group, these 
exceptional items are also reported in a separate column  
in the Group Income Statement. Items that may be considered 
exceptional in nature include disposals of businesses or significant 
assets, business restructurings, significant onerous contract 
charges and asset write-downs/impairments. 

3. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS  
AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY  

This section sets out the key areas of judgement and estimation 
that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised 
in the consolidated Financial Statements. 

(a) Critical judgements in applying the Group’s 
accounting policies 
Such key judgements include the following: 

●  the presentation of selected items as exceptional  

(see notes 2 and 7); 

●  the use of adjusted profit, adjusted earnings per  

share and adjusted operating cash flow measures (see notes 2, 4 
and 10); and 

●  the classification of energy procurement contracts as  
derivative financial instruments and presentation as  
certain re-measurements (see notes 2, 7 and 19). 

In addition, management has made the following key judgements  
in applying the Group’s accounting policies that have the most 
significant effect on the consolidated Group Financial Statements. 

Wind farm disposals 
In prior years, the profits and losses arising on disposals of equity 
interests in wind farms were recognised within the business 
performance column of the Group Income Statement as part of the 
Central Power Generation segment. These divestments were in line 
with the Group’s established wind farm strategy to realise value, 
share risk and reduce our capital requirements as individual 
projects developed, which involved bringing in partners at an 
appropriate stage or full disposal. 

In July 2015, the Group announced its intention to exit its 245MW 
portfolio of wind assets. During the current period, the Group 
disposed of its investment in GLID Wind Farms TopCo Limited 
(GLID), which owns Glens of Foudland, Lynn and Inner Dowsing 
wind farms, as part of this strategy (see note 12). The profit on 
disposal of £73 million has been classified as an exceptional item  
in the Group Income Statement since the Directors judge the exit 
from the wind business to be non-recurring in nature and distinct 
from the Group’s established wind farm strategy. The disposal of 
Lincs Wind Farm Limited announced on 13 January 2017 will be 
treated in the same way in 2017.  

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

3. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS  
AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY  
Leases – third-party power station tolling arrangements 
The Group had two long-term power station tolling contracts that 
were considered leases during 2016: (i) Spalding in the UK and  
(ii) Rijnmond in the Netherlands (although the Rijnmond tolling 
agreement was terminated with effect from 1 July 2016).  
The arrangements provided Centrica with the right to nominate 
100% of the plant capacity for the duration of the contracts in 
return for a mix of capacity payments and operating payments 
based on plant availability.  

The Spalding contract runs until 2021 and Centrica holds an  
option to extend the tolling arrangement for a further eight years, 
exercisable by 30 September 2020. If extended, Centrica is granted 
an option to purchase the station at the end of this further period. 
Management has determined that the arrangement should be 
accounted for as a finance lease, as the lease term was judged to 
be substantially all of the economic life of the power station and the 
present value of the minimum lease payments at the inception date 
of the arrangement amounted to substantially all of the fair value of 
the power station at that time. In May 2016, a number of revisions to 
this tolling arrangement were agreed; however this has not changed 
the accounting assessment of the contract as a finance lease. 

Details of the interest charges, finance lease asset and finance 
lease payable are included in notes 8, 13 and 24 respectively. 

Prior to its termination, the Rijnmond contract ran until 2030 and 
Centrica did not have the right to extend the agreement or any 
option to purchase the plant. Management had determined that  
the arrangement should be accounted for as an operating lease,  
as the lease term was not judged to be substantially all of the 
economic life of the power station and the present value of the 
minimum lease payments at the inception date of the arrangement 
did not amount to substantially all of the fair value of the power 
station at that time. See note 7 for further details of the impact  
of the termination of the contract.  

Business combinations and asset acquisitions  
Classification of an acquisition as a business combination  
or an asset acquisition depends on whether the assets acquired 
constitute a business, which can be a complex judgement. Whether 
an acquisition is classified as a business combination or asset 
acquisition can have a significant impact on the entries made  
on and after acquisition. 

Business combinations and acquisitions of associates and joint 
ventures require a fair value exercise to be undertaken to allocate 
the purchase price (cost) to the fair value of the acquired identifiable 
assets, liabilities, contingent liabilities and goodwill. 

As a result of the nature of fair value assessments in the energy 
industry, this purchase price allocation exercise requires subjective 
judgements based on a wide range of complex variables at a point 
in time. Management uses all available information to make the fair 
value determinations. 

During the year the Group has made two significant acquisitions: 
ENER-G Cogen and Neas Energy. These acquisitions have been 
accounted for as business combinations as set out in note 12(a). 

Consolidation of the CQ Energy Canada Partnership 
The Suncor upstream acquisition in 2013 involved the formation  
of the CQ Energy Canada Partnership (CQECP) to acquire Suncor 
Energy’s North American gas and oil assets. CQECP is owned and 
funded by the Group and Qatar Petroleum International (QPI) on a 
60:40 basis. The partnership provides the Group with the ability to 
control the business plan and budgets and consequently the 
general operation of the assets. Accordingly, this arrangement has 
been assessed under IFRS 10: ‘Consolidated financial statements’ 

and the conclusion has been reached that the Group has power 
over the relevant activities of CQECP. This entity has been fully 
consolidated into the Group’s Financial Statements and QPI’s 
ownership share is represented as a non-controlling interest. 

Disposal groups classified as held for sale 
The Canadian Exploration & Production business, which is subject 
to a sale process, was not considered to meet the conditions  
under IFRS 5: ‘Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued 
operations’ to be classified as held for sale at the balance sheet 
date. Although plans to sell the business had been announced and 
negotiations with buyers had commenced, significant uncertainty 
remained such that it was not considered highly probable at the 
balance sheet date that any sale would be completed within one year. 

On 13 January 2017, the Group announced an agreement to sell  
its remaining wind farm interest, Lincs Wind Farm Limited, with 
completion occurring on 17 February 2017. The investment in the 
wind farm and associated shareholder loan have been classified  
as a disposal group held for sale at the year end, since a sale was 
judged to be highly probable at that date, which was subsequently 
confirmed by the announcement.  

The Group’s Exploration & Production assets in Trinidad and 
Tobago have also been classified as a disposal group held for  
sale following an announcement on 30 November 2016 of the sale. 
See note 12(c) for further details.  

Uncertain taxation provisions 
The Group operates internationally in territories with different and 
complex tax codes. 

Management exercises judgement in relation to the level of 
provision required for uncertain tax outcomes. There are a number 
of tax positions not yet agreed with the tax authorities where 
different interpretations of legislation and commercial arrangements 
could lead to a range of outcomes. Judgements are made for each 
position having regard to the particular circumstances and advice 
obtained. 

Management also exercises judgement in assessing the availability 
of suitable future taxable profits to support deferred tax asset 
recognition. Further details of the Group’s tax position are provided 
in notes 9 and 16.  

Energy Company Obligation 
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) order requires UK-licensed 
energy suppliers to improve the energy efficiency of domestic 
households from 1 January 2013. Targets are set in proportion  
to the size of historic customer bases. ECO phase 1 had a delivery 
date of 31 March 2015. ECO phase 2 must be delivered by  
31 March 2017. The Group continues to judge that it is not legally 
obligated by this order until 31 March 2017 for ECO phase 2. 
Accordingly, the costs of delivery are recognised as incurred,  
when cash is spent or unilateral commitments made, resulting  
in obligations that cannot be avoided. 

In prior periods, the Group had entered into a number of 
contractual arrangements and commitments, and issued a  
public statement to underline its commitment to deliver a specific 
proportion of the ECO requirements. Consequently, the Group’s 
result had included the costs of these contractual arrangements 
and commitment obligations. 

Metering contracts  
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has 
modified the UK gas and electricity supply licences requiring all 
domestic premises to be fitted with compliant smart meters for 
measuring energy consumption by 31 December 2020. The Group 
has a number of existing rental contracts for non-compliant meters  

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

115 
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Notes to the Financial Statements 

3. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS  
AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY 
that include penalty charges if these meters are removed from use 
before the end of their deemed useful lives. The Group considers 
that these contracts are not onerous until the meters have been 
physically removed from use and, therefore, only recognises a 
provision for penalty charges at this point. 

In 2015, as part of the smart meter roll-out, the Group renewed 
meter rental arrangements with third-parties. The Group assessed 
that these are not leases because it does not have the right to 
physically or operationally control the smart meters and other 
parties also take a significant amount of the output from the assets. 

(b) Key sources of estimation uncertainty 
Revenue recognition – unread gas and electricity meters 
Revenue for energy supply activities includes an assessment of 
energy supplied to customers between the date of the last meter 
reading and the year end (unread). Unread gas and electricity 
comprises both billed and unbilled revenue. It is estimated through 
the billing systems, using historical consumption patterns, on a 
customer by customer basis, taking into account weather patterns, 
load forecasts and the differences between actual meter reads 
being returned and system estimates. Actual meter reads continue 
to be compared to system estimates between the balance sheet 
date and the finalisation of the accounts.  

An assessment is also made of any factors that are likely to materially 
affect the ultimate economic benefits that will flow to the Group, 
including bill cancellation and re-bill rates. To the extent that the 
economic benefits are not expected to flow to the Group, the value 
of that revenue is not recognised. The judgements applied, and the 
assumptions underpinning these judgements, are considered to be 
appropriate. However, a change in these assumptions would have 
an impact on the amount of revenue recognised. 

Industry reconciliation process – cost of sales 
Industry reconciliation procedures are required as differences arise 
between the estimated quantity of gas and electricity the Group 
deems to have supplied and billed customers, and the estimated 
quantity industry system operators deem the individual suppliers, 
including the Group, to have supplied to customers. The difference 
in deemed supply is referred to as imbalance. The reconciliation 
procedures can result in either a higher or a lower value of industry 
deemed supply than has been estimated as being supplied to 
customers by the Group, but in practice tends to result in a higher 
value of industry deemed supply. The Group reviews the difference 
to ascertain whether there is evidence that its estimate of amounts 
supplied to customers is inaccurate or whether the difference arises 
from other causes. The Group’s share of the resulting imbalance  
is included within commodity costs charged to cost of sales. 
Management estimates the level of recovery of imbalance that will 
be achieved either through subsequent customer billing or through 
developing industry settlement procedures. 

Decommissioning costs 
The estimated cost of decommissioning at the end of the  
producing lives of gas and oil fields (including storage facility assets) 
is reviewed periodically and is based on reserves, price levels and 
technology at the balance sheet date. Provision is made for the 
estimated cost of decommissioning at the balance sheet date.  
The payment dates of total expected future decommissioning  
costs are uncertain and dependent on the lives of the facilities,  
but are currently anticipated to be incurred until 2066, with the 
majority of the costs expected to be paid between 2020 and 2040. 

116 
116

Significant judgements and estimates are also made about the 
costs of decommissioning nuclear power stations and the costs  
of waste management and spent fuel. These estimates impact the 
carrying value of our Nuclear investment. Various arrangements and 
indemnities are in place with the Secretary of State with respect to 
these costs, as explained in note S2. 

Gas and liquids reserves 
The volume of proven and probable (2P) gas and liquids reserves  
is an estimate that affects the unit of production method of 
depreciating producing gas and liquids PP&E as well as being  
a significant estimate affecting decommissioning and impairment 
calculations. The factors impacting gas and liquids estimates,  
the process for estimating reserve quantities and reserve 
recognition is described on page 201. 

The impact of a change in estimated 2P reserves is dealt  
with prospectively by depreciating the remaining book value  
of producing assets over the expected future production. If  
2P reserves estimates are revised downwards, earnings could  
be affected by higher depreciation expense or an immediate  
write-down (impairment) of the asset’s book value. 

Determination of fair values – energy derivatives 
Fair values of energy derivatives are estimated by reference in part 
to published price quotations in active markets and in part by using 
valuation techniques. More detail on the assumptions used in 
determining fair valuations of energy derivatives is provided in  
note S6 and of the sensitivities to these assumptions in note S3.  

Impairment of long-lived assets  
The Group has several material long-lived assets, which are 
assessed or tested for impairment at each reporting date in 
accordance with the Group’s accounting policy as described in 
note 7. The Group makes judgements and estimates in considering 
whether the carrying amounts of these assets or cash generating 
units (CGUs) are recoverable. The key assets that are subjected  
to impairment tests are upstream gas and oil assets, power 
generation assets, storage facility assets, Nuclear investment  
(20% economic interest accounted for as an investment in 
associate) and goodwill. 

Exploration & Production gas and oil assets 
The recoverable amount of the Group’s gas and oil assets is 
determined by discounting the post-tax cash flows expected to be 
generated by the assets over their lives taking into account those 
assumptions that market participants would take into account when 
assessing fair value. The cash flows are derived from projected 
production profiles of each field, based predominantly on expected 
2P reserves and take into account forward prices for gas and 
liquids over the relevant period. Where forward market prices are 
not available, prices are determined based on internal model inputs. 

Considering the uncertainty with the disposal process of the 
Group’s Canadian gas and oil assets, significant judgement was 
required in determining the recoverable amount of the assets and  
a range of possible outcomes exist. The recoverable amount is 
particularly sensitive to the price assumptions made in the 
impairment calculations and the outcome of the disposal process.  

Further details of the assumptions used in determining the 
recoverable amounts and the impairment reversals booked during 
the year and sensitivity to the assumptions are provided in note 7. 

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
 
 
Pensions and other post employment benefits 
The cost of providing benefits under defined benefit schemes is 
determined separately for each of the Group’s schemes under the 
projected unit credit actuarial valuation method. Actuarial gains and 
losses are recognised in full in the period in which they occur. The 
key assumptions used for the actuarial valuation are based on the 
Group’s best estimate of the variables that will determine the 
ultimate cost of providing post employment benefits. Further details, 
including sensitivities to these assumptions, are provided in note 22. 

Provisions for onerous contracts 
The Group has entered into a number of commodity procurement 
and capacity contracts related to specific assets in the ordinary 
course of its business. Where the unavoidable costs of meeting the 
obligations under these contracts exceed the associated expected 
future net benefits, an onerous contract provision is recognised. 
The calculation of these provisions will involve the use of estimates. 
The key onerous provisions are as follows: 

Spalding power station onerous contract provision 
The onerous provision is calculated by taking the unavoidable  
costs that will be incurred under the contract, excluding those that 
are treated as minimum lease payments and included within the 
Group’s finance lease liability, deducting any estimated revenues. 
Further details of the release of the provision in 2016 are provided  
in note 7. 

European gas transportation capacity contracts 
The onerous provision is calculated using capacity costs incurred 
under the contracts, less any predicted income. The provision 
calculation assumes that contracts for capacity in continental 
Europe are onerous but those that enable gas to be transported 
directly back into the UK may be necessary to achieve security of 
supply in the future. Therefore, no provision has been recognised 
relating to these latter contracts. 

Direct Energy wind farm power purchase agreements 
The onerous nature of the power purchase agreements is measured 
using estimates relating to wind forecasts, forward curves for energy 
prices, balancing costs and renewable energy certificates. Further 
details of the release of the provision during the year are provided  
in note 7. 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

3. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS  
AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY 
Power generation assets 
The recoverable amount of the Group’s power generation assets  
is calculated by discounting the pre-tax cash flows expected to be 
generated by the assets and is dependent on views of forecast 
power generation and forecast power, gas, carbon and capacity 
prices (where applicable) and the timing and extent of capital 
expenditure. Where forward market prices are not available, prices 
are determined based on internal model inputs. Further details of 
the impairment reversals booked during the year are provided in 
note 7. 

Storage facility assets 
The recoverable amount of our operational storage facilities is 
calculated by discounting the post-tax cash flows expected to  
be generated by the assets based on predictions of seasonal gas 
price spreads and shorter-term price volatilities and the value from 
extracting cushion gas at the end of the field life less any related 
capital and operating expenditure. Further details of the 
impairments booked during the year and sensitivity to the 
assumptions are provided in note 7. 

Nuclear investment 
The recoverable amount of the Nuclear investment is based on the 
value of the existing UK nuclear fleet operated by EDF. The existing 
fleet value is calculated by discounting post-tax cash flows derived 
from the stations based on forecast power generation and power 
prices, whilst taking account of planned outages and the possibility 
of life extensions. Further details of the methodology and sensitivity 
to the assumptions are provided in note 7. 

Goodwill 
Goodwill does not generate independent cash flows and accordingly 
is allocated at inception to specific CGUs or groups of CGUs for 
impairment testing purposes. The recoverable amounts of these 
CGUs are derived from estimates of future cash flows (as described 
in the asset classes above) and hence the goodwill impairment tests 
are also subject to these key estimates. The results of these tests 
may then be verified by reference to external market valuation data. 

Further details on the assumptions used in determining the 
recoverable amounts are provided in notes 7 and S2. Sensitivity to 
the assumptions is also found in note 7. 

Credit provisions for trade and other receivables  
The methodology for determining provisions for credit losses on 
trade and other receivables and the level of such provision is set  
out in note 17. Although the provisions recognised are considered 
appropriate, the use of different assumptions or changes in 
economic conditions could lead to movements in the provisions 
and therefore impact the Group Income Statement.  

Following issues arising from the implementation of a new billing 
system in UK Business in 2014, management has exercised 
additional judgement regarding the appropriate level of provision  
for these trade receivables. Changes in these judgements could 
also lead to movements in the provisions and therefore impact  
the Group Income Statement. Within UK Business, the volume of 
gross billed debt outstanding fell to £612 million at the year end 
compared to £894 million for the prior year. Within this, the balance 
of debt greater than 12 months old increased to £242 million from 
£221 million with an appropriate bad debt provision maintained. 
Cash collected has exceeded billed revenue during the year by 8%. 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

117 
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Notes to the Financial Statements 

4. SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS 

The Group’s operating segments are those used internally by management to run the business and make decisions. The Group’s 
operating segments are based on products and services. The operating segments are also the Group’s reportable segments.  
The Group’s results are discussed in the Business Review (pages 36 to 51). 

(a) Segmental structure 
The types of products and services from which each reportable segment derived its revenues during the year are detailed below: 

Segment 
Energy Supply & Services – UK & Ireland 

Description 

UK Home 

UK Business 

Ireland 

(i) The supply of gas and electricity to residential customers in the UK; and (ii) the installation, 
repair and maintenance of domestic central heating, plumbing and drains, gas appliances and 
kitchen appliances, including the provision of fixed-fee maintenance/breakdown service and 
insurance contracts in the UK. 
The supply of gas and electricity and provision of energy-related services to business 
customers in the UK. 
(i) The supply of gas, electricity and energy management solutions to residential, commercial 
and industrial customers in the Republic of Ireland; (ii) power generation in the Republic of 
Ireland; and (iii) the repair and maintenance of domestic central heating in the Republic of 
Ireland. 

Energy Supply & Services – North America 

NA Home 

NA Business 

Connected Home 

Distributed Energy & Power 

Energy Marketing & Trading 
Exploration & Production 

Central Power Generation 

Centrica Storage 

(i) The supply of gas and electricity to residential customers in North America; and  
(ii) installation and maintenance of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, 
water heaters, solar power generating equipment and the provision of breakdown services, 
including the provision of fixed-fee maintenance/breakdown service and insurance contracts 
in North America. 
(i) The supply of gas, electricity and energy-related services to business customers in North 
America; and (ii) procurement, trading and optimisation of energy in North America. 
The supply of energy efficiency solutions and new technologies to residential customers in all 
geographies in which the Group operates. 
The supply of energy efficiency solutions, flexible generation and new technologies to 
commercial and industrial customers in all geographies in which the Group operates. Flexible 
merchant generation is also provided to the UK system operator. 
Trading and optimisation of energy in the UK and Europe. 
Production and processing of gas and oil and the development of new fields to maintain 
reserves in the UK, Europe and North America. 
Generation of power from combined cycle gas turbines (CCGT), wind and nuclear assets in 
the UK. 
Gas storage in the UK. 

118 
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STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

4. SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS 
(b) Revenue 

Gross segment revenue represents revenue generated from the sale of products and services to both third parties and to other 
reportable segments of the Group. Group revenue reflects only the sale of products and services to third parties. 

Year ended 31 December 
Energy Supply & Services – UK & Ireland 

UK Home 
UK Business 
Ireland  

Energy Supply & Services – North America 

NA Home 
NA Business 

Connected Home 
Distributed Energy & Power 
Energy Marketing & Trading 
Exploration & Production 
Central Power Generation 
Centrica Storage 

Gross  
segment  
revenue 

Less  
inter-segment  
revenue 

2016 

Group 
 revenue 

£m 

£m 

 £m 

Gross 
 segment 
 revenue 
(restated) (i) 
 £m 

Less 
 inter-segment 
 revenue 
(restated) (i) 
 £m 

9,252 
2,031 
781 
12,064 

2,702 
7,664 
10,366 
33 
161 
3,282 
1,642 
667 
93 
28,308 

(8) 
(1) 
– 
(9) 

– 
– 
– 
(8) 
(2) 
(88) 
(871) 
(209) 
(19) 
(1,206) 

9,244   
2,030   
781   
12,055   

2,702   
7,664   
10,366   
25   
159   
3,194   
771   
458   
74   
27,102   

9,822 
2,389 
733 
12,944 

2,655 
7,932 
10,587 
19 
95 
3,101 
2,035 
668 
156 
29,605 

– 
(2) 
– 
(2) 

– 
– 
– 
(4) 
(3) 
(144) 
(1,206) 
(225) 
(50) 
(1,634) 

2015 

Group 
 revenue 
(restated) (i) 
 £m 

9,822 
2,387 
733 
12,942 

2,655 
7,932 
10,587 
15 
92 
2,957 
829 
443 
106 
27,971 

The Group does not monitor and manage performance by geographic territory, but we provide below an analysis of revenue and 
certain non-current assets by geography. 

Year ended 31 December 
UK  
North America 
Norway 
Rest of the world 

Revenue 
(based on location of customer) 
2015  
£m 
15,654 
10,728 
297 
1,292 
27,971 

2016  
£m 
14,459 
10,502 
370 
1,771 
27,102 

Non-current assets 
(based on location of assets) (ii) 
2015  
£m 
6,281 
2,827 
1,005 
179 
10,292 

2016  
£m 
6,445 
3,281 
1,299 
353 
11,378 

(i)
(ii)

Segmental revenue has been restated in the new reporting segments. See note 1 for further information. 

  Non-current assets include goodwill, other intangible assets, PP&E and interests in joint ventures and associates.  

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

119 
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Notes to the Financial Statements 

4. SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS 
(c) Operating profit before and after taxation 

The measure of profit used by the Group is adjusted operating profit. Adjusted operating profit is operating profit before exceptional 
items and certain re-measurements. This includes results of equity-accounted interests before interest and taxation. 
This note also details adjusted operating profit after taxation. Both measures are reconciled to their statutory equivalents. 

Adjusted operating profit/(loss)   

2016 

£m   

810   
50   
46   
906   

93   
221   
314   
(50)  
(26)  
161   
187   
75   
(52)  
1,515   
(48)  

1,467   
(11)  
1,058   

2015 
(restated) (i) 

£m   

880   
(19)  
30   
891   

77   
246   
323   
(49)  
(32)  
66   
95   
128   
37   
1,459   
(61)  

1,398   
(2,358)  
116   

(28)  

(13)  

2,486   

(857)  

Year ended 31 December 
Energy Supply & Services – UK & Ireland 

UK Home 
UK Business 
Ireland 

Energy Supply & Services – North America 

NA Home 
NA Business 

Connected Home 
Distributed Energy & Power 
Energy Marketing & Trading 
Exploration & Production 
Central Power Generation (ii) 
Centrica Storage (iii) 

Share of joint ventures’/associates’ interest and taxation 
Operating profit before exceptional items and certain  
re-measurements 
Exceptional items (note 7) 
Certain re-measurements included within gross profit (note 7) 
Certain re-measurements of associates’ energy contracts (net of taxation) 
(note 7) 
Operating profit/(loss) after exceptional items and certain  
re-measurements 

Year ended 31 December 
Adjusted operating profit after taxation (iv)  
Impact of changes to UK corporation tax rates (note 9) (v)  
Corporate and other taxation, and interest (net of taxation) (vi)  
Business performance profit for the year  
Exceptional items and certain re-measurements (net of taxation) (note 7) 
Statutory profit/(loss) for the year 

Adjusted operating profit/(loss)  
after taxation 
2015 
(restated) (i) 
£m 

2016 

£m   

672   
42   
41   
755   

61   
145   
206   
(40)  
(20)  
124   
50   
66   
(53)  
1,088   

707 
(16) 
24 
715 

36 
148 
184 
(39) 
(17) 
55 
(2) 
105 
25 
1,026 

2016 

£m   
1,088   
30   
(233)  
885   
777   
1,662   

2015 
£m 
1,026 
46 
(239) 
833 
(1,717) 
(884) 

(i)
(ii)

Adjusted operating profit has been restated in the new reporting segments. See note 1 for further details. 
The effective tax rate in the Central Power Generation segment is lower than the standard UK Corporation tax rate of 20% due to prior year tax adjustments and non-taxable income  
in the segment’s associate’s profits. 

(iii)

  The effective tax rate in the Centrica Storage segment is lower than the standard UK Corporation tax rate of 20% due to the mix of profits and losses across upstream and downstream 

activities, to which different tax rates apply (see note 9). 

  Segment operating profit after taxation includes loss of £5 million (2015: £27 million) attributable to non-controlling interests. 

(iv)
(v)
(vi)

Includes £9 million (2015: £19 million) relating to equity accounted interests. 
Includes joint ventures’/associates’ interest, net of associated taxation. 

120 
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Notes to the Financial Statements 

4. SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS 
(d) Included within adjusted operating profit 

Presented below are certain items included within adjusted operating profit, including further details of impairments of property, plant 
and equipment and write-downs relating to exploration and evaluation assets. 

Year ended 31 December 
Energy Supply & Services – UK & Ireland 

UK Home 
UK Business 
Ireland 

Energy Supply & Services – North America 

NA Home 
NA Business 

Connected Home 
Distributed Energy & Power 
Energy Marketing & Trading 
Exploration & Production 
Central Power Generation 
Centrica Storage 
Other (ii) 

Share of results of joint 
ventures and associates 
before interest and taxation 
2015 
2016 
(restated) (i) 
£m 

£m 

Depreciation and impairments of 
property, plant and equipment 
2015 
(restated) (i) 
£m 

2016 

£m 

Amortisation, write-downs and 
impairments of intangibles 
2015 
2016 
(restated) (i) 
£m 

£m 

–   
–   
–   
–   

–   
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   
178   
–   
–   
178   

(1)   
–   
–   
(1)   

–   
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   
262   
–   
–   
261   

(51)   
(2)   
(2)   
(55)   

(6)   
(2)   
(8)   
–   
(6)   
–   
(578)   
(27)   
(36)   
(27)   
(737)   

(52)   
(2)   
(1)   
(55)   

(5)   
(1)   
(6)   
–   
(2)   
–   
(753)   
(33)   
(33)   
(11)   
(893)   

(111)   
(11)   
(9)   
(131)   

(49)   
(39)   
(88)   
(6)   
(9)   
(11)   
(25)   
–   
(1)   
(17)   
(288)   

(90) 
(10) 
(6) 
(106) 

(42) 
(47) 
(89) 
(2) 
(1) 
(16) 
(77) 
– 
(1) 
(13) 
(305) 

(i)

(ii)

The share of results of joint ventures and associates, the depreciation and impairments of property, plant and equipment and the amortisation, write-downs and impairments of intangibles 
have been restated in the new reporting segments. See note 1 for further information. 
The Other segment includes corporate functions, subsequently recharged. 

Impairment of property, plant and equipment 
During 2016, an £86 million impairment charge (2015: £4 million) was recognised in the Exploration & Production segment; a £3 million 
impairment write-back (2015: £3 million impairment charge) was recognised in the Central Power Generation segment and a £1 million 
impairment charge (2015: nil) was recognised in the Distributed Energy & Power segment, all within business performance. 

Write-downs and impairments of intangible assets 
During 2016, £19 million of write-downs (2015: £71 million) relating to exploration and evaluation assets were recognised in the 
Exploration & Production segment and a £1 million impairment (2015: nil) of application software was recognised in the Ireland  
segment, both within business performance. 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

121 
121 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

4. SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS 
(e) Capital expenditure 

Capital expenditure represents additions, other than assets acquired as part of business combinations, to property, plant and 
equipment and intangible assets. Capital expenditure has been reconciled to the related cash outflow. 

Year ended 31 December 
Energy Supply & Services – UK & Ireland 

UK Home 
UK Business 
Ireland 

Energy Supply & Services – North America 

NA Home 
NA Business 

Connected Home 
Distributed Energy & Power 
Energy Marketing & Trading 
Exploration & Production 
Central Power Generation 
Centrica Storage 
Other (ii) 
Capital expenditure  
Capitalised borrowing costs 
Movements in payables and prepayments related to capital expenditure 
Purchases of emissions allowances and renewable obligation certificates 
Net cash outflow (iii) 

Capital expenditure on property, 

 plant and equipment (note 13)    

2016 

£m 

2015 
(restated) (i) 
£m 

Capital expenditure on intangible 
 assets other than goodwill (note 15) 
2015 
(restated) (i) 
£m 

2016 

£m 

48   
1   
5   
54   

6   
6   
12   
3   
9   
7   
528   
13   
33   
15   
674   
(61)   
8   
–   
621   

79   
1   
2   
82   

8   
6   
14   
–   
1   
–   
615   
11   
32   
15   
770   
(46)   
7   
–   
731   

327   
164   
6   
497   

3   
210   
213   
21   
1   
40   
11   
–   
–   
53   
836   
(1)   
–   
(627)   
208   

369 
170 
5 
544 

15 
151 
166 
9 
3 
29 
81 
– 
1 
20 
853 
(2) 
5 
(617) 
239 

(i)

(ii)
(iii)

Both the capital expenditure on property, plant and equipment and the capital expenditure on intangible assets other than goodwill have been restated in the new reporting segments.  
See note 1 for further details. 
The Other segment relates to corporate assets. 

  The cash outflow relating to intangible assets includes £11 million (2015: £81 million) relating to exploration and evaluation of gas and oil assets. 

122 
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STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

4. SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS 
(f) Adjusted operating cash flow 

Adjusted operating cash flow is used by management to assess the cash generating abilities of each segment. Adjusted operating 
cash flow is net cash flow from operating activities before payments relating to exceptional items, deficit payments to the UK defined 
benefit pension schemes, movements in variation margin and cash collateral that are included in net debt, but including dividends from 
joint ventures and associates. This measure is reconciled to the net cash flow from operating activities. 

Year ended 31 December 
Energy Supply & Services – UK & Ireland 

UK Home 
UK Business  
Ireland 

Energy Supply & Services – North America 

NA Home 
NA Business 

Connected Home 
Distributed Energy & Power 
Energy Marketing & Trading 
Exploration & Production 
Central Power Generation 
Centrica Storage 
Other (i) 
Adjusted operating cash flow 
Dividends received from joint ventures and associates 
UK pension deficit payments 
Payments relating to exceptional charges 
Margin and cash collateral included in net debt 
Net cash flow from operating activities 

(i)

The Other segment includes corporate functions.  

2016 
£m 

1,053 
418 
84 
1,555 

146 
285 
431 
(58)   
(15)   
198 
655 

(1)   
(49)   
(30)   

2,686 

(117)   
(77)   
(273)   
177 
2,396 

2015 
£m 

724 
(132) 
31 
623 

158 
338 
496 
(46) 
(14) 
248 
787 
130 
112 
(83) 
2,253 
(180) 
(77) 
(81) 
282 
2,197 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

123 
123 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

5. COSTS OF OPERATIONS  

This section details the types of costs the Group incurs and the number of employees in each of our operations. 

(a) Analysis of costs by nature 

Year ended 31 December 
Transportation, distribution and metering costs 
Commodity costs 
Depreciation, amortisation, impairments and  
write-downs 
Employee costs  
Impairment of trade receivables (note 17) 
Other direct costs  

Total costs before exceptional items  
and certain re-measurements 
Exceptional items and certain re-measurements (note 7) 
Total costs 

(b) Employee costs (i) 

Year ended 31 December 
Wages and salaries 
Social security costs 
Pension and other post employment benefits costs  
Share scheme costs (note S4) 

Cost of  
sales 
£m 
(4,990) 
(14,355) 

(580) 
(787) 
– 
(1,999) 

(22,711) 
1,058 
(21,653) 

Operating 
 costs 
£m 
– 
– 

(448) 
(1,363) 
(182) 
(1,061) 

(3,054) 
(11) 
(3,065) 

2016 
Total  
costs 
 £m 
(4,990) 
(14,355) 

Cost of 
 sales 
 £m 
(4,737) 
(15,239) 

(1,028) 
(2,150) 
(182) 
(3,060) 

(841) 
(761) 
– 
(2,156) 

(25,765) 
1,047 
(24,718) 

(23,734) 
116 
(23,618) 

Capitalised employee costs 
Employee costs recognised in the Group Income Statement 

Operating 
 costs 
 £m 
– 
– 

(357) 
(1,310) 
(259) 
(1,113) 

(3,039) 
(2,358) 
(5,397) 

2016  
£m 
(1,792) 
(160) 
(185) 
(46) 
(2,183) 
33 
(2,150) 

2015 
Total  
costs 
 £m 
(4,737) 
(15,239) 

(1,198) 
(2,071) 
(259) 
(3,269) 

(26,773) 
(2,242) 
(29,015) 

2015  
£m 
(1,768) 
(155) 
(158) 
(45) 
(2,126) 
55 
(2,071) 

(i)

Details of Directors’ remuneration, share-based payments and pension entitlements in the Remuneration Report on pages 83 to 99 form part of these Financial Statements.  
Details of the remuneration of key management personnel are given in note S8. 

(c) Average number of employees during the year 

Year ended 31 December 
Energy Supply & Services – UK & Ireland 
Energy Supply & Services – North America 
Connected Home 
Distributed Energy & Power (iii) 
Energy Marketing & Trading (iv) 
Exploration & Production 
Central Power Generation 
Centrica Storage 

2016 

Number 
29,041 
5,999 
280 
844 
289 
1,242 
256 
327 
38,278 

2015 
(restated) (i) (ii) 
Number 
29,536 
6,166 
197 
659 
245 
1,491 
310 
294 
38,898 

(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)

Average number of employees during 2015 has been restated in the new reporting segments. See note 1 for further details. 

  Average number of employees during 2015 has been restated due to the availability of improved data. 

Includes ENER-G Cogen employees from the date of acquisition. The average number of employees of ENER-G Cogen from the date of acquisition to the end of 2016 is 375. 
Includes Neas Energy employees from the date of acquisition. The average number of employees of Neas Energy from the date of acquisition to the end of 2016 is 262. 

124 
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STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

6. SHARE OF RESULTS OF JOINT VENTURES AND ASSOCIATES 

Share of results of joint ventures and associates represents the results of businesses where we exercise joint control or significant 
influence and generally have an equity holding of up to 50%. 

(a) Share of results of joint ventures and associates 
The Group’s share of results of joint ventures and associates for the year ended 31 December 2016 principally arises from its interests  
in the following entities (reported in the Central Power Generation segment): 

●  Wind farms – GLID Wind Farms TopCo Limited (i) and Lincs Wind Farm Limited (ii) (iii); and 
●  Nuclear – Lake Acquisitions Limited. 

Year ended 31 December 
Income 
Expenses excluding certain re-measurements 
Certain re-measurements 

Interest paid 
Taxation excluding certain re-measurements 
Taxation on certain re-measurements 
Share of post-taxation results of joint ventures and associates 

Joint ventures 
 Wind farms  
£m 
62 
(50) 
– 
12 
(27) 
4 
– 
(11) 

Associates 
 Nuclear 
 £m 
623 
(457) 
(29) 
137 
(5) 
(20) 
1 
113 

Other  
£m 
1 
(1) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

2016  
Total 
 £m 
686 
(508) 
(29) 
149 
(32) 
(16) 
1 
102 

2015  
Total 
 £m 
745 
(484) 
(14) 
247 
(53) 
(8) 
1 
187 

(i)
(ii)

  On 7 March 2016, the Group disposed of its 50% interest in GLID Wind Farms TopCo Limited. See note 12(d) for further details. 
  As part of the finance arrangements entered into by Lincs Wind Farm Limited, the Group’s shares in this company are secured in favour of third parties. The securities would only be enforced 

in the event that Lincs Wind Farm Limited defaulted on any of their obligations under their respective finance arrangements.  

(iii)

  On 17 February 2017, the Group sold its interest in Lincs Wind Farm Limited. See note 12(c) for further details. 

(b) Reconciliation of share of results of joint ventures and associates to share of adjusted results of joint ventures 
and associates 

Year ended 31 December 
Share of post-taxation results of joint ventures and associates 
Certain re-measurements (net of taxation) 
Interest paid 
Taxation (excluding taxation on certain re-measurements) 
Share of adjusted results of joint ventures and associates 

Joint ventures 
 Wind farms  
£m 
(11) 
– 
27 
(4) 
12 

Associates 
 Nuclear 
 £m 
113 
28 
5 
20 
166 

2016  
Total 
 £m 
102 
28 
32 
16 
178 

2015 
Total 
 £m 
187 
13 
53 
8 
261 

Further information on the Group’s investments in joint ventures and associates is provided in notes 14 and S10. 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

125 
125 

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

7. EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS AND CERTAIN RE-MEASUREMENTS 

Exceptional items are those items that, in the judgement of the Directors, need to be disclosed separately by virtue of their nature, size 
or incidence. Items which may be considered exceptional in nature include disposals of businesses or significant assets, business 
restructurings, significant onerous contract charges and asset write-downs/impairments.  

(a) Exceptional items 

Year ended 31 December 
Pension past service credit (i) 
Net release of/(provision for) onerous power procurement contracts (ii) 
Restructuring costs (iii) 
Net gain on disposal of businesses and assets (iv) 
Write-back/(impairment) of exploration and production assets (v) 
Write-back/(impairment) of combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power stations (vi) 
Impairment of UK gas storage assets (vii) 
Impairment of Nuclear investment 
Exceptional items included within Group operating profit/(loss) 
Net taxation on exceptional items (note 9) 
Effect of change in UK upstream tax rates (note 9) (viii) 
Impairment of exploration and production deferred tax assets (note 9) 
Net exceptional items after taxation 

2016 
£m 
78 
53 
(228) 
101 
135 
26 
(176) 
– 
(11) 
9 
29 
– 
27 

2015 
£m 
– 
(90) 
– 
– 
(1,865) 
(31) 
– 
(372) 
(2,358) 
477 
116 
(81) 
(1,846) 

(i)

(ii)

As a result of the implementation of a reduced salary cap on pensionable pay for the Centrica Pension Plan final salary scheme, a past service credit of £80 million (net of £2 million costs of 
implementing the changes) has been recognised. See note 22.  
The Group recognised two reductions in onerous contract provisions established in prior periods: a £64 million reduction in relation to its UK gas-fired power station tolling contract (within  
the Central Power Generation segment) as a consequence of both a renegotiation of the contract and changes in the UK capacity market; £15 million reduction in relation to its Direct Energy 
wind power procurement arrangement (within the NA Business segment) as a result of changes to forecast US power prices. Separately, an additional charge of £26 million was booked due 
to the termination of the Group’s onerous Rijnmond gas-fired power station tolling contract (within the Energy Marketing & Trading segment). 

(iii)

  Following the extensive strategic review announced in 2015, the Group has incurred restructuring costs implementing the new organisational model relating principally to redundancy costs, 
impairment of assets on closure of businesses and consultancy costs. The costs have been incurred in Energy Supply & Services – UK & Ireland (£140 million), Energy Supply & Services – 
North America (£26 million) and Exploration & Production (£23 million). The remaining amount (£39 million) predominantly relates to Corporate Centre costs that have not been allocated to 
specific segments. 

(iv)

(v)

  On 7 March 2016, the Group disposed of its joint venture investment in GLID wind farms for £116 million and recorded a gain on disposal of £73 million within the Central Power Generation 
segment. On 18 May 2016, the Group disposed of its interest in Skene and Buckland gas and oil assets for an adjusted consideration of $14 million (£10 million) and a gain of £50 million is 
recorded within the Exploration & Production segment. On 9 October 2016 and 14 November 2016, the Group disposed of Airco Mechanical Ltd. and Airtron Canada (Direct Energy Business 
Services Limited), two non-core NA Home businesses, for consideration of $10 million and C$5 million respectively (£11 million) and a loss on disposal of £22 million. See note 12(d). 
In the Exploration & Production segment, write-backs of assets and reductions to decommissioning provisions have been booked relating to increases in value of certain UK, Dutch and 
Norwegian gas and oil fields (pre-tax write-back £79 million, post-tax £62 million), predominantly due to increases in reserves, cost savings and revisions to decommissioning estimates  
(see note 7(c) for further details) and the Group's remaining exploration and production assets in Trinidad and Tobago (pre-tax write-back £56 million, post-tax £45 million), which are being 
disposed of to Shell and have been classified as a disposal group held for sale at the year end (see note 12(c)) with the agreed sales proceeds triggering the write-back. 

(vi)

  A pre-tax write-back of £26 million has been recorded in the current period in respect of the Kings Lynn asset held in the Central Power Generation segment following the award of a 15-year 

capacity contract. See note 7(c). 

(vii)
(viii)

  A pre-tax impairment charge of £176 million (post-tax £144 million) has been recorded in the current period in respect of UK gas storage assets. See note 7(c) for further details. 
  During the year, the petroleum revenue tax (PRT) rate was reduced from 35% to 0% and supplementary corporation tax (SCT) was reduced from 20% to 10% with effect from  

1 January 2016. These changes have been substantively enacted by the reporting date and the net change in deferred tax has been recognised immediately as an exceptional tax gain. 

Certain re-measurements are the fair value movements on energy contracts entered into to meet the future needs of our customers or to 
sell the energy produced from our upstream assets. These contracts are economically related to our upstream assets, capacity/off-take 
contracts or downstream demand, which are typically not fair valued, and are therefore separately identified in the current period and 
reflected in business performance in future periods when the underlying transaction or asset impacts the Group Income Statement.  

(b) Certain re-measurements 

Year ended 31 December 
Certain re-measurements recognised in relation to energy contracts (note 2): 

Net gains arising on delivery of contracts 
Net gains/(losses) arising on market price movements and new contracts 

Net re-measurements included within gross profit 
Net losses arising on re-measurement of associates’ energy contracts (net of taxation) 
Net re-measurements included within Group operating profit/(loss) 
Taxation on certain re-measurements (note 9) (i) 
Net re-measurements after taxation 

(i)

Includes £16 million gain (2015: £20 million gain) due to the effect of change in UK tax rates. 

2016 
£m 

968 
90 
1,058 
(28) 
1,030 
(280) 
750 

2015 
£m 

973 
(857) 
116 
(13) 
103 
26 
129 

The Group is generally a net buyer of commodity, procuring gas and power for our customers. Following market recovery in commodity prices 
during 2016, net gains arising on market price movements and new contracts of £90 million (2015: £857 million loss) have been recorded. 

126 
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Notes to the Financial Statements 

7. EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS AND CERTAIN RE-MEASUREMENTS 
(c) Impairment accounting policy, process and sensitivities  
The Group tests the carrying amounts of goodwill, PP&E and intangible assets (with the exception of exploration assets – see note S2) for 
impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the recoverable amounts may be lower than 
their carrying amounts. Interests in joint ventures and associates and exploration assets are reviewed annually for indicators of impairment 
and tested for impairment where such an indicator arises. Where an asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from other 
assets, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the CGU to which the asset belongs. The recoverable amount is the higher of 
value in use (VIU) and fair value less costs of disposal (FVLCD).  

At inception, goodwill is allocated to each of the Group’s CGUs or groups of CGUs that expect to benefit from the business combination 
in which the goodwill arose. If the recoverable amount of an asset (or CGU) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying 
amount of the asset (or CGU) is reduced to its recoverable amount. Any impairment is expensed immediately in the Group Income 
Statement. Any CGU impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the CGU and then  
to the other assets of the unit pro rata on the basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the unit. 

VIU calculations have been used to determine recoverable amounts for all CGUs that include goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset 
balances with the exception of the impairment tests for the Exploration & Production gas and oil CGUs, where FVLCD has been used. 
This methodology is deemed to be more appropriate for these CGUs as it is based on the post-tax cash flows arising from the underlying 
assets and is consistent with the approach taken by management to evaluate the economic value of the underlying assets. Subsequently, 
the specific, underlying Exploration & Production gas and oil PP&E assets and, in addition, the Group’s associate investment in Nuclear 
and the Storage PP&E assets have also used the FVLCD impairment methodology. UK power generation assets have used the VIU 
impairment methodology. Further details of the approach and assumptions used in the VIU calculations are provided in note S2.  

FVLCD discount rate and cash flow assumptions 
Exploration & Production – gas and oil production 
A write-back of £135 million (2015: impairment £1,865 million) has been recorded within exceptional items for exploration and production 
assets including £16 million of reductions to decommissioning provisions. For those assets subject to the impairment write-back, the 
associated recoverable amounts (net of decommissioning costs) of £756 million are categorised within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. 
FVLCD is determined by discounting the post-tax cash flows expected to be generated by the gas and oil production and development 
assets, net of associated selling costs, taking into account those assumptions that market participants would use in estimating fair value. 
Post-tax cash flows are derived from projected production profiles of each field, taking into account forward prices for gas and liquids over 
the relevant period. Where forward market prices are not available (that is outside the active period for each commodity), prices are 
determined based on internal model inputs. Note S6 provides additional detail on the active period of each of the commodity markets  
in which the Group operates. The date of cessation of production depends on the interaction of a number of variables, such as the 
recoverable quantities of hydrocarbons, production costs, the contractual duration of the licence area and the selling price of the gas and 
liquids produced. As each field has specific reservoir characteristics and economic circumstances, the post-tax cash flows for each field 
are computed using individual economic models. Post-tax cash flows used in the FVLCD calculation for the first five years are based on 
the Group’s Board-approved business plans and, thereafter, are based on long-term production and cash flow forecasts, which 
management believes reflects the assumptions of a market participant.  

The future post-tax cash flows are discounted using a post-tax nominal discount rate of 9% (2015: 9%) to determine the FVLCD. The 
discount rate and inflation rate used in the FVLCD calculation are determined in the same manner as the rates used in the VIU calculations 
described in note S2, with the exception of the adjustment required to determine an equivalent pre-tax discount rate. 

The valuation of Exploration & Production goodwill is particularly sensitive to the price assumptions made in the impairment calculations.  
To illustrate this, the price assumptions for gas and oil have been varied by +/–10%. Changes in price generate different production 
profiles and in some cases the date that an asset ceases production. This has been considered in the sensitivity analysis. Otherwise,  
all other operating costs, life of field capital expenditure and abandonment expenditure assumptions remain unchanged. For exploration 
and production assets, an increase in gas and oil prices of 10% would potentially reverse £89 million (2015: £327 million) of previous  
post-tax impairment charges of the underlying exploration and production assets. A reduction of 10% would potentially give rise to further 
post-tax impairments of the underlying exploration and production assets of £166 million (2015: £245 million) but no further post-tax 
impairment of goodwill (2015: £238 million) due to headroom arising in the year. The Canada and Trinidad and Tobago exploration and 
production assets are the subject of disposal processes and therefore have been excluded from the current year sensitivities. In the case 
of the Canadian E&P assets, the outcome of the disposal process could result in a range of possible outcomes, including the disposal  
of the entire Canadian E&P business (either to a sole buyer or multiple buyers), or of the assets being retained. The recoverable amount  
of the Canadian assets is therefore subject to uncertainty. In determining an appropriate recoverable amount the external bids have been 
considered together with discounted post-tax cash flows expected to be generated by the assets over their lives. This assessment 
supports the asset carrying values and accordingly no impairment has been booked. The net assets within the CQ Energy Canada 
Partnership are included in note S10. A 10% increase/decrease in gas and oil prices would increase/decrease the recoverable amounts  
of these net assets by £207 million/£208 million respectively. Commodity prices and the outcome of the current disposal process are the 
main determinants in the value of these assets. 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

127 
127 

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

7. EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS AND CERTAIN RE-MEASUREMENTS 

Central Power Generation – Nuclear 
No impairment charge has been recorded (2015: £372 million) for the Group’s associate investment in Nuclear. FVLCD is determined by 
discounting the post-tax cash flows expected to be generated by the investment, net of associated selling costs, taking into account those 
assumptions that market participants would use in estimating fair value. Post-tax cash flows are derived from projected production profiles  
of the underlying nuclear power stations, planned and unplanned outage assumptions, operating cost assumptions and forward prices for 
power and forecast capacity market auction prices. Where forward market prices are not available (that is outside the active period for each 
commodity), prices are determined based on internal model inputs. Note S6 provides additional detail of the active period of each of the 
commodity markets in which the Group operates. Post-tax cash flows used in the FVLCD calculations for the first five years are based on  
the Group’s Board-approved business plans and thereafter are based on long-term production and cash flow forecasts.  

