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ERM Power Ltd
Annual Report 2011

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FY2011 Annual Report · ERM Power Ltd
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ERM Power Limited
Annual Report 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Vision Statement

ERM Power aspires to be the electricity supplier of  

choice to Australia’s large business customers. 

Contents

About ERM Power 

Chairman’s and Managing Director’s Report 

ERM Sales   

ERM Generation Assets 

ERM Generation and Operations 

ERM Gas 

Carbon Tax  

Environment 

People and Safety 

Community  

2

4

8

11

13

16

18

19

20

21

Directors’ Report 

Remuneration Report 

Corporate Governance Statement 

Auditor’s Independence Declaration 

Annual Financial Statements 

Directors’ Declaration 

Independent Auditor’s Report  

Share and Shareholder Information  

Glossary 

22

31

40

45

46

105

106

108

110

Corporate Directory 

Inside Back Cover

 
 
About ERM Power

ERM Power is an integrated energy company 

which operates electricity sales, generation  

and gas procurement businesses.

long-term off-take contracts, have long-term, limited-recourse 
project debt facilities in place and are expected to have 
a significant useful operating life after current off-take 
arrangements end.

Founded in 1980 as a specialist energy advisory firm, the 
Company grew through deregulation and privatisation to 
become one of Australia’s largest private energy sector 
companies before listing on the Australian Securities 
Exchange (ASX) on 10 December 2010.

ERM Power has four key business units – ERM Sales,  
ERM Generation Assets, ERM Generation Development  
and Operations, and ERM Gas.

ERM Power aspires to be the electricity supplier of choice to 
Australia’s large business customers through a differentiated 
service offering tailored to the specific needs of the customer. 

ERM Sales 

ERM Power’s electricity sales business, ERM Sales, was 
established in 2007. 

ERM Sales sells electricity to large business customers which 
typically spend more than $75,000 per annum on electricity 
and, on average, spend about $1.5 million per annum.

The business provides large corporate and industrial energy 
users with tailored energy solutions.

ERM Sales’ customers operate in a wide range of industries 
including manufacturing, mining, education, healthcare, 
infrastructure, retailing, government and consumer staples.

ERM Sales is one of the largest electricity providers (by load) 
to business customers in Queensland and has a growing 
business in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, 
Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia. 

ERM Generation Assets

The ERM Generation Assets business consists of ERM 
Power’s interests in low emission gas-fired peaking power 
stations at Oakey in Queensland and Neerabup in Western 
Australia. 

These power stations are strategically located close to 
energy resources and infrastructure in regions that are 
forecast to experience high growth in electricity demand.

ERM Power owns a 62.5% effective interest in the Oakey 
power station and a 50% interest in the Neerabup power 
station. The power stations are fully contracted through 

Oakey power station 

Oakey is a 332 MW two unit peaking power station with  
dual fuel capability (gas and distillate) that is located at 
Oakey, about 150 km west of Brisbane. 

ERM Power led the development of Oakey, which was 
commissioned in December 1999. 

Oakey has a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) 
with AGL that runs until the end of 2014 when the current 
project debt is scheduled to have been repaid. Most of the 
power station’s operation has been fuelled by natural gas 
supplied by AGL under an agreement that expires at the 
same time as the PPA. 

The off-take contract has been structured such that the plant 
is usually dispatched at times of peak electricity demand 
and high prices, such as on the hottest days of summer.

Neerabup power station

Neerabup is a 330 MW two unit peaking power station at 
Neerabup, about 40 km north of Perth and incorporates a  
30 km high-pressure gas pipeline and gas compressor 
station that provides a connection to the Dampier to Bunbury 
Natural Gas Pipeline and linepack storage of gas to allow for 
generation at peak price periods.

Neerabup was commissioned in October 2009 with a  
long-term, 20 year off-take contract with Synergy, a  
Western Australian State Government-owned corporation. 

The off-take contract is structured so that the plant is  
mostly dispatched in times of peak electricity demand  
and high prices.

ERM Generation Development and Operations

ERM Generation Development and Operations is responsible 
for delivering power generation solutions, from the initial 
concept stage through to development and operations. 

ERM Power has managed the development of six power 
stations with a capacity of 2,669 MW since 1999. 

2 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

During that time, the Company has raised almost $1 billion in 
limited-recourse project finance and brought into operation 
more than 290 km of high pressure gas pipelines, 18 km 
of high voltage power transmission lines, a major electrical 
sub-station and two gas compression plants.

In the six years to 30 June 2011, ERM Power led the 
development of five major gas-fired power stations in three 
states (Braemar 1 and 2 in Queensland, Uranquinty in 
New South Wales and Kwinana and Neerabup in Western 
Australia) and in two different electricity markets (National 
Electricity Market in the eastern states and the Wholesale 
Electricity Market in Western Australia). 

ERM Generation Development and Operations partners with 
industry-leading companies to implement its development 
strategy. The business provides services to partnerships 
where ERM Power is a partner, and also to third parties where 
ERM Power has divested its interest for strategic reasons.

The business is also responsible for the management and 
operation of electricity generation and gas pipelines for the 
Neerabup and Kwinana power stations. 

ERM Power has a land bank around key energy hubs in 
Australia’s high-growth regions and is targeting development 
of more than 4,500 MW of additional generation capacity 
and more than 1,300 km of gas pipelines. 

The business has development approval for 1,210 MW 
of generation in the proposed Braemar 3 and Wellington 
1 power station projects in Queensland and New South 
Wales, along with environmental approval for the 330 MW 
Three Springs Project in Western Australia. ERM Power is 
ready to commit to a development when it is required by the 
electricity sales market.

ERM Gas

ERM Gas was established in 2007 and focuses on procuring 
long-term gas supplies for future ERM Power projects through 
commercial gas supply contracts and exploration.

More than $3 billion of gas has been procured across all of 
ERM Power’s generation developments.

ERM Gas has joint venture equity interests in more than 
10,400 km2 of gas exploration acreage in Western 
Australia’s on-shore Perth Basin. It has evolved from a 
small, complementary and developing business into an 
emerging business with the potential to deliver profits in its 
own right over the next few years following two consecutive 
exploration successes.

The Red Gully-1 gas and condensate discovery in 
exploration permit EP 389 in the on-shore Perth Basin of 
Western Australia in March 2011 followed the success of the 
nearby Gingin West-1 well in the same permit in April 2010.

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

Neerabup power station

Chairman’s and Managing Director’s Report

Almost 12 months ago new investors were 

invited to join us, our fellow directors, senior 

management and other employees as 

shareholders of ERM Power Limited, a  

company with 30 years of operating history, 

Fortunately ERM Power is on track to exceed its prospectus 
forecasts and remains focused on value creation for 
shareholders. We are confident this value will be recognised 
in the market in time as the Company pursues its vision of 
being the electricity supplier of choice to Australia’s large 
business customers.

through an initial public offer (IPO) and listing  

FY2011 results

on the ASX.

Our new investors gained direct exposure to the forecast 
growth of the Australian electricity industry through ERM 
Power’s businesses spanning electricity sales, generation 
and gas procurement.

Over the past year, our management and employees have 
worked hard through turbulent times to achieve and exceed 
the goals and forecasts we set for ourselves.

Outlook

ERM Power is tracking well for FY2012 and increased its 
forecasts for FY2012 by 34% for EBITDAIF1 and 7% for 
Underlying NPAT2. 

The EBITDAIF1 forecast for FY2012 is $83.5 million, 
compared with the prospectus forecast of $62.4 million. 

Underlying NPAT2 for FY2012 is forecast to be $27 million, 
compared with the prospectus forecast of $25.2 million. 

Highlights since the start of FY2012 include:

•	 Upgraded FY2012 Revenue forecast;

•	 acquiring an additional 50% of the Oakey power  

station, which settled on 1 July 2011;

•	 starting the electricity supply contract with the 

Commonwealth Government in New South Wales  

and the Australian Capital Territory.

•	 signing a Gas Sale Agreement with Alcoa in  

Western Australia for gas supply from the EP 389 

•	

discoveries; and
receiving promising seismic results from the Charger 
and Garibaldi oil and gas prospects in Western Australia.

As major shareholders in the Company we understand 
if other shareholders have been disappointed with the 
share price, which has not tracked the strong operational 
improvement in the business since listing on the ASX.

We are pleased to report that ERM Power exceeded 
prospectus forecasts for revenue, EBITDAIF¹ and 
Underlying Net Profit After Tax (Underlying NPAT²)  
for the financial year ending 30 June 2011 (FY2011).

Revenue of $549.8 million, including other income and  
asset sales, was 15% higher than the prospectus forecast of  
$478.9 million and 32% higher than revenue of $418.4 million 
in FY2010.

EBITDAIF¹ of $46.4 million was 2% higher than the 
prospectus forecast of $45.7 million and 32% lower than 
EBITDAIF¹ of $68.7 million in FY2010, which included a  
profit of $36.4 million from an asset sale.

Underlying NPAT² was $6.3 million, 80% higher than the 
prospectus forecast of $3.5 million (FY2010: $10.3 million). 

Financial  
Highlights  
($ million)

Revenue

EBITDAIF1

Underlying NPAT2

Statutory NPAT

Underlying EPS³

Dividend per share

FY2011 
Actual 

FY2011 
Prospectus 

Forecast Change

549.8

478.9

46.4

6.3

16.2

4.5

3.5

45.7

3.5

26.5

2.2

3.5

15%

2%

80%

-39%

106%

-

These results were achieved despite extreme weather 
including floods and cyclones in Queensland and 
heatwaves in the southern states, which affected the 
Company’s electricity sales business, ERM Sales.

This strong result demonstrates the robustness of ERM 
Power’s business model and risk management and is a 
testimony to the skills and dedication of our people and  
the ongoing spirit and culture of the Company.

1  EBITDAIF – earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation, goodwill impairment and net fair value gains/losses on financial 
instruments designated at fair value through profit and loss and gains/losses on onerous contracts, and including profit of associate and 
non-controlling interests.

2  Underlying NPAT – excludes marked-to-market changes recognised on financial instruments and onerous contracts from NPAT and 
includes profit of associate and non-controlling interests.

3  Underlying EPS – calculation of underlying EPS is based on Underlying NPAT.

4 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

ERM Sales, which sells electricity to large commercial and 
industrial customers, achieved 70% growth in sales and 
138% growth in earnings compared with the previous year. 

ERM Sales has most of its forecast FY2012 electricity sales 
volumes covered by existing sales contracts and is forecast 
to achieve 56% growth in revenue to $759 million in the 
FY2012 financial year, which is well above the prospectus 
forecast. 

The ERM Sales business has also achieved significant 
geographic diversification with the percentage of sales 
from Queensland falling from 86% to 59% in 12 months.

ERM Power’s gas-fired power stations, Oakey in Queensland 
and Neerabup in Western Australia, performed reliably and 
above expectations, and exceeded prospectus earnings 
forecast by 10%. 

Operational performance and asset utilisation were also 
above expectations.

The generation operations business produced higher 
profits than forecast from services to the Braemar 2, 
Neerabup and Kwinana power stations, largely as a  
result of bonus payments.

The generation development business had a productive 
year, advancing future projects including Braemar 3 in 
Queensland, Wellington 1 in New South Wales and  
Three Springs in Western Australia, which will allow  
ERM Power to remain a leader in the Australian  
electricity development market.

The gas procurement business, ERM Gas, exceeded 
expectations with its second consecutive oil and gas 
discovery in Western Australia along with an increasing 
interest in prospective exploration acreage.

Other highlights included:

•	

 the signing of major Commonwealth and State 

Government electricity sales contracts in Queensland, 

New South Wales and Tasmania;

•	

the acquisition of a controlling interest in the 332 MW 

gas-fired Oakey power station (after year end); and

•	 securing additional strategic development sites  
in New South Wales and Western Australia.

A fully franked dividend of 3.5 cents per share was declared 
for the FY2011 period as proposed in the prospectus. 

revenue15% 
higher than 
forecast

70%

growth in  
electricity sales

power stations  
exceeded forecasts by  

10% 

25%  

geographical  
sales diversification

FY2012  
forecast revenue  
$853 million

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

5

Chairman’s and Managing Director’s Report continued...

Looking further ahead we expect to see significantly more 
demand-side response to higher electricity prices and 
potentially a significant electric vehicle presence.

ERM Power has evolved because of, and thrives on, a 
dynamic market.

We believe ERM Power is well positioned to anticipate, 
prepare for and respond to these changes as they arise.

People and community

ERM Power’s achievements also reflect its focus on 
all stakeholders, including customers, shareholders, 
employees, suppliers, governments and, importantly, 
members of the communities in which it operates. 

The Company maintained its life-time record of no 
permanent injuries over more than 30 years of business.

Community sponsorship activities included regional tours 
by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Camerata of 
St John’s Chamber Orchestra and Queensland Ballet 
performances in Toowoomba, and other community 
activities at Wellington in New South Wales.

ERM Power sponsors indigenous education through the 
Trevor St Baker and Richard Wilkes Indigenous Scholarship 
Foundation with the first two scholars successfully completing 
their five-year secondary education at Guildford Grammar 
School in Perth in 2010.

Finally, we would like to thank our staff, fellow directors, 
partners, customers and investors, and the communities in 
which we operate, who have all helped to make our first year 
as a publicly listed company, a positive and successful one.

Trevor St Baker 
Non-Executive Chairman

Philip St Baker 
Managing Director

IPO 

In December 2010, ERM Power brought to market a 
company that had grown organically over 30 years to 
become one of Australia’s largest private sector energy 
companies, with expansion opportunities that were beyond 
its capital limitations.

The purpose of the IPO was to raise funds for immediate 
growth and provide access to capital markets for additional 
growth. 

ERM Power’s existing shareholders did not sell any shares in 
the IPO and the funds raised were deployed in accordance 
with the prospectus.

The ability of ERM Power as a publicly-listed company to 
use its capital to take up a controlling interest in Oakey 
power station in July 2011 affirmed the benefits of the IPO. 

The increase in revenue and profit forecasts for FY2012 
represents a significant return to the new shareholders  
who showed faith by investing in the Company.

Industry overview

ERM Power operates in an energy industry which is 
experiencing an unprecedented level of change.

The Federal Government’s carbon policy is a significant 
‘x-factor’ which is hard to predict. However, ERM Power 
is favourably positioned with low-emission gas and gas 
generation assets.

Privatisation of government-owned electricity assets and 
businesses is expected to continue.

Mining and liquefied natural gas (LNG) industries are 
expected to drive significant electricity demand growth  
in Queensland and Western Australia.

An industry-wide reluctance to commit to new electricity 
generation leaves ERM Power well positioned with approved 
short lead-time projects ready to meet market shortfalls in 
electricity supply when they arise.

Subsidised intermittent and unscheduled wind and solar 
is another ‘x-factor’ that is hard to predict but ERM Power’s 
planned low-emission peaking gas projects are likely to be 
needed in any scenario.

Export LNG has driven large increases in gas prices on the 
west coast of Australia and this is expected to occur on the 
east coast as LNG trains come on line. These LNG driven 
gas price increases will affect Australia’s electricity markets 
going forward.

6 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1 7

ERM Sales employee with a customer

ERM Sales 

ERM Sales exceeded its prospectus forecasts 

for FY2011 as it continued to grow strongly in its 

fourth year of operation as an electricity retailer 

Volumes were 6% below the prospectus forecast of  
6,010 GWh because severe flooding in central Queensland 
in December 2010 and January 2011 affected customer 
loads, particularly in the mining and rail sectors.

focused on large commercial and industrial 

customers across Australia.

In the last financial year, ERM Sales entered the South 
Australian and Western Australian markets to complement 
its increasing presence in Queensland, New South Wales 
(NSW), the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Victoria and 
Tasmania. 

The new markets and existing markets represent excellent 
growth potential for ERM Sales. 

Growth was particularly strong in NSW and well above 
historical levels and expectations.

Key customers signed in the financial year were the 
Commonwealth of Australia, Tasmanian Government 
agencies, Westfield (Queensland), Myer, Woolworths 
(Queensland and Tasmania), Bunnings (Victoria), Hungry 
Jacks (Victoria), Regal Cream Products (Bulla Dairy Foods), 
Tassal Operations, Hellyer Mill Operations and Norton Gold 
Fields Limited (Paddington Operations). 

The four-year $300 million contract with the Commonwealth 
of Australia covers 82 departments and agencies, including 
the Department of Defence, at 406 sites in the ACT and a 
further 83 Department of Defence sites in NSW.

Outlook 

Despite its exceptional growth, the business has a relatively 
small share of its target market and offers strong growth 
potential as it taps a range of opportunities. 

Financial performance 

Revenue was $486.7 million in FY2011, which was 13% 
ahead of the prospectus forecast of $429.3 million and  
70% more than FY2010 of $286.7 million. 

Sales volumes were 5,646 gigawatt hours (GWh), which 
was 39% more than the previous year due to growth in 
customer numbers in all segments of the target market 
across Australia.

EBITDAIF1, which excludes the impact of unrealised 
marked-to-market changes to the values of financial 
instruments, increased by 138% to $22.5 million (FY2010: 
$9.5 million), which was 3% higher than the prospectus 
forecast of $21.9 million.

Revenue Growth

759

487

287

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

n
o

i
l
l
i

m
$

FY2010A

FY2011A

FY2012F

“  ERM Power has a thorough understanding of our business 

so they can provide the expert advice we need, allowing 

us to save money on our energy costs and valuable time 

when dealing with energy related matters for our day-to-

day business. 

  ERM Power provides QAL with excellent account 

management and customer service and we rely on them to 

offer us more than just a retail product. We trust ERM Power 

for their advice and their service.”

Peter Mouna, Principal Buyer Raw Materials and Energy, 

Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL) 

1  EBITDAIF – earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation, goodwill impairment and net fair value gains/losses on financial 
instruments designated at fair value through profit and loss and gains/losses on onerous contracts, and including profit of associate and 
non-controlling interests.

8 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

 
National growth 

ERM Sales continued to diversify its customer base by sector 
and geographically, further strengthening the business. 

ERM Sales has been working to diversify its retail customer 
portfolio in terms of both industry classification and 
geographic region (State). The charts below show the 
progress made in both of these areas over the last year.

In terms of industry, customers have been aggregated into 
four major industry classifications: 

•	 government, education and healthcare;

•	 heavy industry and manufacturing;

•	

retail, wholesale, tourism, property and primary 

industries (agriculture); and

•	 mining and major infrastructure (such as pipelines  

and airports).

The customer portfolio in July 2011 (compared to July 
2010) illustrates how the dependency on the mining and 
major infrastructure industry has been reduced relative 
to the other three industry classifications. The focus is on 
balancing industry representation as this provides improved 
load stability.

In terms of sales volume by State, 2011 represented an 
increased presence in the other states and hence a 
reducing reliance on Queensland. New South Wales as a 
percentage of the total sales portfolio has increased from 
4% to 17% and Victoria has increased from 6% to 8%. In 
addition, an increasing presence in South Australia and 
Western Australia will further reduce the concentration,  
and therefore the reliance on Queensland market.

Sales by Industry in July 2010 

Sales by Industry in July 2011 

52%

21%

15%

12%

    Government, 
Education  
and Healthcare

    Heavy Industry, 
Manufacturing

    Retail, Property, 
Tourism, Primary 
Industries

    Mining, Major 
infrastructure

24%

24%

35%

17%

    Government, 
Education  
and Healthcare

    Heavy Industry, 
Manufacturing

    Retail, Property, 
Tourism, Primary 
Industries

    Mining, Major 
infrastructure

Sales (GWh) by State in July 2010 

Sales (GWh) by State in July 2011

4%

6%

4%

    QLD

    NSW

    VIC

    TAS

86% 

2%

1%

59%

8%

13%

17%

    QLD

    NSW

    VIC

    TAS

    SA

    WA

FY2010: 4,065 GWh

FY2011: 5,646 GWh

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

9

10 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

ERM Sales employees

ERM Generation Assets

The ERM Generation Assets business, 

Oakey results

consisting of a 12.5% effective interest (62.5% 

from 1 July 2011) in the 332 MW Oakey power 

station in Queensland and a 50% interest in the 

330 MW Neerabup power station in Western 

Australia, performed reliably, safely and better 

than forecast in the prospectus. ERM Power sold 

its 30% interest in the 320 MW Kwinana power 

station in Western Australia in October 2010. 

Financial performance

Revenue2, based on the Group’s proportionate interests  
in the Neerabup and Kwinana power stations, was  
$47.1 million (FY2010: $83.7 million), which was higher than 
the prospectus forecast of $37.4 million because the interest 
in Kwinana was held for a month longer than expected and 
Neerabup was called to operate by the system operator 
more than forecast. 

EBITDAIF1 (including share of associates) was also higher 
at $28.9 million (FY2010: $36.4 million) compared with the 
forecast of $26.2 million.

The FY2011 results include a contribution from ERM Power’s 
30% interest in Kwinana until it was sold in October 2010. 
The previous year’s results included a contribution from the 
Company’s 25.05% interest in the Braemar 2 power station 
in Queensland, which has been sold. 

The Group has maintained its interest in Neerabup and 
increased its interest in Oakey. These power stations are 
high-quality, low-risk generation assets that deliver solid 
and predictable returns while steadily appreciating in value 
and positioning ERM Power for future strategic value-
adding opportunities through expansion, recontracting, 
redevelopment and optimisation. 

Revenue, based on ERM Power’s 12.5% interest in  
FY2011, was $4.3 million (FY2010: $4.1 million), which  
was higher than the prospectus forecast of $4.0 million  
for the same period. 

The proportionate share of EBITDAIF1 of $3.1 million  
(FY2010: $3.1 million) was below the forecast of $3.3 million.

ERM Power’s share of Oakey’s NPAT was $1.4 million 
(FY2010: $1.3 million), which was also lower than the  
forecast of $1.6 million. 

Distributions to ERM Power were $0.6 million (FY2010:  
$0.5 million), which were above the forecast of $0.5 million. 

The power station’s record of no lost time injuries over its  
11 year life was maintained in the last year.

Oakey acquisition

On 1 July 2011 ERM Power lifted its effective interest in 
the Oakey power station to 62.5% when it acquired a 50% 
interest from Redbank Energy Ltd (formerly Alinta Energy Ltd) 
for $61.7 million.

The acquisition of the additional 50% interest was  
consistent with ERM Power’s strategy of building a  
portfolio of high-quality, low-emission power generation 
assets in high-growth regions. 

The purchase price was less than 50% of the estimated 
replacement cost and the asset is in near-new condition 
because it is a peaking power station that has operated  
less than 5% of the time over its 11 years of operation.

In addition to these benefits, ERM Power has the skills, 
experience and complementary businesses to exploit 
substantial potential upside from this asset.

1  EBITDAIF – earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation, goodwill impairment and net fair value gains/losses on financial 
instruments designated at fair value through profit and loss and gains/losses on onerous contracts, and including profit of associate and 
non-controlling interests.

2 Revenue does not include Oakey power station, which was equity accounted in FY2011.

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

11

ERM Generation Assets continued...

Neerabup power station at sunset

Neerabup results 

Revenue in FY2011 was $26.3 million (FY2010: $13.6 million), 
based on ERM Power’s 50% interest, compared with the 
prospectus forecast of $24.0 million. Neerabup’s results in 
FY2010 were for a part year only as the power station was 
commissioned in October 2009.

The Company’s share of EBITDAIF1 of $21.8 million (FY2010: 
$11.6 million) was higher than the forecast of $20.5 million 
because the station was called to operate by the system 
operator more than forecast. 

Net cash flow after project debt service was $3.3 million 
(FY2010: $1.7 million), compared with $2.8 million in the 
prospectus.

Neerabup power station performed reliably and safely with 
no lost time injuries. 

Given its highly contracted nature, the business produces 
predictable revenues and cashflows. 

Braemar 2 divestment 

On 30 September 2010, ERM Power exercised a put  
option to sell its remaining 25.05% interest in the 519 MW 
Braemar 2 power station in Queensland to Arrow Energy  
for $66.1 million.

ERM Power led the development of Braemar 2, an open  
cycle gas peaking power station and a 110 km high-pressure 
gas pipeline about 30 km west of Dalby which began 
commercial operations in July 2009. 

The sale of the 25.05% interest was completed on 30 June 
2011 when Arrow Energy took over operations of the power 
station following the sale of a 24.95% interest to Arrow 
Energy in September 2009 for $45 million. The total profit of 
$36.4 million on the sale of the combined 50% interest was 
recognised in FY2010. 

Kwinana divestment

ERM Power sold its 30% interest in the 320 MW Kwinana 
power station to ANZ Specialist Asset Management Limited 
for a $4.7 million profit in October 2010. 

ERM Power led the development of Kwinana, a combined 
cycle gas turbine power plant which is located about 30 km 
south of Perth in the Kwinana Industrial Estate. It was 
commissioned in October 2008. 

The consideration was $39.9 million in gross terms, before 
the redemption of the notes used to fund the initial equity 
investment. 

The Company continues to operate the Kwinana power 
station on behalf of its new owners.

1 EBITDAIF – earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation, goodwill impairment and net fair value gains/losses on financial 
instruments designated at fair value through profit and loss and gains/losses on onerous contracts, and including profit of associate and 
non-controlling interests.

12 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

ERM Generation Development  
and Operations

Overview

As the dominant form of new generation in Australia over 
the last decade, gas-fired electricity has proven itself as the 
most affordable, low-emission power solution in Australia.

ERM Generation and Operations is at the forefront of gas-fired 
electricity development, having built more than one quarter of 
Australia’s scheduled new power projects since 2005. 

ERM Power’s strategic thinking and wealth of industry 
knowledge allows it to identify, design, build and operate 
low-emission power stations in locations with great potential. 
A key competitive advantage is a bank of land assets at 
key energy hubs in high-growth regions, close to gas and 
infrastructure. 

ERM Power is targeting the development of more than  
4,500 MW of additional generation capacity and more  
than 1,300 km of gas pipelines. 

In the past year, the Wellington 1 power project in New 
South Wales received approval for a modification of its 
original development approval and the development 
application for the Braemar 4 project in Queensland  
was submitted. 

The business has developed an effective community 
engagement process for ensuring people living around  
ERM Power projects are fully informed of the process that 
goes into developing gas-fired power stations and the 
benefits for the economy and the environment. 

Projects

Critical to ERM Generation and Operations’ development 
strategy is long-term electricity supply and demand planning. 
The business identifies deficiencies in the electricity supply-
demand mix, new generation requirements and optimal plant 
types to fulfil these needs. 

Power generation opportunities are identified up to 10 years 
into the future, positioning the business to deliver generation 
projects to meet growth in electricity demand.

Three Springs

ERM Generation and Operations secured an option over a 
strategic land parcel at Three Springs in Western Australia 
in September 2010. This land has space for two generation 
sites which will be ideally positioned next to Western Power’s 
future 330kV substation. 

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

13

Kwinana power station employee

ERM Generation and Operations continued...

This substation will be a major distribution point for electricity 
to the region’s growing mining community, and ERM Power’s 
site will be at the epicentre of the transmission network. 

ERM Generation and Operations has been communicating 
with local land owners, indigenous groups and regional 
councils, ensuring full disclosure and transparency of 
development plans. The development has received a 
positive reception from the local community with local 
councils providing support. 

ERM Power received environmental approval for the project 
from the Western Australian Government in September 2011.

ERM Power is the lead developer, project manager, 
construction manager and financial arranger for Three 
Springs and owns 100% of the project. The Company  
plans to retain at least 50% after introducing an equity 
partner prior to financial close and expects to be the  
power station’s operator.

