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-
K
2019
FORM 10-K
Clearway Energy, Inc.
300 Carnegie Center
Suite 300
Princeton, NJ
08540-6213
clearwayenergy.com
STOCKHOLDER INFORMATION
STOCK TRANSFER AGENT & REGISTRAR
Shareholder correspondence should be mailed to:
Computershare
PO Box 505000
Louisville KY 40233-5000
STOCKHOLDER INQUIRIES
Overnight correspondence should be mailed to:
Computershare
462 South 4th Street Suite 1600
Louisville KY 40202
1 (866) 214-2213
Email: shareholder@computershare.com
Online inquires: www.computershare.com/investor/contact
Website: www.computershare.com/investor
Send certificates for transfers & address changes to:
Computershare
PO Box 505000
Louisville KY 40233-5000
STOCK LISTING
Clearway Energy’s Class A and Class C common stock are listed on the
New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbols CWEN.A and CWEN respectively
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Clearway Energy’s Annual Report Form 10-K Proxy Statement
and other SEC Filings are available at www.clearwayenergy.com
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year ended
December 31, 2019
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Transition period from to .
Commission File Number: 001-36002
Clearway Energy, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
300 Carnegie Center, Suite 300
Princeton
New Jersey
(Address of principal executive offices)
(609) 608-1525
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
46-1777204
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
08540
(Zip Code)
Title of each class
Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01
Trading Symbol(s)
CWEN.A
Name of each exchange on which registered
New York Stock Exchange
Class C Common Stock, par value $0.01
CWEN
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes
No
Indicate by check mark if registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405
of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such
files).
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or
an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth
company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Yes
Large accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any
new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes
No
As of the last business day of the most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the common stock of the registrant held by non-affiliates
was approximately $1,788,899,961 based on the closing sale prices of such shares as reported on the New York Stock Exchange.
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date.
Class
Common Stock, Class A, par value $0.01 per share
Common Stock, Class B, par value $0.01 per share
Common Stock, Class C, par value $0.01 per share
Common Stock, Class D, par value $0.01 per share
Outstanding at January 31, 2020
34,599,645
42,738,750
78,849,651
42,738,750
Documents Incorporated by Reference:
Portions of the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement relating to its 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Index
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
PART I
Item 1 — Business
Item 1A — Risk Factors
Item 1B — Unresolved Staff Comments
Item 2 — Properties
Item 3 — Legal Proceedings
Item 4 — Mine Safety Disclosures
PART II
Item 5 — Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities
Item 6 — Selected Financial Data
Item 7 — Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 7A — Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 8 — Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9 — Changes in Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Item 9A — Controls and Procedures
Item 9B — Other Information
PART III
Item 10 — Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Item 11 — Executive Compensation
Item 12 — Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 13 — Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Item 14 — Principal Accounting Fees and Services
PART IV
Item 15 — Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
EXHIBIT INDEX
Item 16 — Form 10-K Summary
3
7
7
15
35
36
40
40
41
41
42
43
67
69
69
69
72
73
73
76
76
76
76
77
77
137
144
2
When the following terms and abbreviations appear in the text of this report, they have the meanings indicated below:
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
2019 Convertible Notes
2020 Convertible Notes
2024 Senior Notes
2025 Senior Notes
2026 Senior Notes
2028 Senior Notes
Adjusted EBITDA
AOCI
ARO
ARRA
ASC
ASU
$220 million aggregate principal amount of 3.50% convertible notes due 2019, issued by
Clearway Energy, Inc.
$45 million aggregate principal amount of 3.25% Convertible Notes due 2020, issued by
Clearway Energy, Inc.
$500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.375% unsecured senior notes due 2024, issued
by Clearway Energy Operating LLC
$600 million aggregate principal amount of 5.750% unsecured senior notes due 2025, issued
by Clearway Energy Operating LLC
$350 million aggregate principal amount of 5.00% unsecured senior notes due 2026, issued
by Clearway Energy Operating LLC
$600 million aggregate principal amount of 4.75% unsecured senior notes due 2028, issued
by Clearway Energy Operating LLC
A non-GAAP measure, represents EBITDA adjusted for mark-to-market gains or losses,
asset write offs and impairments, and factors which the Company does not consider
indicative of future operating performance
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Asset Retirement Obligation
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
The FASB Accounting Standards Codification, which the FASB established as the source of
authoritative GAAP
Accounting Standards Updates – updates to the ASC
ATM Program
At-The-Market Equity Offering Program
August 2017 Drop Down
Assets
Bankruptcy Code
Bankruptcy Court
The remaining 25% interest in Wind TE Holdco
Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California
Buckthorn Solar Drop Down
Asset
Buckthorn Renewables, LLC, which owns 100% of Buckthorn Solar Portfolio, LLC, which
was acquired by Clearway Energy Operating LLC from NRG on March 30, 2018
CAA
CAFD
Clean Air Act
A non-GAAP measure, Cash Available for Distribution is Adjusted EBITDA plus cash
distributions/return of investment from unconsolidated affiliates, adjustments to reflect CAFD
generated by unconsolidated investments that are not able to distribute project dividends due
to the PG&E Bankruptcy, cash receipts from notes receivable, cash distributions from
noncontrolling interests, less cash distributions to noncontrolling interests, maintenance capital
expenditures, pro-rata Adjusted EBITDA from unconsolidated affiliates, cash interest paid,
income taxes paid, principal amortization of indebtedness, Walnut Creek investment payments,
and changes in prepaid and accrued capacity payments, and adjusted for development expenses
Carlsbad Drop Down
The acquisition by the Company of the Carlsbad Energy Center, a 527 MW natural gas fired
project located in Carlsbad, CA
CEG
Clearway Energy Group LLC (formerly Zephyr Renewables LLC)
CEG Master Services
Agreement
CEG ROFO Agreement
Clearway Energy LLC
Master Services Agreements, entered into as of August 31, 2018, between the Company,
Clearway Energy LLC, Clearway Energy Operating LLC, and CEG
Right of First Offer Agreement, entered into as of August 31, 2018, by and between Clearway
Energy Group LLC and Clearway Energy, Inc., and solely for purposes of Section 2.4, GIP III
Zephyr Acquisition Partners, L.P., as amended by the First Amendment dated February 14,
2019, the Second Amendment dated August 1, 2019 and the Third Amendment dated December
6, 2019
The holding company through which the projects are owned by Clearway Energy Group LLC,
the holder of Class B and Class D units, and Clearway Energy, Inc., the holder of the Class A
and Class C units
Clearway Energy Group LLC
The holder of the Company's Class B and Class D common shares and Clearway Energy LLC's
Class B and Class D units
3
Clearway Energy Operating
LLC
COD
Code
Company
CPUC
CVSR
CVSR Holdco
DGCL
DGPV Holdco 1
DGPV Holdco 2
DGPV Holdco 3
Distributed Solar
Drop Down Assets
Economic Gross Margin
ECP
EPA
EPC
ERCOT
EWG
The holder of the project assets that are owned by Clearway Energy LLC
Commercial Operation Date
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
Clearway Energy, Inc. together with its consolidated subsidiaries
California Public Utilities Commission
California Valley Solar Ranch
CVSR Holdco LLC, the indirect owner of CVSR
Delaware General Corporation Law
DGPV Holdco 1 LLC
DGPV Holdco 2 LLC
DGPV Holdco 3 LLC
Solar power projects, typically less than 20 MW in size, that primarily sell power produced to
customers for usage on site, or are interconnected to sell power into the local distribution grid
Collectively, assets under common control acquired by the Company from NRG from January
1, 2014 through the period ended December 31, 2019
A non-GAAP measure, energy and capacity revenue, less cost of fuels. See Item 7 —
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations —
Management's discussion of the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019
and 2018 for a discussion of this measure.
Energy Center Pittsburgh LLC, a subsidiary of the Company
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Engineering, Procurement and Construction
Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the ISO and the regional reliability coordinator of the
various electricity systems within Texas
Exempt Wholesale Generator
Exchange Act
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
FASB
FERC
FPA
GAAP
GenConn
GHG
GIM
GIP
GIP Transaction
HLBV
IRS
ISO
ITC
kWh
LIBOR
Financial Accounting Standards Board
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Federal Power Act
Accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S.
GenConn Energy LLC
Greenhouse gas
Global Infrastructure Management, LLC
Collectively, Global Infrastructure Partners III-C Intermediate AIV 3, L.P., Global
Infrastructure Partners III-A/B AIV 3, L.P., Global Infrastructure Partners III-C Intermediate
AIV 2, L.P., Global Infrastructure Partners III-C2 Intermediate AIV, L.P. and GIP III Zephyr
Friends & Family, LLC.
On August 31, 2018, NRG transferred its full ownership interest in the Company to Clearway
Energy Group LLC and subsequently sold 100% of its interests in Clearway Energy Group
LLC, which includes NRG's renewable energy development and operations platform, to an
affiliate of GIP. GIP, NRG and the Company also entered into a consent and indemnity
agreement in connection with the purchase and sale agreement, which was signed on February
6, 2018
Hypothetical Liquidation at Book Value
Internal Revenue Service
Independent System Operator, also referred to as an RTO
Investment Tax Credit
Kilowatt Hour
London Inter-Bank Offered Rate
4
March 2017 Drop Down
Assets
(i) Agua Caliente Borrower 2 LLC, which owns a 16% interest (approximately 31% of NRG's
51% interest) in the Agua Caliente solar farm and (ii) NRG's 100% ownership in the Class A
equity interests in the Utah Solar Portfolio (defined below), both acquired by Clearway Energy
Operating LLC on March 27, 2017
MBTA
MMBtu
MW
MWh
MWt
NERC
Migratory Bird Treaty Act
Million British Thermal Units
Megawatt
Saleable megawatt hours, net of internal/parasitic load megawatt-hours
Megawatts Thermal Equivalent
North American Electric Reliability Corporation
Net Exposure
Counterparty credit exposure to Clearway Energy, Inc. net of collateral
NOLs
NOx
NPNS
NRG
NRG Power Marketing
NRG TSA
OECD
OCI/OCL
O&M
PG&E
PG&E Bankruptcy
PJM
PPA
PTC
PUCT
PUHCA
PURPA
QF
RENOM
ROFO
RPS
Net Operating Losses
Nitrogen Oxides
Normal Purchases and Normal Sales
NRG Energy, Inc.
NRG Power Marketing LLC
Transition Services Agreement, entered into as of August 31, 2018, by and between NRG and
the Company
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development
Other comprehensive income/loss
Operations and Maintenance
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
On January 29, 2019, PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company filed voluntary
petitions for relief under the Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern
District of California
PJM Interconnection, LLC
Power Purchase Agreement
Production Tax Credit
Public Utility Commission of Texas
Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005
Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978
Qualifying Facility under PURPA
Clearway Renewable Operation & Maintenance LLC
Right of First Offer
Renewable Portfolio Standards
RPV Holdco
RPV Holdco 1 LLC
RTO
SCE
SEC
Senior Notes
SO2
SPP
Tax Act
Regional Transmission Organization
Southern California Edison
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Collectively, the 2024 Senior Notes, the 2025 Senior Notes, the 2026 Senior Notes and the
2028 Senior Notes
Sulfur Dioxide
Solar Power Partners
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017
Thermal Business
UPMC Thermal Project
The Company's thermal business, which consists of thermal infrastructure assets that provide
steam, hot water and/or chilled water, and in some instances electricity, to commercial
businesses, universities, hospitals and governmental units
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Thermal Project, a 73 MWt district energy system
that allows ECP to provide steam, chilled water and 7.5 MW of emergency backup power
service to UPMC
5
U.S.
U.S. DOE
Utah Solar Portfolio
Utility Scale Solar
United States of America
U.S. Department of Energy
Collection consists of Four Brothers Solar, LLC, Granite Mountain Holdings, LLC, and Iron
Springs Holdings, LLC, which are equity investments owned by Four Brothers Holdings, LLC,
Granite Mountain Renewables, LLC, and Iron Springs Renewables, LLC, respectively, and
are part of the March 2017 Drop Down Assets acquisition that closed on March 27, 2017
Solar power projects, typically 20 MW or greater in size (on an alternating current, or AC,
basis), that are interconnected into the transmission or distribution grid to sell power at a
wholesale level
VaR
VIE
Value at Risk
Variable Interest Entity
Wind TE Holdco
Wind TE Holdco LLC, an 814 net MW portfolio of twelve wind projects
6
Item 1 — Business
General
PART I
Clearway Energy, Inc. together with its consolidated subsidiaries, or the Company, is a publicly-traded energy
infrastructure investor in and owner of modern, sustainable and long-term contracted assets across North America. As of December
31, 2019, GIP indirectly owns approximately 43% of the economic interests in Clearway Energy LLC and approximately 55% of
the voting interests in the Company. GIM is an independent fund manager of funds that invests in infrastructure assets in the
energy, transport and water/waste sectors. The Company is sponsored by GIP through its portfolio company, CEG.
The Company’s environmentally sound asset portfolio includes over 5,875 MW of wind, solar and natural gas-fired power
generation facilities, as well as district energy systems. Through this diversified and contracted portfolio, the Company endeavors
to provide its investors with stable and growing dividend income. The weighted average remaining contract duration of these
offtake agreements, based on CAFD, was approximately 13 years as of December 31, 2019. The Company also owns thermal
infrastructure assets with an aggregate steam and chilled water capacity of 1,530 net MWt and electric generation capacity of 139
net MW. These thermal infrastructure assets provide steam, hot and/or chilled water, and, in some instances, electricity to
commercial businesses, universities, hospitals and governmental units in multiple locations, principally through long-term contracts
or pursuant to rates regulated by state utility commissions.
A complete listing of the Company's interests in facilities, operations and/or projects owned or leased as of December 31,
2019 can be found in Item 2 — Properties.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company Bankruptcy
On January 29, 2019, PG&E filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy
Court for the Northern District of California, or the Bankruptcy Court. Certain subsidiaries of the Company, which hold interests
in 6 solar facilities totaling 480 MW and Marsh Landing with capacity of 720 MW, sell the output of their facilities to PG&E
under long-term PPAs. The Company consolidates three of the solar facilities and Marsh Landing and records its interest in the
other solar facilities as equity method investments. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had $177 million in restricted cash,
$1.4 billion of property, plant and equipment, net, $370 million investments in unconsolidated affiliates and $1.2 billion of
borrowings with final maturity dates ranging from 2023 to 2038 related to these facilities. The related subsidiaries of the Company
are parties to financing agreements consisting of non-recourse project-level debt and, in certain cases, non-recourse holding
company debt. The PG&E Bankruptcy triggered defaults under the PPAs with PG&E and such related project-level financing
agreements. As a result, the Company recorded $1.2 billion of principal, net of the related unamortized debt issuance costs, as
short-term debt as of December 31, 2019.
On September 9, 2019, PG&E filed a Chapter 11 plan of reorganization, or the PG&E Plan, which would provide for
PG&E to assume all of its PPAs with the Company. On October 17, 2019, an ad hoc group of senior noteholders filed a competing
plan of reorganization, which would also provide for PG&E to assume all of its PPAs with the Company.
On January 22, 2020, PG&E announced it had reached an agreement with a group of senior noteholders, and on January
31, 2020, the PG&E Plan was amended to provide for the eventual implementation of such settlement. On February 4, 2020, the
Bankruptcy Court approved such settlement, and the noteholders have accordingly agreed to support the PG&E Plan. On February
5, 2020, the noteholders caused the ad hoc noteholder plan to be withdrawn. There are many conditions that must be satisfied
before the PG&E Plan and assumption of the PPAs can become effective, including but not limited to approvals by various classes
of creditors, the Bankruptcy Court, and the CPUC. A hearing before the Bankruptcy Court to consider whether the PG&E Plan
will be approved and confirmed is currently expected to occur on May 27, 2020.
As of March 2, 2020, the Company's contracts with PG&E have operated in the normal course and the Company currently
expects these contracts to continue as such. As of March 2, 2020, the Company has entered into forbearance agreements for certain
project-level financing arrangements and continues to seek forbearance agreements for its other project-level financing
arrangements affected by the PG&E Bankruptcy. The Company continues to assess the potential future impacts of the PG&E
Bankruptcy as events occur.
7
History
The Company was formed by NRG as a Delaware corporation on December 20, 2012. On August 31, 2018, NRG
transferred its full ownership interest in the Company to CEG, the holder of NRG's renewable energy development and operations
platform, and subsequently sold 100% of its interest in CEG to GIP, referred to hereinafter as the GIP Transaction.
The Company is the sole managing member of Clearway Energy LLC and operates and controls all of its business and
affairs and consolidates the financial results of Clearway Energy LLC and its subsidiaries. Clearway Energy LLC is a holding
company for the companies that directly and indirectly own and operate the Company's assets.
The Company sold a total of 5,405,405 shares of Class C common stock for net proceeds of $100 million during 2019.
As a result of the Class C common stock issuance, the Company owns 57.01% of the economic interests of Clearway Energy LLC,
with CEG retaining 42.99% of the economic interests of Clearway Energy LLC as of December 31, 2019. As a result of the current
ownership of the Class B common stock and Class D common stock, CEG controls the Company, and the Company in turn, as
the sole managing member of Clearway Energy LLC, controls Clearway Energy LLC and its subsidiaries.
The diagram below depicts the Company’s organizational structure as of December 31, 2019:
8
Business Strategy
The Company's primary business strategy is to focus on the acquisition and ownership of assets with predictable, long-
term cash flows in order that it may be able to increase the cash dividends paid to holders of the Company's Class A and Class C
common stock over time without compromising the ongoing stability of the business.
The Company's plan for executing its business strategy includes the following key components:
Focus on contracted renewable energy and conventional generation and thermal infrastructure assets. The Company
owns and operates utility scale and distributed renewable energy and natural gas-fired generation, thermal and other infrastructure
assets with proven technologies, low operating risks and stable cash flows. The Company believes by focusing on this core asset
class and leveraging its industry knowledge, it will maximize its strategic opportunities, be a leader in operational efficiency and
maximize its overall financial performance.
Growing the business through acquisitions of contracted operating assets. The Company believes that its base of
operations provides a platform in the conventional and renewable power generation and thermal sectors for strategic growth through
cash accretive and tax advantaged acquisitions complementary to its existing portfolio. In addition to acquiring renewable
generation, conventional generation and thermal infrastructure assets from third parties where the Company believes its knowledge
of the market and operating expertise provides it with a competitive advantage, the Company entered into the CEG ROFO
Agreement. Under the CEG ROFO Agreement, CEG has granted the Company and its affiliates a right of first offer on any
proposed sale, transfer or other disposition of certain assets of CEG, or the CEG ROFO Assets, until August 31, 2023. CEG is not
obligated to sell the remaining CEG ROFO Assets to the Company and, if offered by CEG, the Company cannot be sure whether
these assets will be offered on acceptable terms, or that the Company will choose to consummate such acquisitions. The assets
listed below represent the Company's currently committed investments in projects with CEG and the CEG ROFO Assets:
Committed Investments with CEG
Asset
$33 MM remaining in distributed and community solar
partnerships(a)
Technology
Net Capacity (MW)
State
COD
PV
N/A
Various
Various
Clearway Energy Group ROFO
Asset
Mililani I
Waiawa
Langford
Up to $170 MM equity investment in business renewables
Rattlesnake(b)
Black Rock
Wildflower
Pinnacle Repowering
Technology
Net Capacity (MW)
State
COD
PV
PV
Wind
PV
Wind
Wind
Solar
Wind
39
36
150
TBD
144
110
100
55
HI
HI
TX
Various
WA
WV
MS
WV
2021
2021
2009
TBD
2020
2021
2022
2020
(a) On December 26, 2018, the Company and CEG amended the DGPV Holdco 3 partnership agreement to increase the capital commitment of $50 million to
$70 million.
(b) On January 8, 2020, CEG offered the Company the opportunity to acquire 100% of the equity interests in Rattlesnake.
Primary focus on North America. The Company intends to primarily focus its investments in North America
(including the unincorporated territories of the U.S.). The Company believes that industry fundamentals in North America
present it with significant opportunity to acquire renewable, natural gas-fired generation and thermal infrastructure assets,
without creating significant exposure to currency and sovereign risk. By primarily focusing its efforts on North America, the
Company believes it will best leverage its regional knowledge of power markets, industry relationships and skill sets to
maximize the performance of the Company.
Maintain sound financial practices to grow the dividend. The Company intends to maintain a commitment to disciplined
financial analysis and a balanced capital structure to enable it to increase its quarterly dividend over time and serve the long-term
interests of its stockholders. The Company's financial practices include a risk and credit policy focused on transacting with
creditworthy counterparties; a financing policy, which focuses on seeking an optimal capital structure through various capital
formation alternatives to minimize interest rate and refinancing risks, ensure stable long-term dividends and maximize value; and
9
a dividend policy that is based on distributing a significant portion of CAFD each quarter that the Company receives from Clearway
Energy LLC, subject to available capital, market conditions and compliance with associated laws, regulations and other contractual
obligations. The Company intends to evaluate various alternatives for financing future acquisitions and refinancing of existing
project-level debt, in each case, to reduce the cost of debt, extend maturities and maximize CAFD. The Company believes it has
additional flexibility to seek alternative financing arrangements, including, but not limited to, debt financings and equity-like
instruments.
Competition
Power generation is a capital-intensive business with numerous and diverse industry participants. The Company competes
on the basis of the location of its plants and on the basis of contract price and terms of individual projects. Within the power
industry, there is a wide variation in terms of the capabilities, resources, nature and identity of the companies with whom the
Company competes depending on the market. Competitors for energy supply are utilities, independent power producers and other
providers of distributed generation. The Company also competes to acquire new projects with renewable developers who retain
renewable power plant ownership, independent power producers, financial investors and other dividend, growth-oriented
companies. Competitive conditions may be substantially affected by capital market conditions and by various forms of energy
legislation and regulation considered by federal, state and local legislatures and administrative agencies, including tax policy.
Such laws and regulations may substantially increase the costs of acquiring, constructing and operating projects, and it could be
difficult for the Company to adapt to and operate under such laws and regulations.
The Company's Thermal Business has certain cost efficiencies that may form barriers to entry. Generally, there is only
one district energy system in a given territory, for which the only competition comes from on-site systems. While the district
energy system can usually make an effective case for the efficiency of its services, some building owners nonetheless may opt for
on-site systems, either due to corporate policies regarding allocation of capital, unique situations where an on-site system might
in fact prove more efficient or because of previously committed capital in systems that are already on-site. Growth in existing
district energy systems generally comes from new building construction or existing building conversions within the service territory
of the district energy provider.
Competitive Strengths
Stable, high quality cash flows. The Company's facilities have a stable, predictable cash flow profile consisting of
predominantly long-life electric generation assets that sell electricity under long-term fixed priced contracts or pursuant to regulated
rates with investment grade and certain other creditworthy counterparties. As discussed above, PG&E, one of the Company's
significant customers, filed for bankruptcy on January 29, 2019. The Company's facilities have minimal fuel risk. For the
Company's conventional assets, fuel is provided by the toll counterparty or the cost thereof is a pass-through cost under the Contract
for Differences. Renewable facilities have no fuel costs, and most of the Company's thermal infrastructure assets have contractual
or regulatory tariff mechanisms for fuel cost recovery. The offtake agreements for the Company's conventional and renewable
generation facilities have a weighted-average remaining duration, based on CAFD, of approximately 13 years as of December 31,
2019, providing long-term cash flow stability. The Company's generation offtake agreements with counterparties for whom credit
ratings are available have a weighted-average Moody’s rating of Ba1 based on rated capacity under contract. All of the Company's
assets are in the U.S. and accordingly have no currency or repatriation risks.
High quality, long-lived assets with low operating and capital requirements. The Company benefits from a portfolio
of relatively younger assets, other than thermal infrastructure assets. The Company's assets are comprised of proven and reliable
technologies, provided by leading original solar and wind equipment manufacturers such as General Electric, Siemens AG,
SunPower Corporation, or SunPower, First Solar Inc., or First Solar, Vestas, Suzlon and Mitsubishi. Given the modern nature of
the portfolio, which includes a substantial number of relatively low operating and maintenance cost solar and wind generation
assets, the Company expects to achieve high fleet availability and expend modest maintenance-related capital expenditures.
Significant scale and diversity. The Company owns and operates a large and diverse portfolio of contracted electric
generation and thermal infrastructure assets. As of December 31, 2019, the Company's 5,875 net MW contracted generation
portfolio benefits from significant diversification in terms of technology, fuel type, counterparty and geography. The Company's
Thermal Business consists of thirteen operations, seven of which are district energy centers that provide steam and chilled water
to approximately 700 customers, and six of which provide generation. The Company believes its scale and access to best practices
across the fleet improves its business development opportunities through enhanced industry relationships, reputation and
understanding of regional power market dynamics. Furthermore, the Company's diversification reduces its operating risk profile
and reliance on any single market.
10
Relationship with GIP and CEG. The Company believes that its relationship with GIP and CEG provides significant
benefits. GIM, the manager of GIP, is an independent infrastructure fund manager that invests in infrastructure assets and businesses
in both OECD and select emerging market countries. GIM has a strong track record of investment and value creation in the
renewable energy sector. GIM also has extensive experience with publicly traded yield vehicles and development platforms,
ranging from Europe's first application of a yield company/development company model to the largest renewable platform in Asia-
Pacific. Additionally, the Company believes that CEG provides the Company access to a highly capable renewable development
and operations platform that is aligned to support the Company's growth.
Environmentally well-positioned portfolio of assets. The Company's portfolio of electric generation assets consists of
3,403 net MW of renewable generation capacity that are non-emitting sources of power generation. The Company's conventional
assets consist of the dual fuel-fired GenConn assets as well as the Carlsbad, Marsh Landing and Walnut Creek simple cycle natural
gas-fired peaking generation facilities and the El Segundo combined cycle natural gas-fired peaking facility. The Company does
not anticipate having to expend any significant capital expenditures in the foreseeable future to comply with current environmental
regulations applicable to its generation assets. Taken as a whole, the Company believes its strategy will be a net beneficiary of
current and potential environmental legislation and regulatory requirements that may serve as a catalyst for capacity retirements
and improve market opportunities for environmentally well-positioned assets like the Company's assets once its current offtake
agreements expire.
Thermal infrastructure business has high entry costs. Significant capital has been invested to construct the Company's
thermal infrastructure assets, serving as a barrier to entry in the markets in which such assets operate. As of December 31, 2019,
the Company's thermal gross property, plant, and equipment was approximately $648 million. The Company's thermal district
energy centers are located in urban city areas, with the chilled water and steam delivery systems located underground. Constructing
underground delivery systems in urban areas requires long lead times for permitting, rights of way and inspections and is costly.
By contrast, the incremental cost to add new customers in existing markets is relatively low. Once thermal infrastructure is
established, the Company believes it has the ability to retain customers over long periods of time and to compete effectively for
additional business against stand-alone on-site heating and cooling generation facilities. Installation of stand-alone equipment
can require significant modification to a building as well as significant space for equipment and funding for capital expenditures.
The Company's system technologies often provide economies of scale in terms of fuel procurement, ability to switch between
multiple types of fuel to generate thermal energy, and fuel conversion efficiency.
Segment Review
The following tables summarize the Company's operating revenues, net income (loss) and assets by segment for the years
ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, as discussed in Item 15 — Note 13, Segment Reporting, to the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
Year ended December 31, 2019
(In millions)
Operating revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Conventional
Generation
346
Renewables
485
$
Thermal
Corporate
Total
$
201
$
— $
Net income (loss). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
135
2,753
(104)
6,186
(5)
633
(122)
128
1,032
(96)
9,700
(In millions)
Operating revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Conventional
Generation
337
Renewables
523
$
$
Net income (loss). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
135
1,788
86
5,836
Thermal
Corporate
Total
193
29
516
$
— $
(196)
360
1,053
54
8,500
Year ended December 31, 2018
(In millions)
Operating revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Conventional
Generation
336
Renewables
501
$
Thermal
Corporate
Total
$
172
$
— $
1,009
Net income (loss). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
120
8
25
(177)
(24)
Year ended December 31, 2017
Policy Incentives
Policy incentives in the U.S. have the effect of making the development of renewable energy projects more competitive
by providing credits and other tax benefits for a portion of the development costs. A loss of or reduction in such incentives could
11
decrease the attractiveness of renewable energy projects to developers, including CEG, which could reduce the Company's future
acquisition opportunities. Such a loss or reduction could also reduce the Company's willingness to pursue or develop certain
renewable energy projects due to higher operating costs or decreased revenues under its PPAs.
U.S. federal, state and local governments have established various incentives to support the development of renewable
energy projects. These incentives include accelerated tax depreciation, PTCs, ITCs, cash grants, tax abatements and RPS programs.
Pursuant to the U.S. federal Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System, or MACRS, wind and solar projects are fully depreciated
for tax purposes over a five-year period even though the useful life of such projects is generally much longer than five years. The
Tax Act also provides the ability for wind and solar projects to claim immediate expensing for property acquired and placed in
service after September 27, 2017, and before January 1, 2023.
Owners of utility-scale wind facilities are eligible to claim an income tax credit (the PTC, or an ITC in lieu of the PTC)
upon initially achieving commercial operation. The PTC is determined based on the amount of electricity produced by the wind
facility during the first ten years of commercial operation. This incentive was created under the Energy Policy Act of 1992 and
has been extended several times. Alternatively, an ITC equal to a percentage of the cost of a wind facility may be claimed in lieu
of the PTC. In order to qualify for the PTC (or ITC in lieu of the PTC), construction of a wind facility must begin before a specified
date and the taxpayer must maintain a continuous program of construction or continuous efforts to advance the project to completion.
The Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, issued guidance stating that the safe harbor for continuous efforts and continuous construction
requirements will generally be satisfied if the facility is placed in service no more than four years after the year in which construction
of the facility began. The IRS also confirmed that retrofitted wind facilities may re-qualify for PTCs or ITCs pursuant to the
beginning construction requirement, as long as the cost basis of the new investment is at least 80% of the facility’s total fair value.
Owners of solar projects are eligible to claim an ITC for new solar projects. Tax credits for qualifying wind and solar
projects are subject to the following phase-down schedule.
Year construction of project begins
PTC(a)
Wind ITC
Solar ITC(b)
2017
2016
2015
100 % 100 %
30 %
30 %
30 %
30 %
2018
60 %
18 %
30 %
2019
40 %
12 %
30 %
2020
60 %
18 %
26 %
2021
2022
0
0
22 %
0
0
10 %
80 %
24 %
30 %
(a) Percentage of the full PTC available for wind projects that begin construction during the applicable year.
(b) ITC is limited to 10% for projects not placed in service before January 1, 2024.
RPS, currently in place in certain states and territories, require electricity providers in the state or territory to meet a
certain percentage of their retail sales with energy from renewable sources. Additionally, other states in the U.S. have set renewable
energy goals to reduce GHG emissions from historic levels. The Company believes that these standards and goals will create
incremental demand for renewable energy in the future.
Regulatory Matters
As owners of power plants and participants in wholesale and thermal energy markets, certain of the Company's subsidiaries
are subject to regulation by various federal and state government agencies. These agencies include FERC and the PUCT, as well
as other public utility commissions in certain states where the Company's assets are located. Each of the Company's U.S. generating
facilities qualifies as an EWG or QF. In addition, the Company is subject to the market rules, procedures and protocols of the
various ISO and RTO markets in which it participates. Likewise, certain of the Company's subsidiaries must also comply with
the mandatory reliability requirements imposed by NERC and the regional reliability entities in the regions where the Company
has generating facilities subject to NERC's reliability authority. The Company's operations within the ERCOT footprint are not
subject to rate regulation by FERC, as they are deemed to operate solely within the ERCOT market and not in interstate commerce.
These operations are subject to regulation by PUCT.
12
FERC
FERC, among other things, regulates the transmission and the wholesale sale of electricity in interstate commerce under
the authority of the FPA. The transmission and sale of electric energy occurring wholly within ERCOT is not subject to FERC’s
jurisdiction. Under existing regulations, FERC has the authority to determine whether an entity owning a generation facility is
an EWG, as defined in the PUHCA. FERC also has the authority to determine whether a generation facility meets the applicable
criteria of a QF under the PURPA. Each of the Company’s generating facilities qualifies as either an EWG or QF.
The FPA gives FERC exclusive rate-making jurisdiction over the wholesale sale of electricity and transmission of
electricity in interstate commerce of public utilities (as defined by the FPA). Under the FPA, FERC, with certain exceptions,
regulates owners and operators of facilities used for the wholesale sale of electricity or transmission in interstate commerce as
public utilities, and is charged with ensuring that market rules that are just and reasonable.
Public utilities are required to obtain FERC’s acceptance, pursuant to Section 205 of the FPA, of their rate schedules for
the wholesale sale of electricity. All of the Company’s non-QF generating entities located outside of ERCOT make sales of
electricity pursuant to market-based rates, as opposed to traditional cost-of-service regulated rates. FERC conducts a review of
the market-based rates of Company public utilities and potential market power every three years according to a regional schedule
established by FERC.
In accordance with the Energy Policy Act of 2005, FERC has approved the NERC as the national Energy Reliability
Organization, or ERO. As the ERO, NERC is responsible for the development and enforcement of mandatory reliability standards
for the wholesale electric power system. In addition to complying with NERC requirements, each entity must comply with the
requirements of the regional reliability entity for the region in which it is located.
The PURPA was passed in 1978 in large part to promote increased energy efficiency and development of independent
power producers. The PURPA created QFs to further both goals, and FERC is primarily charged with administering the PURPA
as it applies to QFs. QFs are exempt from certain regulations under the FPA.
The PUHCA provides FERC with certain authority over and access to books and records of public utility holding companies
not otherwise exempt by virtue of their ownership of EWGs, QFs, and Foreign Utility Companies. The Company is exempt from
many of the accounting, record retention, and reporting requirements of the PUHCA.
Environmental Matters
The Company is subject to a wide range of environmental laws during the development, construction, ownership and
operation of facilities. These existing and future laws generally require that governmental permits and approvals be obtained
before construction and maintained during operation of facilities. The Company is obligated to comply with all environmental
laws and regulations applicable within each jurisdiction and required to implement environmental programs and procedures to
monitor and control risks associated with the construction, operation and decommissioning of regulated or permitted energy assets.
Federal and state environmental laws have historically become more stringent over time, although this trend could change in the
future.
A number of regulations that may affect the Company are under review, including the publishing of the Affordable Clean
Energy (ACE) rule and state analogs to MBTA requirements for incidental take. The Company will evaluate the impact of these
regulations as they are revised but cannot fully predict the impact of each until anticipated revisions and legal challenges are
resolved. To the extent the regulations restrict or otherwise impact the Company's operations, the regulations could have a negative
impact on the Company's financial performance.
Clean Air Act
Affordable Clean Energy — The attention in recent years on GHG emissions has resulted in federal regulations and state
legislative and regulatory action. In 2015, the EPA finalized the Clean Power Plan (CPP) which addressed GHG emissions from
existing electric utility steam generating units. The CPP was challenged in court and in 2016 the U.S. Supreme Court stayed the
CPP. In 2018, the EPA published the proposed ACE rule to replace the CPP. The ACE rule establishes emission guidelines for
states to develop plans to address greenhouse gas emissions from existing power plants. The ACE rule also reinforces the states’
broad discretion in establishing and applying emissions standards to new emission sources. The ACE rule is currently being litigated
in the D.C. Circuit.
13
Migratory Bird Treaty Act
In 2019, Senator Lowenthal of New York developed a draft bill — the Migratory Bird Protection Act of 2019 — to
reinstate the interpretation that incidental take is prohibited under the MBTA, overriding the recent Trump-administration Solicitor’s
Opinion M-37050 that held the MBTA only applies to intentional takings. The draft bill also develops a general permitting program
that covers incidental take of migratory birds. To the extent that renewable energy takes migratory birds, it typically is incidental
to its operations.
In 2019, Assembly Member Kalra introduced AB 454 to protect migratory bird species in California. This new bill was
intended to backstop the MBTA. The bill, which sunsets on January 20, 2025, makes it unlawful to take or possess any migratory
bird in California except as provided by pre-2017 federal guidance. The bill was approved by the State Legislature and signed into
law by Governor Newsom in October 2019.
Customers
The Company sells its electricity and environmental attributes, including RECs, primarily to local utilities under long-
term, fixed-price PPAs. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company derived approximately 40% of its consolidated
revenue from Southern California Edison, or SCE, and approximately 22% of its consolidated revenue from PG&E. See Pacific
Gas and Electric Company Bankruptcy within this Item 1, Business and "Risks Related to the PG&E Bankruptcy" found in Item
1A, Risk Factors, to this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding the PG&E Bankruptcy.
Employees
As of December 31, 2019, the Company had 307 employees.
Available Information
The Company's annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and
amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act are available free of charge
through the "Investor Relations" section of the Company's website, www.clearwayenergy.com, as soon as reasonably practicable
after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. The Company also routinely posts press releases, presentations,
webcasts, and other information regarding the Company on its website. The information posted on the Company's website is not
a part of this report.
14
Item 1A — Risk Factors
Risks related to the PG&E Bankruptcy
The PG&E Bankruptcy could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
On January 29, 2019, PG&E filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy
Court for the Northern District of California, or the Bankruptcy Court. PG&E is one of the Company's largest customers, representing
approximately 22% of the Company's consolidated operating revenues during the year ended December 31, 2019 and 14% of total
accounts receivable as of December 31, 2019. Certain subsidiaries of the Company, which hold interests in six solar facilities
totaling 480 MW and Marsh Landing with capacity of 720 MW, sell the output of their facilities to PG&E under long-term PPAs.
The Company consolidates three of the solar facilities and Marsh Landing, and records its interest in the other solar facilities as
equity method investments. Most of the PPAs with PG&E have contract prices that are higher than currently estimated market
prices. These contracts are subject to review by the Bankruptcy Court.
On September 9, 2019, PG&E filed a Chapter 11 plan of reorganization, or the PG&E Plan, which would provide for
PG&E to assume all of its PPAs with the Company. On October 17, 2019, an ad hoc group of senior noteholders filed a competing
plan of reorganization, which would also provide for PG&E to assume all of its PPAs with the Company.
On January 22, 2020, PG&E announced it had reached an agreement with a group of senior noteholders, and on January
31, 2020, the PG&E Plan was amended to provide for the eventual implementation of such settlement. On February 4, 2020, the
Bankruptcy Court approved such settlement, and the noteholders have accordingly agreed to support the PG&E Plan. On February
5, 2020, the noteholders caused the ad hoc noteholder plan to be withdrawn. There are many conditions that must be satisfied
before the PG&E Plan and assumption of the PPAs can become effective, including but not limited to approvals by various classes
of creditors, the Bankruptcy Court, and the CPUC. A hearing before the Bankruptcy Court to consider whether the PG&E Plan
will be approved and confirmed is currently expected to occur on May 27, 2020.
Although the PG&E Bankruptcy filing triggered defaults under the PPAs with the PG&E and under the related financing
agreements for each respective facility, as of March 2, 2020, the Company's contracts with PG&E have operated in the normal
course and the Company currently expects these contracts to continue as such. As of March 2, 2020, the Company has entered
into forbearance agreements for certain project-level financing arrangements and continues to seek forbearance agreements for
its other project-level financing arrangements affected by the PG&E Bankruptcy. The Company continues to assess the potential
future impacts of the PG&E Bankruptcy as events occur. For further discussion, see Item 15 — Note 10, Long-term Debt.
If PG&E does not have the financial means or refuses to pay the amounts owing to the Company under the PPAs, and if
the Company cannot recover the amounts owed through other means, the Company may be required to write-off all, or a portion
of, any outstanding accounts receivable, and to impair its fixed assets. Any such results would adversely affect the Company's
financial results.
The Company continues to assess the potential future impacts of the PG&E Bankruptcy on the Company’s operations.
The realization of any of the above risks could significantly and adversely affect the Company's ability to meet its financial
expectations, its financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows, its ability to make distributions to its stockholders, the
market price of its common stock, and its ability to satisfy its debt service obligations.
Counterparties to the Company's offtake agreements may not fulfill their obligations and, as the contracts expire, the Company
may not be able to replace them with agreements on similar terms in light of increasing competition in the markets in which
the Company operates.
A significant portion of the electric power the Company generates is sold under long-term offtake agreements with public
utilities or industrial or commercial end-users, with a weighted average remaining duration, based on CAFD, of approximately
13 years. As of December 31, 2019, the largest customers of the Company's power generation assets, including assets in which
the Company has less than a 100% membership interest, were SCE and PG&E, which represented 40% and 22%, respectively, of
total consolidated revenues generated by the Company during the year ended December 31, 2019. As previously noted, on January
29, 2019, PG&E filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.
If, for any reason, any of the purchasers of power under these agreements, including PG&E as a result of the PG&E
Bankruptcy, are unable or unwilling to fulfill their related contractual obligations or if they refuse to accept delivery of power
delivered thereunder or if they otherwise terminate such agreements prior to the expiration thereof, the Company's assets, liabilities,
business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected. Furthermore, to the
extent any of the Company's power purchasers are, or are controlled by, governmental entities, the Company's facilities may be
subject to legislative or other political action that may impair their contractual performance.
15
The power generation industry is characterized by intense competition and the Company's electric generation assets
encounter competition from utilities, industrial companies and other independent power producers, in particular with respect to
uncontracted output. In recent years, there has been increasing competition among generators for offtake agreements and this has
contributed to a reduction in electricity prices in certain markets characterized by excess supply above designated reserve margins.
In light of these market conditions, the Company may not be able to replace an expiring or terminated agreement with an agreement
on equivalent terms and conditions, including at prices that permit operation of the related facility on a profitable basis. In addition,
the Company believes many of its competitors have well-established relationships with the Company's current and potential
suppliers, lenders and customers, and have extensive knowledge of its target markets. As a result, these competitors may be able
to respond more quickly to evolving industry standards and changing customer requirements than the Company will be able to.
Adoption of technology more advanced than the Company's could reduce its competitors' power production costs resulting in their
having a lower cost structure than is achievable with the technologies currently employed by the Company and adversely affect
its ability to compete for offtake agreement renewals. If the Company is unable to replace an expiring or terminated offtake
agreement, the affected facility may temporarily or permanently cease operations. External events, such as a severe economic
downturn or force majeure events, could also impair the ability of some counterparties to the Company's offtake agreements and
other customer agreements to pay for energy and/or other products and services received.
The Company's inability to enter into new or replacement offtake agreements or to compete successfully against current
and future competitors in the markets in which the Company operates could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Risks Related to the Company's Business
Certain facilities are newly constructed and may not perform as expected.
Certain of the Company's conventional and renewable assets are newly constructed. The ability of these facilities to meet
the Company's performance expectations is subject to the risks inherent in newly constructed power generation facilities and the
construction of such facilities, including, but not limited to, degradation of equipment in excess of the Company's expectations,
system failures, and outages. The failure of these facilities to perform as the Company expects could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and its ability to pay dividends to holders
of the Company's common stock.
Pursuant to the Company's cash dividend policy, the Company intends to distribute a significant amount of the CAFD through
regular quarterly distributions and dividends, and the Company's ability to grow and make acquisitions through cash on hand
could be limited.
The Company expects to distribute a significant amount of the CAFD each quarter and to rely primarily upon external
financing sources, including the issuance of debt and equity securities and, if applicable, borrowings under the Company's revolving
credit facility to fund acquisitions and growth capital expenditures. The Company may be precluded from pursuing otherwise
attractive acquisitions if the projected short-term cash flow from the acquisition or investment is not adequate to service the capital
raised to fund the acquisition or investment, after giving effect to the Company's available cash reserves. To the extent the Company
issues additional equity securities in connection with any acquisitions or growth capital expenditures, the payment of dividends
on these additional equity securities may increase the risk that the Company will be unable to maintain or increase its per share
dividend. The incurrence of bank borrowings or other debt by Clearway Energy Operating LLC or by the Company's project-
level subsidiaries to finance the Company’s growth strategy will result in increased interest expense and the imposition of additional
or more restrictive covenants, which, in turn, may impact the cash distributions the Company receives to distribute to holders of
the Company’s common stock.
The Company may not be able to effectively identify or consummate any future acquisitions on favorable terms, or at all.
The Company's business strategy includes growth through the acquisitions of additional generation assets (including
through corporate acquisitions). This strategy depends on the Company’s ability to successfully identify and evaluate acquisition
opportunities and consummate acquisitions on favorable terms. However, the number of acquisition opportunities is limited. In
addition, the Company will compete with other companies for these limited acquisition opportunities, which may increase the
Company’s cost of making acquisitions or cause the Company to refrain from making acquisitions at all. Some of the Company’s
competitors for acquisitions are much larger than the Company with substantially greater resources. These companies may be
able to pay more for acquisitions and may be able to identify, evaluate, bid for and purchase a greater number of assets than the
Company’s financial or human resources permit. If the Company is unable to identify and consummate future acquisitions, it will
impede the Company’s ability to execute its growth strategy and limit the Company’s ability to increase the amount of dividends
paid to holders of the Company’s common stock.
16
Furthermore, the Company’s ability to acquire future renewable facilities may depend on the viability of renewable assets
generally. These assets currently are largely contingent on public policy mechanisms including ITCs, cash grants, loan guarantees,
accelerated depreciation, RPS and carbon trading plans. These mechanisms have been implemented at the state and federal levels
to support the development of renewable generation, demand-side and smart grid and other clean infrastructure technologies. The
availability and continuation of public policy support mechanisms will drive a significant part of the economics and viability of
the Company’s growth strategy and expansion into clean energy investments.
The Company’s ability to effectively consummate future acquisitions will also depend on the Company’s ability to arrange the
required or desired financing for acquisitions.
The Company may not have sufficient availability under the Company’s credit facilities or have access to project-level
financing on commercially reasonable terms when acquisition opportunities arise. An inability to obtain the required or desired
financing could significantly limit the Company’s ability to consummate future acquisitions and effectuate the Company’s growth
strategy. If financing is available, utilization of the Company’s credit facilities or project-level financing for all or a portion of the
purchase price of an acquisition could significantly increase the Company’s interest expense, impose additional or more restrictive
covenants and reduce CAFD. Similarly, the issuance of additional equity securities as consideration for acquisitions could cause
significant stockholder dilution and reduce the Company’s dividends if the acquisitions are not sufficiently accretive. The
Company’s ability to consummate future acquisitions may also depend on the Company’s ability to obtain any required regulatory
approvals for such acquisitions, including, but not limited to, approval by FERC under Section 203 of the FPA.
Finally, the acquisition of companies and assets are subject to substantial risks, including the failure to identify material
problems during due diligence (for which the Company may not be indemnified post-closing), the risk of overpaying for assets
(or not making acquisitions on an accretive basis) and the ability to retain customers. Further, the integration and consolidation
of acquisitions requires substantial human, financial and other resources and, ultimately, the Company's acquisitions may divert
management’s attention from the Company's existing business concerns, disrupt the Company's ongoing business or not be
successfully integrated. There can be no assurances that any future acquisitions will perform as expected or that the returns from
such acquisitions will support the financing utilized to acquire them or maintain them. As a result, the consummation of acquisitions
may have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and ability
to pay dividends to holders of the Company’s common stock.
Even if the Company consummates acquisitions that it believes will be accretive to CAFD per share of Class A common stock
and Class C common stock, those acquisitions may decrease the CAFD per share of Class A common stock and Class C common
stock as a result of incorrect assumptions in the Company’s evaluation of such acquisitions, unforeseen consequences or other
external events beyond the Company’s control.