The future post-tax cash flows are discounted using a post-tax nominal discount rate of 8% (2015: 8%) to determine the FVLCD.  
The discount rate and inflation rate used in the FVLCD calculation are determined in the same manner as the rates used in the VIU 
calculations described in note S2, with the exception of the adjustment required to determine an equivalent pre-tax discount rate.  

The valuation of the Group’s investment in Nuclear, which is categorised within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, is particularly sensitive  
to assumptions/variations in the power price. To illustrate this, sensitivities were performed at the year end to vary the power price 
assumptions in the Group’s internal valuation model by +/–10%. An increase in power prices of 10%, assuming all other assumptions 
remain constant, would result in a reversal of previous impairments of £444 million (2015: £453 million). A reduction of 10% would give 
rise to a further impairment charge of £461 million (2015: £436 million). 

Storage 
The recoverable amount of the Group’s operational storage facilities is calculated on a FVLCD basis by discounting the post-tax cash  
flows expected to be generated by the assets. Such estimates are based on predictions of seasonal gas price spreads, shorter-term price 
volatilities and the value from extracting cushion gas at the end of the field life less any related capital and operating expenditure that a typical 
market participant might use to assess value. Where forward market prices are not available (that is outside the active period for each 
commodity), prices are determined based on internal model inputs. Note S6 provides additional detail on the active period of each of the 
commodity markets in which the Group operates. The future post-tax cash flows are discounted using a post-tax nominal discount rate  
of 7.5% (2015: 7.5%) to determine FVLCD. For further details of the calculation of the discount rate and inflation rates used, see note S2. 

A pre-tax impairment charge of £176 million (post-tax £144 million) has been recorded within exceptional items in the current period.  
This has resulted from the decision to decommission the 8A platform and from updated assumptions on asset availability in the near-term 
and future asset expenditure. 

The impairment test remains particularly sensitive to assumptions/variations in seasonal gas price spreads and to the resolution of the limitation of 
the maximum operating pressure of the storage asset. To illustrate the impact of price on the impairment analysis, sensitivities were performed to 
vary the gas spreads by +/-10%. An increase in gas spreads of 10%, assuming all other assumptions remain constant, would lead to a potential 
post-tax impairment write-back of £66 million. A reduction of 10% would give rise to a further post-tax impairment of £80 million. 

The valuation of the recoverable amount of the operational storage facilities is categorised within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. A change 
in the assumptions of the timing and extent of the return to maximum operating pressure could also significantly impact the impairment 
calculation and could result in a further impairment in certain adverse scenarios. Furthermore, the Group is considering the strategic 
options open to Centrica Storage to determine its long term future. Following the impairment charge recorded in the period, the current 
value of the Group’s gas storage fixed assets is £417 million (£112 million, net of the decommissioning provision and deferred tax). 

VIU discount rate and cash flow assumptions 
Central Power Generation – CCGT power stations  
An impairment write-back of £26 million has been recorded within exceptional items for the Kings Lynn power station following the award 
of a 15-year capacity contract. In 2015, a £31 million impairment charge was recognised in relation to the segment’s Spalding finance 
leased UK gas-fired power station.  

The recoverable amount was determined using VIU calculations, with future cash flows discounted using a pre-tax nominal discount rate 
of 7.4% (2015: 7.4%). Cash inflows were based on forecast production profiles, forward prices for power, gas and carbon and forecast 
capacity market auction prices. Where forward market prices were not available (that is outside the active period for each commodity), 
prices were determined based on internal model inputs. Cash outflows for operating and capital expenditure were based, for the first  
five years, on the Group’s Board-approved business plans and thereafter are based on long-term production and cash flow forecasts.  

The impairment write-back has been adjusted for depreciation that would have occurred had no impairment loss been recognised in prior years. 

128 
128

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

8. NET FINANCE COST 

Financing costs mainly comprise interest on bonds, bank debt and commercial paper, the results of hedging activities used to  
manage foreign exchange and interest rate movements on the Group’s borrowings, and notional interest arising on discounting  
of decommissioning provisions. An element of financing cost is capitalised on qualifying projects.  
Investment income predominantly includes interest received on short-term investments in money market funds, bank deposits, 
government bonds and notional interest on pensions. 

Year ended 31 December 
Cost of servicing net debt 

Interest income 
Interest cost on bonds, bank loans and overdrafts 
Interest cost on finance leases 

Net gains/(losses) on revaluation (i)  
Notional interest arising from discounting and other interest 

Capitalised borrowing costs (ii) 
(Cost)/income 

Financing  
costs  
£m 

Investment  
income  
£m 

–   
(305)   
(15)   
(320)   
–   
(79)   
(399)   
62   
(337)   

35   
–   
–   
35   
2   
–   
37   
–   
37   

2016 

Total  
£m 

35   
(305)   
(15)   
(285)   
2   
(79)   
(362)   
62   
(300)   

Financing  
costs  
£m 

Investment  
income  
£m 

–   
(289)   
(15)   
(304)   
(2)   
(76)   
(382)   
48   
(334)   

50   
–   
–   
50   
–   
5   
55   
–   
55   

2015 

Total  
£m 

50 
(289) 
(15) 
(254) 
(2) 
(71) 
(327) 
48 
(279) 

(i)

Includes gains and losses on fair value hedges, movements in fair value of other derivatives primarily used to hedge foreign exchange exposure associated with inter-company loans, 
and foreign currency gains and losses on the translation of inter-company loans. 

(ii)

  Borrowing costs have been capitalised using an average rate of 4.53% (2015: 4.20%). Capitalised interest has attracted tax deductions totalling £18 million (2015: £14 million),  

with deferred tax liabilities being set up for the same amounts.  

9. TAXATION 

The taxation note details the different tax charges and rates, including current and deferred tax arising in the Group. The current tax 
charge is the tax payable on this year’s taxable profits. This tax charge excludes share of taxation on the results of joint ventures and 
associates. Deferred tax represents the tax on differences between the accounting carrying values of assets and liabilities and their tax 
bases. These differences are temporary and are expected to unwind in the future. 

(a) Analysis of tax charge 

Year ended 31 December 
Current tax 
UK corporation tax  
UK petroleum revenue tax 
Non-UK tax 
Adjustments in respect of prior years – UK  
Adjustments in respect of prior years – non-UK 
Total current tax 
Deferred tax 
Origination and reversal of temporary differences – UK 
UK petroleum revenue tax 
Origination and reversal of temporary differences – non-UK 
Change in tax rates (i) 
Adjustments in respect of prior years – UK  
Adjustments in respect of prior years – non-UK (ii) 
Total deferred tax 
Total tax on profit/(loss) (iii) 

Business  
performance  
£m 

Exceptional 
 items 
and certain  
re-measurements  
£m 

Results for  
the year 
 £m 

Business  
performance  
£m 

2016 

Exceptional  
items 
 and certain  
re-measurements  
£m 

2015 

Results for  
the year 
 £m 

(103) 
8 
(220) 
60 
4 
(251) 

54 
(12) 
(75) 
21 
(59) 
40 
(31) 
(282) 

134 
– 
16 
53 
– 
203 

(174) 
– 
(262) 
45 
(60) 
6 
(445) 
(242) 

31 
8 
(204) 
113 
4 
(48) 

(120) 
(12) 
(337) 
66 
(119) 
46 
(476) 
(524) 

(233) 
(30) 
(206) 
198 
(24) 
(295) 

91 
46 
24 
27 
(169) 
(10) 
9 
(286) 

(75) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(75) 

274 
11 
192 
136 
– 
– 
613 
538 

(308) 
(30) 
(206) 
198 
(24) 
(370) 

365 
57 
216 
163 
(169) 
(10) 
622 
252 

(i)

During the year, the UK upstream Supplementary Charge was reduced from 20% to 10% and UK petroleum revenue tax from 35% to 0% with effect from 1 January 2016. The consequential 
reduction in net deferred tax liabilities of £36 million has been recognised within exceptional items (£29 million) and certain re-measurements (£7 million), and includes a petroleum revenue tax 
charge of £90 million (2015: £33 million). Other rate change impacts relate to the future reduction in the UK standard rate to 17% (see below). 

(ii)
(iii)

  A comprehensive review as part of business transformation activities in North America during the year enabled certain deferred tax balances to be adjusted. 
  Total tax on profit/(loss) excludes taxation on the Group’s share of profits of joint ventures and associates. 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

129 
129 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

9. TAXATION  
UK tax rates 
The Group earns the majority of its profits in the UK. Most activities in the UK are subject to the standard rate for UK corporation tax, 
which for 2016 was 20% (2015: 20.25%). Upstream gas and oil production activities are taxed at a UK corporation tax rate of 30%  
(2015: 30%) plus a supplementary charge of 10% (2015: 20%) to give an overall rate of 40% (2015: 50%). In addition, certain upstream 
assets in the UK attract petroleum revenue tax (PRT) at 0% (2015: 50% which was deductible against corporation tax), giving an overall 
effective rate of 40% (2015: 75%).  

On 6 September 2016, the UK Government substantively enacted Finance Act 2016 which included a reduction in the main UK 
corporation tax rate to 17% from 1 April 2020. At 31 December 2016, the relevant UK deferred tax assets and liabilities included  
in these consolidated Group Financial Statements were based on the reduced rate having regard to their reversal profiles. 

Non-UK tax rates 
Norwegian upstream profits are taxed at the standard rate of 25% (2015: 27%) plus a special tax of 53% (2015: 51%) resulting in an 
aggregate tax rate of 78% (2015: 78%). Profits earned in the US are taxed at a Federal rate of 35% (2015: 35%) together with state taxes 
at various rates dependent on the state. Taxation for other jurisdictions is calculated at the rate prevailing in those respective jurisdictions, 
with rates ranging from 12.5% in the Republic of Ireland to 55% in Trinidad and Tobago. The tax charges are not material in such 
jurisdictions.  

Prior year adjustments reflect changes made to estimates or to judgements when further information becomes available. 

Movements in deferred tax liabilities and assets are disclosed in note 16. 

Tax on items taken directly to equity is disclosed in note S4.  

(b) Factors affecting the tax charge 
The Group is expected to continue earning the majority of its profits in the UK and accordingly considers the standard UK rate to be the 
appropriate reference rate. 

The differences between the total tax shown above and the amount calculated by applying the standard rate of UK corporation tax to the 
profit/(loss) before tax are as follows: 

Year ended 31 December 
Profit/(loss) before tax  
Less: share of profits in joint ventures and associates,  
net of interest and taxation 
Group profit/(loss) before tax 
Tax on profit at standard UK corporation tax  
rate of 20% (2015: 20.25%)  
Effects of: 

Depreciation/impairment on non-qualifying assets 
(including write-backs) 
Non-taxable disposals 
Other non-allowable/non-taxable items 
Goodwill and investment impairments not deductible 
for tax purposes 
Higher rates applicable to upstream profits/losses 
Upstream investment incentives 
UK petroleum revenue tax rates 
Non-UK tax rates (i) 
Movement in uncertain tax provisions (ii) 
Movement in unrecognised deferred tax assets  
Changes to tax rates (iii) 
Adjustments in respect of prior years (iv) 

Taxation on profit/(loss) for the year 
Less: movement in deferred tax 
Total current tax 

2016 

Business  
performance  
£m 
1,167 

Exceptional items 
and certain  
re-measurements  
£m 
1,019 

Results for  
the year 
 £m 
2,186 

Business  
performance  
£m 
1,119 

Exceptional  
items 
 and certain  
re-measurements  
£m 
(2,255) 

2015 

Results for  
the year 
 £m 
(1,136) 

(130) 
1,037 

28 
1,047 

(102) 
2,084 

(200) 
919 

13 
(2,242) 

(187) 
(1,323) 

(207) 

(209) 

(416) 

(186) 

454 

268 

(49) 
(4) 
(5) 

– 
(61) 
22 
(3) 
(60) 
(4) 
14 
21 
54 
(282) 
31 
(251) 

12 
12 
(8) 

– 
1 
– 
– 
(107) 
– 
13 
45 
(1) 
(242) 
445 
203 

(37) 
8 
(13) 

– 
(60) 
22 
(3) 
(167) 
(4) 
27 
66 
53 
(524) 
476 
(48) 

(67) 
3 
(19) 

– 
23 
16 
8 
(45) 
(56) 
(5) 
27 
15 
(286) 
(9) 
(295) 

(222) 
– 
35 

(199) 
347 
– 
5 
78 
– 
(96) 
136 
– 
538 
(613) 
(75) 

(289) 
3 
16 

(199) 
370 
16 
13 
33 
(56) 
(101) 
163 
15 
252 
(622) 
(370) 

(i)
(ii)

Excludes additional non-UK tax applicable to upstream profits, notably in Norway. 
The major part of the uncertain tax provision is transfer pricing related, where a range of reasonable outcomes is possible. Accordingly a provision is required reflecting the judgement inherent 
in the arm’s length standard. The uncertain tax provisions are periodically reassessed, having regard to progress made towards resolution. 

(iii)
(iv)

  Changes to tax rates on exceptional items and certain re-measurements includes a petroleum revenue tax charge of £90 million (2015: £33 million). 
  Excludes amounts included in movement in uncertain tax provisions that relate to prior years of £9 million (2015: £20 million). 

130 
130

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

9. TAXATION  
(c) Factors that may affect future tax charges 
The Group’s effective tax rates are impacted by changes to the mix of activities and production across the territories in which it operates. 
Effective tax rates may also fluctuate where profits and losses cannot be offset for tax purposes, such as in the UK where there is 
generally no offset between upstream gas and oil and downstream results. Losses realised in one territory cannot be offset against  
profits in another. 

The Group’s UK profits earned away from gas and oil production will benefit from reduced rates of corporation tax in 2017 and beyond 
(19% from 1 April 2017 and 17% from 1 April 2020).  

Profits from gas and oil production in the UK continue to be taxed at rates above the UK statutory rate (40% verses 20%). PRT is now set 
at 0% but may still give rise to historic refunds from the carry-back of excess reliefs (for example, from decommissioning). 

Income earned in territories outside the UK, notably in the US and Norway, is generally subject to higher effective rates of tax than the 
current UK statutory rate. 

Globally, tax reform has significant potential to change tax charges, particularly in relation to the OECD’s Base Erosion and Profit Shifting 
(‘BEPS’) project, which has widespread support. Based on current proposals, the Group does not expect its tax position to be impacted 
materially. 

Local tax laws and rates are subject to change, which may have a significant impact on the Group’s future tax charges. In particular,  
the US presidential election may lead to substantial tax reforms. 

In the medium term, the Group’s effective tax rate is expected to remain above the UK statutory rate, reflecting a continued upward trend 
in profits earned outside the UK.  

(d) Relationship between current tax charge and taxes paid 

Year ended 31 December 
Current tax charge: 
Corporation tax 
Petroleum revenue tax 

Taxes paid: 

Corporation tax 
Petroleum revenue tax 

UK  
£m 

Non-UK  
£m 

(144) 
(8) 
(152) 

89 
(12) 
77 

200 
– 
200 

129 
– 
129 

2016  
£m 

56 
(8) 
48 

218 
(12) 
206 

UK  
£m 

110 
30 
140 

130 
(9) 
121 

Non-UK  
£m 

230 
– 
230 

228 
– 
228 

2015  
£m 

340 
30 
370 

358 
(9) 
349 

Differences between current tax charged and taxes paid arose principally due to the following factors: 

●  Corporation tax payments are generally made by instalment, based on estimated taxable profits, or the prior period’s profits. Payments 
are made on account and the final liability is settled as the tax return is filed. Fluctuations in profits from year to year, one-off items and 
mark-to-market movements within the year may therefore give rise to divergence between the charge for the year and the taxes paid. 
Early payments on account can result in overpayments for a given year. These are included as tax assets, to be refunded in a 
subsequent period; and 

●  PRT payments were based on income realised in the preceding period, with subsequent adjustments to reflect actual profits. Following 
the reduction in the PRT rate to 0% from 1 January 2016, PRT tax cash is expected to reflect refunds, but on a less predictable basis. 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

131 
131 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

10. EARNINGS PER ORDINARY SHARE 

Earnings per share (EPS) is the amount of profit or loss attributable to each share. Basic EPS is the amount of profit or loss for the year 
divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the year. Diluted EPS includes the impact of outstanding share options. 

Basic profit per ordinary share has been calculated by dividing the profit attributable to equity holders of the Company for the year of  
£1,672 million (2015: £747 million loss) by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year of 5,318 million  
(2015: 5,011 million). The number of shares excludes 61 million ordinary shares (2015: 72 million), being the weighted average number  
of the Company’s own shares held in the employee share trust and treasury shares purchased by the Group as part of the share 
repurchase programme.  

The Directors believe that the presentation of adjusted basic earnings per ordinary share, being the basic earnings per ordinary share 
adjusted for certain re-measurements and exceptional items assists with understanding the underlying performance of the Group, as 
explained in note 2.  

In May 2016, 350 million new ordinary shares were issued at 200.0 pence per share which represented approximately 7% of the issued 
ordinary share capital prior to the placing. 

In addition to basic and adjusted basic earnings per ordinary share, information is presented for diluted and adjusted diluted earnings  
per ordinary share. Under this presentation, no adjustments are made to the reported profit/(loss) for either 2016 or 2015, however,  
the weighted average number of shares used as the denominator is adjusted for potentially dilutive ordinary shares. 

Weighted average number of shares 

Year ended 31 December 
Weighted average number of shares – basic 
Dilutive impact of share-based payment schemes (i) 
Weighted average number of shares – diluted 

2016  
Million  
shares 
5,318 
43 
5,361 

2015  
Million  
shares 
5,011 
38 
5,049 

(i)

The dilutive impact of share-based payment schemes is included in the calculation of diluted EPS, unless it has the effect of increasing the profit or decreasing the loss attributable to each 
share. Therefore, these shares are excluded from the calculation of basic diluted EPS in 2015. 

Basic to adjusted basic earnings per share reconciliation 

Year ended 31 December 
Profit/(loss) – basic  
Net exceptional items after taxation (notes 2 and 7) (i) 
Certain re-measurement gains after taxation (notes 2 and 7) 
Earnings – adjusted basic (i) 

Profit/(loss) – diluted  

Earnings – adjusted diluted (i) 

2016 
Pence per 
ordinary share 
31.4 
(0.5) 
(14.1) 
16.8 

£m 
1,672 
(27) 
(750) 
895 

2015 
Pence per 
 ordinary share 
(14.9) 
34.7 
(2.6) 
17.2 

£m 
(747) 
1,739 
(129) 
863 

1,672 

31.2 

(747) 

(14.9) 

895 

16.7 

863 

17.1 

(i)

Net exceptional profit after taxation of £27 million (2015: £1,846 million loss) is reduced by nil (2015: £107 million) for the purpose of calculating adjusted basic and adjusted diluted EPS.  
The adjustment reflects the share of net exceptional items attributable to non-controlling interests. 

132 
132

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

11. DIVIDENDS 

Dividends represent the cash return of profits to shareholders and are paid twice a year, in June and November. Dividends are paid as 
an amount per ordinary share held. The Group retains part of the profits generated to meet future investment plans or to fund share 
repurchase programmes. 

Prior year final dividend  
Interim dividend  

2016 
Date of  
Pence per  
share 
payment 
8.43  23 Jun 2016 
3.60  24 Nov 2016 

£m (i) 
454 
197 
651 

£m 
418 
180 
598 

2015 
Pence per 
Date of  
 share 
payment 
8.40  25 Jun 2015 
3.57  26 Nov 2015 

(i)

Included within the prior year final dividend are forfeited dividends of £3 million older than 12 years that were written back in accordance with Group policy. 

The Directors propose a final dividend of 8.40 pence per ordinary share (totalling £461 million) for the year ended 31 December 2016.  
The dividend will be submitted for formal approval at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 8 May 2017 and, subject to approval,  
will be paid on 29 June 2017 to those shareholders registered on 12 May 2017. 

Commencing with the final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2014, the Company has offered a scrip dividend alternative to its 
shareholders. £84 million of the £454 million prior year final dividend was in the form of ordinary shares to shareholders opting in to the 
scrip dividend alternative. The market value per share at the date of payment was £2.02 per share resulting in the issue of 41 million new 
shares and £81 million of share premium. 

Similarly, £41 million of the £197 million interim dividend was taken as a scrip dividend. The market value per share at the date of payment 
was £2.13 resulting in the issue of 19 million new shares and £40 million of share premium. 

The Group has sufficient distributable reserves to pay dividends to its ultimate shareholders. Distributable reserves are calculated on  
an individual legal entity basis and the ultimate parent company, Centrica plc, currently has adequate levels of realised profits within  
its retained earnings to support dividend payments. Refer to the Centrica plc Company Balance Sheet on page 191. On an annual  
basis, the distributable reserve levels of the Group’s subsidiary undertakings are reviewed and dividends paid up the ownership chain  
to replenish Centrica plc’s reserve levels. 

12. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS 
(a) 2016 business combinations 

This section details business combinations made by the Group. During the year, the significant acquisitions undertaken by the Group 
were those of ENER-G Cogen International, a combined heat and power (CHP) business and Neas Energy, one of Europe’s leading 
providers of energy management and optimisation services for decentralised third-party owned assets. 

The fair values of acquired assets and liabilities are provisional unless otherwise stated. The purchase price allocation exercise requires 
management to make subjective judgements at the time control passes to the Group. 

ENER-G Cogen 
On 16 May 2016, the Group acquired 100% of ENER-G Cogen’s CHP business for cash consideration of £149 million. The company, 
which operates across Europe and North America, supplies, installs and maintains CHP solutions for industrial and commercial 
customers. This business is reported as part of the Distributed Energy & Power (DE&P) segment. The business is a strong fit with the 
DE&P business model and provides immediate capability to the division, where previously the Group had been reliant on subcontracting 
to third parties. 

For this acquisition, the majority of the value is recognised as goodwill, which is reflective of the enhanced synergies, geographical 
presence, the assembled workforce and international growth opportunities in the distributed energy sector. In addition, assumptions were 
made regarding margins on the existing order book and future margins on renewed contracts which are both captured in the customer 
intangible asset. £85 million of goodwill was recognised on acquisition, none of which is tax deductible. 

On acquisition, when the ENER-G business was first consolidated into the Group under IFRS, certain of the acquiree’s infrastructure contracts 
have been treated as finance leases. The acquired business previously reported under UK GAAP, under which these contracts were not 
considered to be leases. This represents the principal change to the accounting policies of the acquiree for the purposes of consolidation. 

Neas Energy 
On 5 October 2016, the Group acquired 100% of Neas Energy’s business for cash consideration of £210 million. The business provides 
energy management services and short-term optimisation trading services for decentralised third-party owned assets across Europe 
(including windfarms, solar plants and CHP plants). It is also engaged in short-term trading in power, gas and environmental certificates 
across 18 countries. This business is reported as part of the Energy Marketing & Trading (EM&T) segment. 

For this acquisition, the majority of the value is recognised as goodwill. This reflects the assembled workforce, geographical presence  
and international growth opportunities brought to the EM&T segment by the acquisition. £151 million of goodwill was recognised  
on acquisition, none of which is tax deductible. 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

133 
133 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

12. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS 
Flowgem 
On 25 August 2016, the Group acquired 100% of Flowgem Limited for cash consideration of £13 million and contingent consideration 
with a fair value of £5 million. This UK-based business has developed an early stage technology to remotely detect water leaks, which 
enhances the Group’s connectivity offering in the UK and North America, adding new capabilities to the Hive product portfolio and 
complementing the Group’s home services offering. This business will be reported as part of the Connected Home segment. £13 million 
of goodwill was recognised on acquisition, none of which is tax deductible.  

Other acquisitions in the period were immaterial and resulted in no goodwill being recognised. 

Provisional fair value of the identifiable acquired assets and liabilities 

ENER-G  
Cogen (i) 
 £m 

Neas Energy 
£m 

Flowgem 
£m 

Balance Sheet items 
Intangible assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Other non-current assets 
Current assets (including £37 million of cash and cash equivalents) 
Current liabilities 
Non-current liabilities 
Net identifiable assets 
Goodwill 
Net assets acquired 
Consideration comprises: 
Cash consideration  
Contingent consideration (ii) 

Total consideration  

30 
28 
15 
43 
(35) 
(17) 
64 
85 
149 

149 
– 
149 

45 
1 
1 
168 
(149) 
(7) 
59 
151 
210 

210 
– 
210 

Income Statement items 
Revenue recognised since the acquisition date in the Group Income Statement (iii) 
Profit/(loss) since the acquisition date in the Group Income Statement (iii) 

69 
2 

714 
13 

5 
– 
– 
1 
(1) 
– 
5 
13 
18 

13 
5 
18 

– 
(1) 

Total 
 £m 

80 
29 
16 
212 
(185) 
(24) 
128 
249 
377 

372 
5 
377 

783 
14 

(i)

Subsequent to the provisional fair values reported in the 2016 condensed interim Financial Statements, the fair values of ENER-G’s assets and liabilities have been updated in accordance 
with the provisions of IFRS 3. In addition to other immaterial adjustments, a reclassification of £10 million between finance lease receivables and deferred revenue was made to reflect a 
revised allocation of future cash receipts between finance lease receivables and associated service contracts. The net impact of all opening balance sheet adjustments on goodwill is a  
£1 million reduction. 

(ii)

  Contingent consideration is stated at fair value at the reporting date and is classified as other payables (Level 3 in terms of fair value hierarchy). Fair value is based on a set of key assumptions 
which take into consideration the probability of meeting sale volumes targets between 2017 and 2020. Future developments may require further revisions to the estimates. The maximum 
consideration to be paid to the vendor amounts to £17 million. 

(iii)

  Revenue and profits/losses from business performance between the acquisition date and the balance sheet date, exclude exceptional items and certain re-measurements. 

Acquisition-related costs have been charged to ‘operating costs before exceptional items’ in the Group Income Statement for an 
aggregated amount of £4 million. 

Pro forma information 
The pro forma consolidated results of the Group, assuming the acquisitions had been made at the beginning of the year, would show 
revenue of £28,474 million (compared to reported revenue of £27,102 million) and profit after taxation before exceptional items and certain 
re-measurements of £886 million (compared to reported profit after taxation of £885 million). This pro forma information includes the 
revenue and profits/losses made by the acquired businesses between the beginning of the financial year and the date of the acquisition, 
without accounting policy alignments and/or the impact of the fair value uplifts resulting from purchase accounting considerations.  
This pro forma aggregated information is not necessarily indicative of the results of the combined Group that would have occurred  
had the acquisitions actually been made at the beginning of the year presented, or indicative of the future results of the combined Group. 

134 
134

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

12. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS 
(b) 2015 business combinations – measurement period adjustments 
During the year, there have been no material updates to the fair value of assets and liabilities recognised for businesses acquired in 2015. 
Goodwill in respect of these acquisitions increased by £1 million. 

(c) Assets and liabilities of disposal groups classified as held for sale 

Assets and associated liabilities that are expected to be recovered principally through a sale have been classified as held for sale  
and are presented separately on the face of the Group Balance Sheet.  

On 30 November 2016, the Group agreed to sell its entire portfolio of gas assets in Trinidad and Tobago to Shell Exploration and Production 
for initial consideration of $30 million (£24 million). The assets to be disposed of consist of a 17.3% interest in the producing NCMA-1 block 
and 80% and 90% operated interests respectively in the undeveloped blocks NCMA-4 and Block 22. In addition to the initial consideration, 
the Group will receive further consideration subject to Block 22 and NCMA-4 reaching agreed milestones. The transaction is subject to 
government and partners’ approval and is expected to close in the first half of 2017. 

As detailed in note 7, prior to classification of these assets as held for sale, previously recognised impairments were reversed, giving rise 
to an exceptional pre-tax income statement credit of £56 million (£45 million post-tax). 

These interests are currently shown in the Exploration & Production segment. 

On 13 January 2017, as a consequence of the Group’s strategy to reduce its exposure on wind power generation assets, the Group agreed 
to sell its remaining 50% interest in Lincs Wind Farm Limited (‘Lincs’) for net proceeds of £224 million, of which £113 million relates to a 
shareholder loan. The counterparties to this transaction are UK Green Investment Bank plc and Green Investment Bank Offshore Wind Fund. 
The transaction completed on 17 February 2017. During the course of a 12-month transition period post-completion, Centrica will provide 
operations maintenance support to the buyers. The Group’s interest in Lincs is currently shown in the Central Power Generation segment. 

Non-current assets (other than interests in joint ventures) 
Interests in joint ventures 
Assets of disposal groups classified as held for sale 
Non-current liabilities 
Liabilities of disposal groups classified as held for sale 
Net assets of disposal groups classified as held for sale 

Trinidad and Tobago  
gas assets 
£m 
66 
– 
66 
(42) 
(42) 
24 

Lincs Wind Farm 
£m 
117 
55 
172 
– 
– 
172 

Total 
£m 
183 
55 
238 
(42) 
(42) 
196 

None of the above disposal groups are material enough to be shown as discontinued operations on the face of the Group Income 
Statement as they do not represent a separate major line of business or geographical area of operations. 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

135 
135 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

12. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS 
(d) Disposals 

During the year, the Group sold its interest in the GLID wind farms joint venture, the Skene and Buckland fields and the Airtron Canada 
and Airco Mechanical businesses. This note details the consideration received, the assets and liabilities disposed of and the profit/(loss) 
before and after tax arising on disposal. 

Date of disposal 

Business/assets disposed of by the Group 

Sold to 

Goodwill 
Property, plant and equipment 
Interests in joint ventures 
Other assets 
Current liabilities 
Non-current provisions for other liabilities and charges 
Net assets/(liabilities) disposed of 
Consideration received 
Deferred consideration 
Total consideration 

Profit/(loss) on disposal before tax and release of cash flow 
hedge reserve 
Release of share of joint venture cash flow hedge reserve on disposal 
Profit/(loss) on disposal before tax 
Taxation 
Profit/(loss) on disposal after tax 

7 March 2016 

18 May 2016 

9 October 2016/ 
14 November 2016 

GLID wind farms joint venture 

Skene and Buckland gas and 
oil assets (i) 

Airco Mechanical/ 
Airtron Canada 

Consortium comprised of UK 
Green Investment Bank 
Offshore Wind Fund and 
BlackRock funds 
£m 
– 
– 
16 
– 
– 
– 
16 
94 
– 
94 

78 
(5) 
73 
– 
73 

Apache Beryl Limited and 
Enterprise Oil Limited 

Management buyout/ 
Ainsworth Inc. 

£m 
– 
3 
– 
2 
– 
(45) 
(40) 
10 
– 
10 

50 
– 
50 
(21) 
29 

£m 
10 
2 
– 
31 
(10) 
– 
33 
8 
3 
11 

(22) 
– 
(22) 
1 
(21) 

(i)

Based on the final completion statement, the consideration related to this disposal was amended to £10 million compared to £11 million reported in the condensed interim Financial 
Statements for the period ended 30 June 2016. 

On 7 March 2016, GLID wind farms were disposed of for sales proceeds of £116 million of which £22 million was in relation to 
outstanding interest due to the Group from GLID. A profit on disposal after tax of £73 million was recognised on the sale of the Group’s 
interest in this joint venture, and has been recognised as an exceptional item (see note 7) since this transaction is part of Centrica’s exit 
from the wind business. Centrica will continue to purchase 100% of the power and 50% of the ROCs from the three GLID wind farms 
under existing power purchase agreements (PPAs) until 2024. 

On 16 November 2015, a Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) was entered into with Apache Beryl Limited to divest the non-operated 
interests in Skene and Buckland for consideration of $15 million (£11 million). At 31 December 2015, this disposal group was classified  
as held for sale. The transaction completed with Apache Beryl Limited and Enterprise Oil Limited (a Shell related party), which exercised  
its pre-emption rights, on 18 May 2016. A profit on disposal after tax of £29 million was recognised as an exceptional item (see note 7). 

On 9 October 2016, the Group announced a disposal through a management buyout of its NA Home investment in Airco Mechanical Ltd. 
for consideration of $10 million (£8 million), out of which $3 million (£2 million) is deferred for payment on 1 December 2017. A loss on 
disposal after tax of $11 million (£9 million) was recognised as an exceptional item (see note 7). 

On 14 November 2016, the Group announced a disposal of NA Home’s interest in Airtron Canada (Direct Energy Business Services 
Limited) for consideration of C$5 million (£3 million). Of the consideration, C$4 million was received upon completion of the transaction 
and C$1 million is deferred for payment 18 months post completion. A loss on disposal after tax of C$19 million (£12 million) was 
recognised as an exceptional item (see note 7). Centrica will support the buyer for a period of 12 months post completion, under the 
terms of a transition service agreement.  

All other disposals undertaken by the Group were immaterial, both individually and in aggregate. None of these disposals are material 
enough to be shown as discontinued operations on the face of the Group Income Statement as they do not represent a separate major 
line of business or geographical area of operations.  

136 
136

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

13. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT  

PP&E includes significant investment in power stations, gas production and gas storage assets. Once operational, all assets are 
depreciated over their useful economic lives. 

(a) Carrying amounts 

Cost 
1 January  
Additions and capitalised 
borrowing costs (note 4(e)) 
Acquisitions 
Disposals/retirements (i) 
Transfers (ii) 
Transfers to disposal groups 
held for sale 
Decommissioning liability 
revisions and additions  
(note 21) (iii) 
Exchange adjustments 
31 December  
Accumulated 
depreciation and 
impairment 
1 January  
Charge for the year 
Impairments 
Disposals/retirements (i) 
Transfers to disposal groups 
held for sale 
Exchange adjustments 
31 December  
NBV at 31 December  

Land and 
buildings 
£m 

Plant, 
equipment 
and vehicles 
£m 

Power 
generation 
£m 

Gas 
production 
and storage 
£m 

2016 

Total 
£m 

Land and 
buildings 
£m 

Plant, 
equipment 
and vehicles 
£m 

Power 
generation 
£m 

Gas 
production 
and storage 
£m 

2015 

Total 
£m 

30 

602 

2,070 

14,944 

17,646 

29 

633 

2,061 

15,158 

17,881 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
1 
31 

16 
1 
– 
– 

– 
– 
17 
14 

90 
1 
(89) 
– 

23 
28 
(259) 
– 

561 
– 
(18) 
98 

674 
29 
(366) 
98 

– 

(4) 

(315) 

(319) 

22 
39 
665 

– 
9 
1,867 

279 
1,022 
16,571 

301 
1,071 
19,134 

262 
93 
– 
(79) 

– 
22 
298 
367 

1,704 
36 
(28) 
(258) 

11,035 
523 
139 
(11) 

13,017 
653 
111 
(348) 

– 
– 
1,454 
413 

(249) 
630 
12,067 
4,504 

(249) 
652 
13,836 
5,298 

1 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
30 

15 
1 
– 
– 

– 
– 
16 
14 

115 
– 
(142) 
– 

12 
– 
– 
– 

642 
– 
(27) 
32 

770 
– 
(169) 
32 

– 

– 

(204) 

(204) 

– 
(4) 
602 

(1) 
(2) 
2,070 

(192) 
(465) 
14,944 

(193) 
(471) 
17,646 

330 
76 
– 
(139) 

– 
(5) 
262 
340 

1,639 
31 
34 
– 

– 
– 
1,704 
366 

9,520 
778 
1,139 
(21) 

(201) 
(180) 
11,035 
3,909 

11,504 
886 
1,173 
(160) 

(201) 
(185) 
13,017 
4,629 

(i)
(ii)
(iii)

Included within plant, equipment and vehicles disposals are £8 million (2015: £133 million) of gross assets which have been retired and have a net book value of zero. 
Transfers from other balance sheet accounts includes £98 million (2015: £32 million) from intangible assets for exploration licences where the field is now being developed. 
Includes £22 million revision to dilapidations provisions on UK properties. 

(b) Assets in the course of construction included in above carrying amounts 

31 December 
Plant, equipment and vehicles 
Gas production and storage 
Power generation 

2016 
£m 
55 
505 
7 

2015  
£m 
53 
1,245 
– 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

137 
137 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

13. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT  
(c) Assets held under finance leases and to which title was restricted included in above carrying amounts 

Cost at 1 January 
Additions 
Cost at 31 December 
Aggregate depreciation at 1 January  
Charge for the year 
Impairments 
Aggregate depreciation at  
31 December 
NBV at 31 December 

Plant, 
equipment  
and vehicles 
£m 
48 
32 
80 
2 
7 
– 

Power 
generation  
£m 
469 
– 
469 
469 
– 
– 

Gas  
production 
and storage  
£m 
415 
– 
415 
397 
1 
– 

9 
71 

469 
– 

398 
17 

2016 

Total 
£m 
932 
32 
964 
868 
8 
– 

876 
88 

Plant, 
equipment  
and vehicles 
£m 
– 
48 
48 
– 
2 
– 

Power 
generation  
£m 
469 
– 
469 
435 
3 
31 

Gas  
production 
and storage  
£m 
415 
– 
415 
394 
3 
– 

2 
46 

469 
– 

397 
18 

2015 

Total 
£m 
884 
48 
932 
829 
8 
31 

868 
64 

14. INTERESTS IN JOINT VENTURES AND ASSOCIATES 

Investments in joint ventures and associates represent businesses where we exercise joint control or significant influence and generally 
have an equity holding of up to 50%. These include investments in the existing EDF UK nuclear power station fleet and various UK 
wind farms. 

(a) Interests in joint ventures and associates 

1 January  
Additions  
Disposals 
Decrease in shareholder loans 
Share of profits for the year 
Share of other comprehensive income 
Transfer to held for sale 
Impairment 
Dividends (i) 
Exchange adjustments 
31 December  

Investments in 
joint ventures  
and associates 
£m 
1,679 
17 
21 
– 
102 
56 
(55) 
(3) 
(129) 
3 
1,691 

Shareholder 
loans  
£m 
160 
– 
(41) 
– 
– 
– 
(113) 
– 
– 
– 
6 

2016 

Investments in 
joint ventures 
and associates 
£m 
2,045 
13 
(3) 
– 
187 
(5) 
– 
(372) 
(186) 
– 
1,679 

Total 
£m 
1,839 
17 
(20) 
– 
102 
56 
(168) 
(3) 
(129) 
3 
1,697 

Shareholder 
loans  
£m 
350 
– 
– 
(190) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
160 

2015 

Total 
£m 
2,395 
13 
(3) 
(190) 
187 
(5) 
– 
(372) 
(186) 
– 
1,839 

(i)

Included within dividends is a non-cash £12 million (2015: £6 million) tax credit received in lieu of payment. 

(b) Share of joint ventures’ and associates’ assets and liabilities 

31 December 
Share of non-current assets 
Share of current assets 

Share of current liabilities 
Share of non-current liabilities 

Cumulative impairment 
Restricted interest on shareholder loan (i) 
Share of net assets of joint ventures and associates 
Shareholder loans 
Interests in joint ventures and associates 

Associates 
Nuclear 
£m 
3,670 
638 
4,308 
(149) 
(1,897) 
(2,046) 
(586) 
– 
1,676 
– 
1,676 

2016 

2015 

Other 
£m 
17 
3 
20 
(1) 
(4) 
(5) 
– 
– 
15 
6 
21 

Total 
£m 
3,687 
641 
4,328 
(150) 
(1,901) 
(2,051) 
(586) 
– 
1,691 
6 
1,697 

Total 
£m 
4,124 
660 
4,784 
(306) 
(2,201) 
(2,507) 
(586) 
(12) 
1,679 
160 
1,839 

Net cash/(debt) included in share of net assets 

78 

– 

78 

(401) 

(i)

The Group restricted an element of interest received on the shareholder loan to Lincs Wind Farm Limited. 

Further information on the Group’s investments in joint ventures and associates is provided in notes 6 and S10. 

138 
138

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

15. OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL 

The Group Balance Sheet contains significant intangible assets. Goodwill, customer relationships and brands arise when we acquire  
a business. Goodwill is attributable to enhanced geographical presence, cost savings, synergies, growth opportunities, the assembled 
workforce and technical goodwill from items such as deferred tax. Goodwill is not amortised but is assessed for recoverability each year. 
The Group uses European Union Allowances (EUAs) and Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) to satisfy its related obligations. 
Upstream exploration and evaluation expenditure is capitalised as an intangible asset until development of the asset commences,  
at which point it is transferred to PP&E or is deemed not commercially viable and is written down. 

(a) Carrying amounts 

Cost 
1 January  
Additions and capitalised 
borrowing costs (note 
4(e)) 
Acquisitions 
Disposals/retirements 
and surrenders (iv) 
Write-downs 
Transfers (v) 
Exchange adjustments 
31 December  
Accumulated 
amortisation 
1 January  
Amortisation 
Impairments 
Disposals/retirements 
and surrenders (iv) 
Transfers (v) 
Exchange adjustments 
31 December  
NBV at 31 December  

Customer 
relation-
ships 
and 
brands (i) 
£m 

Application 
software 
(ii) (iii) 
£m 

Exploration 
and 
evaluation 
expenditure 
£m 

EUAs 
and 
ROCs 
£m 

Customer 
relation-
ships 
and 
brands 
£m 

Application 
software 
(ii) 
£m 

Exploration 
and 
evaluation 
expenditure 
£m 

EUAs 
and 
ROCs 
£m 

Goodwill 
£m 

Total 
£m 

Goodwill 
£m 

Total 
£m 

2016 

2015 

683 

1,380 

299 

485 

2,778 

5,625 

654 

1,505 

260 

562 

2,736 

5,717 

– 
48 

196 
13 

629 
19 

11 
– 

– 
250 

836 
330 

2 
– 

153 
32 

617 
2 

(34) 
– 
– 
107 
804 

(75) 
– 
– 
67 
1,581 

(664) 
– 
– 
28 
311 

– 
(19) 
(98) 
46 
425 

(10) 
– 
(88) 
391 
3,321 

(783) 
(19) 
(186) 
639 
6,442 

387 
73 
– 

(34) 
– 
70 
496 
308 

524 
195 
14 

(71) 
– 
33 
695 
886 

2 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
2 
309 

159 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
159 
266 

729 
– 
– 

1,801 
268 
14 

– 
(88) 
66 
707 
2,614 

(105) 
(88) 
169 
2,059 
4,383 

– 
– 
– 
27 
683 

297 
73 
– 

– 
– 
17 
387 
296 

(307) 
– 
– 
(3) 
1,380 

(585) 
– 
– 
5 
299 

669 
161 
– 

(298) 
– 
(8) 
524 
856 

2 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
2 
297 

81 
– 

(3) 
(71) 
(32) 
(52) 
485 

22 
– 
137 

– 
– 
– 
159 
326 

– 
71 

853 
105 

– 
– 
– 
(29) 
2,778 

(895) 
(71) 
(32) 
(52) 
5,625 

127 
– 
609 

1,117 
234 
746 

– 
– 
(7) 
729 
2,049 

(298) 
– 
2 
1,801 
3,824 

The remaining amortisation period of material customer relationship assets is around five years. 

  Application software includes assets under construction with a cost of £229 million (2015: £193 million).  
  The remaining amortisation period of material application software assets is between six and 10 years. 

(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)

Included within disposals/retirements and surrenders are £86 million (2015: £286 million) of gross assets that have been retired and have a net book value of zero. 
Transfers to other balance sheet accounts, including £98 million to PP&E and £88 million to assets held for sale in respect of fully impaired goodwill relating to Trinidad and Tobago.  

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

139 
139 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

15. OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL  
(b) Carrying amount of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives allocated to CGUs 
Goodwill acquired through business combinations, and indefinite-lived intangible assets, have been allocated for impairment testing 
purposes to individual CGUs or groups of CGUs, each representing the lowest level within the Group at which the goodwill or  
indefinite-lived intangible asset is monitored for internal management purposes.  

Principal acquisitions to which 
goodwill and intangibles with indefinite 
useful lives relate 

Carrying 
amount of 
indefinite-lived 
intangible 
assets (i) 
£m 

Carrying 
amount of 
goodwill 
£m 

AlertMe/Dyno-Rod 
Enron Direct/Electricity Direct 
Bord Gáis Energy 

63 
181 
15 

57 
– 
– 

2016 

Total 
£m 

120 
181 
15 

Carrying 
 amount of 
indefinite-lived 
intangible 
assets  
(restated) (i) (ii) 
£m 

Carrying 
amount of 
goodwill 
(restated) (ii) 
£m 

2015 

Total 
(restated) (ii) 
£m 

63 
181 
13 

925 

471 

18 

28 

– 

57 
– 
– 

13 

– 

– 

– 

– 

120 
181 
13 

938 

471 

18 

28 

– 

1,105 

16 

1,121 

565 

31 

119 

145 

– 

– 

– 

– 

565 

31 

119 

145 

390 
2,614 

– 
73 

390 
2,687 

350 
2,049 

– 
70 

350 
2,119 

31 December 
CGUs 
Energy Supply & Services – 
UK & Ireland: 
UK Home 
UK Business 
Ireland 

Energy Supply & Services – 
North America: 
NA Home 

NA Business 

Direct Energy/ATCO/ 
CPL/WTU/FCP/Bounce/ 
Residential Services Group/ 
Clockwork/Astrum Solar 
Direct Energy/ATCO/Strategic 
Energy/FCP/HEM  

Connected Home 

AlertMe/Flowgem 

Distributed Energy & Power  ENER-G, Panoramic Power 

Energy Marketing & Trading  Neas Energy 

Exploration & Production: 

UK/Norway/Netherlands  Newfield/Heimdal/Venture 

(i)
(ii)

The indefinite-lived assets mainly relate to the Mr Sparky and Benjamin Franklin brands acquired as part of the Clockwork business combination, and the Dyno-Rod brand. 
The goodwill and indefinite-lived assets have been restated in the new reporting segments. See note 1 for further details. 

140 
140

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

16. DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES AND ASSETS 

Deferred tax is an accounting adjustment to provide for tax that is expected to arise in the future as a result of differences in the 
accounting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. The principal deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the Group relate  
to capital investments, fair value movements on derivative financial instruments, PRT and pensions. 

1 January 2015 
Credit/(charge) to income – change to tax rates 
Credit/(charge) to income – other 
(Charge)/credit to equity 
Acquisition/disposal of businesses 
Transfer of deferred tax assets to disposal groups 
classified as held for sale 
Exchange and other adjustments 
31 December 2015 
Credit/(charge) to income – change to tax rates 
(Charge)/credit to income – other 
(Charge)/credit to equity 
Acquisition/disposal of businesses 
Transfer of deferred tax liabilities to disposal groups 
classified as held for sale 
Exchange and other adjustments 
31 December 2016 

Accelerated tax 
depreciation 
(corporation tax) 
£m 
(1,403) 
212 
226 
– 
(5) 

Other timing 
differences 
including losses 
carried forward (i) 
£m 
780 
(61) 
126 
(2) 
– 

Marked to 
market positions 
£m 
330 
20 
81 
(6) 
– 

Net deferred  
PRT (ii)  
£m 
64 
(29) 
42 
– 
– 

Retirement  
benefit 
 obligation and 
other provisions 
£m 
(80) 
21 
(16) 
50 
– 

2 
48 
(920) 
161 
(345) 
– 
(6) 

(10) 
(8) 
825 
(92) 
531 
(1) 
(15) 

– 
65 
(1,045) 

3 
(87) 
1,164 

– 
17 
442 
16 
(630) 
(3) 
– 

– 
34 
(141) 

– 
– 
77 
(41) 
(21) 
– 
– 

– 
– 
15 

– 
– 
(25) 
22 
(77) 
194 
– 

– 
4 
118 

Total 
£m 
(309) 
163 
459 
42 
(5) 

(8) 
57 
399 
66 
(542) 
190 
(21) 

3 
16 
111 

(i)

  Other timing differences include deferred tax assets of £1,300 million (2015: £1,199 million) in respect of decommissioning provisions and £303 million (2015: £169 million) in respect of losses 
carried forward. The losses arise principally from accelerated allowances for upstream investments expenditure, for which equivalent deferred tax liabilities are included under accelerated tax 
depreciation. 
The deferred PRT amounts include the effect of deferred corporation tax as PRT is deductible for corporation tax purposes. 