Wellington 1

Wellington 1 is a proposed open-cycle gas-fired power 
station of up to 660 MW capacity combined with an 
integrated high-pressure gas pipeline. The proposed power 
station is strategically located with access to conventional  
gas and emerging gas reserves and is close to the largest 
load growth region in New South Wales. 

In September 2010 the New South Wales Government 
approved a modification of the original development 
approval to enable Wellington 1 to be developed as a 
peaking or intermediate power station.

In March 2011 the New South Wales Planning Assessment 
Commission granted environmental approval for the 203 km 
Young to Wellington pipeline which will transport gas to the 
power station.

ERM Generation and Operations has undertaken extensive 
community engagement to ensure land owners and 
members of the community are aware and informed  
about ERM Power’s proposals to reinvigorate the region. 

ERM Power is the lead developer, project manager, 
construction manager and financial arranger for  
Wellington 1 and owns 100% of the project. The Company 
plans to retain at least 50% after introducing an equity 
partner prior to financial close and expects to be the 
operator of the power station.

Demand for new generation has softened in New South 
Wales and, in response, ERM Power has reforecast the 
financial close of Wellington 1 to the 2014 calendar year 
from FY2013 previously, with commissioning expected to 
occur in the 2016 calendar year.

Braemar 3 

The Braemar 3 power station development is a proposed 
open-cycle gas-fired power station of up to 550 MW 
capacity at ERM Power’s Braemar land hub in Queensland. 

ERM Power has executed an engineering procurement  
and construction contract with a Siemens-John Holland  
joint venture and a long-term maintenance agreement  
with Siemens. 

In addition, ERM Power has executed a connection and 
access agreement with PowerLink Queensland’s Braemar 
sub-station located adjacent to ERM Power’s land holdings, 
which will provide a high degree of transmission security, 
being on the main interconnector between Queensland and 
New South Wales.

ERM Power is the lead developer, project manager, 
construction manager and financial arranger for  
Braemar 3 and owns 100% of the project. The Company 
plans to retain at least 50% after introducing an equity 
partner prior to financial close and expects to be the 
operator of the power station.

ERM Power has also reforecast the financial close of 
Braemar 3 from FY2012 to FY2013 because of softer 
demand for new generation in Queensland, with 
commissioning expected to occur in FY2015. 

Braemar 4

ERM Generation and Operations also acquired additional 
land near the Braemar power stations and submitted a 
development application for a 500 MW power station on  
the site. 

Wollar

ERM Generation and Operations secured an option over a 
strategic 2000-acre parcel of land at Wollar in New South 
Wales in November 2010. 

This site will provide future base load power when coal-fired 
power stations across the National Electricity Market (NEM) 
retire and electricity supply falls short of demand. 

The Wollar site is near the 500,000 volt (500kV) transmission 
system.

14 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

Kwinana power station employee

Operating performance

Financial performance

ERM Generation and Operations has service agreements 
with the Neerabup and Kwinana power stations in Western 
Australia for the comprehensive management of those 
respective businesses and had a service agreement with 
Braemar 2 until 30 June 2011.

ERM Generation and Operations generated revenue before 
asset sales of $8.7 million in FY2011 which was higher 
than the prospectus forecast of $3.4 million because of an 
operator bonus from Kwinana and additional operating fees 
from the Braemar 2 power station.

Management services to Braemar 2 concluded with the sale 
of the remaining ERM Power interest in this power station.

All power stations performed reliably and safely with no lost 
time injuries.

As forecast, no development fees were received in FY2011.

EBITDAIF1 was $0.1 million, compared with the prospectus 
forecast of a $1.7 million loss.

Asset sales generated a gain of $4.7 million (FY2010:  
$36.4 million), which differs from the prospectus forecast  
of $6.6 million because of a balance sheet tax credit  
related to the Kwinana power station sale which is  
included in tax expense.

1 EBITDAIF – earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation, goodwill impairment and net fair value gains/losses on financial 
instruments designated at fair value through profit and loss and gains/losses on onerous contracts, and including profit of associate and 
non-controlling interests.

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

15

ERM Gas

The evolution of ERM Gas from a small, 

complementary and developing business  

into an emerging business with the potential  

to deliver profits in its own right continued with  

a second exploration success. 

The Red Gully-1 gas and condensate discovery in 
exploration permit EP 389 in the onshore Perth Basin of 
Western Australia in March 2011 followed the success of the 
nearby Gingin West-1 well in the same permit in April 2010. 

The discoveries reinforced ERM Power’s decision to expand 
across the electricity supply chain by creating a separate 
gas business to procure long-term gas supplies for future 
generation projects in 2007. 

ERM Gas owns 21.25% of EP 389, which covers 1,500 km2, 
and has various interests in approximately another 8,900 km2 
of exploration acreage in the on-shore Perth Basin. The 
acreage is ideally positioned near markets, transmission 
pipelines, power stations, compression stations and 
linepack facilities. 

The ERM Gas strategy is to increase the value of its acreage 
through technical analysis, exploration, commercialisation 
and farm-out activities. 

Financial performance

ERM Gas spent $4.9 million on exploration in FY2011 
compared with the forecast for capital expenditure of  
$5.4 million.

Red Gully-1 well

The success of the ERM Gas strategy was demonstrated 
in March 2011 when the Red Gully-1 well recorded the 
largest gas and condensate flow from a Jurassic reservoir 
in onshore Western Australia. ERM Gas actively contributed 
to the technical assessment of the prospects in co-operation 
with the operator of EP 389, Empire Oil Company (WA) 
Limited (Empire), using ERM Gas staff’s deep upstream 
petroleum expertise across a wide range of Australia’s 
petroleum provinces in reservoir engineering, geophysics, 
engineering and production. 

The production test of the ‘D’ Sand Cattamarra Formation 
achieved a gas flow rate of 11.748 million cubic feet per day 
(mmcfd) on a 38/64 inch choke with associated condensate 
production of 888 barrels per day (bbl/d). 

The Red Gully-1 discovery followed the successful Gingin 
West-1 well completed in an adjacent structure in April 2010. 

Gingin West-1 delivered a maximum gas flow rate of  
8.04 mmcfd on a 40/64 inch choke during clean up  
with a peak condensate rate of 376 bbl/d recorded in  
an extended test. 

The Red Gully-1 discovery significantly enhanced the 
prospects of the combined development of both fields. 
Empire has estimated the combined fields could contain 
20 billion to 30 billion cubic feet of recoverable gas plus 
associated condensate. 

The wells are ideally located, about 80 km north of Perth, 
less than 3 km from the Dampier to Bunbury and Parmelia 
gas pipelines, and about 45 km north of the Neerabup 
power station. 

The joint venture parties are advancing the development 
of gas and condensate production facilities through 
engineering design work and sub-surface reservoir 
modelling. 

On 4 October 2011, Empire and the EP 389 Joint Venture 
announced they had negotiated an agreement with  
Alcoa of Australia Limited for the supply of gas from  
the Red Gully and Gingin West fields. 

The proposed production facility for Gingin West and Red 
Gully is also well located for condensate sales, being only 
two hours by road tanker from the BP Kwinana Refinery.

EP 454

In April 2011, about 90 line km of 2D seismic over the large 
Garibaldi gas prospect in exploration permit EP 454 was 
acquired and processed. Interpretation and mapping is now 
being progressed with a view to identifying drilling targets. 

ERM Gas has a 50% interest in the permit, which is 
operated by the other 50% joint venture partner, Empire. 
ERM Gas lifted its interest in the permit from an initial 12.5% 
by funding the seismic approval process and program. 

The prospect has a large gas trap potential. The Garibaldi 
prospect is delineated as being 12 square kilometres. The 
top Permian reservoir objectives have been estimated at 
2,000 metres. 

The permit is about 220 km north of Perth, 40 km from the 
Dampier to Bunbury and Parmelia gas pipelines, and  
50 km south of the Three Springs development site.

16 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

2D seismic interpretation and mapping Garibaldi gas prospect

Other acreage

Eastern Star Gas MOU

ERM Gas continues to review other opportunities in existing 
acreage in Western Australia and new acreage in Western 
Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. 

Negotiations continued with Eastern Star Gas over a gas 
supply agreement for the proposed Wellington power station 
development in New South Wales. 

An extension of the ERM Gas strategy to the east coast is 
a mid-term focus. ERM Gas plans to build an expanded 
portfolio of gas interests and to de-risk those interests through 
the application of rigorous technical and geological work. 

In 2010, ERM Power signed a non-binding memorandum 
of understanding with Eastern Star Gas, operator of the 
Narrabri Coal Seam Gas Project in New South Wales, for the 
supply of 20 petajoules (PJ) of gas per year over 20 years. 

ERM Power’s generation development business is expected 
to benefit from the ERM Gas business as a result of more 
informed site identification and improved fuel supply 
negotiations.

Shale gas 

Some of the ERM Gas exploration permits are prospective  
for shale gas, a fuel which is the focus of increasing global 
interest because of recent discoveries, acquisitions and 
other corporate activity. 

This activity has increased the attractiveness and potential 
value of the onshore Perth Basin.

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

17

Carbon Tax

On 10 June 2011 the Australian Government 

released its climate change plan, Securing a 

Clean Energy Future, under which around 500  

However, these costs will be potentially offset by pass-
through of direct and indirect carbon and credit costs,  
and higher revenue from an increase in electricity pool  
and financial product prices.

of the highest carbon emitters in Australia will 

need to buy and surrender a permit for every 

tonne of carbon emitted to the Government.  

The carbon price will be fixed for the first three years, 
starting at $23 per tonne on 1 July 2012, and escalating 
at the consumer price index (CPI) rate plus 2.5% for the 
following two years.

After 1 July 2015, the price will be set by the market under 
an emissions trading scheme (ETS). 

A price floor ($15 per tonne) and price ceiling ($20 per tonne 
above the expected international price at 1 July 2015) will 
apply in the first three years of the ETS. The price floor will 
escalate at CPI + 4% and the price ceiling will escalate at 
CPI + 5%.

Preliminary analysis has been undertaken on the likely 
impact of the Government’s proposals on the current  
ERM Power business. This analysis and the resulting 
conclusions are based on a fairly broad set of assumptions 
and are therefore subject to further detailed assessment.

In general, gas generation is considered a beneficiary of 
any carbon pricing scheme as it has a lower emissions 
intensity than both coal and the electricity ‘pool’ average. 

Gas generation incremental costs (for carbon permits) 
are therefore expected to be less than incremental 
revenues (higher pool and contract revenues), resulting in 
higher operating margins and increased demand for gas 
generation capacity and energy.

The major impacts on ERM Power will be through the direct 
cost of carbon permits, the indirect cost of permits through 
higher input costs such as gas, and higher prudential, credit 
and working capital costs.

ERM Sales contracts are structured to pass on the cost  
of carbon policies. 

The Oakey power station in Queensland and the Neerabup 
power station in Western Australia are likely to be modest 
beneficiaries of the tax given they are low emission gas- 
fired power stations. 

The carbon package is considered to be marginally 
beneficial to the Braemar 3 and Wellington 1 projects but it 
is not expected to materially impact on the supply-demand 
balance in the short to medium term. It is not expected to 
have a material impact on ERM Power’s gas exploration or 
construction businesses.

Future opportunities 

The potential closure of 2,000 MW of brown coal plants in 
Victoria and South Australia by 2020 would create additional 
new development opportunities. 

Replacement plants are expected to be a mix of closed 
cycle gas turbine (CCGT) and open cycle gas turbine.

The combination of a carbon price and higher black coal 
prices could accelerate the retirement of some New South 
Wales and Queensland coal plants and create opportunities 
for replacement CCGT plant.

The full benefit of a carbon price will flow directly through 
to renewables projects, although a price of $23 per tonne 
is unlikely to have a substantial impact on the commercial 
viability of these technologies.

The proposal also includes funding assistance for energy 
consumers to reduce their energy consumption (through 
activities such as co-generation), which may prove 
beneficial to ERM Power’s demand-side response capability.

18 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

Environment

ERM Power is proud to be a leader in  

producing cleaner electricity for Australia  

and strives to perform in a safe and 

environmentally responsible manner which  

is consistent with its core values of people, 

planet and performance.

The Company develops power stations fuelled by  
natural gas, which is a cleaner fossil fuel than oil  
or coal.

Gas produces about half of the greenhouse gas  
emissions of coal when burned and, unlike most  
renewable energy options, can be available 24 hours  
a day to generate electricity when required. 

Low emissions

ERM Power has estimated that the power stations it has 
developed will produce about 100 million fewer tonnes 
of greenhouse gas than their coal counterparts over their 
working lives. 

ERM Power developed the Neerabup power station in 
Western Australia, which began commercial operations  
in October 2009. 

Neerabup is an open cycle power station which boasts 
significantly lower CO2 emissions per MWh of power 
than the average in Western Australia, as the table below 
demonstrates. 

State average CO2 production rate

Neerabup CO2 production rate

0.82t/MWh

0.61t/MWh

Neerabup emitted about 20,000 tonnes less CO2 last year 
than an equivalent coal-fired power station would have 
emitted to produce the same amount of energy.  

ERM Power has a Health, Safety, Environment and 
Sustainability Committee that assists it to operate safely, 
responsibly and sustainably and is committed to playing  
a major role in reducing Australia’s carbon footprint.

Water efficiency

Power stations developed by ERM Power are cooled by  
air or sea water and use little domestic fresh water for 
cooling. This is in contrast to many of Australia’s coal-fired 
power stations, which use significant amounts of fresh  
water for cooling.

ERM Power has estimated the power stations it has 
developed will use approximately 9 billion litres less water 
over their working lives than the average of the Australian 
electricity generation sector. 

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

19

Native flora (Oakey Power Station in background)

People and Safety

ERM Power has an un-compromising  

ERM Power safety initiatives

approach to safety. 

•	 Hazard and near-miss reporting to help identify risks.

Employees identify risks and take action to prevent loss or 
harm to people, communities and environment. 

The Company has a life time record of no permanent injuries 
covering more than 30 years of business, more than five 
million exposure hours and the construction of six major gas-
fired power stations and three high pressure gas pipelines. 

The Company’s safety record is a testament to the 
effectiveness of its hazard reporting systems, positive safety 
culture and management commitment to safety. Managers 
promote a safe culture by encouraging open incident 
reporting and discussion of safety issues and hazards in 
leadership meetings. 

Senior managers regularly visit work sites and participate in 
condition inspections and planned job observations, further 
demonstrating the Company’s commitment to safe work. 

•	 Active investigation of hazards.

•	 Safety training across the business.

•	 Staff rewarded for showing safety initiative.

•	 Dedicated on-site safety officers for projects.

•	 Mandatory on-site alcohol testing.
•	 Monitoring of industry incident reports.

Results

•	 73 improvement actions implemented across  

three sites.

•	 More than 4,000 alcohol tests conducted.

•	 336 staff safety briefings.

•	 Zero lost-time injuries.

Neerabup power station employee

Kwinana power station employees

Case study

ERM Power’s commitment to safety is demonstrated by 

Anyone who tests positive is re-tested shortly after the first 

its practice of alcohol testing all people entering its 

test and if the second test is positive, they are escorted 

industrial sites every day to ensure they are fit for work. 

from the site and cannot return for 24 hours. If they return 

This applies to the Neerabup and Kwinana power 

a positive test within three months, they are refused entry 

stations and the Neerabup compressor facility and 

until ERM Power is satisfied they are fit for work.

pipeline right-of-way. This screening regime covers 

everyone including employees, contractors and visitors. 

20 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

Community

ERM Power is committed to playing a part in 

building strong and vibrant communities in the 

regions where it operates. 

The Company’s partnership and community sponsorship 
programs are aimed at forming active and mutually 
beneficial relationships, not merely through financial 
support, but also through contributing and transferring  
skills, expertise and knowledge.

In the past 12 months, ERM Power has supported gifted 
students in Toowoomba by sponsoring academic events 
such as the Opti-MINDS Challenge, a creative problem-
solving competition among students. 

In allocating sponsorship funding, ERM strives to achieve 

a balance among projects that complement its corporate 

values of people, performance and planet.

It has also assisted the Surat Basin Work Placement Program 
in south east Queensland by offering work experience 
opportunities to young Australians starting out in the gas, 
mining and energy sectors. 

ERM Power is dedicated to giving everyone the opportunity 
to experience the arts and continues to work with partners 
to bring music to the people of Queensland. 

It brought the Queensland Symphony Orchestra to  
students of the Darling Downs in March and sponsored  
the Queensland Ballet to perform at the Empire Theatre  
in Toowoomba in June. 

A highlight of the year was sponsorship of the Queensland 
Music Festival’s Opera at Jimbour, and Paul Kelly and Randy 
Newman performances, which saw 14,000 people gather in 
Brisbane and Jimbour to enjoy unforgettable shows. 

ERM Power is also heavily invested in the Wellington region  
and often undertakes local sponsorships. The Company 
was a major supporter of the Wellington Golf Club Pro 
Am Championships in 2011, sponsored the Wellington 
Eisteddfod and was heavily involved in Wellington Council’s 
‘Building Our Future Together’ community initiative. 

Trevor St Baker and Richard Wilkes Indigenous 
Scholarship Foundation

ERM Power sponsors indigenous education through the 
Trevor St Baker and Richard Wilkes Indigenous Scholarship 
Foundation, which was established by ERM Power Chairman 
Trevor St Baker and the senior Elder of the Nyoongar people 
of southern Western Australia, Richard Wilkes.

The Foundation provides secondary and tertiary educational 
support for indigenous students in communities near ERM 
Power’s projects in Western Australia, as well as offering 
them ongoing career support to enhance their futures. 

The recipients of the first scholarships, Gerald Ugle 
and Corey McGuire, graduated from secondary college 
Guildford Grammar School in Perth in 2010 and were each 
awarded $10,000 for their ongoing career development.

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

21

Centre (from left): Richard Wilkes, Corey McGuire, Gerald Ugle, Trevor St Baker and his wife Judith

Directors’ Report 
for the year ended 30 June 2011

In accordance with the Corporations Act 

2001, the directors of ERM Power Limited 

(“Company”) report on the Company and 

the consolidated entity ERM Power Group 

(“Group”), being the Company and its controlled 

entities for the year ended 30 June 2011.

1.  PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES

The principal activities of the Group during the financial  
year were:

•	

•	

•	
•	

its electricity sales;

 electricity generation development;

 generation asset ownership and operation; and
 gas exploration and development.

2.  OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE YEAR

2.1. Revenue

Total revenue in FY2011 was $550 million, which was 15% 
above the prospectus forecast of $479 million and 32% 
above FY2010. Additional revenue was earned from holding 
the interest in the Kwinana power station for a month longer 
than forecast together with higher revenue earned in the rest 
of the Group.

Electricity sales business, ERM Sales, continued its  
strong growth with revenue 70% above the previous year  
at $487 million, which was 13% above the prospectus 
forecast of $429 million. This was despite the impact of 
severe flooding in Queensland, which left electricity sales 
volumes 6% below the forecast. Forward electricity sales 
are tracking to expectations and, as of 12 August 2011, 
93% of the FY2012 electricity sales forecast of 8,499 
gigawatt hours (GWh) was covered by existing sales 
contracts. This compares with 94% at the end of September 
2010 in respect of the FY2011 sales forecast of 6,010 GHz, 
as reported in the prospectus.

Revenue from the Generation Assets business was  
$47 million, which was 26% above the prospectus forecast 
of $37 million. However it was 32% below the previous year 
because of the sale of the Group’s interests in the Braemar 
2 power station (“Braemar 2”) in Queensland, and the 
Kwinana power station (“Kwinana”) in Western Australia.

2.2. Profit

ERM Power’s statutory profit after tax includes both gains 
from the sale of assets and the impact of unrealised 
changes in values of financial instruments, in both years.

The FY2011 year includes $4.7 million made from the sale 
of the interest in Kwinana and the FY2010 year, $36.4 million 
from the sale of the interest in Braemar 2.

The Group is required to value its forward electricity 
purchase contracts at market prices at each reporting 
date with changes between reporting dates recognised as 
unrealised gains or losses in the particular reporting period. 
The market value of corresponding sales contracts to which 
these purchase contracts relate are not permitted to be 
recognised, unless those contracts are regarded as onerous.

Accordingly, the directors of ERM Power believe that both 
EBITDAIF (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, 
amortisation, goodwill impairment and net fair value gains/
losses on financial instruments) and Underlying Net Profit 
after tax (statutory profit after tax adjusted for the impact of 
unrealised changes in fair values of financial instruments) 
provide the most meaningful indicators of its underlying 
business performance. EBITDAIF is one of the principal 
metrics used in the ERM Power prospectus dated  
17 November 2010.

2.2.1.   Statutory profit after tax for the year was $16.2 million 

(FY2010: $15.8 million loss).

These figures include net unrealised fair value gains on 
financial instruments of $9.9 million in FY2011 and net 
unrealised fair value losses of $26.1 million in the previous 
year, net of tax.

Note: The prospectus forecasts for statutory profit (NPAT) 
do not assume that there are any fair value adjustments 
during the forecast period.

The analysis of the major components of EBITDAIF below 
provides details of the underlying performance of ERM 
Power’s businesses.

2.2.2 

 EBITDAIF for the full year (including profit of associate) was 
$46.4 million (FY2010: $68.7 million), which was 2% above 
the prospectus forecast of $45.7 million.

The comparison with FY2010 is distorted by a net gain of 
$36.4 million on the sale of the interest in Braemar 2 in the 
previous year.

ERM Sales’ EBITDAIF increased by 138% to $22.5 million 
(FY2010: $9.5 million), which was 3% above the forecast 
of $21.9 million despite reduced electricity load due to 
flooding in Central Queensland.

Generation Assets’ EBITDAIF (including profit of associate) 
was $28.9 million (FY2010: $36.4 million), which was 
10% above the forecast of $26.2 million. The comparative 
period had some differences in the generation assets with 
commissioning of new power stations and disposals of 
others, as disclosed in the prospectus.

22 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

Group EBITDAIF was also affected by $0.9 million of IPO 
costs that could not be deducted from equity as planned 
and have been expensed.

The EBITDAIF gain on the sale of the Kwinana interest 
differs from the prospectus ($4.7 million against prospectus 
of $6.6 million) due to a balance sheet tax credit which 
reported directly to the tax line.

2.2.3.   Reconciliation of EBITDAIF and Underlying Profit  

with Statutory Profit

Underlying Profit is Statutory Profit after tax adjusted for 
the impact of unrealised changes in fair values of financial 
instruments and reflects the ongoing performance of the 
business. The following table reconciles EBITDAIF to 
Statutory Profit and then shows the impact of adjustments 
for financial instruments to arrive at Underlying Profit.

The reconciling items shown below are the unrealised 
changes in market values of financial instruments that the 
Group routinely enters into as part of risk management.

The Group enters into hedging arrangements that provide 
protection from electricity spot price risk, and also interest 
rate exposure. In respect of the financial instruments that 
provide the electricity price hedges, a Group subsidiary 
routinely enters into forward sales contracts (“Contracts”) 
related to the provision of electricity in the Australian 
National Electricity Market (“NEM”). The Contracts are 
exclusively entered into with large industrial, commercial 
and government entities under term contracts. All of the 
electricity provided under these Contracts is traded in the 
NEM spot market. The subsidiary also enters into a variety 
of electricity derivative transactions (“Derivatives”), the 
objective of which is to create an economic hedge for the 
Contracts. Accounting standards have been interpreted to 
preclude recognition of the marked to market value of the 
Contracts in the financial statements and, as a result, only 
the unrealised after tax effect of the Derivatives is reflected 
in profit and loss.

$ million

EBITDAIF (incl. profit of associate)

Other Statutory Items

Interest

Tax

Depreciation and amortisation

Financial instruments

Statutory Profit after tax

Reconciling items

Increase / (decrease) in fair value of financial 
instruments:

ERM Sales

  Disposal of Kwinana

  Other

Total (before tax)

Tax effect on reconciling items

Less total reconciling items

Underlying Profit after tax

Actual  
FY2011A

46.4

Prospectus 
FY2011F

45.7

Actual 
FY2010A

68.7

(29.8)

(4.6)

(10.0)

14.2

(30.2)

16.2

20.6

(6.4)

-

14.2

(4.3)

9.9

6.3

(30.6)

(10.6)

(10.8)

32.8

(19.2)

26.5

32.8

-

-

32.8

(9.9)

23.0

3.5

(39.8)

5.3

(12.7)

(37.3)

(84.4)

(15.8)

(30.8)

-

(6.5)

(37.3)

11.2

(26.1)

10.3

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

23

 
Directors’ Report 
for the year ended 30 June 2011 continued...

2.3. Depreciation and amortisation

2.4. Net borrowing costs

Total depreciation and amortisation charges for the year 
were slightly lower than forecast. Depreciation charges for 
the Neerabup power station (“Neerabup”) are dictated by 
running time which varies depending on the extent to which 
the power station is called into operation. The current period 
charges were for Neerabup and Kwinana (part period) whilst 
the previous corresponding period charges were for Neerabup 
(part period), Kwinana and Braemar 2.

Net finance charges for the year were slightly lower than 
forecast. The current and previous corresponding period 
charges reflect the different asset ownership referred to in 
the depreciation comment above and redemption costs on 
the Kwinana equity notes.

2.5. Cash flow

The following table compares actual cash flows for the year 
with those forecast in the prospectus.

$ million

EBITDAIF (before profit of associate)

Change in working capital

Disposal profit on Kwinana

Distributions from Oakey

Tax paid

Net operating cash flows

Proceeds from issue of shares

Borrowing received in advance (Oakey)

Capital expenditure - projects

Capital expenditure - exploration

Net capital expenditure cash flows

Repayment of project borrowings

Repayment of corporate borrowings

Net project cash flows

Net proceeds from assets sales - Braemar 2

Net proceeds from assets sales - Kwinana

Kwinana cash reserve accounts

Net cash acquired on acquisition

Net interest paid

Financing and investing cash flows

Actual 
FY2011A

Prospectus 
FY2011F

46.7

0.4

(4.7)

0.5

 - 

42.9

93.9

4.4

(13.1)

(4.9)

80.3

(3.3)

(8.0)

69.0

41.0

8.9

(10.2)

0.4

(28.2)

11.9

44.0

(2.9)

(6.6)

0.5

(1.1)

33.9

93.9

-

(25.4)

(5.4)

63.1

(3.4)

(8.0)

51.7

40.8

9.9

(8.8)

-

(28.3)

13.6

Net increase in cash

123.8

99.2

Closing cash balances

Free cash held in ERM Power

Free cash held in projects

Total free cash

Restricted cash

Total closing cash balances

24 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

105.1

5.1

110.2

76.2

186.4

69.2

8.1

77.3

84.5

161.8

Actual 
FY2011A

Prospectus 
FY2011F

109.3

(66.4)

42.9

100.4

(66.4)

33.9

3.  BUSINESS STRATEGIES AND PROSPECTS

The Group’s business activities, strategies, underlying 
performance, balance sheet and growth prospects are 
consistent with the prospectus dated 17 November 2010.

During the last five years the Group has diversified and 
strengthened its business model across the value chain. 
The Group is now actively involved in gas exploration 
and development, electricity generation development, 
ownership and operation, and the sale of electricity to 
commercial, industrial and government customers. It is 
expected that the Group’s growth, diversification and 
vertical integration will continue at a steady pace for the 
foreseeable future. In FY2011 the Group’s gas business 
had its second successive commercial gas discovery in 
as many years; its electricity sales business grew by more 
than [50%] as forecast, as it expands Australia wide; our 
generation assets performed to expectation; the Group’s 
generation development business continued to position 
itself to maintain its leadership in Australia as the leading 
developer of low emission gas fired power generation. In 
FY2012, the Group expects to maintain growth rates in 
electricity sales, advance major power generation projects, 
increase ownership of generation assets and associated 
earnings and profits, and advance commercialisation of the 
two gas discoveries ready for gas sales to major customers.