The acquisition of existing generation assets involves the risk of overpaying for such projects (or not making acquisitions
on an accretive basis) and failing to retain the customers of such projects. While the Company will perform due diligence on
prospective acquisitions, the Company may not discover all potential risks, operational issues or other issues in such generation
assets. Further, the integration and consolidation of acquisitions require substantial human, financial and other resources and,
ultimately, the Company’s acquisitions may divert the Company’s management’s attention from its existing business concerns,
disrupt its ongoing business or not be successfully integrated. Future acquisitions might not perform as expected or the returns
from such acquisitions might not support the financing utilized to acquire them or maintain them. A failure to achieve the financial
returns the Company expects when it acquires generation assets could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to
grow its business and make cash distributions to its Class A and Class C stockholders. Any failure of the Company’s acquired
generation assets to be accretive or difficulty in integrating such acquisition into the Company’s business could have a material
adverse effect on the Company’s ability to grow its business and make cash distributions to its Class A and Class C stockholders.
The Company’s indebtedness could adversely affect its ability to raise additional capital to fund the Company’s operations or
pay dividends. It could also expose the Company to the risk of increased interest rates and limit the Company’s ability to react
to changes in the economy or the Company’s industry as well as impact the Company’s results of operations, financial condition
and cash flows.
As of December 31, 2019, the Company had approximately $6,858 million of total consolidated indebtedness, $5,175
million of which was incurred by the Company's non-guarantor subsidiaries. In addition, the Company’s share of its unconsolidated
affiliates’ total indebtedness and letters of credit outstanding as of December 31, 2019, totaled approximately $889 million and
$83 million, respectively (calculated as the Company’s unconsolidated affiliates’ total indebtedness as of such date multiplied by
the Company’s percentage membership interest in such assets).
17
The Company’s substantial debt could have important negative consequences on the Company’s financial condition,
including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
increasing the Company’s vulnerability to general economic and industry conditions;
requiring a substantial portion of the Company’s cash flow from operations to be dedicated to the payment of principal
and interest on the Company’s indebtedness, therefore reducing the Company’s ability to pay dividends to holders of the
Company’s capital stock (including the Class A and Class C common stock) or to use the Company’s cash flow to fund
its operations, capital expenditures and future business opportunities;
limiting the Company’s ability to enter into long-term power sales or fuel purchases which require credit support;
limiting the Company’s ability to fund operations or future acquisitions;
restricting the Company’s ability to make certain distributions with respect to the Company’s capital stock (including the
Class A and Class C common stock) and the ability of the Company’s subsidiaries to make certain distributions to it, in
light of restricted payment and other financial covenants in the Company’s credit facilities and other financing agreements;
exposing the Company to the risk of increased interest rates because certain of the Company’s borrowings, which may
include borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit facility, are at variable rates of interest;
limiting the Company’s ability to obtain additional financing for working capital including collateral postings, capital
expenditures, debt service requirements, acquisitions and general corporate or other purposes; and
limiting the Company’s ability to adjust to changing market conditions and placing it at a competitive disadvantage
compared to the Company’s competitors who have less debt.
The Company's revolving credit facility contains financial and other restrictive covenants that limit the Company’s ability
to return capital to stockholders or otherwise engage in activities that may be in the Company’s long-term best interests. The
Company’s inability to satisfy certain financial covenants could prevent the Company from paying cash dividends, and the
Company’s failure to comply with those and other covenants could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived,
may entitle the related lenders to demand repayment or enforce their security interests, which could have a material adverse effect
on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, failure to comply with such
covenants may entitle the related lenders to demand repayment and accelerate all such indebtedness.
As previously discussed, the PG&E Bankruptcy filing has triggered defaults under the PPAs with PG&E and under the
related financing agreements for each respective facility, all of which have non-recourse project level debt and in certain cases,
holding company debt. The agreements governing the Company’s project-level financing contain financial and other restrictive
covenants that limit the Company’s project subsidiaries’ ability to make distributions to the Company or otherwise engage in
activities that may be in the Company’s long-term best interests. The project-level financing agreements generally prohibit
distributions from the project entities to the Company unless certain specific conditions are met, including the satisfaction of
certain financial ratios. The Company’s inability to satisfy certain financial covenants may prevent cash distributions by the
particular project(s) to it and, the Company’s failure to comply with those and other covenants could result in an event of default
which, if not cured or waived may entitle the related lenders to demand repayment or enforce their security interests, which could
have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, failure to
comply with such covenants may entitle the related lenders to demand repayment and accelerate all such indebtedness. If the
Company is unable to make distributions from the Company’s project-level subsidiaries, it would likely have a material adverse
effect on the Company’s ability to pay dividends to holders of the Company’s common stock.
18
Letter of credit facilities to support project-level contractual obligations generally need to be renewed after five to seven
years, at which time the Company will need to satisfy applicable financial ratios and covenants. If the Company is unable to renew
the Company’s letters of credit as expected or replace them with letters of credit under different facilities on favorable terms or at
all, the Company may experience a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Furthermore, such inability may constitute a default under certain project-level financing arrangements, restrict the ability of the
project-level subsidiary to make distributions to it and/or reduce the amount of cash available at such subsidiary to make distributions
to the Company.
In addition, the Company’s ability to arrange financing, either at the corporate level or at a non-recourse project-level
subsidiary, and the costs of such capital, are dependent on numerous factors, including:
•
•
•
•
•
general economic and capital market conditions;
credit availability from banks and other financial institutions;
investor confidence in the Company, its partners, GIP, through CEG, as the Company’s principal stockholder (on a
combined voting basis) and the regional wholesale power markets;
the Company’s financial performance and the financial performance of the Company subsidiaries;
the Company’s level of indebtedness and compliance with covenants in debt agreements;
• maintenance of acceptable project credit ratings or credit quality;
•
•
cash flow; and
provisions of tax and securities laws that may impact raising capital.
The Company may not be successful in obtaining additional capital for these or other reasons. Furthermore, the Company
may be unable to refinance or replace project-level financing arrangements or other credit facilities on favorable terms or at all
upon the expiration or termination thereof. The Company's failure, or the failure of any of the Company’s projects, to obtain
additional capital or enter into new or replacement financing arrangements when due may constitute a default under such existing
indebtedness and may have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations and
cash flows.
Changes in the method of determining the London Interbank Offered Rate, or the replacement of the London Interbank
Offered Rate with an alternative reference rate, may adversely affect interest expense related to outstanding debt.
Amounts drawn under the Company's revolving credit facility and certain of the Company's project-level debt facilities
currently bear interest at rates based on the London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR. On July 27, 2017, the Financial Conduct
Authority in the United Kingdom announced that it would phase out LIBOR as a benchmark by the end of 2021. It is unclear
whether new methods of calculating LIBOR will be established such that it continues to exist after 2021. While the Company's
revolving credit facility includes a mechanism to amend the facilities to reflect the establishment of an alternative rate of interest
upon the occurrence of certain events related to the phase-out of LIBOR, many of the Company's project-level debt facilities and
swap arrangements do not. The Company has not yet pursued any technical amendments or other contractual alternatives to address
this matter and is currently evaluating the impact of the potential replacement of LIBOR. If no such amendments or other contractual
alternatives are established on or prior to the phase-out of LIBOR, interest under the Company's revolving credit facility and other
project-level debt facilities will bear interest at higher rates based on the prime rate until such amendments or other contractual
amendments are established. Even if the Company has entered into interest rate swaps or other derivative instruments for purposes
of managing its interest rate exposure, these hedging strategies may not be effective as a result of the replacement or phasing out
of LIBOR, and the Company may incur losses as a result. In addition, the overall financial markets may be disrupted as a result
of the phase-out or replacement of LIBOR. The potential increase in the Company’s interest expense as a result of the phase-out
of LIBOR and uncertainty as to the nature of such potential phase-out and alternative reference rates or disruption in the financial
market could have an adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Certain of the Company's long-term bilateral contracts result from state-mandated procurements and could be declared invalid
by a court of competent jurisdiction.
A significant portion of the Company's revenues are derived from long-term bilateral contracts with utilities that are
regulated by their respective states, and have been entered into pursuant to certain state programs. Certain long-term contracts
that other companies have with state-regulated utilities have been challenged in federal court and have been declared
unconstitutional on the grounds that the rate for energy and capacity established by the contracts impermissibly conflicts with the
19
rate for energy and capacity established by FERC pursuant to the FPA. If certain of the Company's state-mandated agreements
with utilities are ever held to be invalid or unenforceable due to the financial conditions or other conditions of such utility, the
Company may be unable to replace such contracts, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial
condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The generation of electric energy from solar and wind energy sources depends heavily on suitable meteorological conditions.
If solar or wind conditions are unfavorable, the Company's electricity generation and revenue from renewable generation
facilities may be substantially below the Company's expectations. The electricity produced and revenues generated by a solar or
wind energy generation facility is highly dependent on suitable solar or wind conditions, as applicable, and associated weather
conditions, which are beyond the Company's control. Furthermore, components of the Company's systems, such as solar panels
and inverters, could be damaged by severe weather, such as wildfires, hailstorms or tornadoes. In addition, replacement and spare
parts for key components may be difficult or costly to acquire or may be unavailable. Unfavorable weather and atmospheric
conditions could impair the effectiveness of the Company's assets or reduce their output beneath their rated capacity or require
shutdown of key equipment, impeding operation of the Company's renewable assets. In addition, climate change may have the
long-term effect of changing wind patterns at the Company's projects. Changing wind patterns could cause changes in expected
electricity generation. These events could also degrade equipment or components and the interconnection and transmission
facilities’ lives or maintenance costs.
Although the Company bases its investment decisions with respect to each renewable generation facility on the findings
of related wind and solar studies conducted on-site prior to construction or based on historical conditions at existing facilities,
actual climatic conditions at a facility site, particularly wind conditions, may not conform to the findings of these studies and may
be affected by variations in weather patterns, including any potential impact of climate change. Therefore, the Company's solar
and wind energy facilities may not meet anticipated production levels or the rated capacity of the Company's generation assets,
which could adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Operation of electric generation facilities involves significant risks and hazards customary to the power industry that could
have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The ongoing operation of the Company's facilities involves risks that include the breakdown or failure of equipment or
processes or performance below expected levels of output or efficiency due to wear and tear, latent defect, design error or operator
error or force majeure events, among other things. Operation of the Company's facilities also involves risks that the Company
will be unable to transport its products to its customers in an efficient manner due to a lack of transmission capacity. Unplanned
outages of generating units, including extensions of scheduled outages due to mechanical failures or other problems, occur from
time to time and are an inherent risk of the business. Unplanned outages typically increase operation and maintenance expenses,
capital expenditures and may reduce revenues as a result of selling fewer MWh or require the Company to incur significant costs
as a result of obtaining replacement power from third parties in the open market to satisfy forward power sales obligations. The
Company's inability to operate its electric generation assets efficiently, manage capital expenditures and costs and generate earnings
and cash flow from the Company's asset-based businesses could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial
condition, results of operations and cash flows. While the Company maintains insurance, obtains warranties from vendors and
obligates contractors to meet certain performance levels, the proceeds of such insurance, warranties or performance guarantees
may not cover the Company's lost revenues, increased expenses or liquidated damages payments should it experience equipment
breakdown or non-performance by contractors or vendors.
Power generation involves hazardous activities, including acquiring, transporting and unloading fuel, operating large pieces
of rotating equipment and delivering electricity to transmission and distribution systems.
In addition to natural risks such as earthquake, flood, lightning, hurricane and wind, other hazards, such as fire, explosion,
structural collapse and machinery failure are inherent risks in the Company's operations. These and other hazards can cause
significant personal injury or loss of life, severe damage to and destruction of property, plant and equipment and contamination
of, or damage to, the environment and suspension of operations. The occurrence of any one of these events may result in the
Company being named as a defendant in lawsuits asserting claims for substantial damages, including for environmental cleanup
costs, personal injury and property damage and fines and/or penalties. The Company maintains an amount of insurance protection
that it considers adequate but cannot provide any assurance that the Company's insurance will be sufficient or effective under all
circumstances and against all hazards or liabilities to which the Company may be subject. Furthermore, the Company's insurance
coverage is subject to deductibles, caps, exclusions and other limitations. A loss for which the Company is not fully insured (which
may include a significant judgment against any facility or facility operator) could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Further, due to rising insurance costs and changes in the insurance
markets, the Company cannot provide any assurance that its insurance coverage will continue to be available at all or at rates or
20
on terms similar to those presently available. Any losses not covered by insurance could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Maintenance, expansion and refurbishment of electric generation facilities involve significant risks that could result in
unplanned power outages or reduced output.
The Company's facilities may require periodic upgrading and improvement. Any unexpected operational or mechanical
failure, including failure associated with breakdowns and forced outages, could reduce the Company's facilities' generating capacity
below expected levels, reducing the Company's revenues and jeopardizing the Company's ability to pay dividends to holders of
its common stock at expected levels or at all. Degradation of the performance of the Company's solar facilities above levels
provided for in the related offtake agreements may also reduce the Company's revenues. Unanticipated capital expenditures
associated with maintaining, upgrading or repairing the Company's facilities may also reduce profitability.
If the Company makes any major modifications to its conventional power generation facilities, it may be required to
install the best available control technology or to achieve the lowest achievable emission rates as such terms are defined under the
new source review provisions of the CAA in the future. Any such modifications could likely result in substantial additional capital
expenditures. The Company may also choose to repower, refurbish or upgrade its facilities based on its assessment that such
activity will provide adequate financial returns. Such facilities require time for development and capital expenditures before
commencement of commercial operations, and key assumptions underpinning a decision to make such an investment may prove
incorrect, including assumptions regarding construction costs, timing, available financing and future fuel and power prices. These
events could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The Company’s facilities may operate, wholly or partially, without long-term power sales agreements.
The Company’s facilities may operate without long-term power sales agreements for some or all of their generating capacity
and output and therefore be exposed to market fluctuations. Without the benefit of long-term power sales agreements for the
facilities, the Company cannot be sure that it will be able to sell any or all of the power generated by the facilities at commercially
attractive rates or that the facilities will be able to operate profitably. This could lead to less predictable revenues, future impairments
of the Company's property, plant and equipment or to the closing of certain of its facilities, resulting in economic losses and
liabilities, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
A portion of the steam and chilled water produced by the Company's thermal assets is sold at regulated rates, and the revenue
earned by the Company's GenConn assets is established each year in a rate case; accordingly, the profitability of these assets
is dependent on regulatory approval.
Approximately 451 net MWt of capacity from certain of the Company's thermal assets are sold at rates approved by one
or more federal or state regulatory commissions, including the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and the California Public
Utilities Commission for the thermal assets. Similarly, the revenues related to approximately 380 MW of capacity from the
GenConn assets are established each year by the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority. While such regulatory oversight
is generally premised on the recovery of prudently incurred costs and a reasonable rate of return on invested capital, the rates that
the Company may charge, or the revenue that the Company may earn with respect to this capacity are subject to authorization of
the applicable regulatory authorities. There can be no assurance that such regulatory authorities will consider all of the costs to
have been prudently incurred or that the regulatory process by which rates or revenues are determined will always result in rates
or revenues that achieve full recovery of costs or an adequate return on the Company's capital investments. While the Company's
rates and revenues are generally established based on an analysis of costs incurred in a base year, the rates the Company is allowed
to charge, and the revenues the Company is authorized to earn, may or may not match the costs at any given time. If the Company's
costs are not adequately recovered through these regulatory processes, it could have a material adverse effect on the business,
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
21
Supplier and/or customer concentration at certain of the Company's facilities may expose the Company to significant financial
credit or performance risks.
The Company often relies on a single contracted supplier or a small number of suppliers for the provision of fuel,
transportation of fuel, equipment, technology and/or other services required for the operation of certain facilities. In addition,
certain of the Company's suppliers provide long-term warranties with respect to the performance of their products or services. If
any of these suppliers cannot perform under their agreements with the Company, or satisfy their related warranty obligations, the
Company will need to utilize the marketplace to provide or repair these products and services. There can be no assurance that the
marketplace can provide these products and services as, when and where required. The Company may not be able to enter into
replacement agreements on favorable terms or at all. If the Company is unable to enter into replacement agreements to provide
for fuel, equipment, technology and other required services, it would seek to purchase the related goods or services at market
prices, exposing the Company to market price volatility and the risk that fuel and transportation may not be available during certain
periods at any price. The Company may also be required to make significant capital contributions to remove, replace or redesign
equipment that cannot be supported or maintained by replacement suppliers, which could have a material adverse effect on the
business, financial condition, results of operations, credit support terms and cash flows.
In addition, potential or existing customers at the Company’s district energy centers and combined heat and power plants,
or the Energy Centers, may opt for on-site systems in lieu of using the Company’s Energy Centers, either due to corporate policies
regarding the allocation of capital, unique situations where an on-site system might in fact prove more efficient, because of
previously committed capital in systems that are already on-site, or otherwise. At times, the Company relies on a single customer
or a few customers to purchase all or a significant portion of a facility's output, in some cases under long-term agreements that
account for a substantial percentage of the anticipated revenue from a given facility.
The failure of any supplier to fulfill its contractual obligations to the Company or the Company’s loss of potential or
existing customers could have a material adverse effect on its financial results. Consequently, the financial performance of the
Company's facilities is dependent on the credit quality of, and continued performance by, the Company's suppliers and vendors
and the Company’s ability to solicit and retain customers.
The Company currently owns, and in the future may acquire, certain assets in which the Company has limited control over
management decisions and its interests in such assets may be subject to transfer or other related restrictions.
As described in Item 15 — Note 5, Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities, the
Company has limited control over the operation of certain of its assets, because the Company beneficially owns less than a majority
of the membership interests in such assets. The Company may seek to acquire additional assets in which it owns less than a
majority of the related membership interests in the future. In these investments, the Company will seek to exert a degree of
influence with respect to the management and operation of assets in which it owns less than a majority of the membership interests
by negotiating to obtain positions on management committees or to receive certain limited governance rights, such as rights to
veto significant actions. However, the Company may not always succeed in such negotiations. The Company may be dependent
on its co-venturers to operate such assets. The Company's co-venturers may not have the level of experience, technical expertise,
human resources management and other attributes necessary to operate these assets optimally. In addition, conflicts of interest
may arise in the future between the Company and its stockholders, on the one hand, and the Company's co-venturers, on the other
hand, where the Company's co-venturers' business interests are inconsistent with the interests of the Company and its stockholders.
Further, disagreements or disputes between the Company and its co-venturers could result in litigation, which could increase
expenses and potentially limit the time and effort the Company's officers and directors are able to devote to the business.
The approval of co-venturers may also be required for the Company to receive distributions of funds from assets or to
sell, pledge, transfer, assign or otherwise convey its interest in such assets, or for the Company to acquire GIP's or CEG's interests
in such co-ventures as an initial matter. Alternatively, the Company's co-venturers may have rights of first refusal or rights of first
offer in the event of a proposed sale or transfer of the Company's interests in such assets. These restrictions may limit the price
or interest level for interests in such assets, in the event the Company wants to sell such interests.
Furthermore, certain of the Company's facilities are operated by third-party operators, such as First Solar. To the extent
that third-party operators do not fulfill their obligations to manage operations of the facilities or are not effective in doing so, the
amount of CAFD may be adversely affected.
22
The Company's assets are exposed to risks inherent in the use of interest rate swaps and forward fuel purchase contracts and
the Company may be exposed to additional risks in the future if it utilizes other derivative instruments.
The Company uses interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk. In addition, the Company uses forward fuel purchase
contracts to hedge its limited commodity exposure with respect to the Company's district energy assets. If the Company elects to
enter into such commodity hedges, the related asset could recognize financial losses on these arrangements as a result of volatility
in the market values of the underlying commodities or if a counterparty fails to perform under a contract. If actively quoted market
prices and pricing information from external sources are not available, the valuation of these contracts would involve judgment
or the use of estimates. As a result, changes in the underlying assumptions or use of alternative valuation methods could affect
the reported fair value of these contracts. If the values of these financial contracts change in a manner that the Company does not
anticipate, or if a counterparty fails to perform under a contract, it could harm the business, financial condition, results of operations
and cash flows.
The Company's business is subject to restrictions resulting from environmental, health and safety laws and regulations.
The Company is subject to various federal, state and local environmental and health and safety laws and regulations. In
addition, the Company may be held primarily or jointly and severally liable for costs relating to the investigation and clean-up of
any property where there has been a release or threatened release of a hazardous regulated material as well as other affected
properties, regardless of whether the Company knew of or caused the release. In addition to these costs, which are typically not
limited by law or regulation and could exceed an affected property's value, the Company could be liable for certain other costs,
including governmental fines and injuries to persons, property or natural resources. Further, some environmental laws provide
for the creation of a lien on a contaminated site in favor of the government as security for damages and any costs the government
incurs in connection with such contamination and associated clean-up. Although the Company generally requires its operators to
undertake to indemnify it for environmental liabilities they cause, the amount of such liabilities could exceed the financial ability
of the operator to indemnify the Company. The presence of contamination or the failure to remediate contamination may adversely
affect the Company's ability to operate the business.
The Company does not own all of the land on which its power generation or thermal assets are located, which could result in
disruption to its operations.
The Company does not own all of the land on which its power generation or thermal assets are located and the Company
is, therefore, subject to the possibility of less desirable terms and increased costs to retain necessary land use if it does not have
valid leases or rights-of-way or if such rights-of-way lapse or terminate. Although the Company has obtained rights to construct
and operate these assets pursuant to related lease arrangements, the rights to conduct those activities are subject to certain exceptions,
including the term of the lease arrangement. The Company is also at risk of condemnation on land it owns. The loss of these
rights, through the Company's inability to renew right-of-way contracts, condemnation or otherwise, may adversely affect the
Company's ability to operate its generation and thermal infrastructure assets.
The Company’s use and enjoyment of real property rights for its projects may be adversely affected by the rights of lienholders
and leaseholders that are superior to those of the grantors of those real property rights to the Company.
Solar and wind projects generally are, and are likely to be, located on land occupied by the project pursuant to long-term
easements and leases. The ownership interests in the land subject to these easements and leases may be subject to mortgages
securing loans or other liens (such as tax liens) and other easement and lease rights of third parties (such as leases of oil or mineral
rights) that were created prior to the project’s easements and leases. As a result, the project’s rights under these easements or leases
may be subject, and subordinate, to the rights of those third parties. The Company performs title searches and obtains title insurance
to protect itself against these risks. Such measures may, however, be inadequate to protect the Company against all risk of loss
of its rights to use the land on which the wind projects are located, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s
business, financial condition and results of operations.
23
The electric generation business is subject to substantial governmental regulation and may be adversely affected by changes
in laws or regulations, as well as liability under, or any future inability to comply with, existing or future regulations or other
legal requirements.
The Company's electric generation business is subject to extensive U.S. federal, state and local laws and regulations.
Compliance with the requirements under these various regulatory regimes may cause the Company to incur significant additional
costs, and failure to comply with such requirements could result in the shutdown of the non-complying facility, the imposition of
liens, fines, and/or civil or criminal liability. Public utilities under the FPA are required to obtain FERC acceptance of their rate
schedules for wholesale sales of electric energy, capacity and ancillary services. Except for generating facilities located in Hawaii
or Texas within the footprint of ERCOT, all of the Company’s generating companies are public utilities under the FPA with
market-based rate authority unless exempt from FPA public utility rate regulation. FERC's orders that grant market-based rate
authority to wholesale power sellers reserve the right to revoke or revise that authority if FERC subsequently determines that the
seller can exercise market power in transmission or generation, create barriers to entry, or engage in abusive affiliate transactions.
In addition, public utilities are subject to FERC reporting requirements that impose administrative burdens and that, if violated,
can expose the company to criminal and civil penalties or other risks.
The Company's market-based sales are subject to certain rules prohibiting manipulative or deceptive conduct, and if any
of the Company's generating companies with market-based rate authority are deemed to have violated those rules, they could be
subject to potential disgorgement of profits associated with the violation, penalties, suspension or revocation of market based rate
authority. If such generating companies were to lose their market-based rate authority, such companies would be required to obtain
FERC's acceptance of a cost-of-service rate schedule and could become subject to the significant accounting, record-keeping, and
reporting requirements that are imposed on utilities with cost-based rate schedules. This could have a material adverse effect on
the rates the Company is able to charge for power from its facilities.
All of the Company's generating assets are operating either as EWGs as defined under the PUHCA, or as QFs as defined
under the PURPA, as amended, and therefore are exempt from certain regulation under the PUHCA and the FPA. If a facility fails
to maintain its status as an EWG or a QF or there are legislative or regulatory changes revoking or limiting the exemptions to the
PUHCA and/or the FPA, then the Company may be subject to significant accounting, record-keeping, access to books and records
and reporting requirements, and failure to comply with such requirements could result in the imposition of penalties and additional
compliance obligations.
Substantially all of the Company's generation assets are also subject to the reliability standards promulgated by the
designated Electric Reliability Organization (currently the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, or NERC) and
approved by FERC. If the Company fails to comply with the mandatory reliability standards, it could be subject to sanctions,
including substantial monetary penalties and increased compliance obligations. The Company will also be affected by legislative
and regulatory changes, as well as changes to market design, market rules, tariffs, cost allocations, and bidding rules that occur in
the existing regional markets operated by RTOs or ISOs, such as PJM. The RTOs/ISOs that oversee most of the wholesale power
markets impose, and in the future may continue to impose, mitigation, including price limitations, offer caps, non-performance
penalties and other mechanisms to address some of the volatility and the potential exercise of market power in these markets.
These types of price limitations and other regulatory mechanisms may have a material adverse effect on the profitability of the
Company's generation facilities acquired in the future that sell energy, capacity and ancillary products into the wholesale power
markets. The regulatory environment for electric generation has undergone significant changes in the last several years due to
state and federal policies affecting wholesale competition and the creation of incentives for the addition of large amounts of new
renewable generation and, in some cases, transmission assets. These changes are ongoing and the Company cannot predict the
future design of the wholesale power markets or the ultimate effect that the changing regulatory environment will have on the
Company's business. In addition, in some of these markets, interested parties have proposed to re-regulate the markets or require
divestiture of electric generation assets by asset owners or operators to reduce their market share. Other proposals to re-regulate
may be made and legislative or other attention to the electric power market restructuring process may delay or reverse the
deregulation process. If competitive restructuring of the electric power markets is reversed, discontinued, or delayed, the Company's
business prospects and financial results could be negatively impacted.
24
The Company is subject to environmental laws and regulations that impose extensive and increasingly stringent requirements
on its operations, as well as potentially substantial liabilities arising out of environmental contamination.
The Company's assets are subject to numerous and significant federal, state and local laws, including statutes, regulations,
guidelines, policies, directives and other requirements governing or relating to, among other things: protection of wildlife, including
threatened and endangered species; air emissions; discharges into water; water use; the storage, handling, use, transportation and
distribution of dangerous goods and hazardous, residual and other regulated materials, such as chemicals; the prevention of releases
of hazardous materials into the environment; the prevention, presence and remediation of hazardous materials in soil and
groundwater, both on and offsite; land use and zoning matters; and workers' health and safety matters. The Company's facilities
could experience incidents, malfunctions and other unplanned events that could result in spills or emissions in excess of permitted
levels and result in personal injury, penalties and property damage. As such, the operation of the Company's facilities carries an
inherent risk of environmental, health and safety liabilities (including potential civil actions, compliance or remediation orders,
fines and other penalties), and may result in the assets being involved from time to time in administrative and judicial proceedings
relating to such matters. The Company has implemented environmental, health and safety management programs designed to
continually improve environmental, health and safety performance. Environmental laws and regulations have generally become
more stringent over time. Significant costs may be incurred for capital expenditures under environmental programs to keep the
assets compliant with such environmental laws and regulations. If it is not economical to make those expenditures, it may be
necessary to retire or mothball facilities or restrict or modify the Company's operations to comply with more stringent standards.
These environmental requirements and liabilities could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, results
of operations and cash flows.
The Company's businesses are subject to physical, market and economic risks relating to potential effects of climate change.
Climate change creates uncertainty in weather and other environmental conditions, including temperature and precipitation
levels, and thus may affect consumer demand for electricity. In addition, the potential physical effects of climate change, such as
increased frequency and severity of storms, cloud coverage, precipitation, floods and other climatic events, could disrupt the
Company's operations and supply chain, and cause them to incur significant costs in preparing for or responding to these effects.
These or other meteorological changes could lead to increased operating costs, capital expenses or power purchase costs.
GHG regulation could increase the cost of electricity generated by fossil fuels, and such increases could reduce demand
for the power the Company's conventional assets generate and market. Legislative and regulatory measures to address climate
change and GHG emissions are in various phases of discussion or implementation. The EPA regulates GHG emissions from new
and modified facilities that are potential major sources of criteria pollutants under the Clean Air Act's Prevention of Significant
Deterioration and Title V programs and has adopted regulations that require, among other things, preconstruction and operating
permits for certain large stationary sources and the monitoring and reporting of GHGs from certain onshore oil and natural gas
production sources on an annual basis.
In addition, in 2015, the U.S., Canada and the U.K. participated in the United Nations Conference on Climate Change,
which led to the creation of the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement, which was signed by the U.S. in April 2016, requires
countries to review and “represent a progression” in their intended nationally determined contributions (which set GHG emission
reduction goals) every five years beginning in 2020. In November 2019, the U.S. submitted formal notification to the United
Nations that it intends to withdraw from the Paris Agreement in November 2020. There are no guarantees that the agreement will
not be re-implemented in the U.S., or re-implemented in part by specific U.S. states or local governments. The U.S. Congress,
along with federal and state agencies, has also considered measures to reduce the emissions of GHGs. Legislation or regulation
that restricts carbon emissions could increase the cost of environmental compliance for the Company’s conventional assets by
requiring the Company to install new equipment to reduce emissions from larger facilities and/or purchase emission allowances.
Climate change and GHG legislation or regulation could also delay or otherwise negatively affect efforts to obtain and maintain
permits and other regulatory approvals for the Company’s conventional assets’ existing and new facilities, impose additional
monitoring and reporting requirements or adversely affect demand for the natural gas we gather, transport and store. Conversely,
legislation or regulation that sets a price on or otherwise restricts carbon emissions could also benefit the Company by increasing
demand for solar or wind energy sources. In addition, governmental, scientific and public concern over the threat of climate change
arising from GHG emissions has resulted in increasing political risks in the U.S., including climate change related pledges made
by certain candidates in the U.S. presidential campaign. The effect on the Company of any new legislative or regulatory measures
will depend on the particular provisions that are ultimately adopted.
25
Risks that are beyond the Company's control, including but not limited to acts of terrorism or related acts of war, natural
disaster, hostile cyber intrusions or other catastrophic events, could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial
condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The Company's generation facilities that were acquired or those that the Company otherwise acquires or constructs and
the facilities of third parties on which they rely may be targets of terrorist activities, as well as events occurring in response to or
in connection with them, that could cause environmental repercussions and/or result in full or partial disruption of the facilities
ability to generate, transmit, transport or distribute electricity or natural gas. Strategic targets, such as energy-related facilities,
may be at greater risk of future terrorist activities than other domestic targets. Hostile cyber intrusions, including those targeting
information systems as well as electronic control systems used at the generating plants and for the related distribution systems,
could severely disrupt business operations and result in loss of service to customers, as well as create significant expense to repair
security breaches or system damage.
Furthermore, certain of the Company's power generation and thermal assets are located in active earthquake zones in
California and Arizona, and certain project companies and suppliers conduct their operations in the same region or in other locations
that are susceptible to natural disasters. In addition, California and some of the locations where certain suppliers are located, from
time to time, have experienced shortages of water, electric power and natural gas. The occurrence of a natural disaster, such as
an earthquake, wildfire, drought, flood or localized extended outages of critical utilities or transportation systems, or any critical
resource shortages, affecting the Company or its suppliers, could cause a significant interruption in the business, damage or destroy
the Company's facilities or those of its suppliers or the manufacturing equipment or inventory of the Company's suppliers. Any
such terrorist acts, environmental repercussions or disruptions or natural disasters could result in a significant decrease in revenues
or significant reconstruction or remediation costs, beyond what could be recovered through insurance policies, which could have
a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The operation of the Company’s businesses is subject to cyber-based security and integrity risk.
Numerous functions affecting the efficient operation of the Company’s businesses depend on the secure and reliable
storage, processing and communication of electronic data and the use of sophisticated computer hardware and software systems.
The operation of the Company's generating assets relies on cyber-based technologies and has been the target of disruptive actions.
Potential disruptive actions could result from cyber-attack or cyber intrusion, including by computer hackers, foreign governments
and cyber terrorists, or otherwise be compromised by unintentional events. As a result, operations could be interrupted, property
could be damaged and sensitive customer information could be lost or stolen, causing the Company to incur significant losses of
revenues, other substantial liabilities and damages, costs to replace or repair damaged equipment and damage to the Company's
reputation. In addition, the Company may experience increased capital and operating costs to implement increased security for its
cyber systems and generating assets.
Government regulations providing incentives for renewable generation could change at any time and such changes may
negatively impact the Company's growth strategy.
The Company's growth strategy depends in part on government policies that support renewable generation and enhance
the economic viability of owning renewable electric generation assets. Renewable generation assets currently benefit from various
federal, state and local governmental incentives such as ITCs, cash grants in lieu of ITCs, loan guarantees, RPS, programs, modified
accelerated cost-recovery system of depreciation and bonus depreciation. In December 2015, the U.S. Congress enacted an
extension of the 30% solar ITC so that projects that began construction in 2016 through 2019 will continue to qualify for the 30%
ITC. Projects beginning construction in 2020 and 2021 will be eligible for the ITC at the rates of 26% and 22%, respectively.
The same legislation also extended the 10-year wind PTC for wind projects that began construction in 2016 through 2019.Wind
projects that began construction in 2018 or 2019 are eligible for PTCS at 60% and 40% of the statutory rate per kWh, respectively.
In December 2019, the U.S. Congress extended the 10-year wind PTC for wind projects that begin construction in 2020, and such
projects are eligible for PTCs at 60% of the statutory rate per kWh. The same legislation also extended an 18% ITC in lieu of the
PTC for wind projects that begin construction in 2020.
26
Many states have adopted RPS programs mandating that a specified percentage of electricity sales come from eligible
sources of renewable energy. However, the regulations that govern the RPS programs, including pricing incentives for renewable
energy, or reasonableness guidelines for pricing that increase valuation compared to conventional power (such as a projected value
for carbon reduction or consideration of avoided integration costs), may change. If the RPS requirements are reduced or eliminated,
it could lead to fewer future power contracts or lead to lower prices for the sale of power in future power contracts, which could
have a material adverse effect on the Company's future growth prospects. Such material adverse effects may result from decreased
revenues, reduced economic returns on certain project company investments, increased financing costs, and/or difficulty obtaining
financing. Furthermore, the ARRA included incentives to encourage investment in the renewable energy sector, such as cash
grants in lieu of ITCs, bonus depreciation and expansion of the U.S. DOE loan guarantee program. It is uncertain what loan
guarantees may be made by the U.S. DOE loan guarantee program in the future.
If the Company is unable to utilize various federal, state and local government incentives to acquire additional renewable
assets in the future, or the terms of such incentives are revised in a manner that is less favorable to the Company, it may suffer a
material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The Company relies on electric distribution and transmission facilities that it does not own or control and that are subject to
transmission constraints within a number of the Company's regions. If these facilities fail to provide the Company with adequate
transmission capacity, it may be restricted in its ability to deliver electric power to its customers and may either incur additional
costs or forego revenues.
The Company depends on electric distribution and transmission facilities owned and operated by others to deliver the
wholesale power it will sell from its electric generation assets to its customers. A failure or delay in the operation or development
of these facilities or a significant increase in the cost of the development of such facilities could result in lost revenues. Such
failures or delays could limit the amount of power the Company's operating facilities deliver or delay the completion of the
Company's construction projects. Additionally, such failures, delays or increased costs could have a material adverse effect on
the business, financial condition and results of operations. If a region's power transmission infrastructure is inadequate, the
Company's recovery of wholesale costs and profits may be limited. If restrictive transmission price regulation is imposed, the
transmission companies may not have a sufficient incentive to invest in expansion of transmission infrastructure. The Company
also cannot predict whether distribution or transmission facilities will be expanded in specific markets to accommodate competitive
access to those markets. In addition, certain of the Company's operating facilities' generation of electricity may be curtailed without
compensation due to transmission limitations or limitations on the electricity grid's ability to accommodate intermittent and other
electricity generating sources, reducing the Company's revenues and impairing its ability to capitalize fully on a particular facility's
generating potential. Such curtailments could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, results of
operations and cash flows. Furthermore, economic congestion on transmission networks in certain of the markets in which the
Company operates may occur and the Company may be deemed responsible for congestion costs. If the Company were liable for
such congestion costs, its financial results could be adversely affected.
The Company's costs, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be adversely impacted by the disruption
of the fuel supplies necessary to generate power at its conventional and thermal power generation facilities.
Delivery of fossil fuels to fuel the Company's conventional and thermal generation facilities is dependent upon the
infrastructure (including natural gas pipelines) available to serve each such generation facility as well as upon the continuing
financial viability of contractual counterparties. As a result, the Company is subject to the risks of disruptions or curtailments in
the production of power at these generation facilities if a counterparty fails to perform or if there is a disruption in the fuel delivery
infrastructure.
The Company depends on key personnel, the loss of any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
financial condition and results of operations.
The Company believes its current operations and future success depend largely on the continued services of key personnel
that it employs. Although the Company currently has access to the resources of CEG, the loss of key personnel employed by the
Company could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
27
Risks Related to the Company's Relationships with GIP and CEG
GIP, through its ownership of CEG, is the Company's controlling stockholder and exercises substantial influence over the
Company. The Company is highly dependent on GIP.
GIP, through its ownership of CEG, owns all of the Company's outstanding Class B and Class D common stock. The
Company's outstanding Class B and Class D common stock is entitled to one vote per share and 1/100th of a vote per share,
respectively. As a result of its ownership of the Class B and Class D common stock, GIP indirectly owns 54.95% of the combined
voting power of the Company's common stock as of December 31, 2019. As a result of this ownership, GIP has a substantial
influence on the Company's affairs and its voting power will constitute a large percentage of any quorum of the Company's
stockholders voting on any matter requiring the approval of the Company's stockholders. Such matters include the election of
directors, the adoption of amendments to the Company's amended and restated certificate of incorporation and fourth amended
and restated bylaws and approval of mergers or sale of all or substantially all of its assets. This concentration of ownership may
also have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of the Company or discouraging others from making tender
offers for the Company's shares. In addition, GIP has the right to elect all of the Company's directors. GIP may cause corporate
actions to be taken even if their interests conflict with the interests of the Company's other stockholders (including holders of the
Company's Class A and Class C common stock).
Furthermore, the Company depends on certain services provided by or under the direction of CEG under the CEG Master
Services Agreement. CEG personnel and support staff that provide services to the Company under the CEG Master Services
Agreement are not required to, and the Company does not expect that they will, have as their primary responsibility the management
and administration of the Company or to act exclusively for the Company and the CEG Master Services Agreement does not
require any specific individuals to be provided by CEG. Under the CEG Master Services Agreement, CEG has the discretion to
determine which of its employees perform assignments required to be provided to the Company. Any failure to effectively manage
the Company's operations or to implement its strategy could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition,
results of operations and cash flows. The CEG Master Services Agreement will continue in perpetuity, until terminated in accordance
with its terms.
The Company also depends upon CEG and NRG for the provision of management, administration, O&M and certain
other services at certain of the Company's facilities. Any failure by CEG or NRG to perform its requirements under these
arrangements or the failure by the Company to identify and contract with replacement service providers, if required, could adversely
affect the operation of the Company's facilities and have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, results of
operations and cash flows.
GIP and its affiliates control the Company and have the ability to designate a majority of the members of the Company’s Board.
Due to GIP's approximate 54.95% combined voting power in the Company, the ability of other holders of the Company’s
Class A and Class C common stock to exercise control over the corporate governance of the Company is limited. GIP and its
affiliates have a substantial influence on the Company’s affairs and its voting power constitutes a large percentage of any quorum
of the Company’s stockholders voting on any matter requiring the approval of the Company’s stockholders. GIP and its affiliates
may hold certain interests that are different from those of the Company or other holders of the Company’s Class A and Class C
common stock and there is no assurance that GIP and its affiliates will exercise its control over the Company in a manner that is
consistent with the Company’s interests or those of the holders of the Company’s Class A and Class C common stock.
28
The Company may not be able to consummate future acquisitions from CEG.
The Company's ability to grow through acquisitions depends, in part, on CEG's ability to identify and present the Company
with acquisition opportunities. Although CEG has agreed, pursuant to the CEG ROFO Agreement, to grant the Company a right
of first offer with respect to certain power generation assets that CEG may elect to sell in the future, CEG is under no obligation
to sell any such power generation assets or to accept any related offers from the Company. In addition, CEG has not agreed to
commit any minimum level of dedicated resources for the pursuit of renewable power-related acquisitions. There are a number
of factors which could materially and adversely impact the extent to which suitable acquisition opportunities are made available
from CEG, including that the same professionals within CEG's organization that are involved in acquisitions that are suitable for
the Company have responsibilities within CEG's broader asset management business, which may include sourcing acquisition
opportunities for CEG. Limits on the availability of such individuals will likewise result in a limitation on the availability of
acquisition opportunities for the Company. In making these determinations, CEG may be influenced by factors that result in a
misalignment with the Company's interests or conflict of interest.
The Company may be unable to terminate the CEG Master Services Agreement, in certain circumstances.
The CEG Master Services Agreement provides that the Company may terminate the agreement upon 30 days prior written
notice to CEG upon the occurrence of any of the following: (i) CEG defaults in the performance or observance of any material
term, condition or covenant contained therein in a manner that results in material harm to the Company and the default continues
unremedied for a period of 30 days after written notice thereof is given to CEG; (ii) CEG engages in any act of fraud, misappropriation
of funds or embezzlement that results in material harm to the Company; (iii) CEG is grossly negligent in the performance of its
duties under the agreement and such negligence results in material harm to the Company; or (iv) upon the happening of certain
events relating to the bankruptcy or insolvency of CEG. Furthermore, if the Company requests an amendment to the scope of
services provided by CEG under the CEG Master Services Agreement and is not able to agree with CEG as to a change to the
service fee resulting from a change in the scope of services within 180 days of the request, the Company will be able to terminate
the agreement upon 30 days prior notice to CEG. The Company will not be able to terminate the agreement for any other reason,
including if CEG experiences a change of control, and the agreement continues in perpetuity, until terminated in accordance with
its terms. If CEG's performance does not meet the expectations of investors, and the Company is unable to terminate the CEG
Master Services Agreement, the market price of the Class A and Class C common stock could suffer.
If CEG terminates the CEG Master Services Agreement or defaults in the performance of its obligations under the agreement,
the Company may be unable to contract with a substitute service provider on similar terms, or at all.
The Company relies on CEG to provide certain services under the CEG Master Services Agreement. The CEG Master
Services Agreement provides that CEG may terminate the agreement upon 180 days prior written notice of termination to the
Company if the Company defaults in the performance or observance of any material term, condition or covenant contained in the
agreement in a manner that results in material harm and the default continues unremedied for a period of 30 days after written
notice of the breach is given. If CEG terminates the Management Services Agreement or defaults in the performance of its
obligations under the agreement, the Company may be unable to contract with CEG or a substitute service provider on similar
terms or at all, and the costs of substituting service providers may be substantial. In addition, in light of CEG's familiarity with
the Company's assets, a substitute service provider may not be able to provide the same level of service due to lack of pre-existing
synergies.
The liability of CEG is limited under the Company's arrangements with it and the Company has agreed to indemnify CEG
against claims that it may face in connection with such arrangements, which may lead CEG to assume greater risks when
making decisions relating to the Company than it otherwise might if acting solely for its own account.
Under the CEG Master Services Agreement, CEG does not assume any responsibility other than to provide or arrange
for the provision of the services described in the CEG Master Services Agreement in good faith. In addition, under the CEG
Master Services Agreement, the liability of CEG and its affiliates is limited to the fullest extent permitted by law to conduct
involving bad faith, fraud, willful misconduct or gross negligence or, in the case of a criminal matter, action that was known to
have been unlawful. In addition, the Company has agreed to indemnify CEG to the fullest extent permitted by law from and
against any claims, liabilities, losses, damages, costs or expenses incurred by an indemnified person or threatened in connection
with the Company's operations, investments and activities or in respect of or arising from the CEG Master Services Agreement
or the services provided by CEG, except to the extent that the claims, liabilities, losses, damages, costs or expenses are determined
to have resulted from the conduct in respect of which such persons have liability as described above. These protections may result
in CEG tolerating greater risks when making decisions than otherwise might be the case, including when determining whether to
use leverage in connection with acquisitions. The indemnification arrangements to which CEG is a party may also give rise to
legal claims for indemnification that are adverse to the Company and holders of its common stock.
29
Certain of the Company’s PPAs and project-level financing arrangements include provisions that would permit the counterparty
to terminate the contract or accelerate maturity in the event GIP or its affiliates ceases to control or own, directly or indirectly,
a majority of the voting power of the Company.
Certain of the Company’s PPAs and project-level financing arrangements contain change in control provisions that provide
the counterparty with a termination right or the ability to accelerate maturity in the event of a change of control of the Company
without the counterparty's consent. These provisions are triggered in the event GIP or its affiliates ceases to own, directly or
indirectly, capital stock representing more than 50% of the voting power of the Company’s capital stock outstanding on such date,
or, in some cases, if GIP or its affiliates ceases to be the majority owner, directly or indirectly, of the applicable project subsidiary.
As a result, if GIP or its affiliates ceases to control, or in some cases, own a majority of the voting power of the Company, the
counterparties could terminate such contracts or accelerate the maturity of such financing arrangements. The termination of any
of the Company’s PPAs or the acceleration of the maturity of any of the Company’s project-level financing could have a material
adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.
The Company is a “controlled company," controlled by GIP, and as a result, is exempt from certain corporate governance
requirements that are designed to provide protection to stockholders of companies that are not controlled companies.
As of December 31, 2019, GIP indirectly controls 54.95% of the Company's combined voting power and is able to elect
all of the Company's board of directors. As a result, the Company is considered a "controlled company" for the purposes of the
NYSE listing requirements. As a "controlled company," the Company is permitted to, and the Company may, opt out of the NYSE
listing requirements that would require (i) a majority of the members of the Company's board of directors to be independent, (ii)
that the Company establish a compensation committee and a nominating and governance committee, each comprised entirely of
independent directors, or (iii) an annual performance evaluation of the nominating and governance and compensation committees.
The NYSE listing requirements are intended to ensure that directors who meet the independence standards are free of any conflicting
interest that could influence their actions as directors. While the Company has elected to have a Corporate Governance, Conflicts
and Nominating Committee consisting entirely of independent directors and to conduct an annual performance evaluation of this
committee, the majority of the members of the Company’s board of directors are not considered independent and the compensation
committee is not comprised entirely of independent directors. Therefore, the Company’s stockholders may not have the same
protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the applicable NYSE listing requirements. It is also
possible that the interests of GIP may in some circumstances conflict with the Company's interests and the interests of the holders
of the Company's Class A and Class C common stock.
Risks Inherent in an Investment in the Company
The Company may not be able to continue paying comparable or growing cash dividends to holders of its common stock in the
future.
The amount of CAFD principally depends upon the amount of cash the Company generates from its operations, which
will fluctuate from quarter to quarter based on, among other things:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
the level and timing of capital expenditures the Company makes;
the level of operating and general and administrative expenses, including reimbursements to CEG for
services provided to the Company in accordance with the CEG Master Services Agreement;
variations in revenues generated by the business, due to seasonality, weather, or otherwise;
debt service requirements and other liabilities;
fluctuations in working capital needs;
the Company's ability to borrow funds and access capital markets;
restrictions contained in the Company's debt agreements (including project-level financing and, if
applicable, corporate debt); and
•
other business risks affecting cash levels.