(ii)

Certain deferred tax assets and liabilities have been offset where there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against 
current tax liabilities and when the deferred income taxes relate to the same fiscal authority. The following is an analysis of the gross 
deferred tax balances and associated offsetting balances for financial reporting purposes: 

31 December 
Gross deferred tax balances crystallising within one year 
Gross deferred tax balances crystallising after one year 

Offsetting deferred tax balances  
Net deferred tax balances (after offsetting for financial reporting 
purposes) 

Assets  
£m 
223 
1,502 
1,725 
(1,369) 

2016 
Liabilities  
£m 
(258) 
(1,356) 
(1,614) 
1,369 

Assets  
£m 
372 
1,654 
2,026 
(1,529) 

2015 
Liabilities  
£m 
(307) 
(1,320) 
(1,627) 
1,529 

356 

(245) 

497 

(98) 

Deferred tax assets arise principally on decommissioning provisions, trading losses carried forward, retirement benefit obligations and 
marked to market positions. Forecasts indicate that there will be suitable taxable profits to utilise those deferred tax assets not offset 
against deferred tax liabilities. Specific legislative provisions applicable to gas and oil production provide assurance that deferred tax 
assets relating to decommissioning costs and certain trading losses will be utilised. 

At the balance sheet date the Group had certain unrecognised deductible temporary differences of £1,276 million (2015: £963 million),  
of which £1,073 million (2015: £790 million) are carried forward tax losses available for utilisation against future taxable profits. Some  
£313 million (2015: £118 million) of these losses will expire within one to five years. All other temporary differences have no expiry date.  
No deferred tax asset has been recognised in respect of these temporary differences, due to the unpredictability of future profit streams. 
At the balance sheet date, no taxable temporary differences existed in respect of the Group’s overseas investments (2015: nil). The 
deferred tax liability arising on these temporary differences is estimated to be nil (2015: nil). 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

141 
141 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

17. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES 

Trade and other receivables include accrued income, and are amounts owed by our customers for goods we have delivered or 
services we have provided. These balances are valued net of expected irrecoverable debts. Other receivables include payments made 
in advance to our suppliers. 

31 December 
Financial assets: 

Trade receivables 
Accrued energy income 
Other accrued income 
Cash collateral posted (note 24(c)) 
Other receivables (including loans) 

Less: provision for credit losses 

Non-financial assets: prepayments and other receivables 

Current  
£m 

2016 
Non-current  
£m 

2,305 
2,394 
123 
307 
231 
5,360 
(697) 
4,663 
439 
5,102 

– 
– 
– 
– 
41 
41 
– 
41 
25 
66 

Current  
£m 

2,493 
1,925 
127 
216 
338 
5,099 
(694) 
4,405 
500 
4,905 

2015 
Non-current  
£m 

– 
– 
– 
– 
25 
25 
– 
25 
36 
61 

Trade and other receivables include financial assets representing the contractual right to receive cash or other financial assets from 
residential customers, business customers and treasury, trading and energy procurement counterparties as follows:  

31 December 
Financial assets by class: 
Residential customers 
Business customers 
Treasury, trading and energy procurement counterparties 

Less: provision for credit losses 

Current 
 £m 

2016 
Non-current  
£m 

1,690 
2,429 
1,241 
5,360 
(697) 
4,663 

8 
32 
1 
41 
– 
41 

Current  
£m 

1,562 
2,496 
1,041 
5,099 
(694) 
4,405 

2015 
Non-current  
£m 

7 
12 
6 
25 
– 
25 

Receivables from residential and business customers are generally considered to be fully performing until such time as the payment  
that is due remains outstanding past the contractual due date. Contractual due dates range from falling due upon receipt to falling due  
in 30 days from receipt. Receivables from residential customers are generally reviewed for impairment on an individual basis once a 
customer discontinues their relationship with the Group. 

Current financial assets within trade and other receivables net of provision  
for credit losses on an undiscounted basis 
31 December 
Balances that are not past due 
Balances that are past due but not considered to be individually impaired 
Balances with customers that are considered to be individually impaired 

2016 
£m 
3,342 
1,279 
42 
4,663 

An ageing of the carrying value of trade and other receivables that are past due that are not considered to be individually impaired  
is as follows: 

Financial assets within trade and other receivables on an undiscounted basis 
31 December 
Days past due: 

Less than 30 days 
30 to 89 days 
Less than 90 days 
90 to 182 days 
183 to 365 days 
Greater than 365 days 

142 
142

2016 
£m 

703   
224   
927   
125   
144   
83   
1,279   

2015 
£m 
2,790 
1,576 
39 
4,405 

2015 
£m 

745 
366 
1,111 
225 
163 
77 
1,576 

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

17. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES  
The provision for credit losses is based on an incurred loss model and is determined by application of expected default and loss factors, 
informed by historical loss experience and current sampling to the various balances receivable from residential and business customers  
on a portfolio basis, in addition to provisions taken against individual accounts. Balances are written off when recoverability is assessed  
as being remote. The impairment charge in trade receivables is stated net of credits for the release of specific provisions made in previous 
years, which are no longer required. These relate primarily to residential customers in the UK. Movements in the provision for credit losses 
by class are as follows:  

1 January  
Impairment of trade receivables (i) 
Receivables written off  
31 December 

Residential 
customers 
£m 
(359) 
(117) 
81 
(395) 

Business 
customers 
£m 
(332) 
(58) 
94 
(296) 

Treasury, 
trading 
and energy 
procurement 
counterparties 
£m 
(3) 
(3) 
– 
(6) 

2016 

Total 
£m 
(694) 
(178) 
175 
(697) 

Residential 
customers 
£m 
(388) 
(109) 
138 
(359) 

Business 
customers 
£m 
(243) 
(188) 
99 
(332) 

Treasury, 
trading 
and energy 
procurement 
counterparties 
£m 
(3) 
– 
– 
(3) 

2015 

Total 
£m 
(634) 
(297) 
237 
(694) 

(i)

2016 includes £4 million reclassified to deferred income for related cancel/rebill activity. 2015 includes £38 million of items previously classified as provisions within accrued energy income 
that management believe is more appropriately classified as provisions for credit losses. 

18. INVENTORIES 

Inventories represent assets that we intend to use in future periods, either by selling the asset itself (for example gas in storage) or by 
using it to provide a service to a customer. 

31 December 
Gas in storage and transportation 
Other raw materials and consumables 
Finished goods and goods for resale 

2016 
£m 
190 
175 
7 
372 

2015 
£m 
221 
160 
14 
395 

The Group consumed £750 million of inventories (2015: £889 million) during the year. Write downs amounting to £10 million  
(2015: £19 million) were charged to the Group Income Statement in the year. 

19. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

The Group uses derivative financial instruments to manage the risk arising from fluctuations in the value of certain assets or liabilities, 
associated with treasury management, energy sales and procurement. These derivatives are held at fair value, and are predominantly 
unrealised positions, expected to unwind in future periods. The Group also uses derivatives for proprietary energy trading purposes. 

  Purpose 
Proprietary energy trading 
and treasury management 
Energy procurement/ 
optimisation 

Accounting treatment 
Carried at fair value, with changes in fair value recognised in the Group’s results for the year, before 
exceptional items and certain re-measurements (i) 
Carried at fair value, with changes in fair value reflected in certain re-measurements 

  (i)  With the exception of certain energy derivatives related to cross-border transportation and capacity contracts. 

In cases where a derivative qualifies for hedge accounting, derivatives are classified as fair value hedges or cash flow hedges.  
Note S5 provides further detail on the Group’s hedge accounting. 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

143 
143 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

19. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS  
The carrying values of derivative financial instruments by product type for accounting purposes are as follows: 

31 December 
Derivative financial instruments – held for trading under IAS 39: 

Energy derivatives – for procurement/optimisation 
Energy derivatives – for proprietary trading 
Interest rate derivatives (i) 
Foreign exchange derivatives (i) 

Energy derivative contracts designated at fair value through profit or loss 
Derivative financial instruments in hedge accounting relationships: 

Interest rate derivatives (i) 
Foreign exchange derivatives (i) 

Total derivative financial instruments 
Included within: 

Derivative financial instruments – current 
Derivative financial instruments – non-current 

Assets 
£m 

1,420 
33 
– 
93 
18 

158 
151 
1,873 

1,291 
582 

2016 
Liabilities 
£m 

(1,360) 
(92) 
(30) 
(103) 
– 

(6) 
(2) 
(1,593) 

(1,100) 
(493) 

Assets 
£m 

1,038 
99 
– 
68 
14 

129 
28 
1,376 

936 
440 

2015 
Liabilities 
£m 

(1,782) 
(1) 
(25) 
(89) 
– 

(3) 
(68) 
(1,968) 

(1,460) 
(508) 

(i)

Included within these categories are £291 million (2015: £82 million) of derivatives used to hedge movements in net debt. See note 24(c). 

The contracts included within energy derivatives are subject to a wide range of detailed specific terms but comprise the following general 
components, analysed on a net carrying value basis:  

31 December 
Short-term forward market purchases and sales of gas and electricity: 

UK and Europe 
North America 

Structured gas purchase contracts 
Structured gas sales contracts 
Structured power purchase contracts 
Other 
Net total 

Net (losses)/gains on derivative financial instruments due to re-measurement 

31 December 
Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value: 

Derivative financial instruments – held for proprietary energy trading 
Derivative financial instruments – held for trading under IAS 39  
Energy contracts designated at fair value through profit or loss 
Derivative financial instruments in hedge accounting relationships 

Income 
 Statement 
£m 

(89) 
1,040 
(2) 
25 
974 

2016 

Equity 
£m 

– 
– 
– 
185 
185 

2016 
£m 

(165) 
(59) 
296 
(10) 
(45) 
2 
19 

Income  
Statement 
£m 

36 
148 
10 
(29) 
165 

2015 
£m 

119 
(470) 
(263) 
– 
(54) 
36 
(632) 

2015 

Equity 
£m 

– 
– 
– 
28 
28 

144 
144

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

20. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES 

Trade and other payables include accruals, and are principally amounts we owe to our suppliers. Deferred income represents monies 
received from customers in advance of the delivery of goods or the performance of services by the Group. 

31 December 
Financial liabilities: 
Trade payables 
Deferred income 
Capital payables 
Other payables 
Accruals: 

Commodity costs 
Transportation, distribution and metering costs 
Operating and other accruals  

Non-financial liabilities: 

Other payables and accruals 
Deferred income 

Financial liabilities within current trade and other payables 
31 December 
Less than 90 days 
90 to 182 days 
183 to 365 days 

Current 
£m 

2016 
Non-current 
£m 

Current 
£m 

2015 
Non-current 
£m 

(699)   
(534)   
(142)   
(399)   

(1,547)   
(407)   
(898)   
(2,852)   
(4,626)   

(673)   
(226)   
(5,525)   

–   
–   
–   
(40)   

–   
–   
–   
–   
(40)   

(18)   
(11)   
(69)   

(649)   
(584)   
(181)   
(573)   

(1,187)   
(326)   
(853)   
(2,366)   
(4,353)   

(548)   
(133)   
(5,034)   

2016 
£m 
(4,402) 
(123) 
(101) 
(4,626) 

– 
– 
– 
(34) 

– 
– 
– 
– 
(34) 

(20) 
(16) 
(70) 

2015 
£m 
(4,160) 
(77) 
(116) 
(4,353) 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

145 
145 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

21. PROVISIONS FOR OTHER LIABILITIES AND CHARGES 

Provisions are recognised when an obligation exists that can be reliably measured, but where there is uncertainty over the timing 
and/or amount of the payment. The main provisions relate to decommissioning costs for upstream assets we own, or have owned, 
which require restoration or remediation. Further provisions relate to sale and purchase contracts we have entered into that are now 
onerous, restructuring costs, and legal and regulatory matters. 

Current provisions for  
other liabilities and charges 
Restructuring costs 
Decommissioning costs (ii) (iii) 
Sale/purchase contract loss provision (iv) 
Other (v)  

1 January 
2016 
£m 
(16) 
(117) 
(163) 
(100) 
(396) 

Acquisitions 
and disposals 
£m 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

Charged in  
the year 
£m 
(122) 
– 
(33) 
(22) 
(177) 

Notional 
interest 
£m 
– 
– 
(5) 
– 
(5) 

Non-current provisions for  
other liabilities and charges 
Restructuring costs 
Decommissioning costs (ii) (iii) 
Sale/purchase contract loss provision (iv) 
Other (v)  

1 January 
2016 
£m 
(11) 
(2,592) 
(191) 
(45) 
(2,839) 

Acquisitions 
and disposals 
£m 
– 
4 
– 
– 
4 

Charged in  
the year 
£m 
(8) 
(47) 
(1) 
(8) 
(64) 

Notional 
interest 
£m 
(3) 
(62) 
(2) 
– 
(67) 

Included within the above liabilities are the following financial liabilities: 

Financial liabilities 
31 December 
Restructuring costs 
Provisions other than restructuring costs  

Unused and 
reversed in 
the year 
£m 
6 
– 
23 
18 
47 

Unused and 
reversed in 
the year 
£m 
– 
57 
60 
1 
118 

Utilised 
£m 
32 
55 
179 
43 
309 

Revisions 
and 
additions 
£m 
– 
(279) 
– 
(22) 
(301) 

Transfers  
(i) 
£m 
16 
(157) 
(49) 
(13) 
(203) 

Exchange 
adjustments 
£m 
(3) 
(7) 
(15) 
(7) 
(32) 

31 December 
2016 
£m 
(87) 
(226) 
(63) 
(81) 
(457) 

Transfers  
(i) 
£m 
1 
199 
49 
13 
262 

Exchange 
adjustments 
£m 
– 
(200) 
(12) 
– 
(212) 

31 December 
2016 
£m 
(21) 
(2,920) 
(97) 
(61) 
(3,099) 

Current 
£m 
(87) 
(142) 
(229) 

2016 
Non-current 
£m 
(18) 
(148) 
(166) 

Current 
£m 
(16) 
(252) 
(268) 

2015 
Non-current 
£m 
(9) 
(222) 
(231) 

(i)
(ii)

Includes transfers to/from other balance sheet accounts including retirement benefit obligations and liabilities of disposal groups classified as held for sale. 

  Provision has been made for the estimated net present cost of decommissioning gas production and storage facilities at the end of their useful lives. The estimate has been based on  

2P reserves, price levels and technology at the balance sheet date. The timing of decommissioning payments is dependent on the lives of the facilities but is expected to occur by 2066,  
with the majority of the provision being utilised between 2020 and 2040.  

(iii)

  The real discount rate used to discount the Group’s European decommissioning liabilities was reduced by 1% in the period which resulted in an increase in the provision of £229 million,  

£14 million of which was recorded immediately in the Group Income Statement. 

(iv)

  The sale/purchase contract loss provision relates mainly to a number of European gas transportation contracts and Direct Energy wind farm power purchase agreements. The majority of the 

provision is expected to be utilised by 2020. During the year, the Rijnmond and Spalding tolling contract provisions were extinguished. 

(v)

  Other provisions have been made for dilapidations, insurance, legal and various other claims. 

146 
146

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

22. POST RETIREMENT BENEFITS 

The Group manages a number of final salary and career average defined benefit pension schemes. It also has defined contribution 
schemes. The majority of these schemes are in the UK. 

(a) Summary of main post retirement benefit schemes 

Status 
Type of benefit 
Name of scheme 
Defined benefit final salary pension 
Closed to new members in 2006  UK 
Centrica Engineers 
Defined benefit career average pension  Open to service engineers only  UK 
Pension Scheme 
Closed to new members in 2003  UK 
Centrica Pension Plan 
Defined benefit final salary pension 
Closed to new members in 2003  UK 
Centrica Pension Scheme  Defined benefit final salary pension 
Defined benefit career average pension  Closed to new members in 2008  UK 
UK 
Defined contribution pension 
Defined benefit final salary pension 

Country 

Open to new members 
Closed to new members in 2014  Republic  
of Ireland 

Number of 
active members 
as at  
31 December 
 2016 
3,733 
3,758 
3,517 
9 
1,631 
15,309 
147 

Total 
membership 
 as at  
31 December 
2016 
8,651 
5,185 
8,722 
10,652 
4,112 
23,245 
175 

Defined contribution pension 

Defined benefit final salary pension 

Post retirement benefits 

Open to new members 

Republic  
of Ireland 

176 

205 

Closed to new members in 2004  Canada 

Closed to new members in 2012  Canada 

8 

9 

384 

262 

Bord Gáis Energy 
Company Defined Benefit 
Pension Scheme 
Bord Gáis Energy 
Company Defined 
Contribution Pension Plan  
Direct Energy Marketing 
Limited Pension Plan 
Direct Energy  
Marketing Limited 

The Centrica Engineers Pension Scheme (CEPS), Centrica Pension Plan (CPP) and Centrica Pension Scheme (CPS) form the significant 
majority of the Group’s defined benefit obligation and are referred to below as the ‘Registered Pension Schemes’. The other schemes  
are individually, and in aggregate, immaterial. 

Independent valuations 
The Registered Pension Schemes are subject to independent valuations at least every three years, on the basis of which the qualified 
actuary certifies the rate of employer contributions, which together with the specified contributions payable by the employees and 
proceeds from the schemes’ assets, are expected to be sufficient to fund the benefits payable under the schemes. 

The latest full actuarial valuations were carried out at the following dates: the Registered Pension Schemes at 31 March 2015 and the 
Direct Energy Marketing Limited Pension Plan at 1 August 2014. These have been updated to 31 December 2016 for the purpose of 
meeting the requirements of IAS 19. Investments held in all schemes have been valued for this purpose at market value. 

Governance 
The Registered Pension Schemes are managed by trustee companies whose boards consist of both company-nominated and member-
nominated Directors. Each scheme holds units in the Centrica Combined Common Investment Fund (CCCIF), which holds the majority  
of the combined assets of the Registered Pension Schemes. The board of the CCCIF is currently comprised of nine Directors; three 
independent Directors, three Directors appointed by Centrica plc (including the Chairman) and one Director appointed by each of the  
three Registered Pension Schemes.  

Under the terms of the Pensions Act 2004, Centrica plc and each trustee board must agree the funding rate for its defined benefit  
pension scheme and a recovery plan to fund any deficit against the scheme-specific statutory funding objective. This approach was  
first adopted for the triennial valuations completed at 31 March 2006, and has been reflected in subsequent valuations, including the  
31 March 2015 valuations. 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

147 
147 

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

22. POST RETIREMENT BENEFITS  
(b) Risks 
The Registered Pension Schemes expose the Group to the following risks: 

Asset volatility 
The pension liabilities are calculated using a discount rate set with reference to AA corporate bond yields; if the growth in plan assets  
is lower than this, this will create an actuarial loss within other equity. The CCCIF is responsible for managing the assets of each scheme  
in line with the liability-related investment objectives that have been set by the trustees of the schemes, and invests in a diversified portfolio 
of assets. The schemes are relatively young in nature (the schemes opened in 1997 on the formation of Centrica plc on demerger from 
BG plc (formerly British Gas plc), and only took on liabilities in respect of active employees). Therefore, the CCCIF holds a significant 
proportion of return-seeking assets; such assets are generally expected to provide a higher return than corporate bonds, but result in 
greater exposure to volatility and risk in the short term. The investment objectives are to achieve a target return above a return based  
on a portfolio of gilts, subject to a maximum volatility ceiling. If there have been advantageous asset movements relative to liabilities  
above a set threshold, then de-risking is undertaken, and as a consequence the return target and maximum volatility ceiling are reduced. 

Interest rate  
A decrease in the bond interest rate will increase the net present value of the pension liabilities. The relative immaturity of the schemes 
means that the duration of the liabilities is longer than average for typical UK pension schemes, resulting in a relatively higher exposure  
to interest rate risk.  

Inflation 
Pensions in deferment, pensions in payment and pensions accrued under the career average schemes increase in line with the Retail 
Price Index (RPI) and the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Therefore scheme liabilities will increase if inflation is higher than assumed, although 
in some cases caps are in place to limit the impact of significant movements in inflation. Furthermore, a pension increase exchange (PIE) 
option implemented in 2015 is available to future retirees, which gives the choice to receive a higher initial pension in return for giving up 
certain future increases linked to RPI, again limiting the impact of significant movements in inflation.  

Longevity 
The majority of the schemes’ obligations are to provide benefits for the life of scheme members and their surviving spouses; therefore 
increases in life expectancy will result in an increase in the pension liabilities. The relative immaturity of the schemes means that there is 
comparatively little observable mortality data to assess the rates of mortality experienced by the schemes, and means that the schemes’ 
liabilities will be paid over a long period of time, making it particularly difficult to predict the life expectancy of the current membership. 
Furthermore, pension payments are subject to inflationary increases, resulting in a higher sensitivity to changes in life expectancy.  

Salary  
Pension liabilities are calculated by reference to the future salaries of active members, and hence salary rises in excess of assumed 
increases will increase scheme liabilities. During 2011, changes were introduced to the final salary sections of CEPS and CPP such that 
annual increases in pensionable pay are capped to 2%, resulting in a reduction in salary risk. During 2016, a salary cap on pensionable 
pay for the CPP and CPS career average schemes was implemented. Both the 2011 and 2016 changes result in a reduction in salary risk.  

Foreign exchange  
Certain of the assets held by the CCCIF are denominated in foreign currencies, and hence their values are subject to exchange rate risk.  

The CCCIF has long-term hedging programmes in place to manage interest rate, inflation and foreign exchange risks. 

The table below analyses the total liabilities of the Registered Pension Schemes, calculated in accordance with accounting principles,  
by type of liability, as at 31 December 2016. 

Total liabilities of the Registered Pension Schemes 
31 December 
Actives – final salary – capped 
Actives – final salary – uncapped and crystallised benefits 
Actives – career average 
Deferred pensioners 
Pensioners 

2016 
% 
27 
5 
7 
31 
30 
100 

148 
148

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

22. POST RETIREMENT BENEFITS  
(c) Accounting assumptions 
The accounting assumptions for the Registered Pension Schemes have been given below: 

Major assumptions used for the actuarial valuation  
31 December 
Rate of increase in employee earnings: 

Subject to 2% cap 
Other not subject to cap 

Rate of increase in pensions in payment 
Rate of increase in deferred pensions: 
In line with CPI capped at 2.5% 
In line with RPI 

Discount rate 

2016 
% 

1.7 
3.2 
3.2 

2.1 
3.2 
2.7 

2015  
%  

1.7 
3.0 
3.0 

1.9 
3.0 
3.9 

The assumptions relating to longevity underlying the pension liabilities at the balance sheet date have been based on a combination  
of standard actuarial mortality tables, scheme experience and other relevant data, and include an allowance for future improvements  
in mortality. The longevity assumptions for members in normal health are as follows: 

Life expectancy at age 65 for a member  
31 December 
Currently aged 65 
Currently aged 45 

Male 
 Years 
23.2 
25.0 

2016 
Female 
 Years 
24.9 
26.8 

Male 
 Years 
23.4 
25.1 

2015 
Female 
 Years 
25.1 
27.0 

The other demographic assumptions have been set having regard to the latest trends in scheme experience and other relevant data.  
The assumptions are reviewed and updated as necessary as part of the periodic actuarial valuations of the pension schemes. 

Reasonably possible changes as at 31 December to one of the actuarial assumptions would have affected the scheme liabilities as set  
out below: 

Impact of changing material assumptions 

31 December 
Rate of increase in employee earnings subject to 2% cap 
Rate of increase in pensions in payment and deferred pensions 
Discount rate 
Inflation assumption 
Longevity assumption 

2016 
Indicative effect  
on scheme 
liabilities  
% 
+/–1 
+/–5 
–/+6 
+/–5 
+/–3 

Increase/ 
decrease in 
assumption 
0.25% 
0.25% 
0.25% 
0.25% 
1 year 

2015 
Indicative effect 
 on scheme 
liabilities  
% 
+/–1 
+/–4 
–/+6 
+/–4 
+/–3 

Increase/ 
decrease in 
assumption  
0.25% 
0.25% 
0.25% 
0.25% 
1 year 

The indicative effects on scheme liabilities have been calculated by changing each assumption in isolation and assessing the impact  
on the liabilities. For the reasonably possible change in the inflation assumption, it has been assumed that a change to the inflation 
assumption would lead to corresponding changes in the assumed rates of increase in uncapped pensionable pay, pensions in payment 
and deferred pensions. 

The remaining disclosures in this note cover all of the Group’s defined benefit schemes. 

(d) Amounts included in the Group Balance Sheet 

31 December 
Fair value of plan assets  
Present value of defined benefit obligation 
Net liability recognised in the Group Balance Sheet 
Pension asset presented in the Group Balance Sheet as: 

Retirement benefit assets 
Retirement benefit liabilities 

Net pension liability 

2016  
£m 
7,938 
(9,075) 
(1,137) 

– 
(1,137) 
(1,137) 

2015  
£m 
6,642 
(6,761) 
(119) 

91 
(210) 
(119) 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

149 
149 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

22. POST RETIREMENT BENEFITS  
(e) Movement in the year 

1 January 

Items included in the Group Income Statement: 

Current service cost 
Contributions by employer in respect of employee salary sacrifice 
arrangements (i) 
Total current service cost  
Past service credit 
Interest (expense)/income 

Items included in the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income: 

Returns on plan assets, excluding interest income 
Actuarial gain/(loss) from changes to demographic assumptions 
Actuarial (loss)/gain from changes in financial assumptions 
Actuarial gain/(loss) from experience adjustments 
Exchange adjustments 

Items included in the Group Cash Flow Statement: 

Employer contributions 
Contributions by employer in respect of employee salary sacrifice 
arrangements (i) 
Other movements: 

Plan participants’ contributions 
Benefits paid from schemes 
Acquisition/disposal of businesses 
Settlement 
Transfers from provisions for other liabilities and charges 

31 December 

Pension 
liabilities 
£m 
(6,761)   

(118)   

(23)   
(141)   
80   
(265)   

–   
93   
(2,361)   
100   
(13)   

–   

–   

(1)   
202   
–   
9   
(17)   
(9,075)   

2016 
Pension  
assets 
£m 
6,642   

Pension  
liabilities 
£m 
(6,382)   

2015 
Pension 
 assets 
£m 
6,444 

–   

(129)   

–   
–   
–   
258   

994   
–   
–   
–   
6   

225   

23   

1   
(202)   
–   
(9)   
–   
7,938   

(24)   
(153)   
38   
(248)   

–   
(24)   
5   
(176)   
8   

–   

–   

(1)   
170   
3   
–   
(1)   
(6,761)   

– 

– 
– 
– 
253 

(126) 
– 
– 
– 
(5) 

224 

24 

1 
(170) 
(3) 
– 
– 
6,642 

(i)

A salary sacrifice arrangement was introduced on 1 April 2013 for pension scheme members. The contributions paid via the salary sacrifice arrangement have been treated as employer 
contributions, and included within current service cost, with a corresponding reduction in salary costs. 

In addition to current service cost on the Group’s defined benefit pension schemes, the Group also charged £44 million (2015: £43 million) 
to operating profit in respect of defined contribution pension schemes. This included contributions of £13 million (2015: £13 million) paid  
via a salary sacrifice arrangement. 

(f) Pension scheme assets 
The market values of plan assets were:  

31 December 
Equities 
Diversified asset funds 
Corporate bonds 
High-yield debt 
Liability matching assets  
Property 
Cash pending investment 

Quoted 
£m 
1,991 
50 
1,294 
309 
1,241 
– 
283 
5,168 

Unquoted 
£m 
307 
– 
– 
1,296 
844 
323 
– 
2,770 

2016 
Total 
£m 
2,298 
50 
1,294 
1,605 
2,085 
323 
283 
7,938 

Quoted 
£m 
1,884 
47 
1,732 
167 
874 
– 
64 
4,768 

Unquoted 
£m 
219 
– 
– 
781 
556 
318 
– 
1,874 

2015 
Total 
£m 
2,103 
47 
1,732 
948 
1,430 
318 
64 
6,642 

Included within equities are £1 million (2015: £1 million) of ordinary shares of Centrica plc via pooled funds that include a benchmark 
allocation to UK equities. Included within corporate bonds are £1 million (2015: £2 million) of bonds issued by Centrica plc held within 
pooled funds over which the CCCIF has no ability to direct investment decisions. Apart from the investment in the Scottish Limited 
Partnerships which form part of the asset-backed contribution arrangements described in note 22(g), no direct investments are made  
in securities issued by Centrica plc or any of its subsidiaries or property leased to or owned by Centrica plc or any of its subsidiaries.  

Included within the Group Balance Sheet within non-current securities are £85 million (2015: £76 million) of investments, held in trust on 
behalf of the Group, as security in respect of the Centrica Unfunded Pension Scheme. Of the pension scheme liabilities above, £62 million 
(2015: £50 million) relate to this scheme. More information on the Centrica Unfunded Pension Scheme is included in the Remuneration 
Report on pages 83 to 99. 

150 
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STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

22. POST RETIREMENT BENEFITS  
(g) Pension scheme contributions 
The continued fall in gilt rates and the low yield environment has impacted the discount rate on which our pension deficit is calculated, 
giving rise to a higher liability, as well as increasing the cost of providing new pension benefits. The Group has taken steps to mitigate,  
as far as possible, these increased costs to help remain competitive and support the Group’s growth.  

After a period of member consultation, the following amendments to the Registered Pension Schemes were approved: an increase  
in member contributions, a change to the inflationary increases for future pension build up in retirement to the lower of CPI and 2.5%  
and a reduced pensionable salary cap for the CPP and CPS career average schemes only. These changes will partially mitigate the 
impact of the low yield environment. 

As a result of the implementation of a salary cap on pensionable pay for the CPP scheme, a past service credit of £80 million (net of  
£2 million costs of implementing the changes) has been recognised as an exceptional item in the period as described in note 7. 

During the year, the Group finalised the outcome of the UK Registered Pension Schemes triennial review, based on the position as at  
31 March 2015, with the Pension Trustees. The Group is committing additional annual cash contributions of £76 million for 14 years to 
fund the pension deficit which, on a Technical Provisions basis, has increased from £331 million in 2012 to £1,203 million in 2015 primarily 
due to a lower discount rate used following falls in market yields. The funding will be provided through a new asset-backed contribution 
arrangement with the annual contributions commencing in 2017. The existing asset-backed contribution arrangements, paying £77 million 
in 2016, £55 million in 2017, £22 million per annum in 2018-2022 and £5 million per annum in 2023-2026 into the schemes, will continue 
unchanged. A £995 million security package over certain of the Group’s assets, enforceable in the unlikely event the Group is unable to 
meet its obligations, has also been agreed in support of these arrangements.  

Although the Group has established a new funding arrangement in the year based on the position as at 31 March 2015, it should be 
noted that the market rates, from which the discount rate is derived, have continued to decline in the subsequent period. The Group 
continues to monitor its pension liabilities on an ongoing basis, including assessing various scenarios that may arise and their potential 
implications for the business. 

Deficit payments are also being made in respect of the Direct Energy Marketing Limited Pension Plan in Canada. £2 million was paid  
in 2016 with further annual contributions of £1 million to be paid 2017, 2018 and 2019. 

The Group estimates that it will pay £110 million of ordinary employer contributions during 2017 at an average rate of 24% of pensionable 
pay, together with £37 million of contributions paid via the salary sacrifice arrangement. At 31 March 2015 (the date of the latest full 
actuarial valuations) the weighted average duration of the liabilities of the Registered Pension Schemes was 24 years.  

23. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES 
(a) Commitments 

Commitments are not held on the Group’s Balance Sheet as these are executory arrangements, and relate to amounts that we are 
contractually required to pay in the future as long as the other party meets its contractual obligations. 

The Group procures commodities through a mixture of production from gas fields, power stations, wind farms and procurement 
contracts. Procurement contracts include short-term forward market purchases of gas and electricity at fixed and floating prices.  
They also include gas and electricity contracts indexed to market prices and long-term gas contracts with non-gas indexation. The 
commitments in relation to commodity purchase contracts disclosed below are stated net of amounts receivable under commodity  
sales contracts, where there is a right of offset with the counterparty.  

The total volume of gas to be taken under certain long-term structured contracts depends on a number of factors, including the actual 
reserves of gas that are eventually determined to be extractable on an economic basis. The commitments disclosed below are based  
on the minimum quantities of gas and other commodities that the Group is contracted to buy at estimated future prices. 

The commitments in this note differ in scope and in basis from the maturity analysis of energy derivatives disclosed in note S3. Whilst the 
commitments in relation to commodity purchase contracts include all purchase contracts, only certain procurement and sales contracts 
are within the scope of IAS 39 and included in note S3. In addition, the volumes used in calculating the maturity analysis in note S3 are 
estimated using valuation techniques, rather than being based on minimum contractual quantities.  

On 25 March 2013, the Group and Company announced that it had entered into a 20-year agreement with Cheniere to purchase 89bcf 
per annum of LNG volumes for export from the Sabine Pass liquefaction plant in the US, subject to a number of project milestones and 
regulatory approvals being achieved. During 2015, Cheniere made a positive final investment decision on the fifth project at Sabine Pass 
following receipt of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approval and a Non-Free Trade Agreement licence from the Department  
of Energy. Under the terms of the agreement with Cheniere, the Group is committed to make capacity payments of up to £3.8 billion 
(included in ‘LNG capacity’ below) between 2018 and 2038. The Group may also make up to £8.5 billion of commodity purchases based  
on market gas prices and foreign exchange rates as at the balance sheet date. The target date for first commercial delivery is estimated 
by the terminal operator as September 2019. 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

151 
151 

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

23. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES 

31 December 
Commitments in relation to the acquisition of property, plant and equipment: 
Development of Norwegian Maria gas and oil field 
Development of Norwegian Oda gas and oil field 
Development of other Norwegian gas and oil assets 
Development of Cygnus gas field 
Other capital expenditure 
Commitments in relation to the acquisition of intangible assets: 
Renewable obligation certificates to be purchased from joint ventures (i) 
Renewable obligation certificates to be purchased from other parties 
Other intangible assets 
Other commitments: 
Commodity purchase contracts  
LNG capacity 
Transportation capacity 
Outsourcing of services 
Power station tolling fees 
Smart meters 
Power station operating and maintenance  
Heat rate call options 
Other long-term commitments 
Operating lease commitments: 
Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases 

2016 
£m 

61 
79 
– 
11 
153 

700 
3,405 
299 

47,735 
4,469 
983 
111 
196 
149 
68 
10 
269 

2015 
£m 

110 
– 
52 
101 
79 

977 
2,462 
272 

43,547 
4,473 
932 
146 
93 
169 
155 
77 
289 

381 

770 

(i)

Renewable obligation certificates are purchased from several joint ventures which produce power from wind energy under long-term off-take agreements (up to 15 years). The commitments 
disclosed above are the gross contractual commitments and do not take into account the Group’s economic interest in the joint venture. 

At 31 December the maturity analyses for commodity purchase contract commitments and the total minimum lease payments under  
non-cancellable operating leases were: 

31 December 
<1 year 
1–2 years 
2–3 years 
3–4 years 
4–5 years 
>5 years 

Operating lease payments recognised as an expense in the year were as follows: 

Year ended 31 December 
Minimum lease payments (net of sub-lease receipts) 
Contingent rents – renewables (i) 

Commodity  
purchase contract  
commitments 
2015 
£billion 
9.1 
5.0 
3.4 
2.9 
3.6 
19.5 
43.5 

2016 
£billion 
11.4 
6.6 
4.6 
4.2 
3.8 
17.1 
47.7 

Total minimum lease  
payments under  
non-cancellable  
operating leases 
2015 
£m 
121 
82 
73 
66 
58 
370 
770 

2016 
£m 
91 
78 
49 
38 
31 
94 
381 

2016  
£m 
100 
68 

2015  
£m 
125 
75 

(i)

The Group has entered into long-term arrangements with renewable providers to purchase physical power, renewable obligation certificates and levy exemption certificates from renewable 
sources. Payments made under these contracts are contingent upon actual production and so there is no commitment to a minimum lease payment (2015: nil). Payments made for physical 
power are charged to the Group Income Statement as incurred and disclosed as contingent rents. 

152 
152

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

23. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES 
(b) Guarantees and indemnities 

This section discloses any guarantees and indemnities that the Group has given, where we may have to provide security in the future 
against existing and future obligations that will remain for a specific period. 

In connection with the Group’s energy trading, transportation and upstream activities, certain Group companies have entered into 
contracts under which they may be required to prepay, provide credit support or provide other collateral in the event of a significant 
deterioration in creditworthiness. The extent of credit support is contingent upon the balance owing to the third party at the point  
of deterioration. 

The Group has provided a number of guarantees and indemnities in respect of decommissioning costs; the most significant indemnities 
relate to the decommissioning costs associated with the Morecambe, Statfjord and Kvitebjørn fields. These indemnities are to the previous 
owners of these fields. Under the licence conditions of the fields, the previous owners will have exposure to the decommissioning costs 
should these liabilities not be fully discharged by the Group.  

With regard to Morecambe, the security is to be provided when the estimated future net revenue stream from the associated gas field  
falls below a predetermined proportion of the estimated decommissioning cost. The nature of the security may take a number of different 
forms and will remain in force until the costs of such decommissioning have been irrevocably discharged and the relevant legal 
decommissioning notices in respect of the relevant fields have been revoked.  

Following legislation having been executed, the UK Government has now signed contracts (Decommissioning Relief Deeds – DRDs)  
with industry, providing certainty on decommissioning tax relief through confirmation of allowance against previous taxable profits.  
These deeds permit industry to move to post-tax Decommissioning Security Agreements (DSAs), cutting the cost of these and freeing  
up capital for investment. Centrica has a signed DRD and discussions are ongoing with the relevant counterparty to move to a post-tax 
DSA for Morecambe. 

Security for Statfjord and Kvitebjørn is slightly different in this respect as it was provided to the previous owners as part of the acquisition 
of these fields. 

(c) Contingent liabilities  
The Group has no material contingent liabilities.  

24. SOURCES OF FINANCE 
(a) Capital structure 
The Group seeks to maintain an efficient capital structure with a balance of debt and equity as shown in the table below: 

31 December 
Net debt  
Equity 
Capital 

2016 
 £m 
3,473 
2,666 
6,139 

2015 
 £m 
4,747 
1,178 
5,925 

Debt levels are restricted to limit the risk of financial distress and, in particular, to maintain a strong credit profile. The Group’s credit standing  
is important for several reasons: to maintain a low cost of debt, limit collateral requirements in energy trading, hedging and decommissioning 
security arrangements, and to ensure the Group is an attractive counterparty to energy producers and long-term customers. 

The Group monitors its current and projected capital position on a regular basis, considering a medium-term view of three to five years, 
and different stress case scenarios, including the impact of changes in the Group’s credit ratings and significant movements in commodity 
prices. A number of financial ratios are monitored; including those used by the credit rating agencies, such as debt to cash flow ratios  
and adjusted EBITDA to gross interest expense. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings from business performance before share of 
results of joint ventures and associates and before interest, tax, depreciation, impairments and amortisation. At 31 December 2016,  
the ratio of the Group’s net debt to adjusted EBITDA was 1.5 (2015: 2.0). Adjusted EBITDA to gross interest expense for the year ended 
31 December 2016 was 5.9 (2015: 6.3). This measure now excludes capitalised interest, so the comparative has been restated accordingly. 

Under the terms of the Company’s Articles of Association, the Group’s borrowings are subject to certain limits. At the start of 2016, the 
limit in operation was the higher of £5 billion and three times adjusted capital and reserves. As at the date of approval of the consolidated 
Group Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2015, there was a technical breach of Article 94, predominantly due to asset 
impairments and a resulting reduction in capital and reserves. A resolution was put to the Company’s shareholders at the Annual General 
Meeting in April 2016, at which time an increase to the limit was approved. Gross borrowings are now restricted to the higher of £10 billion 
and three times adjusted capital and reserves and the Group is operating within this limitation. 

British Gas Insurance Limited (BGIL) is required under PRA regulations to hold a minimum capital amount and has complied with this 
requirement in 2016 (and 2015). 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

153 
153 

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

24. SOURCES OF FINANCE 
(b) Liquidity risk management and going concern 
The Group has a number of treasury and risk policies to monitor and manage liquidity risk. Cash forecasts identifying the Group’s liquidity 
requirements are produced regularly and are stress-tested for different scenarios, including, but not limited to, reasonably possible 
increases or decreases in commodity prices and the potential cash implications of a credit rating downgrade. The Group seeks to ensure 
that sufficient financial headroom exists for at least a 12-month period to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern.  
It is the Group’s policy to maintain committed facilities and/or available surplus cash resources of at least £1,200 million, raise at least 
75% of its net debt (excluding non-recourse debt) in the long-term debt market and to maintain an average term to maturity in the 
recourse long-term debt portfolio greater than five years.  

At 31 December 2016, the Group had undrawn committed credit facilities of £4,497 million (2015: £4,379 million) and £1,881 million  
(2015: £935 million, restated for reclassification of bank overdrafts, see note 1 for more details) of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents. 
186% (2015: 136%) of the Group’s net debt has been raised in the long-term debt market and the average term to maturity of the long-
term debt portfolio was 11.6 years (2015: 12.0 years). 

The Group’s liquidity is impacted by the cash posted or received under margin and collateral agreements. The terms and conditions of 
these depend on the counterparty and the specific details of the transaction. Cash is generally returned to the Group or by the Group 
within two days of trade settlement. Refer to note 24(c) for movement in cash posted or received as collateral. 

The relatively high level of undrawn committed bank facilities and available cash resources has enabled the Directors to conclude that the 
Group has sufficient headroom to continue as a going concern. The statement of going concern is included in the Directors’ Report – 
Governance, on page 82. 

154 
154

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

24. SOURCES OF FINANCE 
(c) Net debt summary 

Net debt predominantly includes capital market borrowings offset by cash, cash posted or received as collateral, securities and certain 
hedging financial instruments used to manage interest rate and foreign exchange movements on borrowings. 

1 January 2015 
Cash inflow from sale of securities (v) 
Cash inflow from additional borrowings 
Cash outflow from payment of capital element  
of finance leases 
Cash outflow from repayment of borrowings 
Remaining cash inflow and movement in cash 
posted/received under margin and collateral 
agreements (vi) 
Revaluation  
(Increase)/decrease in interest payable and 
amortisation of borrowings 
New finance lease agreements 
Exchange adjustments 
31 December 2015 
Net cash inflow from sale/purchase of securities (v) 
Cash outflow from payment of capital element  
of finance leases 
Cash outflow from repayment of borrowings 
Remaining cash inflow and movement in cash 
posted/received under margin and collateral 
agreements (vi) 
Revaluation  
Increase in interest payable and amortisation of 
borrowings 
Acquisition of businesses 
New finance lease agreements 
Exchange adjustments and other non-cash 
movements 
31 December 2016 

Cash and 
cash equivalents, 
net of bank  
overdrafts (i) (ii) 
£m 
621 
26 
1,000 

(35) 
(1,615) 

879 
– 

– 
– 
(16) 
860 
28 

(50) 
(427) 

1,496 
– 

– 
– 
– 

53 
1,960 

Current and  
non-current 
borrowings, 
finance leases 
and interest 
accruals,  
net of related 
deposits 
£m 
(6,956) 
– 
(1,000) 

Derivatives 
£m 
89 
– 
– 

Cash posted/ 
(received) as 
collateral (iii) 
£m 
776 
– 
– 

Current and 
non-current 
securities (iv) 
£m 
274 
(26) 
– 

Net debt 
£m 
(5,196) 
– 
– 

– 
– 

597 
10 

(17) 
(49) 
(92) 
(4,747) 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
(16) 

9 
– 
– 
82 
– 

– 
– 

– 
209 

1,319 
192 

– 
– 
– 
– 

291 

(8) 
26 
(32) 

(223) 
(3,473) 

– 
– 

(282) 
– 

– 
– 
41 
535 
– 

– 
– 

(177) 
– 

– 
32 
– 

106 
496 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
(4) 
244 
(28) 

– 
– 

– 
8 

– 
– 
– 

35 
1,615 

– 
26 

(26) 
(49) 
(113) 
(6,468) 
– 

50 
427 

– 
(25) 

(8) 
(6) 
(32) 

8 
232 

(390) 
(6,452) 

(i)

Cash and cash equivalents includes £155 million (2015: £223 million) of restricted cash mostly held by the Group’s insurance undertakings that is not readily available to be used for other 
purposes within the Group. 

(ii)
(iii)

  Cash and cash equivalents are net of £76 million bank overdrafts (2015: £298 million). This is offset by a corresponding gross up in current borrowings. 
  Collateral is posted or received to support energy trading and procurement activities. It is posted when contracts with marginable counterparties are out of the money and is received when 
contracts are in the money. These positions reverse when contracts are settled and the collateral is returned. Of the net cash collateral posted at the year end, £21 million (2015: £74 million) 
is included within trade payables, £307 million (2015: £216 million) within trade receivables, and £210 million (2015: £393 million) has been offset against net derivative financial liabilities.  
The items, to which the cash posted or received as collateral under margin and collateral agreements relate are not included within net debt.  

(iv)

(v)
(vi)

  Securities balances include £130 million (2015: £124 million) of index-linked gilts which the Group uses for short-term liquidity management purposes and £102 million of available-for-sale 
financial assets (2015: £120 million). The Group has posted £29 million (2015: £28 million) of non-current securities as collateral against an index-linked swap maturing on 16 April 2020. 
Includes sale of shares in Enercare Inc. which were sold in 2016 for consideration of C$61 million (£31 million) (2015 sales were C$60 million (£26 million)). 
Including non-cash movements relating to the reversal of collateral amounts posted when the related derivative contract settles (where these daily margin amounts posted reduce the ultimate 
amount payable/receivable on settlement of the related derivative contract). 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

155 
155 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

24. SOURCES OF FINANCE 
(d) Borrowings, finance leases and interest accruals summary 

31 December 
Bank overdrafts 
Bank loans 
Bonds (by maturity date): 

24 October 2016 
14 April 2017 
19 September 2018 
1 February 2019 
25 September 2020 
22 February 2022 
10 March 2022  
16 October 2023 
4 September 2026 
16 April 2027 
13 March 2029 
5 January 2032 (ii) 
19 September 2033 
16 October 2043 
12 September 2044 
25 September 2045 
10 April 2075 (iii)  
10 April 2076 (iv) 

Obligations under finance leases (v) 
Other borrowings 
Interest accruals 

Coupon 
rate 
% 

Principal 
m 

Current 
£m 
(76) 
– 

Non-current 
£m 
– 
(148) 

5.500 
Floating 
7.000 
3.213 
Floating 
3.680 
6.375 
4.000 
6.400 
5.900 
4.375 
Zero 
7.000 
5.375 
4.250 
5.250 
5.250 
3.000 

£300 
$200 
£400 
€100 
$80 
HK$450 
£500 
$750 
£200 
$70 
£750 
€50 
£770 
$600 
£550 
$50 
£450 
€750 

– 
(162) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(162) 
(39) 
– 
(121) 
(398) 

– 
– 
(425) 
(85) 
(65) 
(47) 
(541) 
(622) 
(228) 
(56) 
(751) 
(54) 
(763) 
(480) 
(537) 
(40) 
(457) 
(637) 
(5,788) 
(194) 
– 
– 
(6,130) 

31 December 
2016 

Total 
£m 
(76)   
(148)   

–   
(162)   
(425)   
(85)   
(65)   
(47)   
(541)   
(622)   
(228)   
(56)   
(751)   
(54)   
(763)   
(480)   
(537)   
(40)   
(457)   
(637)   
(5,950)   
(233)   
–   
(121)   
(6,528)   

Current 
£m 
(298) 
– 

Non-current 
£m 
– 
(222) 

31 December 
2015  
(restated) (i) 
Total 
£m 
(298) 
(222) 

(308) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(308) 
(43) 
(4) 
(120) 
(773) 

– 
(136) 
(433) 
(74) 
(54) 
(39) 
(523) 
(525) 
(222) 
(47) 
(739) 
(38) 
(763) 
(401) 
(537) 
(33) 
(450) 
(550) 
(5,564) 
(207) 
– 
– 
(5,993) 

(308) 
(136) 
(433) 
(74) 
(54) 
(39) 
(523) 
(525) 
(222) 
(47) 
(739) 
(38) 
(763) 
(401) 
(537) 
(33) 
(450) 
(550) 
(5,872) 
(250) 
(4) 
(120) 
(6,766) 

Restated for reclassification of £298 million of overdrawn bank balances from cash and cash equivalents to current bank overdrafts, bank loans and other borrowings. See note 1 for further details. 
€50 million of zero coupon notes have an accrual yield of 4.200%, which will result in a €114 million repayment on maturity. 