The Group’s strategic intent over the next five years, as we 
strengthen the business model though vertical integration, 
is to continue to deliver growth, profits and long term value 
creation for shareholders. The Group aims to emerge in 
this time as one of Australia’s top five integrated energy 
businesses and a preferred supplier to Australia’s large 
commercial, industrial and government customers.

$ million

Operating cash flow on a statutory basis

Arrow Energy receivable included in receipts from customers

Operating cash flows above

The Group’s cash balances increased by $123.8 million to 
$186.4 million over the financial year.

Net surplus operating cash flows show a $9.0 million 
improvement in the prospectus forecast. The difference 
is largely due to higher earnings, the use of tax losses 
and changes in working capital. The statutory cash flow 
contained in the Annual Financial Statements shows the 
$66.4 million received from Arrow Energy as revenue as it 
was received during the year. A reconciliation of operating 
cash flows on a statutory basis to the operating cash flows 
presented above is contained in the preceding table.

Capital expenditure was $12.8 million below prospectus 
forecast principally due to development costs being 
incurred at a slower rate. In addition, $4.4 million of a  
$15.6 million facility arranged for the purchase of a  
further 50% interest in the Oakey power station (“Oakey”) 
in FY2012 was received in advance on the last day of the 
current year.

2.6. Assets

During the year the Group disposed of its 30% interest in 
Kwinana. The sale contributed $4.7 million to EBITDAIF.

The Group also received cash of $66.4 million in respect 
of the sale of its interest in Braemar 2, the profit from which 
was accounted for in FY2010.

The Group acquired a further 50% interest in Oakey for  
$61.7 million subsequent to balance date, increasing 
its interest to 62.5%. The results from Oakey will be 
consolidated in FY2012, having been equity accounted  
to date. 

2.7. Debt

The Group’s total debt reduced by 51% to $211.7 million at 
30 June 2011. $207.3 million of this is the Neerabup project 
debt that has recourse only to Neerabup. $4.4 million is part 
of a new facility arranged for part financing of the Oakey 
acquisition.

Corporate loans of $33.1 million were repaid during the year 
and Neerabup repaid a total of $5.3 million of its project 
debt. The Kwinana project debt was eliminated on the sale 
of that asset.

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

25

Directors’ Report 
for the year ended 30 June 2011 continued...

4.   SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE STATE  

7.  PROCEEDINGS ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY

OF AFFAIRS

The Company was admitted to the Official List of the 
Australian Securities Exchange in December 2010 as  
the result of an initial public offering that raised $100 million  
in new capital.

No person has brought, or intervened in, on behalf of the 
Company with, an application for leave under section 237  
of the Corporations Act (2001). 

8.  DIVIDENDS

The Group sold its interests in the Kwinana and Braemar 2 
power stations during the year, but continues to operate 
Kwinana on behalf of its owners.

No dividends were declared or paid during the year (2010: nil).

Subsequent to year end, the directors have declared a final 
dividend in respect of the 2011 financial year as follows:

5.  EVENTS AFTER BALANCE DATE

On 1 July 2011, the Company completed the purchase 
of an additional 50% interest in the 332 megawatt Oakey 
Power Station (“Oakey”). With the completion of this 
transaction, the Company’s beneficial interest in Oakey  
has increased from 12.5% to 62.5%. A corporate facility  
of $16 million was arranged to partly fund the acquisition.

6.   LIKELY DEVELOPMENTS AND  

EXPECTED RESULTS

The Federal Government announced their intention to 
introduce a Carbon Tax from July 2012. As one of Australia’s 
leading developers of low emission electricity solutions 
and a successful gas explorer, the Group is favourably 
positioned for a carbon signal:

•	 Our gas and gas generation businesses will get a 

Amount: 

Franking: 

3.5 cents per share

Fully franked

Date payable: 

19 October 2011 

9.  SHARE OPTIONS

9.1. Unissued shares

As at the date of this report, there were 11,444,518 options 
to acquire fully paid ordinary shares on issue. The options 
do not carry any entitlement to participate in any share 
issue of the Company. All options expire on the earlier of 
their expiry date, or for those showing a 2017 expiry date, 
termination of the holder’s employment, or as otherwise 
determined by the Board.

Expiry Date

Issue price  
of shares

Number of 
option

natural benefit from a carbon price as gas-fired; and 

6 June 2013

80.6 cents

9,655,412

generation has approximately half the emissions of coal 

•	 The electricity sales business is not expected to be 

adversely affected due to our purchase and sales 
contracts allowing for pass through of carbon policy 
impacts.

In summary ERM Power’s business plan does not rely on 
the introduction of a carbon signal but the Company is well 
placed if one is introduced.

Apart from that provided above, information as to likely 
developments in the operations of the Group and the 
expected results of those operations in subsequent financial 
years has not been included in this report because the 
directors believe this could result in unreasonable prejudice 
to the Group.

30 June 2013

80.6 cents

250,000

1 November 2017

275.0 cents

1,296,400

8 November 2017

275.0 cents

242,706

9.2. Shares issued on the exercise of options

209,203 ordinary shares were issued during the financial 
year on the exercise of options which had been granted  
in June 2008, with consideration of $0.806 per share.  
No amounts are unpaid on any of the shares.

26 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

10. Directors and company secretaries

DIRECTORS 

The directors of the Company during the financial year and 
up to the date of this report are:

Trevor St Baker 

Non-Executive Chairman 

Anthony (Tony) Bellas 

Martin Greenberg 

Brett Heading 

 Independent Non-Executive 
Director

 Independent Non-Executive 
Director

 Independent Non-Executive 
Director (appointed 12 October 
2010)

Antonino (Tony) Iannello   Independent Non-Executive 

companies. Prior to joining the Seymour Group, Tony 
held the position of CEO of Ergon Energy, a Queensland 
Government-owned corporation involved in electricity 
distribution and retailing in Queensland. Before that, was 
CEO of CS energy, also a Queensland Government-owned 
corporation and the State’s largest electricity generation 
company, operating over 3,500 MW of gas-fired and coal-
fired plant at four locations.

He is a director of the listed companies shown below and 
is also a director of Australian Water Queensland Pty Ltd, 
Gasfields Water Management Pty Ltd and QIP Coal Pty Ltd.

Other listed company directorships in the last three years

Corporate Travel  
Management Limited 

Since June 2010 

Director (appointed 19 July 2010)

Guilford Coal Limited 

Since December 2010

Philip St Baker 

Managing Director

Watpac Limited 

 (December 2007 –  
October 2010) 

INFORMATION ON DIRECTORS AND COMPANY SECRETARIES

Special Responsibilities

Trevor St Baker  
BEng, BA, MAICD, FAusIMM, FIEAust, FAIE 

Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee, and a member of 
the Remuneration Committee and the Nomination Committee.

Trevor founded the Group in 1980. He was Executive 
Chairman from July 2006 and was appointed Non-Executive 
Chairman in June 2009. He has more than 50 years of 
experience in the electricity industry. He is the ERM Power 
representative on the Electricity Supply Association of 
Australia, Chairman of the Board of the National Generators’ 
Forum in Australia and is on the Board of the Queensland 
Resources Council.

Trevor has been a Director of Oakey Power Holdings Pty Ltd 
since 2000 and Chairman of the operating committees of 
each of NewGen Neerabup since 2007, NewGen Braemar 
2 since 2008 (until its divestment in June 2011) and 
NewGen Power Kwinana since 2005 (until its divestment in 
October 2010). In June 2010, Trevor accepted the position 
of Non-Executive Chairman of Master Electricians Australia, 
and in September 2010 co-founded the Trevor St Baker 
& Richard Wilkes Indigenous Scholarship Foundation, of 
which he is the Managing Director.

Anthony (Tony) Bellas  
MBA, BEc, DipEd, CPA, FAIM, MAICD.

Tony was appointed as a Non-Executive Director in 
December 2009, bringing to the business almost 25 years 
of policy and operational experience in the energy industry. 
Tony was previously CEO of the Seymour Group, one of 
Queensland’s largest private investment and development 

Martin Greenberg  
BBus, DipCom, FCPA, JP

Martin was appointed as a Non-Executive Director in July 
2007, bringing finance credentials and business experience 
spanning 35 years. Martin has been a director of several 
public companies in Australia and New Zealand and has an 
extensive range of national and international contacts and 
experience, accumulated over the past 35 years.

Martin is currently the Managing Director of Apollan 
Investments Group, a Sydney based company specialising 
in venture capital, corporate finance, securities, and general 
investment. He is also the current Chairman of Selector 
Funds Management Ltd, Aimedics Pty Ltd and Liquid 
Capital Management (Australasia) Pty Ltd.

Special Responsibilities

Member of the Audit and Risk Committee, the Remuneration 
Committee and the Nomination Committee.

Antonino (Tony) Iannello  
BCom, FCPA, FAICD, SFFSIA, Harvard Business School 
Advanced Management Program

Tony was appointed as a Non-Executive Director in July 
2010, bringing to the business more than 30 years of 
banking and energy experience.

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

27

 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report 
for the year ended 30 June 2011 continued...

He is a director of the listed companies shown below, a 
director of HBF Health Ltd and MG Kailis Group Intium 
Energy Ltd, Harrier Resourcing People Pty Ltd and a member 
of The Murdoch University Senate. Prior to embarking on a 
career as a non-executive director, Tony was the Managing 
Director of Western Power Corporation until its separation into 
four separate businesses. Previously he held a number of 
senior executive positions at BankWest.

Other listed company directorships in the last three years

Energia Minerals Limited 

Since March 2010

SP Ausnet* 

Since June 2006

Aviva Corporation Limited 

 (February 2008 –  
November 2010)

*The SP Ausnet “stapled group” of companies comprises SP 
Australia Networks (Distribution) Ltd, SP Australia Networks 
(Transmission) Ltd & SP Australia Networks (Finance) Trust.

Special Responsibilities

Chairman of the Nominations Committee and the 
Remuneration Committee and member of the Audit  
and Risk Committee.

Brett Heading  
BCom, LLB (Hons), FAICD

Brett was appointed as a Non-Executive Director in October 
2010. He has specialized in corporate law for 25 years, 
including mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, ASX 
listings and advising boards of listed and unlisted public 
companies and government-owned corporations. He has 
been a partner of McCullough Robertson Lawyers since 
1985 and was appointed Chairman of Partners in 2004. 

Brett has been a director of the listed companies shown 
below and a number of unlisted companies. He has also 
held roles on Federal Government boards, having been 
a longstanding member of the Takeovers Panel (1998 to 
2009) and the Board of Taxation (2000 to 2009).

Other listed company directorships in the last three years:

ChemGenex  
Pharmaceuticals Limited   

Since June 2002 

Trinity Limited 

Since August 2009

Diversa Limited  
(previously Ambri Limited)  

(November 2006 – July 2008) 

Capilano Honey Limited 

(July 2008 – October 2008)

Australian Agricultural  
Company Limited 

(June 2008 – June 2009) 

Special Responsibilities

Member of the Nominations Committee and the 
Remuneration Committee

Philip St Baker  
BEng, MAICD

Phil was appointed as Managing Director and CEO in 
July 2006 and is focused on the long term growth and 
prosperity of the Group. Phil has over 20 years of diversified 
international experience in the resources and energy 
industry including exploration, mining, processing, smelting, 
refining, power and gas. Over the last five years, Phil 
has utilized his extensive experience in transforming the 
Group from an emerging power development business into 
one of Australia’s leading diversified energy businesses. 
Previously, Phil had a 15 year career with BHP, where he 
progressed to the role of Global Maintenance Manager, 
supporting BHP’s 100+ businesses worldwide. For five 
years, Phil led an international team tasked with facilitating 
operating business improvement across the entire group. 
Prior roles also include Vice President of Queensland Nickel 
QNI and CEO of NewGen Power.

Special Responsibilities

Chairman of the ERM Sales and ERM Gas subsidiary 
Boards and chairman of the Heath, Safety, Environment  
and Sustainability Committee of the ERM Power Board.

COMPANY SECRETARIES 

Peter Jans  
LLB (Hons), MA

Peter joined the Group in July 2007 and was appointed 
as Company Secretary in March 2008. He is an affiliate 
of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries, a member of the 
Queensland Law Society, Barrister and a Solicitor of the 
Supreme Court of Victoria and a Solicitor of the Supreme 
Court of Queensland and the High Court of Australia. He 
has practised as a lawyer for over 30 years in the corporate, 
property, international investment, energy and resource 
sectors. After an active career in private practice, Peter 
became General Counsel of CS Energy in the late 1990s 
and was involved in major electricity generation projects, 
including Callide C, Swanbank E and Kogan Creek. 
Peter was General Counsel and Company Secretary of 
Queensland Gas Company Limited from April 2005 until 
July 2007, during which period the company transformed 
from junior explorer to a major gas producer. 

28 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

 
 
 
 
 
 
Special Responsibilities

Peter’s role and responsibility covers the whole of ERM Power’s broader business plans and portfolios, including business 
development, construction and operations, sales and gas activities. Peter is responsible for all aspects of ERM Power’s legal 
dealings, and for compliance and corporate governance. 

Graeme Walker  
BCom, CA, CA (SA), FAICD

Graeme joined the Group in April 2009 and was appointed as joint Company Secretary in December 2009. As Chief 
Financial Officer, Graeme is also responsible for the financial management and control of ERM Power.

Graeme has served as CFO of a number of major ASX-listed companies in the resources sector, including Normandy Mining 
Limited and Ampolex Limited, where he was involved in significant business growth and corporate activity. He subsequently 
provided consulting services to a number of companies, advising on financial and commercial services, as well as interim 
management. During this time he was also involved in the listing of a number of resource companies, as a non-executive director.

11. MEETINGS OF DIRECTORS 

The number of meetings of the Board of directors and each Board committee held during the financial year, and the 
numbers of meetings attended by each director are as follows:

Director

Board Meetings

Audit & Risk 
Committee

Nominations 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Trevor St Baker

Tony Bellas

Martin Greenberg

Brett Heading

Tony Iannello

Philip St Baker

A

18

19

19

13

19

19

B

20

20

20

16

20

20

A

**

5

4

**

5

**

A = number of meetings attended

B

**

5

5

**

5

**

A

**

0

0

0

0

**

B

**

0

0

0

0

**

A

**

2

2

1

2

**

B

**

2

2

2

2

**

B = number of meetings held during the time the director held office during the year

** = not a member of the relevant committee 

The Group has a Health, Safety, Environment & Sustainability Committee. Committee members include the Managing 
Director and other senior management. This committee met four times during the financial year.

12. DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS

The relevant interest of each director in the share capital of the Company at the date of this report, as notified by directors to 
the ASX in accordance with Section 205G of the Corporations Act, is a follows:

Director

Trevor St Baker

Tony Bellas

Martin Greenberg

Brett Heading

Tony Iannello

Philip St Baker

Ordinary shares

Options to acquire ordinary 
shares

84,704,918

100,000

571,794

14,285

114,285

4,013,734

-

-

354,726

-

-

1,076,576

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

29

Directors’ Report 
for the year ended 30 June 2011 continued...

13.  ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION  

16. NON-AUDIT SERVICES

AND PERFORMANCE

The Group’s environmental obligations are regulated by 
relevant federal, state and local government ordinances. 
The Group’s policy is to comply with, but in most cases 
exceed its environmental performance obligations. 
No environmental breaches have been notified by any 
governmental agency or local council authority during  
the year ended 30 June 2011.

The Group is subject to the reporting requirements of the 
Energy Efficiency Opportunities Act 2006 and shortly 
expects to be subject to the National Greenhouse and 
Energy Reporting Act 2007. The Energy Efficiency 
Opportunities Act 2006 requires the Group to assess its 
energy usage, including the identification, investigation  
and evaluation of energy saving opportunities, and to report 
publicly on the assessments undertaken, including what 
action the Group intends to take as a result. The Group 
continues to meet its obligations under this Act. 

The National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 
would require the Group to report its annual greenhouse gas 
emissions and energy use. The Group has implemented 
systems and processes for the collection and calculation of 
the data required.

14.  INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE  

OF OFFICERS

Insurance and indemnity arrangements are in place for 
directors and officers of the Group. Disclosure of premiums 
and coverage is not permitted by the contract of insurance.

To the extent permitted by law, the Group indemnifies every 
person who is or has been an officer against:

•	 any liability to any person (other than the Company, 

related entities or a major shareholder) incurred whilst 

•	

acting in that capacity and in good faith; and
 costs and expenses incurred by that person in that 
capacity in successfully defending legal proceedings 
and ancillary matters.

For this purpose, “officer” means any company secretary 
or any person who makes, participates in making decisions 
that affect the whole, or a substantial part of the business of 
the Company or Group.

15. AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION

A copy of the auditor’s independence declaration as 
required under section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001  
is set out on page 45.

30 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

Non-audit services provided by the Group’s auditors 
PricewaterhouseCoopers were in relation to advice and 
certain agreed-upon procedures. The directors are satisfied 
that the provision of non-audit services is compatible with 
the general standard of independence for auditors imposed 
by the Corporations Act 2001.

Amounts received or 
due and receivable by 
PricewaterhouseCoopers  
Australia for non-audit services:

Investigating accounts report 

Due diligence services

Other agreed-upon procedures in 

relation to the entity and any other 

entity in the consolidated Group

2011 
$

630,000

60,000

115,002

805,002

2010 
$

-

-

-

17. CHANGE IN COMPANY NAME

On 17 September 2010, ERM Power Pty Ltd changed its 
name to ERM Power Limited.

18. ROUNDING OF AMOUNTS

The amounts contained in this report and in the financial 
report have been rounded to the nearest thousand dollars 
(where rounding is applicable) under the option available 
to the Group and the Company under ASIC Class Order 
98/0100. The Group and the Company are entities to which 
the class order applies.

19. REMUNERATION REPORT

The Remuneration Report is attached and forms part  
of this report.

This report is made in accordance with a resolution  
of directors.

Tony Bellas 
Director

Brisbane

25 August 2011

Remuneration Report 
for the year ended 30 June 2011

The directors present the Remuneration Report 

1.2.1.  Non-Executive directors

for ERM Power Limited (“Company”) and its 

Trevor St Baker 

Chairman

consolidated entities (“Group”) for the year 

Tony Bellas 

Independent

ended 30 June 2011.

Martin Greenberg 

Independent

1.  REMUNERATION FRAMEWORK

1.1. Role of the Remuneration Committee

The Remuneration Committee ensures that the remuneration 
of directors and senior executives is consistent with market 
practice and sufficient to ensure that the Company can 
attract, develop and retain the best individuals. The committee 
reviews directors’ fees, and remuneration of the Managing 
Director and senior executives against the market and 
against Group and individual performance.

The committee oversees governance procedures and 
policy on remuneration including:

Brett Heading 

Tony Iannello 

 Independent  
(appointed 12 October 2010)

 Independent  
(appointed 19 July 2010)

1.2.2.  Executive director

Philip St Baker 

1.2.3.  Senior executives

 Managing Director and  
Chief Executive Officer

William (Mitch) Anderson   Chief Executive Officer –  

•	 General remuneration practices;

Peter Jans 

•	

•	
•	

 Performance management;

 Equity plans and incentive schemes, and
 Recruitment and termination.

Derek McKay 

ERM Sales

 Group General Counsel & 
Company Secretary

 Chief Executive Officer – 
Generation Operations

Through the committee, the Board ensures the company’s 
remuneration philosophy and strategy continues to be 
designed to:

•	 attract, develop and retain top class Board and 

executive talent,

•	 create a high performance culture by driving and 

rewarding executives for achievement of the Company’s 

strategy and business objectives, and
link incentives to the creation of shareholder value.

•	

In undertaking its work, the committee seeks the advice of 
external remuneration consultants.

1.2. Key Management Personnel

Key Management Personnel (“KMP”) are those persons 
having authority and responsibility for planning, directing 
and controlling the activities of the entity, directly or indirectly, 
including any director of that entity. The term KMP refers to 
the following persons who were KMPs during the financial 
year, and who were also the five highest remunerated 
executives. Unless otherwise indicated, they were KMPs for 
the entire year.

Graeme Walker 

Chief Financial Officer

2.  REMUNERATION

2.1. Fees payable to Non-Executive Directors

Fees paid to non-executive directors reflect the demands 
which are made on, and the responsibilities of, directors. 
Directors’ fees are reviewed annually by the Board. 
Directors who chair or are members of a committee  
receive additional fees for these services.

The Board considers the advice of independent 
remuneration consultants to ensure directors’ fees are 
appropriate and in line with the market. The Chairman’s 
fees are determined independently to the fees of directors 
and are based on comparative roles in the market. The 
Chairman is not present at any discussions relating to the 
determination of his remuneration.

The current fees were reviewed prior to the IPO. During the 
year, the responsibilities of the ERM Power Retail Pty Ltd 
Board were assumed by the full Board – the fees of $10,000 
per annum previously paid to each non-executive director 
of the ERM Power Retail Pty Ltd Board were eliminated, and 
base fees to directors of the ERM Power Board increased 
by $5,000 per annum. Directors’ fees are determined within 
an aggregate fee pool limit approved by shareholders. This 
is currently set at $800,000 per annum and was approved 
by shareholders at the annual general meeting held on  
7 June 2010.

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

31

Remuneration Report 
for the year ended 30 June 2011 continued...

The annual fee structure for non-executive directors, 
excluding superannuation, is as follows:

Base fee

Chairman

Non-executive directors

Additional fees

Audit Committee - Chairman

Audit Committee - Member

Remuneration Committee - Chairman

Remuneration Committee - Member

Chairman of Partnership Committee or subsidiary

$

205,000

105,000

$

20,000

10,000

10,000

5,000

10,000

The tables at the end of this report provide details of fees 
paid during the financial year to each non-executive director.

2.2. Managing Director and Senior Executives

The objective of the Company’s executive remuneration 
framework is to ensure that reward for performance is 
competitive and appropriate for the results delivered. 
The framework aligns executive remuneration with the 
achievement of strategic objectives and the creation of the 
value for shareholders, and conforms with market practice. 
The Board ensures that executive reward satisfies the 
following key criteria for good reward governance practices:

•	 Competitiveness and reasonableness; 

•	 Acceptability to shareholders; 

•	 Performance linkage/alignment of executive 

remuneration; and

•	 Transparency.

Senior executives are remunerated by way of a mix of fixed 
and variable remuneration in a manner that motivates them 
to pursue the long term growth and success of the Group. 
The components of remuneration are:

•	 Base pay and benefits, including superannuation; 

•	 Short-term performance incentives; 

•	 Long-term incentives; and 
•	 Other cash or equity based discretionary incentives.

As detailed in the remuneration table, incentives were 
awarded in the current financial year in respect of financial 
results and the delivery of key outcomes in the 2010 
financial year. Additional incentives were also awarded 
containing continuity of service vesting conditions, targeting 
employee retention beyond the IPO period. Future long 
term incentives to be offered will incorporate performance 
conditions to be set by the Board to reflect the competitive 
market and business conditions when it is in the interest of 

the company and shareholders to do so. As the Company’s 
shares were listed for the first time on the ASX in December 
2010, no incentive award has yet been made that contain 
performance conditions linked to share price.

2.3. Base Pay and benefits 

External remuneration consultants provide analysis and 
advice to ensure executive remuneration is set to reflect 
the market for comparable roles. Remuneration is reviewed 
annually to ensure that it is competitive with the market. 
Remuneration is also reviewed on promotion or change of 
role. There are no guaranteed base pay increases included 
in executive contracts. Executive remuneration includes 
salary continuance insurance.

The tables at the end of this report provide details of 
remuneration paid during the financial year to the Managing 
Director and each of the named executives.

2.4. Incentive schemes

Variable remuneration is in the form of short (“STI”) and long 
term (“LTI”) incentives which represent “at risk” remuneration. 
STI remuneration is paid annually against agreed and 
objective KPIs which are designed to align the interests of 
the Company and its shareholders. LTI remuneration will 
be accrued over a number of years and earned through 
satisfaction of performance and service conditions. 
Achievements are assessed annually using the ERM 
Performance Appraisal and Development Review process.

STI payments are in the form of cash or equity, or a 
combination of these. LTI payments are in the form of equity.

The trading of equities which vest under STI or LTI are 
required to comply with the Company’s Securities Trading 
Policy. This policy also prohibits any employees or directors 
from entering into any scheme, arrangement or agreement 
under which the economic benefit derived by the employee 
or director, in relation to an equity–based incentive award 
or grant made by the Company is altered, irrespective of 
the outcome under that incentive award or grant, other than 
as permitted in any approved share or option plan, or as 
authorized by the Board.

For employees, benefits associated with the incentive 
scheme include:

•	 Provision of clear targets, stretch targets and structures 

for achieving rewards;

•	 Recognition and reward for achievement, capability and 

experience; and 

•	 Delivery of reward for contribution to growth in 

shareholder wealth.

32 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

For shareholders, benefits associated with the incentive 
scheme include:

•	 A clear focus on performance improvement at all levels 

of the Group, with year-on-year profit growth a core 

component;

•	 A focus on sustained growth in shareholder wealth, 

consisting of dividends and share price growth and 

delivering the greatest returns on assets; and

•	 The ability to attract and retain high calibre executives.

Key performance indicators (“KPI”) for both short and long 
term incentives are annually assessed and approved by the 
Board. The KPIs include both financial and non-financial 
conditions under a balanced scorecard approach, and 
reflect the key measures of success as determined by the 
Board. These may include, but are not limited to, a range of 
measures such as:

•	 Zero Harm – safety and environment performance 

STIs are assessed annually using the ERM Performance 
and Development Review process. They are paid following 
completion of the Group’s audited accounts, and may 
be offered by way of cash or equity (through an equity 
incentive plan), or a combination of the two. They are only 
payable to individuals who are employees at the time 
that the STI is payable. Employees whose employment is 
terminated during the financial year due to retrenchment, 
retirement on the grounds of age or invalidity, or death may 
be paid on a pro-rata basis, and in other circumstances, at 
the discretion of the Board.

In respect of the FY10 incentives, paid in the 2011 financial 
year, KPIs were set and paid prior to listing on the ASX. 
They were focused on aligning employees with the strategic 
goals and performance of the Group. The Group KPIs were 
in the following categories:

•	 Safety;

•	 Profit; 

measures, including lost time and medically treated 

•	 Value (based on movement in annual independent 

injury frequency rates;

•	 Financial Measures – including earnings before interest, 

tax, depreciation, amortisation and net fair value 

changes in financial instruments (EBITDAF), cash flow 

management etc.; and

•	 Market based – shareholder returns, earnings per 

share, share price improvement, etc. 

2.4.1.  Short term incentives

Short term incentives (“STI”) are provided to Senior 
Executives and most employees.

At the beginning of each year, the remuneration committee 
determines the Group key performance indicators (“KPI”), 
and sets target and stretch target levels. KPIs and target 
and stretch targets are also set at this time for business 
units and individuals.

A weighting is applied to each of the target components 
(Group, business unit and individual performance) with 
the average performance against target and stretch 
target measured at the end of the year to provide a 
target achievement score. The target achievement score 
is applied to an STI opportunity level. STI opportunity 
levels are predetermined percentages of average fixed 
remuneration set by the remuneration committee with 
the levels determined by employees’ roles and relative 
influence on the Group’s performance.

STI opportunity levels are currently set in range of 10% to 40% 
of average fixed remuneration, with the stretch target potential 
to achieve up to 150% of these levels (i.e. 15% to 60%).

valuations); and

•	 Cash levels.