As a result of all these factors, the Company cannot guarantee that it will have sufficient cash generated from operations
to pay a specific level of cash dividends to holders of its Class A or Class C common stock. Furthermore, holders of the Company's
Class A or Class C common stock should be aware that the amount of CAFD depends primarily on operating cash flow, and is not
solely a function of profitability, which can be affected by non-cash items.
30
The Company may incur other expenses or liabilities during a period that could significantly reduce or eliminate its CAFD
and, in turn, impair its ability to pay dividends to holders of the Company's Class A or Class C common stock during the period.
Because the Company is a holding company, its ability to pay dividends on the Company's Class A or Class C common stock is
restricted and further limited by the ability of the Company's subsidiaries to make distributions to the Company, including restrictions
under the terms of the agreements governing the Company's corporate debt and project-level financing. For example, as a result
of the PG&E Bankruptcy, certain of the Company's unconsolidated investments have been unable to distribute project dividends
to the Company since early 2019. The project-level financing agreements generally prohibit distributions from the project entities
prior to COD and thereafter prohibit distributions to the Company unless certain specific conditions are met, including the
satisfaction of financial ratios. The Company's revolving credit facility also restricts the Company's ability to declare and pay
dividends if an event of default has occurred and is continuing or if the payment of the dividend would result in an event of default.
Clearway Energy LLC's CAFD will likely fluctuate from quarter to quarter, in some cases significantly, due to seasonality.
As a result, the Company may cause Clearway Energy LLC to reduce the amount of cash it distributes to its members in a particular
quarter to establish reserves to fund distributions to its members in future periods for which the cash distributions the Company
would otherwise receive from Clearway Energy LLC would be insufficient to fund its quarterly dividend. If the Company fails
to cause Clearway Energy LLC to establish sufficient reserves, the Company may not be able to maintain its quarterly dividend
with respect to a quarter adversely affected by seasonality.
Finally, dividends to holders of the Company's Class A or Class C common stock will be paid at the discretion of the
Company's board of directors. The Company's board of directors may decrease the level, or entirely discontinue payment, of
dividends.
The Company is a holding company and its only material asset is its interest in Clearway Energy LLC, and the Company is
accordingly dependent upon distributions from Clearway Energy LLC and its subsidiaries to pay dividends and taxes and other
expenses.
The Company is a holding company and has no material assets other than its ownership of membership interests in
Clearway Energy LLC, a holding company that has no material assets other than its interest in Clearway Energy Operating LLC,
whose sole material assets are the project companies. None of the Company, Clearway Energy LLC or Clearway Energy
Operating LLC has any independent means of generating revenue. The Company intends to continue to cause Clearway Energy
Operating LLC's subsidiaries to make distributions to Clearway Energy Operating LLC and, in turn, make distributions to Clearway
Energy LLC, and, in turn, to make distributions to the Company in an amount sufficient to cover all applicable taxes payable and
dividends, if any, declared by the Company. To the extent that the Company needs funds for a quarterly cash dividend to holders
of the Company's Class A and Class C common stock or otherwise, and Clearway Energy Operating LLC or Clearway Energy LLC
is restricted from making such distributions under applicable law or regulation or is otherwise unable to provide such funds
(including as a result of Clearway Energy Operating LLC's operating subsidiaries being unable to make distributions), it could
materially adversely affect the Company's liquidity and financial condition and limit the Company's ability to pay dividends to
holders of the Company's Class A and Class C common stock.
Market interest rates may have an effect on the value of the Company's Class A and Class C common stock.
One of the factors that influences the price of shares of the Company's Class A and Class C common stock is the effective
dividend yield of such shares (i.e., the yield as a percentage of the then market price of the Company's shares) relative to market
interest rates. An increase in market interest rates, which are currently at low levels relative to historical rates, may lead investors
of shares of the Company's Class A and Class C common stock to expect a higher dividend yield and the Company's inability to
increase its dividend as a result of an increase in borrowing costs, insufficient CAFD or otherwise, could result in selling pressure
on, and a decrease in the market prices of the Company's Class A and Class C common stock as investors seek alternative investments
with higher yield.
If the Company is deemed to be an investment company, the Company may be required to institute burdensome compliance
requirements and the Company's activities may be restricted, which may make it difficult for the Company to complete strategic
acquisitions or effect combinations.
If the Company is deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, or the Investment
Company Act, the Company's business would be subject to applicable restrictions under the Investment Company Act, which
could make it impracticable for the Company to continue its business as contemplated. The Company believes it is not an investment
company under Section 3(b)(1) of the Investment Company Act because the Company is primarily engaged in a non-investment
company business. The Company intends to conduct its operations so that the Company will not be deemed an investment company.
However, if the Company were to be deemed an investment company, restrictions imposed by the Investment Company Act,
including limitations on the Company's capital structure and the Company's ability to transact with affiliates, could make it
impractical for the Company to continue its business as contemplated.
31
Market volatility may affect the price of the Company's Class A and Class C common stock.
The market price of the Company's Class A and Class C common stock may fluctuate significantly in response to a number
of factors, most of which the Company cannot predict or control, including general market and economic conditions, disruptions,
downgrades, credit events and perceived problems in the credit markets; actual or anticipated variations in its quarterly operating
results or dividends; natural disasters, wildfires and other weather-related events; changes in the Company's investments or asset
composition; write-downs or perceived credit or liquidity issues affecting the Company's assets; market perception of GIP or CEG,
the Company's business and the Company's assets; the Company's level of indebtedness and/or adverse market reaction to any
indebtedness that the Company may incur in the future; the Company's ability to raise capital on favorable terms or at all; loss of
any major funding source; changes in market valuations of similar power generation companies; and speculation in the press or
investment community regarding the Company, GIP or CEG.
Securities markets in general have experienced extreme volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating
performance of particular companies. Any broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of the Company's
Class A and Class C common stock.
Volatility of market conditions may increase certain of the risks the Company faces.
The capital markets in general are often subject to volatility that is unrelated to the operating performance of particular
companies. Market volatility can affect the plans and perspectives of various market participants, including operating entities,
consumers and financing providers, and may increase uncertainty and heighten some of the risks the Company faces. The Company
and other companies may have to adjust their plans and priorities in light of such volatility.
Risks that may increase as a result of market volatility include, but are not limited to, risks related to access to capital
and liquidity and risks related to the performance of third parties and GIP. The Company has significant relationships with, and
in certain areas depends significantly on, GIP and CEG. In particular, CEG provides operational services and other support. The
Company’s growth strategy depends on its ability to identify and acquire additional facilities from CEG and unaffiliated third
parties. The Company interacts with or depends on CEG for assistance related to many third-party acquisition opportunities and for
operations and maintenance support on various pending and completed transactions. As a result, the Company’s financial and
operating performance and prospects, including the Company’s ability to grow its dividend per share, may be affected by the
performance, prospects, and priorities of GIP and CEG, and material adverse developments at GIP or CEG or changes in their
strategic priorities may materially affect the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
Furthermore, any significant disruption to the Company’s ability to access the capital markets, or a significant increase
in interest rates, could make it difficult for the Company to successfully acquire attractive projects from third parties and may also
limit the Company’s ability to obtain debt or equity financing to complete such acquisitions. If the Company is unable to raise
adequate proceeds when needed to fund such acquisitions, the ability to grow the Company’s project portfolio may be limited,
which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to implement its growth strategy and, ultimately, its business,
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Provisions of the Company's charter documents or Delaware law could delay or prevent an acquisition of the Company, even
if the acquisition would be beneficial to holders of the Company's Class A and Class C common stock, and could make it more
difficult to change management.
Provisions of the Company's amended and restated certificate of incorporation and fourth amended and restated bylaws
may discourage, delay or prevent a merger, acquisition or other change in control that holders of the Company's Class A and Class
C common stock may consider favorable, including transactions in which such stockholders might otherwise receive a premium
for their shares. This is because these provisions may prevent or frustrate attempts by stockholders to replace or remove members
of the Company's management. These provisions include:
• a prohibition on stockholder action through written consent;
• a requirement that special meetings of stockholders be called upon a resolution approved by a majority of the
Company's directors then in office;
• advance notice requirements for stockholder proposals and nominations; and
•
the authority of the board of directors to issue preferred stock with such terms as the board of directors may determine.
32
Section 203 of the DGCL prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a business combination with
an interested stockholder, generally a person that together with its affiliates owns or within the last three years has owned 15% of
voting stock, for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder,
unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner. Additionally, the Company's restated certificate of
incorporation prohibits any person and any of its associate or affiliate companies in the aggregate, public utility or holding company
from acquiring, other than secondary market transactions, an amount of the Company's Class A or Class C common stock sufficient
to result in a transfer of control without the prior written consent of the Company's board of directors. Any such change of control,
in addition to prior approval from the Company's board of directors, would require prior authorization from FERC. Similar
restrictions may apply to certain purchasers of the Company's securities which are holding companies regardless of whether the
Company's securities are purchased in offerings by the Company or NRG, in open market transactions or otherwise. A purchaser
of the Company's securities which is a holding company will need to determine whether a given purchase of the Company's
securities may require prior FERC approval.
Investors may experience dilution of ownership interest due to the future issuance of additional shares of the Company's Class
A or Class C common stock.
The Company is in a capital intensive business, and may not have sufficient funds to finance the growth of the Company's
business, future acquisitions or to support the Company's projected capital expenditures. As a result, the Company may require
additional funds from further equity or debt financings, including tax equity financing transactions, sales under the ATM Program
or sales of preferred shares or convertible debt to complete future acquisitions, expansions and capital expenditures and pay the
general and administrative costs of the Company's business. In the future, the Company may issue shares under its ATM Program
and the Company's previously authorized and unissued securities, resulting in the dilution of the ownership interests of purchasers
of the Company's Class A and Class C common stock. Under the Company's restated certificate of incorporation, the Company
is authorized to issue 500,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, 500,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, 1,000,000,000
shares of Class C common stock, 1,000,000,000 shares of Class D common stock and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock with
preferences and rights as determined by the Company's board of directors. The potential issuance of additional shares of common
stock or preferred stock or convertible debt may create downward pressure on the trading price of the Company's Class A and
Class C common stock.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish or cease publishing research or reports about the Company, the Company's
business or the Company's market, or if they change their recommendations regarding the Company's Class A and/or Class
C common stock adversely, the stock price and trading volume of the Company's Class A and/or Class C common stock could
decline.
The trading market for the Company's Class A and Class C common stock is influenced by the research and reports that
industry or securities analysts may publish about the Company, the Company's business, the Company's market or the Company's
competitors. If any of the analysts who may cover the Company change their recommendation regarding the Company's Class A
and/or Class C common stock adversely, or provide more favorable relative recommendations about the Company's competitors,
the price of the Company's Class A and/or Class C common stock would likely decline. If any analyst who covers the Company
were to cease coverage of the Company or fail to regularly publish reports on the Company, the Company could lose visibility in
the financial markets, which in turn could cause the stock price or trading volume of the Company's Class A and/or Class C common
stock to decline.
Future sales of the Company's Class A or Class C common stock by GIP may cause the price of the Company's Class A or Class
C common stock to fall.
The market price of the Company's Class A or Class C common stock could decline as a result of sales by GIP of such
shares (issuable to GIP upon the exchange of some or all of its Clearway Energy LLC Class B or Class D units, respectively) in
the market, or the perception that these sales could occur.
The market price of the Company's Class A or Class C common stock may also decline as a result of GIP disposing or
transferring some or all of the Company's outstanding Class B or Class D common stock, which disposals or transfers would
reduce GIP's ownership interest in, and voting control over, the Company. These sales might also make it more difficult for the
Company to sell equity securities at a time and price that the Company deems appropriate. GIP and certain of its affiliates have
certain demand and piggyback registration rights with respect to shares of the Company's Class A common stock issuable upon
the exchange of Clearway Energy LLC's Class B units and/or Class C common stock issuable upon the exchange of Clearway
Energy LLC's Class D units. The presence of additional shares of the Company's Class A and/or Class C common stock trading
in the public market, as a result of the exercise of such registration rights, may have a material adverse effect on the market price
of the Company's securities.
33
Risks Related to Taxation
The Company's future tax liability may be greater than expected if the Company does not generate NOLs sufficient to offset
taxable income, if federal, state and local tax authorities challenge certain of the Company’s tax positions and exemptions or
if changes in federal, state and local tax laws occur.
The Company expects to generate NOLs and carryforward prior year NOL balances to offset future taxable income.
Based on the Company's current portfolio of assets, which include renewable assets that benefit from accelerated tax depreciation
deductions and federal tax credits, the Company does not expect to pay significant federal income tax for a period of approximately
ten years. While the Company expects these losses will be available as a future benefit, in the event that they are not generated
as expected, successfully challenged by the IRS or state and local jurisdictions (in a tax audit or otherwise) or subject to future
limitations from a potential change in ownership, as discussed below, the Company's ability to realize these benefits may be limited.
In addition, the Company’s ability to realize state and local tax exemptions, including property or sales and use tax exemptions,
is subject to various tax laws. If these exemptions are successfully challenged by state and local jurisdictions or if a change in tax
law occurs, the Company’s ability to realize these exemptions could be affected. A reduction in the Company's expected NOLs,
a limitation on the Company's ability to use such losses or tax credits, and challenges by tax authorities to the Company’s tax
positions may result in a material increase in the Company's estimated future income, sales/use and property tax liability and may
negatively impact the Company's liquidity and financial condition.
The Company's ability to use NOLs to offset future income may be limited.
The Company's ability to use NOLs could be substantially limited if the Company is unable to generate future taxable
income or were to experience an "ownership change" as defined under Section 382 of the Code. In general, an "ownership change"
would occur if the Company's "5-percent shareholders," as defined under Section 382 of the Code, collectively increased their
ownership in the Company by more than 50 percentage points over a rolling three-year period. A corporation that experiences an
ownership change will generally be subject to an annual limitation on the use of its pre-ownership change deferred tax assets equal
to the equity value of the corporation immediately before the ownership change, multiplied by the long-term tax-exempt rate for
the month in which the ownership change occurs. Future sales of any class of the Company's common stock by GIP, as well as
future issuances by the Company, could contribute to a potential ownership change.
A valuation allowance may be required for the Company's deferred tax assets.
The Company's expected NOLs and tax credits will be reflected as a deferred tax asset as they are generated until utilized
to offset income. Valuation allowances may need to be maintained for deferred tax assets that the Company estimates are more
likely than not to be unrealizable, based on available evidence at the time the estimate is made. Valuation allowances related to
deferred tax assets can be affected by changes to tax laws, statutory tax rates and future taxable income levels. In the event that
the Company was to determine that it would not be able to realize all or a portion of the net deferred tax assets in the future, the
Company would reduce such amounts through a charge to income tax expense in the period in which that determination was made,
which could have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial condition and results of operations.
Distributions to holders of the Company's Class A and Class C common stock may be taxable.
The amount of distributions that will be treated as taxable for U.S. federal income tax purposes will depend on the amount
of the Company's current and accumulated earnings and profits. It is difficult to predict whether the Company will generate
earnings or profits as computed for federal income tax purposes in any given tax year. Generally, a corporation's earnings and
profits are computed based upon taxable income, with certain specified adjustments. Distributions will constitute ordinary dividend
income to the extent paid from the Company's current or accumulated earnings and profits, and a nontaxable return of capital to
the extent of a stockholder's basis in his or her Class A or Class C common stock. Distributions in excess of the Company's current
and accumulated earnings and profits and in excess of a stockholder's basis will be treated as gain from the sale of the common
stock.
For U.S. tax purposes, the Company's distributions to its stockholders in 2019 and 2018 are classified for U.S. federal
income tax purposes as a nontaxable return of capital and reduction of a U.S. stockholder's tax basis, to the extent of a U.S.
stockholder's tax basis in each of the Company's common shares, with any remaining amount being taxed as capital gain.
34
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This Annual Report on Form 10-K of Clearway Energy, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries, or the Company,
includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities
Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. The words "believes," "projects,"
"anticipates," "plans," "expects," "intends," "estimates" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.
These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's
actual results, performance and achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance
or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors, risks and uncertainties include the
factors described under Item 1A — Risk Factors and the following:
•
Potential risks related to the PG&E Bankruptcy;
• The Company's ability to maintain and grow its quarterly dividend;
•
Potential risks related to the Company's relationships with GIP and CEG;
• The Company's ability to successfully transition services previously provided by NRG;
• The Company's ability to successfully identify, evaluate and consummate acquisitions from third parties;
• The Company's ability to acquire assets from GIP or CEG;
• The Company's ability to raise additional capital due to its indebtedness, corporate structure, market conditions or
otherwise;
• Changes in law, including judicial decisions;
• Hazards customary to the power production industry and power generation operations such as fuel and electricity price
volatility, unusual weather conditions (including wind and solar conditions), catastrophic weather-related or other damage
to facilities, unscheduled generation outages, maintenance or repairs, unanticipated changes to fuel supply costs or
availability due to higher demand, shortages, transportation problems or other developments, environmental incidents,
or electric transmission or gas pipeline system constraints and the possibility that the Company may not have adequate
insurance to cover losses as a result of such hazards;
• The Company's ability to operate its businesses efficiently, manage maintenance capital expenditures and costs effectively,
and generate earnings and cash flows from its asset-based businesses in relation to its debt and other obligations;
• The willingness and ability of counterparties to the Company's offtake agreements to fulfill their obligations under such
agreements;
• The Company's ability to enter into contracts to sell power and procure fuel on acceptable terms and prices as current
offtake agreements expire;
• Government regulation, including compliance with regulatory requirements and changes in market rules, rates, tariffs
and environmental laws;
• Operating and financial restrictions placed on the Company that are contained in the project-level debt facilities and other
agreements of certain subsidiaries and project-level subsidiaries generally, in the Clearway Energy Operating LLC
amended and restated revolving credit facility, in the indentures governing the Senior Notes and in the indentures governing
the Company's convertible notes;
• Cyber terrorism and inadequate cybersecurity, or the occurrence of a catastrophic loss and the possibility that the Company
may not have adequate insurance to cover losses resulting from such hazards or the inability of the Company's insurers
to provide coverage;
• The Company's ability to engage in successful mergers and acquisitions activity; and
• The Company's ability to borrow additional funds and access capital markets, as well as the Company's substantial
indebtedness and the possibility that the Company may incur additional indebtedness going forward.
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly
update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The foregoing
review of factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking
statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K should not be construed as exhaustive.
Item 1B — Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
35
Item 2 — Properties
Listed below are descriptions of the Company's interests in facilities, operations and/or projects owned or leased as of December 31,
2019.
Capacity
Location
Rated
MW
Net
MW(a)
Owner
-ship
Fuel
COD
Counterparty
Expiration
PPA Terms
Assets
Conventional
Carlsbad . . . . . . . . . . . . Carlsbad, CA
El Segundo . . . . . . . . . .
El Segundo, CA
GenConn Devon . . . . . . Milford, CT
GenConn Middletown . Middletown, CT
Marsh Landing . . . . . . . Antioch, CA
Walnut Creek . . . . . . . .
City of Industry,
CA
Total Conventional. . . . . . . . . . . .
Utility Scale Solar
527
550
190
190
720
527
550
95
95
100 % Natural Gas
December 2018
100 % Natural Gas
August 2013
Natural Gas/
Oil
Natural Gas/
Oil
50 %
50 %
June 2010
June 2011
San Diego Gas &
Electric
Southern California
Edison
Connecticut Light &
Power
Connecticut Light &
Power
720
100 % Natural Gas May 2013
Pacific Gas and Electric
485
2,662
485
2,472
100 % Natural Gas May 2013
Southern California
Edison
Agua Caliente . . . . . . . . Dateland, AZ
290
Alpine . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lancaster, CA
Avenal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Avenal, CA
Avra Valley . . . . . . . . . .
Pima County,
AZ
Blythe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blythe, CA
Borrego. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Buckthorn Solar (b) . . . .
CVSR . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Desert Sunlight 250 . . .
Desert Sunlight 300 . . .
Borrego Springs,
CA
City of
Georgetown, TX
San Luis
Obispo, CA
Desert Center,
CA
Desert Center,
CA
Kansas South . . . . . . . .
Lemoore, CA
Kawailoa (b) . . . . . . . . . . Oahu, HI
Oahu Solar Projects (b) . Oahu, HI
Roadrunner . . . . . . . . . .
Santa Teresa,
NM
TA High Desert. . . . . . .
Lancaster, CA
66
45
26
21
26
154
250
250
300
20
49
61
20
20
46
66
23
26
21
26
154
250
63
75
20
24
58
20
20
16 % Solar
June 2014
Pacific Gas and Electric
100 % Solar
January 2013
Pacific Gas and Electric
50 % Solar
August 2011
Pacific Gas and Electric
100 % Solar
December 2012
Tucson Electric Power
100 % Solar
December 2009
100 % Solar
February 2013
Southern California
Edison
San Diego Gas and
Electric
100 % Solar
July 2018
City of Georgetown, TX
100 % Solar
October 2013
Pacific Gas and Electric
25 % Solar
December 2014
Southern California
Edison
25 % Solar
December 2014
Pacific Gas and Electric
100 % Solar
June 2013
Pacific Gas and Electric
48 % Solar
November 2019
95 % Solar
September 2019
Hawaiian Electric
Company
Hawaiian Electric
Company
100 % Solar
August 2011
El Paso Electric
100 % Solar
March 2013
Southern California
Edison
Utah Solar Portfolio (b).
various
530
265
50 % Solar
July -
September 2016
PacifiCorp
Total Utility Scale Solar . . . . . . . .
2,128
1,157
Distributed Solar
Apple I LLC Projects . . CA
AZ DG Solar Projects. . AZ
SPP Projects . . . . . . . . . Various
Other DG Projects . . . . Various
3
5
25
13
3
5
25
13
100 % Solar
100 % Solar
100 % Solar
100 % Solar
36
October 2012 -
December 2012
December 2010
- January 2013
June 2008 -
June 2012
October 2012 -
October 2015
Various
Various
Various
Various
2038
2023
2040
2041
2023
2023
2039
2033
2031
2032
2029
2038
2043
2038
2034
2039
2033
2041
2041
2031
2033
2036
2032
2025 - 2033
2026 - 2037
2023 - 2039
Capacity
Rated
MW
46
Net
MW(a)
46
Owner
-ship
Fuel
COD
Counterparty
Expiration
PPA Terms
Assets
Location
Total Distributed Solar. . . . . . . . .
Wind
Alta I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tehachapi, CA
Alta II . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tehachapi, CA
Alta III . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tehachapi, CA
Alta IV . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tehachapi, CA
Alta V . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tehachapi, CA
Alta X (b) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tehachapi, CA
Alta XI (b) . . . . . . . . . . .
Tehachapi, CA
Buffalo Bear . . . . . . . . . Buffalo, OK
Crosswinds (b) . . . . . . . . Ayrshire, IA
Elbow Creek (b) . . . . . . .
Howard County,
TX
Elkhorn Ridge (b). . . . . . Bloomfield, NE
Forward (b) . . . . . . . . . . Berlin, PA
Goat Wind (b). . . . . . . . .
Sterling City,
TX
Hardin (b). . . . . . . . . . . .
Jefferson, IA
Laredo Ridge . . . . . . . .
Petersburg, NE
Lookout (b) . . . . . . . . . . Berlin, PA
Odin (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . Odin, MN
Pinnacle . . . . . . . . . . . . Keyser, WV
San Juan Mesa (b) . . . . .
Elida, NM
Sleeping Bear (b) . . . . . . Woodward, OK
Sweetwater, TX
South Trent . . . . . . . . . .
Spanish Fork (b). . . . . . .
Spring Canyon II (b) . . .
Spring Canyon III(b) . . .
Spanish Fork,
UT
Logan County,
CO
Logan County,
CO
Taloga . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Putnam, OK
Wildorado (b) . . . . . . . . . Vega, TX
150
150
150
102
168
137
90
19
21
150
150
150
102
168
137
90
19
21
100 % Wind
December 2010
100 % Wind
December 2010
100 % Wind
February 2011
100 % Wind
March 2011
100 % Wind
April 2011
100 % Wind
February 2014
100 % Wind
February 2014
100 % Wind
December 2008
99 % Wind
June 2007
Southern California
Edison
Southern California
Edison
Southern California
Edison
Southern California
Edison
Southern California
Edison
Southern California
Edison
Southern California
Edison
Western Farmers
Electric Co-operative
Corn Belt Power
Cooperative
122
122
100 % Wind
December 2008
various
81
29
54
29
66.7 % Wind
March 2009
100 % Wind
April 2008
150
150
100 % Wind
April 2008/June
2009
Nebraska Public Power
District
Constellation
NewEnergy, Inc.
Dow Pipeline Company
Interstate Power and
Light Company
Nebraska Public Power
District
Southern Maryland
Electric Cooperative
Missouri River Energy
Services
Maryland Department
of General Services and
University System of
Maryland
Southwestern Public
Service Company
99 % Wind
May 2007
100 % Wind
February 2011
100 % Wind
October 2008
99.9 % Wind
June 2008
100 % Wind
December 2011
75 % Wind
December 2005
100 % Wind
100 % Wind
October 2007
Public Service
Company of Oklahoma
January 2009
AEP Energy Partners
100 % Wind
July 2008
PacifiCorp
90.1 % Wind
October 2014
90.1 % Wind
December 2014
100 % Wind
July 2011
100 % Wind
April 2007
Platte River Power
Authority
Platte River Power
Authority
Oklahoma Gas &
Electric
Southwestern Public
Service Company
15
80
38
20
55
120
95
101
19
32
28
130
161
15
80
38
20
55
90
95
101
19
29
25
130
161
Total Wind. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2,263
2,200
Thermal Generation
CA Fuel Cell. . . . . . . . .
Tulare, CA
Dover (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . Dover, DE
ECP Uptown Campus. .
Pittsburgh, PA
3
103
6
3
103
100 % Natural Gas May 2018
City of Tulare
100 % Natural Gas
June 2013
various
6
100 % Natural Gas May 2019
Duquesne University
37
2035
2035
2035
2035
2035
2038
2038
2033
2027
2029
2029
2022
2025
2027
2031
2030
2028
2031
2025
2032
2029
2028
2039
2039
2031
2027
2038
N/A
2029
Assets
Location
Energy Center -
Pittsburgh . . . . . . . . . . .
Pittsburgh, PA
Paxton Creek Cogen. . . Harrisburg, PA
Princeton, NJ
Princeton Hospital . . . .
Tucson Convention
Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
University of
Bridgeport. . . . . . . . . . . Bridgeport, CT
Tucson, AZ
Capacity
Rated
MW
Net
MW(a)
Owner
-ship
Fuel
COD
Counterparty
Expiration
PPA Terms
7
12
5
2
1
7
12
5
2
1
100 % Diesel
January 2019
University of Pittsburgh
Medical Center
2038
100 % Natural Gas
November 1986
Power sold into PJM markets
100 % Natural Gas
January 2012
Excess power sold to local utility
100 % Natural Gas
January 2003
Excess power sold to local utility
100 % Natural Gas
April 2015
University of
Bridgeport
2034
Total Thermal Generation . . . . . .
Total Clearway Energy, Inc. (d) . . . . .
139
139
7,238
6,014
(a) Net capacity represents the maximum, or rated, generating capacity of the facility multiplied by the Company's percentage ownership in the facility as of
December 31, 2019.
(b) Projects are part of tax equity arrangements, as further described in Item 15 — Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.
(c) Includes assets held for sale as of December 31, 2019, as further described in Item 15 — Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions.
(d) Clearway Energy, Inc.'s total generation capacity is net of 6 MWs for noncontrolling interest for Spring Canyon II and III. Clearway Energy, Inc.'s generation
capacity including this noncontrolling interest was 6,020 MWs.
In addition to the facilities owned or leased in the table above, the Company entered into partnerships to own or purchase
solar power generation projects, as well as other ancillary related assets from a related party via intermediate funds. The Company
does not consolidate these partnerships and accounts for them as equity method investments. The Company's net interest in these
projects is 320 MW based on cash to be distributed. For further discussions, refer to Item 15 — Note 5, Investments Accounted
for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
38
The following table summarizes the Company's thermal steam and chilled water facilities as of December 31, 2019:
Name and Location of Facility
Thermal Energy Customers
(steam/chilled water)
%
Owned
Rated
Megawatt
Thermal
Equivalent
Capacity
(MWt)
Net
Megawatt
Thermal
Equivalent
Capacity
(MWt) (c)
Generating
Capacity
Energy Center Minneapolis, MN 100 steam
55 chilled water
ECP Uptown Campus . . . . . . . . . Duquesne University
Duquesne University
Energy Center San Francisco,
CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Energy Center Omaha, NE . . . . .
180 steam
60 steam
Energy Center Harrisburg, PA. . .
125 steam
65 chilled water
Energy Center Phoenix, AZ . . . .
40 chilled water
5 chilled water
Energy Center Pittsburgh, PA . . .
25 steam
25 chilled water
Energy Center San Diego, CA. . .
Energy Center Dover, DE (b) . . .
Energy Center Princeton, NJ. . . . Princeton HealthCare System
20 chilled water
Kraft Heinz Company; Proctor
and Gamble
Princeton HealthCare System
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
24
0.12 (a)
100
0 (a)
100
100
100
100
100
100
315
136
53
20
133
198
99
108
14
5
14
104
28
132
78
33
66
21
17
315 Steam: 1,075 MMBtu/hr.
136 Chilled water: 38,700 tons
53 Steam: 181 MMBtu/hr.
20 Chilled water: 5,790 tons
133 Steam: 454 MMBtu/hr.
198 Steam: 675 MMBtu/hr.
99 Chilled water: 28,000 tons
108 Steam: 370 MMBtu/hr.
14 Chilled water: 3,900 tons
1 Steam: 17 MMBtu/hr.
2 Chilled water: 3,920 tons
104 Chilled water: 29,600 tons
0 Chilled water: 8,000 tons
132 Steam: 452 MMBtu/hr.
78 Chilled water: 22,224 tons
33 Chilled water: 9,295 tons
66 Steam: 225 MMBtu/hr.
21 Steam: 72 MMBtu/hr.
17 Chilled water: 4,700 tons
Total generating capacity
1,574
1,530
(a) Net MWt capacity excludes 19 MWt available under the right-to-use provisions contained in agreements between one of the Company's thermal facilities
and certain of its customers.
(b) Project is deemed to be held for sale as of December 31, 2019. For further information see Item 15 — Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions.
(c) Net megawatt thermal equivalent capacity represents the maximum, or rated, generating capacity of the facility multiplied by the Company's percentage
ownership in the facility as of December 31, 2019.
39
Item 3 — Legal Proceedings
See "Pacific Gas and Electric Company Bankruptcy" found in Item 1— Business, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K
and Item 15 — Note 16, Commitments and Contingencies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of the material
legal proceedings to which the Company is a party or of which any of its properties is subject.
Item 4 — Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
40
PART II
Item 5 — Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information, Equity Holders and Dividends
The Company's Class A common stock and Class C common stock are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and trade
under the ticker symbols "CWEN.A" and "CWEN," respectively. The Company's Class B common stock and Class D common
stock are not publicly traded.
As of January 31, 2020, there were two holders of record of the Class A common stock, one holder of record of the Class
B common stock, three holders of record of the Class C common stock and one holder of record of the Class D common stock.
On February 18, 2020, the Company declared a quarterly dividend on its Class A and Class C common stock of $0.21
per share payable on March 16, 2020, to stockholders of record as of March 2, 2020.
The Company's Class A and Class C common stock dividends are subject to available capital, market conditions, and
compliance with associated laws and regulations. The Company expects that, based on current circumstances, comparable cash
dividends will continue to be paid in the foreseeable future. As discussed in Item 1 — Business, the Company will continue to
monitor events related to the PG&E Bankruptcy in determining its capital allocation strategy in the future.
Stock Performance Graph
The performance graph below compares the Company's cumulative total stockholder return on the Company's Class A
common stock for the period from December 31, 2014 through May 14, 2015, the date of the Recapitalization, and the Company's
Class A common stock and Class C common stock from May 15, 2015 through December 31, 2019, with the cumulative total
return of the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index, or S&P 500, and the Philadelphia Utility Sector Index, or UTY.
The performance graph shown below is being furnished and compares each period assuming that $100 was invested on
the initial public offering date in each of the Class A common stock of the Company, the Class C common stock of the Company,
the stocks included in the S&P 500 and the stocks included in the UTY, and that all dividends were reinvested.
Comparison of Cumulative Total Return
Clearway Energy, Inc. Class A common
stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clearway Energy, Inc. Class C common
stock (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S&P 500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
UTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December
31, 2014
December
31, 2015
December
31, 2016
December
31, 2017
December
31, 2018
December
31, 2019
$ 100.00
$
61.64
$
72.64
$
94.73
$
91.25 $ 108.43
100.00
100.00
100.00
64.99
101.38
93.75
73.99
113.51
110.05
93.91
138.29
124.16
91.92
132.23
128.53
111.57
173.86
163.00
(a)
Class C common stock price has been indexed to the Class A common stock price from the Company's initial public offering date until the Recapitalization,
and reflects the Class C common stock Total Return Performance beginning on May 15, 2015.
41
Item 6 — Selected Financial Data
The historical data in the table below should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the
related notes thereto in Item 15 and Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations.
(In millions, except per share data)
Statement of Income Data:
Operating Revenues
Fiscal year ended December 31,
2016
2017
2018
2019
2015
Total operating revenues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
1,032
$
1,053
$
1,009
$
1,035
$
968
Operating Costs and Expenses
Cost of operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaction and integration costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Development costs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total operating costs and expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other Income (Expense)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other income, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss on debt extinguishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total other expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Loss) Income Before Income Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax (benefit) expense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net (Loss) Income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Pre-acquisition net income of Drop Down Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net (Loss) Income Excluding Pre-acquisition Net (Loss) Income of Drop
Down Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . . . . .
Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Clearway Energy, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Earnings Per Share Attributable to Clearway Energy, Inc. Class A and
Class C Common Stockholders
(Loss) Earnings per Weighted Average Class A and Class C Common
Share - Basic and Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Dividends per Class A common share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Dividends per Class C common share (a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Other Financial Data:
Capital expenditures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Cash Flow Data:
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance Sheet Data (at period end):
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Property, plant and equipment, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long-term debt, including current maturities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total stockholders' equity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
342
396
33
29
3
5
808
224
83
9
(16)
(404)
(328)
(104)
(8)
(96)
—
(96)
(85)
(11) $
332
331
—
20
20
3
706
347
74
8
(7)
(306)
(231)
116
62
54
4
50
2
48
(0.10) $
$
0.80
$
0.80
0.46
1.258
1.258
228
$
83
$
$
477
(468)
(175)
155
6,063
9,700
6,780
7,437
2,263
498
(185)
(46)
407
5,245
8,500
5,982
6,276
2,224
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
326
334
44
19
3
—
726
283
71
4
(3)
(307)
(235)
48
72
(24)
7
(31)
(15)
(16) $
308
303
185
16
1
—
813
222
60
3
—
(284)
(221)
1
(1)
2
(4)
6
(51)
57
$
323
303
1
12
3
—
642
326
31
3
(9)
(267)
(242)
84
12
72
—
72
39
33
(0.16) $
$
1.098
$
1.098
0.58
0.945
0.945
$
0.40
$ 1.015
$ 0.625
$
$
$
190
517
(442)
(257)
148
5,410
8,489
5,998
6,330
2,159
20
$
29
577
(131)
(202)
322
5,579
8,988
6,049
6,365
2,623
$
$
425
(1,098)
354
111
5,980
8,926
5,660
6,023
2,903
(a) The Company began paying dividends on Class C common stock after the Recapitalization on May 14, 2015.
42
Item 7 — Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and the Results of Operations
As you read this discussion and analysis, refer to the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations to this Form
10-K. Also refer to Item 1 — Business and Item 1A — Risk Factors, which include detailed discussions of various items
impacting the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition. Discussions of the year ended December 31,
2017 that are not included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and year-to-year comparisons of the year ended December 31,
2018 and the year ended December 31, 2017 can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and the Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2018.
The discussion and analysis below has been organized as follows:
• Executive Summary, including a description of the business and significant events that are important to
understanding the results of operations and financial condition;
• Results of operations, including an explanation of significant differences between the periods in the specific
line items of the consolidated statements of operations;
•
Financial condition addressing liquidity position, sources and uses of cash, capital resources and
requirements, commitments, and off-balance sheet arrangements;
• Known trends that may affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition in the future;
and
• Critical accounting policies which are most important to both the portrayal of the Company's financial
condition and results of operations, and which require management's most difficult, subjective or complex
judgment.
43
Executive Summary
Introduction and Overview
Clearway Energy, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries, or the Company, is a publicly-traded energy infrastructure
investor in and owner of modern, sustainable and long-term contracted assets across North America. The Company is sponsored
by GIP through GIP's portfolio company, CEG.
The Company’s environmentally-sound asset portfolio includes over 5,875 MW of wind, solar and natural gas-fired power
generation facilities, as well as district energy systems. Through this diversified and contracted portfolio, the Company endeavors
to provide its investors with stable and growing dividend income. Nearly all of these assets sell substantially all of their output
pursuant to long-term offtake agreements with creditworthy counterparties. The weighted average remaining contract duration
of these offtake agreements was approximately 13 years as of December 31, 2019 based on CAFD. The Company also owns
thermal infrastructure assets with an aggregate steam and chilled water capacity of 1,530 net MWt and electric generation capacity
of 139 net MW. These thermal infrastructure assets provide steam, hot and/or chilled water, and, in some instances, electricity
to commercial businesses, universities, hospitals and governmental units in multiple locations, principally through long-term
contracts or pursuant to rates regulated by state utility commissions.
Significant Events
Pacific Gas and Electric Company Bankruptcy
• On January 29, 2019, PG&E filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy
Court for the Northern District of California. Certain subsidiaries of the Company, which hold interests in 6 solar
facilities totaling 480 MW and Marsh Landing with capacity of 720 MW, sell the output of their facilities to PG&E
under long-term PPAs. The Company consolidates three of the solar facilities and Marsh Landing, and records its interest
in the other solar facilities as equity method investments. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had $177 million in
restricted cash, $1.4 billion of property, plant and equipment, net, $370 million in investments in unconsolidated affiliates
and $1.2 billion of borrowings with final maturity dates ranging from 2023 to 2038 related to these facilities. The related
subsidiaries of the Company are parties to financing agreements consisting of non-recourse project-level debt and, in
certain cases, non-recourse holding company debt. The PG&E Bankruptcy triggered defaults under the PPAs with PG&E
and such related project-level financing agreements. As a result, the Company recorded $1.2 billion of principal, net of
the related unamortized debt issuance costs, as short-term debt as of December 31, 2019.
On September 9, 2019, PG&E filed a Chapter 11 plan of reorganization, or the PG&E Plan, which would provide for
PG&E to assume all of its PPAs with the Company. On October 17, 2019, an ad hoc group of senior noteholders filed
a competing plan of reorganization, which would also provide for PG&E to assume all of its PPAs with the Company.
On January 22, 2020, PG&E announced it had reached an agreement with a group of senior noteholders, and on January
31, 2020, the PG&E Plan was amended to provide for the eventual implementation of such settlement. On February 4,
2020, the Bankruptcy Court approved such settlement, and the noteholders have accordingly agreed to support the PG&E
Plan. On February 5, 2020, the noteholders caused the ad hoc noteholder plan to be withdrawn. There are many conditions
that must be satisfied before the PG&E Plan and assumption of the PPAs can become effective, including but not limited
to approvals by various classes of creditors, the Bankruptcy Court, and the CPUC. A hearing before the Bankruptcy
Court to consider whether the PG&E Plan will be approved and confirmed is currently expected to occur on May 27,
2020.
As of March 2, 2020, the Company's contracts with PG&E have operated in the normal course and the Company currently
expects these contracts to continue as such. As of March 2, 2020, the Company has entered into forbearance agreements
for certain project-level financing arrangements and continues to seek forbearance agreements for its other project-level
financing arrangements affected by the PG&E Bankruptcy. The Company continues to assess the potential future impacts
of the PG&E Bankruptcy as events occur.
January 2020 Drop Down Offer
• On January 8, 2020, CEG offered the Company the opportunity to acquire and invest in a portfolio of the following
projects: (i) 100% of the equity interests in Rattlesnake Flat, LLC, which owns the Rattlesnake Wind Project, a 144 net
MW wind facility located in Adams County, WA; (ii) CEG's interest in Repowering Partnership II LLC (Repowering
1.0), would give the Company a 100% equity interest in Repowering 1.0; and (iii) a new partnership with CEG to repower
the Pinnacle Wind Project, a 55 net MW wind facility located in Mineral County, WV. The Company expects to sign
44
binding agreements for the drop down offer in the first half of 2020 though these agreements remain subject to negotiation
and approval by the Company's Independent Directors.
CEG ROFO Agreement Amendment
• On August 1, 2019, the CEG ROFO Agreement was amended to grant the Company a right of first offer for four additional
projects: Rattlesnake, a 144 net MW wind facility located in Adams County, WA with an expected COD in 2020?
Repowering 2.0, which will consist of membership interests in one or more partnerships formed to repower certain wind
assets owned by the Company using turbines provided by CEG; Black Rock, a 110 MW utility scale wind facility located
in West Virginia with an expected COD in 2021; and Wildflower, a 100 MW utility scale solar facility located in
Mississippi with an expected COD in 2022. Both Rattlesnake and the Pinnacle repowering were part of January 2020
Drop Down Offer described above.
Carlsbad Drop Down
• On December 6, 2019, the Company acquired 100% of GIP's membership interests in CBAD Holdings, LLC, which
indirectly owns Carlsbad Energy Center LLC, a 527 megawatt natural gas fired power project located in Carlsbad,
California, or the Carlsbad Drop Down Asset. The purchase price for the Carlsbad Drop Down was $184 million in cash,
plus assumption of $803 million in project level financing including non-recourse senior secured notes described below.
The acquisition was funded with proceeds from the Clearway Energy, Inc. equity issuance, as described further below,
as well as borrowings from the Company's revolving credit facility. The Carlsbad acquisition is the result of the Company
having elected its option to purchase Carlsbad pursuant to the ROFO agreement, as amended, by and among the Company,
CEG and GIP. For further discussion, see Item 15 — Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions.
Sale of HSD Solar Holdings, LLC Assets
• On October 8, 2019, the Company, through HSD Solar Holdings, LLC, or HSD, sold 100% of its interests in certain
distributed generation solar facilities totaling 6 MW to the offtaker under the PPA, for cash consideration of $20 million,
as a result of the offtaker exercising its right to purchase the project pursuant to the PPA. In conjunction with the sale,
the Company repaid in full the non-recourse lease financing associated with the HSD projects. The repaid amount was
net of cash released at closing and totaled $23 million.
Repowering Transaction
• On June 14, 2019, the Company, through an indirect subsidiary, entered into binding equity commitment agreements in
the previously announced partnership with CEG to enable the repowering of two of its existing wind assets, Wildorado
and Elbow Creek, which total a combined 283 MW. The Company invested $102 million in net corporate capital to fund
the repowering of the wind facilities during the fourth quarter of 2019 and the first quarter of 2020. These repowered
assets have reached COD. For further discussion, see Item 15 — Note 5, Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method
and Variable Interest Entities.
Hawaii Solar Partnerships
• Kawailoa Solar Partnership — On May 1, 2019, the Company entered into a partnership with Clearway Renew LLC,
a subsidiary of CEG, to own, finance, operate, and maintain the Kawailoa Solar Partnership, which consists of the
Kawailoa Solar project, a 49 MW utility-scale solar generation project located in Oahu, Hawaii. The Company contributed
$9 million into the partnership during the year ended December 31, 2019. For further discussion, see Item 15 — Note
5 , Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities.
• Oahu Solar Partnership — On March 8, 2019, the Company entered into a partnership with Clearway Renew LLC, a
subsidiary of CEG, to own, finance, operate, and maintain the Oahu Solar projects, which consist of Lanikuhana and
Waipio, 15 MW and 46 MW utility-scale solar generation projects, respectively, located in Oahu, Hawaii, which both
reached COD in September 2019 and began to sell power to HECO pursuant to the long-term PPAs. The Company
contributed $20 million into the partnership during the year ended December 31, 2019. For further discussion, see Item
15 — Note 5, Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities.
Corporate-Level Financing and Equity Activities
• On December 20, 2019, the Company entered into the Fifth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
to provide for an increase of 0.50x to the borrower leverage ratio, as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit
Agreement, for the last two fiscal quarters of 2020 and to implement certain other technical modifications.
45
• On December 11, 2019, Clearway Energy Operating LLC completed the sale of $600 million aggregate principal amount
of senior unsecured notes due 2028, or the 2028 Senior Notes. The 2028 Senior Notes bear interest at 4.75% and mature
on March 15, 2028. Interest on the 2028 Senior Notes is payable semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 of each
year, and interest payments will commence on September 15, 2020. The 2028 Senior Notes are unsecured obligations
of Clearway Energy Operating LLC and are guaranteed by Clearway Energy LLC and by certain of Clearway Energy
Operating LLC's wholly owned current and future subsidiaries. The proceeds from the 2028 Senior Notes were used to
partially fund investments into Repowering 1.0, repay the 2024 Senior Notes as described below, and pay transaction
fees and expenses.
• On December 13, 2019, the Company repurchased an aggregate principal amount of $412 million or 82.4%, of the 2024
Senior Notes that were validly tendered and not validly withdrawn as part of the previously announced cash tender offer.
Concurrently with the launch of the tender offer, the Company exercised its right to optionally redeem any 2024
Senior Notes not validly tendered and purchased in the tender offer, pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the
2024 Senior Notes. This redemption of the remaining $88 million of outstanding 2024 Senior Notes occurred on January
3, 2020. For further discussion, see Item 15—Note 10, Long-term Debt.
• On December 2, 2019, the Company issued and sold 5,405,405 shares of Class C common stock for net proceeds of
$100 million. The Company utilized the proceeds of the offering to acquire 5,405,405 Class C units of Clearway Energy
LLC, which used the proceeds to partially fund the acquisition of the Carlsbad Drop Down Asset to pay transaction fees
and for general corporate purposes.
•
In January 2019, the Company repurchased an aggregate principal amount of $50 million of the 2019 Convertible Notes
in open market transactions. The repurchases were funded through a partial repayment of the intercompany note between
Clearway Operating LLC and Clearway Energy, Inc. The 2019 Convertible Notes matured on February 1, 2019 and the
Company paid off the remaining balance of an aggregate principal amount of $170 million.
Project-Level Financing Activities
• On November 4, 2019, Carlsbad Energy Holdings LLC, a subsidiary of GIP and the owner of the Carlsbad Energy Center
LLC, issued $216 million of senior secured, non-recourse notes. The notes bear an interest rate of 4.21% and are fully
amortizing over 19 years.
• On October 21, 2019, the Company, through Agua Caliente Borrower 2 LLC, repaid $40 million of the outstanding
notes balance, including accrued interest and premiums, issued under the Agua Caliente Holdco Financing Agreement.
The repayment was funded with the Company's existing liquidity.
• On April 29, 2019, the Company, through Tapestry Wind LLC, refinanced $147 million of non-recourse debt due 2021
by issuing $164 million of new non-recourse financing due 2031 at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.375%. As a result
of this refinancing, the Company received $11 million, net of fees and financing costs.
46
Thermal Activities
• On September 29, 2019, the Company entered into a tolling agreement with Cayo Largo LLC to supply electricity,
chilled water, hot water and natural gas to Cayo Largo LLC's customer through a dedicated combined heat and power
facility to be constructed by the Company. The Company anticipates the project to total $13 million in capital expenditures
and is expected to commence commercial operations in the fourth quarter of 2020. The Company incurred $6 million
of capital expenditures during the year ended December 31, 2019.