(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)

  The Group has the right to repay at par on 10 April 2025 and every interest payment date thereafter. 
  The Group has the right to repay at par on 10 April 2021 and every interest payment date thereafter. 
  Contingent rents paid under finance lease obligations during the year were £37 million (2015: £27 million). 

Maturity analysis for non-current bank loans at 31 December 
2–5 years 
>5 years 

2016 
£m 
– 
(148) 
(148) 

2015  
£m 
(100) 
(122) 
(222) 

156 
156

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

25. SHARE CAPITAL 

Ordinary share capital represents the total number of shares issued which are publicly traded. We also disclose the number of own  
and treasury shares the Company holds, which the Company has bought itself, principally as part of the share repurchase programme. 

Allotted and fully paid share capital of the Company 
31 December 
5,539,363,372 ordinary shares of 614/81 pence each (2015: 5,128,545,946) 

2016 
£m 
342 

2015  
£m 
317 

In May 2016, 350 million new ordinary shares were issued at a price of 200.0 pence per share, raising total proceeds of £694 million net 
of issuance costs. 

The closing price of one Centrica ordinary share on 31 December 2016 was 234.1 pence (2015: 218.1 pence). Centrica employee  
share ownership trusts purchase Centrica ordinary shares from the open market and receive treasury shares to satisfy future obligations  
of certain employee share schemes. The movements in own and treasury shares during the year are shown below: 

1 January 
Shares purchased 
Treasury shares placed into trust 
Shares released to employees on vesting 
31 December (i) 

Own shares 
2016  
Million  
shares 
6.0 
6.8 
1.4 
(5.2) 
9.0 

2015  
Million  
shares 
5.5 
3.0 
1.5 
(4.0) 
6.0 

Treasury shares 

2016 
 Million  
shares 
58.7 
– 
(1.4) 
(6.5) 
50.8 

2015 
 Million  
shares 
76.9 
– 
(1.5) 
(16.7) 
58.7 

(i)

The closing balance in the treasury and own share reserve of own shares was £23 million (2015: £17 million) and treasury shares was £157 million (2015: £181 million). 

26. EVENTS AFTER THE BALANCE SHEET DATE 

The Group updates disclosures in light of new information being received, or a significant event occurring, in the period between  
31 December 2016 and the date of this report. 

Disposal 
On 13 January 2017, Centrica announced the sale of its 50% share in Lincs Wind Farm Limited to the Green Investment Bank for net 
proceeds of £224 million, of which £113 million relates to a shareholder loan, which exceeds the carrying value of the disposed assets. 

The transaction completed on 17 February 2017, but the Group will continue to operate Lincs for a 12-month period with a continued 
focus on safety and power availability. 

Centrica Storage 
On 16 February 2017, Centrica Storage announced that following further test results at the Rough storage field and review with technical 
advisors, injection services cannot currently be offered for the 2017/18 storage year. 

Centrica Storage will continue and complete the testing programme and will then evaluate the full results from all 24 wells. This analysis  
is expected to be completed by 30 June 2017 and a further update to the market will be provided at that time. The return to injection 
operations in 2017 remains subject to successfully completing testing and evaluation of all wells and confirmation that Rough can be 
safely returned to service. 

Dividends 
The Directors propose a final dividend of 8.40 pence per ordinary share (totalling £461 million) for the year ended 31 December 2016.  
The dividend will be submitted for formal approval at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 8 May 2017 and, subject to approval,  
will be paid on 29 June 2017 to those shareholders registered on 12 May 2017. 

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
Supplementary information 

Supplementary information includes additional information and disclosures we are required to make by accounting standards or regulation. 

S1. GENERAL INFORMATION 
Centrica plc is a company domiciled and incorporated in the UK. The address of the registered office is Millstream, Maidenhead Road, 
Windsor, Berkshire SL4 5GD. The nature of the Group’s operations and principal activities are set out in note 4(a) and on pages 2 to 64. 

The consolidated Financial Statements of Centrica plc are presented in pounds sterling. Operations and transactions conducted in 
currencies other than pounds sterling are included in the consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with the foreign currencies 
accounting policy set out in note S2. 

S2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  

This section sets out the Group’s significant accounting policies in addition to the critical accounting policies applied in the preparation 
of these consolidated Financial Statements. These accounting policies have been consistently applied to the years presented. 

Income Statement presentation 
The Group Income Statement and segmental note separately identify the effects of re-measurement of certain financial instruments,  
and items that are exceptional, in order to provide readers with a clear and consistent presentation of the Group’s underlying 
performance, as described in note 2. 

Basis of consolidation 
The Group Financial Statements consolidate the Financial Statements of the Company and entities controlled by the Company. 
Subsidiaries are all entities (including structured entities) over which the Group has control. Control is exercised over an entity when  
the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns 
through its power over the entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. They  
are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases. Transactions with non-controlling interests that relate to their ownership interests 
and do not result in a loss of control are accounted for as equity transactions. 

The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are consolidated from the effective date of acquisition (at which point 
the Group gains control over a business as defined by IFRS 3, and applies the acquisition method to account for the transaction as a 
business combination) or up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate. Where necessary, adjustments are made to the Financial 
Statements of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures to align the accounting policies with those used by the Group. 

When the Group ceases to have control, any retained interest in the entity is re-measured to its fair value with the change in carrying 
amount recognised in profit or loss. This fair value becomes the initial carrying amount for the purposes of subsequently accounting  
for the retained interest as a joint venture, associate or financial asset. 

Segmental reporting 
The Group’s operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to and regularly reviewed by  
the Group’s Executive Committee for the purposes of evaluating segment performance and allocating resources. 

Revenue 
Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Group and the revenue can be measured 
reliably. Revenue includes amounts receivable for goods and services provided in the normal course of business, net of discounts, 
rebates, VAT and other sales-related taxes. 

Energy supply: revenue is recognised on the basis of energy supplied during the year. Revenue for energy supply activities includes  
an assessment of energy supplied to customers between the date of the last meter reading and the year end (unread). Unread gas and 
electricity is estimated using historical consumption patterns, taking into account the industry reconciliation process for total gas and total 
electricity usage by supplier, and is included in accrued energy income within trade and other receivables. 

Proprietary energy trading: revenue comprises both realised (settled) and unrealised (fair value changes) net gains and losses from trading 
in physical and financial energy contracts. 

Fixed-fee service and insurance contracts: revenue from these contracts is recognised in the Group Income Statement with regard to the 
incidence of risk over the life of the contract, reflecting the seasonal propensity of claims to be made under the contracts and the benefits 
receivable by the customer, which span the life of the contract as a result of emergency maintenance being available throughout the 
contract term. 

Amounts paid in advance are treated as deferred income, with any amount in arrears recognised as accrued income. For one-off services, 
such as installations, revenue is recognised at the date of service provision. 

Storage services: storage capacity revenues are recognised evenly over the contract period, whilst commodity revenues for the injection 
and withdrawal of gas are recognised at the point of gas flowing into or out of the storage facilities. Gas purchases and gas sales 
transactions entered into to optimise the performance of the gas storage facilities are presented net within cost of sales. Cushion  
gas sales revenue is recognised when the gas is transferred to the customer account or sold to the market. 

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
Supplementary information 

S2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  
Upstream production: revenue associated with exploration and production sales (of natural gas, crude oil and condensates) is recognised 
when title passes to the customer. Revenue from the production of natural gas, oil and condensates in which the Group has an interest 
with other producers is recognised based on the Group’s working interest and the terms of the relevant production sharing arrangements 
(the entitlement method). Where differences arise between production sold and the Group’s share of production, this is accounted for  
as an overlift or underlift (see separate accounting policy). Purchases and sales entered into to optimise the performance of production 
facilities are presented net within revenue. 

Power generation: revenue is recognised on the basis of power supplied during the year. Power purchases and sales entered into to 
optimise the performance of power generation facilities are presented net within revenue. 

Cost of sales 
Energy supply includes the cost of gas and electricity produced and purchased during the year taking into account the industry 
reconciliation process for total gas and total electricity usage by supplier, and related transportation, distribution, royalty costs and 
bought-in materials and services. 

Cost of sales relating to fixed-fee service and insurance contracts includes direct labour and related overheads on installation work,  
repairs and service contracts in the year. 

Cost of sales relating to gas and oil production includes depreciation of assets used in production of gas and oil, royalty costs and direct 
labour costs. 

Cost of sales within power generation businesses includes the depreciation of assets included in generating power, fuel purchase costs, 
direct labour costs and carbon emissions costs. 

Investment income 
Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable, which  
is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset to that asset’s net  
carrying value. 

Borrowing costs 
Borrowing costs that arise in connection with the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset are capitalised and 
subsequently amortised in line with the depreciation of the related asset. Borrowing costs are capitalised from the time of acquisition  
or from the beginning of construction or production until the point at which the qualifying asset is ready for use. Where a specific financing 
arrangement is in place, the specific borrowing rate for that arrangement is applied. For non-specific financing arrangements, a Group 
financing rate representative of the weighted average borrowing rate of the Group is used (2016: 4.53%, 2015: 4.20%). Borrowing costs  
not arising in connection with the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset are expensed. 

Foreign currencies 
The consolidated Financial Statements are presented in pounds sterling, which is the functional currency of the Company and the Group’s 
presentational currency. Each entity in the Group determines its own functional currency and items included in the Financial Statements of 
each entity are measured using that functional currency. Transactions in foreign currencies are, on initial recognition, recorded in the 
functional currency of the entity at the exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction.  

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the functional currency rate of exchange ruling at the 
balance sheet date. All exchange movements are included in the Group Income Statement for the period. In previous periods, the Group 
utilised net investment hedging and exchange differences on foreign currency borrowings that provided a hedge against a net investment 
in a foreign entity were taken directly to equity. Upon the disposal or partial disposal of the net investment, any accumulated foreign 
exchange reserves related to the investment are recognised in the Group Income Statement. The Group no longer uses net investment 
hedging but historic exchange differences remain in equity until the disposal of the specific investments. 

Non-monetary items that are measured at historical cost in a currency other than the functional currency of the entity concerned are 
translated using the exchange rate prevailing at the dates of the initial transaction. 

For the purpose of presenting consolidated Financial Statements, the assets and liabilities of the Group’s non-sterling functional currency 
subsidiary undertakings, joint ventures and associates are translated into pounds sterling at exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet 
date. The results of these (generally foreign) subsidiary undertakings, joint ventures and associates are translated into pounds sterling at 
the average rates of exchange for the relevant period. The relevant exchange rates are shown below: 

Exchange rate per pound sterling (£) 
US dollars 
Canadian dollars 
Euro 
Norwegian krone 
Danish krone (i) 

Closing rate at 31 December 

2016 
1.23 
1.66 
1.17 
10.66 
8.72 

2015 
1.47 
2.04 
1.36 
13.04 
N/A 

Average rate for the year ended  
31 December 
2015 
1.53 
1.96 
1.38 
12.35 
N/A 

2016 
1.35 
1.79 
1.23 
11.37 
8.58 

(i) 

The average rate for the Danish krone is for the three-month period ended 31 December 2016, being the period of ownership of Neas Energy. 

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
Supplementary information 

S2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  
Exchange adjustments arising from the retranslation of the opening net assets and results of non-sterling functional currency operations 
are transferred to the Group’s foreign currency translation reserve, a separate component of equity, and are reported in the Statement  
of Comprehensive Income. In the event of the disposal of a non-sterling functional currency subsidiary, the cumulative translation difference 
arising in the foreign currency translation reserve is charged or credited to the Group Income Statement on disposal. 

Employee share schemes 
The Group operates a number of employee share schemes, detailed in the Remuneration Report on pages 83 to 99, under which it 
makes equity-settled share-based payments to certain employees. Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value at  
the date of grant (excluding the effect of non-market based vesting conditions). The fair value determined at the grant date is expensed  
on a straight-line basis together with a corresponding increase in equity over the vesting period, based on the Group’s estimate of the 
number of awards that will vest, and adjusted for the effect of non-market based vesting conditions. 

The majority of the share-based payment charge arises from five schemes. More information is included in the Remuneration Report  
on pages 83 to 99. 

Deferred Matching Share Scheme (DMSS): 
●  Applicable employees: Senior Executive Group. 
●  From 2015 this scheme was replaced by the Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) and Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) for Executive Directors 

and the On Track Incentive Plan (OTIP) for Senior Executives and senior management. 
●  Vesting period of four years, comprising bonus year and three-year performance period. 
●  Participants must defer between 20% and 40% of annual pre-tax bonus into scheme (deferred shares) and can elect to invest 

additional amounts of annual bonus up to a maximum of 50% of total potential bonus (investment shares).  

●  Deferred and investment shares will be matched with conditional shares. On achievement of performance targets over a three-year 

period, matching shares are either released immediately or delivered as nil cost options exercisable for seven years. 

●  Performance measured through Group and segment Economic Profit (EP) targets. 
●  Leaving prior to vesting date will normally mean forfeiting rights to deferred and matching shares. 

Long Term Incentive Scheme (LTIS): 
●  Applicable employees: senior management. 
●  From 2015 this scheme was replaced by the AIP and LTIP for Executive Directors and OTIP for Senior Executives and senior management. 
●  Vesting period of three years following grant date. 
●  Grants after 2012: number of shares calculated according to EPS, Group EP, total shareholder return (TSR) and non-financial KPIs. 
●  Following the end of the assessed performance period, and subject to continued employment at that date, shares are either released 

immediately or delivered as nil cost options exercisable for seven years. 

●  Leaving prior to vesting date will normally mean forfeiting rights. 

Share Award Scheme (SAS): 
●  Applicable employees: senior and middle management. 
●  Shares vest subject to continued employment within the Group in two stages: half after two years and the other half after three years. 
●  Leaving prior to vesting date will normally mean forfeiting rights. 

On Track Incentive Plan (OTIP): 
●  Applicable employees: Senior Executives, senior and middle management. 
●  Shares vest subject to continued employment within the Group in two stages: half after two years and the other half after three years. 
●  Leaving prior to vesting date will normally mean forfeiting rights to the unvested share awards. 

Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP): 
●  Applicable employees: Executive Directors. 
●  Shares vest subject to continued employment and performance conditions after a three-year period. 
●  Number of shares calculated according to EPS, Group EP and non-financial KPIs. 
●  Mandatory holding period of two years following vesting during which claw back applies. 
●  Leaving prior to vesting date will normally mean forfeiting rights. 

For each of the schemes, the fair value is measured using the market value on the date of the grant. 

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
Supplementary information 

S2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  
Business combinations and goodwill 
The acquisition of subsidiaries is accounted for using the acquisition method (at the point the Group gains control over a business  
as defined by IFRS 3. The cost of the acquisition is measured as the cash paid and the aggregate of the fair values, at the date of 
exchange, of other assets transferred, liabilities incurred or assumed, and equity instruments issued by the Group in exchange for  
control of the acquiree. The consideration transferred includes the fair value of any asset or liability resulting from a contingent 
consideration arrangement at the acquisition date. 

Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. The acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities that meet  
the conditions for recognition under IFRS 3, are recognised at their fair value at the acquisition date, except for non-current assets  
(or disposal groups) that are classified as held for sale in accordance with IFRS 5, which are recognised and measured at FVLCD.  
The Group recognises any non-controlling interests in the acquiree on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis, either at fair value or at  
the non-controlling interests’ proportionate share of the recognised amounts of acquiree’s identifiable net assets. 

Goodwill arising on a business combination represents the excess of the consideration transferred, the amount of the non-controlling 
interests and the acquisition date fair value of any previously held interest in the acquiree over the Group’s interest in the fair value of the 
identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill arising on the acquisition of a stake in a joint venture or an associate represents the excess of 
the consideration transferred over the Group’s interest in the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities of the investee at the date  
of acquisition. Goodwill is initially recognised as an asset at cost and is subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment 
losses. The goodwill arising on an investment in a joint venture or in an associate is not recognised separately, but is shown under 
‘Interests in joint ventures and associates’ in the Group Balance Sheet. If, after reassessment, the Group’s interest in the net fair value  
of the acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities exceeds the cost of the business combination, the excess is 
recognised immediately in the Group Income Statement. 

Following the amendment to IFRS 11, acquisitions of joint operations that meet the definition of a business are accounted for as a 
business combination.  

On disposal of a subsidiary, associate or joint venture entity, any amount of goodwill attributed to that entity is included in the 
determination of the profit or loss on disposal. A similar accounting treatment is applied on disposal of assets that represent a business. 

Other intangible assets 
Intangible assets acquired separately are measured on initial recognition at cost. Intangible assets include contractual customer 
relationships, brands, application software, emissions trading schemes, renewable obligation certificates, and certain exploration  
and evaluation expenditures, the accounting policies for which are dealt with separately below. For purchased application software,  
for example investments in customer relationship management and billing systems, cost includes contractors’ charges, materials,  
directly attributable labour and directly attributable overheads.  

Capitalisation begins when expenditure for the asset is being incurred and activities necessary to prepare the asset for use are  
in progress. Capitalisation ceases when substantially all the activities that are necessary to prepare the asset for use are complete. 
Amortisation commences at the point of commercial deployment. The cost of intangible assets acquired in a business combination  
is their fair value as at the date of acquisition. 

Following initial recognition, intangible assets are carried at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment 
losses. The useful lives of intangible assets are assessed to be either finite or indefinite. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortised  
over their useful economic life and are tested for impairment annually otherwise they are assessed for impairment whenever there is  
an indication that the intangible asset could be impaired. The amortisation period and the amortisation method for an intangible asset  
are reviewed at each financial year end. Changes in the expected useful life or the expected pattern of consumption of future economic 
benefits embodied in the asset are accounted for on a prospective basis by changing the amortisation period or method, as appropriate, 
and treated as changes in accounting estimates. 

Intangible assets are derecognised on disposal, or when no future economic benefits are expected from their use. 

Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are tested for impairment annually, and whenever there is an indication that the intangible  
asset could be impaired, either individually or at the CGU level. Such intangibles are not amortised. The useful life of an intangible asset 
with an indefinite useful life is reviewed annually to determine whether the indefinite life assessment continues to be supportable. If not,  
the change in the useful life assessment from indefinite to finite is made on a prospective basis. 

The useful economic lives for the principal categories of intangible assets are as follows: 

Contractual customer relationships 
Strategic identifiable acquired brands  
Application software 
Licences 

Up to 20 years 
Indefinite 
Up to 15 years 
Up to 20 years 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
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Notes to the Financial Statements 
Supplementary information 

S2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  
EU Emissions Trading Scheme and renewable obligation certificates 
Purchased carbon dioxide emissions allowances are recognised initially at cost (purchase price) within intangible assets. The liability is 
measured at the cost of purchased allowances up to the level of purchased allowances held, and then at the market price of allowances 
ruling at the balance sheet date, with movements in the liability recognised in operating profit. 

Forward contracts for the purchase or sale of carbon dioxide emissions allowances are measured at fair value with gains and losses 
arising from changes in fair value recognised in the Group Income Statement. The intangible asset is surrendered and the liability is 
extinguished at the end of the compliance period to reflect the consumption of economic benefits. 

Purchased renewable obligation certificates are recognised initially at cost within intangible assets. A liability for the renewables obligation 
is recognised based on the level of electricity supplied to customers, and is calculated in accordance with percentages set by the UK 
Government and the renewable obligation certificate buyout price for that period. 

The intangible asset is surrendered and the liability is extinguished at the end of the compliance period to reflect the consumption of 
economic benefits. Any recycling benefit related to the submission of renewable obligation certificates is recognised in the Group Income 
Statement when received. 

Exploration, evaluation, development and production assets 
The Group uses the successful efforts method of accounting for exploration and evaluation expenditure. Exploration and evaluation 
expenditure associated with an exploration well, including acquisition costs related to exploration and evaluation activities are capitalised 
initially as intangible assets. Certain expenditures such as geological and geophysical exploration costs are expensed. If the prospects  
are subsequently determined to be successful on completion of evaluation, the relevant expenditure including licence acquisition costs is 
transferred to PP&E. If the prospects are subsequently determined to be unsuccessful on completion of evaluation, the associated costs 
are expensed in the period in which that determination is made.  

All field development costs are capitalised as PP&E. Such costs relate to the acquisition and installation of production facilities and include 
development drilling costs, project-related engineering and other technical services costs. PP&E, including rights and concessions related 
to production activities, are depreciated from the commencement of production in the fields concerned, using the unit of production 
method, based on all of the 2P reserves of those fields. Changes in these estimates are dealt with prospectively.  

The net carrying value of fields in production and development is annually compared on a field-by-field basis with the likely discounted 
future net revenues to be derived from the remaining commercial reserves. An impairment loss is recognised where it is considered that 
recorded amounts are unlikely to be fully recovered from the net present value of future net revenues. Exploration assets are reviewed 
annually for indicators of impairment and production and development assets are tested annually for impairment. 

Interests in joint arrangements and associates 
Under IFRS 11, joint arrangements are those that convey joint control which exists only when decisions about the relevant activities 
require the unanimous consent of the parties sharing control. Investments in joint arrangements are classified as either joint operations  
or joint ventures depending on the contractual rights and obligations of each investor. Associates are investments over which the Group 
has significant influence but not control or joint control, and generally holds between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. The Group’s joint 
ventures and associates (as defined in note 6) are accounted for using the equity method.  

Under the equity method, investments are carried at cost plus post-acquisition changes in the Group’s share of net assets, less any 
impairment in value in individual investments. The Group Income Statement reflects the Group’s share of the results of operations after  
tax and interest. Accounting policies of the joint ventures and associates have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency  
with the policies adopted by the Group. Upon initial acquisition goodwill may arise and is recognised within ‘interests in joint ventures  
and associates’ in the Group Balance Sheet. 

Following the amendment to IFRS 11, acquisitions of joint operations that meet the definition of a business are accounted for as a 
business combination. 

The Group’s interests in joint operations (gas and oil exploration and production licence arrangements) are accounted for by recognising 
its assets (including its share of assets held jointly), its liabilities (including its share of liabilities incurred jointly), its revenue from the sale  
of its share of the output arising from the joint operation, its share of the revenue from the sale of the output by the joint operation and its 
expenses (including its share of any expenses incurred jointly). 

Where the Group has an equity stake or a participating interest in operations governed by a joint arrangement for which it is acting  
as operator, an assessment is carried out to confirm whether the Group is acting as agent or principal. As the terms and conditions 
negotiated between business partners usually provide joint control to the parties over the relevant activities of the gas and oil fields  
and/or wind farms that are governed by joint arrangements, the Group is usually deemed to be an agent when it is appointed as operator  
and not as principal (as the contracts entered into do not convey control to the parties). Accordingly, the Group recognises its interests  
in these arrangements as outlined above except that it presents gross liabilities and gross receivables of joint operations (including 
amounts due to or from non-operating partners) in the Group Balance Sheet in accordance with the netting rules of IAS 32. 

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
Supplementary information 

S2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  
Property, plant and equipment 
PP&E is included in the Group Balance Sheet at cost, less accumulated depreciation and any provisions for impairment. The initial cost  
of an asset comprises its purchase price or construction cost and any costs directly attributable to bringing the asset into operation. The 
purchase price or construction cost is the aggregate amount paid and the fair value of any other consideration given to acquire the asset. 

Subsequent expenditure in respect of items of PP&E such as the replacement of major parts, major inspections or overhauls, are 
capitalised as part of the cost of the related asset where it is probable that future economic benefits will arise as a result of the expenditure 
and the cost can be reliably measured. All other subsequent expenditure, including the costs of day-to-day servicing, repairs and 
maintenance, is expensed as incurred. 

Freehold land is not depreciated. Other PP&E, with the exception of upstream production assets (see above), are depreciated on a 
straight-line basis at rates sufficient to write off the cost, less estimated residual values, of individual assets over their estimated useful 
lives. The depreciation periods for the principal categories of assets are as follows: 

Freehold and leasehold buildings 
Plant 
Equipment and vehicles 
Power stations and wind farms 
Gas storage  

Up to 50 years 
Five to 20 years 
Three to 10 years 
Up to 30 years 
Up to 40 years 

Assets held under finance leases are depreciated over their expected useful economic lives on the same basis as for owned assets,  
or where shorter, the lease term. 

The carrying values of PP&E are tested annually for impairment and are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances 
indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Residual values and useful lives are reassessed annually and if necessary changes  
are accounted for prospectively. 

Impairment assumptions 
Details of the approach taken to impairment are included in note 7(c). The following provides further information on the assumptions used 
in the VIU calculations: 

VIU – Key assumptions used 
The VIU calculations use pre-tax cash flow projections based on the Group’s Board-approved business plans. The Group’s business 
plans are based on past experience, and adjusted to reflect market trends, economic conditions, key risks, the implementation of  
strategic objectives and changes in commodity prices, as appropriate. Commodity prices used in the planning process are based in part 
on observable market data and in part on internal estimates. The extent to which the commodity prices used in the business plans are 
based on observable market data is determined by the extent to which the market for the underlying commodity is judged to be active. 
Note S6 provides additional detail on the active period of each of the commodity markets in which the Group operates.  

(a) VIU – Growth rates and discount rates 
Cash flows beyond the planned period have been extrapolated using long-term growth rates in the market where the CGU operates. 
Long-term growth rates are determined using a blend of publicly available historical data and long-term growth rate forecasts published  
by external analysts. Cash flows are discounted using a discount rate specific to each CGU. Discount rates reflect the current market 
assessments of the time value of money and are based on the estimated cost of capital of each CGU. Additionally, risks specific to the 
cash flows of the CGUs are reflected within cash flow forecasts. Each CGU’s weighted average cost of capital is then adjusted to reflect 
the impact of tax in order to calculate an equivalent pre-tax discount rate. 

Long-term growth rates and pre-tax discount rates used in the VIU calculations for each of the Group’s CGUs are provided in the  
table below: 

2016 (i) 
Growth rate to 
perpetuity 
Pre-tax discount rate 

Energy Supply & 
Services –  
UK Home 
% 

Energy Supply 
& Services –  
UK Business  
% 

Energy Supply & 
Services –  
Ireland  
% 

Energy Supply & 
Services –  
NA Home  
 (ii)  
% 

Energy Supply & 
Services –  
NA Business  
 (ii) 
 % 

Connected  
Home  
(iii)  
% 

Distributed 
Energy & Power 
(iii) 
% 

Energy 
Marketing & 
Trading  
% 

1.9 
7.4 

1.9 
7.4 

1.5 
7.2 

2.2/2.1 
7.9/7.5 

2.2/2.1 
7.9/7.5 

2.2/1.9 
10.5/9.6 

2.2/1.9 
10.5/9.6 

1.9 
9.6 

Comparative data has not been presented following the change in reporting segments. 

(i)
(ii)
(iii)

  US/Canada respectively. 
  US/UK respectively. 

(b) VIU – Inflation rates 
Inflation rates used in the business plan were based on a blend of a number of publicly available inflation forecasts for the UK, Canada,  
the Republic of Ireland and the US. Inflation rates used for the VIU calculations were as follows: UK: 2.0% (2015: 1.8%); Canada: 2.1%  
(2015: 2.1%); Republic of Ireland 1.5% (2015: 1.4%); and the US: 2.2% (2015: 2.2%). 

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
Supplementary information 

S2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  
(c) Key operating assumptions by CGUs using VIU 
The key operating assumptions across all CGUs are gross margin, revenues and operating costs. Each of these assumptions is tailored  
to the specific CGU using management’s knowledge of the environment, as shown in the table below: 

CGU 
Energy Supply 
& Services –  
UK Home 

Gross margin 
Existing customers: based on 
contractual terms. 
New customers and renewals:  
based on gross margins achieved in  
the period leading up to the date of the 
business plan. Both adjusted for current  
market conditions and transportation 
cost inflation. 
For the Services business, future sales 
and related gross margins are based on 
percentages achieved in the period up 
to the approval of the business plan. 

Revenues 
Existing customers: based on 
contractual terms.  
Adjusted for: growth forecasts which 
are based on sales and marketing 
activity, recent customer acquisitions 
and current economic environment in 
the UK.  
Gas and electricity revenues based on 
forward market prices. 

Operating costs 
Wages: projected headcount in line with expected 
efficiency programme. Salary increases based on 
inflation expectations.  
Credit losses: historical assumptions regarding 
provisions have been updated to reflect the current 
UK environment. 

Energy Supply  
& Services –  
UK Business 

Existing customers: based on 
contractual terms. 
New customers and renewals: based 
on gross margins achieved in the period 
leading up to the date of the business 
plan. Both adjusted for current market 
conditions and transportation  
cost inflation. 

Market share: percentage immediately 
prior to business plan. 
Adjusted for: growth forecasts which are 
based on sales, marketing activity, recent 
customer acquisitions and current 
economic environments in the UK.  
Gas and electricity revenues based on 
forward market prices. 

Wages: projected headcount in line with expected 
activity. Salary increases based on inflation 
expectations. 
Credit losses: historical assumptions regarding 
provisions have been updated to reflect the current 
UK environment. 

Energy Supply 
& Services – 
Ireland 

Energy Supply 
& Services –  
NA Home 

Existing customers: based on 
contractual terms.  
New customers and renewals: based 
on gross margins achieved in the  
period leading up to the date of the 
business plan. Both adjusted for  
current market conditions, inflation  
and transportation costs.  

Existing customers: based on 
contractual terms and gross margins 
achieved in the period leading up to the 
date of the business plan. 
New customers and renewals: based 
on gross margins achieved in the  
period leading up to the date of the 
business plan.  
Adjusted for: competitor data. For the 
Services business, adjustments are 
made for current economic conditions 
and the status of the housing market  
as appropriate. 

Market share: percentage immediately 
prior to business plan. 
Adjusted for: growth forecasts which 
are based on sales, marketing activity 
and recent customer acquisitions.  
Gas and electricity revenues based on 
forward market prices. 

Wages: projected headcount in line with expected 
activity. Salary increases based on inflation 
expectations.  
Credit losses: historical assumptions regarding 
provisions have been updated to reflect the current 
Irish market environment. 

Market share: average percentage 
immediately prior to business plan. For 
the Services business, the market share 
is based on historical growth trends and 
planned sales activities by individual 
market sectors.  
Adjusted for: expectations of growth or 
decline to reflect competitive 
differences. For the Services business, 
adjustments are made for new product 
offerings and continued penetration into 
new markets. 

Wages: projected headcount in line with expected 
activity. Salary increases based on inflation 
expectations.  
Future developments: reduction in costs to reflect 
expected savings.  
Customer acquisition: based on experience of 
costs required to support acquisition, renewal and 
other servicing activities. 
Credit losses: historical assumptions regarding 
provisions have been updated to reflect the current 
North American environment. 

Energy Supply 
& Services –  
NA Business 

Existing customers: based on 
contractual terms. 
New customers and renewals: based 
on gross margins achieved historically. 

Connected 
Home 

Future sales: based on gross margins 
achieved in the period leading up to the 
date of the business plan.  
Adjusted for: recurring revenue 
subscriptions by driving service  
led propositions. 

Market share: based on historical 
growth trends and planned sales 
activities by individual market sector.  
Adjusted for: prices based on 
contractual terms for fixed price 
contracts and forward market curves 
for both gas and electricity in Canada 
and the US.  

Market share: based on current growth 
trends and planned sales activities by 
individual market sector.  
Adjusted for: new product offerings and 
continued penetration into new markets.  
One-off revenues based on current 
external rates. Recurring revenues 
based on expected package price and 
increase in number of products per 
customer to 3.0. 

Wages: projected headcount in line with expected 
activity. Salary increases based on 3.5% salary 
growth. 
Future developments: reduction in costs to reflect 
expected savings.  
Customer acquisition: based on experience of 
costs required to support acquisition, renewal and 
other servicing activities. 
Credit losses: historical assumptions regarding 
provisions have been updated to reflect the current 
North American environment. 

Wages: projected headcount in line with expected 
activity. Salary increases based on inflation 
expectations.  
Future developments: costs to increase in line with 
customer growth, adjusted to reflect planned 
business process efficiencies. 
Credit losses: historical assumptions regarding 
provisions have been updated to reflect the current 
UK and US environment. 

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Supplementary information 

S2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  

CGU 
Distributed 
Energy &  
Power 

Energy 
Marketing & 
Trading 

Gross margin 
Existing customers: based on 
contractual terms.  
New customers and renewals: based 
on gross margins in the period leading 
up to the date of the business plan  
and estimates of future profitability. 

Asset-backed business: 
Existing customers: based on 
contractual terms.  
New customers and renewals: based  
on gross margins in the period leading 
up to the date of the business plan  
and estimates of future profitability. 
Trading business: 
Existing and new markets: 
management’s estimate of future 
trading performance. 

Revenues 
Customer contracts: customer book 
immediately prior to business plan. 
Adjusted for: growth forecasts. 

Asset-backed business: customer book 
immediately prior to business plan. 
Adjusted for: growth forecasts. 

Operating costs 
Wages: projected headcount in line with expected 
activity. Salary increases based on inflation 
expectations. 
Credit losses: estimated bad debt and allowances 
based on historical collection rights and trends 
which are evaluated by the business.  

Wages: projected headcount in line with expected 
activity. Salary increases based on inflation 
expectations. Bonuses: in line with expected 
business performance. 
Future development: increase in costs to support 
growth forecasts, adjusted for planned business 
process efficiencies.  

Overlift and underlift 
Off-take arrangements for gas and oil produced from joint operations are often such that it is not practical for each participant to receive 
or sell its precise share of the overall production during the period. This results in short-term imbalances between cumulative production 
entitlement and cumulative sales, referred to as overlift and underlift. 

An overlift payable, or underlift receivable, is recognised at the balance sheet date within trade and other payables or trade and other 
receivables respectively, and is measured at market value, with movements in the period recognised within cost of sales.  

Leases 
The determination of whether an arrangement is, or contains, a lease is based on the substance of the arrangement and requires  
an assessment of whether the fulfilment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific asset or assets and whether the 
arrangement conveys a right to use the asset or assets. Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer 
substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases. Assets held under 
finance leases are capitalised and included in PP&E at their fair value, or if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments, 
each determined at the inception of the lease. The obligations relating to finance leases, net of finance charges in respect of future 
periods, are included within bank loans and other borrowings, with the amount payable within 12 months included in bank overdrafts  
and loans within current liabilities. 

Lease payments are apportioned between finance charges and the reduction of the finance lease obligation so as to achieve a constant 
rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance charges are charged directly against income. 

Payments under operating leases are charged to the Group Income Statement on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease. 

Inventories 
Inventories are valued on a weighted-average cost basis, at the lower of cost, or estimated net realisable value after allowance for 
redundant and slow-moving items. 

Decommissioning costs 
Provision is made for the net present value of the estimated cost of decommissioning gas and oil production facilities at the end of the 
producing lives of fields, and storage facilities and power stations at the end of their useful lives, based on price levels and technology  
at the balance sheet date. 

When this provision relates to an asset with sufficient future economic benefits, a decommissioning asset is recognised and included as 
part of the associated PP&E and depreciated accordingly. If there is an indication that the new carrying amount of the asset is not fully 
recoverable, the asset is tested for impairment and an impairment loss is recognised where necessary. Changes in these estimates  
and changes to the discount rates are dealt with prospectively and reflected as an adjustment to the provision and corresponding 
decommissioning asset included within PP&E. The unwinding of the discount on the provision is included in the Group Income Statement 
within interest expense. 

Non-current assets and disposal groups held for sale and discontinued operations 
Non-current assets (and disposal groups) classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs 
of disposal. No depreciation is charged in respect of non-current assets classified as held for sale. 

Non-current assets and disposal groups are classified as held for sale if their carrying amount will be recovered through a sale transaction 
rather than through continuing use. This condition is regarded as met only when the sale is highly probable, the asset (or disposal group)  
is available for immediate sale in its present condition and the Directors are committed to the sale which should be expected to qualify for 
recognition as a completed sale within one year from the date of classification. 

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
Supplementary information 

S2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 
The profits or losses and cash flows that relate to a major component of the Group that has been sold or is classified as held for sale  
are presented separately from continuing operations as discontinued operations within the Group Income Statement and Group Cash  
Flow Statement. 

Pensions and other post employment benefits 
The Group operates a number of defined benefit and defined contribution pension schemes. The cost of providing benefits under the 
defined benefit schemes is determined separately for each scheme using the projected unit credit actuarial valuation method. Actuarial 
gains and losses are recognised in the period in which they occur in the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income. 

The cost of providing retirement pensions and other benefits is charged to the Group Income Statement over the periods benefiting from 
employees’ service. Past service cost is recognised immediately. Costs of administering the schemes are charged to the Group Income 
Statement. Net interest, being the change in the net defined benefit liability or asset due to the passage of time is recognised in the Group 
Income Statement net finance cost. 

The net defined benefit liability or asset recognised in the Group Balance Sheet represents the present value of the defined benefit 
obligation of the schemes, and the fair value of the schemes’ assets. The present value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by 
discounting the estimated future cash outflows using interest rates of high-quality corporate bonds that are denominated in the currency  
in which the benefits are paid, and that have terms of maturity approximating to the terms of the related pension liability. 

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are recognised in the Group Income Statement as they fall due. 

Provisions 
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, that can be 
measured reliably, and it is probable that the Group will be required to settle that obligation. Provisions are measured at the best  
estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation at the balance sheet date, and are discounted to present value where  
the effect is material. 

Where discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised in the Group Income Statement within 
interest expense. Onerous contract provisions are recognised where the unavoidable costs of meeting the obligations under a contract 
exceed the economic benefits expected to be received under it. Contracts to purchase or sell energy are reviewed on a portfolio basis 
given the fungible nature of energy, whereby it is assumed that the highest priced purchase contract supplies the highest priced sales 
contract and the lowest priced sales contract is supplied by the lowest priced purchase contract. 

Taxation 
Current tax, including UK corporation tax, UK petroleum revenue tax and foreign tax is provided at amounts expected to be paid  
(or recovered) using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. From time to time, 
the Group may have open tax issues with a number of revenue authorities. Where an outflow of funds is believed to be probable and a 
reliable estimate of the dispute can be made, management provides for its best estimate of the liability. These estimates take into account 
the specific circumstances of each dispute and relevant external advice. Each item is considered separately and on a basis that provides 
the better prediction of the outcome. 

Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all temporary differences identified at the balance sheet date, except to the extent that the  
deferred tax arises from the initial recognition of goodwill (if impairment of goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes) or the initial 
recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction which is not a business combination and at the time of the transaction affects 
neither accounting profit nor taxable profit and loss. Temporary differences are differences between the carrying amount of the Group’s 
assets and liabilities and their tax base. 

Deferred tax liabilities may be offset against deferred tax assets within the same taxable entity or qualifying local tax group. Any remaining 
deferred tax asset is recognised only when, on the basis of all available evidence, it can be regarded as probable that there will be suitable 
taxable profits, within the same jurisdiction, in the foreseeable future, against which the deductible temporary difference can be utilised. 

Deferred tax is provided on temporary differences arising on subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates, except where the timing of the 
reversal of the temporary difference can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. 

Deferred tax is measured at the average tax rates that are expected to apply in the periods in which the asset is realised or liability settled, 
based on tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. Measurement of deferred tax 
liabilities and assets reflects the tax consequences expected from the manner in which the asset or liability is recovered or settled. 

Financial instruments  
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the Group Balance Sheet when the Group becomes a party to the contractual 
provisions of the instrument. Financial assets are derecognised when the Group no longer has the rights to cash flows, the risks and 
rewards of ownership or control of the asset. Financial liabilities are derecognised when the obligation under the liability is discharged, 
cancelled or expires. 

(a) Trade receivables 
Trade receivables are initially recognised at fair value, which is usually the original invoice amount and are subsequently held at amortised 
cost using the effective interest rate method less an allowance for any uncollectible amounts. Provision is made when there is objective 
evidence that the Group may not be able to collect the trade receivable. Balances are written off when recoverability is assessed as being 
remote. If collection is due in one year or less, receivables are classified as current assets, if not they are presented as non-current assets. 

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Supplementary information 

S2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 
(b) Trade payables 
Trade payables are initially recognised at fair value, which is usually the original invoice amount and are subsequently held at amortised 
cost using the effective interest rate method. If payment is due within one year or less, payables are classified as current liabilities, if not 
they are presented as non-current liabilities. 

(c) Share capital 
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares are shown in equity as a deduction 
from the proceeds received. Own equity instruments that are reacquired (treasury or own shares) are deducted from equity. No gain or loss  
is recognised in the Group Income Statement on the purchase, sale, issue or cancellation of the Group’s own equity instruments. 

(d) Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand and current balances with banks and similar institutions, which are readily convertible to 
known amounts of cash and which are subject to insignificant risk of changes in value and have an original maturity of three months or less. 

For the purpose of the Group Cash Flow Statement, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and cash equivalents as defined above,  
net of outstanding bank overdrafts. 

(e) Interest-bearing loans and other borrowings 
All interest-bearing loans and other borrowings with banks and similar institutions are initially recognised at fair value net of directly 
attributable transaction costs. After initial recognition, interest-bearing loans and other borrowings are subsequently measured at 
amortised cost using the effective interest method, except when they are the hedged item in an effective fair value hedge relationship 
where the carrying value is also adjusted to reflect the fair value movements associated with the hedged risks. Such fair value movements 
are recognised in the Group Income Statement. Amortised cost is calculated by taking into account any issue costs, discount or premium. 

(f) Available-for-sale financial assets 
Available-for-sale financial assets are those non-derivative financial assets that are designated as available-for-sale, which are recognised 
initially at fair value in the Group Balance Sheet. Available-for-sale financial assets are re-measured subsequently at fair value with  
gains and losses arising from changes in fair value recognised directly in equity and presented in the Group Statement of Comprehensive 
Income, until the asset is disposed of or is determined to be impaired, at which time the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in 
equity is included in the Group Income Statement for the period. Accrued interest or dividends arising on available-for-sale financial assets 
are recognised in the Group Income Statement. 

At each balance sheet date the Group assesses whether there is objective evidence that available-for-sale financial assets are impaired.  
If any such evidence exists, cumulative losses recognised in equity are removed from equity and recognised in the Group Income 
Statement. The cumulative loss removed from equity represents the difference between the acquisition cost and current fair value,  
less any impairment loss on that financial asset previously recognised in the Group Income Statement. 

Impairment losses recognised in the Group Income Statement for equity investments classified as available-for-sale are not subsequently 
reversed through the Group Income Statement. Impairment losses recognised in the Group Income Statement for debt instruments 
classified as available-for-sale are subsequently reversed if an increase in the fair value of the instrument can be objectively related to  
an event occurring after the recognition of the impairment loss. 

(g) Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 
The Group holds investments in gilts which it designates at fair value through profit or loss. Investments are measured at fair value on initial 
recognition and are re-measured to fair value in each subsequent reporting period. Gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are 
recognised in the Group Income Statement within interest income or interest expense. 

(h) Derivative financial instruments 
The Group routinely enters into sale and purchase transactions for physical delivery of gas, power and oil. A portion of these transactions 
take the form of contracts that were entered into and continue to be held for the purpose of receipt or delivery of the physical commodity 
in accordance with the Group’s expected sale, purchase or usage requirements (‘own use’), and are not within the scope of IAS 39.  
The assessment of whether a contract is deemed to be ‘own use’ is conducted on a Group basis without reference to underlying book 
structures, business units or legal entities. 

Certain purchase and sales contracts for the physical delivery of gas, power and oil are within the scope of IAS 39 due to the fact that 
they net settle or contain written options. Such contracts are accounted for as derivatives under IAS 39 and are recognised in the Group 
Balance Sheet at fair value. Gains and losses arising from changes in fair value on derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting  
are taken directly to the Group Income Statement for the year. 

The Group uses a range of derivatives for both trading and to hedge exposures to financial risks, such as interest rates, foreign exchange 
and energy price risks, arising in the normal course of business. The use of derivative financial instruments is governed by the Group’s 
policies which are approved by the Board of Directors. Further detail on the Group’s risk management policies is included within the 
Strategic Report – Principal Risks and Uncertainties on pages 56 to 64 and in note S3. 

The accounting treatment of derivatives is dependent on whether they are entered into for trading or hedging purposes. A derivative 
instrument is considered to be used for hedging purposes when it alters the risk profile of an underlying exposure of the Group in line  
with the Group’s risk management policies and is in accordance with established guidelines. Certain derivative instruments used for 
hedging purposes are designated in hedge accounting relationships as described by IAS 39. In order to qualify for hedge accounting,  
the effectiveness of the hedge must be reliably measurable and documentation describing the formal hedging relationship must be 
prepared at the point of designation. The hedge must be highly effective in achieving its objective. The Group also holds derivatives  
that are used for hedging purposes which are not designated in hedge accounting relationships and are held for trading. 

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
Supplementary information 

S2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 
All derivatives are recognised at fair value on the date on which the derivative is entered into and are re-measured to fair value at each 
reporting date. Derivatives are carried as assets when the fair value is positive and as liabilities when the fair value is negative. Derivative 
assets and derivative liabilities are offset and presented on a net basis only when both a legal right of set-off exists and the intention to  
net settle the derivative contracts is present. 

The Group enters into certain energy derivative contracts covering periods for which observable market data does not exist. The fair  
value of such derivatives is estimated by reference in part to published price quotations from active markets, to the extent that such 
observable market data exists, and in part by using valuation techniques, the inputs to which include data that is not based on or derived 
from observable markets. Where the fair value at initial recognition for such contracts differs from the transaction price, a fair value gain  
or fair value loss will arise. This is referred to as a day-one gain or day-one loss. Such gains and losses are deferred (not recognised)  
and amortised to the Group Income Statement based on volumes purchased or delivered over the contractual period until such time as 
observable market data becomes available. When observable market data becomes available, any remaining deferred day-one gains or 
losses are recognised within the Group Income Statement. Recognition of the gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value depends 
on the purpose for issuing or holding the derivative. For derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting, any gains or losses arising 
from changes in fair value are taken directly to the Group Income Statement and are included within gross profit or interest income and 
interest expense. Gains and losses arising on derivatives entered into for speculative energy trading purposes are presented on a net 
basis within revenue. 

Derivatives embedded in other financial instruments or other host contracts are treated as separate derivatives when their risks and 
characteristics are not closely related to those of the host contracts and the host contracts are not carried at fair value, with gains or 
losses reported in the Group Income Statement. The closely related nature of embedded derivatives is reassessed when there is a change 
in the terms of the contract that significantly modifies the future cash flows under the contract. Where a contract contains one or more 
embedded derivatives, and providing that the embedded derivative significantly modifies the cash flows under the contract, the option  
to fair value the entire contract may be taken and the contract will be recognised at fair value with changes in fair value recognised in the 
Group Income Statement. 