The performance categories established post listing have 
continued to focus on the achievement of strategic objectives 
and the creation of value for shareholders. The weighting 
given to each performance objective category will vary for 
each executive depending upon their role within the Group. 
For the FY11 incentives to be paid in the 2012 financial year, 
KPIs were established within the following categories:

•	 Operational (safety and compliance);

•	 Financial and prospectus forecasts;

•	 Growth:

•	 People; and
•	 Strategic.

All executives had as an objective, the achievement by the 
Group of the forecast strategies and results as outlined in the 
Prospectus. The ERM P&DR is used to measure the actual 
level of achievement of each objective in the financial year. 

2.4.2.  Other incentives

Prior to listing, the Company awarded a discretionary 
incentive award to certain employees for achieving the 
successful Initial Public Offering (“IPO”). The vesting 
conditions are targeted at the retention of those employees 
through to at least September 2012, being the prospectus 
forecast period. 

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

33

Remuneration Report 
for the year ended 30 June 2011 continued...

Also prior to listing, the Company awarded a discretionary incentive to key staff, to encourage retention beyond the  
IPO forecast period.

Neither of the above awards included performance conditions and were awarded by way of participation in the long term 
equity plans (the LTIST and LTIOT).

2.4.3.  Long-term incentives

The Company may issue long-term incentives to certain employees to provide incentives to focus on long term shareholder returns. 

These incentives will be in the form of equity which will only vest if certain performance measures, yet to be established are 
met and the employees are still employed at the end of the vesting period. 

The first issue under the long term incentive scheme is anticipated to occur in the 2012 financial year with vesting to be 
subject to the achievement of appropriate performance measures to be set by the Board, and time.

3.  Service agreements

On appointment, all non-executive directors are issued with a letter of appointment which summarises board policies and terms.

Remuneration and other terms of employment for the Managing Director and the other key management personnel are 
formalized in service agreements. Each of these agreements specify the components of remuneration to which they 
are entitled and outline base salary, the provision of incentives, and other benefits including superannuation and salary 
continuance insurance.

Service terms for the Managing Director and senior executives are as follows:

Name 

Term of agreement 

Base salary excluding 
superannuation @ 9%* Termination benefits **

Philip St Baker (Managing Director & CEO)

On-going (no fixed term)

$494,400

12 months base salary

Mitch Anderson (CEO - ERM Sales)

On-going (no fixed term)

$325,000

6 months base salary

Peter Jans (Group General Counsel and 

Company Secretary)

On-going (no fixed term)

Derek McKay (CEO – Generation Operations) On-going (no fixed term)

Graeme Walker (Chief Financial Officer)

On-going (no fixed term)

$325,686

$325,000

$283,250

6 months base salary

6 months base salary

6 months base salary

*   Base salaries quoted are for the year ended 30 June 2011; they are reviewed annually by the remuneration committee.

** Termination benefits are payable at the option of the company in lieu of notice, other than termination for cause. 

4.  Share price and consequences of performance on shareholder wealth

ERM’s executive remuneration is directly linked to the performance of the Company across a range of measures. The STI is 
focused on achieving annual profit and operational targets, while the LTI is focused on achieving long term growth and retention 
of talented executives. The Board considers this combination an effective way to align incentives to shareholder value.

The Company’s shares were listed on the ASX in December 2010 at a listing price of $1.75. The table below shows ERM’s 
operating revenue, EBITDAIF, and NPAT for the current reporting year vs prospectus, and the effect of ERM’s performance 
on shareholder value.

Revenue and other income 

EBITDAIF1 

Net Profit After Tax  (NPAT)

Underlying Net Profit After Tax 

Basic Earnings per Share

Dividends in respect of financial year

Closing share price as at 30 June 2011

($’000)

($’000)

($’000)

($’000)

2011 Actual

2011 Prospectus Forecast

549,814 

46,407 

16,219 

 6,288 

11.72 cents

3.5c per share

$1.57

478,916 

45,665 

26,474 

3,488 

16.6 cents

3.5c per share

1. EBITDAIF (after profit of associate) includes profits from ERM Power’s ownership interest in the Oakey power station.

34 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

5.  Remuneration and other tables

5.1  Remuneration table for year ended 30 June 2011 

Details of the remuneration of directors and key management personnel of the Group for the financial year, which include the five  
highest remunerated executives, are set out in the following table:

Short term benefits 

Post-
employment 
benefits

Long term 
benefits 

Long term equity 
based benefits 

Cash 
salary 
and fees 
$

Additional 
fees1 
$

Cash 
bonus2 
$

Non 
monetary 
benefits3 
$

Super- 
annuation 
$

Termination 
Benefits 
$

Shares4 
$

Options5 
$

Total 
$

Non-executive directors

Trevor St Baker

Tony Bellas

Martin Greenberg

Brett Heading  

(appointed 12 October 

2010)

229,792

127,292

121,875

 78,905

-

27,523

9,174

-

Tony Iannello 

123,541

9,174

(appointed 19 July 2010)

Total

681,405

45,872

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

20,681

13,933

11,794

-

11,944

54,225

Executives

Philip St Baker  

494,400

(Managing Director & CEO)

Mitch Anderson

Peter Jans

Derek McKay

Graeme Walker

325,000

325,686

325,000

283,250

-

-

-

-

-

80,005

1,444

44,496

-

-

-

-

5,372

2,221

2,221

1,966

29,250

29,312

29,250

25,493

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

250,473

168,748

5,301

148,145

-

-

-

 78,905

144,660

790,931

150,926

21,346

792,617

143,623

13,956

517,201

161,103

10,828

529,150

123,809

124,867

7,726

488,006

3,478

439,054

1 Fees paid for additional roles undertaken in the initial public offering. 

2  The FY10 bonus paid to the Managing Director in the current year consisted of both cash and share based payments for which a general provision 
had been provided for in the FY10 accounts. (Although a general provision has been made for incentive payments for FY11, to be paid in FY12, the 
allocation for payments to specific individuals and the form, whether to be taken in cash or equity, has not yet been determined.)

3 Non monetary benefits include salary continuance insurance premiums and FBT.

4  Issue of shares as the result of awards under equity incentive schemes, in addition to a bonus awarded in connection with the initial public offering.  

A general provision was made in the FY10 accounts, but the allocation to individuals was only calculated at the time of grant in the current FY.

5  Issue of options under equity incentive schemes based on the value of options expensed during the year (Non-executive director options granted 

FY08, executive options granted in FY08 and the current year).

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

35

Remuneration Report 
for the year ended 30 June 2011 continued...

5.2  Remuneration table for year ended 30 June 2010

Details of the remuneration of directors and key management personnel of the Group for the prior financial year, which 
include the five highest remunerated executives, are set out in the following table:

Short term benefits

Cash 
salary 
and fees 
$

Cash 
bonus1 
$

Non 
monetary 
benefits2 
$

Post-
employment 
benefits

Long term 
benefits 

Long term equity 
based benefits 

Super- 
annuation 
$

Termination 
Benefits 
$

Shares 
$

Options3 
$

Total 
$

Non-executive directors

Trevor St Baker

Tony Bellas

Martin Greenberg

Brett Heading 

(appointed 12 October 

2010)

Tony Iannello  

(appointed 19 July 2010)

269,006

73,333

137,500

-

-

Wayne St Baker  

120,000

(ceased 30 June 2010)

Total 

Executives

599,839

Philip St Baker  

480,000

(Managing Director & CEO)

Mitch Anderson

Peter Jans

Derek McKay

Graeme Walker

277,900

310,000

261,187

275,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

5,310

6,600

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

20,000

11,910

20,000

1,444

43,200

4,719

1,444

1,444

1,909

25,011

27,506

23,507

24,750

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

274,316

79,933

5,301

142,801

-

-

-

-

2,242

142,242

7,543

639,292

12,461

537,105

9,966

317,596

6,829

341,406

3,736

289,874

-

301,659

1 No cash bonus paid in FY10. 

2 Non monetary benefits include salary continuance insurance premiums and FBT.

3 Issue of options under equity incentive schemes based on the value of options expensed during the year which were granted in FY08.

36 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

5.3  Relative Proportion of Remuneration

The relative proportion of remuneration that was linked to performance and those that were fixed are as follows:

Name

Non-executives directors

Trevor St Baker

Tony Bellas

Martin Greenberg

Brett Heading (appointed 12 October 2010)

Tony Iannello (appointed 19 July 2010)

Wayne St Baker (ceased 30 June 2010)

Executives

Philip St Baker

Mitch Anderson

Peter Jans

Derek McKay

Graeme Walker

Fixed Remuneration

At Risk – Cash Bonus  
and Shares Issued 

At Risk – Options

2011 
%

2010 
%

2011 
%

2010 
%

2011 
%

2010 
%

100

100

96

100

100

-

68

70

68

73

71

100

100

96

-

-

98

98

97

98

99

100

-

-

-

-

-

-

29

27

30

25

28

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

4

-

-

-

3

3

2

2

1

-

-

4

-

-

2

2

3

2

1

-

5.4  Share-based compensation 

The terms and conditions of each grant of options affecting remuneration in the current or a future reporting period are  
as follow:

Number 
of 
Options 
granted1

Number 
exercisable 
as at 30 
June 2011

Grant date

Vesting and  
exercise date

Expiry 
date

Exercise 
price2

Value per 
option at 
grant date

Performance 
achieved

% 
Vested

1 Jun 2008

10,524,962

9,819,209 Vested 3 Nov 2010

30 Jun 2008

400,000

250,000 Vested 3 Nov 2010

1 Nov 2010

1,296,400

1,296,400 3 business days 

after 2012 Financial 
Statements are signed

8 Nov 2010

242,706

242,706 3 business days 

after 2012 Financial 
Statements are signed

6 Jun  
2013

30 Jun  
2013

1 Nov  
2017

8 Nov  
2017

$0.806

$0.0448

$0.806

$0.0448

$2.75

$0.1043

$2.75

$0.1043

N/A, service 
condition

N/A, service 
condition

N/A, service 
condition

N/A, service 
condition

100%

100%

N/A

N/A

1 Options granted restated for 2 for 1 share split during FY2011.

2 Options convertible into one ordinary share and carry no dividend or voting rights. 

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

37

Remuneration Report 
for the year ended 30 June 2011 continued...

5.5  Details of option grants

Details of options to acquire ordinary shares in the Company provided as remuneration to each of the key management 
personnel are set out below. Further information on the options is set out in note 28 to the financial statements. No options 
were granted to any non-executive director of the Company in the current year.

Name

Non-Executive Directors of the Group

Trevor St Baker

Tony Bellas

Martin Greenberg

Brett Heading

Tony Iannello

Key management personnel of the Group

Philip St Baker (Managing Director & CEO)

Mitch Anderson

Peter Jans

Derek McKay

Graeme Walker

Number 
of options 
granted 
during the 
year

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

242,706

106,364

106,590

106,364

92,700

Value of 
options at  
grant date  
$

Number 
of options 
vested during 
the year1

Number 
of options 
lapsed during 
the year

Value at  
lapse date

-

-

-

-

-

25,314

11,094

11,117

11,094

9,669

Nil

Nil

354,726

Nil

Nil

833,870

666,872

457,010

250,000

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

1 Options issued in June 2008 vested on 3 November 2010.

5.6  Shares issued on the exercise of remuneration options 

No ordinary shares were issued as a result of the exercise of remuneration options to any director or key management 
personnel during the financial year. 

38 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

5.7  Details of remuneration: Bonuses and share-based compensation benefits

Bonus

Share-based compensation benefits

Paid  
%

Forfeited 
%

Year 
Granted

Vested  
%

Forfeited  
%

Financial 
years in which 
options may 
vest

Maximum total 
value of grant 
yet to vest 
$

Name

Tony Bellas

Martin Greenberg

Tony Iannello  

(appointed 19 July 2010)

Philip St Baker  

(Managing Director & CEO)

100%

100%

100%

100%

Mitch Anderson

100%

Peter Jans

100%

Derek McKay

100%

Graeme Walker

100%

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2008

100%

-

-

2011 

2011 

2011 

2008

2011 

2011 

2011 

2008

2011 

2011 

2011 

2008

2011  

2011 

2011 

2008

2011 

2011 

2011

100% 

- 

- 

100%

100% 

- 

- 

100%

100% 

- 

- 

100%

100% 

- 

- 

100%

100% 

- 

-

-

-

-

- 

- 

- 

-

- 

- 

- 

-

- 

- 

- 

-

- 

- 

- 

-

- 

- 

-

-

-

-

- 

2013 

2014 

-

- 

2013 

2014 

-

- 

2013 

2014 

-

- 

2013 

2014 

-

- 

2013 

2014

-

-

-

- 

47,059 

73,045 

-

- 

20,348 

31,734 

-

- 

20,390 

31,801 

-

- 

20,348 

31,734 

-

- 

17,732 

27,656

5.8  Loans to directors, employees and contractors

Information on loans to directors, employees and contractors including amounts, interest rates and repayment terms are set 
out in note 32 to the financial statements.

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

39

Corporate Governance Statement 
Compliance with ASX Corporate Governance  
Principles and Recommendations

The ASX document, ‘Corporate Governance 

Principles and Recommendations’ (‘Guidelines’) 

their term of office, duties, rights and responsibilities, and 
entitlements on termination.

was published by the ASX Corporate 

Governance Council (“Council”) with the aim of 

enhancing the credibility and transparency of 

Australia’s capital markets. In August 2007 the 

Council released a revised version, featuring 

eight principles to apply to the first financial year 

starting on or after 1 January 2008. 

In June 2010, the Council released further amendments to 
apply to listed entities in respect of their first financial year 
starting on or after 1 January 2011. Those amendments, 
relating to diversity, remuneration, trading policies and 
briefings, although not required disclosure for ERM Power 
Limited (‘Company’) in the 2011 Annual Report, have been 
adopted early by the Company as encouraged by the 
Council.

This statement summarises the Company’s Corporate 
Governance practices which have been in place since 
the Company listed in December 2010. The Company is 
pleased to report that, with the exception of Principle 2.2 in 
relation to an independent director as Chairman, it complied 
with all of the ASX Guidelines.

The Board has assessed the Company’s current practice 
against the Guidelines and outlines its assessment below.

Principle 1 – Lay solid foundations for management 
and oversight

The role of the Board and ability to delegate to management 
has been formalised in ERM Power’s Board charter. The 
Board charter, along with other charters and policies, can be 
found on the Company’s website. The charter is reviewed and 
amended from time to time taking into consideration practical 
experience gained in operating as an ASX listed company. 
The Company complies with this Principle of the Guidelines.

The Managing Director has made delegations to senior 
executives related to the Company’s day to day affairs, 
within set limits and which delegations may be withdrawn 
or amended by the Managing Director at any time, 
within the following areas: Legal, Financial, ERM Sales 
matters, Operational matters, ERM Gas matters, Project 
Development, Asset Optimisation and Project Delivery.

At the time of joining the Company, directors and senior 
executives are provided with letters of appointment, together 
with key Company documents and information setting out 

The performance of all senior executives, including the 
Managing Director, is reviewed annually against:

a)  a set of personal, financial and non-financial goals;

b)  company goals; and

c) 

 adherence to the Company’s policies, commitments, 
values and principles.

The Remuneration Committee reviews and recommends 
the Managing Director’s package and incentive payments. 
The Remuneration Committee also approves the fixed 
remuneration and incentive packages for all senior 
executives (the “Executive Management Team”) with 
reference to external benchmarking indicators. Further 
information on senior executive remuneration is contained  
in the Remuneration Report. 

Principle 2 – Structure the Board to add value

ERM Power has a six-member Board comprising a Non-
Executive Chairman, four independent Non-Executive 
Directors and a Managing Director. The Company seeks 
to have directors with a broad range of experience, 
expertise, skills, qualifications and an understanding of, and 
competence to deal with, current and emerging issues of the 
business. The Company’s succession plans are designed 
to maintain an appropriate balance of skills, experience 
and expertise on the Board. The director’s profiles, period 
in office, and details of their skills, experience, and special 
expertise are set in the Directors’ Report.

Principle 2.1 of the Guidelines states that the majority of 
the Board should be independent directors. The Board 
considers each director’s independence on a regular basis 
and formed the view that for the FY11 reporting period, 
Tony Bellas, Martin Greenberg, Brett Heading and Tony 
Iannello were independent. In defining the characteristics 
of an independent director, the Board uses the Guidelines, 
together with its own consideration of the Company’s 
operations and businesses and appropriate materiality 
thresholds in any relationship that could materially interfere, 
or be perceived as interfering with the exercise of an 
unfettered independent judgement in relation to matters 
concerning the Company. Despite being a partner of a 
law firm that provides professional advice to ERM Power 
and its related entities, the Board nevertheless considers 
Brett Heading to be independent as he has not been 
directly involved in the provision of any legal advice, or the 
management of any legal matters (as this responsibility rests 
with executive management).

40 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

Principle 2.2 of the Guidelines recommends that the 
Company’s chairman should be independent. Trevor St 
Baker, the Non-Executive Chairman, is not independent  
(by virtue of his major shareholding interest in the Company) 
and accordingly, the Company is unable to comply with 
Principle 2.2. The Board believes that it is in the best 
interests of the Company to have Trevor St Baker as its 
Chairman, acknowledging Trevor’s standing and experience 
in the Australian electricity industry and his contributions to 
the Company’s development over the past 30 years.

The Board schedules a minimum of six meetings a year.  
If required, additional unscheduled meetings are held 
to deal with urgent matters. An agenda is prepared for 
each Board meeting by the Company Secretary to ensure 
operational, financial, strategic, regulatory and major risk 
areas are addressed. Executive management also provide 
the Board each month with an operations report, a health, 
safety, environment and sustainability report, financial reports 
and reports on all major projects under construction and, as 
appropriate, on other company and operational matters. All 
directors have unfettered access to any of the Company’s 
records and information they consider necessary to fulfil their 
responsibilities, and the Board may invite external advisers to 
attend Board meetings where necessary or desirable.

The Audit & Risk Committee, Remuneration Committee, 
Health, Safety, Environment & Sustainability Committee 
and Nomination Committee each has a charter which sets 
out its roles and responsibilities, composition, structure, 
membership requirements and operation. These are 
available on the Company’s website. Committee meeting 
minutes are tabled at the following Board meeting.

A list of the members of each Committee and their 
attendance at Committee meetings is set out in the 
Directors’ Report.

The Nomination Committee provides advice and 
makes recommendations to the Board to ensure that it is 
comprised of individuals who are best able to discharge the 
responsibilities of directors, having regard to the law and the 
highest standards of governance by:

•	 assessing the skills required by the Board and the 

extent to which the required skills are represented on 

the Board;

•	

 establishing processes for the review of the individual 

directors and the Chairman specifically, and the Board 

as a whole;

•	 establishing processes for the identification of suitable 

candidates for appointment to the Board as additional 

members or to succeed existing members and 

reviewing Board succession plans;

•	

reviewing and reporting, at least annually, on the relative 

•	

proportion of women and men on the Board; and
 making recommendations to the Board on directors 
appointments or Board and Committee structure.

Each year, one-third of the Board, other than the Managing 
Director, retires in accordance with the constitution, and is 
eligible for re-election by shareholders at the annual general 
meeting (AGM). At the Company’s AGM, on 23 November 
2011, Trevor St Baker and Martin Greenberg, as the longest 
standing directors, will be retiring and standing for re-election. 
The Board unanimously supports their re-election.

Prior to the AGM each year the Nomination Committee 
evaluates any new directorship nominations, and evaluates 
the performance of those directors retiring by rotation; the 
results of which form the basis of the Boards’ recommendation 
to shareholders. The Board’s recommendation on the 
re-election of Trevor St Baker and Martin Greenberg will  
be included in the Notice convening the AGM.

Every year, through the Nomination Committee, the directors 
review the performance of the whole Board and Board 
Committees. The review considers a director’s expertise, 
skill and experience, along with his/her understanding of the 
Company’s business, preparation for meetings, relationships 
with other directors and management, awareness of ethical 
and governance issues, and overall contribution. This year 
a full review was undertaken covering the Board’s activities 
and work program, time commitments, meeting efficiency 
and Board contribution to Company strategy, monitoring, 
compliance and governance.

Principle 3 – Promote ethical and responsible 
decision making

The Board strongly encourages ethical and responsible 
decision making and has implemented policies to achieve 
this while in pursuit of the Company’s objectives. 

A Code of Business Conduct, Securities Trading Policy and 
Whistleblower Policy apply to the Company’s directors and 
employees and are available on the Company’s website.

The purpose of these documents is to guide directors  
and employees in the performance of their duties, set 
appropriate restrictions on the trading of securities by 
directors, employees and their associates, and to the 
Company’s employees who wish to report in good faith 
inappropriate behaviour or wrongful acts without fear of 
retaliation or punishment.

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

41

Corporate Governance Report 
for the year ended 30 June 2011 continued...

The Guidelines were amended on 30 June 2010 to include, 
amongst other things, a recommendation that companies 
establish a policy concerning diversity. The Board has 
adopted a Diversity Policy which is available on the 
Company’s website with the following measurable objectives 
proposed for the forthcoming reporting period (FY2012):

•	 ensure diversity programs reflect the Company’s 

policy and approach to diversity and ensure they are 

communicated to all employees:

•	

review all recruitment and remuneration practices to 

ensure they are free from gender bias and encourage 

greater female participation and opportunity:

•	

identify high talent women at low to middle management 

level and implement specific strategies to enhance the 

skills and experience of these people to prepare them 

for advancement: and

•	 encourage female applicants for all roles, but 

specifically technical roles where representation is low, 
and seek at least one female candidate for the shortlist 
for each technical role.

As at the end of the FY11 reporting period, there was no 
female participation on the Board or in senior executive 
positions (out of approximately 10). The percentage of 
women employed by the Company as a whole organisation 
was 21.5%.

Principle 4 – Safeguard integrity in financial 
reporting

The Company has an Audit and Risk Committee compliant 
with Principle 4 which consists of three independent 
directors, Tony Bellas (Chairman), Martin Greenberg and 
Tony Iannello. The charter is available on the Company’s 
website and contains information on the procedures for the 
selection and appointment of external auditors and for the 
rotation of external audit engagement partners.

The Audit and Risk Committee reviews and discusses with 
management and the external auditors the half-yearly and 
annual financial reports including notes to the financial 
accounts and other disclosures and recommends to the 
Board whether the financial reports should be approved.

The Audit and Risk Committee monitors the adequacy 
of, integrity of, and the effectiveness of, management 
processes that support financial reporting. It also maintains 

and oversees a sound system of internal controls based on 
the adoption by the Board of a risk-based approach to the 
identification, assessment, monitoring and management of 
risks that are significant to the fulfilment of the Company’s 
business objectives.

The qualifications of the members of the Audit and Risk 
Committee and their attendance at meetings of the 
committee are set out in the Directors’ Report.

Principle 5 – Make timely and balanced disclosure

The Company’s current practice on disclosure is consistent 
with the Guidelines. The Board has adopted a Continuous 
Disclosure Policy and procedures are in place to ensure 
compliance with ASX Listing Rule disclosure requirements.

The Continuous Disclosure Policy and the Shareholder 
Communication Policy are available on the Company’s 
website.

All material presentations by the Company are released  
to the ASX and posted on the Company’s website.

 Principle 6 – Respect the rights of shareholders

The Company is committed to providing regular 
communication to shareholders about the financial 
performance of ERM Power and its business and 
operations. Annual reports are able to be accessed by 
shareholders via the Company’s website, with a hardcopy 
able to be mailed out on request.

The Board will communicate with shareholders regularly 
and clearly by electronic means as well as by traditional 
methods. Shareholders are encouraged to attend and 
participate at general meetings. The Company’s auditor will 
attend the annual general meeting and will be available to 
answer shareholders’ questions. The Company’s policies 
comply with the Guidelines in relation to the rights of 
shareholders.

All announcements to the ASX are posted on the  
Company’s website. The Company attempts to keep 
its website as current and informative as possible for 
shareholders and other stakeholders, including any  
update on its current projects.

The Shareholder Communication Policy is available  
on the Company’s website.

42 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

Principle 7 – Recognise and manage risks

Principle 8 – Remunerate fairly and responsibly

The Board, through the Audit and Risk Committee, has  
an overarching policy governing the Company’s approach to 
risk oversight and management and internal control systems, 
the Risk Management Framework Policy which is available 
on the Company’s website. The Board is also responsible for 
ensuring that there are other appropriate policies in relation to 
risk management and internal control systems. 

The Company’s policies are designed to identify, assess, 
address and monitor strategic, operational, legal, 
reputational, commodity and financial risks to enable it to 
achieve its business objectives. Where appropriate, certain 
risks are covered by insurance or by Board-approved 
policies for hedging of interest rates, foreign exchange rates 
and commodities. In this respect, the Company complies 
with Principle 7.1.

Board, executive and business unit level controls are 
designed to safeguard company and stakeholders’ interests 
in respect of those risks mentioned above. Each Executive 
Team member is responsible for communicating to their team 
the risk framework and structure required by the ERM Power 
Board and the Audit and Risk Committee. The Chief Financial 
Officer is responsible for reporting to the Board and the Audit 
and Risk Committee about the management of the Company’s 
material business risks, and the Board has received a report 
from the Chief Financial Officer that as at 30 June 2011 its 
material business risks are being managed effectively. 

The Company undertakes reviews of projects and business 
units for major risks and seeks to maintain strong controls 
across all corporate and operational activities in compliance 
with Principle 7.2.

When presenting financial statements for Board approval, 
the Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer provide 
a formal statement in accordance with section 295A of 
the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) with an assurance that 
the statement is founded upon a sound system of risk 
management and internal control that is operating effectively 
in all material respects in relation to financial reporting risks. 

The Remuneration Committee ensures that remuneration 
is consistent with current market practices and that 
the Company can attract, retain and develop valued 
employees. In this regard, the Company complies with 
Principle 8.1. The Remuneration Committee charter can be 
found on the Company’s website.

The Remuneration Committee charter was updated during 
the FY11 reporting period to ensure the Committee reviews 
and reports, at least annually, on the relative proportion of 
women and men in the workforce at all levels of the ERM 
Power group, excluding the ERM Power Board (which is 
the responsibility of the Nomination Committee). These 
proportions are contained in Principle 3 above.

In compliance with Principle 8.2, the Remuneration 
Committee is comprised of ERM Power’s four independent 
Non-Executive Directors (Tony Bellas, Martin Greenberg, 
Brett Heading and Tony Iannello) with Tony Iannello as 
Chairman. Their attendance at meetings of the committee is 
set out in the Directors’ Report.

The remuneration of non-executive directors is structured 
separately from that of the Managing Director and senior 
executives. The Managing Director and senior executives 
are remunerated by way of a mix of fixed and variable 
remuneration in a manner that motivates them to pursue the 
long term growth and success of the Group. 

The Securities Trading Policy contains a prohibition against 
directors and employees altering the economic benefit 
derived by the director or employee in relation to an equity-
based incentive award or grant made by the Company. 

Information on remuneration of directors and senior 
executives is contained in the Remuneration Report.

All information referred to in this Corporate Governance 
Statement as being on the Company’s website can be 
found at the web address: www.ermpower.com.au within the 
“Shareholders” tab, under either “Corporate governance” or 
“ASX Announcements”. More information on ERM Power’s 
Corporate Governance is also located here.

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

43

Oakey power station

ERM Power Limited
Annual Financial Statements 
for the year ended 30 June 2011

Contents

Auditors Independence Declaration 

Consolidated Income Statement 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 

Directors’ Declaration 

Independent Auditor’s Report 

50

51

105

106

45

46

47

48

49

The financial statements were authorised for issue by the Directors on 25 August 

ERM Power Limited is a company limited by shares, incorporated and domiciled in 

2011. The Directors have the power to amend and reissue the financial statements. 

Australia. Its registered office and principal place of business is as set out on page 52. 