• On September 5, 2019, the Company entered into a purchase and sale agreement with DB Energy Assets, LLC to sell
100% of its interests in Energy Center Dover LLC and Energy Center Smyrna LLC. The transaction is subject to standard
regulatory approvals and the completion of certain maintenance activities. The related assets and liabilities are recorded
as held for sale as of December 31, 2019. The Company recorded an impairment loss of $19 million related to the
project during the second quarter of 2019 and recorded the related assets and liabilities as held for sale as of December
31, 2019.
• The Company is party to an Energy Services Agreement with Mylan LLC to supply chilled water, hot water and electricity
through a dedicated combined heat and power facility located at Mylan's Caguas, Puerto Rico facility. The Company
incurred $4 million and $7 million in capital expenditures during the years ended December 31, 2019 and December
31, 2018, respectively. The project reached COD in the first quarter of 2020.
• On May 1, 2019, the Company, through its indirect subsidiary ECP Uptown Campus LLC, acquired the Duquesne
University district energy system, totaling 82 combined MWt, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The total investment
for the project is approximately $107 million. This includes $100 million related to the purchase of district energy assets,
which was funded through a combination of issuance of non-recourse debt in the amount of $95 million, as well as cash
on hand. For further discussion see Item 15 — Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, and Note 10, Long-term Debt.
As part of the acquisition, Duquesne University entered into a 40-year Energy Services Agreement through which ECP
Uptown Campus LLC will fulfill the university’s electricity, chilled water and steam requirements in exchange for
monthly capacity payments.
Black Start Services at Marsh Landing
• On December 1, 2017, the California Independent System Operator selected a proposal by the Company's Marsh Landing
project to provide black start capability in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. The black start service would restart
Marsh Landing in the event of a blackout to support the California Independent System Operator’s directed restoration
of the electrical grid in response to an emergency condition. The Company has advanced the project and will provide
additional details dependent on FERC approval rulings.
CVSR Outage
• On June 5, 2019, a fire occurred at the California Valley Solar Ranch project, which affected approximately 1,200 acres
of property. While the fire did not impact solar arrays, damage occurred to associated infrastructure including distribution
poles and cabling. The facility was restored to full operations on July 1, 2019. The full year impact of the fire was
approximately $8 million of lost revenue.
Environmental Matters and Regulatory Matters
Details of environmental matters and regulatory matters are presented in Item 1 — Business, Regulatory Matters and
Item 1A — Risk Factors. Details of some of this information relate to costs that may impact the Company's financial results.
Trends or Matters Affecting Results of Operations and Future Business Performance
PG&E Bankruptcy
As discussed above, the Company continues to assess the potential future impacts of the PG&E Bankruptcy filing as
events occur. However, no impact to the Company’s immediate operating activities has occurred as of December 31, 2019.
Wind and Solar Resource Availability
The availability of the wind and solar resources affects the financial performance of the wind and solar facilities, which
may impact the Company’s overall financial performance. Due to the variable nature of the wind and solar resources, the Company
47
cannot predict the availability of the wind and solar resources and the potential variances from expected performance levels from
quarter to quarter. To the extent the wind and solar resources are not available at expected levels, it could have a negative impact
on the Company’s financial performance for such periods.
Capital Market Conditions
The capital markets in general are often subject to volatility that is unrelated to the operating performance of particular
companies. The Company’s growth strategy depends on its ability to identify and acquire additional renewable facilities from
CEG and additional conventional and renewable facilities from unaffiliated third parties, which will require access to debt and
equity financing to complete such acquisitions or replenish capital for future acquisitions. Any broad market fluctuations may
affect the Company’s ability to access such capital through debt or equity financings.
48
Consolidated Results of Operations
The following table provides selected financial information:
(In millions)
Operating Revenues
Year ended December 31,
2019
2018
2017
Energy and capacity revenues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Other revenues
Contract amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mark-to-market for economic hedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total operating revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
1,072
40
(71)
(9)
1,032
$
1,084
39
(70)
—
1,053
1,038
40
(69)
—
1,009
Operating Costs and Expenses
Cost of fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operations and maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other costs of operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaction and integration costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Development costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total operating costs and expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other Income (Expense)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other income, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss on debt extinguishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total other expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Loss) Income Before Income Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax (benefit) expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net (Loss) Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Pre-acquisition net income of Drop Down Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net (Loss) Income Excluding Pre-acquisition Net Income of Drop Down Assets .
Less: Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
74
196
72
396
33
29
3
5
808
224
83
9
(16)
(404)
(328)
(104)
(8)
(96)
—
(96)
(85)
Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Clearway Energy, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
(11) $
74
189
69
331
—
20
20
3
706
347
74
8
(7)
(306)
(231)
116
62
54
4
50
2
48
$
63
197
66
334
44
19
3
—
726
283
71
4
(3)
(306)
(234)
49
72
(23)
8
(31)
(15)
(16)
Business metrics:
Renewables MWh generated/sold (in thousands) (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thermal MWt sold (in thousands) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thermal MWh sold (in thousands) (c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Conventional MWh generated (in thousands) (a)(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Conventional equivalent availability factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Year ended December 31,
2019
6,584
2,153
176
1,095
2018
7,197
2,042
48
1,656
2017
6,844
1,926
35
1,809
94.9%
94.3%
93.9%
(a) Volumes do not include the MWh generated/sold by the Company's equity method investments.
(b) Volumes generated are not sold as the Conventional facilities sell capacity rather than energy.
(c) MWh sold do not include 108 MWh generated by Dover, a subsidiary of the Company, under the PPA with NRG Power Marketing during the year ended
December 31, 2018.
49
Management’s discussion of the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018
Gross Margin
The Company calculates gross margin in order to evaluate operating performance as operating revenues less cost of sales,
which includes cost of fuel, contract and emission credit amortization and mark-to-market for economic hedging activities.
Economic Gross Margin
In addition to gross margin, the Company evaluates its operating performance using the measure of Economic Gross
Margin, which is not a GAAP measure and may not be comparable to other companies’ presentations or deemed more useful than
the GAAP information provided elsewhere in this report. Economic Gross Margin should be viewed as a supplement to and not
a substitute for the Company's presentation of gross margin, which is the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Economic
Gross Margin is not intended to represent gross margin. The Company believes that Economic Gross Margin is useful to investors
as it is a key operational measure reviewed by the Company's chief operating decision maker. Economic Gross Margin is defined
as energy and capacity revenue, plus other revenues, less cost of fuels. Economic Gross Margin excludes the following components
from GAAP gross margin: contract amortization, mark-to-market results, emissions credit amortization and (losses) gains on
economic hedging activities. Mark-to-market results consist of unrealized gains and losses on contracts that are not yet settled.
The below tables present the composition of gross margin, as well as the reconciliation to economic gross margin for the
years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018:
Conventional
Renewables
Thermal
Total
(In millions)
Year ended December 31, 2019. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Energy and capacity revenues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Other revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost of fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contract amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mark-to-market for economic hedges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross margin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contract amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mark-to-market economic hedging activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Economic gross margin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Year ended December 31, 2018. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Energy and capacity revenues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Other revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost of fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contract amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross margin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contract amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Economic gross margin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
353
—
(2)
(7)
—
344
7
—
351
342
—
(3)
(5)
334
5
339
$
$
$
$
545
10
—
(61)
(9)
485
61
9
555
572
13
—
(62)
523
62
585
$
$
$
$
174
30
(72)
(3)
—
129
3
—
132
170
26
(71)
(3)
122
3
125
$
$
$
$
1,072
40
(74)
(71)
(9)
958
71
9
1,038
1,084
39
(74)
(70)
979
70
1,049
50
Gross margin decreased by $21 million during the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to the same period in 2018,
primarily due to:
Segment
(In millions)
(Decrease)
Increase
Reason for (Decrease) Increase
Primarily driven by a decrease of $28 million related to unfavorable wind and solar
resources across the portfolio, an $8 million decrease at CVSR related to the June 2019
outage and $9 million in mark-to-market loss on the Elbow Creek forward power sale
contract entered into during the first quarter of 2019. This decrease was partially offset by
$7 million of revenue generated at the Buckthorn Solar project which reached COD in July
2018.
Renewables: . .
$
(38)
Conventional: .
Increase of $8 million due to the Carlsbad Energy Center acquisition on December 5, 2019
10
as well as $2 million primarily due to lower outages in 2019 compared to 2018.
Thermal: . . . . .
7
(21)
$
Increase of $5 million due to the acquisition of Duquesne University District Energy
System on May 1, 2019, as well as $2 million related to the UPMC Thermal Project, which
was completed in the second quarter of 2018.
Operations and Maintenance Expense
Operations and maintenance expense increased by $7 million during the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the
same period in 2018, primarily driven by higher insurance claims, which lowered expense in 2018, as well higher operations and
maintenance costs in the Renewables segment in connection with fire damages at CVSR.
Other Costs of Operations
Other costs of operations increased by $3 million primarily due to higher insurance costs across the segments, as well as
ARO accretion due to certain Renewables projects, which reached COD in 2019.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $65 million during the year ended December 31, 2019, compared
to 2018, primarily due to accelerated depreciation at the Wildorado Wind and Elbow Creek projects in connection with the repowering
activities, which resulted in an additional $54 million of depreciation expense. The remaining increase in depreciation expense is due
to several projects in the Renewables segment reaching COD throughout 2018 and 2019, as well as increased acquisition activity in the
Thermal and Conventional segments in 2019, as further described in Item 15 — Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions.
Impairment Losses
The Company recorded impairment losses of $33 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, of which $19 million
relates to a project within Thermal segment and was recorded in connection with the Company entering into a purchase and sale
agreement with DB Energy Assets, LLC on September 9, 2019, as further described in Item 15 — Note 3, Acquisitions and
Dispositions. The Company also recorded an impairment loss of $14 million related to several wind projects from the Renewables
segment, as further described in Item 15 — Note 9, Asset Impairments.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses increased by $9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the
same period in 2018 due to increase in headcount, primarily in the Corporate and Thermal segments, resulting from the separation
from NRG due to the GIP Transaction.
Transaction and Integration Costs
Transaction and integration related costs of $3 million during the year ended December 31, 2019, reflect costs incurred
by the Company under the TSA with NRG, as further described in Item 15 — Note 1,Nature of Business, as well as fees paid in
connection with the acquisitions that took place in 2019. Transaction and integration costs of $20 million during the year ended
December 31, 2018, reflect fees paid to advisors and other costs associated with the GIP Transaction, as well as fees paid in
connection with the acquisitions that took place in 2018.
51
Development Costs
Development costs increased by $2 million during the year ended December 31, 2019 primarily due to higher business
development activity within the Thermal segment.
Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates increased by $9 million during the year ended December 31, 2019 compared
to the same period in 2018, primarily due to higher income allocated to RPV Holdco in 2019 compared to 2018, partially offset
by higher losses at Desert Sunlight, DGPV Holdco entities, as well as GenConn and Avenal.
Loss on Debt Extinguishment
The Company recorded loss on debt extinguishment of $16 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, $15 million
of which relates to the redemption of the 2024 Senior Notes. On December 13, 2019, the Company repurchased an aggregate
principal amount of $412 million, or 82.4% of the 2024 Senior Notes, which was effectuated at a premium of 103% for a total
consideration of $424 million and as a result, the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment in the amount of $12 million. In
addition, the Company recorded a $3 million debt extinguishment loss in connection with the write off of the deferred financing
fees related to the 2024 Senior Notes.
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased by $98 million during the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018
primarily due to:
Reason for Increase (Decrease)
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps as well as reclassification of losses previously deferred in
AOCI to the statement of operations in connection with project-level debt financing activities
Additional interest expense primarily from the issuance of Energy Center Minneapolis Series E, F, G, H
Notes in June 2018 and in connection with acquisitions in the Thermal and Conventional segments, partially
offset by lower interest expense due to lower principal balances of project level debt across the segments
(In millions)
$
$
91
7
98
52
Income Tax (Benefit) Expense
For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $8 million on pretax loss of $104
million. For the same period in 2018, the Company recorded an income tax expense of $62 million on pretax income of $116
million. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the overall effective tax rate was different than the statutory rate of 21% primarily
due to the taxable earnings and losses allocated to partners’ interest in Clearway Energy LLC, which includes the effects of applying
the hypothetical liquidation at book value, or HLBV, method of accounting for book purposes to certain partnerships.
For the year ended December 31, 2018, the overall effective tax rate was different than the statutory rate of 21% primarily
due to higher state income tax rates following the Company’s separation from NRG, as well as taxable earnings and losses allocated
to partners’ interest in Clearway Energy LLC, which includes the effects of applying the hypothetical liquidation at book value,
or HLBV, method of accounting for book purposes to certain partnerships.
A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% to the Company's effective rate is as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
2019
2018
(In millions)
(Loss) Income Before Income Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Tax at 21% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State taxes, net of federal benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred state rate change due to deconsolidation from NRG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impact of non-taxable partnership earnings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment tax credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Production tax credits, including prior year true-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Valuation allowance adjustment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax (benefit) expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Effective income tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
(104)
(22)
(7)
—
24
(1)
(1)
—
(1)
(8)
7.7%
116
24
8
20
8
(3)
(1)
3
3
62
53.4%
The effective income tax rate may vary from period to period depending on, among other factors, the geographic and
business mix of earnings and losses, earnings and losses allocated to partners' interest in Clearway Energy LLC which includes
the effects of applying the HLBV method of accounting for book purposes to certain partnerships, and changes in valuation
allowances in accordance with ASC 740. These factors and others, including the Company's history of pre-tax earnings and losses,
are taken into account in assessing the ability to realize deferred tax assets.
Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company had a loss of $14 million attributable to CEG's economic interest
in Clearway Energy LLC, as well as $21 million of net losses attributable to CEG's interests in the Repowering, Oahu, and Kawailoa
partnerships. The Company also recorded a net loss of $57 million attributable to noncontrolling interests with respect to tax equity
financing arrangements and the application of the HLBV method, primarily reflecting tax benefits allocated to tax equity investors
in periods immediately subsequent to COD. This was partially offset by $7 million of income attributable to a third party's interest
in Kawailoa partnership.
For the year ended December 31, 2018, income attributable to noncontrolling interests of $2 million was comprised of
income of $106 million, of which $104 million was attributable to NRG for the period prior to the GIP Transaction and $2 million
was attributable to CEG for the period after the GIP Transaction, and losses of $104 million attributable to tax equity investors.
These losses were attributable to the application of HLBV, which generally allocates losses to the investors for the first several
years after fund formation, including $55 million for the Buckthorn Solar project which generated tax credits allocated primarily
to the tax equity investor when it reached COD in July 2018.
53
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company's principal liquidity requirements are to meet its financial commitments, finance current operations, fund
capital expenditures, including acquisitions from time to time, service debt and pay dividends. As a normal part of the Company's
business, depending on market conditions, the Company will from time to time consider opportunities to repay, redeem, repurchase
or refinance its indebtedness. Changes in the Company's operating plans, lower than anticipated sales, increased expenses,
acquisitions or other events may cause the Company to seek additional debt or equity financing in future periods. There can be
no guarantee that financing will be available on acceptable terms or at all. Debt financing, if available, could impose additional
cash payment obligations and additional covenants and operating restrictions.
Current Liquidity Position
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company's liquidity was approximately $842 million and $1,037 million,
respectively, comprised of cash, restricted cash and availability under the Company's revolving credit facility.
As of December 31,
2018
2019
(In millions)
Cash and cash equivalents:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clearway Energy, Inc. and Clearway Energy LLC, excluding subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
30
$
Subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restricted cash: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reserves, including debt service, distributions, performance obligations and other reserves . . .
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Revolving credit facility availability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Total liquidity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
125
129
133
417
425
842
$
$
$
298
109
84
92
583
454
1,037
The Company's liquidity includes $262 million and $176 million of restricted cash balances as of December 31, 2019
and 2018, respectively. Restricted cash consists primarily of funds to satisfy the requirements of certain debt arrangements and
funds held within the Company's projects that are restricted in their use. As of December 31, 2019, these restricted funds comprised
of $129 million designated to fund operating expenses, approximately $24 million designated for current debt service payments,
and $30 million restricted for reserves including debt service, performance obligations and other reserves, as well as capital
expenditures. The remaining $79 million is held in distribution reserve accounts, of which $58 million related to subsidiaries
affected by the PG&E Bankruptcy, as discussed further below and may not be distributed during the pendency of the bankruptcy.
Such subsidiaries had a total of $177 million in restricted cash as of December 31, 2019.
As of December 31, 2019, the Company had no borrowings under the revolving credit facility and $70 million of letters
of credit were outstanding under the revolving credit facility. The Company had $170 million outstanding under the revolving
credit facility and a total of $69 million in letters of credit outstanding as of February 24, 2020.
On January 29, 2019, PG&E filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The PG&E Bankruptcy
had no effect on availability under the Company’s revolving credit facility. However, the Company has non-recourse project-level
debt related to each of its subsidiaries that sell their output to PG&E under long-term PPAs. The PG&E Bankruptcy filing is an
event of default under the related financing agreements which caused uncertainty around the timing of when certain project-level
cash distributions will be available to the Company. As of December 31, 2019, all project level cash balances for these subsidiaries
were classified as restricted cash.
On December 20, 2019, each of Clearway Energy Operating LLC, as borrower, and Clearway Energy LLC, as guarantor,
entered into the Fifth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement to provide for an increase of 0.50x to the Borrower
Leverage Ratio, as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, for the last two fiscal quarters of 2020 and to implement
certain other technical modifications.
Management believes that the Company's liquidity position, cash flows from operations and availability under its revolving
credit facility will be adequate to meet the Company's financial commitments; debt service obligations; growth, operating and
maintenance capital expenditures; and to fund dividends to holders of the Company's Class A common stock and Class C common
stock. Management continues to regularly monitor the Company's ability to finance the needs of its operating, financing and
investing activity within the dictates of prudent balance sheet management.
54
Credit Ratings
Credit rating agencies rate a firm's public debt securities. These ratings are utilized by the debt markets in evaluating a
firm's credit risk. Ratings influence the price paid to issue new debt securities by indicating to the market the Company's ability
to pay principal, interest and preferred dividends. Rating agencies evaluate a firm's industry, cash flow, leverage, liquidity and
hedge profile, among other factors, in their credit analysis of a firm's credit risk.
The following table summarizes the credit ratings for the Company and its Senior Notes as of December 31, 2019. The
ratings outlook is stable.
Clearway Energy, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.75% Senior Notes, due 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.000% Senior Notes, due 2026 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.750% Senior Notes, due 2028 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S&P
BB
BB
BB
BB
Moody's
Ba2
Ba2
Ba2
Ba2
Sources of Liquidity
The Company's principal sources of liquidity include cash on hand, cash generated from operations, proceeds from sales
of assets, borrowings under new and existing financing arrangements and the issuance of additional equity and debt securities as
appropriate given market conditions. As described in Item 15 — Note 10, Long-term Debt, to the Consolidated Financial Statements,
and above in Significant Events During the Year Ended December 31, 2019, the Company's financing arrangements consist of the
equity offering of Class C common stock on September 27, 2018, corporate level debt, which includes Senior Notes, Convertible
Notes and the revolving credit facility; the ATM Program; and project-level financings for its various assets.
2028 Senior Notes — On December 11, 2019, Clearway Energy Operating LLC completed the sale of $600 million
aggregate principal amount due 2028, or the 2028 Senior Notes. The 2028 Senior Notes bear interest at 4.75% and mature on
March 15, 2028. The proceeds from the 2028 Senior Notes were used to partially fund investments into Repowering 1.0, repay
the 2024 Senior Notes, and pay transaction fees and expenses.
2019 Equity Offering — On December 2, 2019, the Company issued and sold 5,405,405 shares of Class C common stock
for net proceeds of $100 million. The Company utilized the proceeds of the offering to acquire 5,405,405 Class C units of Clearway
Energy LLC.
Revolving Credit Facility — The Company has a total of $425 million available under the revolving credit facility as of
December 31, 2019. The facility will continue to be used for general corporate purposes including financing of future acquisitions
and posting letters of credit.
ATM Program — As of December 31, 2019, approximately $36 million of Class C common stock remains available for
issuance under the ATM Program.
55
Uses of Liquidity
The Company's requirements for liquidity and capital resources, other than for operating its facilities, are categorized as:
(i) debt service obligations, as described more fully in Item 15 — Note 10, Long-term Debt, to the Consolidated Financial Statements;
(ii) capital expenditures; (iii) acquisitions and investments; and (iv) cash dividends to investors.
Debt Service Obligations
Principal payments on debt as of December 31, 2019 are due in the following periods:
Description
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
(In millions)
Clearway Energy, Inc. Convertible Notes, due 2020 . . . . . . . . . . .
Clearway Energy Operating LLC Senior Notes, due 2024 . . . . . .
Clearway Energy Operating LLC Senior Notes, due 2025 . . . . . .
Clearway Energy Operating LLC Senior Notes, due 2026 . . . . . .
Clearway Energy Operating LLC Senior Notes, due 2028 . . . . . .
45
88
—
—
—
Total Corporate-level debt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
133
Project-level debt:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alpine, due 2022 (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alta Wind I - V lease financing arrangements, due 2034 and
2035 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Buckthorn Solar, due 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carlsbad Energy Holdings LLC, due 2027 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carlsbad Holdco, due 2038 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CVSR, due 2037 (a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CVSR Holdco Notes, due 2037 (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Duquesne, due 2059 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
El Segundo Energy Center, due 2023. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Energy Center Minneapolis Series D, E, F, G, H Notes, due
2025-2037. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Kansas South, due 2030 (a)
Kawailoa Solar Holdings LLC, due 2026
Laredo Ridge, due 2028 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Marsh Landing, due 2023 (a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oahu Solar Holdings LLC, due 2026. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repowering Partnership Holdco LLC, due 2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
South Trent Wind, due 2028. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tapestry, due 2031 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Utah Solar Portfolio, due 2022. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Viento, due 2023. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Walnut Creek, due 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
119
43
3
19
6
696
182
—
53
—
24
2
6
206
2
228
4
13
14
8
49
22
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
45
3
20
6
—
—
—
57
—
—
2
6
—
3
—
4
10
13
5
53
22
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
47
3
21
7
—
—
—
63
—
—
2
7
—
3
—
5
11
227
5
55
22
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
49
3
22
2
—
—
—
130
—
—
2
7
—
3
—
5
11
—
24
18
43
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
51
4
23
2
—
—
—
—
—
—
2
9
—
3
—
5
12
—
—
—
18
Total project-level debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,699
Total debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,832
$
249
249
478
319
$ 478
$ 319
$
129
129
There-
after
Total
—
—
600
350
600
45
88
600
350
600
1,550
1,683
—
609
113
477
193
—
—
95
—
328
—
72
49
—
77
—
20
99
—
—
—
169
2,301
119
844
129
582
216
696
182
95
303
328
24
82
84
206
91
228
43
156
254
42
175
296
5,175
$
3,851
$ 6,858
(a) Entities affected by PG&E Bankruptcy. The PG&E Bankruptcy triggered defaults under the PPAs with PG&E and such related project-level financing
agreements. As a result, the Company classified the affected project-level debt as short-term debt as of December 31, 2019.
56
Capital Expenditures
The Company's capital spending program is mainly focused on maintenance capital expenditures, consisting of costs to
maintain the assets currently operating, such as costs to replace or refurbish assets during routine maintenance, and growth capital
expenditures consisting of costs to construct new assets, costs to complete the construction of assets where construction is in
process, and capital expenditures related to acquiring additional thermal customers.
For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, the Company used approximately $228 million, $83 million,
and $190 million, respectively, to fund capital expenditures, including maintenance capital expenditures of $22 million, $36
million and $27 million, respectively. Growth capital expenditures in 2019 include $180 million in the Renewables segment,
$157 million of which were incurred in connection with the Repowering Partnership entered by the Company in August 2018,
as well as $29 million incurred in the Oahu Partnership and the Kawailoa Partnership, as further described in Item 15 — Note
5, Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities. The source for these capital expenditures was
financing obtained in connection with the Repowering Partnership, as well as tax equity investors contributions. The Company
also incurred $26 million of growth capital expenditures in the Thermal segment in connection with various development projects.
Growth capital expenditures in 2018 include $33 million in the Renewables segment in connection with the construction
of Buckthorn Solar Drop Down Asset, of which $10 million was incurred by NRG during the construction of Buckthorn Solar
prior to its acquisition by the Company on March 30, 2018, as described below.
Growth capital expenditures in 2017 primarily relate to $159 million incurred by NRG during the construction of
Buckthorn Solar prior to its acquisition by the Company. The Company develops annual capital spending plans based on projected
requirements for maintenance and growth capital.
The Company estimates $32 million of maintenance expenditures for 2020. These estimates are subject to continuing
review and adjustment and actual capital expenditures may vary from these estimates.
Acquisitions and Investments
The Company intends to acquire generation assets developed and constructed by CEG, as well as generation and thermal
infrastructure assets from third parties where the Company believes its knowledge of the market and operating expertise provides
a competitive advantage, and to utilize such acquisitions as a means to grow its CAFD.
Carlsbad Drop Down — On December 6, 2019, the Company acquired 100% of GIP's membership interests in CBAD
Holdings, LLC, which indirectly owns Carlsbad Energy Center LLC, a 527 megawatt natural gas fired power project located in
Carlsbad, California, or the Carlsbad Drop Down Asset. The purchase price for the Carlsbad Drop Down was $184 million in
cash, plus assumption of $803 million in project level financing including non-recourse senior notes. For further discussion, see
Item 15 — Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions.
Cayo Largo — On September 29, 2019, the Company entered into a tolling agreement with Cayo Largo LLC to supply
electricity, chilled water, hot water and natural gas to Cayo Largo LLC's customer through a dedicated combined heat and power
facility to be constructed by the Company. The Company incurred $6 million in capital expenditures during the year ended
December 31, 2019. The Company anticipates the project to total $13 million in capital expenditures and is expected to commence
commercial operations in the fourth quarter of 2020.
Mylan Pharmaceuticals — The Company is party to an Energy Services Agreement with Mylan LLC to supply chilled
water, hot water and electricity through a dedicated combined heat and power facility constructed at Mylan's Caguas, Puerto
Rico facility. The Company incurred $4 million and $7 million in capital expenditures during the years ended December 31, 2019
and December 31, 2018, respectively, and the project reached COD in the first quarter of 2020.
Repowering Partnership — On June 14, 2019, the Company, through an indirect subsidiary, entered into binding equity
commitment agreements in the previously announced partnership with CEG to enable the repowering of two of its existing wind
assets, Wildorado and Elbow Creek, which total a combined 283 MW. The Company invested $102 million in net corporate
capital to fund the repowering of the wind facilities during the fourth quarter of 2019 and the first quarter of 2020. These assets
have reached Repowering COD.
57
Kawailoa Solar Partnership — On May 1, 2019, the Company entered into a partnership with Clearway Renew LLC,
a subsidiary of CEG, to own, finance, operate, and maintain the Kawailoa Solar Partnership, which consists of the Kawailoa
Solar Project, a 49 MW utility-scale solar generation project located in Oahu, Hawaii. The Company contributed $9 million into
the partnership during the year ended December 31, 2019. For further discussion, see Item 15 — Note 5, Investments Accounted
for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities.
Oahu Solar Partnership — On March 8, 2019, the Company entered into a partnership with Clearway Renew LLC, a
subsidiary of CEG, to own, finance, operate, and maintain the Oahu Solar projects, which consist of Lanikuhana and Waipio, 15
MW and 46 MW utility-scale solar generation projects, respectively, located in Oahu, Hawaii, which reached COD on September
19, 2019 and began to sell power to HECO pursuant to the long-term PPAs. The Company contributed $20 million into the
partnership during the year ended December 31, 2019. For further discussion, see Item 15 — Note 5, Investments Accounted for
by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities
Duquesne University District Energy Facility — On May 1, 2019, the Company, through its indirect subsidiary ECP
Uptown Campus LLC, acquired the Duquesne University district energy system, totaling 87 combined MWt, located in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. The total investment for the project is $107 million. As part of the acquisition, Duquesne University entered into
a 40-year Energy Services Agreement through which ECP Uptown Campus LLC will fulfill the university’s electricity, chilled
water and steam requirements in exchange for monthly capacity payments. For further discussion, see Item 15 — Note 3,
Acquisitions and Dispositions.
Wind TE Holdco Buyout — On January 2, 2019, the Company bought out 100% of Class A membership interest from
the TE Investor, for cash consideration of $19 million, as further described in Item 15 — Note 5, Investments Accounted for by
the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities.
Agua Caliente Borrower 2 Debt Repayment — On October 21, 2019, the Company, through Agua Caliente Borrower
2 LLC, repaid $40 million of the outstanding notes balance, including accrued interest and premiums, issued under the Agua
Caliente Holdco Financing Agreement. The repayment was funded with the Company's existing liquidity.
DG Investment Partnerships with CEG — During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company invested
approximately $14 million in the DG investment partnerships with CEG, bringing total capital invested to $256 million in these
investment partnerships.
Senior Notes due 2024 Tender Offer — On December 13, 2019, the Company repurchased an aggregate principal amount
of $412 million or 82.4%, of the 2024 Senior Notes as part of the previously cash tender offer announced on December 11, 2019.
Concurrently with the launch of the tender offer, the Company exercised its right to optionally redeem any 2024 Senior Notes
not validly tendered and purchased in the tender offer, pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the 2024 Senior Notes.
For further discussion, see Item 15 — Note 10, Long-term Debt.
Cash Dividends to Investors
The Company intends to use the amount of cash that it receives from its distributions from Clearway Energy LLC to pay
quarterly dividends to the holders of its Class A common stock and Class C common stock. Clearway Energy LLC intends to
distribute to its unit holders in the form of a quarterly distribution all of the CAFD that is generated each quarter less reserves for
the prudent conduct of the business, including among others, maintenance capital expenditures to maintain the operating capacity
of the assets. CAFD is defined as net income before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, plus cash
distributions from unconsolidated affiliates, adjustments to reflect CAFD generated by unconsolidated investments that are unable
to distribute project dividends due to the PG&E Bankruptcy, cash receipts from notes receivable, less cash distributions to
noncontrolling interests, maintenance capital expenditures, pro-rata EBITDA from unconsolidated affiliates, cash interest paid,
income taxes paid, principal amortization of indebtedness, Walnut Creek investment payments, changes in prepaid and accrued
capacity payments, and adjusted for development expenses. Dividends on the Class A common stock and Class C common stock
are subject to available capital, market conditions, and compliance with associated laws, regulations and other contractual obligations.
The Company expects that, based on current circumstances, comparable cash dividends will continue to be paid in the foreseeable
future. The Company will continue to evaluate its capital allocation approach during the pendency of the PG&E Bankruptcy.
58
The following table lists the dividends paid on the Company's Class A common stock and Class C common stock during
the year ended December 31, 2019:
Dividends per Class A share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Dividends per Class C share. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
0.20
0.20
$
$
0.20
0.20
$
$
0.20
0.20
$
$
0.20
0.20
Fourth
Quarter 2019
Third
Quarter 2019
Second
Quarter 2019
First
Quarter 2019
On February 18, 2020, the Company declared a quarterly dividend on its Class A and Class C common stock of $0.21 per
share payable on March 16, 2020, to stockholders of record as of March 2, 2020.
59
Cash Flow Discussion
Year Ended December 31, 2019 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2018
The following table reflects the changes in cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to 2018:
Year ended December 31,
2019
2018
Change
(In millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Net cash used in investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash used in financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
477
(468)
(175)
$
498
(185)
(46)
(21)
(283)
(129)
Net Cash Used In Operating Activities
Changes to net cash provided by operating activities were driven by:
(In millions)
Increase in working capital driven primarily by the timing of accounts receivable collections and payment of
accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Lower distribution from unconsolidated affiliates affected by the PG&E Bankruptcy, partially offset by
higher distributions from the distributed generation investments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Decrease in operating income adjusted for non-cash items in 2019 compared to 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
26
(36)
(11)
(21)
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities
Changes to net cash used in investing activities were driven by:
(In millions)
Increase in growth capital expenditures in the Renewables segment driven primarily by the repowering
activities at Elbow Creek and Wildorado, as well as the final construction costs for Oahu and Kawailoa,
partially offset by lower growth capital expenditures for construction of the Buckthorn Solar project, which
went COD in 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Higher payments for Drop Down Asset acquisitions in 2019 compared to 2018, primarily driven by the
acquisition of Carlsbad, as well as higher payments in 2019 for the Duquesne acquisition compared to the
acquisition of UPMC and Central CA Fuel Cell in 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Increase in investments in unconsolidated affiliates during 2019, primarily for investments in DGPV Holdco
3 LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from sale of HSD Solar Holdings, LLC assets in October of 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payment to buy-out the existing tax equity partner of Wind TE Holdco on January 1, 2019. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash proceeds from network upgrades in 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
(145)
(153)
32
20
(19)
(13)
(5)
(283)
60
(266)
83
83
55
(53)
(31)
(25)
25
(129)
$
Net Cash Used In Financing Activities
Changes in net cash used in financing activities were driven by:
(In millions)
Increase in corporate-level debt payments driven primarily by the repayment of the 2024 Senior Notes and
2019 Convertible Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Decrease in dividends and distributions paid in 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Increase in net contributions from noncontrolling interests in 2019, primarily from tax equity contributions
into the Elbow Creek, Oahu and Kawailoa tax equity funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Higher net payments under the revolving credit facility in 2018 compared to 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lower net proceeds from equity issuance in 2019 compared to 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Higher project-level debt amortization in 2019 compared to 2018. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lower debt proceeds in connection with the Duquesne University District Energy System acquisition in 2019
compared to the Thermal note purchase and private shelf agreement in 2018. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Higher net borrowings in 2019 to fund construction of the repowering activities at Elbow Creek and
Wildorado, offset by the repayment of a portion of the construction debt for the Oahu and Kawailoa projects
upon reaching COD in September and November 2019, respectively . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
61
NOLs, Deferred Tax Assets and Uncertain Tax Position Implications, under ASC 740
As of December 31, 2019, the Company has a cumulative federal NOL carry forward balance of $1 billion for financial
statement purposes, of which $0.9 billion will begin expiring between 2033 to 2037 if unutilized. The Company does not anticipate
any federal income tax payments for 2020. Additionally, as of December 31, 2019, the Company has a cumulative state NOL
carryforward balance of $649 million for financial statement purposes, which will expire between 2023 to 2039 if unutilized. The
Company does not anticipate significant income tax payments for state and local jurisdictions in 2020. Based on the Company's
current and expected NOL balances generated primarily by accelerated tax depreciation of its property, plant and equipment, the
Company does not expect to pay significant federal income tax for a period of approximately ten years inclusive of any NOL
generated after 2017 or later subject to an 80% limitation against future taxable income pursuant to the Tax Act.
As of December 31, 2019, the Company has an interest disallowance carry forward of $219 million as a result of the
proposed §163(j) regulation, which was enacted as part of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act. The disallowed interest deduction has an
indefinite carry forward period and any limitations on the utilization of this carry forward have been factored into our valuation
allowance analysis. These are proposed regulations which are not final and are subject to change in the regulatory review
process.
The Company is subject to examination by taxing authorities for income tax returns filed in the U.S. federal
jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. The Company is not subject to U.S. federal or state income tax examinations for
years prior to 2013.
The Company has no uncertain tax benefits.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Obligations under Certain Guarantee Contracts
The Company may enter into guarantee arrangements in the normal course of business to facilitate commercial transactions
with third parties.
Retained or Contingent Interests
The Company does not have any material retained or contingent interests in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity.
Obligations Arising Out of a Variable Interest in an Unconsolidated Entity
Variable interest in equity investments — As of December 31, 2019, the Company has several investments with an
ownership interest percentage of 50% or less in energy and energy-related entities that are accounted for under the equity method.
DGPV Holdco 1 LLC, DGPV Holdco 2 LLC, DGPV Holdco 3 LLC, RPV Holdco 1 LLC and GenConn are variable interest
entities for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary. The Company's pro-rata share of non-recourse debt held by
unconsolidated affiliates was approximately $889 million as of December 31, 2019. The Company's pro-rata share of non-recourse
debt held by unconsolidated affiliates as it related to the projects affected by PG&E bankruptcy was $411 million. This indebtedness
may restrict the ability of these subsidiaries to issue dividends or distributions to the Company. See also Item 15 — Note 5,
Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
The Company has a variety of contractual obligations and other commercial commitments that represent prospective
cash requirements in addition to the Company's capital expenditure programs. The following table summarizes the Company's
contractual obligations. See Item 15 — Note 10, Long-term Debt and Note 17 , Commitments and Contingencies, to the Consolidated
Financial Statements for additional discussion.
62
Contractual Cash Obligations
Under
1 Year
1-3 Years
3-5 Years
Over
5 Years
Total
(In millions)
By Remaining Maturity at December 31,
2019
2018
Total
Long-term debt (including estimated interest) . $
Operating leases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel purchase and transportation obligations . .
Other liabilities (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2,129
$
1,235
$
866
$
4,791
$
9,021
$
8,133
16
9
34
47
6
47
47
6
33
272
10
188
382
31
302
271
36
220
2,188
$
1,335
$
952
$
5,261
$
9,736
$
8,660
(a)
Includes water right agreements, service and maintenance agreements, and LTSA commitments.
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
The Company may enter into fuel purchase contracts and other energy-related financial instruments to mitigate variability
in earnings due to fluctuations in spot market prices and to hedge fuel requirements at certain generation facilities. In addition, in
order to mitigate interest rate risk associated with the issuance of variable rate debt, the Company enters into interest rate swap
agreements.
The tables below disclose the activities of non-exchange traded contracts accounted for at fair value in accordance with
ASC 820. Specifically, these tables disaggregate realized and unrealized changes in fair value; disaggregate estimated fair values
at December 31, 2019, based on their level within the fair value hierarchy defined in ASC 820; and indicate the maturities of
contracts at December 31, 2019. For a full discussion of the Company's valuation methodology of its contracts, see Derivative
Fair Value Measurements in Item 15 — Note 6, Fair Value of Financial Instruments, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Derivative Activity (Losses)/Gains
Fair value of contracts as of December 31, 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Contracts realized or otherwise settled during the period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contracts acquired during the period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changes in fair value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fair value of contracts as of December 31, 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
(In millions)
(10)
13
(19)
(76)
(92)
Fair Value Hierarchy (Losses)/Gains
1 Year or Less
Fair value of contracts as of December 31, 2019
Maturity
Greater
Than 1 Year
to 3 Years
Greater
Than 3 Years
to 5 Years
Greater Than 5
Years
Total Fair
Value
Level 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Level 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total
(16)
—
(16) $
$
(In millions)
(14)
(5)
(19) $
(31)
—
(31) $
(22)
(4)
(26) $
(83)
(9)
(92)
The Company has elected to disclose derivative assets and liabilities on a trade-by-trade basis and does not offset amounts
at the counterparty master agreement level. As discussed below in Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk -
Commodity Price Risk, the Company measures the sensitivity of the portfolio to potential changes in market prices using VaR, a
statistical model which attempts to predict risk of loss based on market price and volatility. The Company's risk management policy
places a limit on one-day holding period VaR, which limits the net open position.
63
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The Company's discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations are based upon the consolidated
financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements and
related disclosures in compliance with GAAP requires the application of appropriate technical accounting rules and guidance as
well as the use of estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related
disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. The application of these policies necessarily involves judgments regarding future
events, including the likelihood of success of particular projects, legal and regulatory challenges and the fair value of certain assets
and liabilities. These judgments, in and of themselves, could materially affect the financial statements and disclosures based on
varying assumptions, which may be appropriate to use. In addition, the financial and operating environment may also have a
significant effect, not only on the operation of the business, but on the results reported through the application of accounting
measures used in preparing the financial statements and related disclosures, even if the nature of the accounting policies has not
changed.
On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates these estimates, utilizing historic experience, consultation with experts and
other methods the Company considers reasonable. Actual results may differ substantially from the Company's estimates. Any
effects on the Company's business, financial position or results of operations resulting from revisions to these estimates are recorded
in the period in which the information that gives rise to the revision becomes known.
The Company's significant accounting policies are summarized in Item 15 — Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting
Policies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company identifies its most critical accounting policies as those that are
the most pervasive and important to the portrayal of the Company's financial position and results of operations, and that require
the most difficult, subjective and/or complex judgments by management regarding estimates about matters that are inherently
uncertain. The Company's critical accounting policies include income taxes and valuation allowance for deferred tax assets,
impairment of long lived assets and other intangible assets.
Accounting Policy
Judgments/Uncertainties Affecting Application
Income Taxes and Valuation Allowance for Deferred Tax Assets . . Ability to withstand legal challenges of tax authority
decisions or appeals
Anticipated future decisions of tax authorities
Application of tax statutes and regulations to transactions
Ability to utilize tax benefits through carry backs to prior
periods and carry forwards to future periods
Impairment of Long Lived Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Recoverability of investments through future operations
Regulatory and political environments and requirements
Estimated useful lives of assets
Operational limitations and environmental obligations
Estimates of future cash flows
Estimates of fair value
Judgment about triggering events
Income Taxes and Valuation Allowance for Deferred Tax Assets
As of December 31, 2019, the Company had a valuation allowance of $15 million. The valuation allowance is related to a
deferred tax asset expected to result in a capital loss for which no existing capital gains or tax planning strategies to utilize the
asset in the future are available, as well as state net operating losses the Company expects to expire unutilized. Other than for this
expected capital loss and state NOL mentioned above, the Company believes it is more likely than not that the results of future
operations will generate sufficient taxable income which includes the future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences to
realize deferred tax assets. The Company considered the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act upon timing and future realization
of net deferred tax assets, the profit before tax generated in recent years, as well as projections of future earnings and estimates
of taxable income in arriving at this conclusion. The realization of deferred tax assets is primarily dependent upon earnings in
federal and various state and local jurisdictions.
Considerable judgment is required to determine the tax treatment of a particular item that involves interpretations of complex
tax laws. The project-level entities, as former subsidiaries of NRG, are no longer subject to federal audit examination for years
prior to 2015 but are subject to state and local audit for multiple years in various jurisdictions. The Company is subject to U.S.
federal, state, and local income tax examinations for all years beginning in 2013.
64
Evaluation of Assets for Impairment and Other-Than-Temporary Decline in Value
In accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, or ASC 360, property, plant and equipment and certain
intangible assets are evaluated for impairment whenever indicators of impairment exist. Examples of such indicators or events
are:
•
•
Significant decrease in the market price of a long-lived asset;
Significant adverse change in the manner an asset is being used or its physical condition;
• Adverse business climate;
• Accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the construction or acquisition of an
asset;
• Current-period loss combined with a history of losses or the projection of future losses; and
• Change in the Company's intent about an asset from an intent to hold to a greater than 50% likelihood that an asset will
be sold or disposed of before the end of its previously estimated useful life.
Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to the future
net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset, through considering project specific assumptions for long-term energy prices,
escalated future project operating costs and expected plant operations. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment
to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. The
fair value may be determined by factoring in the probability weighting of different courses of action available to the Company as
appropriate. Generally, fair value will be determined using valuation techniques such as the present value of expected future cash
flows or comparable values determined by transactions in the market. The Company uses its best estimates in making these
evaluations and considers various factors, including forward price curves for energy, fuel costs and operating costs. However,
actual future market prices and project costs could vary from the assumptions used in the Company's estimates, and the impact of
such variations could be material.
Annually, during the fourth quarter, the Company revises its views of energy prices, including the Company's fundamental
view for long-term power prices, forecasted generation and operating and capital expenditures, in connection with the preparation
of its annual budget.
The Company recorded certain long-lived asset impairments in 2019, as described below and in Item 15 — Note 9, Asset
Impairments, to the Consolidated Financial Statements, with respect to several wind projects.
The Company recorded an impairment loss of $19 million related to a facility in the Thermal segment during the second
quarter of 2019. The impairment was triggered by a potential sale negotiation with a third party which resulted in signing the
purchase and sale agreement in September, as further described in Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions. The fair value of the
facility was determined using an income approach by applying a discounted cash flow methodology to the long-term budgets for
each respective plant. The income approach utilized estimates of discounted future cash flows, which were Level 3 fair value
measurement and include key inputs, such as forecasted power prices, operations and maintenance expense, and discount rates.
The Company measured the impairment loss as the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the assets.
Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2019, as a result of the preparation and review of its annual budget and assessment
of long-term merchant prices, the Company updated its estimated future cash flows and determined that the future cash flows for
several wind projects from the Renewables segment no longer supported the recoverability of the related long-lived asset. As such,
the Company recorded an impairment loss of $14 million to reflect the assets at fair market value. There were no other triggering
events identified prior to the fourth quarter annual budget update for these asset groups. The fair value of the facilities was
determined using an income approach by applying a discounted cash flow methodology to the long-term budgets for each respective
plant. The income approach included key inputs such as forecasted merchant power prices, operations and maintenance expense,
and discount rates. The resulting fair value is a Level 3 fair value measurement.
The Company is also required to evaluate its equity method investments to determine whether or not they are impaired. ASC
323, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures, or ASC 323, provides the accounting requirements for these investments.
The standard for determining whether an impairment must be recorded under ASC 323 is whether the value is considered to be
an other-than-temporary decline in value. The evaluation and measurement of impairments under ASC 323 involves the same
uncertainties as described for long-lived assets that the Company owns directly and accounts for in accordance with ASC 360.
Similarly, the estimates that the Company makes with respect to its equity method investments are subjective, and the impact of
variations in these estimates could be material. Additionally, if the projects in which the Company holds these investments
recognize an impairment under the provisions of ASC 360, the Company would record its proportionate share of that impairment
loss and would evaluate its investment for an other-than-temporary decline in value under ASC 323.
65
Certain of the Company’s projects have useful lives that extend well beyond the contract period and therefore, management’s
view of long-term energy prices in the post-contract periods may have a significant impact on the expected future cash flows for
these projects. Accordingly, if management lowers its view of long-term energy prices in certain markets, it is possible that some
of the Company’s other long-lived assets may be impaired.
As previously described, on January 29, 2019, PG&E filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy
Code. Certain subsidiaries of the Company sell the output of their facilities to PG&E under long-term PPAs, including interests
in 6 solar facilities totaling 480 MW and Marsh Landing with capacity of 720 MW. The Company consolidates three of the solar
facilities and Marsh Landing and records its interest in the other solar facilities as equity method investments. The Company has
determined that it has no impairment of the long-lived assets or equity method investments associated with these subsidiaries.
Assumptions utilized to test these assets for impairment may change based on future events related to the PG&E Bankruptcy,
which could result in an impairment loss if the PPAs are rejected or amended, or if the Company is not able to collect its revenues
from PG&E in a timely manner.
Recent Accounting Developments
See Item 15 — Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion
of recent accounting developments.
66
Item 7A — Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The Company is exposed to several market risks in its normal business activities. Market risk is the potential loss that may
result from market changes associated with the Company's power generation or with an existing or forecasted financial or
commodity transaction. The types of market risks the Company is exposed to are commodity price risk, interest rate risk, liquidity
risk, and credit risk.
Commodity Price Risk
Commodity price risks result from exposures to changes in spot prices, forward prices, volatilities, and correlations between
various commodities, such as electricity, natural gas and emissions credits. The Company manages the commodity price risk of
its merchant generation operations by entering into derivative or non-derivative instruments to hedge the variability in future cash
flows from forecasted power sales or purchases of fuel. The portion of forecasted transactions hedged may vary based upon
management's assessment of market, weather, operation and other factors. See Item 15 — Note 7, Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
Based on a sensitivity analysis using simplified assumptions, the impact of a $0.50 per MMBtu decrease in natural gas prices
across the term of the derivative contracts would cause no change to the net value of natural gas derivatives, and an increase of
$0.50 MMBtu in natural gas prices across the term of the derivative contracts would cause an increase of approximately $3 million
to the net value of natural gas derivatives as of December 31, 2019. The impact of a $0.50 per MWh increase or decrease in power
prices across the term of the derivative contracts would cause a change of approximately $1 million to the net value of power
derivatives as of December 31, 2019.