(i) Hedge accounting 
For the purposes of hedge accounting, hedges are classified as either fair value hedges or cash flow hedges. Note S5 details the Group’s 
accounting policies in relation to derivatives qualifying for hedge accounting under IAS 39. 

Nuclear activity 
The Group’s investment in Lake Acquisitions Limited (‘Nuclear’) is accounted for as an associate. The following accounting policies are 
specific to this nuclear activity. 

(a) Fuel costs – nuclear front end 
Front end fuel costs consist of the costs of procurement of uranium, conversion and enrichment services and fuel element fabrication.  
All costs are capitalised into inventory and charged to the Group Income Statement in proportion to the amount of fuel burnt. 

(b) Fuel costs – nuclear back end 
Advanced gas-cooled reactors (AGR) 
Spent fuel extracted from the reactors is sent for reprocessing and/or long-term storage and eventual disposal of resulting waste 
products. Back end fuel costs comprise of a loading related cost per tonne of uranium and a rebate/surcharge to this cost which  
is dependent on the out-turn market electricity price in the year and are capitalised into inventory and charged to the Group Income 
Statement in proportion to the amount of fuel burnt. 

Pressurised water reactor (PWR) 
Back end fuel costs are based on wet storage in station ponds followed by dry storage and subsequent direct disposal of fuel. Back  
end fuel costs are capitalised into inventory on loading and are charged to the Group Income Statement in proportion to the amount  
of fuel burnt. 

(c) Nuclear property, plant and equipment and depreciation 
The majority of the costs of the nuclear fleet is depreciated from the date of the Group acquiring its share of the fleet on a straight-line 
basis, with remaining depreciable periods currently of up to 19 years. 

Other expenditure including amounts spent on major inspections and overhauls of production plant is depreciated over the period until  
the next outage which for AGR power stations is three years and for the PWR power station is 18 months. 

(d) Nuclear Liabilities Fund (NLF) funding arrangements 
Under the arrangements in place with the Secretary of State, the NLF will fund, subject to certain exceptions, qualifying uncontracted 
nuclear liabilities and qualifying decommissioning costs. 

In part consideration for the assumption of these liabilities by the Secretary of State and the NLF, the former British Energy Group agreed 
to pay fixed decommissioning contributions each year and £150,000 (indexed to RPI) for every tonne of uranium in PWR fuel loaded into 
the Sizewell B reactor after the date of these arrangements. 

(e) NLF and nuclear liabilities receivables 
The UK Government indemnity is provided to indemnify any future shortfall on NLF funding of qualifying uncontracted nuclear liabilities 
(including PWR back end fuel services) and qualifying nuclear decommissioning costs such that the receivable equals the present value  
of the associated qualifying nuclear liabilities (apart from a small timing difference due to timing of receipts from NLF). 

(f) Nuclear liabilities 
Nuclear liabilities represent provision for liabilities in respect of the costs of waste management of spent fuel and nuclear decommissioning. 

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Supplementary information 

S2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 
(g) Unburnt fuels at shutdown 
Due to the nature of the nuclear fuel process there will be quantities of unburnt fuel in the reactors at station closure. The costs relating  
to this unburnt fuel (final core) are fully provided for at the balance sheet date. The provision is based on a projected value per tonne  
of fuel remaining at closure, discounted back to the balance sheet date and recorded as a long term liability. 

S3. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT 

The Group’s normal operating, investing and financing activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including 
commodity price risk, currency risk and interest rate risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. The Group’s overall financial risk management 
processes are designed to identify, manage and mitigate these risks. 

Further detail on the Group’s overall risk management processes is included within the Strategic Report – Principal Risks and 
Uncertainties on pages 56 to 64. 

The Group Financial Risk Management Committee (GFRMC) continued to advise on consolidated Group-wide commodity price risks 
according to objectives, targets and policies set out by the Board. Commodity price risk management is carried out in accordance with 
individual business unit policies and directives including appropriate escalation routes.  

Treasury risk management, including management of currency risk, interest rate risk and liquidity risk is carried out by a central  
Group Treasury function in accordance with the Group’s financing and treasury policy, as approved by the Board. 

The wholesale credit risks associated with commodity trading and treasury positions are managed in accordance with the Group’s  
credit risk policy and collateral risk policy. Downstream customer credit risk management is carried out in accordance with individual 
business unit credit policies. 

Market risk management 
Market risk is the risk of loss that results from changes in market prices (commodity prices, foreign exchange rates and interest rates).  
The level of market risk to which the Group is exposed at a point in time varies depending on market conditions, expectations of future 
price or market rate movements and the composition of the Group’s physical asset and contract portfolios. 

(a) Commodity price risk management 
The Group is exposed to commodity price risk in its upstream assets, energy procurement contracts, downstream and proprietary  
energy trading activities and uses specific limits to manage the exposure to commodity prices associated with the Group’s activities to  
an acceptable level. The Group uses Profit at Risk (PaR) limits to control exposures to market prices. These are complemented by other 
limits including Value at Risk (VaR), volumetric or stop-loss limits to control risk around trading activities. 

(i) Energy procurement, upstream and downstream activities 
The Group’s energy procurement, upstream and downstream activities consist of equity gas and liquids production, equity power 
generation, bilateral procurement and sales contracts, market-traded purchase and sales contracts and derivative positions transacted 
with the intent of securing gas and power for the Group’s downstream customers in the UK, North America and the Republic of Ireland 
from a variety of sources at an optimal cost. The Group actively manages commodity price risk by optimising its asset and contract 
portfolios and making use of volume flexibility. 

The Group’s commodity price risk exposure in its energy procurement, upstream and downstream activities is driven by the cost of 
procuring gas and electricity to serve its downstream customers and selling gas, oil and electricity from its upstream production, which 
varies with wholesale commodity prices. The primary risk is that market prices for commodities will fluctuate between the time that sales 
prices are fixed or tariffs are set and the time at which the corresponding procurement cost is fixed, thereby potentially reducing expected 
margins or making sales unprofitable. 

The Group’s downstream activities are also exposed to volumetric risk in the form of an uncertain consumption profile arising from a range 
of factors, including the weather, energy consumption changes, customer attrition and the economic climate. There is also risk associated 
with ensuring that there is sufficient commodity available to secure supply to customers. The Group’s upstream activities are also exposed 
to volumetric risk in the form of uncertain production profiles. 

In order to manage the exposure to market prices associated with the Group’s energy procurement, upstream and downstream activities 
the Group uses a specific set of limits (including volumetric, VaR, PaR and stop-loss) established by the Board, Executive Committee, 
GFRMC or business unit Financial Risk Committees.  

PaR measures the estimated potential loss in a position or portfolio of positions associated with the movement of a commodity price  
for a given confidence level, over the remaining term of the position or contract. VaR measures the estimated potential loss for a given 
confidence level over a predetermined holding period. The standard confidence level used is 95%. In addition, regular stress and scenario 
tests are performed to evaluate the impact on the portfolio of possible substantial movements in commodity prices. 

The Group measures and manages the commodity price risk associated with the Group’s entire energy procurement, upstream and 
downstream portfolio. Only certain of the Group’s energy procurement, upstream and downstream contracts constitute financial 
instruments under IAS 39 (note S6). 

As a result, while the Group manages the commodity price risk associated with both financial and non-financial energy procurement, 
upstream and downstream contracts, it is the notional value of energy contracts being carried at fair value that represents the exposure  
of the Group’s energy procurement, upstream and downstream activities to commodity price risk according to IFRS 7: ‘Financial 
instruments: disclosures’. This is because energy contracts that are financial instruments under IAS 39 are accounted for on a fair value 
basis and changes in fair value immediately impact profit or equity. Conversely, energy contracts that are not financial instruments under  

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Notes to the Financial Statements 
Supplementary information 

S3. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT  
IAS 39 are accounted for as executory contracts and changes in fair value do not immediately impact profit or equity, and as such, are not 
exposed to commodity price risk as defined by IFRS 7. So whilst the PaR or VaR associated with energy procurement and downstream 
contracts that are outside the scope of IAS 39 are monitored for internal risk management purposes; only those energy contracts within 
the scope of IAS 39 are within the scope of the IFRS 7 disclosure requirements. 

(ii) Proprietary energy trading 
The Group’s proprietary energy trading activities consist of physical and financial commodity purchases and sales contracts taken on  
with the intent of benefiting from changes in market prices or differences between buying and selling prices. The Group conducts its 
trading activities in the over-the-counter market and through exchanges in the UK, North America and continental Europe. The Group  
is exposed to commodity price risk as a result of its proprietary energy trading activities because the value of its trading assets and 
liabilities will fluctuate with changes in market prices for commodities. 

The Group sets volumetric and VaR limits to manage the commodity price risk exposure associated with the Group’s proprietary energy 
trading activities. VaR measures the estimated potential loss at a 95% confidence level over a one-day holding period. The carrying value 
of energy contracts used in proprietary energy trading activities at 31 December 2016 is disclosed in note 19. 

As with any modelled risk measure, there are certain limitations that arise from the assumptions used in the VaR calculation. VaR assumes 
that historical price behaviours will continue in the future and that the Group’s trading positions can be unwound or hedged within the 
predetermined holding period. Furthermore, the use of a 95% confidence level, by definition, does not take into account changes in value 
that might occur beyond this confidence level. 

(b) Currency risk management 
The Group is exposed to currency risk on foreign currency denominated forecast transactions, firm commitments, monetary assets and 
liabilities (transactional exposure) and on its net investments in foreign operations (translational exposure). IFRS 7 only requires disclosure 
of currency risk arising on financial instruments denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the commercial operation 
transacting. As a result, for the purposes of IFRS 7, currency risk excludes the Group’s net investments in international operations as well 
as foreign currency denominated forecast transactions and firm commitments. 

(i) Transactional currency risk 
The Group is exposed to transactional currency risk on transactions denominated in currencies other than the underlying functional 
currency of the commercial operation transacting. The Group has been increasing its international presence through acquisition and  
the primary functional currencies remain pounds sterling in the UK, Canadian dollars in Canada, US dollars in the US, Norwegian krone  
in Norway and euros in the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland, with the addition of Danish krone in Denmark following the acquisition  
of Neas Energy. The risk is that the functional currency value of cash flows will vary as a result of movements in exchange rates. 
Transactional exposure arises from the Group’s energy procurement and upstream activities, where many transactions are denominated 
in foreign currencies. In addition, in order to optimise the cost of funding, the Group has, in certain cases, issued foreign currency 
denominated debt or entered into foreign currency loans, primarily in US dollars, euros, Japanese yen or Hong Kong dollars. 

It is the Group’s policy to hedge material transactional exposures using derivatives to fix the functional currency value of non-functional 
currency cash flows, except where there is an economic hedge inherent in the transaction. At 31 December 2016, there were no material 
unhedged non-functional currency monetary assets or liabilities, firm commitments or probable forecast transactions (2015: nil), other than 
transactions which have an inherent economic hedge and foreign currency borrowings used to hedge translational exposures. 

(ii) Translational currency risk 
The Group is exposed to translational currency risk as a result of its net investments in North America and Europe. The risk is that the 
pound sterling value of the net assets of foreign operations will decrease with changes in foreign exchange rates. The Group’s policy  
is to protect the pounds sterling book value of its net investments in foreign operations where appropriate, subject to certain parameters 
monitored by the GFRMC, by holding foreign currency debt, entering into foreign currency derivatives, or a mixture of both. 

The Group manages translational currency risk taking into consideration the cash impact of any hedging activity as well as the risk  
to the net asset numbers in the Group’s Financial Statements. The translation hedging programme including the potential cash impact  
is monitored by the GFRMC. 

(c) Interest rate risk management 
In the normal course of business the Group borrows to finance its operations. The Group is exposed to interest rate risk because the  
fair value of fixed rate borrowings and the cash flows associated with floating rate borrowings will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. 
The Group’s policy is to manage the interest rate risk on long-term borrowings by ensuring the exposure to floating interest rates remains 
within a 30% to 70% range, including the impact of interest rate derivatives. 

The return generated on the Group’s cash balance is also exposed to movements in short term interest rates. The Group manages cash 
balances to protect against adverse changes in rates whilst retaining liquidity. 

(d) Sensitivity analysis 
IFRS 7 requires disclosure of a sensitivity analysis that is intended to illustrate the sensitivity of the Group’s financial position and performance 
to changes in market variables (commodity prices, foreign exchange rates and interest rates) as a result of changes in the fair value or cash 
flows associated with the Group’s financial instruments. The sensitivity analysis provided discloses the effect on profit or loss and equity  
at 31 December 2016, assuming that a reasonably possible change in the relevant risk variable had occurred at 31 December 2016,  
and has been applied to the risk exposures in existence at that date to show the effects of reasonably possible changes in price on  
profit or loss and equity. Reasonably possible changes in market variables used in the sensitivity analysis are based on implied volatilities, 
where available, or historical data for energy prices and foreign exchange rates. Reasonably possible changes in interest rates are based 
on management judgement and historical experience. 

170 
170

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
Notes to the Financial Statements 
Supplementary information 

S3. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT 
The sensitivity analysis has been prepared based on 31 December 2016 balances and on the basis that the balances, the ratio of fixed  
to floating rates of debt and derivatives, the proportion of energy contracts that are financial instruments, the proportion of financial 
instruments in foreign currencies and the hedge designations in place at 31 December 2016 are all constant. Excluded from this analysis 
are all non-financial assets and liabilities and energy contracts that are not financial instruments under IAS 39. The sensitivity to foreign 
exchange rates relates only to monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the 
commercial operation transacting, and excludes the translation of the net assets of foreign operations to pounds sterling. 

The sensitivity analysis provided is hypothetical only and should be used with caution as the impacts provided are not necessarily 
indicative of the actual impacts that would be experienced. This is because the Group’s actual exposure to market rates is changing 
constantly as the Group’s portfolio of commodity, debt and foreign currency contracts changes. Changes in fair values or cash flows 
based on a variation in a market variable cannot be extrapolated because the relationship between the change in market variable and  
the change in fair value or cash flows may not be linear. In addition, the effect of a change in a particular market variable on fair values or 
cash flows is calculated without considering interrelationships between the various market rates or mitigating actions that would be taken 
by the Group. The sensitivity analysis provided excludes the impact of proprietary energy trading assets and liabilities because the VaR 
associated with the Group’s proprietary energy trading activities is less than £5 million. 

(i) Transactional currency risk 
The Group has performed an analysis of the sensitivity of the Group’s financial position and performance to changes in foreign exchange 
rates. The Group deems 10% movements to US dollar, Canadian dollar and euro currency rates relative to pounds sterling to be reasonably 
possible. The impact of such movements on profit and equity, both before and after taxation, is immaterial to the Group except for US dollar 
where a 10% upward movement would increase profit by £99 million and a 10% downward movement would decrease profit by  
£149 million. 

(ii) Interest rate risk 
The Group has performed an analysis of the sensitivity of the Group’s financial position and performance to changes in interest rates.  
The Group deems a one percentage point move in UK, US and euro interest rates to be reasonably possible. The impact of such 
movements on profit and equity, both after taxation, is immaterial. 

(iii) Commodity price risk 
The impacts of reasonably possible changes in commodity prices on profit and equity, both after taxation, based on the assumptions set 
out above are as follows:  

Energy prices 
UK gas (p/therm)  
UK power (£/MWh) 
UK coal (US$/tonne) 
UK emissions (€/tonne) 
UK oil (US$/bbl) 
North American gas (US cents/therm) 
North American power (US$/MWh) 

Incremental profit/(loss) 
UK energy prices (combined) – increase/(decrease) 
North American energy prices (combined) – increase/(decrease) 

2016 
Reasonably 
possible 
change in variable 
 % (ii) 
+/–15 
+/–14 
+/–19 
+/–23 
+/–14 
+/–4 
+/–6 

Base price 
(i) 
49 
46 
65 
7 
58 
37 
32 

2015 
Reasonably 
 possible 
change in variable 
 % (ii) 
+/–15 
+/–11 
+/–9 
+/–11 
+/–15 
+/–4 
+/–6 

2015 
Impact on 
profit (ii) 
£m 
52/(63) 
93/(93) 

Base price 
(i) 
34 
36 
43 
8 
47 
25 
34 

2016 
Impact on 
profit (ii) 
£m 
82/(86) 
117/(117) 

(i)
(ii)

The base price represents the average forward market price over the duration of the active market curve used in the sensitivity analysis provided. 
The reasonably possible change in variable and the impact on profit are calculated using both the active and inactive market curves for all UK energy prices. 

The impact on equity of such price changes is immaterial. 

Credit risk management 
Credit risk is the risk of loss associated with a counterparty’s inability or failure to discharge its obligations under a contract. The Group 
continually reviews its rating thresholds for counterparty credit limits, and updates these as necessary based on a consistent set of 
principles. It continues to operate within its limits. In both the US and Europe, there is an effort to maintain a balance between exchange 
base trading and bilateral transactions. This allows for a reasonable balance between counterparty credit risk and large liquidity 
requirements. In addition the Group actively manages the trade-off between credit and liquidity risks by optimising the use of contracts 
with collateral obligations and physically settled contracts without collateral obligations.  

The continued downward pressure in global commodity prices during the year has added financial pressure to many of our counterparties 
and, in some cases, has had a detrimental impact on their financial strength and resulting credit risk profile. These pressures have been and 
will continue to be taken into account in counterparty credit reviews. During the year, many large European utilities have been downgraded 
lowering the overall credit assessment of the industry although market access has not been significantly impaired because of this. 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

171 
171 

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
Supplementary information 

S3. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT 
The Group is exposed to credit risk in its treasury, trading, energy procurement and downstream activities. Credit risk from financial  
assets is measured by counterparty credit rating as follows: 

AAA to AA 
AA– to A– 
BBB+ to BBB– 
BB+ to BB– 
B+ or lower 
Unrated (ii) 

Derivative financial 
instruments with 
positive fair values 
£m 
8 
918 
673 
117 
50 
107 
1,873 

Receivables from 
treasury, trading 
and energy 
procurement 
counterparties 
£m 
83 
532 
317 
144 
76 
90 
1,242 

2016 

Cash and cash 
equivalents 
£m 
1,118 
878 
37 
3 
– 
– 
2,036 

Derivative financial 
instruments with 
positive fair values 
£m 
16 
497 
462 
307 
13 
81 
1,376 

Receivables from 
treasury, trading  
and energy 
procurement 
counterparties 
£m 
7 
560 
237 
134 
1 
108 
1,047 

2015 

Cash and cash 
equivalents 
(restated) (i) 
£m 
404 
701 
31 
– 
– 
22 
1,158 

(i)
(ii)

Cash and cash equivalents for 2015 have been restated. See note 1 for further information.  
The unrated counterparty receivables primarily comprise amounts due from subsidiaries of rated entities, exchanges or clearing houses. 

Details of how credit risk is managed across the asset categories are provided below. 

(a) Treasury, trading and energy procurement activities 
Wholesale counterparty credit exposures are monitored by individual counterparty and by category of credit rating, and are subject to 
approved limits. The Group uses master netting agreements to reduce credit risk and net settles payments with counterparties where  
net settlement provisions exist (see note S6 for details of amounts offset). In addition, the Group employs a variety of other methods to 
mitigate credit risk: margining, various forms of bank and parent company guarantees and letters of credit. See note 24(c) for details of 
cash posted or received under margin or collateral agreements. 

100% of the Group’s credit risk associated with its treasury, trading and energy procurement activities is with counterparties in related 
energy industries or with financial institutions.  

IFRS 7 requires disclosure of information about the exposure to credit risk arising from financial instruments only. Only certain of the 
Group’s energy procurement contracts constitute financial instruments under IAS 39. As a result, whilst the Group manages the credit risk 
associated with both financial and non-financial energy procurement contracts, it is the carrying value of financial assets within the scope 
of IAS 39 (note S6) that represents the maximum exposure to credit risk in accordance with IFRS 7. 

(b) Downstream activities 
In the case of business customers, credit risk is managed by checking a company’s creditworthiness and financial strength both before 
commencing trade and during the business relationship. For residential customers, creditworthiness is ascertained normally before 
commencing trade to determine the payment mechanism required to reduce credit risk to an acceptable level. Certain customers will only 
be accepted on a prepayment basis or with a security deposit. In some cases, an ageing of receivables is monitored and used to manage 
the exposure to credit risk associated with both business and residential customers. In other cases, credit risk is monitored and managed 
by grouping customers according to method of payment or profile. 

Liquidity risk management and going concern 
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group is unable to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Group experiences significant 
movements in its liquidity position due primarily to the seasonal nature of its business and margin cash arrangements associated with 
certain wholesale commodity contracts. To mitigate this risk the Group maintains significant committed facilities and holds cash on 
deposit. See note 24(b) for further information.  

172 
172

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
Supplementary information 

S3. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT 
Maturity profiles 
Maturities of derivative financial instruments, provisions, borrowings and finance leases are provided in the following tables (all amounts are 
remaining contractual undiscounted cash flows): 

Due for payment 2016 
Energy and interest derivatives in a loss position  
that will be settled on a net basis 
Gross energy procurement contracts and related 
derivatives carried at fair value (i) 
Foreign exchange derivatives that will be settled  
on a gross basis: 

Outflow 
Inflow 

Financial liabilities within provisions 
Borrowings (bank loans, bonds, commercial  
paper, overdrafts and interest)  
Finance leases: (ii) 

Minimum lease payments 
Capital elements of leases 

Due for payment 2015 
Energy and interest derivatives in a loss position  
that will be settled on a net basis 
Gross energy procurement contracts and related 
derivatives carried at fair value (i) 
Foreign exchange derivatives that will be settled  
on a gross basis: 

Outflow 
Inflow 

Financial liabilities within provisions 
Borrowings (bank loans, bonds, commercial  
paper, overdrafts and interest) (iii) 
Finance leases: (ii) 

Minimum lease payments 
Capital elements of leases 

<1 
year 
£m 

1 to 2  
years 
£m 

2 to 3 
years 
£m 

3 to 4 
years 
£m 

4 to 5 
years 
£m 

>5 
years 
£m 

(143) 

(84) 

(27) 

(19) 

(3) 

3 

(8,435) 

(4,441) 

(3,024) 

(2,666) 

(2,271) 

(7,728) 

(6,205) 
6,308 
(229) 

(1,086) 
1,150 
(50) 

(191) 
187 
(25) 

(684) 
840 
(22) 

(928) 
1,078 
(22) 

(113) 
146 
(58) 

(534) 

(694) 

(353) 

(328) 

(913) 

(7,123) 

(52) 
(39) 

<1 
year 
£m 

(53) 
(43) 

1 to 2  
years 
£m 

(54) 
(47) 

2 to 3 
years 
£m 

(56) 
(53) 

3 to 4 
years 
£m 

(46) 
(45) 

4 to 5 
years 
£m 

(384) 

(111) 

(39) 

(8) 

(11) 

(6) 
(6) 

>5 
years 
£m 

– 

(7,040) 

(3,421) 

(2,135) 

(2,047) 

(2,604) 

(10,448) 

(4,106) 
4,071 
(268) 

(565) 
554 
(92) 

(117) 
107 
(43) 

(125) 
106 
(29) 

(30) 
19 
(26) 

(912) 
808 
(48) 

(896) 

(417) 

(681) 

(327) 

(405) 

(7,544) 

(50) 
(43) 

(41) 
(36) 

(43) 
(38) 

(45) 
(41) 

(46) 
(44) 

(49) 
(48) 

(i)

(ii)
(iii)

Proprietary energy trades are excluded from this maturity analysis as we do not take physical delivery of volumes traded under these contracts. The associated cash flows are expected to  
be equal to the contract fair value at the balance sheet date. See note 19 for further details. 
The difference between the total minimum lease payments and the total capital elements of leases is due to future finance charges. 

  Current bank overdrafts, loans and other borrowings have been restated for 2015. See note 1 for further details. 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

173 
173 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
Supplementary information 

S4. OTHER EQUITY 

This section summarises the Group’s other equity reserve movements. 

1 January 2015 
Revaluation of available-for-sale securities 
Actuarial loss 
Employee share schemes: 
Increase in own shares 
Exercise of awards 
Value of services provided 

Cash flow hedges: 

Net gains 
Transferred to income and expense 
Transferred to assets and liabilities 

Share of other comprehensive income/(loss)  
of joint ventures and associates, net of taxation 
Taxation on above items 
Exchange adjustments 
31 December 2015 
Revaluation of available-for-sale securities 
Transfer of available-for-sale reserve to income 
statement 
Actuarial loss 
Employee share schemes: 
Increase in own shares 
Exercise of awards 
Value of services provided 

Cash flow hedges: 

Net gains 
Transferred to income and expense 
Transferred to assets and liabilities 

Share of other comprehensive (loss)/income  
of joint ventures and associates, net of taxation 
Taxation on above items 
Exchange adjustments 
31 December 2016 

Cash 
flow 
hedging 
reserve 
£m 
(25) 
– 
– 

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
reserve 
£m 
(341) 
– 
– 

Actuarial 
gains and 
losses 
reserve 
£m 
(316) 
– 
(321) 

Available- 
for-sale 
reserve 
(AFS) 
£m 
18 
5 
– 

Treasury  
and own 
shares 
 reserve 
£m 
(256) 
– 
– 

Share- 
based 
payments 
reserve 
£m 
95 
– 
– 

Merger and 
capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£m 
493 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

20 
(12) 
7 

3 
(6) 
– 
(13) 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

161 
(129) 
(4) 

(4) 
(3) 
– 
8 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
(221) 
(562) 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

(8) 
50 
3 
(592) 
– 

– 
(1,174) 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
513 
(49) 

65 
194 
(7) 
(1,514) 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
23 
9 

(5) 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
(1) 
– 
26 

(11) 
69 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
(198) 
– 

– 
– 

(17) 
35 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
(180) 

Total 
£m 
(332) 
5 
(321) 

(11) 
24 
45 

20 
(12) 
7 

(5) 
42 
(218) 
(756) 
9 

(5) 
(1,174) 

(17) 
3 
46 

161 
(129) 
(4) 

– 
(45) 
45 

– 
– 
– 

– 
(2) 
– 
93 
– 

– 
– 

– 
(32) 
46 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
493 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
107 

– 
– 
– 
493 

61 
190 
506 
(1,109) 

Merger reserve 
During February 1997, BG plc (formerly British Gas plc) demerged certain businesses (grouped together under GB Gas Holdings Limited 
(GBGH)) to form Centrica plc. Upon demerger, the share capital of GBGH was transferred to Centrica plc and was recorded at the 
nominal value of shares issued to BG plc shareholders. In accordance with the Companies Act 1985, no premium was recorded  
on the shares issued. On consolidation, the difference between the nominal value of the Company’s shares issued and the amount  
of share capital and share premium of GBGH at the date of demerger was credited to a merger reserve. 

Capital redemption reserve 
In accordance with the Companies Act 1985, the Company has transferred to the capital redemption reserve an amount equal to the 
nominal value of shares repurchased and subsequently cancelled. Up to 31 December 2016 the cumulative nominal value of shares 
repurchased and subsequently cancelled was £26 million (2015: £26 million). 

174 
174

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
Supplementary information 

S4. OTHER EQUITY  
Own shares reserve 
The own shares reserve reflects the cost of shares in the Company held in the Centrica employee share ownership trusts to meet  
the future requirements of the Group’s share-based payment plans. 

Treasury shares reserve 
Treasury shares are acquired equity instruments of the Company.  

Share-based payments reserve 
The share-based payments reserve reflects the obligation to deliver shares to employees under the Group’s share schemes in return  
for services provided. 

Foreign currency translation reserve 
The foreign currency translation reserve comprises exchange adjustments on the translation of the Group’s foreign operations. Historically 
the Group has hedged its net investments in these foreign operations and the opening balance of the foreign currency translation reserve 
includes exchange translation adjustments on borrowings and derivatives classified as net investment hedges under the requirements of  
IAS 39. Note S5 provides further detail on historical net investment hedges. 

Cash flow hedging reserve 
The cash flow hedging reserve comprises fair value movements on instruments designated as cash flow hedges under the requirements  
of IAS 39. Amounts are transferred from the cash flow hedging reserve to the Group Income Statement or Group Balance Sheet as and 
when the hedged item affects the Group Income Statement or Group Balance Sheet which is, for the most part, on receipt or payment  
of amounts denominated in foreign currencies and settlement of interest on debt instruments. Note S5 provides further detail on cash  
flow hedging. 

S5. HEDGE ACCOUNTING 

For the purposes of hedge accounting, hedges are classified either as fair value hedges, cash flow hedges or, in previous periods,  
hedges of net investments in foreign operations.  

The fair values of derivatives and primary financial instruments in hedge accounting relationships at 31 December were as follows:  

31 December 
Fair value hedges  
Cash flow hedges 

Assets 
£m 
158 
151 

2016 
Liabilities 
£m 
(5) 
(3) 

Assets 
£m 
129 
28 

2015 
Liabilities 
£m 
(2) 
(69) 

The Group’s accounting policies in relation to derivatives qualifying for hedge accounting under IAS 39 are described below. 

Fair value hedges  
A derivative is designated as a hedging instrument and its relationship to a recognised asset or liability is classified as a fair value hedge 
when it hedges the exposure to changes in the fair value of that recognised asset or liability. The Group’s fair value hedges consist of 
interest rate swaps used to protect against changes in the fair value of fixed-rate, long-term debt due to movements in market interest 
rates. Any gain or loss from re-measuring the hedging instrument to fair value is recognised immediately in the Group Income Statement. 
Any gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk is adjusted against the carrying amount of the hedged item and 
recognised in the Group Income Statement within net finance cost. The Group discontinues fair value hedge accounting if the hedging 
instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, the hedge no longer qualifies for hedge accounting or the Group revokes the 
designation. Any adjustment to the carrying amount of a hedged financial instrument for which the effective interest method is used  
is amortised to the Group Income Statement. Amortisation may begin as soon as an adjustment exists and shall begin no later than  
when the hedged item ceases to be adjusted for changes in its fair value attributable to the risk being hedged. 

Gains or losses arising on fair value hedges net of gains or losses arising on hedged items attributable to the hedged risk for the years 
ended 31 December 2016 and 31 December 2015 were immaterial. 

Cash flow hedges  
A derivative is classified as a cash flow hedge when it hedges exposure to variability in cash flows that is attributable to a particular risk 
either associated with a recognised asset, liability or a highly probable forecast transaction. The Group’s cash flow hedges consist 
primarily of:  

●  forward foreign exchange contracts used to protect against the variability of functional currency denominated cash flows associated 

with non-functional currency denominated highly probable forecast transactions;  

●  interest rate swaps used to protect against the variability in cash flows associated with floating-rate borrowings due to movements  

in market interest rates; and 

●  cross-currency interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts used to protect against the variability in cash flows 

associated with borrowings denominated in non-functional currencies.  

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

175 
175 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
Supplementary information 

S5. HEDGE ACCOUNTING  
The portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument which is effective is recognised directly in equity while any ineffectiveness  
is recognised in the Group Income Statement. The gains or losses that are initially recognised in the cash flow hedging reserve in the 
Group Statement of Comprehensive Income are transferred to the Group Income Statement in the same period in which the highly 
probable forecast transaction affects income. Where the hedged item is the cost of a non-financial asset or liability, the amounts taken  
to equity are transferred to the initial carrying amount of the non-financial asset or liability on its recognition. Hedge accounting is 
discontinued when the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised without replacement or rollover, no longer qualifies 
for hedge accounting or the Group revokes the designation. At that point in time, any cumulative gain or loss on the hedging instrument 
recognised in equity remains in equity until the highly probable forecast transaction occurs. If the transaction is no longer expected to 
occur, the cumulative gain or loss recognised in equity is recognised in the Group Income Statement. 

Note S4 details movements in the cash flow hedging reserve. The ineffective portion of gains and losses on cash flow hedging is 
immaterial and is recognised immediately in the Group Income Statement.  

Net investment hedges  
Historically the Group engaged in net investment hedging (NIH) whereby it would obtain foreign currency debt issued in the same currency 
as its net investment in a foreign operation. Such hedges of net investments in foreign operations are accounted for similarly to cash flow 
hedges. Any gain or loss on the effective portion of the hedge is recognised in equity; any gain or loss on the ineffective portion of the 
hedge is recognised in the Group Income Statement. In 2009 the Group ceased to NIH, however the opening balance of the foreign 
currency translation reserve includes cumulative exchange translation adjustments on borrowings and derivatives classified as a NIH under 
the requirements of IAS 39. These balances will be recycled to the Group Income Statement on disposal of the relevant foreign operation. 

S6. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

The fair value of a financial instrument is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly 
transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Group has documented internal policies for determining fair 
value, including methodologies used to establish valuation adjustments required for credit risk. 

(a) Fair value hierarchy 
Financial assets and financial liabilities measured and held at fair value are classified into one of three categories, known as hierarchy 
levels, which are defined according to the inputs used to measure fair value as follows: 

●  Level 1: fair value is determined using observable inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets and liabilities; 
●  Level 2: fair value is determined using significant inputs that may be directly observable inputs or unobservable inputs that are 

corroborated by market data; and 

●  Level 3: fair value is determined using significant unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data and may be used with 

internally developed methodologies that result in management’s best estimate of fair value. 

31 December 
Financial assets  
Derivative financial instruments: 

Energy derivatives 
Interest rate derivatives 
Foreign exchange derivatives 

Treasury gilts designated at fair value through profit or loss 
Debt instruments 
Equity instruments (ii) 
Total financial assets at fair value 
Financial liabilities  
Derivative financial instruments: 

Energy derivatives 
Interest rate derivatives 
Foreign exchange derivatives 

Total financial liabilities at fair value 

Level 1 
£m 

Level 2 
£m 

Level 3  
£m 

81 
– 
– 
130 
64 
34 
309 

1,350 
158 
244 
– 
– 
– 
1,752 

40 
– 
– 
– 
– 
4 
44 

2016 
Total 
£m 

1,471 
158 
244 
130 
64 
38 
2,105 

Level 1 
£m 

Level 2 
£m 

Level 3 (i) 
£m 

17 
– 
– 
124 
60 
27 
228 

1,172 
129 
96 
– 
– 
30 
1,427 

(38) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
3 
(35) 

2015 
Total 
£m 

1,151 
129 
96 
124 
60 
60 
1,620 

(20) 
– 
– 
(20) 

(1,369) 
(36) 
(105) 
(1,510) 

(63) 
– 
– 
(63) 

(1,452) 
(36) 
(105) 
(1,593) 

(220) 
– 
– 
(220) 

(1,449) 
(28) 
(157) 
(1,634) 

(114) 
– 
– 
(114) 

(1,783) 
(28) 
(157) 
(1,968) 

(i)

(ii)

Included within Level 3 energy derivative assets are liabilities of £53 million, which were presented within derivative assets on the Group Balance Sheet in 2015, as a result of being netted off 
the associated Level 2 trades with the same counterparty, in line with the netting policy described in note S2. 
Level 2 equity instruments relate to shares acquired in Enercare Inc. 

176 
176

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
Supplementary information 

S6. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS  
The reconciliation of the Level 3 fair value measurements during the year is as follows: 

Level 3 financial instruments 
1 January (i) 
Total realised and unrealised gains/(losses): 
Recognised in Group Income Statement 
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements (net) 

Transfers between Level 2 and Level 3 (ii) 
Foreign exchange movements 
Other (iii) 
31 December 
Total gains/(losses) for the year for Level 3 financial instruments  
held at the end of the reporting year (iv) 

Financial assets 
 £m 

2016 
Financial liabilities  
£m 

Financial assets 
 £m 

2015 
Financial liabilities 
 £m 

(35) 

(114) 

15 

(321) 

69 
6 
4 
– 
– 
44 

89 

60 
(2) 
– 
(7) 
– 
(63) 

(4) 

(63) 
26 
2 
3 
(18) 
(35) 

8 

195 
(41) 
(15) 
(14) 
82 
(114) 

(3) 

(i)

(ii)
(iii)
(iv)

Included within the opening balance of financial assets in 2016 are £53 million of liabilities, which were presented within the derivative assets in the Group Balance Sheet at the end of 2015 as 
a result of being netted off the associated Level 2 trades with the same counterparty, in line with the netting policy described in note 2. 
Transfers between levels are deemed to occur at the beginning of the reporting period. 

  Other movements reflect the margin collateral balances which have now been offset against the related Level 3 derivative. 
  £89 million gains (2015: £8 million gains) for the year for Level 3 financial assets held at the end of the reporting year were recognised within certain re-measurements and no gains or losses 
(2015: nil) were recognised in other comprehensive income. £4 million losses (2015: £3 million losses) for the year for Level 3 financial liabilities held at the end of the reporting year were 
recognised within exceptional items and certain re-measurements and no gains or losses (2015: nil) were recognised in other comprehensive income. 

(b) Valuation techniques used to derive Level 2 and Level 3 fair values and Group valuation process  
Level 2 interest rate derivatives and foreign exchange derivatives comprise interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts. 
Interest rate swaps are fair valued using forward interest rates extracted from observable yield curves. Forward foreign exchange 
contracts are fair valued using forward exchange rates that are quoted in an active market. 

Level 2 energy derivatives are fair valued by comparing and discounting the difference between the expected contractual cash flows for 
the relevant commodities and the quoted prices for those commodities in an active market. The average discount rate applied to value  
this type of contract during 2016 was 1% (2015: 1%) (Europe) and 3% (2015: 3%) (North America) per annum. 

For Level 3 energy derivatives, the main input used by the Group pertains to deriving expected future commodity prices in markets that 
are not active as far into the future as some of our contractual terms. This applies to certain contracts within the UK and US. Fair values 
are then calculated by comparing and discounting the difference between the expected contractual cash flows and these derived future 
prices using an average discount rate of 1% (2015: 2%) (UK) and 7% (2015: 7%) (US) per annum for 2016. 

Active period of markets 
UK (years)  
North America (years) 

Gas 
3 
5 

Power 
3 
Up to 5 

Coal 
3 
N/A 

Emissions 
3 
Up to 5 

Oil 
3 
3 

Because the Level 3 energy derivative valuations involve the prediction of future commodity market prices, sometimes a long way into the 
future, reasonably possible alternative assumptions for gas, power, coal, emissions or oil prices may result in a higher or lower fair value 
for Level 3 financial instruments. Given the relative size of these fair values, it is unlikely that the impact of these reasonably possible 
changes would be significant when judged in relation to the Group’s profit and loss or total asset value. 

It should be noted that the fair values disclosed in the tables above only concern those contracts entered into which are within the scope 
of IAS 39. The Group has numerous other commodity contracts which are outside of the scope of IAS 39 and are not fair valued. The 
Group’s actual exposure to market rates is constantly changing as the Group’s portfolio of energy contracts changes.  

The Group’s valuation process includes specific teams of individuals that perform valuations of the Group’s derivatives for financial 
reporting purposes, including Level 3 valuations. The Group has an independent team that derives future commodity price curves based 
on available external data and these prices feed in to the energy derivative valuations. The price curves are subject to review and approval 
by the Group’s Executive Committee and valuations of all derivatives, together with other contracts that are not within the scope of  
IAS 39, are also reviewed regularly as part of the overall risk management process. 

Where the fair value at initial recognition for contracts which extend beyond the active period differs from the transaction price, a day-one 
gain or loss will arise. Such gains and losses are deferred and amortised to the Group Income Statement based on volumes purchased  
or delivered over the contractual period until such time as observable market data becomes available (see note S2 for further detail).  
The amount that has yet to be recognised in the Group Income Statement relating to the differences between the transaction prices  
and the amounts that would have arisen had valuation techniques used for subsequent measurement been applied at initial recognition, 
less subsequent releases, is immaterial.  

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

177 
177 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
Supplementary information 

S6. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS  
(c) Fair value of financial assets and liabilities held at amortised cost  
The carrying value of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities measured at amortised cost are approximately equal to their fair value 
except as listed below: 

31 December 
Bank loans  
Bonds 

Level 1 
Level 2 

Obligations under finance leases  

Notes 

24(d) 

24(d) 

24(d) 

24(d) 

Carrying value 
 £m 
(148) 
(5,849) 
(101) 
(233) 

Fair value  
£m 
(223) 
(6,651) 
(133) 
(251) 

2016 
 Fair value 
hierarchy 
Level 2 
Level 1 
Level 2 
Level 2 

Carrying value  
£m 
(222) 
(5,795) 
(77) 
(250) 

Fair value 
 £m 
(279) 
(6,078) 
(113) 
(272) 

2015 
 Fair value 
hierarchy 
Level 2 
Level 1 
Level 2 
Level 2 

Financial liabilities 
The fair values of bonds classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy are based on quoted market prices. The fair values of Level 2 
bonds and bank loans have been determined by discounting cash flows with reference to relevant market rates of interest. The fair values 
of overdrafts, short-term loans and commercial paper are assumed to equal their book values due to the short-term nature of these 
amounts. The fair values of obligations under finance leases have been determined by discounting contractual cash flows with reference 
to the Group’s cost of borrowing. 

Other financial instruments 
Due to their nature and/or short-term maturity, the fair values of trade and other receivables, cash and cash equivalents, trade and other 
payables and provisions are estimated to approximate their carrying values. 

(d) Financial assets and liabilities subject to offsetting, master netting arrangements and similar arrangements 

31 December 2016 
Derivative financial assets 
Derivative financial liabilities 

Balances arising from commodity contracts 

Accrued energy income 
Accruals for commodity costs 
Cash and financing arrangements 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Bank loans and overdrafts 
Securities 

31 December 2015 
Derivative financial assets 
Derivative financial liabilities 

Balances arising from commodity contracts 

Accrued energy income 
Accruals for commodity costs 
Cash and financing arrangements 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Bank loans and overdrafts (ii) 
Securities 

Related amounts not offset in the 
Group Balance Sheet (i) 

Gross amounts 
of recognised 
financial instruments 
£m 
8,054 
(7,774) 

Gross amounts of 
recognised financial 
instruments offset in the 
Group Balance Sheet 
£m 
(6,181) 
6,181 

Net amounts  
presented in the 
Group Balance 
Sheet 
£m 
1,873 
(1,593) 
280 

Financial 
instruments 
£m 
(513) 
513 

5,452 
(4,605) 

2,063 
(251) 
232 

(3,058) 
3,058 

2,394 
(1,547) 

(27) 
27 
– 

2,036 
(224) 
232 

(80) 
80 

(76) 
76 
– 

Collateral 
£m 
(21) 
336 

Net amount 
£m 
1,339 
(744) 
595 

– 
– 

2,314 
(1,467) 

– 
– 
(29) 

1,960 
(148) 
203 

Gross amounts 
of recognised 
financial instruments 
£m 
7,990 
(8,582) 

Gross amounts of 
recognised financial 
instruments offset in the 
Group Balance Sheet 
£m 
(6,614) 
6,614 

Net amounts  
presented in the 
Group Balance 
Sheet 
£m 
1,376 
(1,968) 
(592) 

4,859 
(4,121) 

1,182 
(544) 
244 

(2,934) 
2,934 

1,925 
(1,187) 

(24) 
24 
– 

1,158 
(520) 
244 

Related amounts not offset in the 
Group Balance Sheet (i) 

Financial 
instruments 
£m 
(401) 
401 

(183) 
183 

(298) 
298 
– 

Collateral 
£m 
(74) 
244 

Net amount 
£m 
901 
(1,323) 
(422) 

– 
– 

1,742 
(1,004) 

– 
– 
(28) 

860 
(222) 
216 

(i)

The Group has arrangements in place with various counterparties in respect of commodity trades which provide for a single net settlement of all financial instruments covered by the 
arrangement in the event of default or termination, or other circumstances arising whereby either party is unable to meet its obligations. The above table shows the potential impact of these 
arrangements being enforced by offsetting the relevant amounts within each Group Balance Sheet class of asset or liability, but does not show the impact of offsetting across Group Balance 
Sheet classes. 

(ii)

  Restated for reclassification of £298 million of overdrawn bank balances from cash and cash equivalents to current bank overdrafts, bank loans and other borrowings. See note 1 for further details. 

178 
178

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
Supplementary information 

S7. FIXED-FEE SERVICE AND INSURANCE CONTRACTS 

This section includes fixed-fee service (FFS) and insurance contract disclosures for services related to UK Home and NA Home. 

FFS contracts in North America are entered into with home and business services customers.  

FFS contracts in the UK are entered into with home services customers by British Gas Services Limited (BGSL). Insurance contracts  
in the UK are entered into with home services customers by British Gas Insurance Limited (BGIL), authorised by the PRA and regulated  
by the FCA and the PRA.  

Product offerings include central heating, boiler and controls, plumbing and drains and electrical appliance insurance cover.  

FFS contracts continue until cancelled by either party; insurance contracts normally provide cover for 12 months with the option  
of renewal. 

The contracts which protect policyholders against the risk of breakdowns result in the transfer of an element of risk to the contract 
provider. Benefits provided to customers vary in accordance with terms and conditions of the contracts entered into; however, they 
generally include maintenance, repair and/or replacement of the items affected. 

The levels of risk exposure and service provision to customers under contract terms are dependent on the occurrence of uncertain future 
events, in particular the nature and frequency of faults and the cost of repair or replacement of the items affected. Accordingly, the timing 
and amount of future cash outflows associated with the contracts is uncertain. The key terms and conditions that affect future cash flows 
are as follows: 

●  provision of labour and parts for repairs, dependent on the agreement and associated level of service; 
●  a specified number of safety and maintenance inspections are carried out as set out in the agreement (usually once a year); 
●  no limit to the number of call-outs to carry out repair work; and  
●  limits on certain maintenance and repair costs.  

Revenue is recognised over the life of contracts having regard to the incidence of risk, in particular the seasonal propensity of claims 
which span the life of the contract as a result of emergency maintenance being available throughout the contract term. Costs incurred  
to settle claims represent principally the engineer workforce employed by Centrica within home services and the cost of parts utilised  
in repair or maintenance. These costs are accounted for over a 12-month period with adjustments made to reflect the seasonality  
of workload over a given year. 

Weather conditions and the seasonality of repairs both affect the profile of the workload and associated costs incurred across the year. 

The risk exposure of these uncertain events is actively managed by undertaking the following risk mitigation activities: 

●  an initial service visit is provided to customers taking up most central heating contracts and in some instances pre-existing faults may 

lead to the contract being cancelled and no further cover being provided; 

●  an annual maintenance inspection is performed as part of most central heating contracts to help identify and prevent issues developing 

into significant maintenance or breakdown claims; and 

●  contract limits are applied to certain types of maintenance and repair work considered to be higher risk in terms of frequency and cost. 

The costs of FFS claims and insurance claims incurred during the year were £48 million (2015: £42 million) and £391 million  
(2015: £381 million) respectively and are included in the table below in ‘Expenses relating to FFS and insurance contracts’. All claims are 
settled immediately and in full. Due to the short average lead time between claims occurrence and settlement, no material provisions were 
outstanding at the balance sheet date (2015: nil). 

Total revenue 
Expenses relating to FFS and insurance contracts 
Deferred income 
Accrued income 

2016 
£m 
1,177 
(1,013) 
(97) 
29 

2015 
£m 
1,173 
(986) 
(73) 
24 

The Group considers whether estimated future cash flows under the contracts will be sufficient to meet expected future costs. Any deficiency  
is charged immediately to the Group Income Statement. Claims frequency is sensitive to the reliability of appliances as well as the impact  
of weather conditions. The contracts are not exposed to any interest rate risk or significant credit risk and do not contain any embedded 
derivatives. 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

179 
179 

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
Supplementary information 

S8. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 

The Group’s principal related parties include its investments in wind farms and the existing EDF UK nuclear fleet. 