This financial report covers ERM Power Limited, formerly known as ERM Power 

A description of the Group’s operations and of its principal activities is included in 

Pty Ltd, (“ERM”) as a consolidated entity comprising ERM Power Limited and its 

the review of operations and activities in the Directors’ report on pages 22 to 30. 

controlled entities. ERM was converted to a public company on 17 September 

The Directors’ report does not form part of the financial report.

2010. The Group’s functional and presentation currency is Australian dollars (AUD). 
E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

ABN 28 122 259 223

AuDiTOR’S inDEPEnDEnCE DECLARATiOn

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

45

COnSOLiDATED inCOME STATEMEnT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

CONTINUING OPERATIONS

Revenue

Other income

Net gain on disposal of interests in assets

Expenses

Results from operating activities before finance costs, depreciation, 
amortisation and fair value gains/losses on financial instruments

Depreciation and amortisation

Net fair value losses on financial instruments designated at fair value 
through profit or loss 

Results from operating activities

Finance expense

Share of profit of associates, net of income tax

Profit / (loss) before income tax

Income tax (expense) / benefit

Profit / (loss) for the year

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the Company

Non-controlling interest

Profit / (loss) for the year

Earnings per share based on earnings attributable to the ordinary 
equity holders of the Company

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Note

2011 
$’000

2010 
$’000

5

35

6

7

8

17

9

37

37

544,563

513

4,738

378,612

3,412

36,379

(504,843)

(351,041)

44,971

(9,977)

14,187

49,181

(29,793)

1,436

20,824

(4,605)

16,219

16,176

43

16,219

Cents

11.72

11.35

67,362

(12,722)

(37,262)

17,378

(39,770)

1,321

(21,071)

5,318

(1 5,753)

(16,867)

1,114

(15,753)

Cents

(16.72)

(16.72)

The above Consolidated Income Statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Operational business segment performance and underlying profit of the consolidated entity is presented in note 2 together with a reconciliation 

between statutory profit attributable to members of the parent entity and underlying profit. 

46 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

COnSOLiDATED STATEMEnT OF COMPREhEnSiVE inCOME

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

Profit / (loss) for the year

Other comprehensive income 

Cash flow hedges net of tax

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive income

Other comprehensive income for the year attributable to:

Equity holders of the Company

Non-controlling interest

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to:

Equity holders of the Company

Non-controlling interest

Total comprehensive income

2011 
$’000

16,219

2010 
$’000

(15,753)

3,393

3,393

19,612

3,063

 330

3,393

19,239

373

19,612

7,083

7,083

(8,670)

8,749

(1,666)

7,083

(8,118)

(552)

(8,670)

The above Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

47

COnSOLiDATED STATEMEnT OF FinAnCiAL POSiTiOn

AS AT 30 JUNE 2011

ASSETS 

Current Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Inventories

Other assets

Derivative financial instruments

Total Current Assets 

Non-Current Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Derivative financial instruments

Investment in associates accounted for using the equity method

Property, plant and equipment

Exploration and evaluation costs

Deferred tax assets

Intangible assets

Total Non-Current Assets 

TOTAL ASSETS

LIABILITIES 

Current Liabilities

Trade and other payables

Current tax liabilities

Borrowings

Borrowings – limited recourse 

Derivative financial instruments

Provisions

Total Current Liabilities 

Non-Current Liabilities

Borrowings

Borrowings – limited recourse 

Derivative financial instruments

Deferred tax liabilities

Provisions

Total Non-Current Liabilities

TOTAL LIABILITIES

NET ASSETS

EQUITY

Contributed equity

Reserves

Retained earnings

Capital and reserves attributable to owners of ERM Power Limited

Non-controlling interest

TOTAL EQUITY

Note

2011 
$’000

2010 
$’000

11

13

14

15

16

11

13

16

17

19

20

9

21

22

9

23

23

24

25

23

23

24

9

25

26

27

184,264

45,181

3,139

4,486

499

59,478

103,747

800

8,286

409

237,569

172,720

2,091

2,556

43

18,541

206,456

11,435

33,455

1,882

276,459

514,028

63,035

-

-

4,719

27,091

1,079

95,924

4,400

202,575

29,954

23,426

50

260,405

356,329

157,699

160,239

(11,555)

9,015

157,699

-

157,699

3,032

2,607

-

17,675

392,607

6,569

61,066

5,815

489,371

662,091

51,310

46

7,973

5,001

39,601

1,122

105,053

25,140

393,208

47,260

46,149

36

511,793

616,846

45,245

60,573

(21,412)

(7,161)

32,000

13,245

45,245

The above Consolidated Statement of Financial Position should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

48 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

COnSOLiDATED STATEMEnT OF ChAnGES in EquiTy

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

Contributed 
equity 
$’000

Reserves 
$’000

Retained 
earnings 
$’000

Note

Non- 
controlling 
interests 
$’000

Total 
$’000

Total 
equity 
$’000

 60,012

(30,488)

9,706

39,230

13,797

53,027

-

-

-

-

(16,867)

(16,867)

1,114

(15,753)

8,749

-

8,749

(1,666)

7,083

8,749

(16,867)

(8,118)

 (552)

(8,670)

 561

327

-

 888

-

 888

Balance at 1 July 2009

Loss for the period

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income  
for the year

Transactions with owners in  
their capacity as owners:

Issue of shares and share options 
pursuant to employee incentive scheme

Balance at 30 June 2010

 60,573

( 21,412)

(7,161)

32,000

13,245

45,245

-

16,176

16,176

3,063

3,063

-

16,176

3,063

19,239

43

330

373

16,219

3,393

19,612

6,517

(13,618)

(7,101)

Profit for the period

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income  
for the year 

Transactions with owners in  
their capacity as owners:

Disposal of interest in partnership net 
of tax (i)

Issue of shares and share options 
pursuant to employee incentive 
scheme

Contribution of equity from IPO net of 
transactions costs

Issue of shares on acquisition of SAGE

Purchase of treasury shares

Share based payment expense 

Balance at 30 June 2011

26

26

26

26

28

-

-

-

-

 4,470

93,760

2,334

(898)

-

6,517

-

-

-

-

277

-

-

-

-

-

-

 4,470

93,760

2,334

(898)

277

160,239

(11,555)

9,015

157,699

-

-

-

-

-

-

 4,470

93,760

2,334

(898)

277

157,699

(i) Kwinana Power Station sold during year. Refer note 35 for further details

The above Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

49

COnSOLiDATED STATEMEnT OF CASh FLOwS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

Note

2011 
$’000

2010 
$’000

Cash flows from operating activities 

Receipts from customers (inclusive of applicable goods and services tax)

Payments to suppliers and employees (inclusive of goods and services tax)

Dividends received

Income tax paid

644,967

(536,434)

570

-

Net cash flows used in operating activities

12a

109,103

424,663

(409,269)

1,230

(9,112)

7,512

(3,378)

(41,070)

18,863

-

(25,585)

26,640

(78,561)

168,061

(144,011)

(39,025)

2,759

-

-

-

(64,137)

(82,210)

144,720

62,510

(4,866)

(13,143)

(1,264)

417

(18,856)

4,400

(33,086)

-

(3,438)

(32,696)

4,488

100,000

(6,240)

170

33,598

123,845

62,510

186,355

2,334

-

Cash flows from investing activities

Payments for exploration and evaluation

Payments for plant and equipment

Cash loss on disposal of joint interests

Net cash acquired as part of business combination

Net cash flows used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from borrowings 

Repayments of borrowings 

Proceeds from borrowings – limited recourse

Repayments of borrowings – limited recourse

Finance costs

Interest received

Issue of shares on initial public offering

Transaction costs on initial public offering share issue 

Cash received on exercise of share options

Net cash flows from financing activities

Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

Non-cash investing and financing activities

35

36

26

26

26

11

12b

The above Consolidated Statement of Financial Position should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

50 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

INDEX TO NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

PAGE 

1. 

 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

2.  SEGMENT REPORT 

3.  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT 

4.  CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS 

5.  REVENUE 

6.  EXPENSES 

7. 

 NET FAIR VALUE GAIN / (LOSS) ON FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS  
DESIGNATED AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT AND LOSS 

8.  FINANCE COSTS 

9. 

INCOME TAX 

10.  DIVIDENDS PAID AND PROPOSED 

11.  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 

12.  RECONCILIATION OF CASH FLOWS USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES 

13.  TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES 

14. 

INVENTORIES 

15.  OTHER ASSETS 

16.  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – ASSETS 

17.  INVESTMENTS ACCOUNTED FOR USING THE EQUITY METHOD 

18.  INVESTMENT IN CONTROLLED ENTITIES 

19.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 

20.  EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION COSTS 

21.  INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

22.  TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES  

23.  BORROWINGS  

24.  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – LIABILITIES 

25.  PROVISIONS 

26.  CONTRIBUTED EQUITY 

27.  RESERVES 

28.  SHARE BASED PAYMENTS 

29.  PARENT ENTITY FINANCIAL INFORMATION 

30.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES 

31.  INTERESTS IN JOINTLY CONTROLLED ENTITIES 

32.  RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES 

33.  KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL DISCLOSURES  

34.  AUDITORS’ REMUNERATION 

35.  SALE OF INTERESTS IN POWER STATION 

36.  BUSINESS COMBINATION 

37.  EARNINGS PER SHARE 

38.  EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD 

52

63

65

71

73

73

74

74

75

78

78

79

80

81

81

81

81

83

84

86

86

86

87

88

88

89

90

91

93

94

96

98

99

100

101

102

103

103

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

51

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

These financial statements cover ERM Power Limited 
the consolidated entity (‘Group’ or ‘consolidated entity’) 
consisting of ERM Power Limited and its subsidiaries.  
The report is presented in Australian dollars.

ERM Power Limited is incorporated and domiciled in 
Australia. Its registered office and place of business is 
Level 5, Riverside Centre, 123 Eagle Street, Brisbane, 
Queensland, 4000.

A description of the nature of the Group’s operations and of 
its principal activities is included in the review of operations 
and activities in the Directors’ report on pages 22 to 30.

This report was authorised for issue by the Directors on  
25 August 2011.

1. 

 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING 
POLICIES

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation 
of the financial report are set out below. These policies have 
been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless 
otherwise stated. 

(a)   Basis of preparation
This general purpose financial report has been prepared 
in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards, other 
authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting 
Standards Board and the Corporations Act 2001.

Compliance with IFRS

The consolidated financial statements of the Group  
comply with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards 
Board (IASB).

Early adoption of Australian Accounting Standards

The Group has elected to apply the following 
pronouncements to the annual reporting period 
commencing 1 July 2010:

Revised AASB 124 Related Party Disclosures and AASB 
2009-12 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards.

This includes applying the revised pronouncement to the 
comparatives in accordance with AASB 108 Accounting 
Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors. 
None of the items in the financial statements had to be 
restated as the result of applying this standard.

Historical cost convention

These financial statements have been prepared under the 
historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation 
of financial assets and liabilities (including derivative 
instruments) at fair value through profit and loss.

Critical accounting estimates

The preparation of financial statements requires the use 
of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires 
management to exercise its judgement in the process 
of applying the Group’s accounting policies. Information 
regarding critical accounting estimates is provided in note 4.

(b)  Principles of consolidation
Subsidiaries

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the 
assets and liabilities of all subsidiaries of ERM Power 
Limited as at 30 June 2011 and the results of all its 
subsidiaries for the year then ended.

Subsidiaries are all those entities (including special purpose 
entities) over which the Group has the power to govern their 
financial and operating policies, generally accompanying 
a shareholding of more than one-half of the voting rights. 
The existence and effect of potential voting rights that are 
currently exercisable or convertible are considered when 
assessing whether the Group controls another entity.

Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which 
control is transferred to the Group. They are de-consolidated 
from the date that control ceases.

The acquisition method of accounting is used to account  
for the acquisition of subsidiaries by the Group that were  
not previously under common control.

On an acquisition-by-acquisition basis, the Group recognises 
any non-controlling interest in the acquiree either at fair 
value or at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share 
of the acquiree’s net identifiable assets. Non-controlling 
interests in the results and equity of subsidiaries are shown 
separately in the consolidated income statement, statement 
of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity 
and balance sheet respectively.

The financial statements of subsidiaries are prepared for 
the same reporting period as the parent company, using 
consistent accounting policies.

Intercompany balances, transactions and unrealised 
gains resulting from intra-Group transactions have been 
eliminated in full. Unrealised losses are also eliminated 
unless the transaction provides evidence of the impairment 
of the asset transferred.

Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for at cost less 
any impairment in the individual financial statements of  
ERM Power Limited.

52 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

1. 

 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING 
POLICIES continued

(b)  Principles of consolidation continued

Associates

Associates are all entities over which the Group 
has significant influence but not control, generally 
accompanying a shareholding of between 20% and  
50% of the voting rights. Investments in associates are 
accounted for in the consolidated financial statements  
using the equity method of accounting.

The Group’s share of its associates’ post-acquisition 
profits or losses is recognised in the income statement, 
and its share of post-acquisition movements in reserves is 
recognised in reserves. The cumulative post-acquisition 
movements are adjusted against the carrying amount of 
the investment. Dividends receivable from associates are 
recognised in the consolidated financial statements by 
reducing the carrying amount of the investment.

When the Group’s share of losses in an associate equals 
or exceeds its interest in the associate, including any other 
unsecured receivables, the Group does not recognise 
further losses, unless it has incurred obligations or made 
payments on behalf of the investment.

Unrealised gains on transactions between the Group and 
its associates are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s 
interest in the associates. Unrealised losses are also 
eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an 
impairment of the asset transferred. Accounting policies of 
associates have been changed where necessary to ensure 
consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.

Jointly controlled entities

Jointly controlled entities are those entities over whose 
activities the entity has joint control, established by a 
contractual agreement. In the consolidated financial 
statements, investments in jointly controlled entities, 
including partnerships, are accounted for using the 
proportionate consolidation method of accounting.

The proportionate interests in the assets, liabilities, income 
and expenses of a jointly controlled entity are incorporated 
in the financial statements under the appropriate headings. 
Transactions and balances between the Group and jointly 
controlled entities are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s 
proportionate interests.

Employee share trusts

The Group has formed trusts to administer the Group’s 
employee share schemes. The trusts are consolidated, 
as the substance of the relationship is that the trusts 

are controlled by the Group. Shares held by the trusts 
are disclosed as treasury shares and deducted from 
contributed equity.

(c)  Parent entity financial information
The financial information for the parent entity, ERM Power 
Limited, disclosed in note 29 has been prepared on the 
same basis as the consolidated financial statements, 
except as set out below:

(i) 

 Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint 
venture entities

Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint venture 
entities are accounted for at cost in the financial statements 
of ERM Power Limited. Dividends received from associates 
are recognised in the parent entity’s profit or loss, rather 
than being deducted from the carrying amount of these 
investments.

(ii)  Financial guarantees
Where the parent entity provides financial guarantees 
in relation to loans and payables of subsidiaries for no 
compensation, the fair values of these guarantees are 
accounted for as contributions and recognised as part  
of the cost of the investments. 

(iii)  Share-based payments
The grant by the company of options over its equity 
instruments to the employees of subsidiary undertakings 
in the Group is treated as a capital contribution to that 
subsidiary undertaking. The fair value of employee 
services received, measured by reference to the grant 
date fair value, is recognised over the vesting period as an 
increase to investment in subsidiary undertakings, with a 
corresponding credit to equity.

(iv)  Tax consolidation legislation
ERM Power Limited and its wholly-owned Australian 
controlled entities have implemented the tax consolidation 
legislation.

The head entity ERM Power Limited, and the controlled 
entities in the tax consolidated Group, account for their own 
current and deferred tax amounts. These tax amounts are 
measured as if each entity in the tax consolidated Group 
continues to be a standalone taxpayer in its own right.

In addition to its own current and deferred tax amounts, 
ERM Power Limited also recognises the current tax liabilities 
(or assets) and the deferred tax assets arising from unused 
tax losses and unused tax credits assumed from controlled 
entities in the tax consolidated Group.

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53

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

1. 

 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING 
POLICIES continued

(c)  Parent entity financial information continued

(iv)  Tax consolidation legislation continued

Assets or liabilities arising under tax funding agreements 
with the tax consolidated entities are recognised as amounts 
receivable from or payable to other entities in the Group.

Any difference between the amounts assumed and 
amounts receivable or payable under the tax funding 
agreement are recognised as a contribution to (or 
distribution from) wholly-owned tax consolidated entities.

(d)  Segment reporting
The consolidated entity determines and presents operating 
segments based on the information that is internally 
provided to the Managing Director who is the chief 
operating decision maker. The Managing Director regularly 
receives financial information on the underlying profit of 
each operating segment and the statutory profit. 

An operating segment is a distinguishable component of an 
entity that engages in business activity from which it may 
earn revenues and incur expenses (including revenues and 
expenses relating to transactions with other components of 
the same entity), and whose operating results are regularly 
reviewed by the chief operating decision maker to make 
decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment.

(e)  Foreign currency translation
Functional and presentation currency

The consolidated financial statements are presented in 
Australian dollars, which is the functional and presentation 
currency of each of the Group companies.

Transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the 
functional currency at the rate of exchange at the date 
of the transaction. Foreign exchange gains and losses 
resulting from the settlement of such transactions, and  
from the translation at year end exchange rates of monetary 
assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, are 
recognised in the income statement, except when deferred 
in equity as qualifying cash flow hedges.

(f)  Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand, 
deposits held at call with financial institutions, and other 
short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities 
of three months or less that are readily convertible into 
known amounts of cash and which are subject to an 
insignificant risk of changes in value, net of any bank 
overdrafts. These assets are stated at nominal values.

Cash that is reserved and its use specifically restricted 
for maintenance and/or debt servicing under the Group’s 
borrowing agreements is defined as restricted cash. 
Restricted cash is shown at the balance date according to 
the timing of its release. Accordingly, cash that cannot be 
applied or used within the next 12 months is shown as a 
non-current asset. All other cash and cash equivalents are 
shown as current assets.

(g)  Trade and other receivables
All trade and other debtors are recognised initially at fair 
value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using 
the original effective interest method less allowances for 
doubtful debts. Collectability is reviewed on an ongoing 
basis. An allowance for doubtful debts is made when 
there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able 
to collect any amounts due according to original terms. 
The amount of the allowance is the difference between 
the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of the 
estimated future cash flows discounted at the effective 
interest rate. The amount of the impairment loss is 
recognised in the income statement.

Trade receivables are those due for settlement no more  
than 30 days from the date of invoice.

(h)  Inventories
Renewable energy certificates

Renewable energy certificates held by the Group are 
accounted for as commodity inventories. The Group 
participates in the purchase and sale of a range of 
renewable energy certificates, including both mandatory 
and voluntary schemes.

Purchased renewable energy certificates are initially 
recognised at cost within inventories. Subsequent 
measurement is at fair value less costs to sell, with 
unrealised gains and losses arising from changes in fair 
value being recognised in the income statement in the 
period of the change.

(i)  Financial assets
Investments are recognised and derecognised on trade 
date where the purchase or sale of an investment is under 
a contract whose terms require delivery of the investment 
within the timeframe established by the market concerned, 
and are initially measured at fair value.

Subsequent to initial recognition, investments in associates 
are accounted for under the equity method in the 
consolidated financial statements. Further information 
regarding equity accounted investments is detailed in  
note 1 (b).

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nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

1. 

 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING 
POLICIES continued

(i)  Financial assets continued

Other financial assets are classified into the following 
specified categories: financial assets ‘at fair value through 
profit or loss’, ‘held-to-maturity investments’, ‘available-
for-sale’ financial assets, and ‘loans and receivables’. 
The classification depends on the nature and purpose 
of the financial assets and is determined at the time of 
initial recognition. Further information on the categories of 
financial assets held by the Group during the financial year 
is provided below.

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Financial assets are classified as financial assets at fair 
value through profit or loss where the financial asset:

•	 has been acquired principally for the purpose of selling 

in the near future; and

•	

 is a derivative that is not designated and effective as a 

hedging instrument.

Loans and receivables

Trade receivables, loans and other receivables that have 
fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an 
active market are classified as ‘loans and receivables’. 
Loans and receivables are measured at amortised cost 
using the effective interest method less impairment. Interest 
income is recognised by applying the effective interest rate.

De-recognition of financial assets

The Group derecognises a financial asset only when the 
contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or 
it transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks 
and rewards of ownership of the asset to another entity. If 
the Group neither transfers nor retains substantially all the 
risks and rewards of ownership and continues to control the 
transferred asset, the Group recognises its retained interest 
in the asset and an associated liability for amounts it may 
have to pay. If the Group retains substantially all the risks 
and rewards of ownership of a transferred financial asset, 
the Group continues to recognise the financial asset and 
also recognises a collateralised borrowing for the proceeds 
received.

Impairment of financial assets

Financial assets, other than those at fair value through profit 
or loss, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each 
balance date. Financial assets are impaired where there is 
objective evidence that as a result of one or more events 
that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial 
asset the estimated future cash flows of the investment have 
been impacted.

For financial assets carried at amortised cost, the amount 
of the impairment is the difference between the asset’s 
carrying amount and the present value of estimated future 
cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate.

The carrying amount of financial assets including uncollectable 
trade receivables is reduced by the impairment loss through 
the use of an allowance account. Subsequent recoveries 
of amounts previously written off are credited against the 
allowance account. Changes in the carrying amount of the 
allowance account are recognised in profit or loss.

With the exception of available-for-sale equity instruments, 
if in a subsequent period the amount of the impairment loss 
decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to 
an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, 
the previously recognised impairment loss is reversed 
through profit or loss to the extent the carrying amount of 
the investment at the date the impairment is reversed does 
not exceed what the amortised cost would have been had 
the impairment not been recognised.

Effective interest method

The effective interest method is a method of calculating the 
amortised cost of a financial asset and of allocating interest 
income over the relevant period. The effective interest rate 
is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash 
receipts (including all transaction costs and other premiums 
or discounts) through the expected life of the financial 
asset, or, where appropriate, a shorter period.

Income is recognised on an effective interest rate basis for 
debt instruments other than those financial assets ‘at fair 
value through profit or loss’.

(j)  Capitalised work in progress
Costs incurred in relation to the development of a project, 
including the cost of construction, are recorded as 
capitalised work in progress when these costs are incurred 
prior to the establishment of a development vehicle. 
Development expenditure is recorded as capitalised work in 
progress only if development costs can be measured reliably, 
the project is technically and commercially feasible, future 
economic benefits are probable, and the Group intends to 
and has sufficient resources to complete development and 
to use or sell the asset. Development costs relating to project 
costs incurred may include legal fees, insurance costs, 
independent engineer costs, borrowing costs, environmental 
impact study fees, and direct labour and overhead costs.

Capitalised work in progress is measured at cost less 
accumulated impairment losses.

The recovery of these costs usually occurs at financial close 
of a project at which time these costs are transferred to a 
development vehicle.

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55

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

1. 

 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING 
POLICIES continued

(k)  Derivative financial instruments
ERM Power Retail Pty Limited (“ERM Sales”), one of the 
subsidiaries in the Group, routinely enters into forward sales 
contracts (“Contracts”) related to the provision of electricity 
in the Australian National Electricity Market (“NEM”). The 
Contracts are exclusively entered into with large industrial, 
commercial and government entities under term contracts. 
All of the electricity provided under these contracts is 
traded in the NEM spot market. 

ERM Sales also enters into a variety of electricity derivative 
transactions (“Derivatives”) as part of an overall strategy 
to hedge the exposure to contract prices. ERM Sales 
manages all of its Contracts and Derivatives as part of an 
overall commodity trading strategy. 

Revenue from the Contracts is recognised in accordance 
with the revenue recognition policy in note 1(x). Derivatives 
are initially recognised at fair value on the date the 
derivative contract is entered into, and are subsequently 
remeasured to their fair value at each balance date. 
Derivatives are carried in the statement of financial position 
as assets when the fair value is positive and as liabilities 
when the fair value is negative. The resulting gain or loss 
arising from the revaluation is recognised in the income 
statement in the period it arises.

Hedge accounting

The Group designates interest rate swaps and forward 
foreign exchange contracts as cash flow hedges.

At the inception of the hedge relationship the entity 
documents the relationship between the hedging instrument 
and hedged item, along with its risk management 
objectives and its strategy for undertaking various hedge 
transactions. Furthermore, at the inception of the hedge and 
on an ongoing basis, the Group documents whether the 
hedging instrument that is used in a hedging relationship 
is highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the 
hedged item.

Cash flow hedge

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of 
derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow 
hedges are deferred in equity. The gain or loss relating to 
the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in profit 
or loss. Amounts deferred in equity are recycled in profit 
or loss in the periods when the hedged item is recognised 
in profit or loss in the same line as the recognised hedged 
item. However, when the forecast transaction that is hedged 
results in the recognition of a non-financial asset or a non-

financial liability, the gains and losses previously deferred in 
equity are transferred from equity and included in the initial 
measurement of the cost of the asset or liability.

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the Group revokes 
the hedging relationship, the hedging instrument expires or 
is sold, terminated, or exercised, or no longer qualifies for 
hedge accounting. Any cumulative gain or loss deferred in 
equity at that time remains in equity and is recognised when 
the forecast transaction is ultimately recognised in profit 
or loss. When a forecast transaction is no longer expected 
to occur, the cumulative gain or loss that was deferred in 
equity is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

(l)  Fair value estimation
The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities  
must be estimated for recognition and measurement or  
for disclosure purposes.

The fair value of financial instruments traded in active 
markets (such as publicly traded derivatives, and trading 
and available-for-sale securities) is based on quoted market 
prices at the balance date. The quoted market price used 
for financial assets held by the Group is the current bid 
price; the appropriate quoted market price for financial 
liabilities is the current ask price.

The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in 
an active market is determined using a variety of valuation 
techniques and assumptions that are based on market 
conditions existing at each balance date. Quoted market 
prices or dealer quotes for similar instruments are used for 
long-term debt instruments held. Other techniques, such  
as estimated discounted cash flows, are used to determine 
fair value for the remaining financial instruments. The fair 
value of forward exchange contracts is determined using 
market exchange rates and published forward margins at 
balance date.

The nominal value less estimated credit adjustments of trade 
receivables and payables is assumed to approximate their 
fair value. For disclosure purposes the fair value of financial 
liabilities is estimated by discounting the future contractual 
cash flows at the current market interest rate that is available 
to the Group for similar financial instruments.

(m) Property, plant and equipment
Items of property, plant and equipment are initially 
measured at historical cost less depreciation. Historical 
cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the 
acquisition of the items. Cost may also include transfers 
from equity of any gains/losses on qualifying cash flow 
hedges of foreign currency purchases of property, plant 
and equipment.

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nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

1. 

 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING 
POLICIES continued

(m) Property, plant and equipment continued

Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount 
or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when 
it is probable that future economic benefits associated with 
the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be 
measured reliably. All repairs and maintenance expenses are 
charged to the income statement during the financial period 
in which they are incurred.

Subsequent impairment losses are recognised in 
accordance with note 1(o).

The probability of expected future economic benefits is 
assessed using reasonable and supportable assumptions 
that represent management’s best estimate of the set of 
economic conditions that will exist over the useful life of 
the asset. In this assessment, greater weighting is given 
to available external evidence. Exploration and evaluation 
assets will be reclassified as development assets at the 
point in which technical feasibility and commercial viability 
of extraction gas are demonstrated or a petroleum lease is 
granted. Exploration and evaluation assets are assessed 
for impairment and any impairment loss is recognised 
before reclassification. Accumulated costs in relation to an 
abandoned area are written off in full against profit in the 
year in which the decision to abandon is made.