Interest Rate Risk
The Company is exposed to fluctuations in interest rates through its issuance of variable rate debt. Exposures to interest
rate fluctuations may be mitigated by entering into derivative instruments known as interest rate swaps, caps, collars and put or
call options. These contracts reduce exposure to interest rate volatility and result in primarily fixed rate debt obligations when
taking into account the combination of the variable rate debt and the interest rate derivative instrument. See Item 15 — Note 7,
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
Most of the Company's project subsidiaries enter into interest rate swaps, intended to hedge the risks associated with
interest rates on non-recourse project level debt. See Item 15 — Note 10, Long-term Debt, to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for more information about interest rate swaps of the Company's project subsidiaries.
If all of the above swaps had been discontinued on December 31, 2019, the Company would have owed the counterparties
$84 million. Based on the credit ratings of the counterparties, the Company believes its exposure to credit risk due to nonperformance
by counterparties to its hedge contracts to be insignificant.
The Company has long-term debt instruments that subject it to the risk of loss associated with movements in market
interest rates. As of December 31, 2019, a 1% change in interest rates would result in an approximately $3 million change in
interest expense on a rolling twelve-month basis.
As of December 31, 2019, the fair value of the Company's debt was $6,957 million and the carrying value was $6,858
million. The Company estimates that a 1% decrease in market interest rates would have increased the fair value of its long-term
debt by $340 million.
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk arises from the general funding needs of the Company's activities and in the management of the Company's
assets and liabilities.
Counterparty Credit Risk
Credit risk relates to the risk of loss resulting from non-performance or non-payment by counterparties pursuant to the
terms of their contractual obligations. The Company monitors and manages credit risk through credit policies that include: (i) an
established credit approval process, and (ii) the use of credit mitigation measures such as prepayment arrangements or volumetric
limits. Risks surrounding counterparty performance and credit could ultimately impact the amount and timing of expected cash
flows. The Company seeks to mitigate counterparty risk by having a diversified portfolio of counterparties. See Item 15 — Note
6, Fair Value of Financial Instruments, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information about concentration of
credit risk.
67
As previously described, on January 29, 2019, PG&E filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy
Code. Certain subsidiaries of the Company sell the output of their facilities to PG&E under long-term PPAs, including interests
in 6 solar facilities totaling 480 MW and Marsh Landing with capacity of 720 MW. The Company consolidates three of the solar
facilities and Marsh Landing and records its interest in the other solar facilities as equity method investments. The Company had
$5 million in accounts receivable due from PG&E, which relate to the pre-petition period and therefore were recorded in other
non-current assets as of December 31, 2019.
68
Item 8 — Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The financial statements and schedules are listed in Part IV, Item 15 of this Form 10-K.
Item 9 — Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A — Controls and Procedures
Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures and Internal Control Over Financial
Reporting
Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including its principal executive officer,
principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design
and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) of the Exchange
Act. Based on this evaluation, the Company's principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting
officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Annual
Report on Form 10-K.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
In connection with the GIP Transaction, the Company entered into a TSA pursuant to which NRG Energy, Inc. provided
information technology, systems, applications and business processes to the Company. A material portion of these processes
terminated during the second quarter of 2019 and such services were subsequently provided by both the Company and by CEG
pursuant to the CEG Master Services Agreements. There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting
(as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended December 31, 2019, that materially
affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Inherent Limitations over Internal Controls
The Company's internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
GAAP. The Company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
1. Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions
of the Company's assets;
2. Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial
statements in accordance with GAAP, and that the Company's receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with
authorizations of its management and directors; and
3. Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of
the Company's assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
Internal control over financial reporting cannot provide absolute assurance of achieving financial reporting objectives
because of its inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error and circumvention by collusion or overriding of controls.
Accordingly, even an effective internal control system may not prevent or detect material misstatements on a timely basis. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because
of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The Company's management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial
reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's
management, including its principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, the Company
conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal
Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
Based on the Company's evaluation under the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013), the Company's
management concluded that its internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2019.
69
The effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, has been audited
by KPMG LLP, the Company's independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its report which is included in this Form
10-K.
70
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Clearway Energy, Inc.:
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Clearway Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31,
2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework
(2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
(PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements
of operations, comprehensive (loss) income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period
ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes and financial statement schedules “Schedule I- Condensed Financial Information
of Registrant” and “Schedule II- Valuation and Qualifying Accounts” (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our
report dated March 2, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment
of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal
Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial
reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with
respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities
and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material
respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial
reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of
internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary
in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability
of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain
to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets
of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that
could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because
of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 2, 2020
(signed) KPMG LLP
71
Item 9B — Other Information
None.
72
Item 10 — Information about Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
PART III
Directors
Nathaniel Anschuetz, 32, has served as a director since August 2018. Mr. Anschuetz is a Principal at GIP. Prior to joining
GIP in 2012, Mr. Anschuetz was an Analyst in the Power & Utilities Coverage Group at Citigroup from June 2010 through June
2012. Mr. Anschuetz is also a member of the Board of Directors of Clearway Energy Group LLC. Mr. Anschuetz graduated with
cum laude honors from Columbia College in 2010 with an A.B. in Economics and Operations Research, and a concentration in
Sustainable Development. Mr. Anschuetz's financial expertise provides significant value to the Company's board of directors.
Jonathan Bram, 54, has served as Chairman of the board of directors of the Company since August 2018. Mr. Bram is a
Founding Partner of GIP and serves on its Investment and Operating Committees. He leads GIP’s Power industry investment team
in North America. Prior to the formation of GIP in 2006, Mr. Bram spent 15 years at Credit Suisse as a Managing Director in the
Investment Banking Division, where he served as Co-Head of the Global Industrial and Services Group. From 2002 to 2004, he
was Chief Operating Officer of the Investment Banking Division and prior to that time he was co-head of corporate finance for
the 150 person U.S. Energy Group. Mr. Bram represented the firm in raising more than $30 billion of debt and equity capital for
electric utilities and independent power generators globally. These companies and projects included renewable power facilities
that utilized wind, solar, geothermal and hydroelectric technologies. Mr. Bram is also a member of the Board of Directors of
Clearway Energy Group LLC and Guacolda Energia, S.A. and previously served on the board of Terra-Gen Power as well as
Channelview Cogeneration. Mr. Bram holds an A.B. in Economics from Columbia College. Mr. Bram’s significant experience in
investment banking for, and investments in, energy and power companies, as well as his leadership role at GIP, provide strong
financial and transactional experience to the Company's board of directors.
Brian R. Ford, 71, has served as a director since July 2013 and Lead Independent Director since January 2019. Mr. Ford
was the Chief Executive Officer of Washington Philadelphia Partners, LP, a real estate investment company, from 2008 through
2010. He retired as a partner from Ernst & Young LLP in June 2008 where he had been employed since 1971. Mr. Ford currently
serves on the board of various companies, including FS Investment Corporation portfolios, a specialty finance company that invests
primarily in the debt securities of private U.S. middle-market companies, since 2013, where he also serves as the chairman of the
audit committee. He also serves on the board of Drexel University. Mr. Ford received his B.S. in Economics from Rutgers
University. Mr. Ford's extensive experience in accounting and public company matters provides strong financial, audit and
accounting skills to the Company's board of directors.
Bruce MacLennan, 53, has served as a director since August 2018. Mr. MacLennan is a Partner of GIP and serves on its
Investment and Operating Committees. He focuses on the energy and electricity and renewables sectors and led GIP’s investment
in Competitive Power Ventures, a power generation development and asset management company. Prior to joining GIP at its
formation in 2006, Mr. MacLennan spent eight years at Credit Suisse, where he most recently served as a Director in the Investment
Banking Division. Previously, he spent six years at Citibank and Citicorp Securities in New York and Tokyo. Mr. MacLennan
holds an A.B. from Harvard University and an M.B.A. from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is currently
a member of the Board of Directors of Clearway Energy Group LLC and Competitive Power Ventures. Mr. MacLennan’s significant
experience in investment banking for, and investments in, energy and power companies, as well as his leadership role at GIP,
provide strong financial and transactional experience to the Company's board of directors.
Ferrell P. McClean,73, has served as a director since July 2013. Ms. McClean was a Managing Director and the Senior
Advisor to the head of the Global Oil & Gas Group in Investment Banking at J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. from 2000 through the
end of 2001. She joined J.P. Morgan & Co. Incorporated in 1969 and founded the Leveraged Buyout and Restructuring Group
within the Mergers & Acquisitions Group in 1986. From 1991 until 2000, Ms. McClean was a Managing Director and co-headed
the Global Energy Group within the Investment Banking Group at J.P. Morgan & Co. She retired as a director of GrafTech
International in 2014, El Paso Corporation in 2012 and Unocal Corporation in 2005. Ms. McClean's experience in investment
banking for industrial companies as well as her experience and understanding of financial accounting, finance and disclosure
matters enables her to provide essential guidance to the Company's board of directors and management team.
Daniel B. More, 63, has served as a director since February 2019. Mr. More has been a Senior Advisor with Guggenheim
Securities since October 2015. Mr. More retired as a Managing Director and Global Head of Utility Mergers & Acquisitions of
the Investment Banking Division of Morgan Stanley in 2014. He held such position since 1996. Mr. More has been an investment
banker since 1978 and has specialized in the utility sector since 1986. Mr. More has served as a director of SJW Group since April
2015. He served as a director of Saeta Yield from February 2015 to June 2018 and served as a director of the New York Independent
System Operator from April 2014 until February 2016. Mr. More’s extensive experience in investment banking, including capital
raising and strategic initiatives, combined with experience as a director of energy industry companies, provides significant value
to the Company's board of directors.
73
E. Stanley O'Neal,68, has served as a director since August 2018. Mr. O'Neal served as Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. until October 2007. He became Chief Executive Officer of Merrill Lynch in 2002
and was elected Chairman of the Board in 2003. Mr. O’Neal was employed with Merrill Lynch for 21 years, serving as President
and Chief Operating Officer from July 2001 to December 2002; President of U.S. Private Client from February 2000 to July 2001;
Chief Financial Officer from 1998 to 2000 and Executive Vice President and Co-head of Global Markets and Investment Banking
from 1997 to 1998. Before joining Merrill Lynch, Mr. O’Neal was employed at General Motors Corporation where he held a
number of financial positions of increasing responsibility. Currently, Mr. O’Neal is a member of the Audit and Finance committees
of Arconic Inc., an aluminum manufacturing company and the former parent company of Alcoa Inc. Mr. O’Neal is also a director
of Element Solutions Inc. (formerly Platform Specialty Products Corporation), a global, diversified producer of high technology
specialty chemical products and provider of technical services. Mr. O’Neal was a director of General Motors Corporation from
2001 to 2006, chairman of the board of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. from 2003 to 2007, and a director of American Beacon Advisors,
Inc. (investment advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission) from 2009 to September 2012. Mr. O’Neal’s
extensive executive experience, financial expertise and leadership skills enable him to provide unique guidance to the Company's
board of directors and management team.
Christopher S. Sotos, 48, has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since May 2016, and as
a director since May 2013. Mr. Sotos had also served in various positions at NRG, including most recently as Executive Vice
President - Strategy and Mergers and Acquisitions from February 2016 through May 2016 and Senior Vice President - Strategy
and Mergers and Acquisitions from November 2012 through February 2016. In this role, he led NRG’s corporate strategy, mergers
and acquisitions, strategic alliances and other special projects for NRG. Previously, he served as NRG’s Senior Vice President and
Treasurer from March 2008 to September 2012, where he was responsible for all treasury functions, including raising capital,
valuation, debt administration and cash management. Mr. Sotos also previously served as a director of FuelCell Energy, Inc. from
September 2014 to April 2019. As President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mr. Sotos provides the Company's
board of directors with management’s perspective regarding the Company’s day to day operations and overall strategic plan. Mr.
Sotos also brings strong financial and accounting skills to the Company's board of directors.
Scott Stanley, 63, has served as a director since August 2018. Mr. Stanley has been employed by GIP as an Operating
Principal since April 2007, and in August 2018 was appointed as an Operating Partner. Mr. Stanley holds a B.S. in Ceramic
Engineering from The Ohio State University and has 39 years of experience in operational roles, including prior assignments with
General Electric, Honeywell, and United Technologies Corporation. Working predominantly in the transport sector with GIP, Mr.
Stanley has held roles as Chief Operating Officer with London City Airport, Gatwick Airport, and Pacific National and was also
on the Board of Directors at Edinburgh Airport. Mr. Stanley serves on the Board of Directors of Naturgy Energy Group, S.A., a
public company, and is also a member of the Board of Directors of Clearway Energy Group LLC and Italo S.p.A. Mr. Stanley
adds significant operational expertise to the Company's board of directors.
Executive Officers
Christopher S. Sotos has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since May 2016, and as a
director of the Company since May 2013. For additional biographical information for Mr. Sotos, see above under “Directors.”
Chad Plotkin,44, has served as the Company's Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since November 2016.
From January 2016 until his appointment as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Plotkin served as Senior Vice
President, Finance and Strategy. Prior to this, he served in varying capacities at NRG, including as Vice President of Investor
Relations of both the Company and NRG from September 2015 to January 2016 and from January 2012 to February 2015 and
Vice President of Finance of NRG from February 2015 to September 2015. From October 2007 to January 2012, Mr. Plotkin
served in various capacities in the Strategy and Mergers and Acquisitions group of NRG, including as Vice President, beginning
in December 2010.
Mary-Lee Stillwell, 46, has served as Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer since August 31, 2018. Ms. Stillwell
previously served as Vice President and Assistant Controller of NRG since December 2012, where she was responsible for managing
and directing NRG's financial accounting and reporting activities as well as overseeing the accounting for the Renewables business
and various shared service functions. Prior to her work at NRG, Ms. Stillwell served as Assistant Controller - Integration and
Internal Controls of GenOn Energy, Inc., in Houston, Texas, from September 2010 to December 2012, where she was responsible
for all Sarbanes-Oxley compliance as well as integrations of mergers and acquisitions.
Kevin P. Malcarney, 53, has served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary since May 11,
2018. Mr. Malcarney served as Interim General Counsel of the Company from March 16, 2018. Mr. Malcarney was previously
Vice President and Deputy General Counsel and served in various other roles at NRG Energy, Inc. since September 2008. Prior
to NRG, Mr. Malcarney worked at two major law firms in Princeton, NJ and Philadelphia, PA, and handled mergers and acquisitions,
project financing and general corporate matters.
74
Code of Ethics
The Company has adopted a code of ethics entitled "Clearway Energy, Inc. Code of Business Conduct and Ethics" that
applies to all of our directors and employees, including our Officers (e.g., our CEO, CFO, and Principal Accounting Officer). It
may be accessed through the "Corporate Governance" section of the Company's website at http://www.clearwayenergy.com. The
Company also elects to disclose the information required by Form 8-K, Item 5.05, "Amendments to the Registrant's Code of Ethics,
or Waiver of a Provision of the Code of Ethics," through the Company's website, and such information will remain available on
this website for at least a 12-month period. A copy of the "Clearway Energy, Inc. Code of Business Conduct and Ethics" is available
in print to any stockholder who requests it.
Other information required by this Item will be incorporated by reference to the similarly named section of the Company's
Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
75
Item 11 — Executive Compensation
Information required by this Item will be incorporated by reference to the similarly named section of the Company's Definitive
Proxy Statement for its 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Item 12 — Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Securities Authorized for Issuance under the Clearway Energy, Inc. Amended and Restated 2013 Equity Compensation
Plan
Plan Category
Equity compensation plans approved by security
holders - Class A common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity compensation plans approved by security
holders - Class C common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity compensation plans not approved by security
holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(a)
Number of Securities
to be Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
(b)
Weighted-Average
Exercise
Price of Outstanding
Options, Warrants and
Rights
(c)
Number of Securities
Remaining Available
for Future Issuance
Under Equity
Compensation
Plans (Excluding
Securities Reflected
in Column (a)) (1)
18,630
$
702,925
—
721,555
$
—
—
N/A
—
—
1,056,534
—
1,056,534
(1) Beginning in May 2015, awards to be granted and associated dividend equivalent rights to be issued under the Clearway Energy, Inc. Amended and Restated
2013 Equity Incentive Plan convert to Class C common stock upon vesting.
Other information required by this Item will be incorporated by reference to the similarly named section of the Company's
Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Item 13 — Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Information required by this Item will be incorporated by reference to the similarly named section of the Company's Definitive
Proxy Statement for its 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Item 14 — Principal Accounting Fees and Services
Information required by this Item will be incorporated by reference to the similarly named section of the Company's Definitive
Proxy Statement for its 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
76
Item 15 — Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a)(1) Financial Statements
PART IV
The following consolidated financial statements of Clearway Energy, Inc. and related notes thereto, together with the
reports thereon of KPMG LLP, are included herein:
Consolidated Statements of Operations — Years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income — Years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017
Consolidated Balance Sheets — As of December 31, 2019 and 2018
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — Years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity — Years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules
The following schedules of Clearway Energy, Inc. are filed as part of Item 15 of this report and should be read in
conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements:
Schedule I — Clearway Energy, Inc. Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and
2017, are included in Clearway Energy, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K pursuant to the requirements of Rule
5-04(c) of Regulation S-X
Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the Securities and
Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable, and therefore, have been
omitted
(a)(3) Exhibits: See Exhibit Index submitted as a separate section of this report
(b) Exhibits
See Exhibit Index submitted as a separate section of this report
(c) Not applicable
77
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Clearway Energy, Inc.:
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Clearway Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of
December 31, 2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive (loss) income, stockholders’
equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes and financial
statement schedules, (“Schedule I- Condensed Financial Information of Registrant” and “Schedule II- Valuation and Qualifying
Accounts”) (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations
and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2019, in conformity with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
(PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in
Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission, and our report dated March 2, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal
control over financial reporting.
Changes in Accounting Principle
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for Revenue
from Contracts with Customers as of January 1, 2018 due to the adoption of Topic 606.
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for Leases
as of January 1, 2019 due to the adoption of Topic 842.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB
and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the
applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether
due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated
financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included
examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits
also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the
overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial
statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or
disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or
complex judgment. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial
statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on
the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
78
Evaluation over the impairment of long-lived assets
As discussed in Notes 2 and 9 to the consolidated financial statements, long-lived assets that are held and used are reviewed
for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate their carrying value may not be recoverable.
Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to the
future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset, through considering project specific assumptions for contracted
energy prices, long-term forecasted energy prices, forecasted generation, future project operating costs, future capital
expenditures and expected plant operations. An impairment loss is recognized if the total future undiscounted cash flows
expected from an asset are less than its carrying value. An impairment charge is measured as the difference between the
asset’s carrying value and its fair value. Generally, fair value is determined using valuation techniques such as the present
value of expected future cash flows or comparable values determined by transactions in the market. The Company uses
its best estimates in making these evaluations and considers various factors, including forward price curves for energy,
forecasted generation, future project operating costs, future capital expenditures, expected plant operations and discount
rates.
We identified the evaluation over the impairment of certain long-lived assets as a critical audit matter. This was due to
the especially subjective auditor judgment in evaluating the forecasted energy prices used in the Company’s undiscounted
cash flow estimation model. Specifically, for certain asset groups tested for impairment, the forecasted energy prices used
in the undiscounted cash flow estimation models were challenging to evaluate as small changes to this assumption could
have a significant effect on the Company’s projected future undiscounted cash flows of long-lived assets.
The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included the following. We tested certain
internal controls over the Company’s selection of forecasted energy prices used in impairment testing. We involved a
valuation professional with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted in evaluating the forecasted energy prices
determined by the Company. Our valuation professional evaluated the energy price curves utilized by the Company by
comparing them to energy price curves prepared by reputable third-party vendors that provide energy price forecasts in
the applicable power markets.
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2012.
(signed) KPMG LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 2, 2020
79
CLEARWAY ENERGY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In millions, except per share amounts)
Operating Revenues
Year ended December 31,
2019
2018
2017
Total operating revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
1,032
$
1,053
$
1,009
Operating Costs and Expenses
Cost of operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaction and integration costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Development costs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total operating costs and expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other Income (Expense)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other income, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss on debt extinguishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total other expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Loss) Income Before Income Taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax (benefit) expense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net (Loss) Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Pre-acquisition net income of Drop Down Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net (Loss) Income Excluding Pre-acquisition Net Income (Loss) of Drop Down
Assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Clearway Energy, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Earnings Per Share Attributable to Clearway Energy, Inc. Class A and Class C
Common Stockholders
Weighted average number of Class A common shares outstanding - basic and diluted . .
Weighted average number of Class C common shares outstanding - basic and diluted . .
(Loss) Earnings per Weighted Average Class A and Class C Common Share -
Basic and Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Dividends Per Class A Common Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Dividends Per Class C Common Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
342
396
33
29
3
5
808
224
83
9
(16)
(404)
(328)
(104)
(8)
(96)
—
(96)
(85)
(11) $
35
74
332
331
—
20
20
3
706
347
74
8
(7)
(306)
(231)
116
62
54
4
50
2
48
35
69
(0.10) $
$
0.80
$
0.80
0.46
1.258
1.258
$
$
$
$
326
334
44
19
3
—
726
283
71
4
(3)
(307)
(235)
48
72
(24)
7
(31)
(15)
(16)
35
64
(0.16)
1.098
1.098
80
CLEARWAY ENERGY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
Year ended December 31,
2019
2018
2017
(In millions)
Net (Loss) Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax
Unrealized gain on derivatives, net of income tax expense of $1, $2, and $7 . . . . . . .
Other comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comprehensive (Loss) Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Pre-acquisition net income of Drop Down Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . . . .
Comprehensive (Loss) Income Attributable to Clearway Energy, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . $
(96) $
54
$
(24)
7
7
(89)
—
(81)
(8) $
22
22
76
4
14
58
$
10
10
(14)
7
(5)
(16)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
81
CLEARWAY ENERGY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Current Assets
ASSETS
December 31, 2019
December 31, 2018
(In millions)
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Restricted cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts receivable — trade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts receivable — affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepayments and other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property, plant and equipment, net
Other Assets
Equity investments in affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intangible assets, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Derivative instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Right-of-use assets, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other non-current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Accounts payable — trade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts payable — affiliate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Derivative instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other Liabilities
Long-term debt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Derivative instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long-term lease liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other non-current liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total non-current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D common stock, $0.01 par value; 3,000,000,000
shares authorized (Class A 500,000,000, Class B 500,000,000, Class C 1,000,000,000, Class
D 1,000,000,000); 198,819,999 shares issued and outstanding (Class A 34,599,645, Class B
42,738,750, Class C 78,742,854, Class D 42,738,750) at December 31, 2019 and
193,251,396 shares issued and outstanding (Class A 34,586,250, Class B 42,738,750, Class
C 73,187,646, Class D 42,738,750) at December 31, 2018. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additional paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated deficit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated other comprehensive loss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Noncontrolling interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Stockholders' Equity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
$
$
$
155
262
116
2
40
33
608
6,063
1,183
1,428
—
223
92
103
3,029
9,700
1,824
74
31
16
41
71
2,057
4,956
76
227
121
5,380
7,437
—
1
1,936
(72)
(15)
413
2,263
9,700
$
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
82
407
176
104
—
40
29
756
5,245
1,172
1,156
8
—
57
106
2,499
8,500
535
45
19
4
44
57
704
5,447
17
—
108
5,572
6,276
—
1
1,897
(58)
(18)
402
2,224
8,500
Year ended December 31,
2019
2018
(In millions)
54
(96) $
2017
$
(24)
CLEARWAY ENERGY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net (loss) income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of financing costs and debt discounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of intangibles and out-of-market contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss on debt extinguishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Right-of-use asset amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment losses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changes in derivative instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss on disposal of asset components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash provided by (used in) changes in other working capital: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changes in prepaid and accrued capacity payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changes in other working capital. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Acquisition of assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Partnership interest acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisition of Drop Down Assets, net of cash acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital expenditures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Buyout of Wind TE Holdco non-controlling interest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash receipts from notes receivable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Return of investment from unconsolidated affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from sale of HSD Solar Holdings, LLC assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
(83)
34
396
17
71
16
7
(8)
33
85
9
1
(5)
477
(100)
(29)
(161)
(228)
(19)
—
56
(13)
20
6
(468)
Net contributions from noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net distributions and return of capital to NRG prior to the acquisition of Drop Down Assets . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payments of dividends and distributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from the revolving credit facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payments for the revolving credit facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payments of debt issuance costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payments for long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
174
—
100
(155)
152
(152)
1,215
(25)
(1,484)
(175)
(166)
583
417
$
(74)
70
331
24
70
7
—
62
—
(16)
—
—
(30)
498
(11)
—
(126)
(83)
—
13
45
(34)
—
11
(185)
91
—
153
(238)
35
(90)
827
(14)
(810)
(46)
267
316
583
$
(71)
72
334
25
70
3
—
72
44
(15)
16
(4)
(5)
517
—
(250)
(190)
—
17
47
(73)
—
7
(442)
13
(23)
34
(202)
55
—
210
(12)
(332)
(257)
(182)
498
316
Supplemental Disclosures
Interest paid, net of amount capitalized. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
(313) $
(292) $
(297)
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
(Reductions) Additions to fixed assets for accrued capital expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-cash adjustment for change in tax basis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-cash contributions from CEG, NRG, net of distributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
(2)
28
36
$
(15)
(7)
38
$
22
(20)
(2)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
83
(250)
(250)
CLEARWAY ENERGY, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(In millions)
Preferred
Stock
Common
Stock
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
Accumulated
Deficit
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Non-
controlling
Interest
Total
Stockholders'
Equity
(28)
$
774
$
Balances at December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pre-acquisition net loss of acquired Drop Down Assets . . . . .
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives, net of tax . . . . . . . . . . .
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle. . . . . . . .
Payments for the March 2017, August 2017 and November
2017 Drop Down Assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
August 2017 Drop Down Assets contingent consideration . . .
Distributions and returns of capital to NRG, net of
contributions, cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contributions from NRG, net of distributions, non-cash . . . . .
Capital contributions from tax equity investors, cash . . . . . . .
Stock-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from the issuance of Class C common stock . . . . . .
Non-cash adjustment for change in tax basis of property,
plant and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Common stock dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
— $
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
$
1,879
$
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
2
34
(20)
(52)
(2)
$
(16)
—
—
5
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(56)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(15)
7
10
—
(8)
(21)
(2)
11
—
—
—
(94)
Balances at December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
— $
1
$
1,843
$
(69)
$
(28)
$
412
$
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pre-acquisition net loss of acquired Drop Down Assets . . . . .
Unrealized gain on derivatives, net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle. . . . . . . .
Payments for the Buckthorn Solar Drop Down Asset and
UPMC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity component of tendered 2020 Convertible Notes and
2019 Convertible Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital contributions from tax equity investors, net of
distributions, cash. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Distributions and return of capital to NRG, net of
contributions, cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Distributions and return of capital to NRG, net of
contributions, non-cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from the issuance of Class C common stock . . . . . .
Non-cash adjustment for change in tax basis of property,
plant and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Common stock dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1
(3)
—
—
—
4
153
(7)
(94)
48
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(1)
—
—
(36)
—
—
10
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
2
4
12
—
(53)
106
(11)
38
—
—
—
(108)
Balances at December 31, 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
— $
1
$
1,897
$
(58)
$
(18)
$
402
$
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unrealized gain on derivatives, net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Buyout of Wind TE Holdco non-controlling interest . . . . . . . .
Carlsbad Drop Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contributions from tax equity interests, net of distributions,
cash. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Distributions to CEG, net of contributions, cash . . . . . . . . . . .
Cumulative effect of change in the accounting principle. . . . .
Contributions from CEG net of distributions, non-cash. . . . . .
Stock-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from the issuance of Class C Common Stock. . . . . .
Non-cash adjustment for change in tax basis . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Common stock dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(5)
—
—
—
—
3
100
28
(87)
(11)
—
—
—
—
—
(2)
—
(1)
—
—
—
3
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(85)
4
(14)
(35)
242
(68)
(1)
36
—
—
—
(68)
Balances at December 31, 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
— $
1
$
1,936
$
(72)
$
(15)
$
413
$
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
84
2,624
(31)
7
10
5
(8)
(21)
(2)
11
2
34
(20)
(202)
2,159
50
4
22
—
(52)
(3)
106
(11)
38
3
153
(7)
(238)
2,224
(96)
7
(19)
(35)
242
(68)
(3)
36
2
100
28
(155)
2,263
CLEARWAY ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1 — Nature of Business
Clearway Energy, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries, or the Company, is a publicly-traded energy infrastructure
investor in and owner of modern, sustainable and long-term contracted assets across North America. On August 31, 2018, NRG
Energy, Inc., or NRG, transferred its full ownership interest in the Company to Clearway Energy Group LLC, or CEG, the holder
of NRG's renewable energy development and operations platform, and subsequently sold 100% of its interest in CEG to GIP,
referred to hereinafter as the GIP Transaction. As a result of the GIP Transaction, GIP indirectly acquired a 45.2% economic
interest in Clearway Energy LLC and a 55% voting interest in the Company. GIP is an independent fund manager that invests in
infrastructure assets in energy and transport sectors. The Company is sponsored by GIP through its portfolio company, CEG.
The Company’s environmentally-sound asset portfolio includes over 5,875 MW of wind, solar and natural gas-fired power
generation facilities. Through this diversified and contracted portfolio, the Company endeavors to provide its investors with stable
and growing dividend income. Nearly all of these assets sell substantially all of their output pursuant to long-term offtake agreements
with creditworthy counterparties. The weighted average remaining contract duration of these offtake agreements was approximately
13 years as of December 31, 2019 based on CAFD. The Company also owns thermal infrastructure assets with an aggregate steam
and chilled water capacity of 1,530 net MWt and electric generation capacity of 139 net MW. These thermal infrastructure assets
provide steam, hot and/or chilled water, and, in some instances, electricity to commercial businesses, universities, hospitals and
governmental units in multiple locations, principally through long-term contracts or pursuant to rates regulated by state utility
commissions.
The Company consolidates the results of Clearway Energy LLC through its controlling interest, with CEG's interest shown
as noncontrolling interest in the financial statements. The holders of the Company's outstanding shares of Class A and Class C
common stock are entitled to dividends as declared. CEG receives its distributions from Clearway Energy LLC through its
ownership of Clearway Energy LLC Class B and Class D units.
As a result of the Class C common stock issuance in December of 2019, the Company owns 57.01% of the economic interests
of Clearway Energy LLC, with CEG retaining 42.99% of the economic interests of Clearway Energy LLC as of December 31,
2019. For further discussion, see Item 15 — Note 12, Stockholders' Equity.
85
The following table represents the structure of the Company as of December 31, 2019:
PG&E Bankruptcy
On January 29, 2019, PG&E filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy
Court for the Northern District of California, or the Bankruptcy Court. Certain subsidiaries of the Company, which hold interests
in 6 solar facilities totaling 480 MW and Marsh Landing with capacity of 720 MW, sell the output of their facilities to PG&E
under long-term PPAs. The Company consolidates three of the solar facilities and Marsh Landing and records its interest in the
other solar facilities as equity method investments. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had $177 million in restricted cash,
$1.4 billion of property, plant and equipment, net, $370 million investments in unconsolidated affiliates and $1.2 billion of
borrowings with final maturity dates ranging from 2023 - 2038 related to these facilities. The related subsidiaries of the Company
are parties to financing agreements consisting of non-recourse project-level debt and, in certain cases, non-recourse holding
company debt. The PG&E Bankruptcy triggered defaults under the PPAs with PG&E and such related project-level financing
agreements. As a result, the Company recorded $1.2 billion of principal, net of the related unamortized debt issuance costs, as
short-term debt as of December 31, 2019.
Substantially all of the Company's generation assets are under long-term contractual arrangements for the output or capacity
from these assets. The thermal assets are comprised of district energy systems and combined heat and power plants that produce
steam, hot water and/or chilled water and, in some instances, electricity at a central plant. Certain district energy systems are
subject to rate regulation by state public utility commissions (although they may negotiate certain rates) while the other district
energy systems have rates determined by negotiated bilateral contracts.
86
Transition Services Agreement
As a result of the GIP Transaction, the Company entered into a Transition Services Agreement with NRG, or the NRG
TSA, pursuant to which NRG or certain of its affiliates began providing transitional services to the Company following the
consummation of the GIP Transaction, in exchange for the payment of a fee in respect of such services. A material portion of
these processes terminated during the second quarter of 2019 and such services were subsequently provided by both the Company
and by CEG pursuant to the CEG Master Services Agreements. During the second quarter of 2019, the Company exercised its
option to extend the term of the NRG TSA through April 30, 2020 for the remaining services, some of which will be billed at
an hourly rate as agreed between the parties. The Company incurred approximately $1.5 million of expense related to the NRG
TSA during the year ended December 31, 2019, which was recorded in transaction and integration costs in the consolidated
statements of operations.
Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The Company's consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The ASC is the source of
authoritative GAAP to be applied by nongovernmental entities. In addition, the rules and interpretative releases of the SEC under
authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants.
The consolidated financial statements include the Company's accounts and operations and those of its subsidiaries in which
it has a controlling interest. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The
usual condition for a controlling financial interest is ownership of a majority of the voting interests of an entity. However, a
controlling financial interest may also exist through arrangements that do not involve controlling voting interests. As such, the
Company applies the guidance of ASC 810, Consolidations, or ASC 810, to determine when an entity that is insufficiently
capitalized or not controlled through its voting interests, referred to as a variable interest entity, or VIE, should be consolidated.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of
purchase. Cash and cash equivalents held at project subsidiaries was $125 million and $109 million as of December 31, 2019 and
2018, respectively.
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the consolidated
balance sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the statements of cash flows.
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Restricted cash. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statements of cash flows . . . . . . . . .
Year ended December 31,
2019
2018
(In millions)
$
155
262
417
407
176
583
Restricted cash consists primarily of funds held to satisfy the requirements of certain debt agreements and funds held within
the Company's projects that are restricted in their use. As of December 31, 2019, these restricted funds comprised of $129 million
designated to fund operating expenses, approximately $24 million designated for current debt service payments, and $30 million
restricted for reserves including debt service, performance obligations and other reserves, as well as capital expenditures. The
remaining $79 million is held in distributions reserve accounts, of which $58 million related to subsidiaries affected by the PG&E
Bankruptcy as discussed further below and may not be distributed during the pendency of the bankruptcy. Such subsidiaries had
a total of $177 million in restricted cash as of December 31, 2019.
On January 29, 2019, PG&E filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The Company has
non-recourse project-level debt related to each of its subsidiaries that sell their output to PG&E under long-term PPAs. The PG&E
Bankruptcy filing is an event of default under the related financing agreements. As of December 31, 2019, all project level cash
balances for these subsidiaries were classified as restricted cash.
87
Accounts Receivable — Trade and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Accounts receivable— trade are reported on the balance sheet at the invoiced amount adjusted for any write-offs and the
allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is reviewed periodically based on amounts past due and
significance. The allowance for doubtful accounts was immaterial as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.
Inventory
Inventory consists principally of spare parts and fuel oil. Spare parts inventory is valued at weighted average cost, unless
evidence indicates that the weighted average cost will not be recovered with a normal profit in the ordinary course of business.
Fuel oil inventory is valued at the lower of weighted average cost or market. The Company removes fuel inventories as they are
used in the production of steam, chilled water or electricity. Spare parts inventory are removed when they are used for repairs,
maintenance or capital projects.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost or, in the case of third party business acquisitions, fair value; however
impairment adjustments are recorded whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying values may not be
recoverable. Significant additions or improvements extending asset lives are capitalized as incurred, while repairs and maintenance
that do not improve or extend the life of the respective asset are charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation is computed using
the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives. Certain assets and their related accumulated depreciation amounts are
adjusted for asset retirements and disposals with the resulting gain or loss included in cost of operations in the consolidated
statements of operations. For further discussion of the Company's property, plant and equipment refer to Note 4, Property, Plant
and Equipment, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Construction in-progress represents cumulative construction costs, including the costs incurred for the purchase of major
equipment and engineering costs and capitalized interest. Once the project achieves commercial operation, the Company reclassifies
the amounts recorded in construction in progress to facilities and equipment.
Development costs include project development costs, which are expensed in the preliminary stages of a project and
capitalized when the project is deemed to be commercially viable. Commercial viability is determined by one or a series of actions
including, among others, Board of Director approval pursuant to a formal project plan that subjects the Company to significant
future obligations that can only be discharged by the use of a Company asset. When a project is available for operations, capitalized
interest and capitalized project development costs are reclassified to property, plant and equipment and depreciated on a straightline
basis over the estimated useful life of the project's related assets. Capitalized costs are charged to expense if a project is abandoned
or management otherwise determines the costs to be unrecoverable.
Asset Impairments
Long-lived assets that are held and used are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate
their carrying values may not be recoverable. Such reviews are performed in accordance with ASC 360. An impairment loss is
indicated if the total future estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from an asset are less than its carrying value. An impairment
charge is measured by the difference between an asset's carrying amount and fair value with the difference recorded in operating
costs and expenses in the statements of operations. Fair values are determined by a variety of valuation methods, including
appraisals, sales prices of similar assets and present value techniques. For further discussion of the Company's long-lived asset
impairments, refer to Item 15 — Note 9, Asset Impairments, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Investments accounted for by the equity method are reviewed for impairment in accordance with ASC 323, Investments-
Equity Method and Joint Ventures, which requires that a loss in value of an investment that is an other-than-temporary decline
should be recognized. The Company identifies and measures losses in the value of equity method investments based upon a
comparison of fair value to carrying value.
Debt Issuance Costs
Debt issuance costs are capitalized and amortized as interest expense on a basis which approximates the effective interest
method over the term of the related debt. Debt issuance costs related to the long term debt are presented as a direct deduction
from the carrying amount of the related debt in both the current and prior periods. Debt issuance costs related to the senior secured
revolving credit facility line of credit are recorded as a non-current asset on the balance sheet and are amortized over the term of
the credit facility.
88
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets represent contractual rights held by the Company. The Company recognizes specifically identifiable
intangible assets including power purchase agreements, leasehold improvements, customer relationships, customer contracts and
development rights when specific rights and contracts are acquired. These intangible assets are amortized primarily on a straight-
line basis. For further discussion of the Company's intangible assets, refer to Note 8, Intangible Assets, to the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the guidance in ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, or Topic 606,
using the modified retrospective method applied to contracts which were not completed as of the adoption date, with no adjustment
required to the financial statements upon adoption. Following the adoption of the new standard, the Company’s revenue recognition
of its contracts with customers remains materially consistent with its historical practice. The comparative information has not been
restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The Company's policies with
respect to its various revenue streams are detailed below. In general, the Company applies the invoicing practical expedient to
recognize revenue for the revenue streams detailed below, except in circumstances where the invoiced amount does not represent
the value transferred to the customer.
Thermal Revenues
Steam and chilled water revenue is recognized as the Company transfers the product to the customer, based on customer
usage as determined by meter readings taken at month-end. Some locations read customer meters throughout the month, and
recognize estimated revenue for the period between meter read date and month-end. For thermal contracts, the Company’s
performance obligation to deliver steam and chilled water is satisfied over time and revenue is recognized based on the invoiced
amount. The Thermal Business subsidiaries collect and remit state and local taxes associated with sales to their customers, as
required by governmental authorities. These taxes are presented on a net basis in the income statement.
As contracts for steam and chilled water are long-term contracts, the Company has performance obligations under these
contracts that have not yet been satisfied. These performance obligations have transaction prices that are both fixed and variable,
and that vary based on the contract duration, customer type, inception date and other contract-specific factors. For the fixed price
contracts, the Company cannot accurately estimate the amount of its unsatisfied performance obligations as it will vary based on
customer usage, which will depend on factors such as weather and customer activity.
Power Purchase Agreements, or PPAs
The majority of the Company’s revenues are obtained through PPAs or other contractual agreements. Energy, capacity and,
where applicable, renewable attributes, from the majority of the Company’s renewable energy assets and certain conventional
energy plants is sold through long-term PPAs and tolling agreements to a single counterparty, which is often a utility or commercial
customer. The majority of these PPAs are accounted for as leases. Previously ASC 840, and currently, ASC 842, requires the
minimum lease payments received to be amortized over the term of the lease and contingent rentals are recorded when the
achievement of the contingency becomes probable. Judgment is required by management in determining the economic life of
each generating facility, in evaluating whether certain lease provisions constitute minimum payments or represent contingent rent
and other factors in determining whether a contract contains a lease and whether the lease is an operating lease or capital lease.
Certain of these leases have no minimum lease payments and all of the rental income under these leases is recorded as
contingent rent on an actual basis when the electricity is delivered. The contingent rental income recognized in the years ended
December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $537 million, $583 million and $559 million, respectively. See Note 17, Leases for
additional information related to the Company's PPAs accounted for as leases.
Renewable Energy Credits, or RECs
As stated above, renewable energy credits, or RECs, are usually sold through long-term PPAs. Revenue from the sale of
self-generated RECs is recognized when the related energy is generated and simultaneously delivered even in cases where there
is a certification lag as it has been deemed to be perfunctory.
In a bundled contract to sell energy, capacity and/or self-generated RECs, all performance obligations are deemed to be
delivered at the same time and hence, timing of recognition of revenue for all performance obligations is the same and occurs over
time. In such cases, it is often unnecessary to allocate transaction price to multiple performance obligations.
89
Disaggregated Revenues
The following tables represent the Company’s disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers for the year ended
December 31, 2019, along with the reportable segment for each category:
Year ended December 31, 2019
(In millions)
Energy revenue(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Capacity revenue(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contract amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mark-to-market for economic hedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total operating revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Lease revenue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Contract amortization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Conventional
Generation
5
348
—
(7)
—
346
(353)
7
$
Renewables
545
$
—
10
(61)
(9)
485
(509)
61
Thermal
Total
$
120
54
30
(3)
—
201
(2)
3
670
402
40
(71)
(9)
1,032
(864)
71
239
Total revenue from contracts with customers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
— $
37
$
202
$
(a) See Note 17, Leases for the amounts of energy and capacity revenue that relate to leases and are accounted for under ASC 842.
The following tables represent the Company’s disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers for the year ended
December 31, 2018, along with the reportable segment for each category:
Year ended December 31, 2018
(In millions)
Energy revenue(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Capacity revenue(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contract amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total operating revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Lease revenue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Contract amortization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Conventional
Generation
5
337
—
(5)
337
(342)
5
$
Renewables
572
$
—
13
(62)
523
(534)
62
Thermal
Total
$
120
50
26
(3)
193
(2)
3
697
387
39
(70)
1,053
(878)
70
245
Total revenue from contracts with customers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
— $
51
$
194
$
(a) See Note 17, Leases for the amounts of energy and capacity revenue that relate to leases and are accounted for under ASC 840.
Contract Amortization
Assets and liabilities recognized from power sales agreements assumed through acquisitions related to the sale of electric
capacity and energy in future periods for which the fair value has been determined to be significantly less (more) than market are
amortized to revenue over the term of each underlying contract based on actual generation and/or contracted volumes or on a
straight-line basis, where applicable.
Contract Balances
The following table reflects the contract assets and liabilities included on the Company’s balance sheet as of December 31,
2019:
(In millions)
Accounts receivable, net - Contracts with customers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts receivable, net - Leases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total accounts receivable, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
December 31,
2019
December 31,
2018
34
82
116
$
$
35
69
104
90
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, or ASC 815, which
requires the Company to record all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value unless they qualify for a NPNS exception. Changes
in the fair value of non-hedge derivatives are immediately recognized in earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivatives accounted
for as hedges, if elected for hedge accounting, are either:
• Recognized in earnings as an offset to the changes in the fair value of the related hedged assets, liabilities and firm
commitments; or
• Deferred and recorded as a component of accumulated OCI until the hedged transactions occur and are recognized in
earnings.
The Company's primary derivative instruments are interest rate instruments used to mitigate variability in earnings due to
fluctuations in interest rates, power purchase or sale contracts used to mitigate variability in earnings due to fluctuations in market
prices and fuels purchase contracts used to control customer reimbursable fuel cost. On an ongoing basis, the Company qualitatively
assesses the effectiveness of its derivatives that are designated as hedges for accounting purposes in order to determine that each
derivative continues to be highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged items. If necessary, the Company will
perform an analysis to measure the statistical correlation between the derivative and the associated hedged item to determine the
effectiveness of such a contract designated as a hedge. The Company will discontinue hedge accounting if it is determined that
the hedge is no longer effective. In this case, the gain or loss previously deferred in accumulated OCI would be frozen until the
underlying hedged item is delivered unless the transaction being hedged is no longer probable of occurring in which case the
amount in OCI would be immediately reclassified into earnings. If the derivative instrument is terminated, the effective portion
of this derivative deferred in accumulated OCI will be frozen until the underlying hedged item is delivered.
Revenues and expenses on contracts that qualify for the NPNS exception are recognized when the underlying physical
transaction is delivered. While these contracts are considered derivative financial instruments under ASC 815, they are not recorded
at fair value, but on an accrual basis of accounting. If it is determined that a transaction designated as NPNS no longer meets the
scope exception, the fair value of the related contract is recorded on the balance sheet and immediately recognized through earnings.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of accounts
receivable, notes receivable and derivative instruments, which are concentrated within entities engaged in the energy and financial
industry. These industry concentrations may impact the overall exposure to credit risk, either positively or negatively, in that the
customers may be similarly affected by changes in economic, industry or other conditions. In addition, many of the Company's
projects have only one customer. See Item 1A, Risk Factors, Risks related to the PG&E Bankruptcy, for a discussion on the
Company’s dependence on major customers. See Note 6, Fair Value of Financial Instruments, for a further discussion of derivative
concentrations and Note 13, Segment Reporting, for concentration of counterparties.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts receivable - affiliate,
accounts payable, current portion of account payable - affiliate, and accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate
fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. See Note 6, Fair Value of Financial Instruments, for a further
discussion of fair value of financial instruments.
Asset Retirement Obligations
Asset retirement obligations, or AROs, are accounted for in accordance with ASC 410-20, Asset Retirement Obligations, or
ASC 410-20. Retirement obligations associated with long-lived assets included within the scope of ASC 410-20 are those for
which a legal obligation exists under enacted laws, statutes, and written or oral contracts, including obligations arising under the
doctrine of promissory estoppel, and for which the timing and/or method of settlement may be conditional on a future event.
ASC 410-20 requires an entity to recognize the fair value of a liability for an ARO in the period in which it is incurred and a
reasonable estimate of fair value can be made.
Upon initial recognition of a liability for an ARO, the asset retirement cost is capitalized by increasing the carrying amount
of the related long-lived asset by the same amount. Over time, the liability is accreted to its future value, while the capitalized
cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. The Company's AROs are primarily related to the future dismantlement
of equipment on leased property and environmental obligations related to site closures and fuel storage facilities. The Company
records AROs as part of other non-current liabilities on its balance sheet.
91
The following table represents the balance of ARO obligations as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, along with the additions
and accretion related to the Company's ARO obligations for the year ended December 31, 2019:
(In millions)
Balance as of December 31, 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Revisions in estimates for current obligations/Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accretion — expense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance as of December 31, 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
67
3
5
75
Guarantees
The Company enters into various contracts that include indemnification and guarantee provisions as a routine part of its
business activities. Examples of these contracts include operation and maintenance agreements, service agreements, commercial
sales arrangements and other types of contractual agreements with vendors and other third parties, as well as affiliates. These
contracts generally indemnify the counterparty for tax, environmental liability, litigation and other matters, as well as breaches of
representations, warranties and covenants set forth in these agreements. Because many of the guarantees and indemnities the
Company issues to third parties and affiliates do not limit the amount or duration of its obligations to perform under them, there
exists a risk that the Company may have obligations in excess of the amounts agreed upon in the contracts mentioned above. For
those guarantees and indemnities that do not limit the liability exposure, the Company may not be able to estimate what the liability
would be, until a claim is made for payment or performance, due to the contingent nature of these contracts.
Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method
The Company has investments in various energy projects accounted for by the equity method, several of which are VIEs,
where the Company is not a primary beneficiary, as described in Note 5, Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and
Variable Interest Entities. The equity method of accounting is applied to these investments in affiliates because the ownership
structure prevents the Company from exercising a controlling influence over the operating and financial policies of the projects.
Under this method, equity in pre-tax income or losses of the investments is reflected as equity in earnings of unconsolidated
affiliates. Distributions from equity method investments that represent earnings on the Company's investment are included within
cash flows from operating activities and distributions from equity method investments that represent a return of the Company's
investment are included within cash flows from investing activities.
Sale-Leaseback Arrangements
The Company is party to sale-leaseback arrangements that provide for the sale of certain assets to a third party and
simultaneous leaseback to the Company. In accordance with ASC 840-40, Sale-Leaseback Transactions, if the seller-lessee retains,
through the leaseback, substantially all of the benefits and risks incident to the ownership of the property sold, the sale-leaseback
transaction is accounted for as a financing arrangement. An example of this type of continuing involvement would include an
option to repurchase the assets or the buyer-lessor having the option to sell the assets back to the Company. This provision is
included in most of the Company’s sale-leaseback arrangements. As such, the Company accounts for these arrangements as
financings.
Under the financing method, the Company does not recognize as income any of the sale proceeds received from the lessor
that contractually constitutes payment to acquire the assets subject to these arrangements. Instead, the sale proceeds received are
accounted for as financing obligations and leaseback payments made by the Company are allocated between interest expense and
a reduction to the financing obligation. Interest on the financing obligation is calculated using the Company’s incremental borrowing
rate at the inception of the arrangement on the outstanding financing obligation. Judgment is required to determine the appropriate
borrowing rate for the arrangement and in determining any gain or loss on the transaction that would be recorded either at the end
of or over the lease term.
92
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation — Stock
Compensation, or ASC 718. The fair value of the Company's relative performance stock units, or RPSUs, are estimated on the
date of grant using the Monte Carlo valuation model. The Company uses the Class A and Class C common stock price on the date
of grant as the fair value of the Company's restricted stock units, or RSUs. Forfeiture rates are estimated based on an analysis of
the Company's historical forfeitures, employment turnover, and expected future behavior. The Company recognizes compensation
expense for both graded and cliff vesting awards on a straightline basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. The
Company incurred total stock compensation expense of $4 million and $3 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and
December 31, 2018, respectively, which was primarily recorded in general and administrative expense on the Company's
consolidated statements of operations.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes, or ASC
740, which requires that the Company use the asset and liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes and provide
deferred income taxes for all significant temporary differences.
The Company has two categories of income tax expense or benefit — current and deferred, as follows:
• Current income tax expense or benefit consists solely of current taxes payable less applicable tax credits, and
• Deferred income tax expense or benefit is the change in the net deferred income tax asset or liability, excluding amounts
charged or credited to accumulated other comprehensive income.
The Company reports some of its revenues and expenses differently for financial statement purposes than for income tax
return purposes, resulting in temporary and permanent differences between the Company's financial statements and income tax
returns. The tax effects of such temporary differences are recorded as either deferred income tax assets or deferred income tax
liabilities in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The Company measures its deferred income tax assets and deferred
income tax liabilities using income tax rates that are currently in effect. The Company believes it is more likely than not that the
results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income which includes the future reversal of existing taxable temporary
differences to realize deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances. In arriving at this conclusion to utilize projections of future
profit before tax in its estimate of future taxable income, including the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the Company considered
the profit before tax generated in recent years. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the net deferred tax assets to an amount
that is more-likely-than-not to be realized.
The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740, which applies to all tax positions related
to income taxes. Under ASC 740, tax benefits are recognized when it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be sustained
upon examination by the authorities. The benefit recognized from a position that has surpassed the more-likely-than-not threshold
is the largest amount of benefit that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon settlement. The Company recognizes interest and
penalties accrued related to uncertain tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.
In accordance with ASC 740 and as discussed further in Item 15 — Note 14, Income Taxes, changes to existing net deferred
tax assets, valuation allowances, or changes to uncertain tax benefits, are recorded to income tax expense.
Prior to the GIP Transaction, the Company was included in certain NRG consolidated unitary tax return filings which was
reflected in the state effective tax rate. For tax returns filed during December 31, 2019, NRG allocated $22 million to the Company
in tax-effected state NOLs, driven primarily from losses generated by NRG after the GIP Transaction. The Company expects to
be able to utilize these NOLs in future periods.
Following the GIP Transaction, the Company files under a separate standalone methodology, resulting in a higher state
effective tax rate due to a larger percentage of activity allocated to high-tax jurisdictions.
93
Business Combinations
The Company accounts for its business combinations in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations, or ASC 805.
For third party acquisitions, ASC 805 requires an acquirer to recognize and measure in its financial statements the identifiable
assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at fair value at the acquisition date. It also
recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired or a gain from a bargain purchase in the business combination and determines
what information to disclose to enable users of an entity's financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the
business combination. In addition, transaction costs are expensed as incurred. For business acquisitions that relate to entities
under common control, ASC 805 requires retrospective combination of the entities for all periods presented as if the combination
has been in effect from the beginning of the financial statement period of from the date the entities were under common control
(if later than the beginning of the financial statement period). The difference between the cash paid and historical value of the
entities' equity is recorded as a distribution/contribution from/to CEG with the offset to noncontrolling interest. Transaction costs
are expensed as incurred.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and
assumptions. These estimates and assumptions impact the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent
assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements. They also impact the reported amounts of net earnings
during the reporting periods. Actual results could be different from these estimates.
In recording transactions and balances resulting from business operations, the Company uses estimates based on the best
information available. Estimates are used for such items as plant depreciable lives, tax provisions, uncollectible accounts, AROs,
acquisition accounting and legal costs incurred in connection with recorded loss contingencies, among others. In addition, estimates
are used to test long-lived assets for impairment and to determine the fair value of impaired assets. As better information becomes
available or actual amounts are determinable, the recorded estimates are revised. Consequently, operating results can be affected
by revisions to prior accounting estimates.
Tax Equity Arrangements
Certain portions of the Company’s noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries represent third-party interests in the net assets
under certain tax equity arrangements, which are consolidated by the Company, that have been entered into to finance the cost of
wind facilities eligible for certain tax credits. Additionally, certain portions of the Company’s investments in unconsolidated
affiliates reflect the Company’s interests in tax equity arrangements, that are not consolidated by the Company, that have been
entered into to finance the cost of solar energy systems, under operating leases or PPAs, that are eligible for certain tax credits.
The Company has determined that the provisions in the contractual agreements of these structures represent substantive profit
sharing arrangements. Further, the Company has determined that the appropriate methodology for calculating the noncontrolling
interest and investment in unconsolidated affiliates that reflects the substantive profit sharing arrangements is a balance sheet
approach utilizing the hypothetical liquidation at book value, or HLBV, method. Under the HLBV method, the amounts reported
as noncontrolling interests and investment in unconsolidated affiliates represent the amounts the investors to the tax equity
arrangements would hypothetically receive at each balance sheet date under the liquidation provisions of the contractual agreements,
assuming the net assets of the funding structures were liquidated at their recorded amounts determined in accordance with GAAP.
The investors’ interests in the results of operations of the funding structures are determined as the difference in noncontrolling
interests and investment in unconsolidated affiliates at the start and end of each reporting period, after taking into account any
capital transactions between the structures and the funds’ investors. The calculations utilized to apply the HLBV method include
estimated calculations of taxable income or losses for each reporting period.
Reclassification
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified for comparative purposes.
94
Recent Accounting Developments - Adopted in 2019
ASU 2016-02 — In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), or Topic 842, as amended, with
the objective to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on
the balance sheet and to improve financial reporting by expanding the related disclosures. The guidance in Topic 842 provides
that a lessee that may have previously accounted for a lease as an operating lease under current GAAP should recognize the assets
and liabilities that arise from a lease on the balance sheet. In addition, Topic 842 expands the required quantitative and qualitative
disclosures with regards to lease arrangements.
As further described in Note 17, Leases, the Company adopted the standard effective January 1, 2019 using the modified
retrospective transition method and will not restate prior periods for the impact of Topic 842.
Note 3 — Acquisitions and Dispositions
2019 Acquisitions
Carlsbad Drop Down — On December 6, 2019, the Company acquired 100% of GIP's membership interests in CBAD
Holdings, LLC, which indirectly owns Carlsbad Energy Center LLC, a 527 megawatt natural gas fired power project located in
Carlsbad, California, or the Carlsbad Drop Down Asset. The project has a 20-year power purchase and tolling agreement with San
Diego Gas and Electric Company, which expires in 2038. The purchase price for the Carlsbad Drop Down was $184 million in
cash, plus assumption of $803 million in project level financing including non-recourse senior notes, as further described in Note
10, Long-term Debt. The acquisition was funded with proceeds from the Clearway Energy, Inc. equity issuance, as described in
Note 12, Stockholders' Equity, as well as borrowings from the Company's revolving credit facility. The Carlsbad acquisition is the
result of the Company having elected its option to purchase Carlsbad pursuant to the ROFO agreement, as amended, by and among
the Company, CEG and GIP. The transaction is reflected in the Company's Conventional segment. The assets and liabilities
transferred to the Company relate to interests under common control by GIP and were recorded at historical cost in accordance
with ASC 805-50, Business Combinations - Related Issues. The difference between the cash paid and the historical value of the
entities' equity was recorded as a distribution to GIP and decreased the balance of its noncontrolling interest. The acquisition was
determined to be an asset acquisition and not a business combination, therefore no recast of the historical financial information
was deemed necessary.
The following is a summary of assets and liabilities transferred in connection with the acquisition as of December 6, 2019:
Current Assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets, net
Other non-current assets
Total assets
Debt (a)
Other current and non-current liabilities (b)
Total liabilities
Net assets acquired
CBAD Holdings, LLC
(In millions)
$36
572
337
51
996
791
56
847
$149
(a) Excludes net debt issuance costs of $12 million.
(b) Other current liabilities and non-current liabilities include a contingent liability of $5 million assumed by the Company during the acquisition.
Duquesne University District Energy System Acquisition — On May 1, 2019, the Company, through its indirect subsidiary
ECP Uptown Campus LLC, acquired the Duquesne University district energy system, totaling 82 combined MWt, located in
Pittsburgh, PA. As part of the acquisition, Duquesne University entered into a 40-year Energy Services Agreement through which
ECP Uptown Campus LLC will fulfill the university's electricity, chilled water and steam requirements in exchange for monthly
capacity payments. The transaction is reflected in the Company's Thermal segment. The total investment for the project is $107
million. This includes $100 million related to the purchase of district energy assets, which was funded through a combination of
issuance of non-recourse debt in the amount of $95 million, as further discussed in Note 10, Long-term Debt, as well as cash on
95
hand. The remaining $7 million related to $3 million of restricted cash funded as part of acquisition, as well as $4 million related
to future capital expenditures. The acquisition was determined to be an asset acquisition under ASC 805, with a significant majority
of the purchase price allocated to property, plant and equipment as of the acquisition date.
2018 Acquisitions
UPMC Thermal Project Asset Acquisition — On June 19, 2018, upon reaching substantial completion, the Company acquired
from NRG the UPMC Thermal Project for cash consideration of $84 million. In addition, the Company had a payable of $4 million
to NRG as of December 31, 2018, $3 million of which was paid in January 2019 upon final completion of the project pursuant
to the EPC agreement, and $1 million was paid in January 2020. The project added 73 MWt of thermal equivalent capacity and
7.5 MW of emergency backup electrical capacity to the Company's portfolio. The transaction was reflected in the Company's
Thermal segment. The acquisition was funded with the proceeds from the sale of the Series E Notes and Series F Notes, as further
described in Item 15 — Note 10, Long-term Debt. The assets transferred to the Company relate to interests under common control
by NRG and were recorded at book value in accordance with ASC 805-50, Business Combinations - Related Issues. The difference
between the purchase price and book value of the assets was recorded as a distribution to NRG and decreased the balance of its
noncontrolling interest. The acquisition was determined to be an asset acquisition and not a business combination, therefore no
recast of the historical financial information was deemed necessary.
Central CA Fuel Cell 1, LLC — On April 18, 2018, the Company acquired the Central CA Fuel Cell 1, LLC project in
Tulare, California from FuelCell Energy Finance, Inc. for cash consideration of $11 million. The project added 2.8 MW of thermal
capacity to the Company's portfolio, with a 20-year PPA contract with the City of Tulare. The transaction was reflected in the
Company's Thermal segment.
Buckthorn Solar Drop Down Asset — On March 30, 2018, the Company acquired 100% of NRG's interests in Buckthorn
Renewables, LLC, which owns a 154 MW construction-stage utility-scale solar generation project located in Texas, or the Buckthorn
Solar Drop Down Asset, for cash consideration of $42 million. The Company also assumed non-recourse debt of $183 million
and non-controlling interest of $19 million attributable to the Class A member. The Company converted $132 million of non-
recourse debt to a term loan and the remainder of the outstanding debt was paid down with the contribution from the Class A
member in the amount of $80 million upon the project reaching substantial completion in May 2018. The purchase price for the
Buckthorn Solar Drop Down Asset was funded with cash on hand and borrowings from the Company's revolving credit facility.
The assets and liabilities transferred to the Company related to interests under common control by NRG and were recorded at
historical cost in accordance with ASC 805-50, Business Combinations - Related Issues. The difference between the cash paid
and historical value of the entities' equity was recorded as a distribution to NRG and decreased the balance of its noncontrolling
interest. Since the transaction constituted a transfer of net asset under common control, the guidance required retrospective
combination of the entities for all periods presented as if the combination had been in effect since the inception of common control.
The project sells power under a 25-year PPA to the City of Georgetown, Texas, which commenced in July 2018.
2017 Acquisitions
November 2017 Drop Down Assets — On November 1, 2017, the Company acquired a 38 MW solar portfolio primarily
comprised of assets from NRG's Solar Power Partners (SPP) funds and other projects developed by NRG, for cash consideration
of $74 million, including working capital adjustments, plus assumed non-recourse debt of $26 million.
The purchase price for the November 2017 Drop Down Assets was funded with cash on hand. The assets and liabilities
transferred to the Company relate to interests under common control by NRG and were recorded at historical cost in accordance
with ASC 805-50, Business Combinations - Related Issues. The difference between the cash paid and historical value of the
entities' equity was recorded as a contribution from NRG and increased the balance of its noncontrolling interest. Since the
transaction constituted a transfer of net assets under common control, the guidance required retrospective combination of the
entities for all periods presented as if the combination had been in effect since the inception of common control.
August 2017 Drop Down Assets — On August 1, 2017, the Company acquired the remaining 25% interest in Wind TE
Holdco, a portfolio of 12 wind projects, from NRG for total cash consideration of $44 million. The purchase agreement also
included potential additional payments to NRG dependent upon actual energy prices for merchant periods beginning in 2027,
which were estimated and accrued as contingent consideration in the amount of $8 million.
The Company originally acquired 75% of Wind TE Holdco on November 3, 2015, or November 2015 Drop Down Assets,
which were consolidated with 25% of the net assets recorded as noncontrolling interest. The assets and liabilities transferred to
the Company related to interests under common control by NRG and were recorded at historical cost in accordance with ASC
805-50, Business Combination - Related Issues. As the Company had reflected NRG's 25% ownership of Wind TE Holdco in
96
noncontrolling interest, the difference between the cash paid of $44 million, net of the contingent consideration of $8 million, and
the historical value of the remaining 25% of $87 million as of July 31, 2017, was recorded as an adjustment to NRG's noncontrolling
interest. Since the transaction constituted a transfer of entities under common control, the accounting guidance requires
retrospective combination of the entities for all periods presented as if the combination has been in effect from the beginning of
the financial statement period or from the date the entities were under common control (if later than the beginning of the financial
statement period).
March 2017 Drop Down Assets — On March 27, 2017, the Company acquired the following interests from NRG: (i) Agua
Caliente Borrower 2 LLC, which owns a 16% interest (approximately 31% of NRG's 51% interest) in the Agua Caliente solar
farm, one of the ROFO Assets, representing ownership of approximately 46 net MW of capacity and (ii) NRG's interests in the
Utah Solar Portfolio. Agua Caliente is located in Yuma County, AZ and sells power subject to a 25-year PPA with Pacific Gas
and Electric. The seven utility-scale solar farms in the Utah Solar Portfolio are owned by the following entities: Four Brothers
Capital, LLC, Iron Springs Capital, LLC, and Granite Mountain Capital, LLC. These utility-scale solar farms achieved commercial
operations in 2016, sell power subject to 20-year PPAs with PacifiCorp, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway and are part of a tax
equity structure with Dominion Solar Projects III, Inc., or Dominion, through which the Company is entitled to receive 50% of
cash to be distributed. The Company paid cash consideration of $128 million. The acquisition of the March 2017 Drop Down
Assets was funded with cash on hand. The Company recorded the acquired interests as equity method investments.
The assets and liabilities transferred to the Company relate to interests under common control by NRG and were recorded
at historical cost in accordance with ASC 805-50, Business Combination - Related Issues. The difference between the cash paid
and the historical value of the entities' equity of $8 million was recorded as an adjustment to noncontrolling interest.
2019 Dispositions and Assets Held for Sale
Sale of Energy Center Dover LLC and Energy Center Smyrna LLC Assets — On September 5, 2019, the Company entered
into a purchase and sale agreement with DB Energy Assets, LLC to sell 100% of its interests in Energy Center Dover LLC and
Energy Center Smyrna LLC. Energy Center Dover LLC owns a 103 MW natural gas-fired cogeneration facility located in Dover,
DE (Energy Center Dover). The transaction is subject to standard regulatory approvals and the completion of certain maintenance
activities. The related assets and liabilities were classified as held for sale and recorded to other current assets and non-current
assets, as well as current liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2019.
Sale of HSD Solar Holdings, LLC Assets — On October 8, 2019, the Company, through HSD Solar Holdings, LLC, or
HSD, sold 100% of its interests in certain distributed generation solar facilities totaling 6 MW to the offtaker under the PPA, for
cash consideration of $20 million, as a result of the offtaker exercising its right to purchase the project pursuant to the PPA. In
conjunction with the sale, the Company repaid in full the non-recourse lease financing associated with the HSD projects. The
repaid amount was net of cash released at closing and totaled $23 million.
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Note 4 — Property, Plant and Equipment
The Company’s major classes of property, plant, and equipment were as follows:
Facilities and equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Land and improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Construction in progress (a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total property, plant and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net property, plant and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
December 31, 2019
December 31, 2018
Depreciable Lives
(In millions)
7,676
$
173
94
7,943
(1,880)
6,063
$
6,638
2 - 45 Years
171
26
6,835
(1,590)
5,245
(a) As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, construction in progress includes $10 million and $6 million of capital expenditures that relate to prepaid
long-term service agreements in the Conventional segment, respectively.
Depreciation expense related to property, plant and equipment during the years ended December 31, 2019 and December
31, 2018 was $395 million and $330 million, respectively. The Company accelerated depreciation of the Wildorado Wind and Elbow
Creek projects in connection with the repowering project, which resulted in additional depreciation expense in the amount of $54
million.
The Company recorded long-lived asset impairments during the year ended December 31, 2019, as further described in
Note 9, Asset Impairments.
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Note 5 — Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities
Equity Method Investments
The following table summarizes the Company's equity method investments as of December 31, 2019:
Name
Economic Interest
Investment Balance
(In millions)
Utah Solar Portfolio (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Desert Sunlight(d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GenConn(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Agua Caliente Solar(d). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
50%
25%
50%
16%
Elkhorn Ridge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
66.7%
San Juan Mesa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DGPV Holdco 1 LLC (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DGPV Holdco 2 LLC (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DGPV Holdco 3 LLC (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RPV Holdco 1 LLC(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Avenal(d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
75%
95%
95%
99%
95%
50%
$285
274
94
96
48
49
81
68
169
24
(5)
$1,183
(a) Economic interest based on cash to be distributed. Four Brothers Solar, LLC, Granite Mountain Holdings, LLC and Iron Springs Holdings,
LLC are tax equity structures and VIEs. The related allocations are described below.
(b) GenConn is a variable interest entity.
(c) Economic interest based on cash to be distributed. DGPV Holdco 1 LLC, DGPV Holdco 2 LLC, DGPV Holdco 3 LLC and RPV Holdco 1
LLC are tax equity structures and VIEs. The related allocations are described below.
(d) Entities that have PPAs with PG&E. On January 29, 2019, PG&E filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The
Company has non-recourse project-level debt, and in some cases holding company debt, related to each of its subsidiaries that sell their output
to PG&E under long-term PPAs. The PG&E Bankruptcy filing is an event of default under the related financing agreements, and as a result, the
respective lenders under these arrangements may accelerate the repayment of these debt balances. In addition, the event of default may have an
impact on the Company’s ability to distribute cash from the project-level cash accounts to the parent entities. The Company continues to operate
the projects in the normal course of business and is currently in the process of negotiating forbearance agreements with the related lenders.
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had $138 million and $87 million, respectively, of undistributed earnings
from its equity method investments.
The Company acquired its interest in Desert Sunlight on June 30, 2015, for $285 million, which resulted in a difference
between the purchase price and the basis of the acquired assets and liabilities of $171 million. The difference is attributable to the
fair value of the property, plant and equipment and power purchase agreements. In addition, the difference between the basis of
the acquired assets and liabilities and the purchase price for the Utah Solar Portfolio (Four Brothers Solar, LLC, Granite Mountain
Holdings, LLC and Iron Springs Holdings, LLC) of $106 million is attributable to the fair value of the property, plant and equipment.
The Company is amortizing the related basis differences to equity in earnings over the related useful life of the underlying assets
acquired.
Non-recourse project-level debt of unconsolidated affiliates
The Company's pro-rata share of non-recourse debt held by unconsolidated affiliates was $889 million as of December 31,
2019. This included $411 million attributable to Desert Sunlight, Agua Caliente Solar, and Avenal, the unconsolidated affiliates
that sell output to PG&E under long-term PPAs.
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The following tables present summarized financial information for the Company's significant equity method investments:
Year Ended December 31,
2019
2018
(In millions)
2017
60
27
17
205
123
58
77
25
(14)
241
85
64
$
$
$
$
65
32
22
208
129
84
69
23
11
263
103
75
$
$
As of December 31,
2019
2018
(In millions)
$
37
342
16
176
209
1,296
545
484
84
898
42
411
(1)
195
2,514
767
89
$
71
36
26
207
127
80
37
7
(3)
263
92
59
43
358
22
182
133
1,298
58
962
79
784
84
314
—
150
2,684
59
897
Income Statement Data:
GenConn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating revenues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Desert Sunlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating revenues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DGPV entities (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating revenues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating revenues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Balance Sheet Data:
GenConn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Desert Sunlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DGPV entities (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(a) Includes DGPV Holdco 1, DGPV Holdco 2 and DGPV Holdco 3.
(b) Includes Agua Caliente, Elkhorn Ridge, RPV Holdco 1, Utah Solar Portfolio and San Juan Mesa.
Variable Interest Entities, or VIEs
Entities that are Consolidated
The Company has a controlling financial interest in certain entities which have been identified as VIEs under ASC 810,
Consolidations, or ASC 810. These arrangements are primarily related to tax equity arrangements entered into with third parties
in order to monetize certain tax credits associated with wind facilities and are further described below.
Kawailoa Partnership — On August 31, 2018, the Company entered into an agreement with Clearway Renew LLC, a
subsidiary of CEG, to acquire the Class A membership interests in the Kawailoa Solar Partnership LLC, or Kawailoa Partnership,
100
for $9 million in cash consideration. The purpose of the partnership is to own, finance, operate, and maintain the Kawailoa Solar
project, a 49 MW utility-scale solar generation project, an indirect subsidiary of the Kawailoa Partnership, located in Oahu, Hawaii.
The Kawailoa Solar project is contracted to sell power under a 22-year PPA with Hawaiian Electric Company, or HECO. The
Kawailoa Solar project is 51% owned by the Kawailoa Partnership, with the remaining 49% owned by a third-party investor. The
Kawailoa Partnership consolidates the Kawailoa Solar project through its controlling majority interest. On May 7, 2019, the
Company made an initial capital contribution of $2 million, which represents 20% of its total anticipated capital contributions.
The Company assumed non-recourse debt of $120 million, as further described in Note 10, Long-term Debt, and non-controlling
interests attributable to third parties in the amount of $21 million. Effective May 1, 2019, the Company, as a Class A member, is
the primary beneficiary through its position as managing member and consolidates Kawailoa Partnership. Allocations of income
and taxable items are equal to the distributions of available cash, which is currently 95% to the Company and 5% to Clearway
Renew LLC. The Company's acquisition of the Class A membership interests in the Kawailoa Partnership was accounted for as a
transfer of assets under common control and was recorded at historical cost in accordance with ASC 805-50, Business Combinations
— Related Issues. The difference between the cash paid and payable recorded and the historical value of the assets was recorded
as a distribution to CEG and decreased the balance of its noncontrolling interest.
Upon reaching COD in November of 2019, the Kawailoa Solar project's fixed assets were placed in service and began
to depreciate. On December 22, 2019, Kawailoa Solar Holdings LLC, a tax equity fund, received its final equity contribution of
$61 million. The proceeds were utilized to repay the ITC bridge loan in the amount of $57 million, and the construction debt was
converted to term debt (and upsized, with an additional $5 million drawn). Distributions were paid to the third-party investor and
Clearway Renew LLC, funded by the excess of the tax equity investment and the term loan upsizing above the amount of the
bridge loan repayment and related fees. On December 27, 2019, the Company made its substantial completion contribution of $7
million into the Kawailoa Partnership, which was also utilized to make a distribution to Clearway Renew LLC. In addition, the
Company started applying HLBV to allocate income attributable to the tax equity investor during the fourth quarter. The Company
recorded $14 million of loss attributable to noncontrolling interest during the period ended December 31, 2019.
Oahu Partnership — On August 31, 2018, the Company entered into an agreement with Clearway Renew LLC, a
subsidiary of CEG, to acquire the Class A membership interests in the Zephyr Oahu Partnership LLC, or Oahu Partnership, for
$20 million in cash consideration. The purpose of the partnership is to own, finance, operate, and maintain the Oahu Solar projects,
which consist of Lanikuhana and Waipio, utility-scale solar generation projects which represent 15 MW and 46 MW, respectively,
the indirect subsidiaries of the Oahu Partnership, located in Oahu, Hawaii. The Oahu Solar projects are contracted to sell power
under a 22-year PPA with HECO. The Oahu Partnership consolidates the Oahu Solar projects through its controlling majority
interest. On March 8, 2019, the Company made an initial capital contribution of $4 million, which represents 20% of its total
anticipated capital contributions. The Company also assumed non-recourse debt of $143 million, as further described in Item 15
— Note 10, Long-term Debt, and $18 million of non-controlling interest attributable to a tax equity investor's initial contribution.
Effective March 8, 2019, the Company, as a Class A member, is the primary beneficiary through its position as managing member
and consolidates Oahu Partnership. Allocations of income and taxable items are equal to the distributions of available cash, which
is currently 95% to the Company and 5% to Clearway Renew LLC. The Company's acquisition of the Class A membership interests
in the Oahu Partnership was accounted for as a transfer of assets under common control and was recorded at historical cost in
accordance with ASC 805-50, Business Combinations - Related Issues. The difference between the cash paid and payable recorded
and the historical value of the assets was recorded as a contribution from CEG and increased the balance of its noncontrolling
interest.
Upon reaching COD in September 2019, the Oahu Solar projects' fixed assets were placed in service and began to
depreciate and on November 12, 2019 the tax equity investor made its final tax-equity contribution of $71 million. The proceeds
were utilized to repay the related ITC bridge loan in the amount of $67 million, and the construction loan was converted to term
debt. The Company paid the remaining 80% of the equity commitment in the amount of $16 million to Clearway Renew LLC
when the Oahu Solar projects reached certain milestones in December 2019. In addition, the Company started applying HLBV to
allocate income attributable to the tax equity investor during the third quarter. The Company recorded $32 million of loss attributable
to noncontrolling interest during the period ended December 31, 2019.
Repowering Partnership II LLC — On August 30, 2018, Wind TE Holdco, an indirect subsidiary of the Company, formed
Repowering Partnership LLC with Clearway Renew LLC, an indirect subsidiary of CEG, in order to facilitate the repowering of
wind facilities of two of its indirect subsidiaries, Elbow Creek Wind Project LLC, or Elbow Creek, and Wildorado Wind LLC, or
Wildorado Wind. Wind TE Holdco contributed its interests in the two facilities and Clearway Renew LLC contributed a turbine
supply agreement, including title to certain components that qualify for production tax credits. Wind TE Holdco is the managing
member of the partnership and consolidates the entity, which is a VIE. Clearway Renew LLC is initially entitled to allocations of
21% of income, which is reflected in Wind TE Holdco’s noncontrolling interests.
On June 14, 2019, Repowering Partnership LLC was replaced with Repowering Partnership II LLC as the owner of the
Elbow Creek and Wildorado Wind projects, as well as Repowering Partnership Holdco LLC, which concurrently entered into a
101
financing agreement for construction debt of total commitment of $352 million, as further described in Item 15 — Note 10, Long-
term Debt.
Repowering of the Elbow Creek project was completed and on November 26, 2019, a third party tax equity investor
purchased 100% of the Class A membership interests in Elbow Creek Repowering Tax Equity Holdco LLC, or Elbow TE Holdco
for $89 million pursuant to a membership interest purchase agreement dated June 14, 2019. The Company also contributed $4
million. In connection with the completion of the Elbow Creek repowering, the construction loan of $93 million was repaid with
the proceeds from the tax equity investor. The Company began applying HLBV during the fourth quarter to allocate income
between the partners of Elbow TE Holdco. In connection with the closing, the allocations of income at Repowering Partnership
II LLC (which indirectly consolidates both projects) changed to 59.63% for Wind TE Holdco LLC (the Company member) and
40.37% for CWSP Wildorado Elbow Holding LLC (the CEG member). In addition, approximately half of the repowered Wildorado
equipment was placed in service in December 2019, with the remaining equipment being placed in service in January of 2020. In
connection with repowering of the projects, the Company revised the remaining useful life of the property, plant and equipment
that was replaced, resulting in additional expense of $54 million during the year ended December 31, 2019 related to accelerated
depreciation.
On February 7, 2020, the same third party tax equity investor purchased 100% of the Class A membership interests in
Wildorado Repowering tax equity Holdco LLC, or Wildorado Holdco LLC, for $148 million. The Company also contributed $112
million. The repowering of the Elbow Creek and Wildorado assets is being referred to as Repowering 1.0 in Item 7 — Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and the Results of Operations.
Buckthorn Renewables, LLC — As described in Item 15 — Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, on March 30, 2018, the
Company acquired 100% of NRG’s interest in a 154 MW construction-stage utility-scale solar generation project, Buckthorn
Renewables, LLC, which owns 100% interest in Buckthorn Solar Portfolio, LLC, which in turn owns 100% of the Class B
membership interests in Buckthorn Holdings, LLC. Buckthorn Holdings, LLC is a tax equity fund, which is a variable interest
entity that is consolidated by Buckthorn Solar Portfolio, LLC. The Company is the primary beneficiary, through its position as
managing member, and indirectly consolidates Buckthorn Holdings, LLC through Buckthorn Solar Portfolio, LLC. The Class A
member is a tax equity investor who made its initial contribution of $19 million on March 30, 2018, which is reflected as
noncontrolling interest on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The project achieved substantial completion in May 2018,
at which time the remaining tax equity contributions of $80 million were funded. The Company utilizes the HLBV method for
income or loss allocation to the tax equity investor's noncontrolling interest. The Company recorded $25 million of income
attributable to noncontrolling interest in Buckthorn Renewables, LLC during the period ended December 31, 2019.
Wind TE Holdco — As of December 31, 2018, Wind TE Holdco was a VIE and the Company, as the holder of Class B
shares and the primary beneficiary through its position as managing member consolidated Wind TE Holdco. The Class A shares
of Wind TE Holdco were owned by a tax equity investor, who received 99% of allocations of taxable income and other items.
On January 2, 2019, the Company bought out 100% of the Class A membership interests from the TE Investor, for cash
consideration of $19 million. The Company recorded the difference between the value of the interest bought and the cash received
to equity and allocated it between non-controlling interest and additional paid in capital based on the economic ownership interest
between CEG and public interest as of January 2, 2019.
Alta TE Holdco — On June 30, 2015, the Company sold an economic interest in Alta TE Holdco to a financial institution
in order to monetize certain cash and tax attributes, primarily PTCs. The financial institution, or Alta Investor, receives 99% of
allocations of taxable income and other items until the flip point, which occurs when the Alta Investor obtains a specified return
on its initial investment, at which time the allocations to the Alta Investor change to 5%. The Company receives 94.34% until the
flip point, at which time the allocations to the Company of CAFD will change to 97.12%, unless the flip point will not have
occurred by a specified date, which would result in 100% of CAFD allocated to the Alta Investor until the flip point occurs. Alta
TE Holdco is a VIE and the Company is the primary beneficiary through its position as managing member, and therefore consolidates
Alta TE Holdco, with the Alta Investor's interest shown as noncontrolling interest. The Company utilizes the HLBV method to
determine the net income or loss allocated to the noncontrolling interest.
Spring Canyon — The Company holds 90.1% of the Class B interests in Spring Canyon II, a 32 MW wind facility, and
Spring Canyon III, a 28 MW wind facility, each located in Logan County, Colorado, and Invenergy Wind Global LLC owns 9.9%
of the Class B interests. The projects are financed with a partnership flip tax-equity structure with a financial institution, who
owns the Class A interests, to monetize certain cash and tax attributes, primarily PTCs. Until the flip point, the Class A member
receives a variable percentage of cash distributions based on the projects’ production level during the prior year. The Class A
member received 34.81% of the cash distributions and the Company and Invenergy received 65.19% during the period ended
December 31, 2017. After the flip point, cash distributions are allocated 5% to the Class A member and 95% to the Company and
Invenergy. Spring Canyon is a VIE and the Company is the primary beneficiary through its position as managing member, and
102
therefore consolidates Spring Canyon. The Class A member and Invenergy's interests are shown as noncontrolling interest. The
Company utilizes the HLBV method to determine the net income or loss allocated to the Class A member. Net income or loss
attributable to the Class B interests is allocated to Invenergy's noncontrolling interest based on its 9.9% ownership interest.
Summarized financial information for the Company's consolidated VIEs consisted of the following as of December 31, 2019:
(In millions)
Oahu Solar
Partnership
Kawailoa
Partnership
Repowering
Partnership
II LLC
Alta TE
Holdco
Spring
Canyon
Buckthorn
Renewables,
LLC
Other (a)
Other current and non-current assets. $
Property, plant and equipment. . . . . .
Intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current and non-current liabilities . .
Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Noncontrolling interest. . . . . . . . .
Net assets less noncontrolling
interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
27
$
24
$
31
$
55
$
188
—
215
120
120
42
147
—
171
109
109
52
340
1
372
273
273
77
381
237
673
44
44
48
3
86
—
89
6
6
32
$
6
$
214
—
220
11
11
66
53
$
10
$
22
$
581
$
51
$
143
$
4
9
—
13
3
3
—
10
(a) Other is comprised of Crosswinds and Hardin projects, that were determined to be VIEs during the year ended December 31, 2019.
Previously reported as part of Wind TE Holdco that is no longer a VIE in 2019.
Entities that are not Consolidated
The Company has interests in entities that are considered VIEs under ASC 810, Consolidation, but for which it is not
considered the primary beneficiary. The Company accounts for its interests in these entities under the equity method of accounting.
Utah Solar Portfolio Assets — As described in Item 15 — Note 3, Business Acquisitions, as part of the March 2017 Drop
Down Assets acquisition, the Company acquired from NRG 100% of the Class A equity interests in the Utah Solar Portfolio,
comprised of Four Brothers Solar, LLC, Granite Mountain Holdings, LLC, and Iron Springs Holdings, LLC. The Class B interests
of the Utah Solar Portfolio are owned by a tax equity investor, or TE Investor, who receives 99% of allocations of taxable income
and other items until the flip point, which occurs on the last day of the calendar month on which the Class B member does not
have an agreed upon adjusted capital account deficit, but not prior to the 10th day after the five year anniversary of the last project
to achieve its placed in service date, at which time the allocations to the TE Investor change to 50%. The Company generally
receives 50% of distributable cash throughout the term of the tax-equity arrangements. The three entities comprising the Utah
Solar Portfolio are VIEs. As the Company is not the primary beneficiary, the Company uses the equity method of accounting to
account for its interests in the Utah Solar Portfolio. The Company utilizes the HLBV method to determine its share of the income
or losses in the investees.
DGPV Holdco 1 LLC — The Company and CEG are parties to the DGPV Holdco 1 LLC partnership, or DGPV Holdco 1,
the purpose of which is to own or purchase solar power generation projects and other ancillary related assets from Clearway
Energy Group LLC or its subsidiaries via intermediate funds. The Company owns approximately 52 MW of Distributed Solar
capacity, based on cash to be distributed, with a weighted average contract life of 16 years. Under this partnership, the Company
committed to fund up to $100 million of capital.
DGPV Holdco 2 LLC — The Company and CEG are parties to the DGPV Holdco 2 LLC partnership, or DGPV Holdco 2,
the purpose of which is to own or hold solar power generation projects as well as other ancillary related assets from Clearway
Energy Group LLC or its subsidiaries. The Company owns approximately 113 MW of Distributed Solar capacity, based on cash
to be distributed, with a weighted average contract life of 19 years. Under this partnership, the Company committed to fund up
to $60 million of capital.
DGPV Holdco 3 LLC — The Company and CEG are parties to the DGPV Holdco 3 LLC partnership, or DGPV Holdco 3,
in which the Company would invest up to $70 million in an operating portfolio of distributed solar assets, primarily comprised of
community solar projects, developed by CEG. The Company owns approximately 112 MW of distributed solar capacity, based
on cash to be distributed, with a weighted average contract life of approximately 21 years as of December 31, 2019. The Company
had a $14 million payable due to DGPV Holdco 3 LLC as of December 31, 2019.
103
The Company's maximum exposure to loss is limited to its equity investment in DGPV Holdco 1, DGPV Holdco 2 and
DGPV Holdco 3, which was $318 million on a combined basis.
RPV Holdco 1 LLC — The Company and CEG are parties to the RPV Holdco 1 LLC partnership, or RPV Holdco, the
purpose of which is to hold operating portfolios of residential solar assets developed by NRG's residential solar business, including:
(i) an existing, unlevered portfolio of approximately 2,200 leases across nine states representing approximately 14 MW, based on
cash to be distributed, with a weighted average remaining lease term of approximately 13 years that was acquired outside of the
partnership; and (ii) a tax equity-financed portfolio of approximately 5,300 leases representing approximately 31 MW, based on
cash to be distributed, with a weighted average remaining lease term for the existing and new leases of approximately 15 years.
The Company fully funded the partnership as of December 31, 2017.
The Company's maximum exposure to loss is limited to its equity investment, which was $24 million as of December 31,
2019.
Note 6 — Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair Value Accounting under ASC 820
ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into
three levels as follows:
• Level 1—quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the
ability to access as of the measurement date.
• Level 2—inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are directly observable for the asset or
liability or indirectly observable through corroboration with observable market data.
• Level 3—unobservable inputs for the asset or liability only used when there is little, if any, market activity for
the asset or liability at the measurement date.
In accordance with ASC 820, the Company determines the level in the fair value hierarchy within which each fair value
measurement in its entirety falls, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
For cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable — affiliate, accounts receivable, accounts payable,
current portion of accounts payable — affiliate, accrued expenses and other liabilities, the carrying amount approximates fair value
because of the short-term maturity of those instruments and are classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.
The estimated carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s recorded financial instruments not carried at fair market
value are as follows:
As of December 31, 2019
As of December 31, 2018
Carrying
Amount
Fair Value
Carrying
Amount
Fair Value
(In millions)
Liabilities:
Long-term debt, including current portion (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
6,858
$
6,957
$
6,043
$
5,943
(a) Excludes net debt issuance costs, which are recorded as a reduction to long-term debt on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
The fair value of the Company's publicly-traded long-term debt is based on quoted market prices and is classified as Level
2 within the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of debt securities, non-publicly traded long-term debt and certain notes receivable
of the Company are based on expected future cash flows discounted at market interest rates, or current interest rates for similar
instruments with equivalent credit quality and are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. The following table presents
the level within the fair value hierarchy for long-term debt, including current portion as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
Long-term debt, including current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
1,736
$
5,221
$
1,620
$
4,323
As of December 31, 2019
As of December 31, 2018
Level 2
Level 3
Level 2
Level 3
(In millions)
104
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
The Company records its derivative assets and liabilities at fair market value on its consolidated balance sheet. The following
table presents assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on the Company's consolidated balance sheets on a recurring
basis and their level within the fair value hierarchy:
(In millions)
Derivative assets:
As of December
31, 2019
Fair Value (a)
Level 2
As of December
31, 2019
Fair Value (a)
Level 3
As of December
31, 2018
Fair Value (a)
Level 2
Interest rate contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Derivative liabilities:
Commodity contracts (b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Interest rate contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
—
— $
— $
83
83
$
—
— $
9
—
9
$
$
11
11
—
21
21
(a) There were no derivative assets or liabilities classified as Level 1 December 31, 2019 and 2018.
The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances for instruments that are recognized at fair value in
the condensed consolidated financial statements using significant unobservable inputs:
(In millions)
Beginning balance
Total losses for the period included in earnings
Purchases
Ending balance
Twelve months ended December 31,
2019
2018
Fair Value Measurement Using Significant
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
— $
(3)
(6)
(9) $
—
—
—
—
$
$
There were losses of $3 million for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized losses
relating to assets or liabilities still held as of December 31, 2019.
Derivative Fair Value Measurements
The Company's contracts are non-exchange-traded and valued using prices provided by external sources. For some of the
Company’s energy contracts, management receives quotes from multiple sources. To the extent that multiple quotes are received,
the prices reflect the average of the bid-ask mid-point prices obtained from all sources believed to provide the most liquid market
for the commodity. The remainder of the assets and liabilities represent contracts for which external sources or observable market
quotes are not available. These contracts are valued based on various valuation techniques including, but not limited to, internal
models based on a fundamental analysis of the market and extrapolation of the observable market data with similar characteristics.
As of December 31, 2019, contracts valued with prices provided by models and other valuation techniques make up 10% of
derivative liabilities.
105
The Company’s significant position classified as Level 3 includes physical power executed in illiquid markets. The significant
unobservable inputs used in developing fair value include illiquid power tenors and location pricing, which is derived by
extrapolating pricing and as a basis to liquid locations. The tenor pricing and basis spread are based on observable market data
when available or derived from historic prices and forward market prices from similar observable markets when not available.
The following tables quantify the significant unobservable inputs used in developing the fair value of the Company's Level 3
positions as of December 31, 2019:
December 31, 2019
Fair Value
Input/Range
Assets
Liabilities
Valuation
Technique
Significant
Unobservable
Input
Low
High
Weighted
Average
(In millions)
Power
Contracts
$
—
Discounted
Cash Flow
(9)
Forward Market
Price (per
MWh)
5
33
12
The following table provides sensitivity of fair value measurements to increases/(decreases) in significant unobservable
inputs as of December 31, 2019:
Significant Observable Input
Position
Change In Input
Impact on Fair Value
Measurement
Forward Market Price Power
Forward Market Price Power
Buy
Sell
Increase/(Decrease)
Higher/(Lower)
Increase/(Decrease)
Lower/(Higher)
The fair value of each contract is discounted using a risk-free interest rate. In addition, a credit reserve is applied to reflect
credit risk, which is, for interest rate swaps, calculated based on credit default swaps using the bilateral method. For commodities,
to the extent that the Net Exposure under a specific master agreement is an asset, the Company uses the counterparty’s default
swap rate. If the Net Exposure under a specific master agreement is a liability, the Company uses a proxy of its own default swap
rate. For interest rate swaps and commodities, the credit reserve is added to the discounted fair value to reflect the exit price that
a market participant would be willing to receive to assume the liabilities or that a market participant would be willing to pay for
the assets. As of December 31, 2019, the non-performance reserve was a $4 million gain recorded primarily to interest expense
in the consolidated statement of operations. It is possible that future market prices could vary from those used in recording assets
and liabilities and such variations could be material.
Concentration of Credit Risk
In addition to the credit risk discussion as disclosed in Item 15 —Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, the
following item is a discussion of the concentration of credit risk for the Company's financial instruments. Credit risk relates to
the risk of loss resulting from non-performance or non-payment by counterparties pursuant to the terms of their contractual
obligations. The Company monitors and manages credit risk through credit policies that include: (i) an established credit approval
process; (ii) monitoring of counterparties' credit limits on as needed basis; (iii) as applicable, the use of credit mitigation measures
such as margin, collateral, prepayment arrangements, or volumetric limits; (iv) the use of payment netting agreements; and (v) the
use of master netting agreements that allow for the netting of positive and negative exposures of various contracts associated with
a single counterparty. Risks surrounding counterparty performance and credit could ultimately impact the amount and timing of
expected cash flows. The Company seeks to mitigate counterparty risk by having a diversified portfolio of counterparties.
Counterparty credit exposure includes credit risk exposure under certain long-term agreements, including solar and other
PPAs. As external sources or observable market quotes are not available to estimate such exposure, the Company estimates the
exposure related to these contracts based on various techniques including but not limited to internal models based on a fundamental
analysis of the market and extrapolation of observable market data with similar characteristics. The majority of these power
contracts are with utilities with strong credit quality and public utility commission or other regulatory support. However, such
regulated utility counterparties can be impacted by changes in government regulations or adverse financial conditions, which the
Company is unable to predict.
On January 29, 2019, PG&E filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Certain subsidiaries
of the Company sell the output of their facilities to PG&E under long-term PPAs, including interests in 6 solar facilities totaling
480 MW and Marsh Landing with a capacity of 720 MW. The Company consolidates three of the solar facilities and Marsh Landing
106
and records its interest in the other solar facilities as equity method investments. The Company had $16 million in accounts
receivable due from PG&E for its consolidated projects, of which $5 million was recorded to non-current assets as of December 31,
2019. As of March 2, 2020, the Company's contracts with PG&E have operated in the normal course and the Company currently
expects these contracts to continue as such. As of March 2, 2020, the Company has entered into forbearance agreements for certain
project-level financing arrangements and continues to seek forbearance agreements for its other project-level financing
arrangements affected by the PG&E Bankruptcy. The Company continues to assess the potential future impacts of the PG&E
Bankruptcy as events occur.
Note 7 — Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
ASC 815 requires the Company to recognize all derivative instruments on the balance sheet as either assets or liabilities and
to measure them at fair value each reporting period unless they qualify for a NPNS exception. The Company may elect to designate
certain derivatives as cash flow hedges, if certain conditions are met, and defer the change in fair value of the derivatives to
accumulated OCI/OCL, until the hedged transactions occur and are recognized in earnings. For derivatives that are not designated
as cash flow hedges or do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, the changes in the fair value will be immediately recognized
in earnings. Certain derivative instruments may qualify for the NPNS exception and are therefore exempt from fair value accounting
treatment. ASC 815 applies to the Company's energy related commodity contracts and interest rate swaps.