During the year, the Group entered into the following arm’s length transactions with related parties who are not members of the Group, 
and had the following associated balances: 

Joint ventures: 

Wind farms (as defined in note 6) 

Associates: 

Nuclear (as defined in note 6)  

Other 

Sale 
of goods  
and services 
£m 

Purchase  
of goods 
and services 
£m 

Amounts 
 owed from (i) 
£m 

2016 

Amounts 
 owed to 
£m 

Sale 
of goods  
and services 
£m 

Purchase  
of goods 
and services 
£m 

Amounts  
owed from 
£m 

2015 

Amounts  
owed to 
£m 

7 

– 
4 
11 

(80) 

120 

(43) 

(617) 
(5) 
(702) 

– 
– 
120 

(57) 
– 
(100) 

14 

– 
3 
17 

(123) 

232 

(113) 

(639) 
(9) 
(771) 

– 
2 
234 

(61) 
– 
(174) 

(i)

Amounts owed from Lincs Wind Farm Limited include a shareholder loan of £113 million classified as held for sale, as shown in note 12(c).  

Investment and funding transactions for joint ventures and associates are disclosed in note 14. Shareholder loan interest income for wind 
farm joint ventures in the period was £13 million (2015: £17 million). The terms of the outstanding balances related to trade receivables 
from related parties are typically 30 to 120 days. The balances are unsecured and will be settled in cash. No provision against amounts 
receivable from related parties was recognised during the year through the Group Income Statement (2015: nil). The balance of the 
provision at 31 December 2016 was nil (2015: nil). 

At the balance sheet date, there were back-to-back committed facilities with Lake Acquisition Limited’s facilities to EDF Energy Nuclear 
Generation Group Limited totalling £120 million at Centrica’s share, but nothing has been drawn down at 31 December 2016. 

Key management personnel comprise members of the Board and Executive Committee, a total of 18 individuals at 31 December 2016 
(2015: 16).  

Remuneration of key management personnel 
Year ended 31 December 
Short-term benefits 
Post employment benefits 
Share-based payments 

Remuneration of the Directors of Centrica plc 
Year ended 31 December 
Total emoluments (i) 
Gains made by Directors on the exercise of share options 
Amounts receivable under long-term incentive schemes 
Contributions into pension schemes 

(i)

These emoluments were paid for services performed on behalf of the Group. No emoluments related specifically to services performed for the Company. 

S9. AUDITORS’ REMUNERATION 

Year ended 31 December 
Fees payable to the Company’s auditors for the audit of the Company’s individual and consolidated 
Financial Statements (i) 
Audit of the Company’s subsidiaries  
Total fees related to the audit of the parent and subsidiary entities  
Fees payable to the Company’s auditors and its associates for other services: 

Audit-related assurance services 
Corporate finance services 
Tax advisory services 
All other services 

Fees in respect of pension scheme audits 

(i)

Including £0.3 million (2015: £0.3 million) for the audit of the Ofgem Consolidated Segmental Statement. 

180 
180

2016  
£m 
15.8 
1.1 
7.8 
24.7 

2016  
£m 
9.8 
– 
– 
0.8 

2015 
£m 
12.3 
1.9 
5.4 
19.6 

2015 
£m 
6.4 
– 
– 
0.7 

2016  
£m 

2015 
£m 

5.6 
1.7 
7.3 

1.0 
0.4 
– 
0.8 
9.5 
0.1 

5.3 
1.4 
6.7 

2.0 
– 
– 
0.3 
9.0 
0.1 

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
Supplementary information 

S9. AUDITORS’ REMUNERATION 
It is the Group’s policy to seek competitive tenders for all major consultancy and advisory projects. Appointments are made taking into 
account factors including expertise, experience and cost. In addition, the Audit Committee has approved a detailed policy defining the 
types of work for which the Company’s auditors can tender and the approvals required. In the past, the Company’s auditors have been 
engaged on assignments in addition to their statutory audit duties where their expertise and experience with the Group are particularly 
important, including due diligence reporting and corporate finance support for acquisitions and disposals. 

S10. RELATED UNDERTAKINGS 

The Group has a large number of related undertakings principally in the UK, US, Norway, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands and the 
Republic of Ireland. These are listed below. 

(a) Subsidiary undertakings 

Investments held directly by Centrica plc with 100% voting rights 

31 December 2016 
Centrica Beta Holdings Limited 

Centrica Holdings Limited 

Centrica Trading Limited 

Investments held indirectly by Centrica plc with 100% voting rights 

Principal activity 
Holding company 

Country of incorporation/  
registered address key (i) 
United Kingdom / A 

Holding company 

United Kingdom / A 

Non-trading 

United Kingdom / A 

Class of shares held 
Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

31 December 2016 
1773648 Alberta Ltd. 

8401268 Canada Inc. 

Accord Energy (Trading) Limited 

Accord Energy Limited 

Airtron Inc. 

Alertme.com GmbH  

Alertme.com Inc. 

Astrum Solar Inc. 

Atform Limited 

AWHR America's Water Heater Rentals LLC 

Benjamin Franklin Franchising LLC 

BGPGS Limited (ii) 

BMS Setpoint Limited (ii) 
BMS Solutions Limited (iii) 

Bord Gáis Energy Limited 

Bounce Energy Inc. 

Bowland Resources (No.2) Limited 

Bowland Resources Limited 

Brae Canada Ltd. 

British Gas Energy Procurement Limited 
British Gas Energy Services Limited (iii) 

British Gas Finance Limited 

British Gas Housing Services Limited (ii) 

British Gas Insurance Limited 

British Gas Limited 

British Gas New Heating Limited 

British Gas Services Limited 

British Gas Social Housing Limited 

British Gas Solar Limited 

British Gas Trading Limited 

Business Gas Limited 

BuyMax LLC 

Principal activity 
Gas and/or oil exploration and products and/or 
trading 

Gas and/or oil exploration and products and/or 
trading 

Country of incorporation/  
registered address key (i)   Class of shares held 
Ordinary shares 

Canada / B 

Canada / C 

Ordinary shares 

Dormant 

Dormant 

United Kingdom / A 

United Kingdom / A 

Home and/or commercial services 

United States / D 

Non-trading 

Germany / E 

Energy management products and services 

United States / F 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Home and/or commercial services 

United States / G 

Ordinary shares 

Dormant 

United Kingdom / A 

Ordinary shares 

Home and/or commercial services 

United States /  D 

Membership interest 

Home and/or commercial services 

United States / H 

Membership interest 

In liquidation 

United Kingdom / A 

In liquidation 

United Kingdom / A 

Dormant 

United Kingdom / A 

Energy supply and power generation 

Republic of Ireland / I 

Energy supply 

United States / D 

Gas and/or oil exploration and production 

United Kingdom / A 

Gas and/or oil exploration and production 

United Kingdom / A 

Gas and/or oil exploration and production 

Canada / B 

Energy management products and services 

United Kingdom / A 

Energy supply 

United Kingdom / A 

Vehicle leasing 

United Kingdom / A 

In liquidation 

United Kingdom / A 

Insurance provision 

United Kingdom / A 

Dormant 

United Kingdom / A 

Electrical and gas installations 

United Kingdom / A 

Servicing and installation of heating systems 

United Kingdom / A 

Home services 

United Kingdom / A 

Dormant 

United Kingdom / A 

Energy supply 

United Kingdom / A 

Dormant 

United Kingdom / A 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary and 
preference shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Home and/or commercial services 

United States / H 

Membership interest 

British Gas Services (Commercial) Limited 

Servicing and installation of heating systems 

United Kingdom / A 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

181 
181 

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
Supplementary information 

S10. RELATED UNDERTAKINGS 

31 December 2016 
Caythorpe Gas Storage Limited 

Centrica (BOW) Limited 

Centrica (DSW) Limited 

Centrica (IOM) Limited 

Centrica (Lincs) Wind Farm Limited 

Centrica 25 Limited (ii) 

Centrica 27 Limited (ii) 

Centrica Alpha Finance Limited 

Centrica America Limited 

Centrica Barry Limited 

Centrica Brigg Limited 

Centrica Combined Common Investment Fund 
Limited 
Centrica Connected Home Canada Inc. (iv) 
Centrica Connected Home Limited (v) 

Principal activity 
Gas storage 

Country of incorporation/ 
registered address key (i) 
United Kingdom / J 

Class of shares held 
Ordinary shares 

Dormant 

Dormant 

Dormant 

United Kingdom / A 

United Kingdom / A 

Isle of Man / K 

Holding company 

United Kingdom / A 

In liquidation 

United Kingdom / A 

In liquidation 

United Kingdom / A 

Dormant 

Dormant 

United Kingdom / A 

United Kingdom / A 

Power generation 

United Kingdom / A 

Power generation 

United Kingdom / A 

Dormant 

United Kingdom / A 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Energy management products and services 

Canada / B 

Ordinary shares 

Energy management products and services 

United Kingdom / A 

Ordinary and 
preference shares 

Centrica Connected Home US Inc. (iv) 

Energy management products and services 

United States / D 

Ordinary shares 

Centrica Delta Limited 

Centrica Directors Limited 
Centrica Distributed Generation Limited (v) 

Centrica Electric Limited (ii) 

Centrica Energy (Trading) Limited 

Centrica Energy Limited 

Centrica Energy Marketing Limited 

Centrica Energy Operations Limited 

Centrica Energy Renewable  
Investments Limited 

Centrica Energy Tolling BV 

Centrica Engineers Pension Trustees Limited 
Centrica Epsilon Limited (ii) 

Centrica F3 Developments Limited 

Centrica Finance (Canada) Limited 

Centrica Finance (Scotland) Limited 

Centrica Finance (US) Limited 

Centrica Finance Investments Limited 

Centrica Finance Norway Limited 

Centrica Gamma Holdings Limited 

Centrica HoldCo GP LLC 

Centrica Ignite GP Limited 

Centrica Ignite LP Limited 

Centrica India Offshore Private Limited 

Centrica Infrastructure BV 

Centrica Infrastructure Limited 

Centrica Insurance Company Limited 

Centrica International BV 

Centrica International C BV (iv) 

Centrica Jersey Limited 

Centrica KL Limited 

Centrica KPS Limited 

Centrica Lake Limited 

Centrica Langage Limited 

Centrica Leasing (KL) Limited 
Centrica Leasing (PB) Limited (ii) 

182 
182

Dormant 

Dormant 

Isle of Man / L 

United Kingdom / A 

Power generation 

United Kingdom / A 

In liquidation 

United Kingdom / A 

Wholesale energy trading 

United Kingdom / A 

Wholesale energy trading 

United Kingdom / A 

Wholesale energy trading 

United Kingdom / A 

Dormant 

Dormant 

United Kingdom / A 

United Kingdom / A 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Non-trading 

Netherlands / M 

Ordinary shares 

Dormant 

United Kingdom / A 

In liquidation 

United Kingdom / A 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

In liquidation 

United Kingdom / N 

Ordinary shares 

Holding company 

United Kingdom / A 

Ordinary shares 

Holding company 

United Kingdom / N 

Ordinary shares 

Holding company 

United Kingdom / A 

Non-trading 

United Kingdom / A 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Group financing  

Jersey / O 

Ordinary shares 

Holding company 

United Kingdom / A 

Ordinary shares 

Holding company 

United States / D 

Membership interest 

Investment company 

United Kingdom / A 

Investment company 

United Kingdom / A 

Business services 

India / P 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Construction, ownership and exploitation  
of infrastructure 

Netherlands / M 

Ordinary shares 

Dormant 

United Kingdom / N 

Ordinary shares 

Insurance provision 

Isle of Man / K 

Ordinary and 
preference shares 

Group financing 

Netherlands / M 

Ordinary shares 

Holding company 

Netherlands / M 

Ordinary shares 

Dormant 

Jersey / Q 

Ordinary shares 

Power generation 

United Kingdom / A 

Power generation 

United Kingdom / A 

Holding company 

United Kingdom / A 

Power generation 

United Kingdom / A 

Dormant 

United Kingdom / A 

In liquidation 

United Kingdom / A 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
Supplementary information 

S10. RELATED UNDERTAKINGS 

31 December 2016 
Centrica LNG Company Limited 

Centrica LNG UK Limited 

Centrica Nederland BV 

Centrica Nigeria Limited 

Centrica No.12 Limited 

Centrica Nominees No.1 Limited 

Centrica North Sea Gas Exploration Limited (ii) 

Centrica North Sea Gas Limited 

Centrica North Sea Limited 

Centrica North Sea Oil Limited 
Centrica Norway Limited (vi) 

Centrica Offshore UK Limited 

Centrica Onshore Processing UK Limited 

Centrica Overseas Holdings Limited 

Centrica PB Limited 

Centrica Pension Plan Trustees Limited 

Centrica Pension Trustees Limited 

Centrica Production (DMF) Limited (ii) 

Centrica Production (GMA) Limited (ii) 

Centrica Production (Services) Limited 

Centrica Production Limited 

Centrica Production Nederland BV 
Centrica Production Trustees Limited (vii) 

Centrica Renewable Energy Limited 

Centrica Resources (Armada) Limited 

Centrica Resources (Nigeria) Limited 

Centrica Resources (Norge) AS 

Centrica Resources (UK) Limited 

Centrica Resources Limited 

Centrica Resources Petroleum UK Limited 

Centrica Retail Holdings Netherlands BV 

Centrica Secretaries Limited 

Centrica SHB Limited 

Centrica Storage Holdings Limited 

Centrica Storage Limited 

Centrica Trinidad and Tobago Limited 

Centrica Trust (No.1) Limited 

Centrica Upstream Investment Limited 

Centrica US Holdings Inc. 

CH4 Energy Limited 

CH4 Old Limited (ii) 
Cheltenham Renovators Limited (ii) 

CID1 Limited 

CIU1 Limited 

Clockwork Acquisition II Inc. 

Clockwork Inc. 

Clockwork IP LLC 
Combined Power (South) Limited (iv) 

CSA Offshore Services (Proprietary) Limited 

DEML Investments Limited 

DER Development No.10 Ltd. 

Direct Energy (B.C.) Limited  

Direct Energy Business LLC 

Principal activity 
LNG trading 

Country of incorporation/  
registered address key (i)   Class of shares held 
United Kingdom / A 
Ordinary shares 

LNG trading 

United Kingdom / A 

Ordinary shares 

Holding company 

Netherlands / M 

Ordinary shares 

Holding company 

United Kingdom / A 

Dormant 

Dormant 

United Kingdom / A 

United Kingdom / A 

In liquidation 

United Kingdom / A 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Gas and/or oil exploration and production 

United Kingdom / N 

Ordinary shares 

Gas and/or oil exploration and production 

United Kingdom / A 

Ordinary shares 

Gas and/or oil exploration and production 

United Kingdom / N 

Ordinary shares 

Gas and/or oil exploration and production 

United Kingdom / A 

Gas and/or oil exploration and production 

United Kingdom / J 

Dormant 

United Kingdom / J 

Holding company 

United Kingdom / A 

Power generation 

United Kingdom / A 

Dormant 

Dormant 

United Kingdom / A 

United Kingdom / A 

In liquidation 

United Kingdom / A 

In liquidation 

United Kingdom / A 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Business services 

United Kingdom / N 

Ordinary shares 

Dormant 

United Kingdom / N 

Ordinary shares 

Gas and/or oil exploration and production 

Netherlands / M 

Ordinary Shares 

In liquidation 

United Kingdom / N 

Ordinary shares 

Holding company 

United Kingdom / A 

Gas and/or oil exploration and production 

United Kingdom / A 

Gas and/or oil exploration and production 

Non-trading 

Nigeria / R 

Norway / S 

Gas and/or oil exploration and production 

United Kingdom / A 

Dormant 

United Kingdom / A 

Dormant 

United Kingdom / A 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Holding company 

Netherlands / M 

Ordinary shares 

Dormant 

United Kingdom / A 

Power generation 

United Kingdom / A 

Holding company 

United Kingdom / J 

Gas storage 

United Kingdom / J 

Business services 

Trinidad and  
Tobago / 

T 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Dormant 

Dormant 

United Kingdom / A 

Ordinary shares 

United Kingdom / N 

Ordinary shares 

Holding company 

United States / D 

Ordinary shares 

Dormant 

United Kingdom / A 

In liquidation 

United Kingdom / A 

In liquidation 

United Kingdom / A 

Dormant 

Dormant 

United Kingdom / A 

United Kingdom / A 

Home and/or commercial services 

United States / D 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Home and/or commercial services 

United States / D 

Ordinary shares 

Holding company 

United States / D 

Membership interest 

Power generation 

United Kingdom / A 

Ordinary shares 

Business services 

South Africa / U 

Ordinary shares 

Holding company 

Holding company 

Energy supply and/or services 

Canada / V 

Canada / B 

Canada / C 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Energy supply and/or services 

United States / D 

Membership interest 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

183 
183 

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
Supplementary information 

S10. RELATED UNDERTAKINGS 

31 December 2016 
Direct Energy Business Marketing LLC 

Direct Energy GP LLC 

Direct Energy Holdings (Alberta) Inc. 

Direct Energy HVAC Services Ltd. 

Direct Energy Investments LLC 

Direct Energy Leasing LLC 

Direct Energy Marketing Inc. 

Direct Energy Marketing Limited 

Direct Energy Operations LLC 

Direct Energy Services LLC 

Direct Energy Services Retail Inc. 

Direct Energy US Home Services Inc. 

Drips Limited 

Dyno Developments Limited 
Dyno Holdings Limited (ii) 

Dyno Kil (Franchising) Limited (ii) 

Dyno-Plumbing Limited 

Dyno-Rod Limited 

Dyno-Security Services Limited 

Dyno-Services Limited 

ECL Contracts Limited 

ECL Investments Limited 

Econergy Limited (vii) 
Electricity And Gas Recoveries Limited (ii) 

Electricity Direct (UK) Limited 

Elswick Energy Limited 
EN1 Property Holdings Limited (ii) 

ENER-G Cogen International Limited (iv) 

ENER-G Cogen LLC (iv) 
ENER-G Combined Power Limited (iv) 

ENER-G Energia Technologia Zrt. (iv) 

ENER-G Group Inc. (iv) 
ENER-G Italia Srl (iv) 

ENER-G Nagykanizsa Kft (iv) 

ENER-G Nedalo BV (iv) 
ENER-G Power2 Limited (iv) 

ENER-G Rudox Holdings LLC (iv) 

ENER-G Rudox Inc. (iv) 
ENER-G Technologii Energetice Srl (iv) 

Energy America LLC 

Energy And Building Management Solutions 
Limited (ii) 

Energy For Tomorrow 

First Choice Power LLC (iv) 

Flowgem Limited (iv) 

Gateway Energy Services Corporation 

GB Gas Holdings Limited 

Generation Green Solar Limited (iv) 

GF One Limited 

GF Two Limited 

GLID Limited 

Goldbrand Development Limited 

184 
184

Principal activity 
Energy supply and/or services 

Country of incorporation/  
registered address key (i)   Class of shares held 
Membership interest 

United States / D 

Holding company 

United States / D 

Membership interest 

Home and/or commercial services 

Home and/or commercial services 

Canada / B 

Canada / B 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Energy supply and/or services 

United States / D 

Membership interest 

Home and/or commercial services 

United States / D 

Membership interest 

Wholesale energy trading 

United States / D 

Ordinary and 
preference shares 

Energy supply and/or services 

Canada / V 

Ordinary shares 

Energy supply and/or services 

United States / D 

Membership interest 

Energy supply and/or services 

United States / D 

Membership interest 

Home and/or commercial services 

United States / D 

Home and/or commercial services 

United States / D 

Dormant 

Dormant 

United Kingdom / A 

United Kingdom / A 

In liquidation 

United Kingdom / A 

In liquidation 

United Kingdom / A 

Dormant 

United Kingdom / A 

Operation of a franchise network 

United Kingdom / A 

Dormant 

Dormant 

Dormant 

Dormant 

United Kingdom / A 

United Kingdom / A 

United Kingdom / A 

United Kingdom / A 

In liquidation 

United Kingdom / A 

In liquidation 

United Kingdom / A 

Dormant 

United Kingdom / A 

Gas and/or oil exploration and production 

United Kingdom / A 

In liquidation 

United Kingdom / A 

Holding company 

United Kingdom / A 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Energy management products and services 

United States / D 

Membership interest 

Energy management products and services 

United Kingdom / A 

Ordinary shares 

Energy management products and services 

Hungary / W 

Ordinary shares 

Energy management products and services 

United States / D 

Ordinary shares 

Energy management products and services 

Italy / X 

Membership interest 

Energy management products and services 

Hungary / W  Membership interest 

Energy management products and services 

Netherlands / Y 

Holding company 

United Kingdom / A 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Holding company 

United States / D 

Membership interest 

Energy management products and services 

United States / Z 

Ordinary shares 

Energy management products and services 

Romania / AA 

Ordinary shares 

Energy supply 

United States / D 

Membership interest 

In liquidation 

United Kingdom / A 

Ordinary shares 

Not-for-profit energy services 

United Kingdom / A 

Limited by 
guarantee 

Energy supply and/or services 

United States / AB  Membership interest 

Home and/or commercial services 

United Kingdom / A 

Ordinary shares 

Energy supply 

United States / AC 

Ordinary shares 

Holding company 

United Kingdom / A 

Ordinary shares 

Dormant community benefit society 

United Kingdom / A 

Membership interest 

In liquidation 

United Kingdom / AD 

Ordinary shares 

In liquidation 

United Kingdom / AD 

Ordinary shares 

Holding company 

United Kingdom / A 

Dormant 

United Kingdom / A 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
Supplementary information 

S10. RELATED UNDERTAKINGS 

31 December 2016 
Hillserve Limited 

Home Assistance UK Limited 

Home Warranty Holdings Corp. 

Home Warranty of America Inc. (viii) 

Home Warranty of America Inc. (viii) 

Humberland Limited 

Hydrocarbon Resources Limited 

JK Environmental Services (UK) Limited (ii) 
Killingholme Pensions Limited (ii) 

Masters Inc. 

Mister Sparky Franchising LLC 
Neas d.o.o. Beograd (iv) 

Neas Energy A/S (iv) 

Neas Energy GmbH (iv) 
Neas Energy Limited (iv) 

Neas Energy Singapore Pte. Ltd (iv) 

Neas Fondsmæglerselskab A/S (iv) 
Neas Invest A/S (iv) 

New Millennium Academy LLC 

Newco Five Limited (ii) 

Newco One Limited  

Newnova Limited (iii) 

Newnova Old Limited (iii) 

North Sea Infrastructure Partners Limited 

NSGP (Ensign) Limited 

NSIP (ETS) Limited 

NSIP (Holdings) Limited 

One Hour Air Conditioning Franchising LLC 

P.H. Jones Facilities Management Ltd. 

P.H. Jones Group Limited 

Panoramic Power Ltd.  

Pioneer Shipping Limited (v) 

Quality A/C Service LLC 

Repair and Care Limited 

RSG Holding Corp. 
Scottish Gas Limited (vii) 

Semplice Energy Limited (ii) 

Solar Technologies Group Limited 

Solar Technologies Limited 

Soren Limited 

SuccessWare Inc. 
Utility North A/S (iv) 

UWIN LLC 

Principal activity 
Dormant 

Intermediary services, including claims handling and 
administration services 

Country of incorporation/  
registered address key (i)   Class of shares held 
United Kingdom / A 
Ordinary shares 

United Kingdom / A 

Ordinary shares 

Insurance provision 

United States / D 

Ordinary shares 

Home and/or commercial services 

United States / AE 

Ordinary shares 

Home and/or commercial services 

United States / AF 

Ordinary shares 

Gas and/or oil exploration and production 

United Kingdom / A 

Dormant 

United Kingdom / A 

In liquidation 

United Kingdom / A 

In liquidation 

United Kingdom / A 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Home and/or commercial services 

United States / G 

Ordinary shares 

Home and/or commercial services 

United States / AG  Membership interest 

Dormant 

Serbia / AH 

Ordinary shares 

Energy services and wholesale energy trading 

Denmark / AI 

Ordinary shares 

Energy services and wholesale energy trading 

Germany / AJ 

Ordinary shares 

Energy services and wholesale energy trading 

United Kingdom / A 

Ordinary shares 

Energy services and wholesale energy trading 

Singapore / AK 

Ordinary shares 

Non-trading 

Dormant 

Denmark / AI 

Denmark / AI 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Home and/or commercial services 

United States / H 

Membership interest 

In liquidation 

United Kingdom / A 

Dormant 

Dormant 

Dormant 

Dormant 

United Kingdom / A 

United Kingdom / A 

United Kingdom / A 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

United Kingdom / N 

Ordinary shares 

Gas and/or oil exploration and production 

Jersey / AL 

Ordinary shares 

Gas supply 

United Kingdom / A 

Ordinary shares 

Dormant 

United Kingdom / N 

Ordinary shares 

Home and/or commercial services 

United States / AG  Membership interest 

Servicing and maintenance of heating systems 

United Kingdom / A 

Holding company 

United Kingdom / A 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Energy management products and services 

Israel / AM 

Ordinary shares 

Sea freight water transport 

United Kingdom / A 

Ordinary Shares 

Home and/or commercial services 

United States / AN  Membership interest 

Dormant 

United Kingdom / A 

Ordinary shares 

Holding company 

United States / D 

Ordinary shares 

In liquidation 

United Kingdom / N 

Ordinary shares 

In liquidation 

United Kingdom / A 

Dormant 

Dormant 

Dormant 

United Kingdom / A 

United Kingdom / A 

United Kingdom / A 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Home and/or commercial services 

United States / H 

Ordinary shares 

In liquidation 

Denmark / AI 

Ordinary shares 

Home and/or commercial services 

United States / AG  Membership interest 

For list of registered addresses, refer to note S10(d). 

(i)
(ii)
(iii)

  Dissolved on 2 February 2017. 
  British Gas Energy Services Limited (renamed Building Management Solutions Integrators Limited on 18 January 2017), BMS Solutions Limited, Newnova Limited and Newnova Old Limited 

were disposed of on 31 January 2017. 

(iv)
(v)

  Acquired or established in 2016. 
  Pioneer Shipping Limited, Centrica Distributed Generation Limited and Centrica Connected Home Limited were renamed during the year (previously Centrica Shipping Limited, Centrica RPS 

Limited and Alertme.com Limited respectively). 

(vi)
(vii)
(viii)

  Centrica Norway Limited is operating in Norway as Centrica Energi NUF. 
  Dissolved on 21 January 2017. 
  Home Warranty of America Inc. is registered as separate entities in the states of California and Illinois. 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

185 
185 

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
Supplementary information 

S10. RELATED UNDERTAKINGS 
(b) Subsidiary undertakings – partnerships 

31 December 2016 
CF 2016 LLP 

CFCEPS LLP 

CFCPP LLP 

CFCPS LLP 

CPL Retail Energy LP 

CQ Energy Canada Partnership 

Principal activity 
Group financing 

Group financing 

Group financing 

Group financing 

Energy supply 

Holding entity 

CQ Energy Canada Resources Partnership 

Gas and/or oil exploration and production 

Direct Energy LP 

Direct Energy Partnership 

Direct Energy Resources Partnership 

Finance Scotland 2016 Limited Partnership 

Finance Scotland CEPS Limited Partnership 

Finance Scotland CPP Limited Partnership 

Finance Scotland CPS Limited Partnership 

Ignite Social Enterprise LP 

WTU Retail Energy LP 

(i)

For list of registered addresses, refer to note S10(d). 

Energy supply 

Energy supply 

Holding entity 

Group financing 

Group financing 

Group financing 

Group financing 

Social enterprise investment fund 

Energy supply 

Country of incorporation/ 
registered address key (i) 

United Kingdom / A 
United Kingdom / A 
United Kingdom / A 
United Kingdom / A 
United States / D 

Canada / AO 
Canada / AP 
United States / AB 

Canada / B 
Canada / B 
United Kingdom / N 
United Kingdom / N 
United Kingdom / N 
United Kingdom / N 
United Kingdom / A 
United States / D 

Class of shares held 
Membership interest 

Indirect 
interest and 
voting 
rights (%) 
100.0% 

Membership interest 

100.0% 

Membership interest 

100.0% 

Membership interest 

100.0% 

Membership interest 

100.0% 

Membership interest 

Membership interest 

60.0% 

60.0% 

Membership interest 

100.0% 

Membership interest 

100.0% 

Membership interest 

100.0% 

Membership interest 

100.0% 

Membership interest 

100.0% 

Membership interest 

100.0% 

Membership interest 

100.0% 

Membership interest 

100.0% 

Membership interest 

100.0% 

The following partnerships are fully consolidated into the Group accounts and the Group has taken advantage of the exemption (as 
confirmed by regulation 7 of the Partnerships (Accounts) Regulations 2008) not to prepare or file separate accounts for these entities: 

●  Finance Scotland 2016 Limited Partnership 
●  Finance Scotland CEPS Limited Partnership 
●  Finance Scotland CPP Limited Partnership 
●  Finance Scotland CPS Limited Partnership 
●  Centrica Finance Limited Partnership (dissolved in December 2016) 
●  Ignite Social Enterprise LP. 

(c) Joint arrangements and associates 

31 December 2016 
Joint ventures (ii) 

509760 Alberta Ltd.  

Allegheny Solar 1 LLC  

Celtic Array Limited 

Eurowind Polska VI Sp z.o.o. (iii) 

Greener Ideas Limited (iii) 

Lincs Wind Farm Limited (iv) 

Rhiannon Wind Farm Limited 

Three Rivers Solar 1 LLC 

Three Rivers Solar 2 LLC  
Vindpark Keblowo Aps (iii) 

Associates (ii) 

Lake Acquisitions Limited 
Veolia CHP Ireland Limited (v) 

Principal activity 

Country of incorporation/ 
registered address key (i) 

Class of shares held 

Gas and/or oil exploration and production 

Energy supply and/or services 

Canada / AQ 
United States / AR 

Ordinary shares 

Membership interest 

Development of an offshore windfarm 

United Kingdom / A 

Poland / AW 
Republic of Ireland / AS 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Operation of an onshore windfarm 

Development of flexible power  
generation sites 

Operation of an offshore windfarm 

Dormant 

Energy supply and/or services 

Energy supply and/or services 

Operation of an onshore windfarm 

United Kingdom / N 
United Kingdom / A 

United States / AR 
United States / AR 
Denmark / AT 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

Membership interest 

Membership interest 

Ordinary shares 

Indirect 
interest and 
voting 
rights (%) 

43.0% 

40.0% 

50.0% 

50.0% 

50.0% 

50.0% 

50.0% 

40.0% 

40.0% 

50.0% 

United Kingdom / AU 
Energy supply and power generation  Republic of Ireland / AV 

Holding company 

Ordinary shares 

Ordinary shares 

20.0% 

20.0% 

(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)

For list of registered addresses, refer to note S10(d). 
Further information on the principal joint ventures and associate investments held by the Group is disclosed in notes 6 and 14. 

  Acquired in 2016. 
  Lincs Wind Farm Limited was disposed of on 17 February 2017. 
  Veolia CHP Ireland Limited was renamed during the year (previously Dalkia Chp Limited). 

All Group companies principally operate within their country of incorporation. 

186 
186

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
Supplementary information 

S10. RELATED UNDERTAKINGS 
(d) List of registered addresses 

Registered 
address key 
A 
B 
C 
D 
E 
F 
G 
H 
I 
J 
K 
L 
M 
N 
O 
P 
Q 
R 
S 
T 
U 
V 
W 
X 
Y 
Z 
AA 
AB 
AC 
AD 
AE 
AF 
AG 
AH 
AI 
AJ 
AK 
AL 
AM 
AN 
AO 
AP 
AQ 
AR 
AS 
AT 
AU 
AV 
AW 

Address 
Millstream, Maidenhead Road, Windsor, SL4 5GD, United Kingdom 

2323 32nd Avenue N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 6Z3, Canada 

1700-1185 West Georgia Street, Vancouver BC V6E 4E6, Canada 

3411 Silverside Road Rodney Building #104, Wilmington, DE 19810, United States 

Thomas-Wimmer-Ring 1-3, 80539, Munich, Germany 

1521 Concord Pike #303, Wilmington, DE 19803, United States 

2 Wisconsin Circle #700, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, United States 

12747 Olive Boulevard #300, St. Louis, MO 63141, United States 

1 Warrington Place, Dublin, 2, Republic of Ireland 

20 Kingston Road, Staines-upon-Thames, TW18 4LG, United Kingdom 

St George's Court, Upper Church Street, Douglas, IM1 1EE, Isle of Man 

33-37 Athol Street, Douglas, IM1 1LB, Isle of Man 

Polarisavenue 39, 2132 JH Hoofddorp, Netherlands 

IQ Building, 15 Justice Mill Lane, Aberdeen, AB11 6EQ, United Kingdom 

47 Esplanade, St Helier, JE1 0BD, Jersey 

G-74, LGF, Kalkaji, New Delhi, South Delhi, Delhi, 110019, India 

26 New Street, St Helier, JE2 3RA, Jersey 

Sterling Towers, 20 Marina, Lagos, Nigeria 

Veritasveien 25, 4007 Stavanger, Norway 

Eleven Albion, Corner Albion and Dere Streets, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago 

No.12A Sooty Street, Cnr Reddersburg & Virginia Street, Amberfield Glen, Rooihuiskraal, North Centurion Gauteng, 0175, South Africa 

333 Bay Street, Toronto ON M5H 2R2, Canada 

H-1106 Budapest Jászberényi út 24-36, Hungary 

Milan (MI), Via Emilio Cornalia 26, Italy 

Wiegerbruinlaan 2A, 1422 CB Uithoorn, Netherlands 

Corporate Creations Network Inc., 811 Church Road #105, Cherry Hill NJ 08002, United States 

15-23 Bucuresti Nord Street, Windsor Building, Ground Floor, Office No.1 Voluntari Ilfor County, Romania 

4265 San Felipe #1100, Houston, TX 77027, United States 

15 North Mill Street, Nyack, NY 10960, United States 

1 More London Place, London, SE1 2AF, United Kingdom 

1430 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301, United States 

350 S. Northwest Highway #300, Park Ridge, IL 60068, United States 

11380 Prosperity Farms Road #221E, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410, United States 

Makedonska 30 (Eurocentar) 3rd Floor, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia 

Skelagervej 1, DK 9000 Aalborg, Denmark 

Schillerstr.7, 40721 Hilden (bei Düsseldorf), Germany 

220 Orchard Road, #05-01 Midpoint Orchard, Singapore 238852 

13 Castle Street, St Helier, JE4 5UT, Jersey 

P.O.B 29671, 9 Ahad Ha’am Street, Tel Aviv 6129601, Israel 

8275 South Eastern Avenue #200, Las Vegas, NV 89123, United States 

237 4th Ave S.W., Calgary, AB T2P 4K3, Canada 

525 8th Ave S.W., Calgary, AB T2P 1G1, Canada 

855 2nd Street S.W., Calgary, AB T2P NJ8, Canada 

1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, DE 19801, United States 

Webworks, Eglinton Street, Cork, Republic of Ireland 

Mariagervej 58B, DK 9500 Hobro, Denmark 

40 Grosvenor Place, London, SW1X 7EN, United Kingdom 

Innovation House, DCU Innovation Campus, 11 Old Finglas Road, Glasnevin, Dublin, 11, Republic of Ireland 

17 Karsko, Dolice, Przelewice, 73-115, Pyrzyckie, Zachodniopomorskie, Poland 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

187 
187 

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
Supplementary information 

S10. RELATED UNDERTAKINGS  
(e) Summarised financial information 
Material joint ventures and associates 
Management has determined that the investments in Lake Acquisitions Limited and Lincs Wind Farm Limited are sufficiently material  
to warrant further disclosure on an individual basis. Accordingly, the Group presents summarised financial information, along with 
reconciliations to the amounts included in the consolidated Group Financial Statements, for these investees. 

Lake Acquisitions Limited 
Summarised Statement of Total Comprehensive Income 

Year ended 31 December 
Revenue 
Operating profit before interest and tax 

Associate 
information 
reported to 
Group 
£m 
3,116 
1,011 

Unadjusted 
20% share 
£m 
623 
202 

Fair value  
and other 
adjustments  
£m 
– 
(65) 

Profit for the year 
Other comprehensive income/(loss) 
Total comprehensive income 

778 
318 
1,096 

156 
64 
220 

(43) 
– 
(43) 

Summarised Balance Sheet 

Associate 
information 
reported to 
Group 
£m 
3,220 
1,351 

Unadjusted 
20% share 
£m 
644 
270 

Fair value  
and other 
adjustments 
£m 
– 
(56) 

1,042 
(38) 
1,004 

208 
(8) 
200 

(26) 
– 
(26) 

2016 

Group 
 share 
£m 
623 
137 

113 
64 
177 

2016 

31 December 
Non-current assets 
Current assets 
Current liabilities 
Non-current liabilities  
Net assets 

Associate 
information 
reported to 
Group 
£m 
13,957 
3,157 
(746) 
(8,743) 
7,625 

Unadjusted 
20% share 
£m 
2,791 
631 
(149) 
(1,749) 
1,524 

Fair value  
and other 
adjustments 
 (i) 
£m 
879 
7 
– 
(148) 
738 

Associate 
information 
reported to 
Group 
£m 
12,775 
2,800 
(883) 
(7,613) 
7,079 

Unadjusted 
20% share 
£m 
2,555 
560 
(177) 
(1,523) 
1,415 

Fair value  
and other 
adjustments 
(i) 
£m 
929 
13 
– 
(162) 
780 

Group 
 share 
£m 
3,670 
638 
(149) 
(1,897) 
2,262 

(i)

Before cumulative impairments of £586 million (2015: £586 million) of the Group’s associate investment. 

During the year, dividends of £110 million (2015: £166 million) were paid by the associate to the Group. 

Lincs Wind Farm Limited 
Summarised Statement of Total Comprehensive Income 

Year ended 31 December 
Revenue 
Depreciation and amortisation 
Other costs of sales and operating costs 
Profit before interest and tax 
Net finance cost 
Taxation 
Loss for the year 
Other comprehensive (loss)/income 
Total comprehensive loss 

Joint venture 
information 
reported to 
Group  
£m 
113 
(49) 
(43) 
21 
(49) 
7 
(21) 
(16) 
(37) 

Unadjusted 
50% share  
£m 
57 
(25) 
(22) 
10 
(25) 
4 
(11) 
(8) 
(19) 

Fair value  
and other 
adjustments 
£m 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

2016 

Group 
 share  
£m 
57 
(25) 
(22) 
10 
(25) 
4 
(11) 
(8) 
(19) 

Joint venture 
information 
reported to 
Group  
£m 
125 
(49) 
(45) 
31 
(54) 
13 
(10) 
3 
(7) 

Unadjusted 
50% share  
£m 
62 
(24) 
(23) 
15 
(27) 
6 
(6) 
2 
(4) 

Fair value  
and other 
adjustments 
£m 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

2015 

Group 
 share 
£m 
644 
214 

182 
(8) 
174 

2015 

Group 
 share 
£m 
3,484 
573 
(177) 
(1,685) 
2,195 

2015 

Group  
share  
£m 
62 
(24) 
(23) 
15 
(27) 
6 
(6) 
2 
(4) 

188 
188

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
Supplementary information 

S10. RELATED UNDERTAKINGS  
Summarised Balance Sheet 

31 December  
Non-current assets 
Current assets (i) 
Current liabilities (i) 
Non-current liabilities (i) 
Net assets 

Joint venture 
information 
reported to 
Group (i) 
£m 
859 
36 
(86) 
(704) 
105 

Unadjusted 
50% share 
£m 
429 
18 
(43) 
(352) 
52 

Fair value  
and other 
adjustments 
£m 
3 
– 
– 
– 
3 

2016 

Group 
 share 
£m 
432 
18 
(43) 
(352) 
55 

Joint venture 
information 
reported to 
Group (i) 
£m 
943 
116 
(187) 
(730) 
142 

Unadjusted 
50% share 
£m 
472 
58 
(94) 
(365) 
71 

Fair value  
and other 
adjustments 
£m 
3 
– 
– 
– 
3 

2015 

Group 
 share 
£m 
475 
58 
(94) 
(365) 
74 

(i)

Current assets includes £7 million (2015: £76 million) of cash and cash equivalents. Non-current liabilities and current liabilities include £651 million (2015: £682 million) and £33 million  
(2015: £59 million) of borrowings respectively. 

Other material joint arrangements owned by the Group that are classified as joint operations and accounted for in accordance with  
IFRS 11 (see note S2) are detailed below. This list excludes interests in fields where there is no party with overall control since the 
arrangement does not fulfil the IFRS 11 definition of joint control. 

Joint operations – fields/assets 

31 December 2016 
Cygnus 

Location 
UK North Sea 

Percentage holding  
in ordinary shares and  
net assets 
49 

Material non-controlling interests 
The Group has two subsidiary undertakings with a non-controlling interest: CQ Energy Canada Partnership and its 100% subsidiary,  
CQ Energy Canada Resources Partnership. 

Non-
controlling 
interests 
% 

Loss for  
the year  
£m 

Total 
comprehensive 
income 
£m 

2016 
Distributions 
to non- 
controlling 
interests (i)  
£m 

Total  
equity 
£m 

Non- 
controlling 
interests 
% 

Loss for  
the year  
£m 

Total 
comprehensive 
loss 
£m 

2015 
Distributions  
to non- 
controlling 
interests  
£m 

Total  
equity 
£m 

40 

(10) 

26 

178 

(12) 

40 

(137) 

(172) 

164 

– 

31 December 
CQ Energy Canada 
Partnership 

(i)

Includes a £2 million accrual in relation to declared and approved dividends. 

Summarised financial information 
The summarised financial information disclosed is shown on a 100% basis. It represents the consolidated position of CQ Energy Canada 
Partnership and its subsidiary that would be shown in its consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS under 
Group accounting policies before intercompany eliminations. 

Summarised Statement of Total Comprehensive Income 

Year ended 31 December 
Revenue 

Loss for the year 
Other comprehensive income/(loss) 

Total comprehensive income/(loss) 

Summarised Balance Sheet 

31 December 
Non-current assets 
Current assets 
Current liabilities 
Non-current liabilities 
Net assets 

Summarised Cash Flow 

Year ended 31 December 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

2016 

£m   
201   
(25)  
90   
65   

2016  
£m 
1,040 
66 
(77) 
(521) 
508 

2016 
£m 
(8) 

2015 
£m 
252 
(342) 
(88) 
(430) 

2015  
£m 
922 
70 
(96) 
(432) 
464 

2015 
£m 
(6) 

189 
189 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company Statement of Changes in Equity  

1 January 2015 
Profit for the year 
Other comprehensive income/(loss): 

Revaluation of available-for-sale securities 
Cash flow hedges – net gains 
Cash flow hedges – transferred to income and expense 
Actuarial loss 
Taxation on above items 

Other equity movements: 

Employee share schemes 
Scrip dividend 
Dividends paid to equity holders 
Taxation on share-based payments 
31 December 2015 
Profit for the year 
Other comprehensive income/(loss): 

Revaluation of available-for-sale securities 
Cash flow hedges – net gains 
Cash flow hedges – transferred to income and expense 
Actuarial loss 
Taxation on above items 

Other equity movements: 

Employee share schemes 
Scrip dividend 
Dividends paid to equity holders 
Issue of share capital 

31 December 2016 

Share  
capital  
£m 
311 
– 

Share 
 premium 
£m 
931 
– 

Retained 
 earnings 
 £m 
1,716 
303 

Other 
 equity 
 (note II) 
 £m 
(184) 
– 

Capital 
 redemption 
reserve 
£m 
26 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
6 
– 
– 
317 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
4 
– 
21 
342 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
204 
– 
– 
1,135 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
121 
– 
673 
1,929 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

2 
– 
(598) 
– 
1,423 
1,540 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

1 
– 
(651) 
– 
2,313 

1 
4 
(2) 
(14) 
1 

58 
– 
– 
(2) 
(138) 
– 

7 
135 
(124) 
(60) 
8 

32 
– 
– 
– 
(140) 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
26 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
26 

Total 
equity 
£m 
2,800 
303 

1 
4 
(2) 
(14) 
1 

60 
210 
(598) 
(2) 
2,763 
1,540 

7 
135 
(124) 
(60) 
8 

33 
125 
(651) 
694 
4,470 

As permitted by section 408(3) of the Companies Act 2006 no Income Statement or Statement of Comprehensive Income is presented. 

The Directors propose a final dividend of 8.40 pence per share (totalling £461 million) for the year ended 31 December 2016. Details of  
the dividends are given in note 11 to the consolidated Group Financial Statements. 

Details of the Company’s share capital are provided in the Group Statement of Changes in Equity and note 25 to the consolidated Group 
Financial Statements. 

The notes on pages 192 to 200 form part of these Financial Statements, along with note 25 to the consolidated Group Financial Statements. 

190 
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STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSSTRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company Balance Sheet 

31 December 
Non-current assets 
Other intangible assets  
Investments 
Deferred tax assets 
Trade and other receivables 
Derivative financial instruments 
Retirement benefit assets 
Securities 

Current assets 
Trade and other receivables 
Derivative financial instruments 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets 
Current liabilities 
Derivative financial instruments 
Trade and other payables 
Provisions for liabilities 
Financial liabilities 

Non-current liabilities 
Derivative financial instruments 
Trade and other payables 
Provisions for liabilities 
Retirement benefit liabilities 
Financial liabilities 

Total liabilities 
Net assets 
Share capital 
Share premium  
Capital redemption reserve 
Retained earnings (i) 
Other equity 
Total shareholders’ equity 

Notes 

IV 

V 

VI 

VII 

VIII 

XV 

X 

VII 

VIII 

XI 

VIII 

XII 

XIII 

XIV 

VIII 

XII 

XIII 

XV 

XIV 

XVI 

XVI 

XVI 

XVI 

II 

2016 
£m 

46  
2,305  
13  
1,704  
464  
–  
215  
4,747  

12,428  
315  
1,480  
14,223  
18,970  

(196)  
(7,808)  
(6)  
(321)  
(8,331)  

(60)  
(84)  
(3)  
(86)  
(5,936)  
(6,169)  
(14,500)  
4,470  
342  
1,929  
26  
2,313  
(140)  
4,470  

2015 
£m 

4 
2,306 
6 
1,411 
160 
9 
200 
4,096 

10,925 
215 
441 
11,581 
15,677 

(207) 
(6,282) 
– 
(428) 
(6,917) 

(64) 
(92) 
(5) 
(50) 
(5,786) 
(5,997) 
(12,914) 
2,763 
317 
1,135 
26 
1,423 
(138) 
2,763 

(i) 

Retained earnings includes a net profit after taxation of £1,540 million (2015: £303 million). 

The Financial Statements on pages 190 to 200, of which the notes on pages 192 to 200 form part, along with note 25 to the consolidated 
Group Financial Statements, were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 23 February 2017 and were signed  
on its behalf by: 

Iain Conn 
Group Chief Executive 

Jeff Bell 
Group Chief Financial Officer 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

191 
191 

  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Company Financial Statements 

I. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES OF THE COMPANY 
Basis of preparation 
The Company Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101: ‘Reduced disclosure 
framework’ (FRS 101). In preparing these Financial Statements, the Company applies the recognition, measurement and disclosure 
requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU (‘Adopted IFRSs’), but makes amendments where 
necessary in order to comply with Companies Act 2006 and sets out below where advantage of the FRS 101 disclosure exemptions  
has been taken. 

In these Financial Statements, the Company has applied the exemptions available under FRS 101 in respect of the following disclosures: 

●  a Cash Flow Statement and related notes; 
●  comparative period reconciliations for tangible fixed assets and intangible assets; 
●  disclosures in respect of transactions with wholly owned subsidiaries; 
●  disclosures in respect of capital management; and 
●  the effects of new but not yet effective IFRSs. 

No Income Statement or Statement of Comprehensive Income is presented for the Company as permitted by the Companies Act 2006 
(section 408(3)). The Company profit after tax for the year was £1,540 million (2015: £303 million). 

As the consolidated Group Financial Statements of Centrica plc, which are available from the registered office, include the equivalent 
disclosures, the Company has also taken the exemptions under FRS 101 available in respect of the following disclosures: 

●  IFRS 2: ‘Share-based payment’ in respect of Group settled share-based payments; and 
●  certain disclosures required by IFRS 13: ‘Fair value measurement’ and the disclosures required by IFRS 7: ‘Financial instruments: disclosures’. 