Depreciation

Software

Land and capital work in progress are not depreciated. 
Depreciation on the other assets is calculated using the 
straight-line method to allocate their cost, net of their 
residual values, over their estimated useful lives, as follows:

•	 Leasehold improvements  the lesser of the remaining 

lease term and the life of the asset

•	

•	

•	

•	

 Motor vehicles    

3 – 10 years;

 Plant and equipment  

20 – 33 years;

 IT equipment  

3 – 5 years; and

 Furniture and equipment   5 years.

Capital work in progress comprises costs incurred to date 
on construction of power generation plants.

Asset residual values and useful lives are reviewed and 
adjusted if appropriate at each balance date.

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing 
the proceeds to the carrying amount. These are included in 
the income statement.

Exploration and evaluation costs

Exploration and evaluation expenditure incurred is 
accumulated in respect of each identifiable area of interest. 
Such expenditure comprises net direct costs and an 
appropriate portion of related overhead expenditure but 
does not include overheads or administration expenditure 
not having a specific nexus with a particular area of interest. 
Exploration and evaluation expenditure is only capitalised 
from the point when the rights to tenure of the area are 
granted. All exploration and evaluation costs are capitalised 
to the extent that they are expected to be recouped through 
the successful development of the area or where activities 
in the area have not yet reached a stage which permits 
reasonable assessment of the existence of economically 
recoverable reserves and active or significant operations in 
relation to the area are continuing.

Computer software is either purchased or developed within 
the organisation and is recorded at cost less accumulated 
amortisation and impairment losses. Amortisation is 
calculated using the straight line method over the estimated 
useful lives. Depending on the individual software, the 
estimated useful life ranges between 3 and 5 years.

(n)  Intangible assets
Goodwill

Goodwill is measured as described in note 1(p). Goodwill 
on acquisitions of subsidiaries is included in intangible 
assets. Goodwill on acquisitions of associates is included in 
investments in associates. 

Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units for the 
purpose of impairment testing. The allocation is made to 
those cash-generating units or groups of cash-generating 
units that are expected to benefit from the business 
combination in which the goodwill arose, identified 
according to operating segments.

(o)  Impairment of assets
Assets that are subject to depreciation are reviewed for 
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances 
indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. 
An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which 
the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable 
amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s 
fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. For the 
purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at 
the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable 
cash flows.

Intangible assets, including exploration and evaluation 
assets, are assessed for impairment when facts and 
circumstances suggest that the carrying amount may 
exceed its recoverable amount.

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57

 
nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

1. 

 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING 
POLICIES continued

(o)  Impairment of assets continued

Goodwill and intangible assets that have an indefinite useful 
life are not subject to amortisation and are tested annually 
for impairment, or more frequently if events or changes in 
circumstances indicate that they might be impaired.

(p)  Business combinations
The acquisition method of accounting is used to account 
for all business combinations, regardless of whether equity 
instruments or other assets are acquired. The consideration 
transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary comprises 
the fair values of the assets transferred, the liabilities 
incurred and the equity interests issued by the Group. The 
consideration transferred also includes the fair value of any 
asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration 
arrangement and the fair value of any pre-existing equity 
interest in the subsidiary. Acquisition-related costs are 
expensed as incurred. Identifiable assets acquired and 
liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business 
combination are, with limited exceptions, measured 
initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. On an 
acquisition-by-acquisition basis, the Group recognises any 
non-controlling interest in the acquiree either at fair value or 
at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the 
acquiree’s net identifiable assets.

The excess of the consideration transferred, the amount 
of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the 
acquisition-date fair value of any previous equity interest 
in the acquiree over the fair value of the group’s share 
of the net identifiable assets acquired is recorded as 
goodwill. If those amounts are less than the fair value 
of the net identifiable assets of the subsidiary acquired 
and the measurement of all amounts has been reviewed, 
the difference is recognised directly in profit or loss as a 
bargain purchase.

Where settlement of any part of cash consideration is 
deferred, the amounts payable in the future are discounted 
to their present value as at the date of exchange. The 
discount rate used is the entity’s incremental borrowing 
rate, being the rate at which a similar borrowing could be 
obtained from an independent financier under comparable 
terms and conditions.

Contingent consideration is classified either as equity or a 
financial liability. Amounts classified as a financial liability 
are subsequently remeasured to fair value with changes in 
fair value recognised in profit or loss.

(q)  Trade and other payables
These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services 
provided to the Group prior to the end of the financial period 
and which are unpaid. The amounts are unsecured and are 
usually paid within 60 days of recognition.

(r)  Provisions
Onerous contracts

Obligations arising under onerous contracts are recognised 
and measured as a provision. An onerous contract is 
considered to exist where the Group has a contract under 
which the unavoidable costs of meeting the obligations 
under the contract exceed the economic benefits expected 
to be derived from it.

(s)  Other financial liabilities
Other financial liabilities, including borrowings, are initially 
recognised at fair value, net of transaction costs.

Other financial liabilities are subsequently measured at 
amortised cost using the effective interest method, with 
interest expense recognised on an effective yield basis.

The effective interest method is a method of calculating 
the amortised cost of a financial liability and of allocating 
interest expense over the relevant period. The effective 
interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated 
future cash payments through the expected life of the 
financial liability, or, where appropriate, a shorter period.

(t)  Employee benefits
Wages and salaries, annual leave and sick leave

Liabilities arising in respect of wages and salaries, annual 
leave and any other employee entitlements expected to be 
settled within 12 months of balance date are measured at 
the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are 
settled.

Long service leave

Long service leave liabilities are measured at the present 
value of the estimated future cash outflow to be made in 
respect of services provided by employees up to balance 
date. Consideration is given to expected future wage and 
salary levels, projected employee movements and periods 
of service. Expected future payments are discounted using 
market yields at balance date on government bonds with 
terms to maturity that match, as closely as possible, the 
estimated future cash flows.

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nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

1. 

 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING 
POLICIES continued

(v)  Earnings per share 
Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing:

(t)  Employee benefits continued

Bonus plans

Liabilities for employee benefits in the form of bonus plans 
are recognised in liabilities when it is probable that the 
liability will be settled and there are formal terms in place to 
determine the amount of the benefit.

Liabilities for bonus plans are expected to be settled within 
12 months and are measured at the amounts expected to 
be paid when they are settled.

Equity-based compensation benefits

Equity-based compensation benefits are provided to 
employees via employee and executive equity plans.

The fair value of options or shares issued to employees 
is recognised as an employee benefit expense with a 
corresponding increase in equity. The fair value is measured 
at grant date and recognised in the option reserve or share-
based payment reserve over the period during which the 
employees become unconditionally entitled to the equity. 
When the shares are issued, or the options exercised, the 
value is transferred to contributed equity.

The fair value of options at grant date is determined using 
the Black Scholes method that takes into account the value 
of the underlying share at grant date, the term of the vesting 
period, exercise price and expiry date.

The assessed fair value of shares granted to employees is 
allocated equally over the period from issue to the actual or 
expected vesting date.

Refer to note 28 for further details. 

(u)  Assets available for sale
Non-current assets and disposal groups are classified 
as held for sale if their carrying amount will be recovered 
principally through a sale transaction rather than through 
continuing use. This condition is regarded as met only when 
the sale is highly probable and the asset (or disposal group) 
is available for immediate sale in its present condition. 
Management must be committed to the sale which should 
be expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale 
within one year from the date of classification. Non-current 
assets (and disposal groups) classified as held for sale are 
measured at the lower of their previous carrying amount 
and fair value less costs to sell.

•	 The profit attributable to owners of the Company, 

excluding any cost of servicing equity other than 

ordinary shares;

•	 By the weighted average number of ordinary shares 

outstanding during the financial year, adjusted for 

bonus elements ordinary shares issued during the  

year and excluding treasury shares.

Diluted earnings per share 

Diluted earnings per share adjust the figures used in the 
determination of basic earnings per share to take into 
account:

•	 The after income tax effect of interest and other 

financing cost associated with dilutive potential ordinary 

shares; and

•	 The weighted average number of additional ordinary 

shares that would have been outstanding assuming the 

conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares.

(w) Contributed equity
Ordinary shares

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs 
directly attributable to the issue of ordinary shares and 
share options are recognised as a deduction from equity, 
net of any tax effects.

Preference share capital

Preference share capital is classified as equity if it is non-
redeemable, or redeemable only at the entity’s option, and 
any dividends are discretionary. Dividends thereon are 
recognised as distributions within equity upon declaration 
by the directors.

Preference share capital is classified as a liability if it is 
redeemable on a specific date or at the option of the 
shareholders, or if dividend payments are not discretionary. 
Dividends thereon are recognised as interest expense in 
profit or loss.

(x)  Revenue recognition
The Group recognises revenue when the amount of revenue 
can be reliably measured, it is probable that future economic 
benefits will flow to the entity and specific criteria have been 
met for each of the Group’s activities as outlined below.

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration 
received or receivable. Amounts disclosed as revenue 
are net of trade allowances and duties and taxes paid. 
Electricity sales revenue from sales contracts is recognised 
on measurement of electrical consumption at the metering 

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59

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

1. 

 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING 
POLICIES continued

(x)  Revenue recognition continued

point, as specified in each contractual agreement, and is 
billed monthly in arrears. At each balance sheet date, sales 
and receivables include an amount of sales delivered to 
customers but not yet billed and recognised as accrued 
income.

Interest revenue is recognised on a time proportional basis 
taking into account the interest rates applicable to the 
financial assets. All revenue is stated net of goods and 
services tax.

Project management fees are calculated based on current 
contractual guidelines and include project success fees 
earned at financial close. The Group’s share of capitalised 
project management fees is eliminated on consolidation.

The fair value of the liability portion of a convertible bond is 
determined using a market interest rate for an equivalent 
non-convertible bond. This amount is recorded as a liability 
on an amortised cost basis using the effective interest rate 
method until extinguished on conversion or maturity of 
the bonds. The remainder of the proceeds is allocated to 
the conversion option. This is recognised and included in 
shareholders’ equity, net of income tax effects.

Borrowings are removed from the balance sheets when the 
obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled 
or expired. The difference between the carrying amount of 
a financial liability that has been extinguished or transferred 
to another party and the consideration paid, including 
any non-cash assets transferred or liabilities assumed, 
is recognised in profit or loss as other income or finance 
costs. Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless 
the Group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of 
the liability for at least 12 months after the reporting period.

(y)  Cost of sales
Cost of sales is recognised as those costs directly 
attributable to the goods sold and includes the costs of 
electricity, materials and associated distribution expenses.

Electricity

Electricity costs are based upon spot prices for 
electricity as established by the Australian Energy 
Market Operator (AEMO) and the outcomes of derivative 
financial instruments entered into for the purpose of risk 
management (refer to note 1(k)).

(z)  Borrowings
Borrowings are initially recognised at fair value, net of 
transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently 
measured at amortised cost. Any difference between the 
proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption 
amount is recognised in profit or loss over the period of the 
borrowings using the effective interest method. Fees paid 
on the establishment of loan facilities are recognised as 
transaction costs of the loan to the extent that it is probable 
that some or all of the facility will be drawn down. In this 
case, the fee is deferred until the draw down occurs. To the 
extent there is no evidence that it is probable that some or 
all of the facility will be drawn down, the fee is capitalised as 
a prepayment for liquidity services and amortised over the 
period of the facility to which it relates.

Preference shares, which are mandatorily redeemable on a 
specific date, are classified as liabilities. The dividends on 
these preference shares are recognised in profit or loss as 
finance costs.

(aa) Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs incurred for the construction of any 
qualifying asset are capitalised during the period of time 
that is required to complete and prepare the asset for its 
intended use or sale. Other borrowing costs are expensed.

The capitalisation rate used to determine the amount of 
borrowing costs to be capitalised to each project is the 
effective interest rate applicable to the specific borrowings 
at a project level during the year.

(bb) Leases
Finance leases, which transfer to the Group substantially all 
the risks and benefits incidental to ownership of the leased 
item, are capitalised at the inception of the lease at the fair 
value of the leased property or, if lower, at the present value 
of the minimum lease payments.

Lease payments are apportioned between the finance 
charges and reduction of the lease liability so as to achieve a 
constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the 
liability. Finance charges are charged directly against income.

Capitalised leased assets are depreciated over the shorter 
of the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term.

Leases where the lessor retains substantially all the risks 
and benefits of ownership of the asset are classified as 
operating leases. Operating lease payments are recognised 
as an expense in the income statement on a straight-line 
basis over the lease term.

60 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

1. 

 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING 
POLICIES continued

(cc) Income tax
Income tax expense or revenue for the period is the tax 
payable on the current period’s taxable income based 
on the prevailing income tax rate adjusted by changes in 
deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to temporary 
differences and to unused tax losses.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis 
of tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the end of 
the reporting period in the countries where the Company’s 
subsidiaries and associates operate and generate taxable 
income. Management periodically evaluates positions taken 
in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable 
tax regulation is subject to interpretation. It establishes 
provisions where appropriate on the basis of amounts 
expected to be paid to the tax authorities.

Deferred income tax is provided in full, using the liability 
method, on temporary differences arising between the 
tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying 
amounts in the consolidated financial statements. However, 
deferred income tax is not accounted for if it arises from 
initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction 
other than a business combination that at the time of the 
transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or 
loss. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates 
(and laws) that have been enacted or substantially enacted 
by the balance date and are expected to apply when the 
related deferred income tax asset is realised or the deferred 
income tax liability is settled.

Deferred tax assets are recognised for deductible 
temporary differences and unused tax losses only if it is 
probable that future taxable amounts will be available to 
utilise those temporary differences and losses.

Deferred tax liabilities and assets are not recognised for 
temporary differences between the carrying amount and tax 
bases of investments in controlled entities where the entity 
is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary 
differences and it is probable that the differences will not 
reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is 
a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and 
liabilities and when the deferred tax balances relate to the 
same taxation authority. Current tax assets and tax liabilities 
are offset where the entity has a legally enforceable right to 
offset and intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realise 
the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Current and deferred tax is recognised in profit or loss, 
except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in 
other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In this 
case, the tax is also recognised in other comprehensive 
income or directly in equity, respectively.

(dd) Goods and services tax (GST)
Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the 
amount of associated GST, unless the GST incurred is not 
recoverable from the taxation authority. In this case it is 
recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or 
as part of the expense.

Receivables and payables are stated inclusive of the 
amount of GST receivable or payable. The net amount of 
GST recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority 
is included with other receivables or payables at the 
balance date.

Cash flows are presented on a gross basis. The GST 
components of cash flows arising from investing or financing 
activities which are recoverable from, or payable to the 
taxation authority, are presented as operating cash flows.

(ee) Dividends
Provision is made for the amount of any dividend declared, 
appropriately authorised, no longer at the discretion of the 
entity and not distributed during the reporting period.

(ff)  Rounding of amounts
The Group is of a kind referred to in Class Order 98/100, 
issued by the Australian Securities and Investments 
Commission, relating to the ‘’rounding off’’ of amounts in the 
financial statements. Amounts in the financial statements 
have been rounded off in accordance with that class order 
to the nearest thousand dollars, or in certain cases, the 
nearest dollar.

(gg) New accounting standards and interpretations
Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have 
been published that are not mandatory for 30 June 2011 
reporting periods. 

AASB 9 Financial Instruments, AASB 2009-11 
Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards 
arising from AASB 9 and AASB 2010-7 Amendments to 
Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 9 
(December 2010) (effective for annual reporting periods 
beginning on or after 1 January 2013). AASB 9 Financial 
Instruments addresses the classification, measurement and 
derecognition of financial assets and financial liabilities. 
The standard is not applicable until 1 January 2013 but is 
available for early adoption. 

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

61

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

1. 

 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING 
POLICIES continued

(gg)  New accounting standards and interpretations 

continued

AASB 1053 Application of Tiers of Australian Accounting 
Standards and AASB 2010-2 Amendments to Australian 
Accounting Standards arising from Reduced Disclosure 
Requirements (effective 1 July 2013). On 30 June 2010 the 
AASB officially introduced a revised differential reporting 
framework in Australia. Under this framework, a two-tier 
differential reporting regime applies to all entities that prepare 
general purpose financial statements. ERM Power Limited 
is listed on the ASX and is therefore not eligible to adopt the 
new Australian Accounting Standards – Reduced Disclosure 
Requirements. As a consequence, the two standards will 
have no impact on the financial statements of the entity. 

IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements, IFRS 11 Joint 
Arrangements, IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in other 
Entities and revised IAS 27 Separate Financial Statements 
and IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures 
(effective 1 January 2013). In May 2011, the IASB issued a 
suite of five new and amended standards which address 
the accounting for joint arrangements, consolidated 
financial statements and associated disclosures. The AASB 
is expected to issue equivalent Australian standards shortly. 

IFRS 10 replaces all of the guidance on control and 
consolidation in IAS 27 Consolidated and separate financial 
statements, and SIC-12 Consolidation – special purpose 
entities. The core principle that a consolidated entity 
presents a parent and its subsidiaries as if they are a single 
economic entity remains unchanged, as do the mechanics 
of consolidation. However, the standard introduces a single 
definition of control that applies to all entities. It focuses on the 
need to have both power and rights or exposure to variable 
returns before control is present. Power is the current ability to 
direct the activities that significantly influence returns. Returns 
must vary and can be positive, negative or both. There is also 
new guidance on participating and protective rights and on 
agent/principal relationships. 

IFRS 11 introduces a principles based approach to 
accounting for joint arrangements. The focus is no longer 
on the legal structure of joint arrangements, but rather on 
how rights and obligations are shared by the parties to 
the joint arrangement. Based on the assessment of rights 
and obligations, a joint arrangement will be classified as 
either a joint operation or joint venture. Joint ventures are 
accounted for using the equity method, and the choice to 
proportionately consolidate will no longer be permitted. 
Parties to a joint operation will account their share of 
revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities in much the same 
way as under the previous standard. IFRS 11 also provides 
guidance for parties that participate in joint arrangements 
but do not share joint control. 

IFRS 12 sets out the required disclosures for entities 
reporting under the two new standards, IFRS 10 and IFRS 
11, and replaces the disclosure requirements currently 
found in IAS 28. 

Amendments to IAS 28 provide clarification that an 
entity continues to apply the equity method and does 
not remeasure its retained interest as part of ownership 
changes where a joint venture becomes an associate, 
and vice versa. The amendments also introduce a “partial 
disposal” concept. 

IFRS 13 Fair value measurement (effective 1 January 
2013). IFRS 13 was released in May 2011. The AASB is 
expected to issue an equivalent Australian standard shortly. 
IFRS 13 explains how to measure fair value and aims to 
enhance fair value disclosures. 

Revised IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements 
(effective 1 July 2012). In June 2011, the IASB made an 
amendment to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements. 
The AASB is expected to make equivalent changes to 
AASB 101 shortly. The amendment requires entities to 
separate items presented in other comprehensive income 
into two groups, based on whether they may be recycled to 
profit or loss in the future. It will not affect the measurement 
of any of the items recognised in the balance sheet or the 
profit or loss in the current period. 

The Group is currently in the process of assessing the 
impact of these standards and amendments and is yet to 
decide whether to early adopt any of the new and amended 
standards.

62 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

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E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

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nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

3.  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

A.  Financial risk management objectives
The Group’s activities are exposed to a variety of financial risks, including market risk (commodity price, interest rate 
and foreign currency rate), credit risk and liquidity risk. The Group’s overall risk management strategy focuses on the 
unpredictability of markets and seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on the financial performance of the Group. 
The Group uses a variety of derivative financial instruments such as electricity derivatives, interest rate swaps and foreign 
exchange contracts, to hedge against certain risk exposures.

The Group uses different methods to measure the different types of risk to which it is exposed. These methods include 
sensitivity analysis in the case of interest rate, foreign exchange and other price risks, and ageing analysis for credit risk.

The Group holds the following financial instruments:

Financial assets

Derivative financial instruments

Loans and receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Financial liabilities

Derivative financial instruments

Other financial liabilities at amortised cost

(a)  Market risk
Electricity pool price risk

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

542

3,688

186,355

190,585

57,045

274,729

331,774

2010 
$’000

409

76,723

62,510

139,642

86,861

482,632

569,493

The Group is exposed to fluctuations in wholesale market electricity prices as a result of electricity generation and sales. 

Group policies prescribe active management of exposures arising from forecast electricity sales within prescribed limits. In 
doing so, various hedging contracts have been entered into with individual market participants. Any unhedged position has 
the potential for variation in revenue from fluctuations in electricity pool prices.

ERM Power Retail Pty Limited (“ERM Sales”), one of the subsidiaries of the Group, routinely enters into forward sales 
contracts for the provision of electricity. The Group is exposed to a market risk of price fluctuations between the fixed price 
of these contracts and the relevant spot price of the electricity pool at the time of usage. The majority of this exposure to 
fluctuations in wholesale market electricity prices is managed through the use of various types of hedging contracts. The 
hedge portfolio consists predominantly of swaps, caps, futures and sales contracts. Electricity derivatives are either entered 
into in separate agreements or arise as embedded derivatives. Whilst the Group recognises the fair value of electricity 
derivate contracts for accounting purposes, the Group does not similarly recognise the fair value of the sales contracts that 
form the other side of the economic hedging relationship.

The following table summarises the impact of a 10% change in the relevant forward prices for wholesale market electricity 
prices for the Group at the balance date, while all other variables were held constant. 

The impact disclosed below summarises the sensitivity on the mark to market of electricity derivatives contracts only and 
does not include any corresponding movement in the value of customer contracts. 

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

65

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

3.  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT continued

A.  Financial risk management objectives continued

(a)  Market risk continued

Retail sales sensitivity

2011

Net profit / (loss)

Equity increase / (decrease)

2010

Net profit / (loss)

Equity increase / (decrease)

Increase by 10% 
$’000

decrease by 10% 
$’000

35,191

-

27,556

 -

(35,420)

-

(28,157)

 -

Sensitivity of 10% has been selected as this is considered reasonably possible based on industry standard benchmarks 
and historical volatilities.

Electricity generation sensitivity

2011

Net profit / (loss)

Equity increase / (decrease)

2010

Net profit / (loss)

Equity increase / (decrease)

Increase by 10% 
$’000

decrease by 10% 
$’000

77

-

2,206

-

(77)

-

(2,206)

-

Sensitivity of 10% has been selected as this is considered reasonably possible based on industry standard benchmarks 
and historical volatilities.

Interest rate risk

The Group is exposed to interest rate risk on the funds it borrows at floating interest rates and cash deposits. The risk is 
managed by entering into interest rate swap contracts. The sensitivity analysis to net profit (being profit before tax) and 
equity has been determined based on the exposure to interest rates at the balance date and assumes that there are 
concurrent movements in interest rates and parallel shifts in the yield curves. A sensitivity of 100 basis points has been 
selected as this is considered reasonable given the current level of short term and long term interest rates.

66 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

3.  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT continued

A.  Financial risk management objectives continued

(a)  Market risk continued

At balance date, if interest rates had been 100 basis points higher/lower and all other variables were held constant, the 
impact of the Group would be:

2011

Net profit / (loss)

Other equity increase / (decrease)

2010

Net profit / (loss)

Other equity increase / (decrease)

Increase by 1% 
$’000

decrease by 1% 
$’000

632

-

(337)

-

(632)

-

337

-

The impact on net profit is largely due to the Group’s exposure to interest rates on its non-hedged variable rate limited 
recourse borrowings and cash assets.

Foreign exchange risk

The Group undertakes certain transactions denominated in foreign currencies, related to capital expenditure, which result in 
exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. Exchange rate exposures are managed utilising forward foreign exchange contracts. 
For unhedged foreign exchange exposures, there would be no material impact on the Group net profit or equity as a result of  
a 10% change in the Australian dollar against the USD or EURO with all other variables held constant as at balance date.

(b)  Credit risk
Credit risk refers to the loss that would occur if a debtor or other counterparty fails to perform under its contractual 
obligations. The carrying amounts of financial assets recognised at balance date best represents the Group’s maximum 
exposure to credit risk at balance date. The Group seeks to limit its exposure to credit risks as follows:

•	 conducting appropriate due diligence on counterparties before entering into arrangements with them;

•	 depending on the outcome of the credit assessment, obtaining collateral with a value in excess of counterparties’ 

obligations to the Group – providing a ‘margin of safety’ against loss; and,

•	

for derivative counterparties, using primarily high credit quality counterparties, in addition to utilising ISDA master 

agreements with derivative counterparties in order to limit the exposure to credit risk.

The Group has no significant concentrations of credit risk. The credit qualities of all financial assets are consistently 
monitored in order to identify any potential adverse changes in the credit quality.

Concentrations of credit risk

The Group minimises concentrations of credit risk in relation to debtors by undertaking transactions with a large number of 
customers from across a broad range of industries within the business segments in which the Group operates, such that there 
are no significant concentrations of credit risk within the Group at balance date. Credit risk to trade debtors is managed through 
setting normal payment terms of up to 30 days and through continual risk assessment of debtors with material balances. Credit 
risk to electricity debtors is managed through system driven credit management processes. The process commences after 
due date. For some debtors the Group may also obtain security in the form of guarantees, deeds of undertaking, or letters of 
credit which can be called upon if the counterparty is in default under the terms of the agreement.

The Group minimises concentrations of credit risk in relation to other receivables by entering into partnership arrangements 
with appropriately qualified partners in order to secure project financing for completion of the project.

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

67

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

3.  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT continued

A.  Financial risk management objectives continued

(b)  Credit risk continued

The ageing of receivables as at balance date was as follows:

Total 
$’000

< 30 days 
$’000

31-60 days 
$’000

> 60 days 
$’000

Impaired 
(i)

PDNI(a)  
(ii)

Impaired 
(i)

>1 year

479

3,209

3,688

479

-

479

6,923

69,800

76,723

6,923

67,193

74,116

8

-

8

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

3,209

3,209

266

-

266

-

2,607

2,607

2011

Consolidated

Trade receivables 

Other receivables

2010

Consolidated

Trade receivables

Other receivables

(a) Past due not impaired

The majority of year end debtors relate to electricity. All of these trade receivables have been paid subsequent to year end. 

Other receivables are neither past due or impaired and relate principally to employee shareholder loans, which are subject 
to loan deeds:

(i) 

 Impaired balance represents account balances deemed to be irrecoverable by the Group at balance date. A provision 
for doubtful debts has been provided for.

(ii)   Past due not impaired (PDNI) represents account balances deemed to be outstanding for greater than 30 days but are 
still considered to be recoverable in the ordinary course of business. Included in the Group’s trade receivable balance 
are debtors with a carrying amount of $Nil (2010: $Nil) which are past due at balance date for which the Group has not 
provided as there has not been a significant change in credit quality and the amounts are still considered recoverable. 
The Group does not have any collateral over these balances.

(c)  Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. Prudent liquidity risk 
management implies maintaining sufficient cash and marketable securities, the availability of funding through an adequate 
amount of committed credit facilities and the ability to close out market positions. The Group manages liquidity risk by 
continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows and matching the maturity profiles of financial assets and liabilities. 
Surplus funds are generally only invested in instruments that are tradeable in highly liquid markets.

Information regarding undrawn finance facilities available as at 30 June 2011 is contained in Note 23.

Maturities of financial liabilities

The tables below analyse the Group’s financial liabilities, including net and gross settled derivative financial instruments, 
into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period at balance date to the contractual maturity date. The 
amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows. For interest rate swaps the cash flows have 
been estimated using forward interest rates applicable at balance date. For electricity derivatives the cash flows have 
been estimated using forward electricity prices at balance date. For foreign exchange contracts, the cash flows have been 
estimated using forward foreign exchange rates at the balance date. 