Energy-Related Commodities
To manage the commodity price risk associated with its competitive supply activities and the price risk associated with
wholesale power sales, the Company may enter into derivative hedging instruments, namely, forward contracts that commit the
Company to sell energy commodities or purchase fuels/electricity in the future. The objectives for entering into derivatives
contracts designated as hedges include fixing the price for a portion of anticipated future electricity sales and fixing the price of
a portion of anticipated fuel/electricity purchases for the operation of its subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2019, the Company
had forward contracts for the sale of electricity from renewable energy assets through 2029, forward contracts for the purchase of
fuel commodities relating to the forecasted usage of the Company’s district energy centers extending through 2021, and electricity
contracts to supply retail power to the Company's district energy centers extending through 2020. At December 31, 2019, these
contracts were not designated as cash flow or fair value hedges.
Also, as of December 31, 2019, the Company had other energy-related contracts that did not meet the definition of a derivative
instrument or qualified for the NPNS exception and were therefore exempt from fair value accounting treatment as follows:
•
Power purchase agreements through 2043, and
• Natural gas transportation contracts through 2028.
Interest Rate Swaps
The Company is exposed to changes in interest rates through the issuance of variable rate debt. In order to manage interest
rate risk, it enters into interest rate swap agreements.
As of December 31, 2019, the Company had interest rate derivative instruments on non-recourse debt extending through
2041, a portion of which are designated as cash flow hedges.
Volumetric Underlying Derivative Transactions
The following table summarizes the net notional volume buy/(sell) of the Company's open derivative transactions broken
out by commodity as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
Units
Commodity
Natural Gas MMBtu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MWh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power
Dollars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest
$
(In millions)
2
(2)
1,788
$
1
—
1,862
Total Volume
December 31, 2019
December 31, 2018
107
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
The following table summarizes the fair value within the derivative instrument valuation on the balance sheet:
Derivative Assets (a)
Derivative Liabilities
Fair Value
December 31, 2018
December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
(In millions)
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges:
Interest rate contracts current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Interest rate contracts long-term . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges . .
Derivatives Not Designated as Cash Flow Hedges:
Interest rate contracts current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest rate contracts long-term . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Commodity contracts long-term . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Derivatives Not Designated as Cash Flow
Hedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2
3
5
1
5
—
6
11
$
$
3
11
14
13
56
9
78
92
$
$
1
6
7
3
11
—
14
21
(a) Derivative Asset balances classified as current are included within the prepayments and other current assets line item of the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
The Company has elected to present derivative assets and liabilities on the balance sheet on a trade-by-trade basis and
does not offset amounts at the counterparty master agreement level. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, there was no
outstanding collateral paid or received. As of December 31, 2018, the commodity balances were not material. The following
tables summarize the offsetting of derivatives by counterparty master agreement level:
As of December 31, 2019
Commodity contracts:
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
Gross Amounts of
Recognized Assets/
Liabilities
Derivative
Instruments
(In millions)
Net Amount
Derivative liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total commodity contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest rate contracts:
Derivative liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total interest rate contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total derivative instruments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
(9)
(9)
(83)
(83)
(92) $
(1)
(1)
1
1
— $
As of December 31, 2018
Interest rate contracts:
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
Gross Amounts of
Recognized Assets/
Liabilities
Derivative
Instruments
Net Amount
Derivative assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Derivative liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total interest rate contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total derivative instruments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
11
(21)
(10)
(10) $
(1)
1
—
— $
(10)
(10)
(82)
(82)
(92)
10
(20)
(10)
(10)
108
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The following table summarizes the effects on the Company’s accumulated OCL balance attributable to interest rate swaps
designated as cash flow hedge derivatives, net of tax:
Year ended December 31,
2019
2018
2017
(In millions)
Accumulated OCL beginning balance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
(38) $
(60) $
(70)
Reclassified from accumulated OCL to income due to realization of previously
deferred amounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mark-to-market of cash flow hedge accounting contracts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated OCL ending balance, net of income tax benefit of $6, $7 and $9,
respectively . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Accumulated OCL attributable to noncontrolling interests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated OCL attributable to Clearway Energy, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Losses expected to be realized from OCL during the next 12 months, net of income
tax benefit of $3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
16
(9)
(31) $
(16)
(15) $
(7)
14
8
(38) $
(20)
(18) $
10
—
(60)
(32)
(28)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCL into income are recorded to interest expense.
The Company's regression analysis for Marsh Landing, Walnut Creek and Avra Valley interest rate swaps, while positively
correlated, no longer contain matching terms for cash flow hedge accounting. As a result, the Company voluntarily de-designated
the Marsh Landing, Walnut Creek and Avra Valley cash flow hedges as of April 28, 2017, and marks these derivatives to market
through the statement of operations.
Impact of Derivative Instruments on the Statements of Income
The Company has interest rate derivative instruments that are not designated as cash flow hedges. The effect of interest rate
hedges is recorded to interest expense. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 the impact to the consolidated
statements of income was a loss of $65 million, a gain of $15 million and a gain of $6 million, respectively.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, Elbow Creek entered into a new long-term power hedge, and the impact to the
Company's consolidated statement of operations was a $9 million loss for the period recorded in total operating revenues.
A portion of the Company’s derivative commodity contracts relates to its Thermal Business for the purchase of fuel/electricity
commodities based on the forecasted usage of the thermal district energy centers. Realized gains and losses on these contracts
are reflected in the costs that are permitted to be billed to customers through the related customer contracts or tariffs and, accordingly,
no gains or losses are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations for these contracts.
See Item 15 — Note 6, Fair Value of Financial Instruments, for a discussion regarding concentration of credit risk.
Note 8 — Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets — The Company's intangible assets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 primarily reflect intangible
assets established from its business acquisitions and are comprised of the following:
• PPAs — Established predominantly with the acquisitions of the Alta Wind Portfolio, Walnut Creek, Tapestry, Laredo
Ridge and Carlsbad Energy Center. These represent the fair value of the PPAs acquired. These are amortized on a straight-
line basis, over the term of the PPA.
•
Leasehold Rights — Established with the acquisition of the Alta Wind Portfolio, this represents the fair value of
contractual rights to receive royalty payments equal to a percentage of PPA revenue from certain projects. These are
amortized as a reduction to operating revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the PPAs.
• Customer relationships — Established with the acquisition of Energy Center Omaha and Energy Center Phoenix,
these intangibles represent the fair value at the acquisition date of the businesses' customer base. The customer
relationships related to Energy Center Omaha are amortized as a reduction to operating revenue, which approximates
the expected discounted future net cash flows by year.
• Customer contracts — Established with the acquisition of Energy Center Phoenix, these intangibles represent the fair
value at the acquisition date of contracts that primarily provide chilled water, steam and electricity to its customers.
109
These contracts are amortized to revenues based on expected volumes.
• Emission Allowances — These intangibles primarily consist of SO2 and NOx emission allowances established with the
El Segundo, Walnut Creek and Carlsbad Energy Center acquisitions. These emission allowances are held-for-use and are
amortized to cost of operations, with NOx allowances amortized on a straight-line basis and SO2 allowances amortized
based on units of production.
• Other — Consists of a) the acquisition date fair value of the contractual rights to a ground lease for South Trent and to
utilize certain interconnection facilities for Blythe, as well as land rights acquired in connection with the acquisition of
Elbow Creek, and b) development rights related to certain solar businesses acquired in 2010 and 2011.
The following tables summarize the components of intangible assets subject to amortization:
Year ended December 31, 2019
PPAs
Leasehold
Rights
Customer
Relationships
Customer
Contracts
Emission
Allowances
Other
Total
(In millions)
January 1, 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Acquisition of Carlsbad Energy
Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 31, 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Less accumulated amortization . . .
Net carrying amount . . . . . . . . . . . $
1,280
$
86
$
66
$
15
$
350
1,630
(347)
1,283
$
$
—
86
(22)
64
$
$
—
66
(9)
57
$
$
—
15
(10)
5
$
$
9
8
17
(2)
15
$
$
$
8
$ 1,464
—
8
(4)
4
358
$ 1,822
(394)
$ 1,428
Year ended December 31, 2018
PPAs
Leasehold
Rights
Customer
Relationships
Customer
Contracts
Emission
Allowances
Other
Total
(In millions)
December 31, 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Less accumulated amortization . . .
Net carrying amount. . . . . . . . . . . . $
1,280
(269)
1,011
$
$
86
(18)
68
$
$
66
(7)
59
$
$
15
(9)
6
$
$
9
(2)
7
$
$
8
(3)
5
$ 1,464
(308)
$ 1,156
The Company recorded amortization expense of $73 million during the year ended December 31, 2019 and $71 million for
the years ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. Of these amounts, $72 million for the year ended December 31,
2019 and $70 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, were recorded to contract amortization
expense and reduced operating revenues in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company estimates the future
amortization expense for its intangibles for the next five years as follows:
(In millions)
2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
90
90
90
87
84
Note 9 — Asset Impairments
2019 Impairment Losses
The Company recorded an impairment loss of $19 million related to a facility in the Thermal segment during the second
quarter of 2019. The impairment was triggered by a potential sale negotiation with a third party which resulted in signing the
purchase and sale agreement in September, as further described in Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions. The fair value of the
facility was determined using an income approach by applying a discounted cash flow methodology to the long-term budgets for
each respective plant. The income approach utilized estimates of discounted future cash flows, which were Level 3 fair value
measurement and include key inputs, such as forecasted power prices, operations and maintenance expense, and discount rates.
The Company measured the impairment loss as the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the assets.
110
Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2019, as a result of the preparation and review of its annual budget and assessment
of long-term merchant power prices, the Company updated its estimated future cash flows and determined that the future cash
flows for several wind projects from the Renewables segment no longer supported the recoverability of the related long-lived
asset. As such, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $14 million to reflect the assets at fair market value. The fair value
of the facilities was determined using an income approach by applying a discounted cash flow methodology to the long-term
budgets for each respective plant. The income approach included key inputs such as forecasted merchant power prices, operations
and maintenance expense, and discount rates. The resulting fair value is a Level 3 fair value measurement.
2017 Impairment Losses
During the fourth quarter of 2017, as the Company updated its estimated cash flows in connection with the preparation and
review of the Company's annual budget, the Company determined that the cash flows for Elbow Creek, located in Texas, and the
Forward project, located in Pennsylvania, were below the carrying value of the related assets, primarily driven by continued
declining merchant power prices in post-contract periods, and that the assets were considered impaired. The fair value of the
facilities was determined using an income approach by applying a discounted cash flow methodology to the long-term budgets
for each respective plant. The income approach utilized estimates of discounted future cash flows, which were Level 3 fair value
measurement and include key inputs, such as forecasted power prices, operations and maintenance expense, and discount rates.
The Company measured the impairment loss as the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the assets and
recorded impairment losses of $26 million and $5 million for Elbow Creek and Forward, respectively.
Additionally, during the quarter ended September 30, 2017, in connection with the preparation of the model for sale of the
November 2017 Drop Down Assets, it was identified that undiscounted cash flows were lower than the book value of certain SPP
funds and NRG recorded an impairment expense of $13 million, $8 million of which relates to property, plant, and equipment and
$5 million to PPAs, as described in Note 8, Intangible Assets. In accordance with the guidance for transfer of assets under common
control, the impairment is reflected in the pre-acquisition net income of Drop Down Assets of the Company's consolidated
statements of operations for the period ended December 31, 2017.
111
Note 10 — Long-term Debt
The Company's borrowings, including short term and long term portions consisted of the following:
December 31,
2019
December 31,
2018
Interest rate % (a)
(In millions, except rates)
Letters of Credit
Outstanding at
December 31, 2019
2019 Convertible Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
— $
2020 Convertible Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2024 Senior Notes (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2025 Senior Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2026 Senior Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2028 Senior Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clearway Energy LLC and Clearway Energy Operating LLC Revolving
Credit Facility, due 2019 (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Project-level debt:
Agua Caliente Borrower 2, due 2038 (d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alpine, due 2022 (d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alta Wind I - V lease financing arrangements, due 2034 and 2035 . . . . . . . . .
Buckthorn Solar, due 2025. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carlsbad Holdco, due 2038 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carlsbad Energy Holdings LLC, due 2027 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CVSR, due 2037 (d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CVSR Holdco Notes, due 2037 (d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Duquesne, due 2059. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
El Segundo Energy Center, due 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Energy Center Minneapolis Series D, E, F, G, H Notes, due 2025-2037 . . . . .
Laredo Ridge, due 2028. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Kansas South, due 2030 (d). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Kawailoa Solar Holdings LLC, due 2026 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Marsh Landing, due 2023 (d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oahu Solar Holdings LLC, due 2026 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repowering Partnership Holdco LLC, due 2020. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
South Trent Wind, due 2028 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tapestry, due 2031 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Utah Solar Portfolio, due 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Viento, due 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Walnut Creek, due 2023. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Subtotal project-level debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less current maturities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less net debt issuance costs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less discounts (e). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
45
88
600
350
600
—
—
119
844
129
216
582
696
182
95
303
328
84
24
82
206
91
228
43
156
254
42
175
296
5,175
6,858
(1,824)
(78)
—
Total long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
4,956
$
220
45
500
600
350
—
—
39
127
886
132
—
—
720
188
—
352
328
89
26
—
263
—
—
50
151
267
146
222
343
4,329
6,044
(535)
(61)
(1)
5,447
3.500
3.250
5.375
5.750
5.000
4.750
L+1.75
$
5.430
L+2.00
5.696 - 7.015
L+1.750
4.210
L +1.625/4.12
2.339 - 3.775
4.680
4.620
70
14
16
45
26
5
87
—
13
L+1.75 - L+2.375
138
various
L+2.125
L+2.25
L+1.375
L+2.125
L+1.375
L+.85
L+1.350
L+1.375
L+2.625
L+2.00
L+1.75
various
—
10
2
13
27
17
4
12
18
13
14
74
24
(a) As of December 31, 2019, L+ equals 3 month LIBOR plus x%, except for Viento, due 2023 and Kansas South, due 2030; where L+ equals 6 month LIBOR plus
2.00% and Utah Solar Portfolio and Repowering Partnership Holdco LLC, where L+equals 1 month LIBOR plus x%
(b) Repurchased in January 2020 as part of the 2024 Senior Notes Tender Offer, as further described below
(c) Applicable rate is determined by the borrower leverage ratio, as defined in the credit agreement
(d) Entities affected by PG&E Bankruptcy, see further discussion below
(e) Discounts relate to the 2020 Convertible Notes
The financing arrangements listed above contain certain covenants, including financial covenants that the Company is required
to be in compliance with during the term of the respective arrangement. As of December 31, 2019, the Company was in compliance
with all of the required covenants.
112
Clearway Energy LLC and Clearway Energy Operating LLC Revolving Credit Facility
On April 30, 2018, the Company closed on the refinancing of the revolving credit facility, which extended the maturity of the
facility to April 28, 2023, and decreased the Company's overall cost of borrowing from L+2.50% to L+1.75%. The applicable rate
is determined by the borrower leverage ratio, as defined in the credit agreement, and was L+1.75% as of December 31, 2019. The
facility will continue to be used for general corporate purposes including financing of future acquisitions and posting letters of
credit.
On December 20, 2019, the Company entered into the Fifth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement to
provide for an increase of 0.50x to the borrower leverage ratio, as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, for the
last two fiscal quarters of 2020 and to implement certain other technical modifications.
The Company made borrowings in the amount $152 million during the year ended December 31, 2019 under the revolving
credit facility in order to partially finance the Carlsbad Drop Down acquisition, as well as for general business purposes. As of
December 31, 2019, there were no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility and the Company had $70 million of
letters of credit outstanding. The Company had $170 million outstanding under the revolving credit facility and a total of $69 million
in letters of credit outstanding as of February 24, 2020.
2028 Senior Notes
On December 11, 2019, Clearway Energy Operating LLC completed the sale of $600 million aggregate principal amount of
Senior Unsecured Notes due 2028, or the 2028 Senior Notes. The 2028 Senior Notes bear interest at 4.75% and mature on March
15, 2028. Interest on the 2028 Senior Notes is payable semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 of each year, and interest
payments will commence on September 15, 2020. The 2028 Senior Notes are unsecured obligations of Clearway Energy Operating
LLC and are guaranteed by Clearway Energy LLC and by certain of Clearway Energy Operating LLC's wholly owned current and
future subsidiaries. The proceeds from the 2028 Senior Notes were partially used to repay the 2024 Senior Notes, as further described
below.
2024 Senior Notes Tender Offer
On December 13, 2019, the Company repurchased an aggregate principal amount of $412 million or 82.4%, of the 2024 Senior
Notes as part of the previously cash tender offer announced on December 11, 2019. Concurrently with the launch of the tender
offer, the Company exercised its right to optionally redeem any 2024 Senior Notes not validly tendered and purchased in the tender
offer, pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the 2024 Senior Notes. The redemption of the Senior Notes due 2024 in
December were effectuated at a premium of 103% for a total consideration of $424 million and as a result, the Company recorded
a loss on extinguishment in the amount of $12 million. In addition, the Company recorded a $2 million debt extinguishment loss
in connection with the write off of the deferred financing fees related to the 2024 Senior Notes. The redemption of the remaining
$88 million of outstanding 2024 Senior Notes occurred on January 3, 2020.
2025 Senior Notes
On October 1, 2018, Clearway Energy Operating LLC issued $600 million of senior unsecured notes, or the 2025 Senior
Notes. The 2025 Senior Notes bear interest at 5.750% and mature on October 15, 2025. Interest on the 2025 Senior Notes is payable
semi-annually on April 15 and October 15 of each year. The 2025 Senior Notes are unsecured obligations of Clearway Energy
Operating LLC and are guaranteed by Clearway Energy LLC and by certain of Clearway Energy Operating LLC's wholly owned
current and future subsidiaries. The proceeds from the 2025 Senior Notes were partially used to repay the 2019 Convertible Notes.
2020 Convertible Senior Notes
The Company has outstanding $45 million aggregate principal amount of 3.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2020, or the
2020 Convertible Notes. The 2020 Convertible Notes are convertible into cash at an initial conversion price of $27.50 per Class C
common share, which is equivalent to a conversion rate of approximately 36.3636 shares of Class C common stock per $1,000
principal amount of notes. Interest on the 2020 Convertible Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1
of each year. The 2020 Convertible Notes are convertible at any time until the close of business on the second scheduled trading
day immediately preceding the maturity date. The 2020 Convertible Notes are guaranteed by Clearway Energy Operating LLC and
Clearway Energy LLC.
The Company separately accounts for the liability (debt) and equity (conversion option) components of the 2020 Convertible
Notes and recognized $23 million as the value for the equity component in 2015 with the offset to debt discount. The debt discount
is amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method through its maturity date of June 2020.
113
As a result of the tender offer effectuated on September 10, 2018, an aggregate principal amount of $243 million of the 2020
Convertible Notes were tendered on or prior to the expiration date of October 9, 2018 and accepted by the Company for purchase.
The Company recorded a loss on extinguishment in the amount $7 million primarily related to the repurchase of the 2020 Convertible
Notes.
As of December 31, 2019, the 2020 Convertible Notes were trading at approximately 99.55% of their face value, resulting in
a total market value of $44 million. The actual conversion value of the 2020 Convertible Notes is based on the product of the
conversion rate and the market price of the Company's Class C common stock, as defined in the 2020 Convertible Notes indenture.
As of December 31, 2019, the Company's Class C common stock closed at $19.95 per share, resulting in a pro forma conversion
value for the 2020 Convertible Notes of approximately $32 million.
2019 Convertible Notes
In August 2018, the Company repurchased an aggregate principal amount of $16 million of the 2019 Convertible Notes in
open market transactions. The repurchases were funded through a partial repayment of the intercompany note between Clearway
Energy Operating LLC and Clearway Energy, Inc., which was reduced by $16 million.
On September 10, 2018, pursuant to the tender offer, an aggregate principal amount of $109 million of the 2019 Convertible
Notes were tendered on or prior to the expiration date of October 9, 2018 and accepted by the Company for purchase.
In January 2019, the Company repurchased an additional aggregate principal amount of $50 million of the 2019 Convertible
Notes in open market transactions. The repurchase was funded through a partial repayment of the intercompany note between
Clearway Energy Operating LLC and Clearway Energy, Inc., which was reduced by $50 million.
The 2019 Convertible Notes matured on February 1, 2019 and the Company paid off the remaining balance of an aggregate
principal amount of $170 million.
During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company recorded the following expenses in relation to the 2020
and 2019 Convertible Notes on a combined basis at the effective rates of 5.10% and 5.00%, respectively:
(In millions)
Interest expense (a) ................................................................................ $
Debt discount amortization ..................................................................
Debt issuance costs amortization .........................................................
$
December 31, 2019
December 31, 2018
2
1
—
3
$
$
19
9
3
31
(a) Interest expense is calculated using coupon rate of 3.25% and 3.50% for 2020 and 2019 Convertible Notes, respectively.
Project level Debt
PG&E Bankruptcy
As discussed in Note 1, Nature of Business, on January 29, 2019, PG&E filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the
U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California, or the Bankruptcy Court. Certain
subsidiaries of the Company are parties to financing agreements consisting of non-recourse project-level debt and, in certain cases,
non-recourse holding company debt. The PG&E Bankruptcy triggered defaults under the PPAs with PG&E and such related project-
level financing agreements. As a result, the Company recorded $1.2 billion of principal, net of the related unamortized debt issuance
costs, as short-term debt as of December 31, 2019. In addition, distributions from these projects to Clearway Operating LLC are
prohibited under the related debt agreements. As of March 2, 2020, the Company has entered into forbearance agreements for certain
project-level financing arrangements and continues to seek forbearance agreements for its other project-level financing arrangements
affected by the PG&E Bankruptcy. The Company continues to assess the potential future impacts of the PG&E Bankruptcy as events
occur.
Carlsbad Drop Down Asset Debt
On December 6, 2019, as part of the Carlsbad Drop Down acquisition, as further described in Note 3, Acquisitions and
Dispositions, the Company assumed $803 million of senior secured, non-recourse notes related to Carlsbad Holdco LLC and
Carlsbad Energy Holding LLC. The Carlsbad Holdco LLC notes bear an interest rate of 4.21%, and are fully amortizing over 19
years. In addition, Carlsbad Holdco LLC is party to a letter of credit facility agreement with the issuing banks for an aggregate
114
principal amount not to exceed $10 million. Fees on the unused commitment are 0.65%. As of December 31, 2019, there were $5
million in letters of credit in support of the project issued and $216 million of notes were outstanding.
Carlsbad Energy Holdings LLC is party to a note payable agreement with financial institutions for the issuance of up to
$407 million of senior secured notes that bear interest at a rate of 4.12%, and mature on October 31, 2038. Carlsbad Energy Holdings
LLC is also party to a term loan agreement with issuing banks for an aggregate principal amount of $194 million at an issuance
rate of LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 1.625% until February 25, 2022, 1.750% until February 25, 2025, and 1.875% until
maturity. Fees on the unused commitment are 0.50%. upon completion of the project. The agreement also includes a letter of credit
facility with an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $83 million, and a working capital loan facility with an aggregate principal
amount not to exceed $4 million. As of December 31, 2019, $175 million was outstanding under the term loan and $87 million of
letters of credit were issued.
Agua Caliente Borrower 2 Debt Repayment
On October 21, 2019, the Company, through Agua Caliente Borrower 2 LLC, repaid $40 million of the outstanding notes
balance, including accrued interest and premiums, issued under the Agua Caliente Holdco Financing Agreement. The repayment
was funded with Company's existing liquidity.
Repowering Partnership Holdco LLC, due 2020
On June 14, 2019, as part of the Repowering Partnership, the Company entered into a financing agreement for non-recourse
debt for a total commitment amount of $352 million related to the construction for the repowering activities at Wildorado and Elbow
Creek. The debt consists of a construction loan at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 0.85%. The Company borrowings were utilized
to repay $109 million of the outstanding balance, including accrued interest, under the Viento financing agreement, to reimburse
Clearway Renew LLC for previous contributions into the Repowering Partnership and pay construction invoices. On November
26, 2019, the construction loan of $93 million related to the repowering activities at Elbow Creek was repaid with the proceeds
from the tax equity investor. On February 7, 2020 the construction loan of $260 million related to the repowering activities at
Wildorado was repaid with the proceeds from the tax equity investor.
Duquesne University
On May 1, 2019, as part of the Duquesne University district energy system acquisition, ECP Uptown Campus LLC issued
non-recourse debt of $95 million, excluding financing fees. The debt consists of senior notes at an interest rate of 4.62% that mature
on May 1, 2059. Interest on the notes are payable semi-annually in arrears. The proceeds of the debt, along with cash on hand,
were utilized to fund the purchase price of the acquisition.
Oahu Solar Holdings LLC
Due to the Company consolidating the Oahu Partnership, as further described in Note 5, Investments Accounted for by
the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities, the Company assumed non-recourse debt of $143 million related to Oahu Solar
Holdings, LLC. The debt consists of a construction loan and an ITC bridge loan with a total commitment amount of $162 million,
both at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.375%. On November 13, 2019, $90 million of non-recourse debt was converted to a term
loan with an expected maturity of November 2026, and the remainder of the non-recourse debt was repaid with the final contribution
from the tax equity investor in the amount of $67 million upon the project reaching substantial completion. Interest on the term
loan is payable quarterly in arrears.
Kawailoa Solar Holdings LLC
Due to the Company consolidating the Kawailoa Partnership, as further described in Note 5, Investments Accounted for by
the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities, the Company assumed non-recourse debt of $120 million related to Kawailoa
Solar Holdings, LLC. The debt consists of a construction loan and an ITC bridge loan, with a total commitment amount of $137
million both at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.375%. On December 23, 2019, $82 million of non-recourse debt was converted
to a term loan with an expected maturity of December 2026, and the remainder of the non-recourse debt was repaid with the final
contribution from the tax equity investor in the amount of $57 million upon the project reaching substantial completion. Interest
on the term loan is payable quarterly in arrears.
South Trent Refinancing
On June 14, 2019, the Company, through South Trent Wind LLC, refinanced $49 million of non-recourse debt due 2020 at
interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.625% by issuing $46 million of new non-recourse financing due 2028 at an interest rate of LIBOR
plus 1.350%.
115
Tapestry Refinancing
On April 29, 2019, the Company, through Tapestry Wind LLC, refinanced $147 million of non-recourse debt due 2021 at
interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.75% by issuing $164 million of new non-recourse financing due 2031 at an interest rate of LIBOR
plus 1.375%.
Energy Center Minneapolis Series E, F, G, H Notes
On June 19, 2018, Energy Center Minneapolis LLC, a subsidiary of the Company, entered into an amended and restated
Thermal note purchase and private shelf agreement under which it authorized the issuance of the Series E Notes, Series F Notes,
Series G Notes, and Series H Notes, as further described in the table below:
(In millions)
Amount
Interest Rate
Energy Center Minneapolis Series E Notes, due 2033 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
Energy Center Minneapolis Series F Notes, due 2033 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Energy Center Minneapolis Series G Notes, due 2035 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Energy Center Minneapolis Series H Notes, due 2037 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total proceeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repayment of Energy Center Minneapolis Series C Notes, due 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
70
10
83
40
203
(83)
120
4.80%
4.60%
5.90%
4.83%
5.95%
The proceeds from the sale of the Series E Notes and the Series F Notes were utilized to finance the acquisition of the UPMC
Thermal Project as described in Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions. The Series G Notes were used to refinance the Series C
Notes as noted above in the table. The Series H Notes were used to make a dividend to Clearway Energy Operating LLC.
The amended and restated Thermal note purchase and private shelf agreement also established a private shelf facility for the
future issuance of notes in the amount of $40 million.
Buckthorn Solar Drop Down Asset Debt
As part of the Buckthorn Solar Drop Down Asset acquisition, as further described in Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions,
the Company assumed non-recourse debt of $183 million relating to Buckthorn Solar Portfolio, LLC as of the date of the acquisition,
March 30, 2018. The assumed debt consisted of a construction loan and an Investment Tax Credits, or ITC, bridge loan, both at an
interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.75%. On May 31, 2018, $132 million of non-recourse debt was converted to a term loan with an
expected maturity of May 2025, and the remainder of the non-recourse debt was repaid with the final contribution from the Class
A member in the amount of $80 million upon the project reaching substantial completion in May 2018.
Buckthorn Solar entered into a series of fixed for floating interest rate swaps that would fix the interest rate for a minimum
of 80% of the outstanding notional amount. All interest rate swap payments by Buckthorn Solar and its counterparties are made
quarterly and LIBOR is determined in advance of each interest period.
Interest Rate Swaps — Project Financings
Many of the Company's project subsidiaries entered into interest rate swaps, intended to hedge the risks associated with interest
rates on non-recourse project level debt. These swaps amortize in proportion to their respective loans and are floating for fixed
where the project subsidiary pays its counterparty the equivalent of a fixed interest payment on a predetermined notional value and
will receive quarterly the equivalent of a floating interest payment based on the same notional value. All interest rate swap payments
by the project subsidiary and its counterparty are made quarterly and the LIBOR is determined in advance of each interest period.
116
The following table summarizes the swaps, some of which are forward starting as indicated, related to the Company's project
level debt as of December 31, 2019:
% of
Principal
Fixed
Interest
Rate
Floating
Interest Rate
3-Month LIBOR $
85% various
86% 2.333% 3-Month LIBOR
2.47% 3-Month LIBOR
100%
75% 3.563% 3-Month LIBOR
3-Month LIBOR
82% various
95% various
3-Month LIBOR
75% 2.368% 6-Month LIBOR
80%
2.31% 3-Month LIBOR
94% 3.244% 3-Month LIBOR
76% 4.313% 3-Month LIBOR
95% 3.847% 3-Month LIBOR
75% various
3-Month LIBOR
3.57% 3-Month LIBOR
50%
1-Month LIBOR
80% various
93% various
6-Month LIBOR
100% 4.985% 6-Month LIBOR
3-Month LIBOR
90% various
100% 4.003% 3-Month LIBOR
3-Month LIBOR
96% various
Notional Amount
at December 31,
2019 (In millions)
101
41
15
11
106
288
18
67
195
22
39
117
12
203
39
21
158
39
88
94% various
75% various
3-Month LIBOR
3-Month LIBOR
77
131
1,788
$
Effective Date
Maturity Date
various
November 30, 2012
May 22, 2013
June 25, 2010
February 28, 2018
various
June 28, 2013
December 17, 2014
June 28, 2013
September 30, 2011
June 14, 2019
April 19, 2019
December 21, 2021
various
various
July 11, 2023
June 28, 2013
June 28, 2013
November 30, 2019
November 30, 2019
October 31, 2018
various
November 30, 2030
May 15, 2031
June 25, 2028
December 31, 2041
various
December 31, 2030
December 31, 2028
June 30, 2023
December 31, 2029
June 30, 2028
December 31, 2031
December 21, 2029
September 30, 2036
various
June 30, 2028
May 31, 2023
May 31, 2023
October 31, 2040
October 31, 2040
September 30, 2027
Alpine. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Avra Valley. . . . . . . . . .
AWAM . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blythe . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Buckthorn Solar . . . . . .
El Segundo . . . . . . . . . .
Kansas South . . . . . . . .
Laredo Ridge . . . . . . . .
Marsh Landing . . . . . . .
Roadrunner. . . . . . . . . .
South Trent. . . . . . . . . .
Tapestry . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tapestry . . . . . . . . . . . .
Utah Solar Portfolio . . .
Viento Funding II . . . . .
Viento Funding II . . . . .
Walnut Creek Energy . .
WCEP Holdings . . . . . .
Oahu Solar . . . . . . . . . .
Kawailoa Renew . . . . .
Carlsbad . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Annual Maturities
Annual payments based on the maturities of the Company's debt, for the years ending after December 31, 2019, are as follows:
2020. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2021. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2022. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2023. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2024. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
(In millions)
1,832
249
478
319
129
3,851
6,858
Note 11 — Earnings (Loss) Per Share
Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding. Shares issued during the year are weighted for the portion of the year that they were outstanding. Diluted earnings
per share is computed in a manner consistent with that of basic earnings per share while giving effect to all potentially dilutive
common shares that were outstanding during the period.
117
The reconciliation of the Company's basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share is shown in the following table:
(In millions, except per share data)
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable
to Clearway Energy, Inc. common stockholders
(a)
Year Ended December 31,
2019
2018
2017
Common
Class A
Common
Class C
Common
Class A
Common
Class C
Common
Class A
Common
Class C
Net (loss) income attributable to Clearway Energy,
Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Weighted average number of common shares
outstanding — basic and diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Loss) Earnings per weighted average common
share — basic and diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ (0.10) $ (0.10) $
(7) $
(4) $
74
35
16
$
32
$
(6) $
(10)
35
69
35
64
0.46
$
0.46
$ (0.16) $ (0.16)
(a) Net (loss) income attributable to Clearway Energy, Inc. and basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share might not recalculate due to presenting values in
millions rather than whole dollars.
The following table summarizes the Company's outstanding equity instruments that are anti-dilutive and were not included
in the computation of the Company's diluted earnings per share:
2019 Convertible Notes - Common Class A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2020 Convertible Notes - Common Class C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
2
9
8
15
10
Year Ended December 31,
2019
2018
2017
(In millions of shares)
Note 12 — Stockholders' Equity
2019 Class C Common Stock Issuance
The Company sold a total of 5,405,405 shares of Class C common stock for net proceeds of $100 million on December 2,
2019. The Company utilized the proceeds of the offering to acquire 5,405,405 Class C units of Clearway Energy LLC. As a result
of the Class C common stock issuance, the Company owns 57.01% of the economic interests of Clearway Energy LLC, with CEG
retaining 42.99% of the economic interests of Clearway Energy LLC as of December 31, 2019.
2018 Class C Common Stock Issuance
On September 27, 2018, Clearway Energy, Inc. issued and sold 3,916,449 shares of Class C common stock for net proceeds
of $75 million. The Company utilized the proceeds of the offering to acquire 3,916,449 Class C units of Clearway Energy LLC.
At-the-Market Equity Offering Program, or the ATM Program
Clearway Energy, Inc. is party to an equity distribution agreement with Barclays Capital Inc., Credit Suisse Securities (USA)
LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and RBC Capital Markets, LLC, as sales agents. Pursuant to the terms of the equity distribution
agreement, Clearway Energy, Inc. may offer and sell shares of its Class C common stock par value $0.01 per share, from time to
time through the sales agents up to an aggregate sales price of $150 million through an at-the-market equity offering program, or
the ATM Program. Clearway Energy, Inc. may also sell shares of its Class C common stock to any of the sales agents, as principals
for its own account, at a price agreed upon at the time of sale.
The Company sold a total of 4,492,473 shares of Class C common stock for gross proceeds of $79 million during the year
ended December 31, 2018. The Company incurred commission fees of $790 thousand during the year ended December 31, 2018.
The Company sold a total of 6,414,339 shares of Class C common stock for gross proceeds of $114 million since the inception
of the ATM Program. Approximately $36 million of Class C common stock remains available for issuance under the ATM Program
as of December 31, 2019.
118
Dividends to Class A and Class C common stockholders
The following table lists the dividends paid on the Company's Class A and Class C common stock during the year ended
December 31, 2019:
Dividends per Class A share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Dividends per Class C share. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
0.20
0.20
$
$
0.20
0.20
$
$
0.20
0.20
$
$
0.20
0.20
Fourth
Quarter 2019
Third
Quarter 2019
Second
Quarter 2019
First
Quarter 2019
Dividends on the Class A and Class C common stock are subject to available capital, market conditions, and compliance
with associated laws, regulations and other contractual obligations. The Company expects that, based on current circumstances,
comparable cash dividends will continue to be paid in the foreseeable future. The Company will continue to evaluate its capital
allocation approach during the pendency of the PG&E Bankruptcy.
On February 18, 2020, the Company declared a quarterly dividend on its Class A and Class C common stock of $0.21 per
share payable on March 16, 2020, to stockholders of record as of March 2, 2020.
The Company also authorized 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. None of the shares of preferred
stock have been issued.
Distributions to CEG in 2019
The following table lists the distributions paid to CEG during the year ended December 31, 2019 on Clearway Energy LLC's
Class B and D units:
Distributions per Class B unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Distributions per Class D unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
0.20
0.20
$
$
0.20
0.20
$
$
0.20
0.20
$
$
0.20
0.20
Fourth
Quarter 2019
Third
Quarter 2019
Second
Quarter 2019
First
Quarter 2019
The portion of the distributions paid by Clearway Energy LLC to CEG is recorded as a reduction to the Company's
noncontrolling interest balance. The portion of the distributions paid by Clearway Energy LLC to the Company was utilized to
fund the dividends to the Class A and Class C common stockholders described above.
On February 18, 2020, Clearway Energy LLC declared a quarterly distribution on its Class B and Class D units of $0.21 per
unit payable to CEG on March 16, 2020.
Distributions/Contributions to/from NRG in 2018
During 2018 the Company acquired the Drop Down Assets from NRG, as described in Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions.
The difference between the cash paid and historical value of the acquired Drop Down Assets was recorded as a distribution to/
contribution from NRG with the offset to noncontrolling interest. As the projects were owned by NRG prior to the Drop Down
Assets acquisitions, the pre-acquisition income (loss) of such projects were recorded as attributable to NRG's noncontrolling
interest. Prior to the date of acquisition, certain of the projects made distributions to NRG and NRG made contributions into
certain projects. These amounts are reflected within the Company’s statement of stockholders’ equity as changes in the
noncontrolling interest balance.
Note 13 — Segment Reporting
The Company’s segment structure reflects how management currently operates and allocates resources. The Company's
businesses are segregated based on conventional power generation, renewable businesses which consist of solar and wind, and the
thermal and chilled water business. The Corporate segment reflects the Company's corporate costs and includes eliminating entries.
The Company's chief operating decision maker, its Chief Executive Officer, evaluates the performance of its segments based on
operational measures including adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or Adjusted EBITDA, and
CAFD, as well as economic gross margin and net income (loss).
119
The Company generated more than 10% of its revenues from the following customers for the years ended December 31, 2019,
2018 and 2017:
Customer
SCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PG&E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Conventional
(%)
21%
12%
Renewables
(%)
19%
10%
Conventional
(%)
20%
12%
Renewables
(%)
20%
11%
Conventional
(%)
21%
12%
Renewables
(%)
20%
11%
2019
2018
2017
Year ended December 31, 2019
(In millions)
Operating revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Cost of operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Conventional
Generation
346
61
102
Renewables
485
$
147
267
$
Corporate
$
— $
—
—
Total
1,032
342
396
Thermal
201
134
27
19
3
—
5
13
—
—
—
(18)
(5)
—
(5)
14
1
—
—
56
74
6
(1)
(239)
(104)
—
(104)
—
25
3
—
(28)
—
1
(15)
(88)
(130)
(8)
(122)
33
29
3
5
224
83
9
(16)
(404)
(104)
(8)
(96)
(11)
(33) $
(5) $
(108) $
1,089
185
6,186
$
$
— $
34
633
$
— $
—
128
$
1,183
223
9,700
Impairment losses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisition-related transaction and integration costs . . . . . . . . . . .
Development costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other income, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss on debt extinguishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net Income (Loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Clearway Energy, Inc. . . . . . . $
Balance Sheet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity investment in affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Capital expenditures (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
—
—
—
—
183
9
2
(59)
135
—
135
135
94
4
2,753
$
$
$
(a) Includes accruals.
120
Year ended December 31, 2018
Conventional
Generation
Thermal
Corporate
Total
(In millions)
Operating revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Cost of operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General and administrative. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisition-related transaction and integration costs . . . . . . . .
Development costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other income, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss on debt extinguishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net Income (Loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Clearway Energy, Inc. . . . $
Balance Sheet
Equity investments in affiliates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Capital expenditures (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
(a) Includes accruals.
337
62
101
—
—
—
174
11
1
—
(51)
135
—
135
135
98
14
1,788
$
Renewables
523
$
143
207
—
—
—
173
63
4
—
(154)
86
—
86
$
193
127
23
1
—
2
40
—
1
—
(12)
29
—
29
— $
—
—
19
20
1
(40)
—
2
(7)
(89)
(134)
62
(196)
$
$
$
186
1,074
26
5,836
$
$
$
29
$
(302)
— $
28
516
$
— $
—
360
$
Year ended December 31, 2017
Conventional
Generation
Thermal
Corporate
Total
(In millions)
Operating revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Cost of operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment losses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General and administrative. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisition-related transaction and integration costs . . . . . . . .
Operating income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other income, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss on debt extinguishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) before income taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net Income (Loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
Renewables
501
$
133
210
44
—
—
114
59
2
(3)
(164)
8
—
8
336
77
103
—
—
—
156
12
1
—
(49)
120
—
120
$
172
116
21
—
—
—
35
—
—
—
(10)
25
—
25
— $
—
—
—
19
3
(22)
—
1
—
(84)
(105)
72
(177)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Clearway Energy, Inc. . . . $
120
$
76
$
25
$
(237)
121
1,053
332
331
20
20
3
347
74
8
(7)
(306)
116
62
54
48
1,172
68
8,500
1,009
326
334
44
19
3
283
71
4
(3)
(307)
48
72
(24)
(16)
Note 14 — Income Taxes
Effective Tax Rate
The income tax provision consisted of the following amounts:
Current
U.S. Federal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total — current
Deferred
U.S. Federal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total — deferred
Total income tax (benefit) expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2019
Year Ended December 31,
2018
(In millions, except percentages)
2017
— $
—
—
(4)
(4)
(8)
(8)
$
— $
—
—
28
34
62
62
$
—
—
—
75
(3)
72
72
A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% beginning for the year-ended December 31, 2018 and 35% for the
year-ended December 31, 2017 to the Company's effective rate is as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
2019
Income Before Income Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Tax at 21%/35%. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State taxes, net of federal benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred state rate change due to deconsolidation from NRG . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act - tax rate change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impact of non-taxable equity earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment tax credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Production tax credits, including prior year true-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Valuation allowance adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax (benefit) expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Effective income tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
2018
(In millions, except percentages)
(104)
(22)
(7)
—
—
24
(1)
(1)
—
(1)
(8)
7.7%
116
24
8
20
—
8
(3)
(1)
3
3
62
53.4%
$
$
2017
48
17
(3)
—
68
(9)
(1)
(1)
—
1
72
150.0%
For the year ended December 31, 2019, the overall effective tax rate was different than the statutory rate of 21% primarily
due to the taxable earnings and losses allocated to partners’ interest in Clearway Energy LLC, which includes the effects of applying
HLBV method of accounting for book purposes of certain partnerships.
For the year ended December 31, 2018, the overall effective tax rate was different than the statutory rate of 21% primarily
due to higher state income tax rate following the Company’s separation from NRG, as well as taxable earnings and losses allocated
to partners’ interest in Clearway Energy LLC, which includes the effects of applying HLBV method of accounting for book
purposes of certain partnerships. In 2018, the Company has completed the accounting for all of the income tax effects related to
the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which resulted in no material adjustments in 2018 to the provisional amounts recorded in 2017.
For the year ended December 31, 2017, the overall effective tax rate was different than the statutory rate of 35% primarily
due to tax expense recorded from the revaluation of the existing net deferred tax asset pursuant to the reduction in the corporate
income tax rate to 21% in accordance with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. In December 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting
Bulletin No. 118, which addresses how a company may recognize provisional amounts for the effect of the changes related to the
Tax Act. Consistent with that guidance, the Company recognized provisional amounts at December 31, 2017, based upon its
interpretation of the tax laws and estimates which require significant judgments.
For tax purposes, Clearway Energy LLC is treated as a partnership; therefore, the Company and CEG each record their
respective share of taxable income or loss.
122
The temporary differences, which gave rise to the Company's deferred tax assets, consisted of the following:
Deferred tax liabilities:
Investment in projects
Total deferred tax liabilities
Deferred tax assets:
Interest expense disallowance carryforward - Investment in Projects
Production tax credits
Investment tax credits
U.S. Federal net operating loss carryforwards
Capital loss carryforwards
State net operating loss carryforwards
Total deferred tax assets
Valuation allowance
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance
Net deferred noncurrent tax asset
As of December 31,
2019
2018
(In millions)
$
227
227
50
9
5
215
12
43
334
(15) $
$
319
$
92
192
192
28
8
5
199
12
12
264
(15)
249
57
$
$
$
$
The primary driver for the increase in the net deferred tax asset from $57 million to $92 million as of December 31, 2019,
is the increase in federal and state NOLs and interest expense disallowance carryforwards, partially offset by tax losses reducing
the Company's investment in Clearway Energy, LLC. As discussed in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, NRG
allocated $22 million to the Company in tax-effected state NOLs, which was recorded as a non-cash adjustment to the consolidated
statements of stockholders' equity for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Tax Receivable and Payable
As of December 31, 2019, the Company has no current or long term tax receivable or payable to be recorded.
Deferred Tax Assets and Valuation Allowance
Net deferred tax balance — As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company recorded a net deferred tax asset of $92 million
and $57 million, respectively. The Company believes it is more likely than not that the results of future operations will generate
sufficient taxable income which includes the future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences to realize deferred tax assets.
The Company considered the profit before tax generated in recent years, as well as projections of future earnings and estimates
of taxable income in arriving at this conclusion. The Company believes that $15 million, a deferred tax asset, for which there are
no existing capital gains or available tax planning strategies to utilize the asset in the future may not be realized, resulting in the
recording of a valuation allowance.
NOL carryforwards — As of December 31, 2019, the Company had domestic NOLs carryforwards for federal income tax
purposes of $215 million and cumulative state NOLs of $43 million tax-effected.
Interest disallowance carryforward — As of December 31, 2019, the Company has a deferred tax asset of $50 million related
to disallowed interest expense under the proposed IRC §163(j) regulation.
The disallowed interest deduction has an indefinite carry forward period and any limitations on the utilization of
this carryforward have been factored into the valuation allowance analysis. These are proposed regulations which are not final
and are subject to change in the regulatory review process.
Uncertain Tax Positions
The Company had no identified uncertain tax positions that require evaluation as of December 31, 2019.
Note 15 — Related Party Transactions
In addition to the transactions and relationships described elsewhere in the notes to the consolidated financial statements,
certain subsidiaries of CEG provide services to the Company's project entities. Amounts due to CEG subsidiaries are recorded as
accounts payable - affiliate and amounts due to the Company from CEG subsidiaries are recorded as accounts receivable - affiliate
123
in the Company's balance sheet. The disclosures below summarize the Company's material related party transactions with CEG and
its subsidiaries that are included in the Company's operating revenues and operating costs.
As discussed in Item 15 — Note 1, Nature of Business, on August 31, 2018, NRG sold 100% of its interest in CEG to GIP,
and as a result, CEG and its subsidiaries are considered related parties during the year ended December 31, 2019, and NRG and its
subsidiaries were considered related parties during the first eight months of the year ended December 31, 2018.
Related Party Transactions with CEG entities
O&M Services Agreements by and between the Company and Clearway Renewable Operation & Maintenance LLC
Various wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company in the Renewables segment are party to administrative services agreements
with Clearway Renewable Operation & Maintenance LLC (formerly NRG Renew Operation & Maintenance LLC), or RENOM,
a wholly-owned subsidiary of CEG, which provides operation and maintenance, or O&M, services to these subsidiaries. The
Company incurred total expenses for these services of $31 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The Company incurred
total expenses of $11 million for the period from September 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018. There was a balance of $7 million and
$6 million due to RENOM as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Administrative Services Agreements by and between the Company and CEG
Various wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company are parties to administrative services agreements with Clearway Asset
Services (formerly NRG Asset Services) and Clearway Solar Asset Management (formerly NRG Solar Asset Management), two
wholly-owned subsidiaries of CEG, which provide various administrative services to the Company's subsidiaries. The Company
incurred expenses under these agreements of $7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The Company incurred expenses
under these agreements of $3 million for the period from September 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018.