Restatements 
In March 2016, the IFRS Interpretations Committee issued an agenda decision regarding the treatment of offsetting and cash-pooling 
arrangements in accordance with IAS 32: ‘Financial instruments: presentation’. This provided additional guidance on when bank 
overdrafts in cash-pooling arrangements would meet the requirement for offsetting in accordance with IAS 32. Following this additional 
guidance, the Group has reviewed its cash-pooling arrangements and has revised its presentation of bank overdrafts on the Group 
Balance Sheet. There is no revision required for the Company Balance Sheet. 

Measurement convention 
The Company Financial Statements are prepared on the historical cost basis except for the following assets and liabilities, which are 
stated at their fair values: derivative financial instruments, financial instruments classified as fair value through the profit or loss or as 
available-for-sale, and the assets of defined benefit pension schemes. The liabilities of defined benefit pension schemes are measured  
at the projected unit method of valuation. These Company Financial Statements are rounded to the nearest million pounds sterling.  
Unless required or permitted by an IFRS, assets and liabilities or income and expenses, are not offset. 

Going concern 
The accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis, as described in the Directors’ Report and note 24(b) of the consolidated 
Group Financial Statements. 

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty 
The critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty are set out in note 3 of the consolidated Group  
Financial Statements.  

The key accounting judgement of the Company is the carrying value of its investments in subsidiary undertakings and receivables from 
these undertakings. The Company does not deem its investments in subsidiary undertakings to be impaired and supports this judgement 
through its impairment review process as detailed below. This impairment review process identified that some receivables from Group 
undertakings were not fully recoverable and accordingly a bad debt provision of £87 million (2015: £262 million) was recognised against 
receivables during the year and impairments of £404 million (2015: nil) made in previous years were reversed. There were no debt waivers 
during the year (2015: £25 million).  

Key sources of estimation uncertainty include: 

●  the fair value of derivative financial instruments classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy as a result of the use of valuation 

techniques, in addition to published price quotations in active markets, to determine these values; and 

●  the allocation of the Company’s share of pension scheme surplus/deficit, as detailed further within the accounting policies section of 

these Company Financial Statements. 

New standards effective during the year 

From 1 January 2016, the following standards and amendments are effective in the Company’s Financial Statements: 

●  Amendment to IAS 1: ‘Presentation of financial statements’ related to the disclosure initiative; 
●  Amendment to IAS 16: ‘Property, plant and equipment’ and IAS 38: ‘Intangible assets’ related to the clarification of acceptable  

methods of depreciation and amortisation; 

●  Amendment to IAS 19: ‘Employee benefits’ related to employee contributions to defined benefit plans; 
●  ‘Annual Improvement Project 2010-2012’; and 
●  ‘Annual Improvement Project 2012-2014’. 

192 
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STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
Notes to the Company Financial Statements 

I. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES OF THE COMPANY 
The accounting policies set out below have, unless otherwise stated, been applied consistently to all periods presented in these Company 
Financial Statements.  

Employee share schemes 
The Group has a number of employee share schemes under which it makes equity-settled share-based payments as detailed in the 
Remuneration Report on pages 83 to 99 and in note S2 to the consolidated Group Financial Statements. Equity-settled share-based 
payments are measured at fair value at the date of grant (excluding the effect of non-market-based vesting conditions). The fair value 
determined at the grant date is expensed on a straight-line basis together with a corresponding increase in equity over the vesting period, 
based on the Group’s estimate of the number of awards that will vest and adjusted for the effect of non-market-based vesting conditions. 
The issue of share incentives by the Company to employees of its subsidiaries represents additional capital contributions. When these 
costs are recharged to the subsidiary undertaking, the investment balance is reduced accordingly.  

Fair value is measured using methods detailed in note S2 to the consolidated Group Financial Statements. 

Foreign currencies 
The Company’s functional and presentational currency is pounds sterling. Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the rate  
of exchange ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into 
pounds sterling at closing rates of exchange. Exchange differences on monetary assets and liabilities are taken to the Income Statement. 

Intangible assets 
Intangible assets acquired separately are measured on initial recognition at cost. Intangible assets consist of application software for 
internal use. The cost of purchased application software, for example investments in financial and administrative systems, includes 
contractors’ charges, materials, directly attributable labour and directly attributable overheads. Intangible assets are amortised on a 
straight-line basis at rates sufficient to write off the cost, less estimated residual values, of individual assets over their estimated useful  
lives of up to 10 years. Amortisation of assets under construction commences when the asset is operational. 

Investments 
Fixed asset investments in subsidiaries’ shares are held at cost in accordance with IAS 27: ‘Separate financial statements’, less any 
provision for impairment as necessary. 

Impairment 
The Company’s accounting policies in respect of impairment of intangible assets and financial assets are consistent with those  
of the Group. 

The carrying values of investments in subsidiary undertakings are reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any 
indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, then the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. 

The recoverable amount of an investment in a subsidiary undertaking is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs of disposal. 
In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects 
current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. Receivables from Group undertakings are 
compared to their recoverable amount which is also assessed using the same estimated discounted future cash flow for each undertaking 
as described above. 

An impairment loss is recognised if the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated recoverable amount. 

Leases 
The determination of whether an arrangement is, or contains, a lease is based on the substance of the arrangement and requires  
an assessment of whether the fulfilment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific asset or assets and whether the 
arrangement conveys a right to use the asset or assets. Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease  
transfer substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases. 

Payments under operating leases are charged to the Income Statement on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. 

Pensions and other post employment benefits 
The Company’s employees participate in a number of the Group’s defined benefit pension schemes. The total Group cost of providing 
benefits under defined benefit schemes is determined separately for each of the Group’s schemes under the projected unit credit actuarial 
valuation method. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised in full in the period in which they occur. The key assumptions used for the 
actuarial valuation are based on the Group’s best estimate of the variables that will determine the ultimate cost of providing post 
employment benefits, on which further detail is provided in note 22 to the consolidated Group Financial Statements. 

The Company’s share of the total Group surplus or deficit at the end of the reporting period for each scheme is calculated in proportion  
to the Company’s share of ordinary employer contributions to that scheme during the year; ordinary employer contributions are 
determined by the pensionable pay of the Company’s employees within the scheme and the cash contribution rates set by the scheme 
trustees. Current service cost is calculated with reference to the pensionable pay of the Company’s employees. The Company’s share  
of the total Group interest on scheme liabilities, expected return on scheme assets and actuarial gains or losses is calculated in proportion 
to ordinary employer contributions in the prior accounting period. Changes in the surplus or deficit arising as a result of the changes in the 
Company’s share of total ordinary employer contributions are also treated as actuarial gains or losses. 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

193 
193 

 
 
 
Notes to the Company Financial Statements 

I. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES OF THE COMPANY 
Taxation 
Current tax, including UK corporation tax, is provided at amounts expected to be paid (or recovered) using the tax rates and laws that 
have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. 

Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all temporary differences identified at the balance sheet date, except for differences arising on: 

●  the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction which is not a business combination and which at the time of the transaction 

affects neither accounting profit nor taxable profit; and 

●  investments in subsidiaries where the Company is able to control the timing of the reversal of the difference and it is probable that the 

difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. 

Temporary differences are differences between the carrying amount of the Company’s assets and liabilities and their tax base. 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when the Company has a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and 
the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to taxes levied by the same tax authority. 

Deferred tax assets that are not eligible for offset against deferred tax liabilities are recognised only when, on the basis of all available 
evidence, it can be regarded as probable that there will be suitable taxable profits in the foreseeable future, against which the deductible 
temporary difference can be utilised.  

Deferred tax is measured at the average tax rates that are expected to apply in the periods in which the asset is realised or the liability  
is settled, based on tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. Measurement  
of deferred tax liabilities and assets reflects the tax consequences expected from the manner in which the asset or liability is recovered  
or settled. 

The tax expense for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the Income Statement, except to the extent that  
it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In this case, the tax is also recognised in other 
comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively. 

Financial instruments 
The Company’s accounting policies for financial instruments are consistent with those of the Group as disclosed in note S2 to the 
consolidated Group Financial Statements. The Company’s financial risk management policies are consistent with those of the Group  
and are described in the Strategic Report – Principal Risks and Uncertainties on pages 56 to 64 and in note S3 to the consolidated Group 
Financial Statements.  

Presentation of derivative financial instruments 
In line with the Group’s accounting policy for derivative financial instruments, the Company has classified those derivatives held for the 
purpose of treasury management as current or non-current, based on expected settlement dates.  

Provisions 
A provision is recognised when the Company has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event that can be 
measured reliably and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefit will be required to settle the obligation. 

194 
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STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
 
Notes to the Company Financial Statements 

II. OTHER EQUITY 

1 January 2015 
Revaluation of available-for-sale securities 
Actuarial loss 
Employee share schemes: 

Exercise of awards 
Value of services provided 
Increase in own shares 

Cash flow hedges: 

Net gains 
Transferred to income and expense 

Taxation on above items 
31 December 2015 
Revaluation of available-for-sale securities 
Actuarial loss 
Employee share schemes: 

Exercise of awards 
Value of services provided 
Increase in own shares 

Cash flow hedges: 

Net gains 
Transferred to income and expense 

Taxation on above items 
31 December 2016 

Cash 
 flow  
hedging 
 reserve 
£m 
(10) 
– 
– 

Actuarial  
gains and  
losses  
reserve 
£m 
(34) 
– 
(14) 

Available- 
for-sale  
reserve  
(AFS) 
£m 
21 
1 
– 

Treasury 
 and own 
 shares  
reserve 
£m 
(256) 
– 
– 

Share- 
based  
payments 
 reserve 
£m 
95 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

4 
(2) 
(1) 
(9) 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

135 
(124) 
(2) 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
2 
(46) 
– 
(60) 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
11 
(95) 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
22 
7 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
(1) 
28 

69 
– 
(11) 

– 
– 
– 
(198) 
– 
– 

35 
– 
(17) 

– 
– 
– 
(180) 

(45) 
45 
– 

– 
– 
(2) 
93 
– 
– 

(32) 
46 
– 

– 
– 
– 
107 

Total 
£m 
(184) 
1 
(14) 

24 
45 
(11) 

4 
(2) 
(1) 
(138) 
7 
(60) 

3 
46 
(17) 

135 
(124) 
8 
(140) 

III. DIRECTORS AND EMPLOYEES 
Details of Directors’ remuneration, share-based payments and pension entitlements in the Remuneration Report on pages 83 to 99 form 
part of these Company Financial Statements. Information on the main employee share-based payments is given in note S2 to the 
consolidated Group Financial Statements. Details of the remuneration of key management personnel are given in note S8 to the 
consolidated Group Financial Statements. 

Employee costs 

Year ended 31 December 
Wages and salaries 
Social security costs 
Pension and other post retirement benefits costs 
Share scheme costs 
Capitalised employee costs 

Average number of employees during the year 

Year ended 31 December 
Administration 
Power 

2016 
£m 
(78) 
(8) 
(5) 
(4) 
2 
(93) 

2016 
Number 
493 
184 
677 

2015 
£m 
(56) 
(5) 
(6) 
1 
– 
(66) 

2015 
Number 
319 
197 
516 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

195 
195 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Company Financial Statements 

IV. OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

Cost 
1 January 
Additions 
Transfers 
31 December 
Accumulated amortisation 
1 January 
Charge for the year 
Impairment 
Transfers 
31 December 
NBV at 31 December 

V. INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES 

Cost 
1 January 
Additions 
Disposals 
31 December 

2016 
£m 

5 
53 
(9) 
49 

1 
7 
4 
(9) 
3 
46 

2015 
(i)  
£m 

2,262 
44 
– 
2,306 

2016 
(i) 
£m 

2,306 
– 
(1) 
2,305 

(i)

Disposals and additions include the net change in shares to be awarded under employee share schemes to employees of Group undertakings. Direct investments are held in Centrica 
Holdings Limited, Centrica Trading Limited and Centrica Beta Holdings Limited, all of which are incorporated in England. Related undertakings are listed in note S10 to the consolidated 
Group Financial Statements.  

The Directors believe that the carrying value of the investments is supported by their realisable value. 

VI. DEFERRED TAX  

Deferred tax assets/(liabilities) arising on: 

Pension schemes 
Other 

1 January 
2016 
£m 

(Charge)/credit 
to income 
£m 

Reserves 
credit/(charge) 
£m 

31 December 
2016 
£m 

8 
(2) 
6 

(1) 
– 
(1) 

11 
(3) 
8 

18 
(5) 
13 

Other deferred corporation tax assets primarily relate to other timing differences. Unrecognised deferred corporation tax assets amount  
to nil at the balance sheet date (2015: nil). 

VII. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES 

31 December 
Amounts owed by Group undertakings 
Current tax assets 
Prepayments 

Due within 
one year (i) 
£m 
12,404 
21 
3 
12,428 

2016 
Due after more 
than one year (ii) 
£m 
1,696 
– 
8 
1,704 

Due within 
one year (i) 
£m 
10,921 
– 
4 
10,925 

2015 
Due after more 
than one year (ii) 
£m 
1,402 
– 
9 
1,411 

(i)

(ii)

The amounts receivable by the Company include £10,339 million (2015: £9,128 million) that bears interest at a quarterly rate determined by Group treasury and linked to the Group cost  
of funds. The quarterly rates ranged between 2.4% and 4.7% per annum during 2016 (2015: 1.9% and 5.5%). The other amounts receivable from Group undertakings are interest-free.  
All amounts receivable from Group undertakings are unsecured and repayable on demand. Amounts receivable by the Company are stated net of provisions of £765 million  
(2015: £1,082 million). 
The amounts receivable by the Company due after more than one year include £1,696 million (2015: £1,360 million) that bears interest at a quarterly rate determined by Group treasury and 
linked to the Group cost of funds. The quarterly rates ranged between 4.4% and 7.1% per annum during 2016 (2015: 3.7% and 6.0%). In 2015, the other amounts receivable from Group 
undertakings are interest-free. All amounts receivable from Group undertakings are unsecured and repayable in two to three years. 

196 
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STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Company Financial Statements 

VIII. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS  

31 December 
Derivative financial assets 
Derivative financial liabilities 

Due within 
one year 
£m 
315 
(196) 

Due after more 
than one year 
£m 
464 
(60) 

2016 

Total 
£m 
779 
(256) 

Due within 
one year 
£m 
215 
(207) 

Due after more 
than one year 
£m 
160 
(64) 

2015 

Total 
£m 
375 
(271) 

IX. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 
(a) Determination of fair values 
The Company’s policy for the classification and valuation of financial instruments carried at fair value into one of the three hierarchy levels 
determined in accordance with IFRS 13 are consistent with those of the Group, as detailed in note S6 to the consolidated Group Financial 
Statements. 

(b) Financial instruments carried at fair value 

31 December 
Financial assets designated as fair value through profit  
or loss: 

Treasury gilts 

Derivative financial assets: 

Held for trading: 

Foreign exchange derivatives 
In hedge accounting relationships: 

Interest rate derivatives 
Foreign exchange derivatives 

Total financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 
Available-for-sale financial assets: 

Debt instruments 
Equity instruments 

Total financial assets at fair value 
Derivative financial liabilities: 

Held for trading: 

Interest rate derivatives 
Foreign exchange derivatives 
In hedge accounting relationships: 

Interest rate derivatives 
Foreign exchange derivatives 

Total financial liabilities 
Total financial instruments 

X. SECURITIES 

31 December 
Treasury gilts designated at fair value through profit or loss 
Debt instrument 
Equity instrument 
Short-term investments 

Level 1 
£m 

Level 2 
£m 

Level 3 
£m 

2016 
Total 
£m 

Level 1 
£m 

Level 2 
£m 

Level 3 
£m 

2015 
Total 
£m 

130 

– 

– 

130 

124 

– 

– 

124 

– 

480 

– 
– 
130 

64 
21 
215 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
215 

158 
141 
779 

– 
– 
779 

(30) 
(220) 

(6) 
– 
(256) 
523 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

480 

– 

222 

158 
141 
909 

64 
21 
994 

(30) 
(220) 

(6) 
– 
(256) 
738 

– 
– 
124 

58 
18 
200 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
200 

129 
24 
375 

– 
– 
375 

(25) 
(175) 

(3) 
(68) 
(271) 
104 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

222 

129 
24 
499 

58 
18 
575 

(25) 
(175) 

(3) 
(68) 
(271) 
304 

2015 
£m 
124 
58 
18 
200 

2016 
£m 
130 
64 
21 
215 

£85 million (2015: £76 million) of investments were held in trust, on behalf of the Company, as security in respect of the Centrica 
Unfunded Pension Scheme (refer to note XV). 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

197 
197 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Company Financial Statements 

XI. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 

31 December 
Cash at bank and in hand 
Deposits at call (i) 

(i)

Term deposits are presented as cash equivalents if they have a maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition. 

2016 
£m 
2 
1,478 
1,480 

2015 
£m 
32 
409 
441 

XII. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES 

31 December 
Amounts owed to Group undertakings (i) 
Other taxation and social security 
Accruals and other creditors 

Due within 
one year 
£m 
(7,740) 
(2) 
(66) 
(7,808) 

2016 
Due after more 
than one year 
£m 
(84) 
– 
– 
(84) 

Due within 
one year 
£m 
(6,223) 
(5) 
(54) 
(6,282) 

2015 
Due after more 
than one year 
£m 
(92) 
– 
– 
(92) 

(i)

The amounts payable by the Company include £7,239 million (2015: £4,980 million) that bears interest at a quarterly rate determined by Group treasury and linked to the Group cost of funds. 
The quarterly rates ranged between 2.4% and 4.7% per annum during 2016 (2015: 1.9% and 5.5%). 

XIII. PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES 

Current provisions for liabilities 
Restructuring 
Other 

Non-current provisions for liabilities 
Other 

1 January 
2016 
£m 
– 
– 
– 

1 January 
2016 
£m 
(5) 
(5) 

Charged in 
the year 
£m 
(4) 
(1) 
(5) 

Charged in 
the year 
£m 
– 
– 

Utilised 
£m 
1 
– 
1 

Utilised 
£m 
– 
– 

Transfers (i) 
£m 
– 
(2) 
(2) 

31 December 
2016 
£m 
(3) 
(3) 
(6) 

Transfers (i) 
£m 
2 
2 

31 December 
2016 
£m 
(3) 
(3) 

(i)

Includes transfers to/from other balance sheet accounts, including retirement benefit obligations. 

Other provisions principally represent estimated liabilities for contractual settlements and National Insurance in respect of employee share 
scheme liabilities. The National Insurance provision is based on a share price of 234.1 pence at 31 December 2016 (2015: 218.1 pence).  

XIV. FINANCIAL LIABILITIES 

31 December 
Bank loans and overdrafts 
Bonds 
Interest accruals 

Due within 
 one year 
£m 
(38) 
(162) 
(121) 
(321) 

2016 
Due after more 
than one year 
£m 
(148) 
(5,788) 
– 
(5,936) 

Due within 
 one year 
£m 
– 
(308) 
(120) 
(428) 

2015 
Due after more 
than one year 
£m 
(222) 
(5,564) 
– 
(5,786) 

Disclosures in respect of the Group’s financial liabilities are provided in note 24 to the consolidated Group Financial Statements. 

198 
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STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Company Financial Statements 

XV. PENSIONS 
(a) Summary of main schemes 
The Company’s employees participate in the following Group defined benefit pension schemes: Centrica Pension Plan (CPP), Centrica 
Pension Scheme (CPS) and Centrica Unfunded Pension Scheme. Its employees also participate in the defined contribution section of  
the Centrica Pension Scheme. Information on these schemes is provided in note 22 to the consolidated Group Financial Statements. 

Together with the Centrica Engineers Pensions Scheme (CEPS), CPP and CPS form the significant majority of the Group’s and 
Company’s defined benefit obligation and are referred to below and in the consolidated Group Financial Statements as the  
‘Registered Pension Schemes’. 

(b) Accounting assumptions, risks and sensitivity analysis 
The accounting assumptions, risks and sensitivity analysis for the Registered Pension Schemes are provided in note 22 to the 
consolidated Group Financial Statements. 

(c) Movements in the year 

1 January 

Items included in the Company Income Statement: 

Current service cost 
Past service credit 
Interest on scheme liabilities  
Expected return on scheme assets 

Other movements: 

Actuarial (loss)/gain 
Employer contributions 
Benefits paid from schemes 
Transfers from provisions for liabilities 

31 December 

Presented in the Company Balance Sheet as: 

31 December 
Defined benefit pension assets 
Defined benefit pension liabilities 

Pension liabilities 
£m 
(368) 

2016 
Pension assets 
£m 
327 

Pension liabilities 
£m 
(366) 

2015 
Pension assets 
£m 
339 

(5) 
4 
(14) 
– 

(175) 
– 
11 
(2) 
(549) 

– 
– 
– 
12 

115 
20 
(11) 
– 
463 

(6) 
1 
(14) 
– 

7 
– 
10 
– 
(368) 

2016  
£m 
– 
(86) 
(86) 

2016  
£m 
115 
8 
(183) 
(60) 
(57) 
(117) 

– 
– 
– 
13 

(21) 
6 
(10) 
– 
327 

2015  
£m 
9 
(50) 
(41) 

2015  
£m 
(21) 
(7) 
14 
(14) 
(43) 
(57) 

Of the pension schemes liabilities, £62 million (2015: £50 million) relates to the Centrica Unfunded Pension Scheme. 

(d) Analysis of the actuarial losses recognised in reserves (note II) 

Year ended 31 December 
Actuarial gain/(loss) (actual return less expected return on pension scheme assets) 
Experience gain/(loss) arising on the scheme liabilities 
Changes in assumptions underlying the present value of the schemes’ liabilities 
Actuarial loss recognised in reserves before adjustment for taxation 
Cumulative actuarial losses recognised in reserves at 1 January, before adjustment for taxation 
Cumulative actuarial losses recognised in reserves at 31 December, before adjustment for taxation 

(e) Pension scheme contributions 
Note 22 to the consolidated Group Financial Statements provides details of the triennial review carried out at 31 March 2015 in respect  
of the UK Registered Pension Schemes and the asset-backed contribution arrangements set up in 2012, 2013 and 2016. Under IAS 19, 
the Company’s contribution and trustee interest in the Scottish Limited Partnerships are recognised as scheme assets. 

The Company estimates that it will pay £4 million of employer contributions during 2017 at an average rate of 33% of pensionable pay 
together with contributions via the salary sacrifice arrangement of £1 million. 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

199 
199 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Company Financial Statements 

XV. PENSIONS 
(f) Pension scheme assets 

31 December 
Equities 
Diversified asset funds 
Corporate bonds 
High-yield debt 
Liability matching assets  
Property 
Cash pending investment 
Asset-backed contribution assets 
Group pension scheme assets (i) 

Company share of the above 

(i)

Total pension scheme assets for the UK pension schemes. 

Quoted 
£m 
1,970 
50 
1,274 
309 
1,241 
– 
276 
– 
5,120 

Unquoted 
£m 
307 
– 
– 
1,296 
844 
319 
– 
406 
3,172 

2016 
£m 
2,277 
50 
1,274 
1,605 
2,085 
319 
276 
406 
8,292 

2016 
£m 
463 

Quoted 
£m 
1,867 
47 
1,717 
167 
874 
– 
60 
– 
4,732 

Unquoted 
£m 
219 
– 
– 
780 
556 
315 
– 
243 
2,113 

2015 
£m 
2,086 
47 
1,717 
947 
1,430 
315 
60 
243 
6,845 

2015 
£m 
327 

XVI. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND RESERVES 
The Directors propose a final dividend of 8.40 pence per share (totalling £461 million) for the year ended 31 December 2016. Details of the 
dividends are given in note 11 to the consolidated Group Financial Statements. 

Details of the Company’s share capital are provided in the Group Statement of Changes in Equity and note 25 to the consolidated Group 
Financial Statements. Movements in equity are shown in the Company Statement of Changes in Equity. 

XVII. COMMITMENTS 
At 31 December 2016, the Company had commitments of £56 million (2015: £67 million) relating to contracts for outsourced services,  
£1 million (2015: £1 million) of annual lease payments in respect of land and buildings non-cancellable operating lease commitments 
expiring in less than one year and £6 million (2015: £5 million) of guaranteed operating commitments of a subsidiary undertaking expiring 
in more than five years. The Company’s commitment in respect of its agreement with Cheniere is detailed in note 23 to the consolidated 
Group Financial Statements. 

The Company enters into parent company guarantee arrangements and letters of credit in relation to its subsidiary undertakings.  
The Company has assessed the likelihood of these guarantees being called, or letters of credit being drawn upon, as remote. 

XVIII. RELATED PARTIES 
Following the disposal of a loan relating to Lincs Wind Farm Limited in 2015, the Company received no interest and fees in 2016  
(2015: £11 million) and received no repayments (2015: £189 million). 

200 
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STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  NOTES TO THE COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
GAS AND LIQUIDS RESERVES (UNAUDITED)

Gas and Liquids Reserves (Unaudited) 

The Group’s estimates of reserves of gas and liquids are reviewed as part of the full year reporting process and updated accordingly. 

A number of factors affect the volumes of gas and liquids reserves, including the available reservoir data, commodity prices and future 
costs. Due to the inherent uncertainties and the limited nature of reservoir data, estimates of reserves are subject to change as additional 
information becomes available.  

The Group discloses 2P gas and liquids reserves, representing the central estimate of future hydrocarbon recovery. Reserves for Centrica 
operated fields are estimated by in-house technical teams composed of geoscientists and reservoir engineers. Reserves for non-operated 
fields are estimated by the operator, but are subject to internal review and challenge. 

As part of the internal control process related to reserves estimation, an assessment of the reserves, including the application of the 
reserves definitions is undertaken by an independent technical auditor. An annual reserves assessment has been carried out by DeGoyler 
and MacNaughton for the Group’s global reserves. From 2017 onwards, annual reserves assessments will be carried out by Gaffney, 
Cline and Associates. Reserves are estimated in accordance with a formal policy and procedure standard. 

The Group has estimated 2P gas and liquids reserves in Europe, Canada and Trinidad and Tobago.  

The principal fields in Europe are Kvitebjørn, Statfjord, Cygnus, Maria, South and North Morecambe, Rhyl, Oda (formerly Butch), Chiswick 
and Valemon. The principal field in Trinidad and Tobago is NCMA-1. The principal field in Centrica Storage is the Rough field. The 
European and Trinidad and Tobago reserves estimates are consistent with the guidelines and definitions of the Society of Petroleum 
Engineers, the Society of Petroleum Evaluation Engineers and the World Petroleum Council’s Petroleum Resources Management System 
using accepted principles. 

The principal fields in Canada are Panther, Stolberg, Alderson, Wildcat Hills, Turner, Hanlan, Laprise, Glacier, Medicine Hat 1, Carrot 
Creek and Channel Lake. The Canadian field reserves estimates have been evaluated in accordance with the Canadian Oil and Gas 
Evaluation Handbook (COGEH) reserves definitions and are consistent with the guidelines and definitions of the Society of Petroleum 
Engineers and the World Petroleum Council. 

Estimated net 2P reserves of gas  
(billion cubic feet) 

1 January 2016 
Revisions of previous estimates (iii) 
Acquisitions/(disposals) of reserves in place (iv) 
Production (v) 
31 December 2016 

Estimated net 2P reserves of liquids  
(million barrels) 

1 January 2016 
Revisions of previous estimates (iii) 
Production (v) 
31 December 2016 

Estimated net 2P reserves  
(million barrels of oil equivalent) 

31 December 2016 (vi) 

Europe 
1,422 
(10) 
(6) 
(181) 
1,225 

Europe 
115 
7 
(16) 
106 

Europe 
310 

Canada 
(i) 
887 
(4) 
4 
(66) 
821 

Canada 
(i) 
17 
2 
(1) 
18 

Trinidad and 
Tobago 
 (ii) 
69 
4 
– 
(21) 
52 

Trinidad and 
Tobago 
 (ii) 
– 
– 
– 
– 

Exploration & 
Production 
2,378 
(10) 
(2) 
(268) 
2,098 

Exploration & 
Production 
132 
9 
(17) 
124 

Canada 
(i) 
155 

Trinidad and  
Tobago  
(ii) 
9 

Exploration & 
Production 
474 

Centrica 
 Storage 
176 
– 
– 
(9) 
167 

Centrica 
 Storage 
– 
– 
– 
– 

Centrica 
 Storage 
28 

Total 
2,554 
(10) 
(2) 
(277) 
2,265 

Total 
132 
9 
(17) 
124 

Total 
502 

(i)
(ii)

The Canada reserves represent the Group’s 60% interest in the natural gas and liquid assets owned by the CQ Energy Canada Partnership. 
The Trinidad and Tobago reserves are subject to a production sharing contract and accordingly have been stated on an entitlement basis (including tax barrels). The Group’s entire portfolio  
of Trinidad and Tobago assets are a disposal group held for sale. See note 12(c). 

  Revision of previous estimates including those associated with North and South Morecambe, York, Grove, Eris, Statfjord, Kvitebjørn and Valemon areas in Europe. 
  Reflects the divestment of Skene and Buckland in Europe and the disposal of interests in the Peace River Arch area, offset by the acquisition of interests in the Hanlan Robb area in Canada. 
  Represents total sales volumes of gas and oil produced from the Group’s reserves. 

Includes the total of estimated gas and liquids reserves at 31 December 2016 in million barrels of oil equivalent. 

(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)

Liquids reserves include oil, condensate and natural gas liquids. 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

201 
201 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Five Year Summary (Unaudited) 

Year ended 31 December 
Group revenue 
Operating profit before exceptional items and certain re-measurements: 

2012 
(restated) (i)  
£m  
23,942 

2013 
(restated) (i)  
£m 
26,571 

2014 
(restated) (i)  
£m 
29,408 

2015 
(restated) (i) 
£m 
27,971 

2016 

£m 
27,102 

Energy Supply & Services – UK & Ireland 
Energy Supply & Services – North America 
Connected Home 
Distributed Energy & Power 
Energy Marketing & Trading 
Exploration & Production 
Central Power Generation 
Centrica Storage 

Adjusted operating profit – operating profit before exceptional items 
and certain re-measurements 
Share of joint ventures’ and associates’ interest and taxation 

Exceptional items and certain re-measurements after taxation 
Profit/(loss) attributable to owners of the parent  

Earnings per ordinary share 
Adjusted earnings per ordinary share 
Dividend per share declared in respect of the year 

Assets and liabilities 

31 December 
Goodwill and other intangible assets 
Other non-current assets 
Net current (liabilities)/assets 
Non-current liabilities 
Net assets/(liabilities) of disposal groups held for sale 
Net assets 
Debt, net of cash, cash equivalents and securities: 

Net debt 

Cash flows 

1,097 
310 
– 
9 
84 
811 
210 
89 

2,610 
(48) 
2,562 
(77) 
1,245 
Pence 
24.0 
25.5 
16.4 

1,057 
276 
(27) 
(30) 
117 
1,019 
111 
63 

2,586 
(68) 
2,518 
(383) 
950 
Pence 
18.4 
25.9 
17.0 

2012 
£m 
4,122 
11,690 
(446) 
(9,439) 
– 
5,927 

2013 
 £m 
4,724 
10,993 
(470) 
(10,192) 
202 
5,257 

858 
138 
(23) 
(17) 
136 
455 
81 
29 

1,657 
(89) 
1,568 
(1,932) 
(1,012) 
Pence 
(20.2) 
18.0 
13.5 

2014 
£m 
4,600 
9,974 
(1,492) 
(10,011) 
– 
3,071 

891 
323 
(49) 
(32) 
66 
95 
128 
37 

1,459 
(61) 
1,398 
(1,717) 
(747) 
Pence 
(14.9) 
17.2 
12.0 

2015 
£m 
3,824 
7,790 
(521) 
(9,718) 
(33) 
1,342 

906 
314 
(50) 
(26) 
161 
187 
75 
(52) 

1,515 
(48) 
1,467 
777 
1,672 
Pence 
31.4 
16.8 
12.0 

2016 
£m 
4,383 
8,218 
1,220 
(11,173) 
196 
2,844 

(3,945) 

(4,942) 

(5,196) 

(4,747) 

(3,473) 

Year ended 31 December 
Cash flow from operating activities before exceptional payments 
Payments relating to exceptional charges 
Net cash flow from investing activities 
Cash flow before cash flow from financing activities 

2012  
£m  
3,086 
(266) 
(2,558) 
262 

2013  
£m 
3,164 
(224) 
(2,351) 
589 

2014  
£m 
1,342 
(125) 
(651) 
566 

2015  
£m 
2,278 
(81) 
(611) 
1,586 

2016  
£m 
2,669 
(273) 
(803) 
1,593 

(i)

Segmental operating profit for 2012-2015 has been restated in the new reporting segments. See note 1 for further information. 

202 
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STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  FIVE YEAR SUMMARY (UNAUDITED) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
OFGEM CONSOLIDATED SEGMENTAL STATEMENT

Ofgem Consolidated Segmental Statement 

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE DIRECTORS OF CENTRICA PLC AND ITS LICENSEES 
Our Opinion 
We have audited the statement (the ‘Consolidated Segmental Statement’ or ‘CSS’) of Centrica plc and its Licensees (as listed in  
footnote (i)) for the year ended 31 December 2016 in accordance with the terms of our agreement dated 3 January 2017. The CSS has 
been prepared by the Directors of Centrica plc and its Licensees based on the requirements of Ofgem’s Standard Condition 19A of the 
Gas and Electricity Supply Licences and the Standard Condition 16B of the Electricity Generation Licences (together, the ‘Licences’) and 
the basis of preparation on pages 210 to 213.  

In our opinion the accompanying CSS of Centrica plc and its Licensees for the year ended 31 December 2016 is prepared, in all material 
respects, in accordance with: 

●  the requirements of Ofgem’s Standard Condition 19A of the Gas and Electricity Supply Licences and Standard Condition 16B of the 

Electricity Generation Licences established by the regulator; and 

●  the basis of preparation on pages 210 to 213. 

Basis for opinion 
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISAs). Our responsibilities under those standards are 
further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the CSS section of our report. We are independent of Centrica plc in 
accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the CSS in the United Kingdom, and we have fulfilled our other 
ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and 
appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.  

Emphasis of matter – Basis of Accounting and Restriction on Distribution 
Without modifying our opinion, we draw attention to pages 210 to 213 of the CSS, which describes the basis of preparation. The CSS is 
prepared in order for Centrica plc and its Licensees to meet the Licence requirement of the Regulator Ofgem rather than in accordance 
with a generally accepted accounting framework. The CSS should therefore be read in conjunction with both the Licences and the basis 
of preparation on pages 210 to 213. This basis of preparation is not the same as segmental reporting under IFRS and/or statutory 
reporting. As a result, the schedule may not be suitable for another purpose. 

This report, including our opinion, has been prepared solely for the Board of Directors of Centrica plc and its Licensees in accordance with 
the agreement between us, to assist the Directors in reporting on the CSS to the Regulator Ofgem. 

We permit this report to be disclosed in the Financial Statements section of the Annual Report and Accounts of Centrica plc for the year 
ended 31 December 2016 and the Financial Statements section of the website (ii) www.centrica.com, to enable the Directors to show they 
have addressed their governance responsibilities by obtaining an independent assurance report in connection with the CSS. To the fullest 
extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Board of Directors and Centrica plc and its 
Licensees for our work or this report except where terms are expressly agreed between us in writing.  

Responsibilities of Management and those charged with governance for the CSS 
Management is responsible for the preparation of the CSS in accordance with the Licences and the basis of preparation on pages 210  
to 213 and for maintaining the underlying accounting records and such internal controls as management determine is necessary to enable 
the preparation of the CSS that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the CSS alongside the Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts, management is responsible for assessing the Centrica plc 
group’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable in the Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts, matters relating 
to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate the Group or to cease 
operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Group’s financial reporting process. 

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the CSS 
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the CSS as a whole is free from material misstatement, whether due to 
fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a 
guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can 
arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the 
economic decisions of users taken on the basis of this CSS. The materiality level that we used in planning and performing our audit is set 
at £30 million for each of the segments.  

As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs, we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the 
audit. We also: 

●  Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the CSS, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures 
responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not 
detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, 
intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control; 

●  Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit 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 Company’s internal control; 

●  Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates, if any, and related 

disclosures made by management; and 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

203 
203 

 
 
 
Ofgem Consolidated Segmental Statement 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE DIRECTORS OF CENTRICA PLC AND ITS LICENSEES 
●  Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence 

obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to 
continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report 
to the related disclosures in the CSS (and, by cross reference, in the Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts, where applicable) or,  
if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date  
of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Group to cease to continue as a going concern.  

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and 
significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.  

We also provide those charged with governance with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding 
independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our 
independence, and where applicable, related safeguards. 

The engagement partner on the audit resulting in this independent auditor’s report is Charles Bowman.  

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
London 
23 February 2017 

(i)

(ii)

British Gas Trading Limited, Neas Energy Limited, Centrica Langage Limited, Centrica SHB Limited, Centrica Barry Limited, Centrica KPS Limited, Centrica PB Limited and  
Centrica KL Limited. 
The maintenance and integrity of Centrica plc’s website is the responsibility of the Directors of Centrica plc; the work carried out by the auditors does not involve consideration of these 
matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the CSS since it was initially presented on the website. 

204 
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STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  OFGEM CONSOLIDATED SEGMENTAL STATEMENT 
 
 
 
Ofgem Consolidated Segmental Statement 

Introduction 

The Ofgem Consolidated Segmental Statement (CSS) and required regulatory information on pages 205 to 215 are provided in order  
to comply with Standard Condition 16B of the Electricity Generation Licences and Standard Condition 19A of the Electricity and Gas  
Supply Licences. 

The CSS and supporting information is prepared by the Directors in accordance with the Segmental Statements Guidelines issued  
by Ofgem. The CSS has been derived from and reconciled to the Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended  
31 December 2016 which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted  
by the European Union (EU) and therefore comply with Article 4 of the EU IAS Regulation and the Companies Act 2006. 

Centrica plc operational reporting structure  
Below is a summary of the Centrica plc Group’s (Group) operational reporting structure. The CSS financial data has been extracted from  
the Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 operating segments rather than with reference to specific legal entities. Certain 
activities included in the Group’s operating segments have been excluded from the Generation and Supply segments of the CSS on the 
basis they are non-licensed activities (for example Business Services and trading activity unrelated to Generation or Supply) as illustrated 
below. The Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 provides operating segment results in note 4. A full reconciliation between the 
relevant operating segment results and those disclosed for ‘Domestic Supply’, ‘Non-Domestic Supply’ and ‘Generation’ in this CSS is 
provided at the end of the report. 

Ofgem reporting structure

Reporting/operating segments

Activities included in CSS

Activities excluded from CSS

Centrica plc

Energy Supply & Services  
UK Home

Domestic Supply

Home Services

Business Services

UK & Ireland Distributed Energy

North America Distributed Energy

Other Trading

Energy Supply & Services  
UK Business

Non-Domestic Supply

Distributed Energy & Power

Energy Marketing & Trading

Optimisation of Generation

Peaking Plants (Generation)

Central Power Generation

Nuclear (Generation)

Renewables (Generation)

Thermal (Generation)

Out of scope segments:
•  Energy Supply & Services  

North America

•  Energy Supply & Services Ireland
• Connected Home
•  Exploration & Production
• Centrica Storage

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

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Ofgem Consolidated Segmental Statement 

Centrica plc operational reporting structure  
Centrica plc is the ultimate parent company of all 100% owned licensees. The individual supply and generation licences are held in legal 
entities whose licensed activities are reported as part of the Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 within the operating segments 
shown above. The individual supply and generation licences held in subsidiaries, joint ventures or associates of Centrica plc during 2016 
are detailed below: 

Licensee 
British Gas Trading Limited  
Neas Energy Limited (i) 
Centrica Langage Limited 
Centrica SHB Limited  
Centrica Brigg Limited  
Centrica Barry Limited 
Centrica KPS Limited  
Centrica RPS Limited  
Centrica PB Limited  
Centrica KL Limited 
Lincs Wind Farm Limited  
Glens of Foudland Wind Farm Limited (ii) 
Lynn Wind Farm Limited (ii) 
Inner Dowsing Wind Farm Limited (ii) 
EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Limited (iii) 

Licence 
Supply 
Supply 
Generation 
Generation 
Exempt 
Generation 
Generation 
Exempt 
Generation 
Generation 
Generation 
Exempt 
Exempt 
Exempt 
Generation 

Ownership 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
50% Joint venture 
50% Joint venture 
50% Joint venture 
50% Joint venture 
20% Associate 

(i)
(ii)
(iii)

Neas Energy Limited was acquired on 5 October 2016. It holds a supply licence but currently does not supply any UK customers. 

  Centrica plc Group disposed of its 50% share of Glens of Foudland Wind Farm Limited, Lynn Wind Farm Limited and Inner Dowsing Wind Farm Limited on 7 March 2016. 
  The Group holds a 20% investment in Lake Acquisitions Limited which indirectly owns 100% of EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Limited. 

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STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  OFGEM CONSOLIDATED SEGMENTAL STATEMENT 
 
Ofgem Consolidated Segmental Statement 

OFGEM CONSOLIDATED SEGMENTAL STATEMENT 
Year ended 31 December 2016 

Electricity Generation 

Total revenue 
Sales of electricity & gas 
Other revenue 
Total operating  
costs 
Direct fuel costs 
Direct costs 

Network costs 
Environmental  
and social  
obligation costs 
Other direct costs 

Indirect costs 
WACOF/E/G 
EBITDA 
DA 
EBIT 
Volume 
Average customer 
numbers/sites 

£m 

Unit  Nuclear (i)  Thermal (i) 
532.0 
507.3 
24.7 

576.1 
570.1 
6.0 

£m 

£m 

Electricity Supply 

Gas Supply 

Renewables 

Aggregate 
Generation 
Business 

Domestic 

Non-
Domestic 
72.2  1,180.3  3,208.7  1,459.1 
18.2  1,095.6  3,127.7  1,459.1 
– 
54.0 

81.0 

84.7 

Domestic 
4,498.5 
4,420.9 
77.6 

Non- 
Domestic 
538.8 
538.8 
– 

Aggregate 
Supply 
Business 
9,705.1  
9,546.5  
158.6  

£m 

£m 

£m 

£m 

£m 

£m 

£m 

£/MWh, P/th 

£m 

£m 

£m 

TWh, MThms 

(326.9)  (557.5) 
(326.6) 
(180.1) 
(41.8) 

(97.1) 
(209.2) 
(42.1) 

(35.5) 
– 
(18.8) 
(10.2) 

(919.9)  (3,280.6)  (1,448.3)   
(611.0)   
(423.7) 
(655.1)   
(408.1) 
(371.4)   
(94.1) 

(1,206.3) 
(1,510.6) 
(952.4) 

(3,751.6) 
(1,733.7) 
(1,244.4) 
(1,103.4) 

(486.6) 
(271.0) 
(125.7) 
(108.0) 

(8,967.1)  
(3,822.0)  
(3,535.8)  
(2,535.2)  

– 
(167.1) 
(20.6) 
(7.5) 
249.2 
(137.0) 
112.2 
13.0 

(90.8) 
(47.5) 
(50.8) 
(41.3) 
(25.5) 
(25.1) 
(50.6) 
10.1 

– 
(8.6) 
(16.7) 
– 
36.7 
(26.5) 
10.2 
0.5 

(90.8) 
(223.2) 
(88.1) 
N/A 
260.4 
(188.6) 
71.8 
N/A 

(508.0) 
(50.2) 
(563.7) 
(54.6) 
(71.9) 
(54.0) 
(125.9) 
22.1 

(262.5)   
(21.2)   
(182.2)   
(48.5) 
10.8 
(8.9)   
1.9 
12.6 

(94.2) 
(46.8) 
(773.5) 
(48.9) 
746.9 
(68.0) 
678.9 
3,548.7 

– 
(17.7) 
(89.9) 
(50.8) 
52.2 
(4.3) 
47.9 
533.2 

(864.7)  
(135.9)  
(1,609.3)  
N/A  
738.0  
(135.2)  
602.8  
N/A  

‘000s 

N/A 

N/A 

N/A 

N/A  6,341.9 

496.3 

7,992.3 

237.4 

N/A  

 Supply EBIT 
 Supply PAT 
 Supply PAT 

margin 

£m 

margin 

(3.9)% 
(105.3) 
(3.3)% 

0.1% 
1.6 
0.1% 

15.1% 
567.7 
12.6% 

8.9% 
40.5 
7.5% 

6.2%  
504.5  
5.2%  

2015 Summarised CSS 
Year ended 31 December 2015 

Electricity Generation 

Total revenue  
EBIT 

Unit 

£m 

£m 

Nuclear 
(i) 
596.3 
172.9 

Thermal 

(i)  Renewables 

Aggregate 
Generation 
Business 

Domestic  
Domestic  
(ii) 
(ii) 
124.0  1,163.7  3,306.4  1,682.5    4,935.5 
614.6 
8.3 

Non-
Domestic 

(48.8)   

29.5 

84.9 

Electricity Supply 

Gas Supply 

Aggregate 
Supply 
Business 

Non-
Domestic 
677.9  10,602.3   
606.9   

32.8 

443.4 
(117.5) 

Supply EBIT 
Supply PAT 
Supply PAT 

margin 

£m 

margin 

0.3% 
6.7 
0.2% 

(2.9%)   
(38.9)   
(2.3%)   

12.5% 
493.9 
10.0% 

4.8% 
26.1 
3.9% 

5.7%  
487.8  
4.6%  

(i)
(ii)

The Nuclear and Thermal segments represent conventional electricity generation. 
2015 comparatives for Domestic Supply have been restated to remove the performance of Connected Home segment which is now deemed to be a separate business unit and unrelated to 
the licensed Supply business. 2015 comparatives have also been restated between Domestic Electricity Supply and Domestic Gas Supply to reallocate a portion of bad debt charge  
(£7.5 million) to the correct fuel. For Domestic Electricity Supply, Total Revenue has been reduced by £3.0 million, EBIT increased by £13.7 million and PAT increased by £11.2 million.  
For Domestic Gas Supply, Total Revenue has been reduced by £4.1 million, EBIT increased by £34.8 million and PAT increased by £28.4 million.  

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
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Ofgem Consolidated Segmental Statement 

Glossary of terms 
●  ‘WACOF/E/G’ is weighted average cost of fuel (nuclear), electricity (supply) and gas (thermal and supply) calculated by dividing  
direct fuel costs by volumes. For the Thermal sub-segment the cost of carbon emissions is added to direct fuel costs before  
dividing by the generated volume. 

●  ‘EBITDA’ is earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation, and is calculated by subtracting total operating costs  

from revenue. 

●  ‘DA’ is depreciation and amortisation. 
●  ‘EBIT’ is earnings before interest and tax, and is calculated by subtracting total operating costs, depreciation and amortisation  

from total revenue. 

●  ‘Supply EBIT margin’ is a profit margin expressed as a percentage and calculated by dividing EBIT by total revenue and multiplying  

by 100 for the Supply segment. 

●  ‘Supply PAT’ is profit after tax but before interest and is calculated by subtracting Group adjusted tax from EBIT for the Supply 

segment. 

●  ‘Supply PAT margin’ is a profit margin expressed as a percentage and calculated by dividing Supply PAT by total revenue and 

multiplying by 100 for the Supply segment.  

●  ‘Volume’ for Supply is supplier volumes at the meter point (ie net of losses); Generation volume is the volume of power that can  
actually be sold in the wholesale market (ie generation volumes after losses up to the point where power is received under the  
Balancing and Settlement Code but before subsequent losses). 

●  ‘Average customer numbers/sites’ are calculated by adding average monthly customer numbers/sites (as defined in the basis  

of preparation) and dividing by 12.  

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Ofgem Consolidated Segmental Statement 

BUSINESS FUNCTIONS TABLE 
Year ended 31 December 2016 – analysis of business functions (i) 

The table below illustrates where the business functions reside. 