CEG Master Services Agreements
Following the consummation of the GIP Transaction, Clearway Energy, Inc. along with Clearway Energy LLC and Clearway
Energy Operating LLC entered into Master Services Agreements with CEG, pursuant to which CEG and certain of its affiliates or
third party service providers began providing certain services to the Company, including operational and administrative services,
which include human resources, information systems, external affairs, accounting, procurement and risk management services, and
the Company began providing certain services to CEG, including accounting, internal audit, tax and treasury services, in exchange
for the payment of fees in respect of such services. There was a balance of $1 million in accounts payable — affiliate due to CEG
under the Master Services Agreement as of December 31, 2019, which was paid in January 2020.
Related Party Transactions with NRG entities prior to the GIP Transaction
The following transactions relate to the period prior to sale of NRG's interest in CEG to GIP on August 31, 2018 and therefore
were considered to be related party transactions for all the periods prior to August 31, 2018:
O&M Services Agreements by and between the Company and NRG Renew Operation & Maintenance LLC
Various wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company in the Renewables segment were party to administrative services
agreements with NRG Renew Operation & Maintenance LLC, or RENOM, formerly wholly-owned subsidiary of NRG, which
provided O&M, services to these subsidiaries. The Company incurred total expenses for these services of $29 million for the eight
months ended August 31, 2018. The Company incurred total expenses of $23 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Administrative Services Agreements by and between the Company and NRG
Various wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company were parties to administrative services agreements with Clearway
Asset Services (formerly NRG Asset Services) and Clearway Solar Asset Management (formerly NRG Solar Asset Management),
two wholly-owned subsidiaries of CEG, which provided various administrative asset services to the Company's subsidiaries prior
to GIP Transaction. The Company reimbursed costs under this agreement of $6 million for the eight months ended August 31, 2018.
The Company reimbursed costs under this agreement of $6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.
124
Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) between the Company and NRG Power Marketing
Elbow Creek and Dover were parties to PPAs with NRG Power Marketing and generate revenue under the PPAs, which were
recorded to operating revenues in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. For the eight months ended August 31,
2018, Elbow Creek and Dover, collectively, generated revenues of $8 million. For the year ended December 31, 2017, Elbow Creek
and Dover, collectively, generated revenues of $12 million.
Energy Marketing Services Agreement by and between Thermal entities and NRG Power Marketing
Energy Center Dover LLC, Energy Center Minneapolis, Energy Center Phoenix LLC and Energy Center Paxton LLC, or
Thermal entities, are parties to Energy Marketing Services Agreements with NRG Power Marketing, a wholly-owned subsidiary
of NRG. Under the agreements, NRG Power Marketing procures fuel and fuel transportation for the operation of Thermal entities.
For the eight months ended August 31, 2018, the Thermal entities purchased $7 million of natural gas from NRG Power Marketing.
The Thermal entities purchased a total of $9 million of natural gas during the year ended December 31, 2017.
Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Services Agreements by and between the Company's subsidiaries and NRG
Certain of the Company's subsidiaries are party to O&M Services Agreements with NRG, pursuant to which NRG
subsidiaries provide necessary and appropriate services to operate and maintain the subsidiaries' plant operations, businesses and
thermal facilities. NRG is reimbursed for the provided services, as well as for all reasonable and related expenses and expenditures,
and payments to third parties for services and materials rendered to or on behalf of the parties to the agreements. NRG is not entitled
to any management fee or mark-up under the agreements. The fees incurred under these agreements were $27 million for the eight
months ended August 31, 2018 and $39 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.
O&M Services Agreements by and between GenConn and NRG
GenConn incurs fees under two O&M agreements with wholly-owned subsidiaries of NRG. For the eight months ended
August 31, 2018, the aggregate fees incurred under the agreements were $4 million. The fees incurred under the agreements were
$5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Administrative Services Agreement by and between Marsh Landing and NRG West Coast LLC
Marsh Landing is a party to an administrative services agreement with NRG West Coast LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of
NRG. The Company reimbursed costs under this agreement of $11 million for the eight months ended August 31, 2018. The
Company reimbursed costs under this agreement of approximately $15 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Project Administrative Services Agreement by and between ESEC and NRG West Coast LLC
During 2018, ESEC, NRG West Coast LLC and NRG Power Marketing LLC, or PML, entered into confirmation agreements
under the Project Administration Services Agreement between ESEC and NRG West Coast LLC, whereby PML purchased California
Carbon Allowances which ESEC could subsequently purchase for the purposes of ESEC’s compliance with the California Cap-
and-Trade Program. ESEC reimbursed costs under these agreements of $11 million for the eight months ended August 31, 2018.
Management Services Agreement by and between the Company and NRG
Prior to the GIP Transaction, NRG provided the Company with various operational, management, and administrative services,
which include human resources, accounting, tax, legal, information systems, treasury and risk management, as set forth in the
Management Services Agreement. Costs incurred under this agreement were $7 million for the eight months ended August 31,
2018. Costs incurred under this agreement were approximately $10 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The costs
incurred under the Management Services Agreement included certain direct expenses incurred by NRG on behalf of the Company
in addition to the base management fee.
On August 31, 2018, in connection with the consummation of the GIP Transaction, the Company entered into a Termination
Agreement with Clearway Energy LLC, Clearway Energy Operating LLC and NRG terminating the Management Services
Agreement, dated as of July 22, 2013, by and among the Company, Clearway Energy LLC, Clearway Energy Operating LLC and
NRG. Concurrently with entering into the Termination Agreement on August 31, 2018, the Company entered into a Transition
Services Agreement with NRG, as further described in Item 15 — Note 1,Nature of Business.
125
Subsequent to the GIP Transaction, the Company entered into a Transition Services Agreement with NRG, or the NRG
TSA, pursuant to which NRG or certain of its affiliates began providing transitional services to the Company following the
consummation of the GIP Transaction, in exchange for the payment of a fee in respect of such services. Expenses related to the
NRG TSA are recorded in acquisition-related transaction and integration costs in the consolidated statements of operations.
EPC Agreement by and between ECP and NRG
NRG Business Services LLC, a subsidiary of NRG, and Energy Center Pittsburgh LLC, or ECP, a wholly owned subsidiary
of the Company, entered into an EPC agreement for the construction of a 73 MWt district energy system for ECP to provide 150
pph of steam, 6,750 tons of chilled water and 7.5 MW of emergency backup power service to UPMC Mercy. The initial term of
the energy services agreement with UPMC Mercy will be for a period of twenty years from the service commencement date. On
June 19, 2018, as discussed in Item 15 — Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions, ECP purchased the UPMC Thermal Project assets
from NRG Business Services LLC for cash consideration of $84 million, subject to working capital adjustments. The Company
paid an additional $3 million to NRG upon final completion of the project in January 2019 pursuant to the EPC agreement.
Note 16 — Commitments and Contingencies
Gas and Transportation Commitments
The Company has entered into contractual arrangements to procure power, fuel and associated transportation services.
For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company purchased $38 million, $39 million and $34 million,
respectively, under such arrangements. As further described in Note 15, Related Party Transactions, these purchases include
intercompany transactions through August 31, 2018 between certain Thermal entities and NRG Power Marketing under the Energy
Marketing Services Agreements in the amount of $7 million for the eight months ended August 31, 2018 and $9 million during
the year ended December 31, 2017.
As of December 31, 2019, the Company's commitments under such outstanding agreements are estimated as follows:
Period
2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
(In millions)
9
3
3
3
3
10
31
Contingencies
The Company's material legal proceedings are described below. The Company believes that it has valid defenses to these
legal proceedings and intends to defend them vigorously. The Company records reserves for estimated losses from contingencies
when information available indicates that a loss is probable and the amount of the loss, or range of loss, can be reasonably estimated.
As applicable, the Company has established an adequate reserve for the matters discussed below. In addition, legal costs are
expensed as incurred. Management assesses such matters based on current information and makes a judgment concerning its
potential outcome, considering the nature of the claim, the amount and nature of damages sought and the probability of success.
The Company is unable to predict the outcome of the legal proceedings below or reasonably estimate the scope or amount of any
associated costs and potential liabilities. As additional information becomes available, management adjusts its assessment and
estimates of such contingencies accordingly. Because litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties and unfavorable rulings or
developments, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of the Company's liabilities and contingencies could be at amounts that
are different from its currently recorded reserves and that such difference could be material.
In addition to the legal proceedings noted below, the Company and its subsidiaries are party to other litigation or legal
proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. In management's opinion, the disposition of these ordinary course matters
will not materially adversely affect the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Nebraska Public Power District Litigation
On January 11, 2019, Nebraska Public Power District, or NPPD, sent written notice to certain of the Company’s
subsidiaries which own the Laredo Ridge and Elkhorn Ridge wind projects alleging an event of default under each of the PPAs
126
between NPPD and the projects. NPPD alleges that the Company moved forward with certain transactions without obtaining the
consent of NPPD. NPPD threatened to terminate the applicable PPAs by February 11, 2019 if the alleged default was not cured.
The Company filed a motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction in the U.S. District Court for the District
of Nebraska relating to the Laredo Ridge project, and a similar motion in the District Court of Knox County, Nebraska for the
Elkhorn Ridge project, to enjoin NPPD from taking any actions related to the PPAs. On February 19, 2019, the U.S. District Court
in the Laredo Ridge matter approved a stipulation between the parties to provide for an injunction preventing NPPD from terminating
the PPA pending disposition of the litigation. On February 26, 2019, the Knox County District Court approved a similar stipulation
relating to the Elkhorn Ridge project. Additionally, Elkhorn Ridge was added as a third-party defendant to the litigation in the
U.S. District Court. On September 23, 2019, NPPD filed amended complaints in the U.S. District Court, to which Laredo Ridge
and Elkhorn Ridge responded on October 7, 2019. A motion for summary judgment was filed by the Company on December 19,
2019, which was opposed by NPPD on February 12, 2020. Judicial review is pending. The Company believes the allegations of
NPPD are meritless and the Company is vigorously defending its rights under the PPAs.
Buckthorn Solar Litigation
On October 8, 2019, the City of Georgetown, Texas, or Georgetown, filed a petition in the District Court of Williamson
County, Texas naming Buckthorn Westex, LLC, the Company’s subsidiary that owns the Buckthorn Westex solar project, as the
defendant, alleging fraud by nondisclosure and breach of contract in connection with the project and the PPA, and seeking (i)
rescission and/or cancellation of the PPA, (ii) declaratory judgment that the alleged breaches constitute an event of default under
the PPA entitling Georgetown to terminate, and (iii) recovery of all damages, costs of court, and attorneys’ fees. On November
15, 2019, Buckthorn Westex filed an original answer and counterclaims (i) denying Georgetown’s claims, (ii) alleging Georgetown
has breached its contracts with Buckthorn Westex by failing to pay amounts due, and (iii) seeking relief in the form of (x) declaratory
judgment that Georgetown’s alleged failure to pay amounts due constitute breaches of and an event of default under the PPA and
that Buckthorn did not commit any events of default under the PPA, (y) recovery of costs, expenses, interest, and attorneys’ fees,
and (z) such other relief to which it is entitled at law or in equity. Buckthorn Westex believes the allegations of Georgetown are
meritless, and Buckthorn Westex is vigorously defending its rights under the PPA.
Note 17 — Leases
Adoption of Topic 842
The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), or Topic 842, on January 1, 2019 using the modified
retrospective transition method and therefore, prior period financial information has not been adjusted and continues to be reflected
in accordance with the Company’s historical accounting policy. Topic 842 requires the establishment of a lease liability and related
right-of-use, or ROU, asset for all leases with a term longer than 12 months. The Company elected certain of the permitted practical
expedients, including the expedient that permits the Company to retain its existing lease assessment and classification. The Company
also elected to account for lease and non-lease components for specific asset classes as a single lease component.
The adoption of the standard resulted in the recording of operating lease liabilities of $165 million and related ROU assets
of $159 million. There was no impact to the Company’s consolidated statement of operations or cash flows. The Company utilized
its incremental borrowing rate at adoption date, ranging from 4.04% - 4.67%, to determine the amount of the lease liabilities.
Accounting for Leases
The Company evaluates each arrangement at inception to determine if it contains a lease. All of the Company’s leases
are operating leases as of December 31, 2019.
Lessee
The Company records its operating lease liabilities at the present value at lease commencement date of the lease payments
over the lease term. Lease payments include fixed payment amounts, as well as variable rate payments based on an index initially
measured at lease commencement date. Variable payments, including payments based on future performance and based on index
changes, are recorded as the expense is incurred. The Company determines the relevant lease term by evaluating whether renewal
and termination options are reasonably certain to be exercised. The Company uses its incremental borrowing rate to calculate the
present value of the lease payments, based on information available at the lease commencement date.
The Company’s leases consist of land leases for numerous operating asset locations, real estate leases and equipment
leases. The terms and conditions for these leases vary by the type of underlying asset.
127
Lease expense for the year ended December 31, 2019 was comprised of the following:
(In millions)
Operating lease cost
Variable lease cost
Total lease cost
$
$
13
8
21
Lease expense under operating leases was $18 million and $17 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017,
respectively.
Operating lease information as of December 31, 2019 was as follows:
(In millions, except term and rate)
ROU Assets - operating leases, net
Short-term lease liability - operating leases (a)
Long-term lease liability - operating leases
Total lease liability
Cash paid for operating leases
Weighted average remaining lease term
Weighted average discount rate
$
$
$
223
7
227
234
15
25
4.4%
(a) Short-term lease liability balances are included within the accrued expenses and other current liabilities line item of the consolidated balance sheets as of
December 31, 2019.
Maturities of operating lease liabilities as of December 31, 2019 are as follows:
(In millions)
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Thereafter
Total lease payments
Less imputed interest
Total lease liability - operating leases
$
$
Maturities of operating lease liabilities as of December 31, 2018 under the ASC 840 were as follows:
(In millions)
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Thereafter
Total lease payments
$
128
16
16
16
15
16
303
382
(148)
234
13
13
13
13
12
207
271
Oahu Solar Lease Agreements
The Oahu Solar projects are party to various land lease agreements with a wholly owned subsidiary of CEG. the
projects are leasing the land for a period of 35 years, with the ability to renew the lease for two additional five year periods. the
Company has a lease liability of $21 million and corresponding right-of-use asset of $19 million related to the leases as of
December 31, 2019.
Lessor
The majority of the Company’s revenue is obtained through PPAs or other contractual agreements that are accounted for
as leases. These leases are comprised of both fixed payments and variable payments contingent upon volumes or performance
metrics. The terms of the leases are further described in Item 2 — Properties of this Form 10-K. Many of the leases have renewal
options at the end of the lease term. Termination may be allowed under specific circumstances in the lease arrangements, such as
under an event of default. All of the Company’s leases are operating leases. Certain of these leases have both lease and non-lease
components, and the Company allocates the transaction price to the components based on standalone selling prices. The following
amounts of energy and capacity revenue are related to the Company’s leases:
Period ended December 31, 2019
(In millions)
Energy revenue
Capacity revenue
Operating revenue
Period ended December 31, 2018
(In millions)
Energy revenue
Capacity revenue
Operating revenue
$
$
$
$
Conventional
Generation
Renewables
Thermal
Total
5
$
348
353
$
5
$
337
342
$
Conventional
Generation
509
$
—
509
$
2
$
—
2
$
Renewables
Thermal
Total
534
$
—
534
$
2
$
—
2
$
516
348
864
541
337
878
Minimum future rent payments for the remaining periods relate to the Conventional segment and were as follows as of
December 31, 2019:
(In millions)
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Thereafter
Total lease payments
439
444
450
259
106
1,605
3,303
$
Property, plant and equipment, net related to the Company’s operating leases were as follows as of December 31, 2019:
(In millions)
Property, plant and equipment
Accumulated depreciation
Net property, plant and equipment
$
$
6,942
(1,649)
5,293
129
Note 18 — Unaudited Quarterly Data
Below is summarized unaudited quarterly financial data for the periods ending December 31, 2019 and 2018.
December 31,
September 30,
June 30,
March 31,
Quarter Ended
2019
(In millions, except per share data)
Operating Revenues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
235
$
296
$
284
$
Operating Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net (Loss) Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6
(48)
Net (Loss) Attributable to Clearway Energy, Inc. . . . . . . . . . $
(6) $
Weighted average number of Class A common shares
outstanding — basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weighted average number of Class A common shares
outstanding — diluted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weighted average number of Class C common shares
outstanding — basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weighted average number of Class C common shares
outstanding — diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Loss) Earnings per Weighted Average Common Share
Basic and Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
35
35
75
75
90
35
39
35
35
73
75
87
(36)
$
(24) $
35
35
73
73
217
41
(47)
(20)
35
35
73
73
(0.06) $
(0.36) $
(0.22) $
(0.18)
December 31,
September 30,
June 30,
March 31,
Quarter Ended
2018
(In millions, except per share data)
Operating Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Operating Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net (Loss) Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Clearway Energy, Inc. . . $
Weighted average number of Class A common shares
outstanding — basic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weighted average number of Class A common shares
outstanding — diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weighted average number of Class C common shares
outstanding — basic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weighted average number of Class C common shares
outstanding — diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Loss) Earnings per Weighted Average Class A and Class
C Common Share - Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
(Loss) Earnings per Weighted Average Class A Common
Share - Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
(Loss) Earnings per Weighted Average Class C Common
Share - Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
229
54
(91)
(68)
35
35
73
73
(0.63)
(0.63)
(0.63)
$
$
$
$
$
292
100
49
21
35
35
69
69
0.20
0.20
0.20
$
$
$
$
$
307
144
96
79
35
49
67
78
0.77
0.61
0.70
$
$
$
$
$
225
49
—
16
35
35
65
65
0.16
0.16
0.16
130
Clearway Energy, Inc. (Parent)
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
Condensed Statements of Operations
Schedule I
(In millions)
Total operating costs and expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss on debt extinguishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total other expense, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Loss) Income Before Income Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax (benefit) expense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net (Loss) Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Pre-acquisition net income of Drop Down Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Clearway Energy, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Year ended December 31,
2019
2018
2017
$
2
(101)
—
(1)
(102)
(104)
(8)
(96)
—
(85)
(11) $
1
$
135
(7)
(11)
117
116
62
54
4
2
48
$
1
61
—
(12)
49
48
72
(24)
7
(15)
(16)
See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
131
Schedule I
December 31,
December 31,
2019
2018
(In millions)
$
$
3
2
44
—
—
215
2,182
44
57
2,173
—
92
2,314
$
2,498
44
—
1
—
6
51
—
220
5
—
44
5
274
—
1
1,936
(72)
(15)
413
2,263
2,314
$
1
1,897
(58)
(18)
402
2,224
2,498
Clearway Energy, Inc. (Parent)
Condensed Balance Sheets
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable — affiliates
Note receivable - Clearway Energy Operating LLC
Other Assets
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note receivable - Clearway Energy Operating LLC
Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts payable — affiliate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other Liabilities
Long-term debt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other non-current liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D common stock, $0.01 par value; 3,000,000,000
shares authorized (Class A 500,000,000, Class B 500,000,000, Class C 1,000,000,000, Class
D 1,000,000,000); 198,819,999 shares issued and outstanding (Class A 34,599,645, Class B
42,738,750, Class C 78,742,854, Class D 42,738,750) at December 31, 2019 and
193,251,396 shares issued and outstanding (Class A 34,586,250, Class B 42,738,750, Class
C 73,187,646, Class D 42,738,750) at December 31, 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additional paid-in capital. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated deficit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated other comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Noncontrolling interest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Stockholders' Equity
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
132
Clearway Energy, Inc. (Parent)
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
Schedule I
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Operating Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Investments in consolidated affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash received from notes receivable - affiliate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash Flows from Financing Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payments for long-term debt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash received from Clearway Energy LLC for the payment of dividends. . . .
Payment of dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
$
Years ended December 31,
2019
2018
2017
(In millions)
(5) $
3
$
(87)
215
128
(220)
100
87
(87)
(120)
3
—
3
$
(150)
359
209
(367)
153
130
(130)
(214)
(2)
2
— $
—
(33)
—
(33)
—
34
108
(108)
34
1
1
2
See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
133
Clearway Energy, Inc. (Parent)
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
Schedule I
Note 1 — Background and Basis of Presentation
Background
Clearway Energy, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries, or the Company, is a publicly-traded energy infrastructure
investor in and owner of modern, sustainable and long-term contracted assets across North America. On August 31, 2018, NRG
Energy, Inc., or NRG, transferred its full ownership interest in the Company to Clearway Energy Group LLC, or CEG, the holder
of NRG's renewable energy development and operations platform, and subsequently sold 100% of its interest in CEG to Global
Infrastructure Partners III, or GIP, referred to hereinafter as the NRG Transaction. As a result of the NRG Transaction, GIP
indirectly acquired a 45.2% economic interest in Clearway Energy LLC and a 55% voting interest in the Company. GIP is an
independent fund manager that invests in infrastructure assets in energy and transport sectors. The Company is sponsored by GIP
through GIP's portfolio company, Clearway Energy Group.
The Company’s environmentally-sound asset portfolio includes approximately 5,875 MW of wind, solar and natural gas-
fired power generation facilities, as well as district energy systems as of December 31, 2019. Through this diversified and contracted
portfolio, the Company endeavors to provide its investors with stable and growing dividend income. The weighted average
remaining contract duration of these offtake agreements was approximately 13 years as of December 31, 2019 based on CAFD.
The Company also owns thermal infrastructure assets with an aggregate steam and chilled water capacity of 1,530 net MWt and
electric generation capacity of 139 net MW. These thermal infrastructure assets provide steam, hot and/or chilled water, and, in
some instances, electricity to commercial businesses, universities, hospitals and governmental units in multiple locations,
principally through long-term contracts or pursuant to rates regulated by state utility commissions.
The Company consolidates the results of Clearway Energy LLC through its controlling interest, with CEG's interest shown
as noncontrolling interest in the financial statements. The holders of the Company's outstanding shares of Class A and Class C
common stock are entitled to dividends as declared. CEG receives its distributions from Clearway Energy LLC through its
ownership of Clearway Energy LLC Class B and Class D units.
As a result of the additional issuance of 5,405,405 Class C common shares on December 2, 2019, the Company currently
owns 57.01% of the economic interests of Clearway Energy LLC, with CEG retaining 42.99% of the economic interests of Clearway
Energy LLC.
Basis of Presentation
The condensed parent-only company financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Rule 12-04 of Regulation
S-X, as the restricted net assets of Clearway Energy, Inc.’s subsidiaries exceed 25% of the consolidated net assets of Clearway
Energy, Inc. The parent's 100% investment in its subsidiaries has been recorded using the equity basis of accounting in the
accompanying condensed parent-only financial statements. These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements and notes thereto of Clearway Energy, Inc.
On December 6, 2019, the Company acquired 100% of GIP's membership interests in CBAD Holdings, LLC, which indirectly
owns Carlsbad Energy Center LLC, a 527 megawatt natural gas fired power project located in Carlsbad, California, or the Carlsbad
Drop Down Asset. The assets transferred to the Company relate to interests under common control by GIP and were recorded at
book value in accordance with ASC 805-50, Business Combinations - Related Issues. The difference between the purchase price
and book value of the assets was recorded as a distribution to CEG and decreased the balance of its noncontrolling interest. The
acquisition was determined to be an asset acquisition and not a business combination, therefore no recast of the historical financial
information was deemed necessary. For further discussion, see Note 3, Acquisitions and Dispositions to the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
Note 2 — Long-Term Debt
For a discussion of Clearway Energy, Inc.’s financing arrangements, see Note 10, Long-term Debt, to the Company's
consolidated financial statements.
Note 3 — Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees
See Note 14, Income Taxes, and Note 16, Commitments and Contingencies, to the Company's consolidated financial statements
for a detailed discussion of Clearway Energy, Inc.’s commitments and contingencies.
134
Note 4 — Dividends
Cash distributions paid to Clearway Energy, Inc. by its subsidiary, Clearway Energy LLC, were $87 million, $130 million,
and $108 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.
135
SCHEDULE II. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017
Balance at
Beginning of
Period
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
Charged to
Other Accounts
Balance at
End of Period
(In millions)
Income tax valuation allowance, deducted from
deferred tax assets
Year Ended December 31, 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Year Ended December 31, 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Year Ended December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15
10
16
$
— $
— $
5
(6)
—
—
15
15
10
136
EXHIBIT INDEX
Number
2.1
Description
Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of May 5, 2014, by and
between NRG Gas Development Company, LLC and NRG Yield
Operating LLC.
Method of Filing
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to
the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
May 9, 2014.
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of May 5, 2014, by and
between NRG Solar PV LLC and NRG Yield Operating LLC.
Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of May 5, 2014, by and
between NRG Solar PV LLC and NRG Yield Operating LLC.
Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated June 3, 2014, by and among NRG
Yield, Inc., NRG Yield Operating LLC, Terra-Gen Finance Company,
LLC, NTD AWAM Holdings, LLC, CHIPS Alta Wind X Holding
Company, LLC and CHIPS Alta Wind XI Holding Company, LLC.
Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of November 4, 2014, by and
between NRG Wind LLC and NRG Yield Operating LLC.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to
the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
May 9, 2014.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.3 to
the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
May 9, 2014.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
June 9, 2014.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
November 7, 2014.
Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of November 4, 2014, by and
between NRG Arroyo Nogales LLC and NRG Yield Operating LLC.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
November 7, 2014.
2.7*^
Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of June 17, 2015, by and
between EFS Desert Sun, LLC and NRG Yield Operating LLC.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed
on August 4, 2015.
2.8
2.9
2.10*
2.11*
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.1
4.2
4.3
Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of September 17, 2015, by and
between NRG Energy Gas & Wind Holdings, Inc. and NRG Yield
Operating LLC.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
September 21, 2015.
Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of August 8, 2016, between
NRG Solar CVSR Holdings 2 LLC and NRG Yield Operating LLC.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to
the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed
on August 9, 2016.
Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of February 6, 2018, by and
between NRG Gas Development Company, LLC and NRG Yield
Operating LLC.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.10 to
the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed
on March 1, 2018.
Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of December 6, 2019, by and
between Clearway Energy Operating LLC and GIP III Zephyr Carlsbad
Holdings, LLC.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to
the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed
on December 9, 2019.
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of NRG Yield, Inc., dated as of
May 2, 2016.
Certificate of Amendment for the Restated Certificate of Incorporation
of Clearway Energy, Inc., dated August 31, 2018.
Fourth Amended and Restated Bylaws of Clearway Energy, Inc., dated
August 31, 2018.
Fourth Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement
of NRG Yield LLC, dated as of August 31, 2018, by and between NRG
Yield, Inc. and Zephyr Renewables LLC.
Indenture, dated February 11, 2014, among NRG Yield, Inc., NRG
Yield Operating LLC and NRG Yield LLC, as Guarantors, and
Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee, re: the Company’s
3.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2019.
Form of 3.50% Convertible Senior Note due 2019.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed
on May 5, 2016.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
September 5, 2018.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
September 5, 2018.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
September 5, 2018.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
February 11, 2014.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to
the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
February 11, 2014.
137
4.4
Indenture, dated August 5, 2014, among NRG Yield Operating LLC,
the guarantors named therein and Law Debenture Trust Company of
New York, as trustee.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
August 5, 2014.
4.5
Form of 5.375% Senior Note due 2024.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
August 5, 2014.
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
4.10
4.11
4.12
Registration Rights Agreement, dated August 5, 2014, among NRG
Yield Operating LLC, the guarantors named therein and Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as representative of the initial
purchasers.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
August 5, 2014.
Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 7, 2014, among NRG
Yield Operating LLC, the guarantors named therein and Law
Debenture Trust Company of New York.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
November 13, 2014.
Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 25, 2015, among NRG
Yield Operating LLC, the guarantors named therein and Law
Debenture Trust Company of New York.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
February 27, 2015.
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 10, 2015, among NRG
Yield Operating LLC, NRG Yield LLC, the other guarantors named
therein and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
April 16, 2015.
Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 8, 2015, among NRG
Yield Operating LLC, the guarantors named therein and Law
Debenture Trust Company of New York.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
May 8, 2015.
Indenture, dated June 29, 2015, among NRG Yield, Inc., NRG Yield
Operating LLC and NRG Yield LLC, as Guarantors, and Wilmington
Trust, National Association, as Trustee.
Form of 3.25% Convertible Senior Note due 2020.
4.13
Specimen Class A Common Stock Certificate.
4.14
Specimen Class C Common Stock Certificate.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
June 29, 2015.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
June 29, 2015.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.13 to
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed
on February 28, 2019.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed
on February 28, 2019.
4.15
Indenture, dated August 18, 2016, among NRG Yield Operating LLC,
the guarantors named therein and Law Debenture Trust Company of
New York.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed
on August 18, 2016.
4.16
Form of 5.000% Senior Note due 2026.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to
the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed
on August 18, 2016.
4.17
4.18
4.19
4.20
4.21
Registration Rights Agreement, dated August 18, 2016, among NRG
Yield Operating LLC, the guarantors named therein and J.P. Morgan
Securities LLC, as representative of the initial purchasers.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to
the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed
on August 18, 2016.
Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 29, 2018, among
NRG Yield Operating LLC, the guarantors named therein and
Delaware Trust Company (as successor in interest to Law Debenture
Trust Company of New York).
Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 29, 2018, among NRG
Yield Operating LLC, the guarantors named therein and the Delaware
Trust Company (as successor in interest to Law Debenture Trust
Company of New York).
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
Clearway Energy LLC's Current Report on Form 8-
K, filed on January 31, 2018.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to
Clearway Energy LLC's Current Report on Form 8-
K, filed on January 31, 2018.
Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 12, 2018, among NRG
Yield Operating LLC, the guarantors named therein and Delaware Trust
Company (as successor in interest to Law Debenture Trust Company of
New York).
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
June 12, 2018.
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 12, 2018, among
NRG Yield Operating LLC, the guarantors named therein and
Delaware Trust Company (as successor in interest to Law Debenture
Trust Company of New York).
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
June 12, 2018.
138
4.22
4.23
4.24
4.25
4.26
Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 17, 2018, among
NRG Yield Operating LLC, the guarantors named therein and
Delaware Trust Company (as successor in interest to Law Debenture
Trust Company of New York).
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed
on August 2, 2018.
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 17, 2018, among NRG
Yield Operating LLC, the guarantors named therein and Delaware Trust
Company (as successor in interest to Law Debenture Trust Company of
New York).
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed
on August 2, 2018.
Eighth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 30, 2018, among
NRG Yield Operating LLC, the guarantors named therein and
Delaware Trust Company (as successor in interest to Law Debenture
Trust Company of New York).
Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 30, 2018, among
NRG Yield Operating LLC, the guarantors named therein and
Delaware Trust Company (as successor in interest to Law Debenture
Trust Company of New York).
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
September 6, 2018.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
September 6, 2018.
Indenture, dated October 1, 2018, among Clearway Energy Operating
LLC, the guarantors named therein and Delaware Trust Company, as
trustee.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
October 2, 2018.
4.27
Form of 5.750% Senior Notes due 2025.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
October 2, 2018.
4.28
4.29
4.30
4.31
4.32
4.33
4.34
4.35
4.36
4.37
Registration Rights Agreement, dated October 1, 2018, among
Clearway Energy Operating LLC, the guarantors named therein and
RBC Capital Markets, LLC, as representative of the initial purchasers.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
October 2, 2018.
Ninth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 25, 2018, among
Clearway Energy Operating LLC, the guarantors named therein and
Delaware Trust Company (as successor in interest to Law Debenture
Trust Company of New York).
Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 25, 2018, among
Clearway Energy Operating LLC, the guarantors named therein and
Delaware Trust Company (as successor in interest to Law Debenture
Trust Company of New York).
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
October 31, 2018.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
October 31, 2018.
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 25, 2018, among
Clearway Energy Operating LLC, the guarantors named therein and
Delaware Trust Company.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
October 31, 2018.
Tenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 7, 2018, among
Clearway Energy Operating LLC, the guarantors named therein and
Delaware Trust Company (as successor in interest to Law Debenture
Trust Company of New York).
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
December 12, 2018.
Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 7, 2018, among
Clearway Energy Operating LLC, the guarantors named therein and
Delaware Trust Company (as successor in interest to Law Debenture
Trust Company of New York).
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
December 12, 2018.
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 7, 2018, among
Clearway Energy Operating LLC, the guarantors named therein and
Delaware Trust Company.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
December 12, 2018.
Eleventh Supplement Indenture, dated as of September 6, 2019, among
Clearway Energy Operating LLC, the guarantors named therein and
Delaware Trust Company (as successor in interest to Law Debenture
Trust Company of New York).
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
September 12, 2019.
Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 6, 2019,
among Clearway Energy Operating LLC, the guarantors named therein
and Delaware Trust Company (as successor in interest to Law
Debenture Trust Company of New York).
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
September 12, 2019.
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 6, 2019, among
Clearway Energy Operating LLC, the guarantors named therein and
Delaware Trust Company.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
September 12, 2019.
139
4.38
4.39
4.40
4.41
Twelfth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 21, 2019,
among Clearway Energy Operating LLC, the guarantors named therein
and Delaware Trust Company (as successor in interest to Law
Debenture Trust Company of New York).
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
November 22, 2019.
Eighth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 21, 2019, among
Clearway Energy Operating LLC, the guarantors named therein and
Delaware Trust Company (as successor in interest to Law Debenture
Trust Company of New York).
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
November 22, 2019.
Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 21, 2019, among
Clearway Energy Operating LLC, the guarantors named therein and
Delaware Trust Company.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
November 22, 2019.
Indenture, dated December 11, 2019, among Clearway Energy
Operating LLC, the guarantors named therein and Delaware Trust
Company, as trustee.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
December 12, 2019.
4.42
Form of 4.750% Senior Notes due 2028.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
December 12, 2019.
4.43
Description of Securities.
Filed herewith.
10.1
10.2
10.3.1
10.3.2
10.3.3
10.3.4
10.4
10.5
10.6
10.7
10.8
Master Services Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2018, by and
among NRG Yield, Inc., NRG Yield LLC, NRG Yield Operating LLC
and Zephyr Renewables LLC.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
September 5, 2018.
Master Services Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2018, by and
among Zephyr Renewables LLC, NRG Yield, Inc., NRG Yield LLC,
and NRG Yield Operating LLC.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
September 5, 2018.
Right of First Offer Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2018, by and
among NRG Yield, Inc., Zephyr Renewables LLC and solely for
purposes of Section 2.4, GIP III Zephyr Acquisition Partners, L.P.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
September 5, 2018.
First Amendment to Right of First Offer Agreement, dated February 14,
2019, by and between Clearway Energy Group LLC and Clearway
Energy, Inc.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
February 14, 2019.
Second Amendment to Right of First Offer Agreement, dated August 1,
2019, by and between Clearway Energy Group LLC and Clearway
Energy, Inc.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed
on August 6, 2019.
Third Amendment to Right of First Offer Agreement, dated as of
December 6, 2019, by and between Clearway Energy Group LLC,
Clearway Energy, Inc. and GIP III Zephyr Acquisition Partners, L.P.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
December 9, 2019.
Zephyr Voting and Governance Agreement, dated as of August 31,
2018, by and between NRG Yield, Inc. and Zephyr Renewables LLC.
Third Amended and Restated Right of First Offer Agreement, dated as
of August 31, 2018, by and between NRG Yield, Inc. and NRG Energy,
Inc.
Transition Services Agreement, dated August 31, 2018, by and between
NRG Yield, Inc. and NRG Energy, Inc.
Termination Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2018, by and among
NRG Yield, Inc., NRG Yield LLC, NRG Yield Operating LLC and
NRG Energy, Inc.
Loan Guarantee Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2011, by and
among High Plains Ranch II, LLC, as borrower, the U.S. Department
of Energy, as guarantor, and the U.S. Department of Energy, as loan
servicer.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
September 5, 2018.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
September 5, 2018.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
September 5, 2018.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
September 5, 2018.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to
the Company's Draft Registration Statement on
Form S-1, filed on February 13, 2013.
140
10.11.1
10.11.2
10.11.3
10.11.4
10.11.5
10.11.6
10.12.1
10.12.2
10.12.3
10.12.4
10.12.5
10.9†
Clearway Energy, Inc. Amended and Restated 2013 Equity Incentive
Plan.
10.10
Form of Indemnification Agreement.
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated April 25, 2014, by and
among NRG Yield Operating LLC, NRG Yield LLC, Royal Bank of
Canada, as Administrative Agent, the lenders party thereto, Royal Bank
of Canada, Goldman Sachs Bank USA and Bank of America, N.A., as
L/C Issuers and RBC Capital Markets as Sole Left Lead Arranger and
Sole Left Lead Book Runner.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed
on February 28, 2019.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed
on February 28, 2019.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
April 28, 2014.
First Amendment to Amended & Restated Credit Agreement, dated
June 26, 2015, by and among NRG Yield Operating LLC, NRG Yield
LLC, Royal Bank of Canada and the Lenders party thereto.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed
on August 4, 2015.
Second Amendment to Amended & Restated Credit Agreement, dated
February 6, 2018, by and among NRG Yield Operating LLC, NRG
Yield LLC, the guarantors party thereto, Royal Bank of Canada, as
Administrative Agent, and the lenders party thereto.
Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and
Administrative Agent Resignation and Appointment Agreement, dated
as of April 30, 2018, by and among NRG Yield Operating LLC, NRG
Yield LLC, the guarantors party thereto, Royal Bank of Canada, as
Resigning Administrative Agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as
Successor Administrative Agent, and the lenders party thereto.
Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated
as of November 30, 2018, by and among Clearway Energy Operating
LLC, Clearway Energy LLC, the guarantors party thereto, JPMorgan
Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders party
thereto.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
February 12, 2018.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed
on May 3, 2018.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
December 6, 2018.
Fifth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as
of December 20, 2019, by and among Clearway Energy Operating
LLC, Clearway Energy LLC, the guarantors party thereto, JPMorgan
Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders party
thereto.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
December 23, 2019.
Credit Agreement, dated as of August 23, 2011, among NRG West
Holdings LLC, ING Capital LLC, Union Bank, N.A., Mizuho
Corporate Bank, Ltd., RBS Securities Inc., Credit Agricole Corporate
and Investment Bank, and each of lenders and issuing banks thereto.*
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed
on August 7, 2014.
Amendment No. 1 to the Credit Agreement, dated October 7, 2011, by
and between NRG West Holdings LLC and Credit Agricole Corporate
and Investment Bank.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed
on August 7, 2014.
Amendment No. 2 to the Credit Agreement, dated February 29, 2012,
by and between NRG West Holdings LLC and Credit Agricole
Corporate and Investment Bank.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed
on August 7, 2014.
Amendment No. 3 to the Credit Agreement, dated as of January 27,
2014, by and between NRG West Holdings LLC and Credit Agricole
Corporate and Investment Bank.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed
on August 4, 2015.
Amendment No. 4 to the Credit Agreement and Amendment No. 1 to
the Collateral Agreement, dated as of May 16, 2014, by and between
NRG West Holdings LLC, El Segundo Energy Center LLC and Credit
Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed
on August 4, 2015.
10.12.6
Amendment No. 5 to the Credit Agreement, dated as of May 29, 2015,
by and between NRG West Holdings LLC and ING Capital LLC.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed
on August 4, 2015.
10.13.1
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated July 17, 2014, by and
among NRG Marsh Landing LLC, The Royal Bank of Scotland Plc,
Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas and the lenders party thereto.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed
on August 7, 2014.
141
10.13.2
First Amendment to the Credit Agreement and Collateral Agency and
Intercreditor Agreement, dated July 17, 2014, by and among NRG
Marsh Landing LLC, The Royal Bank of Scotland Plc, Deutsche Bank
Trust Company Americas and the lenders party thereto.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed
on August 7, 2014.
10.14^
10.15^
10.16^
10.17^
10.18^
10.19
Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of NRG
RPV Holdco 1 LLC, dated as of April 9, 2015.
Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of NRG
DGPV Holdco 1 LLC, dated as of May 8, 2015.
Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Limited Liability
Company Agreement of NRG RPV Holdco 1 LLC, dated as of March
1, 2016, by and between NRG Yield RPV Holding LLC and NRG
Residential Solar Solutions LLC.
Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Limited Liability
Company Agreement of NRG DGPV Holdco 1 LLC, dated as of March
1, 2016, by and among NRG Yield DGPV Holding LLC, NRG Renew
DG Holdings LLC and NRG Renew LLC.
Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of NRG
DGPV Holdco 2 LLC, dated as of March 1, 2016, by and among NRG
Yield DGPV Holding LLC, NRG Renew DG Holdings LLC, and NRG
Renew LLC.
Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Limited Liability
Company Agreement of NRG RPV Holdco 1 LLC, dated as of August
5, 2016, by and between NRG Yield RPV Holding LLC and NRG
Residential Solar Solutions LLC.
10.20†
Employment Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2016, between NRG
Yield, Inc. and Christopher S. Sotos.
10.21†
Amendment, dated January 1, 2018 to Employment Agreement
between NRG Yield, Inc. and Christopher Sotos.
10.22†
Form of Clearway Energy, Inc. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan Restricted
Stock Unit Agreement for Officers.
10.23†
Form of Clearway Energy, Inc. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan Restricted
Stock Unit Agreement for Non-officers.
10.24†
Form of Clearway Energy, Inc. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan Relative
Performance Stock Unit Agreement.
10.25†
Clearway Energy, Inc. Annual Incentive Plan.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed
on August 4, 2015.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed
on August 4, 2015.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed
on May 5, 2016.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed
on May 5, 2016.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed
on May 5, 2016.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed
on August 9, 2016.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K/A, filed
on August 9, 2016.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed
on March 1, 2018.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed
on February 28, 2019.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed
on February 28, 2019.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed
on February 28, 2019.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed
on February 28, 2019.
10.26†
Clearway Energy, Inc. Involuntary Severance Plan.
Filed herewith.
10.27†
Clearway Energy, Inc. Executive Change-in-Control and General
Severance Plan.
Filed herewith.
10.28†
Clearway Energy, Inc. Key Management Change-in-Control and
General Severance Plan.
Filed herewith.
10.29^
10.30
Consent and Indemnity Agreement, dated as of February 6, 2018, by
and among NRG Energy, Inc., NRG Repowering Holdings LLC, NRG
Yield, Inc., and GIP III Zephyr Acquisition Partners, L.P., and NRG
Yield Operating LLC (solely with respect to Sections E.5, E.6 and G.
12).
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on
March 1, 2018.
Assignment and Assumption Agreement, effective as of February 26,
2019, among Clearway Energy Operating LLC and GIP III Zephyr
Carlsbad Holdings, LLC.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed
on February 28, 2019.
142
10.31*+
10.32*+
10.33
10.34
21.1
23.1
24.1
Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of NRG
DGPV Holdco 3 LLC, dated September 26, 2017 by and amount NRG
Yield DGPV Holding LLC and NRG Renew DG Holdings LLC.
Filed herewith.
First Amendment to Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company
Agreement, dated as of December 26, 2018, by and among DGPV
Holding LLC (f/k/a NRG Yield DGPV Holding LLC), a Delaware
limited liability company, and Renew DG Holdings LLC (f/k/a NRG
Renew DG Holdings LLC), a Delaware limited liability company.
Filed herewith.
Amended and Restated Exchange Agreement, dated as of May 14,
2015, by and among NRG Energy, Inc., NRG Yield, Inc., and NRG
Yield LLC and, pursuant to a joinder thereto, dated as of August 31,
2018, Zephyr Renewables LLC.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
May 15, 2015.
Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of
May 14, 2015, by and between NRG Energy, Inc. and NRG Yield, Inc.
and, pursuant to a joinder thereto, dated as of August 31, 2018, Zephyr
Renewables LLC.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
May 15, 2015.
Subsidiaries of Clearway Energy, Inc.
Consent of KPMG LLP.
Power of Attorney
31.1
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) certification of Christopher S. Sotos.
31.2
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) certification of Chad Plotkin.
31.3
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) certification of Mary-Lee Stillwell.
32
Section 1350 Certification.
Inline XBRL Instance Document.
101 INS
101 SCH Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
101 CAL
101 DEF
101 LAB
101 PRE
104
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.
Cover Page Interactive Data File (the cover page interactive date file
does not appear in Exhibit 104 because its Inline XBRL tags are
embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
Filed herewith.
Filed herewith.
Included on the signature page of this Annual Report
on Form 10-K.
Filed herewith.
Filed herewith.
Filed herewith.
Furnished herewith.
Filed herewith.
Filed herewith.
Filed herewith.
Filed herewith.
Filed herewith.
Filed herewith.
†
*
^
+
Indicates exhibits that constitute compensatory plans or arrangements.
This filing excludes schedules pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K, which the registrant agrees to furnish supplementary to
the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request by the Commission.
Portions of this exhibit have been redacted and are subject to a confidential treatment request filed with the Secretary of the Securities
and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Information in this exhibit identified by the mark “[***]” is confidential and has been excluded pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iv) of
Regulation S-K because it (i) is not material and (ii) would likely cause competitive harm to the Registrant if disclosed.
143
Item 16 — Form 10-K Summary
None.
144
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this
report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
SIGNATURES
CLEARWAY ENERGY, INC.
(Registrant)
/s/ CHRISTOPHER S. SOTOS
Christopher S. Sotos
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date: March 2, 2020
145
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Christopher S. Sotos, Kevin P. Malcarney and Michael
A. Brown, each or any of them, such person's true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full power of substitution and
resubstitution for such person and in such person's name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
to this report on Form 10-K, and to file the same with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority
to do and perform each and every act and thing necessary or desirable to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents
and purposes as such person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them or his or
their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following
persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Date
March 2, 2020
March 2, 2020
March 2, 2020
/s/ CHRISTOPHER S. SOTOS
Christopher S. Sotos
/s/ CHAD PLOTKIN
Chad Plotkin
/s/ MARY-LEE STILLWELL
Mary-Lee Stillwell
/s/ JONATHAN BRAM
Jonathan Bram
/s/ NATHANIEL ANSCHUETZ
Nathaniel Anschuetz
/s/ BRIAN FORD
Brian Ford
/s/ BRUCE MACLENNAN
Bruce MacLennan
/s/ FERRELL MCCLEAN
Ferrell McClean
/s/ DANIEL B. MORE
Daniel B. More
/s/ E. STANLEY O'NEAL
E. Stanley O'Neal
/s/ SCOTT STANLEY
Scott Stanley
Chairman of the Board
March 2, 2020
March 2, 2020
March 2, 2020
March 2, 2020
March 2, 2020
March 2, 2020
March 2, 2020
March 2, 2020
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
146
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STOCKHOLDER INFORMATION
STOCK TRANSFER AGENT & REGISTRAR
Shareholder correspondence should be mailed to:
Computershare
PO Box 505000
Louisville KY 40233-5000
STOCKHOLDER INQUIRIES
Overnight correspondence should be mailed to:
Computershare
462 South 4th Street Suite 1600
Louisville KY 40202
1 (866) 214-2213
Email: shareholder@computershare.com
Online inquires: www.computershare.com/investor/contact
Website: www.computershare.com/investor
Send certificates for transfers & address changes to:
Computershare
PO Box 505000
Louisville KY 40233-5000
STOCK LISTING
Clearway Energy’s Class A and Class C common stock are listed on the
New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbols CWEN.A and CWEN respectively
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Clearway Energy’s Annual Report Form 10-K Proxy Statement
and other SEC Filings are available at www.clearwayenergy.com
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2019
FORM 10-K
Clearway Energy, Inc.
300 Carnegie Center
Suite 300
Princeton, NJ
08540-6213
clearwayenergy.com