Operates and maintains generation assets 
Responsible for scheduling decisions 
Responsible for interactions with the Balancing Market 
Responsible for determining hedging policy 
Responsible for implementing hedging policy/makes decision to buy and sell energy  
Interacts with wider market participants to buy/sell energy 

Holds unhedged positions (either short or long) 
Procures fuel for generation 
Procures allowances for generation 
Holds volume risk on positions sold (either internal or external) 
Matches own generation with own supply 
Forecasts total system demand 
Forecasts wholesale price 
Forecasts customer demand 
Determines retail pricing and marketing strategies 
Bears shape risk after initial hedge until market allows full hedge 
Bears short-term risk for variance between demand and forecast 

Generation 


 
 

– 
– 
 
 (output)   (demand) 
 (output)   (demand) 
 (market and 
 (bilateral) 
bilateral) 
 
– 
– 
 
 (iii) 
 
 (iv) 
 
 
 
 

Supply  Another part of business 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
 (market and 
bilateral) (ii) 
 (ii) 
– 
– 
– 
 (ii) (iii) 
– 
 (iv) 
– 
– 
– 
– 

 
 
 
 
– 
– 
 (iv) 
– 
– 
 
– 

(i)
(ii)

The table reflects the business functions that impact our UK segments. 
The Group’s Supply and Generation businesses are separately managed. Both businesses independently enter into commodity purchases and sales with the market via Centrica Energy 
Limited (CEL), our market-facing legal entity. CEL forms part of our non-licensed element of Energy Marketing & Trading function and also conducts trading for the purpose of making profits 
in its own right. The Supply segment is also able to enter into market trades directly as part of its within day balancing activities (as well as external bilateral contracts). 

(iii)

  There are a small number of bilateral off-take contracts between wind farm joint ventures and Domestic and Non-Domestic Electricity Supply segments. Other than this small number of 
bilateral contracts, ‘Matches own generation with own supply’ is undertaken in ‘Another part of the business’ (by CEL at market referenced prices), outside of the Generation and Supply 
segments. 

(iv)

  A separate team forecasts the wholesale price for the benefit and use of the entire Group. This team does not formally reside in any particular segment but their costs are recharged across 

the Group.  

Key: 

Function resides and profit/loss recorded in segment. 

 
–   Neither function nor profit/loss reside in segment. 

Glossary of terms 
●  ‘Scheduling decisions’ means the decision to run individual generation units. 
●  ‘Responsible for interactions with the Balancing Market’ means interactions with the Balancing Mechanism in electricity. 
●  ‘Interacts with wider market participants to buy/sell energy’ means the business unit is responsible for interacting with wider market 

participants to buy/sell energy, not the entity responsible for the buy/sell decision itself, which falls under ‘Responsible for implementing 
hedging policy/makes decisions to buy/sell energy’. 

●  ‘Matches own generation with own supply’ means where there is some internal matching of generation and supply before either 

generation or supply interact with the wider market.  

●  ‘Forecasts total system demand’ means forecasting total system electricity demand or total system gas demand. 
●  ‘Forecasts customer demand’ means forecasting the total demand of own supply customers. 
●  ‘Bears shape risk after initial hedge until market allows full hedge’ means the business unit which bears financial risk associated  

with hedges made before the market allows fully shaped hedging. 

●  ‘Bears short-term risk for variance between demand and forecast’ means the business unit which bears financial risk associated  

with too little or too much supply for own customer demand. 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
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Ofgem Consolidated Segmental Statement 

BASIS OF PREPARATION 

The following notes provide a summary of the basis of preparation of the 2016 submission. 

The Ofgem CSS segments our Supply and Generation activities and provides a measure of profitability, weighted average cost of fuel,  
and volumes, in order to increase energy market transparency for consumers and other stakeholders. 

These statements have been prepared by the Directors of Centrica plc and its Licensees in accordance with Standard Condition 16B of 
the Electricity Generation Licences and Standard Condition 19A of the Electricity and Gas Supply Licences and the basis of preparation. 
Throughout the basis of preparation the first paragraph number relates to the generation licence and the second to the supply licence 
conditions respectively.  

The financial data provided has been taken from the relevant licensee’s and affiliate’s financial information for the year ended  
31 December 2016, included in the Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 which have been prepared under IFRS as adopted  
by the EU (in accordance with paragraph 3/19A.3). 

The CSS has been prepared on a going concern basis, as described in the Directors’ Report and note 24(b) in the Centrica plc Annual 
Report and Accounts 2016. 

For the Generation segment, we have included the financial results from all activities that relate to our generation licences. For clarity the 
following judgements have been made: 

●  Where a sub-segment (for example Nuclear, Thermal or Renewables) has undertaken trades to optimise the result of their underlying 
generation (for example through our Energy Marketing & Trading business), the net revenue and result from these trades has been 
included in the CSS sub-segment as they are considered to be related to our generation licences. 

●  The Group has a long-term tolling contract in respect of the Spalding power station, but does not specifically hold the generation 
licence. This arrangement provides the Group with the right to nominate 100% of the plant capacity in return for a mix of capacity 
payments and operating payments. We do not own the power station and the Group does not control the physical dispatch of the 
asset. This contractual arrangement has been accounted for as a finance lease (under IFRS) and therefore the financial result and 
volume has been included in the Thermal sub-segment, within the Generation segment. 

●  Brigg and Roosecote power stations had their licences revoked on 2 July 2015 (at their request) because they no longer required an 

electricity generation licence and are now exempt. Whilst we do not specifically hold a generation licence for these power stations, the 
financial results from these businesses have been included in the Thermal sub-segment and hence within the Generation segment. 
●  The Group has a 20% equity interest in eight nuclear power stations (through its indirect investment in EDF Energy Nuclear Generation 
Limited). Although we do not specifically hold a generation licence for any of the nuclear stations, our gross share of the financial result 
from this business (including any contractual arrangements) has been included in the Nuclear sub-segment and hence within the 
Generation segment. 

●  The Group held equity interests in a number of wind farm joint ventures. Although we do not specifically hold a generation licence for 
any of the wind farms owned by these entities, our gross share of the financial result from these businesses (including any contractual 
arrangements) has been included in the Renewables sub-segment and hence within the Generation segment. 

●  Where power is purchased from third parties (for example from wind farms, power stations or other bilateral arrangements) and we do 

not have an equity interest in, or a finance leasing arrangement (from an IFRS perspective) over the assets that generate this power, the 
result related to these activities is excluded from the Generation segment. In all cases, the Generation segment reports direct fuel costs 
and generation volumes on a consistent basis (if the purchase cost is a direct fuel cost, then the electricity generated is reported in 
volume). 

Domestic Supply represents the revenue and associated costs in supplying gas and electricity to residential customers in the UK.  
Non-Domestic Supply represents the revenue and associated costs in supplying gas and electricity to business customers in the UK. 

As a voluntary disclosure, to aid comparability, a summarised 2015 CSS with margins has been included within the report. The 2015 
comparatives for Domestic Supply have been restated to remove the performance of the Connected Home segment which is now 
deemed to be a separate business unit and unrelated to the licenced supply business. 2015 total revenue has been reduced by  
£7.1 million, EBIT increased by £48.5 million and PAT increased by £39.6 million for Domestic Supply. In addition, 2015 comparatives 
have also been restated to reallocate £7.5 million of bad debt charge from Domestic Gas Supply to Domestic Electricity Supply. 

Revenues 
Revenues, costs and profits of the Licensees have been defined below and prepared in compliance with the Group’s accounting policies 
as detailed in notes 2, 3 and S2 of the Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016, except for joint ventures and associates which are 
presented gross (in accordance with paragraph 4(a)/19A.4(a)). 

●  Revenue from sales of electricity and gas for the Supply segment is recognised on the basis of gas and electricity supplied during the 

year to both domestic and non-domestic customers.  

●  Revenue from sales of electricity and gas includes an assessment of energy supplied to customers between the date of the last meter 
reading and the year end (unread). For the respective Supply segments this means electricity and gas sales. Revenue for domestic 
supply is after deducting dual fuel discounts where applicable, with the discount split evenly between electricity and gas. Government 
mandated social tariffs and discounts, such as the Warm Home Discount, and other social discounts, have also been deducted from 
Domestic Supply revenues directly, charged specifically to each fuel. 

●  Revenue from sales of electricity for the Generation segment is recognised on the basis of power supplied during the year. Power 

purchases and sales entered into to optimise the performance of each of the power Generation segments are presented net within revenue. 

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Ofgem Consolidated Segmental Statement 

BASIS OF PREPARATION 
●  LEC revenues associated with Renewables are included within sales of electricity and gas because the certificates must be sold  

with the electricity. 

●  The financial risks and rewards of owning and using the Group’s power stations reside entirely in the reported Generation segment. 
●  Other respective segmental revenues not related to the sale of gas or power have been separately disclosed. Other revenues include: 
–  £54.0 million (2015: £78.4 million) in Renewables principally relating to the sale of ROCs and services provided to joint ventures; 
–  Nil in Non-Domestic Electricity Supply relating to connections and metering installations (2015: £3.4 million);  
–  £81.0 million (2015: £67.8 million) in Domestic Electricity Supply and £77.6 million (2015: £75.8 million) in Domestic Gas Supply 

primarily relating to New Housing Connections and smart meter installations; and 

–  £24.7 million (2015: £11.3 million) in Thermal principally relating to Supplementary Balancing Reserve (SBR), Short Term Operating 

Reserve (STOR) and Triad revenue. 

Direct fuel costs 
Direct fuel costs for both Generation and Supply include electricity, gas, nuclear fuel and imbalance costs.  

●  Energy supply to Domestic and Non-Domestic energy customers is procured at a market referenced price, through a combination  
of bilateral, OTC and exchange-based trades/contracts (see table below). Where energy is procured from within the Group it is also  
at a market referenced price on an OTC basis (except for a small number of bilateral off-take contracts between wind farm joint 
ventures and the Supply segments) (i). The market referenced prices used are those prevailing at the time of procurement, which  
may differ from the price prevailing at the time of supply. 

●  Domestic and Non-Domestic fixed price products are hedged based upon anticipated demand at the start of the contract period.  

The majority of the gas and power for Non-Domestic energy and Domestic energy tariff products is purchased in advance  
(see table below). 

●  The exact Domestic and Non-Domestic purchasing patterns vary in response to the outlook for commodity markets and  

commercial factors. 

●  The Generation segment purchases gas and sells all of its energy at market referenced prices. Gas for CCGTs is procured at market 
referenced prices through a combination of OTC and exchange based trades/contracts. The cost to the power stations will reflect 
market referenced prices at the time of procurement, and so may differ from the price prevailing at the time of physical supply.  

How we procure electricity, gas and carbon: 

Long form bilateral  
contracts (‘bilateral’) 

Individually negotiated contracts with non-standardised terms and conditions which may relate to size,  
duration or flexibility. Pricing is predominantly indexed to published market referenced prices, adjusted for 
transfer of risks, cost of carry and administration. 

Over-the-counter (‘OTC’)  Broker supported market of standardised products, predominantly performed via screen-based trading.  
These transactions are between two parties, leaving both parties exposed to the other’s default with no 
necessary intermediation of any exchange. An internal OTC price may be provided where market liquidity 
prevents external trading, with prices that are reflective of market conditions at the time of execution.  
Regulated electronic platform (notably ICE, APX, and N2EX) where standardised products are traded on 
exchange through the intermediary of the clearing house which becomes the counterparty to the trade. 
Membership of a clearing house is required which entails posting of cash or collateral as margin.  

Exchange 

WACOF/WACOE/WACOG: 
●  For Generation this represents the weighted average input cost of gas, carbon and nuclear fuel, shown as £/MWh, used by the 

Generation business. Gas for CCGTs is procured at market referenced prices through a combination of OTC and exchange-based 
trades/contracts. The cost to the power stations will reflect market referenced prices at the time of procurement, and so may differ  
from the price prevailing at the time of physical supply.  

●  For Supply this covers the wholesale energy cost, the energy element of reconciliation by difference (RBD) costs and balancing  
and shaping costs incurred by the Supply licensees. Again, gas and electricity is procured at market referenced prices through a 
combination of bilateral, OTC and exchange-based trades/contracts. The cost for the Supply business will reflect market referenced 
prices at the time of procurement, and so may differ from the price prevailing at the time of physical supply. Where gas is procured 
using (predominantly indexed) bilateral contracts, the fuel cost is then allocated between Domestic and Non-Domestic Supply using 
annually updated fixed percentages based on the historical split of tariff book volumes. Gas and Electricity balancing costs are allocated 
between Domestic and Non-Domestic Supply based on their respective volumes multiplied by an appropriate industry referenced  
price (for example APX or SAP). 

●  For electricity Supply the weighted average cost of electricity is shown as £/MWh. For gas Supply, the weighted average cost of gas  

is shown as p/th. 

(i)

Internal power off-take contracts are long-term power and associated renewable certificate sales from Generation owned assets to Domestic and Non-Domestic Electricity Supply.  
Pricing is indexed to published market prices, adjusted for the transfer of risks specific to the asset. 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
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Ofgem Consolidated Segmental Statement 

BASIS OF PREPARATION 
Direct costs 
Direct costs for Supply and Generation are broken down into network costs, environmental and social obligation costs and other  
direct costs.  

●  Network costs for Supply and Generation include transportation costs, BSUOS and the transport element of RBD costs. Supply 
transportation costs include transportation and LNG costs, including £40.8 million incurred by Gas Domestic Supply in 2016,  
which enables the segment to secure supply by giving the ability to bring gas into the UK from overseas (2015: £42.2 million). 
●  Environmental and social obligation costs for Domestic Supply include ROCs, FIT and ECO. Non-Domestic Supply includes the  
cost of LECs, ROCs and FIT. Within the Domestic and Non-Domestic segments, the costs of LECs, FIT and ROCs are included  
within Electricity, and ECO is allocated between Electricity and Gas based on the relevant legislation. Environmental and social 
obligation costs for the Generation segment relate to EU ETS carbon emission costs and carbon tax. 

●  Other direct costs for Generation include employee and maintenance costs.  
●  Other direct costs for Supply include brokers’ costs and sales commissions when the costs have given rise directly to revenue,  

that is, producing a sale. They also include Elexon and Xoserve market participation and wider Smart metering programme costs. 

Indirect costs 
Indirect costs for Supply and Generation include operating costs such as sales and marketing, bad debt costs, costs to serve, IT,  
HR, finance, property, staffing and billing and metering costs (including smart meter costs). 

●  Indirect costs for the Generation, Domestic and Non-Domestic Supply segments (including corporate and business unit recharges)  

are allocated based on relevant drivers which include turnover, headcount, operating profit, net book value of fixed assets and 
proportionate use/benefit. For Supply, indirect costs (including corporate recharges but excluding bad debt costs) are primarily 
allocated between Electricity and Gas on the basis of customer numbers (Domestic) and sites (Non-Domestic). Bad debt costs are 
allocated between Electricity and Gas on the basis of actual bad debt cost by individual contract in the billing system (Domestic),  
and on the basis of revenues (Non-Domestic). 

●  2015 indirect costs for Nuclear (within the Generation segment) included a one-off pension credit of £18.7 million. For 2016 there was 

no such credit.  

Other  
●  For Supply, depreciation and amortisation is allocated between Electricity and Gas on the basis of customer numbers (Domestic)  

and sites (Non-Domestic). 

●  For the purposes of Supply PAT, tax is allocated between Gas and Electricity within both Domestic and Non-Domestic Supply based  
on their relative proportions of EBIT. Note 4(c) of the Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 provides details of the adjusted 
operating profit after tax of the relevant operating segments.  

●  For the Domestic Supply segment, customer numbers are stated based on the number of district meter point reference numbers 

(MPRNs) and meter point administration numbers (MPANs) in our billing system (for gas and electricity respectively), where it shows  
an active point of delivery and a meter installation. As a result, our customer numbers do not include those meter points where a meter 
may recently have been installed but the associated industry registration process has yet to complete, as the meter information will  
not be present in our billing system. 

●  For the Non-Domestic Supply segment, sites are based on the number of distinct MPRNs and MPANs in our billing system for gas  

and electricity respectively. 

Transfer pricing for electricity, gas and generation licensees in accordance with paragraph 4(d)/19A.4(d) 
There are no specific energy supply agreements between the Generation and Supply segments (apart from a small number of bilateral  
off-take (i) contracts between wind farm joint ventures and Domestic and Non-Domestic Electricity Supply segments). 

The Group continues to ensure transfer pricing methodologies are appropriate and up to date. In order to meet this requirement, the 
Group ensured all transfer pricing and cost allocation methodologies were internally reviewed, updated and collated in a central repository. 
Internal Audit performed a limited procedures review of the documentation in January 2015 to give comfort over compliance with the 
Ofgem guidelines, with their next review planned for January 2018.  

(i)

Internal power off-take contracts are long-term power and associated renewable certificate sales from Generation owned assets to Domestic and Non-Domestic Electricity Supply.  
Pricing is indexed to published market prices, adjusted for the transfer of risks specific to the asset. 

212 
212

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  OFGEM CONSOLIDATED SEGMENTAL STATEMENT 
 
 
Ofgem Consolidated Segmental Statement 

BASIS OF PREPARATION  
Treatment of joint ventures and associates 
The share of results of joint ventures and associates for the year ended 31 December 2016 principally arises from the Group’s interests  
in the entities listed on page 206. 

Under paragraph 5 of the Conditions, the information provided in the CSS includes our gross share of revenues, costs, profits and 
volumes of joint ventures and associates. In preparing the CSS, joint ventures and associates (which hold a UK generation licence or 
exemption) are accounted for as follows: 

●  our proportionate share of revenues of joint ventures and associates has been included within revenue; 
●  our proportionate share of the profit before tax of joint ventures and associates has been included within EBIT and EBITDA; and 
●  our proportionate share of the generation volumes of joint ventures and associates has been included within the generation volumes. 

For each of the above items, our share of the income and expenses of the joint ventures or associates has been combined line-by-line 
within the relevant item of the CSS. 

The Supply segment has investments in associates but because the investees’ businesses do not relate to the sale of gas and electricity, 
the share of result (revenue of £0.7 million (2015: £2.0 million), EBIT loss of £0.5 million (2015: £1.0 million loss)) has been included net 
within indirect costs rather than gross, on a line-by-line basis.  

Exceptional items and certain re-measurements 
Mark-to-market adjustments, profits or losses on disposal, restructuring costs, pension past service credits and impairment charges that 
have been identified in the Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 are excluded from the CSS. For further details of excluded 
exceptional items and certain re-measurements see note 7 in the Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016.  

The Nuclear sub-segment result includes a £20.9 million (2015: £19.6 million) profit from the revaluation of contingent valuation rights, 
related to the original acquisition of the Nuclear investment. There has also been an inventory write-down of £5.5 million (2015: nil) and a 
profit on disposal of the Killingholme power station site of £6.4 million (2015: nil) in the Thermal sub-segment. The Generation segment 
includes a net impairment reversal of £1.8 million (2015: £7.3 million charge). These results have been included in the Generation segment 
as they are not exceptional in size, nature or incidence, and do not materially change the Generation result. 

The Non-Domestic Supply segment includes fines of £9.5 million for billing failures and £4.5 million for delays in smart meter roll-outs 
(offset by a £4.0 million provision previously held). These items have been included in the Supply segment as they are not exceptional  
in size and do not materially change the Non-Domestic result. 

A reconciliation of the Segmental Statement revenue, EBIT, depreciation and Supply PAT to the 2016 audited Centrica plc Annual Report 
and Accounts has been included in accordance with paragraphs 4(b) & (c)/19A.4 (b) & (c) and 6/19A.6. 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

213 
213 

 
Ofgem Consolidated Segmental Statement 

RECONCILIATION TO CENTRICA PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 
The reconciliation refers to the segmental analysis of the 2016 Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts in note 4.  

Generation 
segment 
2016 

Domestic 

Non-Domestic 

Electricity 
2016 

Gas 
2016 

Electricity 
2016 

Gas 
2016 

Notes 

Supply segment 

– 
667.2 
161.0 

– 
– 
828.2 

9,252.0 
– 
– 

(1,547.3) 
2.5 
7,707.2 

2,030.5 
– 
– 

(32.6) 
– 
1,997.9 

–  3,208.7  4,498.5 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

685.0 
(708.7) 
(139.1) 

  1,459.1 
– 
– 
– 

538.8 
– 
– 
– 

514.9 

– 
1,180.3  3,208.7  4,498.5 

– 

– 
  1,459.1 

– 
538.8 

– 
75.0 
(25.9) 
– 
49.1 

810.0 
– 
– 
(257.0) 
553.0 

50.0 
– 
– 
(0.2) 
49.8 

– 
26.3 

(125.9) 
– 

678.9 
– 

(3.6) 
71.8 

– 
(125.9) 

– 
678.9 

1.9 
– 

– 
1.9 

47.9 
– 

– 
47.9 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

1 

3 

6 

7 

)

m
£

(

e
u
n
e
v
e
R

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts  
Segmental Analysis (i) 
UK Home/Business 
Central Power Generation 
Distributed Energy & Power (DE&P) 
Less UK Home Services and UK Business Services elements 
Add UK Home Supply intra-segment revenue 

Gas and Electricity allocation 
Include share of JVs and associates 
Exclude intra-segment revenues 
Exclude non-Generation elements of DE&P revenues 

Add Energy Marketing & Trading (EM&T) optimisation of 
generation revenues 
Ofgem Consolidated Segmental Statement 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts  
Segmental Analysis (i) 
UK Home/Business 
Central Power Generation 
Distributed Energy & Power (DE&P) 
Less UK Home Services and UK Business Services elements 

)

m
£

(

I

T
B
E

Gas and Electricity allocation 
Exclude non-Generation elements of DE&P EBIT 

Add Energy Marketing & Trading (EM&T) optimisation of 
generation EBIT 
Ofgem Consolidated Segmental Statement 

214 
214

STRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER  INFORMATIONFINANCIAL STATEMENTS  OFGEM CONSOLIDATED SEGMENTAL STATEMENT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ofgem Consolidated Segmental Statement 

RECONCILIATION TO CENTRICA PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 

)

m
£

(

n
o
i
t
a
s
i
t
r
o
m
a
d
n
a

i

n
o
i
t
a
c
e
r
p
e
D

)

m
£

(

T
A
P

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts  
Segmental Analysis (i) 
UK Home/Business 
Central Power Generation 
Distributed Energy & Power (DE&P) 
Less UK Home Services and UK Business Services elements 

Gas and Electricity allocation 
Include share of JVs and associates depreciation 
Exclude non-Generation elements of DE&P depreciation  

Ofgem Consolidated Segmental Statement 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts  
Segmental Analysis (i) 
UK Home/Business 
Less UK Home Services and UK Business Services elements 

Gas and Electricity allocation 
Ofgem Consolidated Segmental Statement 

Generation 
segment 
2016 

Domestic 

Non-Domestic 

Electricity 
2016 

Gas 
2016 

Electricity 
2016 

Gas 
2016 

Notes 

Supply segment 

– 
(26.8) 
(15.0) 
– 
(41.8) 

– 
(163.2) 
16.4 

(188.6) 

(162.0) 
– 
– 
40.0 
(122.0) 

(13.3) 
– 
– 
0.1 
(13.2) 

(54.0) 
– 
– 

(54.0) 

(68.0) 
– 
– 
(68.0)   

(8.9) 
– 
– 

(8.9) 

(4.3) 
– 
– 

(4.3) 

672.0 
(209.6) 
462.4 

42.3 
(0.2) 
42.1 

(105.3) 
(105.3) 

567.7 
567.7 

1.6 
1.6 

40.5 
40.5 

1 

3 

4 

6 

1 

3 

(i)

The table above reconciles the Generation segment to Central Power Generation and Distributed Energy & Power, the Domestic Supply segment to UK Home and the Non-Domestic Supply 
segment to UK Business in note 4 to the 2016 Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts. Also included in note 4 is a reconciliation to the IFRS compliant statutory result reported by the 
Centrica plc Group. 

Notes: 
1. UK Home includes Home Services and UK Business includes Business Services which are non-licensed activities and have been 

deducted to reconcile these CSS numbers. 

2. UK Home Supply generated revenue of £2.5 million from sales to UK Home Services (EBIT of nil). This revenue is eliminated on 

consolidation when reporting UK Home in the Centrica plc Annual Report but must be added back when reporting UK Home Supply  
in the CSS. 

3. The share of Domestic and Non-Domestic Revenues, Operating Profit (EBIT), Depreciation (including amortisation) and PAT  

(adjusted operating profit after tax) as provided in note 4 of the Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016, has been split  
between Gas and Electricity. 

4. £685.0 million of revenues relating to the Group’s share of joint ventures and associates in Generation are included in the CSS –  

£623.0 million relating to Nuclear revenues and £62.0 million relating to Renewables revenues. £178.1 million of EBIT in the Generation 
segment relates to profit from joint ventures (£166.0 million profit relating to Nuclear and £12.1 million profit relating to Renewables). 
Additionally, costs relating to the Group’s share of joint ventures and associates: £97.1 million direct fuel costs, £228.2 million direct 
costs, £18.4 million indirect costs and £163.2 million depreciation and amortisation are included. The results of joint ventures and 
associates are shown separately in the Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 in notes 6 and 14. 

5. £708.7 million of intra-segment revenues, split £635.9 million between the joint ventures and associates and the Generation segment 

(included in the £685.0 million of joint venture and associate revenues) and £72.8 million between the CPG and EM&T segment (related 
to power station tolls), are excluded from the CSS. 

6. DE&P includes North America and UK & Ireland Distributed Energy. Revenues of £139.1 million, EBIT loss of £26.3 million and 

depreciation of £16.4 million have consequently been excluded from the Generation segment of the CSS. 

7. £514.9 million of revenues and an EBIT loss of £3.6 million relating to Centrica’s EM&T optimisation are included in the Generation 

segment of the CSS. 

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

215 
215 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholder Information

This section provides shareholders with key information 
to assist in the management of their shareholding.

MANAGING YOUR SHARES
Manage your shares online
We actively encourage our shareholders to receive 
communications via email and view documents electronically 
via our website, centrica.com. Receiving communications and 
Company documents electronically saves your Company 
money and reduces our environmental impact.

If you sign up for electronic communications, you will receive an 
email to notify you that new shareholder documents are available 
to view online, including the Annual Report and Accounts and 
Annual Review, on the day they are published. You will also receive 
alerts to let you know that you can cast your AGM vote online.

You can manage your shareholding online by registering for 
Shareview at shareview.co.uk, a free, secure, online site where 
you can access your information and complete a number of 
functions including:

•  viewing information about your shareholding or 

dividend payments;

•  updating your records, including changing your address 

or bank mandate instructions; and

•  appointing a proxy for the AGM.

Centrica FlexiShare
FlexiShare is an easy way to hold Centrica shares without a share 
certificate. Your shares are held by a nominee company, Equiniti 
Financial Services Limited, however, you are able to attend 
and vote at general meetings as if the shares were held in your 
own name. Holding your shares in this way is free and comes 
with a number of benefits:

•  low cost share dealing rates (full details of which are available 

on centrica.com, together with dealing charges);

•  quicker settlement periods for buying and selling shares; and
•  no paper share certificates to lose.

Centrica.com
The Shareholder Centre on our website includes frequently 
asked questions and forms that are available to download to:

•  change your registered address;
•  manage your dividend payments; and
•  elect to join the scrip.

A wealth of other information is also available on our 
website, including:

•  regular updates about our business;
•  financial results;
•  comprehensive share price information;
•  dividend payment dates and amounts;
•  share and dividend history; and
•  the Company’s Articles of Association.

This Annual Report and Accounts can also be viewed online 
by visiting centrica.com/ar16.

General enquiries
Centrica’s share register is administered and maintained by 
Equiniti, our Registrar, whom you can contact directly if you have 
any questions about your shareholding which are not answered 
here or on our website. You can contact Equiniti using the 
following details:

Address: Equiniti, Aspect House, Spencer Road, Lancing, 
West Sussex BN99 6DA United Kingdom

Telephone: 0371 384 2985*  
Outside the UK: +44 (0)121 415 7061

Textphone: 0371 384 2255*  
Outside the UK: +44 (0)121 415 7028

Website: help.shareview.co.uk

* 

Calls to an 03 number cost no more than a national rate call to an 01 or 
02 number. Lines open 8.30 am to 5.30 pm, Monday to Friday (UK time), 
excluding public holidays in England and Wales.

When contacting Equiniti or registering via shareview.co.uk, 
you should have your shareholder reference number at hand. 
This can be found on your share certificate, dividend confirmation 
or any other correspondence you have received from Equiniti.

If you hold less than 2,500 shares you will be able to change 
your registered address or set up a dividend mandate instruction 
over the phone, however, for security reasons, if you hold more 
than 2,500 shares, you will need to put this in writing to Equiniti.

Together with Equiniti, we have introduced an electronic queries 
service to enable our shareholders to manage their investment 
at a convenient time. Details of this service can be found at  
shareview.co.uk.

Duplicate documents
If you receive more than one copy of shareholder documents, 
it is likely that you have multiple accounts on the share register, 
perhaps with a slightly different name or address. To combine 
your shareholdings, please contact Equiniti and provide them 
with your shareholder reference numbers. This also helps us 
to reduce our environmental impact and save paper.

Dividends
Dividends on Centrica shares are usually paid in June 
and November. Details of the dividends for the year ended 
31 December 2016 can be found in note 11 to the 
Financial Statements on page 133.

If you elect to receive cash dividends you are encouraged to 
have your dividends paid directly to your bank or building society 
account. This means that you will receive the money on the day 
it is paid which avoids the risk of your dividend cheque being 
delayed or lost in the post. If you do choose to receive your 
dividends in this way, an annual dividend confirmation will be 
sent to you each year.

If you do not have a UK bank or building society account, Equiniti 
is able to pay dividends in local currencies in over 90 countries. 
For a small fee, you could have your dividends converted from 
sterling and paid into your designated bank account, usually 
within five days of the dividend being paid.

216

FINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSTRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONUnclaimed dividends
We have worked with a specialist tracing agency, ProSearch, 
over a number of years to identify shareholders whose details 
are not up to date and who have outstanding cash entitlements. 
During 2015, we extended the tracing programme to identify 
shareholders and former shareholders who did not take up the 
rights issue undertaken by the Company in December 2008. 
The rights issue was on the basis of three new Ordinary shares 
for every eight existing Ordinary shares held by shareholders at 
the close of business on 14 November 2008. Those shareholders 
whose rights lapsed as they did not take up the option would 
have received a cash payment equivalent to the number of shares 
offered as part of the rights issue. ProSearch will try to contact 
shareholders who have not received their cash entitlement.

To ensure you continue to receive all our communications and 
mailings, please notify Equiniti when your address details change.

American Depositary Receipts (ADR)
We have an ADR programme, trading under the symbol CPYYY. 
Centrica’s ratio is one ADR being equivalent to four ordinary shares. 
Further information is available on our website or please contact:

ADR Depositary
Address: BNY Mellon Shareowner Services  
PO Box 30170, College Station, TX 77842-3170, USA

Email: shrrelations@cpshareownerservices.com

Website: mybnymdr.com

Telephone: +1 888 269 2377 (toll-free in the US)  
Outside the US: +1 201 680 6825

Annual General Meeting 2017 (2017 AGM)
The 2017 AGM will be held on Monday 8 May 2017 at 2.00 pm 
at the QEII Centre, Broad Sanctuary, Westminster, London 
SW1P 3EE. A separate notice convening the meeting is distributed 
to shareholders which includes an explanation of the items of 
business to be considered at the meeting.

Share dealing services
If you wish to buy or sell Centrica shares and hold a share 
certificate, you can do this by using the services of a stockbroker 
or high street bank, or through telephone or online services.

In order to sell your shares in this way, you will need to present 
your share certificate at the time of sale. Alternatively, if you hold 
your shares through FlexiShare, you can buy and sell through 
City House Securities or Equiniti Financial Services Limited. 
Details can be found on centrica.com/investorsShareholder-centre.

ShareGift
If you have a small number of shares and the dealing costs or 
the minimum fee make it uneconomical to sell them, it is possible 
to donate them to ShareGift, a registered charity, who provide 
a free service to enable you to dispose charitably of such shares. 
More information on this service can be found at sharegift.org 
or by calling +44 (0)20 7930 3737.

Capital gains tax (CGT)
The information provided below is primarily for the purpose 
of individual shareholders resident in the UK calculating their 
personal tax liability. Shareholders who are in any doubt as 
to their tax position or who are subject to tax in a jurisdiction 
other than the UK should consult an appropriate 
professional adviser.

Shareholders who held British Gas plc shares at demerger in 
1997 would have received one Centrica share and one BG plc 
(subsequently named BG Group plc, prior to the acquisition 
of BG Group plc by Royal Dutch Shell plc in 2016) share for 
each British Gas plc share held. The base cost distribution  
of British Gas plc shares were allocated between Centrica plc 
and BG plc, 27.053% and 72.947% respectively.

Due to the range of individual circumstances, shareholders are 
advised to contact HM Revenue & Customs or seek independent 
advice when calculating their CGT liability. Further information 
about CGT can be found at gov.uk/tax-sell-shares or on 
our website.

2017 calendar

8 May 2017
Trading Update

AGM  
QEII Centre 
Broad Sanctuary  
Westminster  
London  
SW1P 3EE

8 June 2017  
4.30 pm
Deadline for the receipt 
of scrip election forms  
from shareholders

29 June 2017
Payment date for 
2016 final dividend

12 October 2017
Ex-dividend date for 
2017 interim dividend

13 October 2017
Record date for  
2017 interim dividend

May 2017

Jun 2017

Jul 2017

Aug 2017

Sep 2017

Oct 2017

Nov 2017

Dec 2017

11 May 2017
Ex-dividend date for 
2016 final dividend

12 May 2017
Record date for 
2016 final dividend

17 May 2017
Scrip reference 
share price set

1 August 2017
Half-year results 
announcement

9 November 2017  
4.30 pm
Deadline for the receipt of scrip 
election forms from shareholders

23 November 2017
Trading Update

30 November 2017
Payment date for 2017 
interim dividend

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

217 

Shareholder Information
continued

Shareholder fraud warning
Shareholders are advised to be very wary of any suspicious 
or unsolicited mail or telephone calls in relation to their Centrica 
shares. These may offer to buy shares at a discount, sell your 
shares at a premium or offer a free company report. These 
communications imply a connection with Centrica and are often 
from overseas based ‘brokers’ who are very persuasive and 
extremely persistent, with professional websites to support their 
activities. Such communications are not endorsed by Centrica 
as the Company does not participate in such unsolicited 
communication programmes. The calls should be treated as 
scams and should be reported to the Financial Conduct Authority 
(FCA) so that they can investigate. You are able to do this either 
online at fca.org.uk/consumers/report-scam-unauthorised-firm 
or by calling them on 0300 500 8082* or +44 (0)207 066 1000* 
from outside the UK.

If you do receive telephone calls, emails or letters from Centrica 
or from companies endorsed by Centrica and you are unsure 
if they are legitimate, please contact our shareholder helpline 
for clarification on 0371 384 2985**.

More information can be found on the FCA’s website  
fca.org.uk/consumers/scams and scamsmart.fca.org.uk.

* 

FCA lines open 8.00 am to 6.00 pm, Monday to Friday (UK time), excluding 
public holidays in England and Wales, and 9.00 am to 1.00 pm, Saturday (UK time). 
Calls to an 03 number cost no more than a national rate call to an 01 or 02 number. 

**  Shareholder helpline open 8.30 am to 5.30 pm, Monday to Friday (UK time), 
excluding public holidays in England and Wales. Calls to an 03 number cost 
no more than a national rate call to an 01 or 02 number.

RANGE ANALYSIS OF REGISTER
Breakdown of shareholdings overall

Range

1–500

501–1,000

1,001–5,000

Over 5,001

Total*

Number
of holdings

423,568

88,559

57,614

6,340

576,081

Percentage
of issued
share capital*

1.7%

1.1%

1.9%

95.2%

100%

* 

Excludes shares held in Treasury.

RANGE ANALYSIS OF REGISTER 
Breakdown of shareholdings with over 5,001 shares

Range

5,001–10,000

10,001–50,000

50,001–100,000

100,001–1,000,000

1,000,001–maximum

Total*

* 

Excludes shares held in Treasury.

Number
of holdings

Percentage
of issued
share capital*

3,875

1,494

157

457

357

6,340

0.5%

0.5%

0.2%

3.1%

90.9%

Share distribution

Shareholder communication 
preferences as at 31 December 2016

Shareholder dividend preferences 
for the 2016 interim dividend

Number of shares

Number of holdings

Number of shares

Institutions 

Individuals 

Centrica FlexiShare 

Treasury 

5,063,443,175

Hardcopy Annual Report 

295,871,106

129,215,631

50,833,460

Hardcopy Annual Review 

Notice of Availability 

Electronic communication 

8,664

11,801

531,054

56,073

Scrip dividend reinvestment 

1,148,656,041

Bank mandate 

Cheque 

4,064,969,244

251,963,002

When including Centrica FlexiShare 
holders, individual shareholders equate 
to 99% of the Company’s registered 
shareholders with institutions making up 
the remaining 1%. The 99% of individual 
shareholders hold 7.7% of the Company’s 
issued share capital with institutional 
investors holding 92.3%. These figures 
exclude shares held in Treasury which 
represent 0.9% of the Company’s 
issued share capital.

The Company spends over £189,000 
on postage of its Annual Report and 
Accounts and related documents.

Help us to reduce our costs and to 
reduce our environmental impact by 
signing up now for electronic shareholder 
communications. Register now at 
shareview.co.uk and you will be notified 
as soon as new shareholder documents 
are available online.

If you elect to receive cash dividends 
you are encouraged to have your 
dividends paid directly to your bank 
or building society account. This means 
that you will receive the money on the 
day it is paid which avoids the risk of 
your dividend cheque being delayed 
or lost in the post.

218

FINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSTRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER INFORMATION 
 
 
Additional Information – Explanatory Notes (Unaudited)

DEFINITIONS AND RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED PERFORMANCE MEASURES
Centrica’s 2016 consolidated Group Financial Statements include a number of non-GAAP measures. These measures are chosen as 
they provide additional useful information on business performance and underlying trends. They are also used to measure the Group’s 
performance against its strategic financial framework. They are not however, defined terms under IFRS and may not be comparable 
with similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Where possible they have been reconciled to the statutory equivalents from 
the primary statements (Group Income Statement (‘I/S’), Group Balance Sheet (‘B/S’), Group Cash Flow Statement (‘C/F’)) or the notes 
to the consolidated Group Financial Statements.

Adjusted operating profit, adjusted earnings and adjusted operating cash flow have been defined and reconciled separately in notes 2, 
4 and 10 to the consolidated Group Financial Statements where further explanation of the measures is given. Additional performance 
measures are used to help explain the performance of the Group and these are defined and reconciled below.

Underlying adjusted operating cash flow
Adjusted operating cash flow is the key metric used to assess the cash generating performance of the Group. Underlying adjusted 
operating cash flow makes further adjustments for foreign exchange and the commodity price movements that most impact the Group, 
which are outside its control, along with other material one-off items, to provide a comparable year on year measure of cash generation 
that more closely reflects business performance.

Year ended 31 December

Adjusted operating cash flow

Commodity price – E&P and Nuclear(i)

Foreign exchange movements(ii)

UK Business working capital recovery

Underlying adjusted operating cash flow

4(f)

2016
£m

2,686

–

–

(357)

2,329

2015
£m

2,253

(397)

77

102

2,035

Change

14%

The commodity price adjustment has been calculated by applying the average achieved price in 2016 to production and generation volumes for 2015 net of taxation.
(i) 
(ii)  The foreign exchange movement has been calculated by applying the average 2016 rate to the 2015 adjusted operating cash flow net of taxation of entities with functional 

currencies other than GBP.

Underlying adjusted operating cash flow is adjusted operating cash flow as defined in note 2 and reconciled in note 4(f). It has been 
adjusted for the impacts of commodity price movements on E&P and nuclear assets and foreign exchange movements. It has also been 
adjusted for one-off working capital movements in UK Business. This follows billing performance issues after the implementation of 
a new system in 2014, impacting the Group’s ability to collect cash from customers and therefore its adjusted operating cash flow.  
As a consequence, the working capital movement for UK Business has been removed from underlying adjusted operating cash flow.

E&P free cash flow
Free cash flow is used as an additional cash flow metric for the E&P business due to its asset intensive nature. This metric provides 
a measure of the cash generating performance of the E&P business, taking account of its investment activity.

Year ended 31 December

E&P adjusted operating cash flow

Capital expenditure (including small acquisitions)

Net disposals(i)

Free cash flow

4(f)

2016
£m

655

(518)

29

166

2015
£m

787

(715)

14

86

Change

93%

(i) 

2016 net disposals include Skene and Buckland (see note 12(d)), Trinidad and Tobago Blocks 1a and 1b and some other small E&P asset disposals.

E&P free cash flow is E&P’s adjusted operating cash flow, as defined in note 2 and reconciled in note 4(f), less the business’s capital 
expenditure and net disposals as defined above. Capital expenditure is the net cash flow on capital expenditure and purchases of 
businesses (less than £100 million). Net disposals is the net cash flow from sales of businesses, property, plant and equipment and 
intangible assets, repayments of loans to, and disposals of investments in, joint ventures and associates, net of investments in joint 
ventures and associates.

Centrica plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

219 

Additional Information – Explanatory Notes (Unaudited)
continued

Return on average capital employed (ROACE)
Post-tax ROACE is one of the key performance metrics in the financial framework of the Group and represents the return the Group 
makes from capital employed in its wholly owned assets and its investments in joint ventures and associates.

Year ended 31 December

Adjusted operating profit

Share of joint ventures’/associates’ interest and taxation

Taxation on profit – business performance

Exclude taxation on interest

Return attributable to non-controlling interests

Return

Net assets

Less: non-controlling interests

Less: net retirement benefit obligations

Less: net cash and cash equivalents, bank overdrafts, loans and other borrowings, 
securities and cash posted/(received) as collateral

Less: derivative financial instruments

Less: deferred tax (assets)/liabilities associated with retirement benefit obligations 
and derivative financial instruments

Effect of averaging and other adjustments

Average capital employed

ROACE

4(c)

6(a)

I/S

4(c)

B/S

B/S

22(d)

24(c)

19

16

2016
£m

1,515

(48)

(282)

(120)

5

1,070

2,844

(178)

1,137

3,764

(280)

23

(582)

6,728

16%

2015
£m

1,459

(61)

(286)

(93)

27

1,046

1,342

(164)

119

4,829

592

(417)

2,476

8,777

12%

Change

4ppt

Average capital employed takes the Group’s net assets excluding net debt and deducts the net retirement benefit obligation and other derivative 
financial instruments (together with their associated deferred tax balances) because these represent unrealised positions and therefore do not 
reflect true capital employed. They are also subject to market driven volatility which could materially distort the ROACE calculation.

220

FINANCIAL  STATEMENTSSTRATEGIC  REPORTGOVERNANCESHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGlossary

$

Refers to US dollars unless specified otherwise

2P reserves

Proven and probable reserves

AGR

AIP

Algorithm

AOCF

App vending

bbl

bcf

Advanced gas-cooled reactor

Annual Incentive Plan

A procedure or formula for problem solving, based on a 
sequence of specified actions or a series of steps

Adjusted operating cash flow

Allows Smart Pay-as-you-go customers to vend  
(top-up their meters) via the BG App

Barrels of oil

Billion cubic feet

BSUOS

Balancing services use of system

B2B

B2C

C&I

CCGT

CGU

CHP

CMA

CO2

CO2e

CPI

CRM

CSS

Business-to-business

Business-to-consumer

Commercial and industrial

Combined cycle gas turbine

Cash generating unit

Combined heat and power

Competition and Markets Authority

Carbon dioxide

Universal unit of measurement of the global warming potential 
(GWP) of greenhouse gases (GHG) expressed in terms of the 
GWP of one unit of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent)

Consumer Price Index

Customer relationship management

Consolidated Segmental Statement

Data analytics

Data lake

Data science

DECC

DEEPAC

DRD

DSA

EBT

ECO

EUA

The process of examining data sets to draw conclusions 
and insights about the information they contain

Storage repository that holds a vast amount of raw data

Collective processes that enable the review, analysis and 
extraction of valuable knowledge and information from raw data

Department of Energy and Climate Change

Direct Energy Employee Political Action Committee

Decommissioning Relief Deed

Decommissioning Security Agreement

Employee Benefit Trust

Energy Company Obligation 

European Union allowance (carbon emissions certificate)

EU ETS

European Union Emission Trading Scheme

FCA

FFS

FIT

FVLCD

gCO2/kWh

GDP

GFRMC

HSES

HVAC

IoT

IPIECA

ISA

Financial Conduct Authority

Fixed-fee service

Feed-in tariff

Fair value less costs of disposal

Grammes of carbon dioxide per kilowatt hour

Gross domestic product

Group Financial Risk Management Committee

Health, safety, environment & security

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning

Internet of Things

International Petroleum Industry Environmental 
Conservation Association

International Standards in Auditing

This report is printed on recycled silk papers made from 100% 
pre and post-consumer waste. The paper mills are based in the 
European Union and manufacture papers independently audited 
and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and 
accredited to the Environmental Management System 14001.

Printed by CPI Colour Limited ISO14001, FSC® certified 
and CarbonNeutral®.

Designed and produced by  

KPI

kW

kWe

kWh

LEC

LNG

LTIFR

Key performance indicators

Kilowatt

Kilowatt-electric

Kilowatt hour

Levy Exemption Certificate

Liquefied natural gas

Lost time injury frequency rate

Machine learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) that provides computers with the ability 
to learn, without being programmed

mmboe

mmth

MPAN

MPRN

mtCO2e

MW

MWe

MWh

MWp

NBV

NGO

NLF

nm

NPS

OECD

OTC

PAC

PIE

PPA

PP&E

ppt

PRA

Million barrels of oil equivalent

Million therms

Meter point administration number

Meter point reference number

Million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent

Megawatt

Megawatt-electric

Megawatt hour

Megawatt peak

Net book value

Non-governmental organisation

Nuclear Liabilities Fund

Not measured

Net promoter score

Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development

Over the counter

Political Action Committee

Pensions increase exchange

Power purchase agreement

Property, plant and equipment

Percentage point

Prudential Regulation Authority

Process safety

Process safety is concerned with the prevention of harm to people 
and the environment, or asset damage from major incidents such as 
fires, explosions and accidental releases of hazardous substances

PRT

PWR

QPI

RBD

ROC

RPI

SBR

SBU

Petroleum Revenue Tax

Pressurised water reactor

Qatar Petroleum International

Reconciliation by difference

Renewable Obligation Certificate

Retail Price Index

Supplementary Balancing Reserve

Standard bundled unit

SHESEC

The Safety, Health, Environment, Security and Ethics Committee

SPA

STOR

tCO2e

The Code

T&E

TSR

TWh

VAT

VIU

VPP

WBCSD

WRI

Sale and Purchase Agreement

Short Term Operating Reserve

Tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent

The UK Corporate Governance Code set of principles and 
provisions issued by the Financial Reporting Council

Technology & Engineering

Total shareholder return

Terawatt hour

Value added tax

Value in use

Virtual Power Plant

World Business Council for Sustainable Development

World Resources Institute

Disclaimer
This Annual Report and Accounts does not constitute an invitation to underwrite, 
subscribe for, or otherwise acquire or dispose of any Centrica shares or other securities.

This Annual Report and Accounts contains certain forward-looking statements with respect 
to the financial condition, results, operations and businesses of Centrica plc. These statements 
and forecasts involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on 
circumstances that will occur in the future. There are a number of factors that could cause 
actual results or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these 
forward-looking statements and forecasts.

Past performance is no guide to future performance and persons needing advice should 
consult an independent financial adviser.

CENTRICA PLC

Company registered  
in England and  
Wales No. 3033654

Registered office:  
Millstream  
Maidenhead Road  
Windsor  
Berkshire  
SL4 5GD

centrica.com