68 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

3.  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT continued

A.  Financial risk management objectives continued

(c)  Liquidity risk continued

Financial liabilities

Consolidated

2011

Trade payables

Other payables

Interest bearing liabilities

Interest bearing liabilities –limited recourse

Derivatives

2010

Trade payables

Other payables

Interest bearing liabilities

Interest bearing liabilities – limited recourse

Finance leases

Derivatives

≤1 year 
$’000

1 to 5 years 
$’000

>5 years 
$’000

Discount 
$’000

Total 
$’000

41,777

21,258

5,900

3,219

27,091

99,245

34,414

16,896

12,956

4,420

17

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

41,777

21,258

5,900

23,996

197,547

(18,968)

205,794

29,954

-

-

57,045

53,950

197,547

(18,968)

331,774

-

-

28,605

-

-

-

-

-

(3,463)

34,414

16,896

38,098

33,220

393,549

(37,982)

393,207

39,601

47,260

-

-

-

-

-

17

86,861

108,304

109,085

393,549

(41,445)

569,493

B.  Significant accounting policies
Details of the significant accounting policies and methods adopted, including the criteria for recognition, the basis of 
measurement and the basis on which income and expenses are recognised in respect of each class of financial asset, 
financial liability and equity instrument are disclosed in note 1 to the financial statements.

C. Financial instruments used by the Group
The Group is party to derivative financial instruments in the normal course of business acquired in order to hedge exposure 
to fluctuations in electricity prices and interest and foreign exchange rates in accordance with the Group’s financial risk 
management policies.

Interest rate swap contracts-cash flow hedges

The Neerabup partnership has limited recourse, variable interest rate project finance in place. This variable interest has 
been swapped into fixed.

Swaps currently in place for the Neerabup partnership cover approximately 96% (2010:97%) of the variable loan principal 
outstanding and are timed to expire as each loan repayment falls due. The fixed interest rate is 7.189% (2010:7.189%) and 
the variable rate is 1.2% above the BBSY rate which at the end of the reporting period was 5.0% (2010:4.92%).

The contracts require settlement of net interest receivable or payable each 90 days. The settlement dates coincide with the 
dates on which interest is payable on the underlying debt. The contracts are settled on a net basis.

The gain or loss from remeasuring the hedging instruments at fair values is recognised in other comprehensive income and 
deferred in equity in the hedging reserve, to the extent that the hedge is effective. It is reclassified into profit or loss when the 
hedged interest expense is recognised. There was no hedge ineffectiveness in the current or prior year. 

Electricity derivative contracts held for trading

The maximum exposure to credit risk at the end of the reporting period is the carrying amount of each class of derivate 
financial asset mentioned in notes 16 and 24.

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

69

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

3.  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT continued

D.  Fair value of financial instruments
The directors are of the opinion that the carrying amount of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded in the financial 
statements approximates their fair values.

The fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities are determined as follows:

•	

the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities with standard terms and conditions, and traded on active liquid 

markets, is determined with reference to quoted market prices;

•	

the fair value of other financial assets and financial liabilities is determined in accordance with generally accepted 

pricing models based on discounted cash flow analyses; and

•	

the fair value of derivative instruments included in hedging assets and liabilities is calculated using quoted prices. The 

fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market (for example, over-the-counter derivatives and 

sales contracts) is determined using valuation techniques. The Group uses a variety of methods, such as estimated 

discounted cash flows, and makes assumptions that are based on market conditions existing at each balance date. 

These amounts reflect the estimated amount which the Group would be required to pay or receive to terminate  

(or replace) the contracts at their current market rates at balance date.

The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities must be estimated for recognition and measurement or for disclosure 
purposes.

The following table presents the Group’s assets and liabilities measured and recognised at fair value at 30 June 2011.

Level 1 
$’000

Level 2 
$’000

Level 3 
$’000

Total 
$’000

As at 30 June 2011

Assets

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 

Electricity derivatives contracts

Total assets

Liabilities

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 

Electricity derivatives contracts

Derivatives used for hedging

Total liabilities

As at 30 June 2010

Assets

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 

Electricity derivatives contracts

Total assets

Liabilities

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 

Electricity derivatives contracts

Derivatives used for hedging

Total liabilities

70 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

-

-

542

542

1,061

38,615

-

17,369

1,061

55,984

-

-

-

-

-

409

409

60,860

26,001

86,861

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

542

542

39,676

17,369

57,045

409

409

60,860

26,001

86,861

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

3.  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT continued

D.  Fair value of financial instruments continued

Level 1 
The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets is based on quoted market prices at the end of the reporting 
period. The quoted market price used for financial assets held by the Group is the current bid price. 

Level 2 
The fair values of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market are determined using valuation techniques. 
The Group uses a variety of methods and makes assumptions that are based on market conditions existing at the end of 
each reporting period. Quoted market prices or dealer quotes for similar instruments are used to estimate fair value for 
long-term debt for disclosure purposes. Other techniques, such as estimated discounted cash flows, are used to determine 
fair value for the remaining financial instruments. The fair value of interest rate swaps is calculated as the present value of 
the estimated future cash flows. The fair value of forward exchange contracts is determined using forward exchange market 
rates at the end of the reporting period. 

Level 3 
A valuation technique for these instruments is based on significant unobservable inputs.

E.  Capital risk management
The Group manages its capital so that it will be able to continue as a going concern while maximising the return to 
stakeholders through an appropriate mix of debt and equity. The capital structure of the Group as at balance date consists 
of total corporate facilities, as listed in note 23, total limited recourse facilities as listed in note 23 and equity, comprising 
issued capital, reserves and retained earnings as listed in notes 26 and 27. The Group does not hold recourse corporate 
debt. All debt at balance date is limited recourse and unsecured debt.

In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, 
return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt.

The Group is required to provide prudential credit support to various parties which it does through provision of bank guarantees 
or cash collateral. It also has a working capital facility in place which is settled each month. Virtually all of the Group debt is in 
the form of limited recourse project finance provided directly to power stations in which the Group has an interest.

The quantitative analysis of each of these categories of capital is provided in their respective notes to the accounts.

4.  CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including 
expectations of future events that may have a financial impact on the Group and that are believed to be reasonable under 
the circumstances.

(a)  Critical accounting estimates and assumptions
The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning variables. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant 
risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are 
discussed below.

Estimated impairment of goodwill

The Group tests annually whether goodwill has suffered any impairment in accordance with the accounting policy stated in 
note 1 (o). The recoverable amounts of cash-generating units have been determined based on value-in-use calculations, 
where applicable. These calculations require the use of assumptions. Provisional goodwill in relation to the acquisition of 
SAGE has not been tested for impairment as this goodwill has not been allocated to a cash generating unit at 30 June 2011. 
Refer to note 21 for details.

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

71

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

4.  CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS continued

(a)  Critical accounting estimates and assumptions continued

Impact of Carbon Tax on carrying value of assets

Directors are of the view that the Carbon Tax Plan introduced on 10 July 2011 will not have any negative impact on the 
recoverability of any assets of the Group.

Share-based payment transactions

The Company measures the cost of shares and options issued to employees and third parties by reference to the fair value 
of the equity instruments at the date at which they are granted. The fair value of unlisted options is determined using the 
Black-Scholes method taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the instruments were granted.

Deferred tax assets

The Group has recognised deferred tax assets relating to carried forward tax losses to the extent there are sufficient taxable 
temporary differences (deferred tax liabilities) relating to the same taxation authority against which the unused tax losses can 
be utilised. However, utilisation of the tax losses also depends on the ability of the entity to satisfy certain tests at the time the 
losses are recouped.

(b)  Critical judgements in applying the entity’s accounting policies
Recoverability of exploration costs

All exploration, evaluation and development costs are capitalised to the extent that they are expected to be recouped 
through the successful development of the area or where activities in the area have not yet reached a stage which permits 
reasonable assessment of the existence of economically recoverable reserves and active or significant operations in 
relation to the area are continuing. The probability of expected future economic benefits is assessed using reasonable and 
supportable assumptions that represent management’s best estimate of the set of economic conditions that will exist over 
the useful life of the asset. In this assessment, greater weighting is given to available external evidence.

Exploration and evaluation assets are reclassified as development assets at the point in which technical feasibility and 
commercial viability of extracting gas are demonstrated or a petroleum lease is granted. Exploration and evaluation assets 
are assessed for impairment and any impairment loss recognised before reclassification.

Fair value of financial instruments

The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities are estimated for recognition and measurement and for disclosure 
purposes. Management uses its judgement in selecting appropriate valuation techniques for financial instruments not 
quoted in active markets. Valuation techniques commonly used by market practitioners are applied. For derivative financial 
instruments, assumptions are made based on quoted market rates adjusted for specific features of the instrument. Other 
financial instruments are valued using a discounted cash flow analysis based on assumptions supported, where possible, 
by observable market prices and rates. Refer to note 3 for further details of valuation methods used by the Group to 
determine fair value.

Purchase price allocation

AASB 3 Business Combinations requires the recognition of fair value estimates of assets and liabilities acquired. By the 
nature of these estimates, judgements are made on the allocation of the purchase consideration.

72 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

5.  REVENUE

Revenue from Continuing Operations

Sale of electricity

Electricity generation revenue

Project fees

Sale of Gas

Interest income

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

2010 
$’000

483,631

47,055

9,200

30

4,647

285,509

80,090

9,737

517

2,759

544,563

378,612

Refer to note 2 for further information regarding transactions between entities within the Group that have been eliminated on consolidation.

6.  EXPENSES

Cost of electricity sales

Employee benefits expense

Other expenses

Included in the above are:

Rental expenses relating to operating leases

Foreign exchange (gains) and losses

Defined contribution superannuation expense

Equity settled share based payment compensation

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

2010 
$’000

473,492

314,167

20,158

11,193

23,055

13,819

504,843

351,041

1,309

8

1,723

277

1,546

291

1,351

327

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

73

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

7. 

 NET FAIR VALUE GAIN / (LOSS) ON FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS DESIGNATED AT FAIR VALUE 
THROUGH PROFIT AND LOSS

Unrealised

Electricity derivative contracts

Option contract

Realised

Electricity derivative contracts

Interest rate swaps

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

2010 
$’000

20,602

-

20,602

(49,868)

(6,498)

(56,366)

-

19,104

(6,415)

(6,415)

14,187

-

19,104

(37,262)

In the absence of hedge accounting, the Group’s electricity derivatives and foreign exchange contracts are designated at 
fair value through profit or loss.

8.  FINANCE COSTS

Borrowing costs – bank loans

Borrowing costs – convertible notes

Other borrowing costs 

Less: Amounts included in qualifying assets 

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

18,447

8,953

2,393

-

29,793

2010 
$’000

44,886

7,799

8,667

(21,582)

39,770

74 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

9.  INCOME TAX

(a) Income tax expense / (benefit)

Income tax comprises:

Current tax expense / (benefit)

Deferred tax expense / (benefit)

Under / (over) provided in prior years

Income tax expense / (benefit)

Deferred income tax included in income tax expense / (benefit) comprises:

Decrease / (increase) in deferred tax asset 

(Decrease) / increase in deferred tax liabilities 

Prior period acquired deferred tax asset de-recognised in current period on consolidation

Prior period acquired deferred tax liability de-recognised in current period on consolidation

Prior year under / (over) provision of deferred tax expense

Deferred income tax expense / (benefit)

(b) Numerical reconciliation of prima facie tax benefit to prima facie tax

Profit / (loss) from continuing operations 

Income tax expense calculated at 30% 

Differences between Braemar 2 accounting and tax deconsolidation

Effect of permanent differences on Kwinana disposal

Effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit

Other permanent differences

Under / (over) provided in prior year

Income tax expense / (benefit)

(c) Amounts recognised directly in other comprehensive income

(Increase) / decrease in equity due to current and deferred amounts charged 
directly to equity during the period:

Net tax effect of amounts charged to hedge reserve

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

2010 
$’000

(231)

3,738

1,098

4,605

(11,664)

6,346

-

(5,318)

26,509

(18,721)

 (21,491)

-

 - 

(1,280)

3,738

20,824

6,247

 -

398

119

(3,257)

1,098

4,605

14,749

13,325

(4,785)

1,778

6,346

(21,071)

(6,321)

481

-

598

(76)

-

(5,318)

-

-

1,607

1,607

(3,023)

(3,023)

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

75

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

9.  INCOME TAX (continued)

(d) Tax losses

Tax losses for which deferred tax asset is recognised in the current period

Potential tax benefit at 30%

(e) Current tax liabilities

Current tax payables:

Income tax payable

(f)  Recognised deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities

Deferred tax assets

Carried forward tax losses

Capitalised borrowing costs

Derivative financial instruments

Employee provisions

Project development costs

Other miscellaneous

Fixed assets

Deferred tax liabilities

Trade and other receivables

Property, plant and equipment

Capitalised exploration expenditure (Gas)

Other

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

2010 
$’000

771

231

-

-

10,979

210

17,189

1,519

-

42

3,516

33,455

-

(18,695)

(3,660)

(1,071)

38,881

11,664

-

46

28,787

1,050

26,434

382

893

3

3,516

61,065

(14,540)

(29,704)

(1,905)

-

(23,426)

(46,149)

Tax consolidation
The Company and its wholly-owned Australian controlled entities, has implemented the tax consolidation legislation.

The entities in the tax consolidated Group have entered into tax sharing agreements which, in the opinion of the directors, 
limits the joint and several liability of the wholly-owned entities in the case of a default by the head entity being ERM Power 
Limited.

The entities in the tax consolidated Group have also entered into tax funding agreements under which the wholly-owned 
entities fully compensate the head entity for any current tax payable assumed and are compensated by the head entity for 
any current tax receivable and deferred tax assets relating to unused tax losses or unused tax credits that are transferred 
to the head entity under the tax consolidation legislation. The funding amounts are determined by reference to the amounts 
recognised in the wholly-owned entities’ financial statements. The amounts receivable/payable under the tax funding 
agreement are due upon receipt of the funding advice from the head entity, which is issued as soon as practicable after the 
end of each financial year. The head entity may also require payment of interim funding amounts to assist with its obligations 
to pay tax instalments. The funding amounts are recognised as current intercompany receivables or payables.

76 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

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E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

77

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

10. DIVIDENDS PAID AND PROPOSED

During the year ended 30 June 2011, no dividend was paid by the Company (2010: Nil).

After 30 June 2011 the following dividends were proposed by the directors. The dividends have not been provided for and 
there are no income tax consequences.

Final ordinary

3.5

5,674

Franked

19 October 2011

Cents per 
share

Total 
amount 
$‘000

Franked / 
Unfranked

Date of  
payment 

Franking credits available to shareholders in subsequent years

The franking account balance is adjusted for:

2011 
$’000

13,595

2010 
$’000

13,211

•	

•	

•	

franking credits that will arise from the payment of income tax;

franking debits that will arise from the payment of dividends recognised as a liability at the reporting date; and

franking credits that will arise from the receipt of dividends recognised as receivables at the reporting date.

The consolidated amounts include franking credits that would be available to the parent entity if distributable profits of 
subsidiaries were paid as dividends. The impact on the franking account of the dividend recommended by the directors 
since the end of the reporting period, but not recognised as a liability at the reporting date, will be a reduction in the franking 
account of $2,431,714.

11.  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Current

Non-restricted cash at bank and cash on hand

Restricted cash

Non-current

Restricted cash

Total cash and cash equivalents

Restricted cash

Non-restricted cash

The cash and cash equivalents are bearing interest at rates between nil and 5%.

78 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

2010 
$’000

110,153

74,111

184,264

2,091

2,091

186,355

76,202

110,153

186,355

20,046

39,432

59,478

3,032

3,032

62,510

42,464

20,046

62,510

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

11.  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS continued

Restricted cash
Restricted cash deposits are held as cash-backed guarantees in respect of coupon payments due for the convertible notes 
issued and to provide credit support for the Group’s electricity derivative contracts. The restricted cash deposits, held on 
term deposit, are bearing interest at rates between 4% and 5%.

Term deposits

Other restricted cash deposits

12. (a) RECONCILIATION OF CASH FLOWS USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net profit / (loss) after tax

Adjustments for:

Depreciation and amortisation of non-current assets

Interest income

Share based payment expense

Share of associate’s net profit

Net fair value (gains) / losses on financial instruments

Finance costs

Gain on disposal of assets

Transfers to/(from) provisions:

Employee entitlements

Changes in assets and liabilities net of purchase of subsidiary  
and divestment of Kwinana:

(Increase) / decrease in trade and other receivables

(Increase) / decrease in other assets

(Increase) / decrease in inventories

(Increase) / decrease in deferred tax assets

Net movement in derivatives

(Decrease) / increase in deferred tax liabilities

(Decrease) / increase in current tax liability

(Decrease) / increase in trade and other payables

Net cash provided (used in)/by operating activities

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

68,072

8,130

76,202

2010 
$’000

26,531

15,933

42,464

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

2010 
$’000

16,219

(15,753)

9,977

(4,647)

277

(1,436)

(14,187)

29,793

(4,738)

12,722

(2,759)

-

(1,321)

37,262

39,025

(36,379)

(12)

380

51,612

(1,159)

(1,667)

18,631

-

(9,913)

(46)

20,399

109,103

(60,203)

(6,416)

(650)

(28,085)

73,776

14,749

(9,112)

(9,724)

7,512

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

79

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

12. (b) NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Issue of shares – SAGE acquisition

Disclosure of financing facilities
Refer to note 23 for information regarding financing facilities.

13. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Current

Trade receivables

Amount receivable from third party

Amounts receivable from jointly controlled entities

Other receivables

Amounts receivable from employee shareholders

Accrued income

Non-current

Amounts receivable from employee shareholders

Amount receivable from external party

Note

26

Note

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

 (v)

(iv)

(v)

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

2,334

2,334

2010 
$’000

-

-

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

2010 
$’000

479

-

-

199

454

1,132

44,049

45,181

2,101

455

2,556

6,923

62,960

4,034

199

-

74,116

29,631

103,747

2,052

555

2,607

(i) 

 Trade receivables are non-interest bearing and are generally on 30-day terms. An allowance for doubtful debts is made when there is 
objective evidence that a trade receivable is impaired. An allowance of $7,857 (2010: $266,000) has been recognised as an expense for the 
current year for specific debtors for which such evidence exists. The amount of the allowance / impairment loss is measured as the difference 
between the carrying amount of the trade receivables and the estimated future cash flows expected to be received from the relevant debtors.

(ii)  Amount receivable from Arrow relating to the sale of the interest in the Braemar 2 power station. This amount was received on 30 June 2011.

(iii)  Loans to jointly controlled entities are interest-free and are subject to loan deeds.

(iv)  Accrued income represents electricity amounts due to be invoiced on 1 July 2011.

(v)  Employee shareholder loans are subject to loan deeds and interest is charged at the FBT benchmark rate.

Details regarding the effective interest rate and credit risk of current receivables are disclosed in Note 3.

Impaired receivables and receivables past due 
None of the non-current receivables are impaired or past due but not impaired. The carrying amounts of non-current 
receivables are equal to the fair values.

80 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

14. INVENTORIES

Renewable energy certificates

Gas in storage

15. OTHER ASSETS

Current

Prepayments (1) 

Security deposits (2)

(1) Prepayments predominantly consist of amounts for prepaid gas. 

(2) Refer to Note 30 for further details regarding security deposits.

16. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – ASSETS

Current

Electricity derivatives

Non-current

Electricity derivatives

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

  3,081 

  58

3,139

2010 
$’000

759

41

800

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

1,337

3,149

4,486

2010 
$’000

4,455

3,831

8,286

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

2010 
$’000

499

499

43

43

409

409

-

-

Refer to note 3 for further information regarding financial instruments used by the Group.  

Refer to note 24 for Derivative Financial Instruments - Liabilities.

17.  INVESTMENTS ACCOUNTED FOR USING THE EQUITY METHOD

Investment in Associates

Name of the entity

Principal activity

Place of  
incorporation

Reporting 
date

Oakey Power Holdings Pty Ltd (“Oakey”)

Power generation

NSW

30 June

Ownership interest

2011 
%

12.5

2010 
%

12.5

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

81

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

17.  INVESTMENTS ACCOUNTED FOR USING THE EQUITY METHOD continued

The Group accounts for its investment in Oakey as an associate because the Group has the ability to exercise significant 
influence over the investment due to its voting power via representation on the Oakey Board of directors and key decision 
making committees.

Movements in carrying amounts

Carrying amount at the beginning of the financial year

Dividend received/receivable

Share of profit after tax

Carrying amount at the end of the financial year

Share of associate’s profit or losses 

Revenue

Profit before income tax

Income tax expense

Profit after income tax

Summarised financial information of associate  
not adjusted for percentage ownership

Current assets

Non-current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Share of associate’s expenditure commitments

Capital commitments

Lease commitments

Restriction on funds distributed to shareholders

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

2010 
$’000

17,675

(570)

1,436

18,541

4,296

2,052

(616)

1,436 

7,524

105,080

112,604

14,775

62,998

77,773

34,831

-

-

-

17,584

(1,230)

1,321

17,675

4,131

1,876

(555)

1,321

7,307

111,234

118,541

14,225

76,416

90,641

27,900

-

-

-

Oakey may make a distribution to its shareholders in the form of cash dividends and repayment of shareholder loans when  
the required levels have been met in the Debt Service Reserve Account (DSRA) and the Major Maintenance Reserve Account 
(MMRA), as required by the terms of its Credit Facility Agreement. The DSRA is an amount necessary to ensure there is a 
balance equal to the sum of the principal and interest amounts and the Bank Guarantee fees scheduled to be paid during the 
next six months. The MMRA is required to be maintained from financial close until the first major overhaul of the plant. As at  
30 June 2011, the DSRA was $8.5 million (2010: $8.6 million), and the MMRA was $2.5 million (2010: $2.2 million). There are  
no other restrictions on distribution to shareholders.

82 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

18. INVESTMENT IN CONTROLLED ENTITIES

Name

DIRECT HOLDINGS

ACN 139 091 866 Pty Ltd

EIT Kwinana Genco Pty Ltd

Arrow Braemar 2 Holdings Pty Ltd

ERM Braemar 3 Power Pty Ltd

Arrow Braemar Power Pty Ltd

ERM Financial Services Pty Ltd

ERM Gas Pty Ltd

ERM Holdings Pty Ltd

ERM Neerabup Holdings Pty Ltd

ERM Neerabup Power Pty Ltd

ERM Power Developments Pty Ltd

ERM Power Executive Option Plan Manager Pty Ltd 

ERM Power Generation Pty Ltd

ERM Power Retail Pty Ltd

ERM Power Services Pty Ltd

ERM Power Utility Systems Pty Ltd

INDIRECT HOLDINGS

Braemar 3 Holdings Pty Ltd

Arrow Braemar 2 Power Pty Limited

Arrow Braemar 2 Pty Ltd

ERM Braemar 3 Pty Ltd

ERM Gas WA01 Pty Ltd

NewGen Kwinana Holdings Pty Ltd

EIT Kwinana Partner Pty Ltd

ERM Land Holdings Pty Ltd

ERM Neerabup Pty Ltd

EIT Kwinana Genco 1 Pty Ltd

ERM Power Generation Pty Ltd

EIT Power Investments Pty Ltd

MetroWest Convenience Store Pty Ltd

SAGE Utility Systems Pty Ltd

Summit Kwinana Holdings Pty Ltd

Summit Kwinana Power Pty Limited

Percentage of equity interest 
held by the Company

Place of 
incorporation

2011 
%

2010 
%

QLD

VIC

VIC

QLD

QLD

QLD

QLD

QLD

QLD

VIC

VIC

NSW

VIC

VIC

VIC

VIC

QLD

VIC

QLD

QLD

VIC

VIC

VIC

QLD

VIC

QLD

VIC

QLD

QLD

VIC

VIC

VIC

-

-

-

100

-

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

50

100

100

100

100

-

-

100

100

-

-

100

100

-

100

-

100

100

-

-

100

100

100

100

50.1

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

50

100

100

-

100

50.1

50.1

100

100

30

30

100

100

100

100

60

100

-

30

30

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

83

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

19. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Plant and equipment

Cost

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

Net carrying amount

Land 

Carrying amount at cost 

Furniture and equipment 

Cost 

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

Net carrying amount

Motor vehicles 

Cost

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

Net carrying amount

Software

Cost (gross carrying amount)

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

Net carrying amount

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

2010 
$’000

190,136

(10,554)

179,582

389,140

(13,507)

375,633

9,830

3,776

2,498

(2,035)

463

2,420

(1,520)

900

87

(87)

-

2,139

(1,434)

705

87

(67)

20

2,010

(812)

1,198

Capital work in progress (i) 

15,876

11,080

Total property, plant and equipment – net carrying

206,456

392,607

(i) Capital work in progress relates to capitalised costs for power station projects. 

Each of the Group’s current generation assets, the Oakey and Neerabup power stations, are project financed by limited 
recourse debt, meaning the security of project lenders does not extend beyond the Group’s interest in the particular 
generation asset. The Group also raised funds for its equity investment in the Neerabup power station by issuing notes. 
Those notes are limited-recourse to the Group’s interest in the Neerabup power station.

Refer note 23 for details regarding recourse and limited recourse borrowings of the Group.

84 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

19. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (continued)

Reconciliations

Plant and equipment

Net of accumulated depreciation and impairment at start of year

Transfers from capital work in progress

Additions

Disposals

Depreciation 

Net of accumulated depreciation and impairment at end of year

Land

At start of year

Additions 

Transfers from capital work in progress

At end of year

Furniture and equipment 

Net of accumulated depreciation and impairment at start of year

Additions

Acquired through business combination

36

Disposals

Depreciation

Net of accumulated depreciation and impairment at end of year

Motor vehicles 

Net of accumulated depreciation and impairment at start of year

Depreciation 

Net of accumulated depreciation and impairment at end of year

Software

Net of accumulated depreciation and impairment at start of year

Additions

Disposals

Amortisation

Net of accumulated depreciation and impairment at end of year

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

2010 
$’000

Note

375,633

-

2,009

(189,266)

(8,794)

179,582

196,315

185,110

4,205

-

(9,997)

375,633

3,776

6,054

-

9,830

900

97

4

-

(538)

463

20

(20)

-

1,198

129

-

(622)

705

253

2,199

1,324

3,776

1,576

43

-

(45)

(674)

900

43

(23)

20

933

822

(19)

(538)

1,198

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

85

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

20. EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION COSTS

Exploration and evaluation costs

Cost (gross carrying amount)

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

Net carrying amount

Reconciliation

Net of accumulated amortisation and impairment at start of year

Additions

Net of accumulated amortisation and impairment at end of year

21.  INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill

Cost (gross carrying amount)

Accumulated impairment

Net carrying amount

Reconciliation

Note

Net of accumulated amortisation and impairment at start of year

Disposals

Acquired through business combination

36

Net of accumulated amortisation and impairment at end of year

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

11,435

 -

11,435

6,569

4,866

11,435

2010 
$’000

6,569

-

6,569

3,191

3,378

6,569

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

1,882

-

1,882

5,815

(5,815)

1,882

1,882

2010 
$’000

9,740

(3,925)

5,815

5,815

-

-

5,815

Impairment test for goodwill
As the SAGE acquisition accounting is provisional the Group has not finalised the allocation or amount of goodwill.  
Refer note 2 and note 36.

22. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES 

Current

Trade creditors and accruals

Other creditors

86 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

2010 
$’000

41,777

21,258

63,035

34,414

16,896

51,310

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

23. BORROWINGS 

Current

Unsecured

Other loans – related parties

Secured

Obligations under finance leases

Total borrowings

Secured limited recourse

Bank loan – Kwinana working capital facility

Bank loan – Neerabup working capital facility

Bank loans – Neerabup term facility (current portion)

Total limited recourse borrowings

Non-current

Unsecured

Other loans – related parties

Secured

Loans – other parties

Total borrowings

Secured limited recourse

Bank loans – Kwinana term facility

Bank loans – Neerabup term facility

Convertible notes

Total limited recourse borrowings

Note

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

(v)

(vi)

(vii)

(iv)

(viii)

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

2010 
$’000

-

-

-

-

1,500

3,219

4,719

4,719

4,400

-

4,400

-

159,552

43,023

202,575

206,975

7,956

17

7,973

3,501

1,500

-

5,001

12,974

-

25,140

25,140

155,857

168,061

69,290

393,208

418,348

Information on credit risk, fair value and interest rate risk exposure of the Group is provided at note 3.

(i)  Loans of $8.0 million from a director related entity bearing interest at BBSY plus 4% were repaid during the period. 

(ii) 

 Amounts drawn down on a limited recourse bank working capital facility by NewGen Power Kwinana partnership. These borrowings were part 

of the Group’s interest in the Kwinana power station which was disposed of in October 2010. 

(iii)   Amounts drawn down on a limited recourse bank working capital facility by the Neerabup partnership. This facility has recourse to the assets 

of the Neerabup partnership only which is proportionately consolidated into the Group.

(iv)   Amounts drawn down on a limited recourse term debt facility in respect of the Neerabup partnership. This facility has recourse to the assets of 

the Neerabup partnership only which is proportionately consolidated into the Group.

(v) 

 Loan of $4.4 million from director related entity drawn down on 30 June 2011 in relation to funding of additional 50% interest in Oakey 

acquisition. Refer notes 32 and 38 for further details. Loan is interest bearing at 12% per annum.

(vi)  Loan from third party repaid in December 2010.

(vii)   Amounts drawn down on a limited recourse term debt facility in respect of the Kwinana Partnership. The interest in which was disposed of in 

October 2010.

(viii)  Convertible notes are redeemable by the issuer from 30 September 2010 until maturity in February 2023. Notes have a coupon rate fixed 

at 4% p.a. until 30 September 2009, 11% until 11 February 2010, and then the rate is variable based on BBSY plus 4%. The notes are 

accounted for using the effective interest method at 10.5% (2010: 10.55%). The notes can only be converted to shares in the issuing 

subsidiary upon failure to redeem them at maturity or other named event of default. The notes have recourse to the Group’s 50% interest in the 

Neerabup partnership only. 

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

87

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

23. BORROWINGS continued

Financing facilities available

The Group’s financing facilities predominantly relate to limited recourse power station development activities. Funding 
is drawn down progressively according to project time lines. At balance date, the following financing facilities had been 
negotiated and were available:

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

187,578

166,234

21,344

2010 
$’000

430,434

383,482

46,952

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

2010 
$’000

27,091

27,091

39,601

39,601

12,585

17,369

29,954

21,259

26,001

47,260

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

1,079

1,079

50

50

2010 
$’000

1,122

1,122

36

36

Total facilities – bank loans

Facilities used at balance date – bank loans

Facilities unused at balance date – bank loans

24. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – LIABILITIES

Current

Electricity derivatives

Non-current

Electricity derivatives

Interest rate swaps

Refer to note 3 for further information regarding financial instruments used by the Group

25. PROVISIONS

Current

Employee benefits – annual leave

Non-current

Employee benefits – long service leave

88 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

26. CONTRIBUTED EQUITY

Issued ordinary shares – fully paid

Treasury shares

(a) Movement in ordinary share capital

CONSOLIDATED

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
Number  
of shares 

2010 
Number  
of shares 

2011 
$’000

2010 
$’000

162,140,656

50,454,354

161,137

60,573

(513,072)

-

(898)

-

161,627,584

50,454,354

160,239

60,573

Note

26(a)

26(b)

At the beginning of the period

50,454,354

50,199,463

60,573

Issue of shares – employee incentive scheme

1,656,786

254,891

Exercise of options

Issue of shares – SAGE acquisition

Share split 2:1

Issue of shares – initial public offering  
(net of transaction costs)

202,999

1,368,854

51,314,805

57,142,858

-

-

-

-

4,300

170

2,334

-

93,760

60,012

561

-

-

-

-

At the end of the period

162,140,656

50,454,354

161,137

60,573

(b)  Terms and conditions of contributed equity

Ordinary shares

During the year, the Company conducted an initial public offering raising $100 million from the issue of 57,142,858 ordinary 
fully paid shares at $1.75 per share.

Ordinary shares have the right to receive dividends as declared and, in the event of winding up the Company, to participate 
in the proceeds from the sale of all surplus assets in proportion to the number of shares held.

Ordinary shares entitle their holder to one vote, either in person or by proxy, at a meeting of the Company.

Ordinary shares have no par value and the company does not have a limited amount of authorised capital.

Treasury shares

Treasury shares are shares that are held in trust for the purpose of issuing shares under employee share incentive schemes. 
Details of shares and options issued under employee share schemes (see note 28). 

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

89

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

27.  RESERVES

Cash flow hedge reserve

Asset revaluation reserve

Share option reserve

Movements

Cash flow hedge reserve

Balance at the beginning of the year

Revaluation – gross

Revaluation – deferred tax

Sale of interest in jointly controlled entity – net of tax (note 35)

Balance at the end of the year

Asset revaluation reserve

Balance at the beginning of the year

Disposal of subsidiary 

Balance at the end of the year

Share option reserve

Balance 1 July

Options expense 

Balance 30 June

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

2010 
$’000

(12,158)

(24,615)

-

603

2,876

327

(11,555)

(21,412)

(24,615)

(33,364)

4,165

(1,249)

9,541

(9,597)

2,778

15,568

(12,158)

(24,615)

2,876

(2,876)

-

327 

276

603

2,876

 -

2,876

-

327

327

(a)  Cash flow hedge reserve
The cash flow hedge reserve comprises the effective portion of the cumulative net change in the fair value of cash flow 
hedging instruments related to hedged transactions that have not yet occurred.

(b)  Asset revaluation reserve
The revaluation reserve related to the revaluation of property, plant and equipment acquired via a stepped acquisition of 
a subsidiary. The purchase of a controlling interest in the Kwinana Power Station on 11 October 2007 resulted in an asset 
revaluation in respect of the initial acquisition of $2.9 million after tax. Upon review of the carrying amount of the Kwinana 
Power Station asset when it was available for sale during the current year, the valuation of the asset was decreased by the 
amount of the existing revaluation surplus.

(c)  Share option reserve
As at the date of this report, there were 10,069,209 options on issue to acquire fully paid ordinary shares. The options do not 
carry any entitlement to participate in any share issue. All options expire on the earlier of their expiry date or termination of 
the holder’s employment, or as otherwise determined by the Board. Refer to note 28 for details of the employee share and 
option incentive schemes.

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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

28. SHARE BASED PAYMENTS

(a)  Short term incentives
During the year eligible employees received ordinary shares as a short term incentive bonus by way of an offer to  
participate in the Short Term Incentive Share Trust. The number of shares issued to participants during the year was 
1,997,761 (inclusive of effect of 2 for 1 share split). The shares vested immediately on issue with the cost provided for  
in the 2010 financial year. 

(b)  Long term incentives
The objective of the Long Term Incentive Scheme is to provide incentives to focus on long term shareholder returns. 
Participation in the scheme is open to senior employees (including Executive Directors) who are invited by the Board. 

Although a performance based award was not made during the year, the Company did award an incentive to certain 
employees for achieving the successful Initial Public Offering (“IPO”). The vesting conditions were targeted at the retention 
of those employees through to at least September 2012, being the prospectus forecast period, as well as twelve months 
beyond the forecast period. 

These incentive awards were granted by way of offers to participate in both the Long Term Incentive Share Trust (LTIST)  
and the Long Term Incentive Option Trust (LTIOT).

i. LTIST
Shares will be acquired by a trustee who will hold those Shares on behalf of participants. The Shares will be acquired by 
the trustee either subscribing for new Shares or purchasing Shares on market. Vesting conditions may be a combination of 
service and performance hurdles, as determined by the Directors. 

Participants hold their interest in the Long Term Incentive Share Trust (“LTIST”) by holdings units, where one unit represents 
one Share. Participants are issued units at the prevailing market value of the Shares. A participant may instruct the trustee 
how to exercise its vote in the case of a poll at a meeting of ERM Power. If the participant’s employment ceases prior to the 
Shares vesting, the participant’s units in the LTIST will be forfeited. 

Early vesting may occur in the following circumstances, subject to the participant achieving any relevant performance 
hurdles, as set out below:

•	 On a change of control of ERM Power, being a material change in the composition of the Board initiated as a result of 

a change of ownership of Shares and the purchaser of the Shares requiring (or agreeing with other Shareholders to 

require) that change in Board composition, or in other circumstances that the Board determines appropriate.

•	 On termination of employment due to redundancy, death or permanent disability, or in circumstances that the Board 

determines appropriate.

The number of shares issued under the plan to employees during the year was 513,072 (2010 – not applicable). Subject to 
continuation of employment of the participants, 33% of those shares will vest in September 2012 with the balance to vest 
in September 2013. The value of the shares at grant date was $1.75 per share with the expense to be allocated over the 
vesting periods. 

ii. LTIOT
Participants are issued units at the prevailing market value of the Options. If the participant’s employment ceases prior to the 
Options vesting, the participant’s options will be forfeited. 

Early vesting may occur in the same circumstances as the Long Term employee share scheme, subject to achieving any 
relevant performance hurdles.

Set out below are summaries of options granted under the plan during the current financial year with vesting conditions 
subject to continuation of employment in September 2012:

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nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

28. SHARE BASED PAYMENTS continued

(b)  Long term incentives continued

Grant  
Date

Expiry  
date

Exercise 
price

Balance at 
start of  
the year

Granted 
during  
the year

Forfeited 
during  
the year

Options 
exercised 
during  
the year

Balance  
at end of 
the year

Vested and 
exercisable 
at end of  
the year

Number

Number

Number

Number

Number

Number

1/11/2010

1/11/2017

8/11/2010

8/11/2017

2.75

2.75

Total

-

-

-

1,296,400

242,706

1,539,106

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,296,400

242,706

1,539,106

-

-

-

The weighted average remaining contractual life of share options outstanding at the end of the period was 6 years  
(2010 – not applicable).

Fair value of options granted

The assessed fair value at grant date of options granted during the year ended 30 June 2011 was 10.43 cents. The fair 
value at grant date is determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model that takes into account the exercise price, the 
term of the option, the share price at grant date and expected price volatility of the underlying share, the expected dividend 
yield and the risk free interest rate for the term of the option.

The model inputs for options granted during the year ended 30 June 2011 included:

•	 Share price at grant date: $1.75;

•	 Exercise price: $2.75;

•	 Expected price volatility of the Company’s shares: 28.1%;

•	 Risk free interest rate: 5.69%; and

•	 Expected vesting date: 3 years after issue.

Employee Option Plan 2008
In June 2008, the Company made offers to certain employees to participate in the Employee Option Plan (“EOP”) and 
granted Options with a five year exercise period and an exercise price of $0.806. There are no performance conditions 
attached to the Options issued under the EOP. 

Details of the 2008 option plan, the options in which vested in the financial year, are summarised below:

Grant  
Date

Expiry  
date

Exercise 
price

Balance at 
start of  
the year

Granted 
during  
the year

Forfeited 
during  
the year

Options 
exercised 
during  
the year

Balance  
at end of 
the year

Vested and 
exercisable 
at end of  
the year

Number

Number

Number

Number

Number

Number

6/06/2008

6/06/2013

0.806 10,524,962

30/06/2008 30/06/2013

0.806

400,000

Total

10,924,962

-

-

-

496,550

209,203

9,819,209

9,819,209

150,000

-

250,000

250,000

646,550

209,203 10,069,209

10,069,209

The weighted average share price from the date of listing on 10 December 2010 to 30 June 2011 was $1.8388 (2010 – not 
applicable).

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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

28. SHARE BASED PAYMENTS continued

(c)  Amounts expensed in respect of share-based payment transactions
Expenses recognised in respect of share-based payment transactions during the period as part of employee benefit expense:

Options issued under employee option plans

Shares issued under long term employee share scheme

29. PARENT ENTITY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

(a)  Summary financial information
The individual financial statements for the parent entity show the following aggregate amounts:

Statement of financial position

Current Assets

Total Assets

Current Liabilities

Total liabilities

Shareholders’ equity

Contributed equity

Treasury shares

Reserves

 Share option reserve 

Retained earnings

(Loss) / profit for the year

Total comprehensive (loss) / income

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

167

110

277

2010 
$’000

327

  -

327

2011 
$’000

2010 
$’000

212,917

286,467

71,848

78,270

161,136

(898)

603

47,356

208,197

(1,937)

(1,937)

134,279

214,908

65,785

104,717

60,573

-

327

49,291

110,191

10,398

10,398

(b)  Guarantees entered into by the parent entity  
The Company has provided bank guarantees in relation to its lease arrangements for premises in Brisbane totalling 
$522,000 (2010: $418,600).

(c)  Contingent liabilities of the parent entity 
The Company does not have any contingent liabilities at 30 June 2011.

(d)  Contractual commitments for acquisition of property, plant and equipment 
There are no contractual commitments for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment at 30 June 2011. 

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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

30. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

(a)  Capital expenditure commitments

 Estimated capital expenditure contracted for at balance date, not provided 
for but payable (including share of associates and joint ventures):

–  not later than one year

– 

– 

later than one year and not later than five years

later than five years

(b)  Lease expenditure commitments

(i)   Operating leases (non-cancellable):

  Minimum lease payments

–  not later than one year

– 

– 

later than one year and not later than five years

later than five years

Aggregate lease expenditure contracted for at balance date

(ii)   Finance leases:

  Minimum lease payments

–  not later than one year

– 

later than one year and not later than two years

Total minimum lease payments

Future finance charges

  Net liability

  Classified as follows:

  Current liability

  Non-current liability

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

2010 
$’000

4,076

23,224

-

-

-

-

4,076

23,224

1,272

1,649

-

2,921

1,131

2,826

286

4,243

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

18

-

18

(1)

17

17

-

17

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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

30. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES continued

Details of contingent liabilities are set out below. The directors are of the opinion that provisions are not required in respect of 
these items as it is not probable that a future sacrifice of economic benefits will be required or the amount is not capable of 
reliable measurement.

Bank guarantees – Australian Energy Market Operator

Bank guarantees – Lease arrangements

Financial bond

Third party guarantee

Futures margin deposits

Security deposits

Bank guarantees – Western Power

Bank guarantees - Powerlink

Note

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

(v)

(vi)

(vii)

(viii)

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

38,000

522

-

25,000

2,732

3,145

300

2,200

2010 
$’000

12,800

419

4,900

25,000

-

-

-

-

71,899

43,119

(i) 

 The Group has provided bank guarantees in favour of the Australian Energy Market Operator (formerly National Electricity Market Management 
Company) to support its obligations to purchase electricity from the national electricity market. Bank guarantees have also been provided to 
various counterparties in relation to electricity derivatives. These guarantees are supported by term deposits as detailed in note 11. 

(ii) 

 The Group has provided bank guarantees in relation to lease arrangements for premises in Brisbane. The guarantee is secured by a 
registered charge over all assets and undertakings of the Company (being ERM Power Limited).

(iii)   The Group had drawn down on a financial bond with a financial institution in order to provide reserve capacity security to the independent 

market operator in Western Australia.

(iv)   The Company and one of its subsidiaries had issued a guarantee to a third party under a credit support facility agreement. The third party 

has provided credit support in favour of the Group in relation to electricity derivatives. The guarantee is secured by assets held in a director 
related entity.

(v) 

 Futures margin deposits represent interest bearing cash lodged with the Group’s futures clearing brokers. The deposits are in relation to 
various futures contracts on the Australian Stock Exchange and may be retained by the clearing brokers in the event that the Group does not 
meet its contractual obligations.

(vi)   Security deposits represent interest bearing cash lodged as eligible credit support with various counterparties to the Group’s electricity 
derivative contracts and may be retained by those counterparties in the event that the Group does not meet its contractual obligations.

(vii)   The Group has provided a bank guarantee in favour of Western Power. This can be called upon if the Neerabup partnership fails to pay its 

monthly transmission invoices.

(viii) The Group has provided a bank guarantee in favour of Powerlink for $2.2 million under the B3 Connection Agreement. 

The NewGen Neerabup Partnership is currently in dispute with a contractor responsible for the design and construct of the 
balance of plant works for the NewGen Neerabup Power Station. The dispute is currently being progressed through the 
dispute resolution provisions contained within the contract.

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nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

31.  INTERESTS IN JOINTLY CONTROLLED ENTITIES

As at 30 June 2011, the Group has the following interests in power station projects with 
other external parties:

Name

NewGen Power Neerabup Pty Ltd

NewGen Neerabup Pty Ltd

NewGen Neerabup Partnership

NewGen Braemar 2 Pty Ltd

ERM Power Trust

Queensland Electricity Investors Pty Ltd

NewGen Power Kwinana Pty Ltd

NewGen Kwinana Holdings Pty Ltd

Summit Kwinana Holdings Pty Ltd

Summit Kwinana Power Pty Limited

ERM Kwinana Power Pty Ltd

NewGen Kwinana Partnership

Interest Held

2011 
%

2010 
%

50

50

50

-

50

50

-

-

-

-

-

-

50

50

50

25.05

50

50

30

30

30

30

30

30

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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

31.  INTERESTS IN JOINTLY CONTROLLED ENTITIES continued

Net assets employed in the jointly controlled entities, including assets held for sale, are 
included in the financial statements as follows:

CURRENT ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Inventories

Prepayments

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Investment in associates accounted for using the equity method

Property, plant and equipment

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

TOTAL ASSETS

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Trade and other payables

Borrowings 

Provisions

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

Borrowings 

Derivative financial instruments

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

TOTAL LIABILITIES

NET ASSETS

Capital expenditure commitments

Estimated capital expenditure contracted for at balance date, not provided for 
but payable:

–  not later than one year

– 

– 

later than one year and not later than five years

later than five years

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

2010 
$’000

9,717

3,471

58

226

13,472

12,914

199,733

212,647

226,119

764

4,719

20

5,503

159,552

17,369

176,921

182,424

43,695

27,347

11,754

41

3,758

42,900

12,914

381,090

394,004

436,904

6,830

5,001

5

11,836

321,793

26,001

347,794

359,630

77,274

4,076

8,242

-

-

-

-

4,076

8,242

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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

32. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

Parent Company 
ERM Power Limited is the parent entity of the consolidated entity. Balances and transactions between the parent entity and 
its wholly owned subsidiaries (which are related parties) have been eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed in this 
note. Details of transactions between the consolidated entity and other related parties are disclosed below.

Trevor St Baker and his related parties have a controlling shareholding in the Company at 30 June 2011.

Equity interests in subsidiaries 
Details of interests in subsidiaries are set out in note 18.

Equity interests in associates 
Details of interests in associates are set out in note 17.

Equity interests in jointly controlled entities 
Details of interests in jointly controlled entities are set out in note 31.

Key management personnel 
Disclosures relating to key management personnel are set out in note 33 and the Directors’ Report.

Transactions with related parties

Transaction type

Loans from Directors

Loans received

Loan repayments

Interest paid on director loans

Director related entity transactions

Consulting fees

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

2010 
$’000

i

ii

iii

4,400,000

250,889

7,955,955

4,119,807

-

676,713

304,447

475,150

(i) 

 Loan of $4.4 million from a related entity of Trevor St Baker drawn down on 30 June 2011 in relation to funding of 
additional 50% interest in Oakey acquisition. Loan is interest bearing at 12% per annum.

(ii)  Loans of $8.0 million from a director related entity bearing interest at BBSY plus 4% were repaid during the period. 

(iii)   ERM Power has entered into a consulting agreement with Sunset Power Pty Ltd (a related party of Trevor St Baker) 

for Trevor St Baker to provide mentoring services and advice to ERM Power’s planning group on a range of planning 
functions until 30 June 2011. Under this agreement ERM Power pays Sunset Power Pty Ltd a fee of $3,500 per day for 
services provided (up to a maximum of 70 days per annum). Sunset Power Pty Ltd is also entitled to be reimbursed for 
all reasonable expenses incurred in providing these services. The consulting agreement may be terminated by giving 
30 days written notice or immediately if Sunset Power breaches the agreement.

Other related party transactions
During the year, Stephen St Baker and Andrew St Baker were employed by the Company, either directly or on a contractor 
basis, on terms and conditions no more favourable than those that would have been adopted if dealing at arm’s length with 
an unrelated person. Total payments excluding GST for the year ended 30 June 2011 were $524,807 (2010: $421,900). 

There is no allowance account for impaired receivables in relation to any outstanding balances, and no expense has been 
recognised in respect of impaired receivables due from related parties.

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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

32. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES continued

Transactions with jointly controlled entities:

Net loans advanced/(repaid)

Current trade receivables

Current trade payables

Project fees

Operations management fees

33. KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL DISCLOSURES 

(a)  Key management personnel compensation 

Short-term employee benefits

Post-employment benefits

Termination benefits

Share-based payments

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

2010 
$’000

(4,582,604)

52,075,989

183,484

1,155,257

(140,135)

-

1,040,981

2,573,388

5,548,633

3,269,684

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

2010 
$’000

2,573,842

2,214,886

212,026

155,884

-

761,662

20,000

40,535

3,547,530

2,431,305

Detailed remuneration disclosures are provided in the Remuneration Report on pages 31 to 39.

(b)  Equity instruments disclosures relating to key management personnel 
The number of shares and options held during the financial year by each director and other Key management personnel of 
the Group are disclosed in the Directors’ Report. 

(c)  Loans to key management personnel
Details of loans made to directors and other key management personnel of the Group, including their related parties, are set 
out below:

Total individual loans

Balance at the 
start of the 
year

Interest paid 
and payable  
for the year

Interest not 
charged

Balance at  
the end of  
the year

Number in 
Group at the 
end of the year

2011

2010

1,163,642

1,313,680

83,354

74,596

-

-

1,246,996

1,163,642

4

4

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nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

33. KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL DISCLOSURES continued

Total Individuals with loans above $100,000 during the financial year

2011

2010

Balance at  
the start of  
the year

Interest paid 
and payable  
for the year

1,088,089

1,242,377

74,481

74,845

Interest not 
charged

Balance at the 
end of the year

Number in 
Group at the 
end of the year

-

-

1,166,570

1,088,089

3

3

The above loans to key management personnel include employee shareholder loans. In 2007 and 2008, ERM Power made 
offers to certain senior executives to participate in a share loan incentive plan. ERM Power provided loans to participants 
to enable them to subscribe for shares. The loans subject to loan deeds and are interest bearing at the FBT benchmark 
rate with recourse limited to the value of the shares. The loans are repayable in the event of termination of employment or 
otherwise between seven and 10 years from the date of advance. 

Key management personnel and their related parties with loans greater than $100,000 at 30 June 2011 and 30 June 2010 
include Philip St Baker, Mitch Anderson and Andrew St Baker.

Further details regarding Director loans and other Director transactions are included in Note 32 and the Directors’ Report. 

34. AUDITORS’ REMUNERATION

Amounts received or due and receivable by PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia for:

An audit or review of the financial report of the entity and any other entity in the Group

Amounts received or due and receivable by PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia 
for non-audit services:

Investigating accounts report 

Due diligence services

Other agreed-upon procedures in relation to the entity and any other entity in the 
consolidated Group

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
$’000

2010 
$’000

525,000

525,000

442,500

442,500

630,000

60,000

115,002

805,002

-

-

-

-

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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

35. SALE OF INTERESTS IN POWER STATION

Braemar 2 Power Station

In the prior year, the Group disposed its interest in the Braemar 2 Power Station for a consideration of $113.7 million and 
recognised a gain on disposal of $36.4 million.

Kwinana Power Station

On 28 October 2010, the Group sold its 30% interest in the Kwinana power station. The Group sold all the shares of ERM BK 
Power Pty Ltd and ERM Oakey Power II Pty Ltd which were the holding companies for Kwinana group subsidiaries. 

The consideration received by the Group for its interest in Kwinana was $39.9 million less the convertible note liability 
outstanding at the date of sale of $31.0 million. 

Deferred interest of $6.0 million, payable on redemption of the notes, is included in finance expense. A loss of $6.4 million in 
relation to the interest rate swaps entered into by the Kwinana partnership is included in net fair value losses.

Consideration received

Consideration received in cash and cash equivalents

Total consideration received

Assets and liabilities over which control was lost

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade & other receivables

Prepayments

Property, plant & equipment

Goodwill

Deferred tax assets

Trade & other payables

Deferred tax liabilities

Borrowings – limited recourse

Minority interest share of relevant assets and liabilities disposed of

Net assets and liabilities disposed of

Gain on sale

Consideration received

Net assets disposed of

Gain on disposal

Net cash inflow on disposal

Consideration received in cash or cash equivalents

Less cash and cash equivalents disposed of

Net cash outflow on disposal

2011 
$’000

8,917

8,917

10,181

6,818

4,102

185,222

5,815

10,115

(5,375)

(11,577)

(187,504)

(13,618)

4,179

8,917

(4,179)

4,738

8,917

(10,181)

(1,264)

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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

36. BUSINESS COMBINATION

There were no acquisitions in the year ended 30 June 2010.

Current year acquisition – SAGE Utility Systems Pty Ltd
On 31 March 2011, the Group purchased all of the share capital of SAGE Utility Systems Pty Ltd. At 30 June 2011 the fair 
values of the assets and liabilities acquired as well as any goodwill on acquisition, is provisional. Provisional fair values may 
be used for a period of 12 months from acquisition. During the 12 month period from acquisition date the Group will continue 
to assess the fair value of identifiable assets and liabilities acquired as well as any goodwill on acquisition. 

 Details of the purchase consideration and the provisional fair values of net assets acquired are as follows:

Purchase consideration

Cash paid

Shares

Working capital adjustment

Total purchase consideration

Acquisition of subsidiary net of cash acquired

Cash balances acquired

Direct cash costs of acquisition

Net cash inflow

Details of the provisional fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired are as follows:

Provisional fair value of net identifiable assets acquired

Add: Provisional goodwill

Provisional net assets acquired

2011 
$’000

50

1,950

384

2,384

467

(50)

417

Provisional 
fair value 
$’000

502

1,882

2,384

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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

37.  EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

(i) Earnings per share are not diluted for net losses

Reconciliation of weighted average number of 
ordinary shares

Weighted average number used in calculating basic 
earnings per share

Effect of share options on issue

Weighted average number used in calculating diluted 
earnings per share

Information concerning earnings per share

Options

CONSOLIDATED

CONSOLIDATED

2011 
Number  
(’000)

138,421

142,880

2010 
Number  
(’000)

100,908

106,732

2011 
Cents

11.72

11.35

2010 
Cents

(16.72)(i) 

(16.72)(i)

138,421

4,459

100,905

5,827

142,880

106,732

-

-

-

-

-

-

Options granted are usually considered to be potential ordinary shares and taken into account in the determination of diluted 
earnings per share and are not included in the determination of basic earnings per share. 

38. EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD

Acquisition of additional 50% interest in the Oakey Power Station

On 1 July 2011 the Group acquired an additional 50% interest in Oakey Power Holdings Pty Ltd from Redbank Energy 
Limited (formerly Alinta Energy Limited) taking the Group’s total shareholding in Oakey Power Holdings Pty Ltd and interest 
in the Oakey Power Station from 12.5% to 62.5%.

The financial effects of the transaction have not been brought to account at 30 June 2011. The operating results and assets 
and liabilities of Oakey Power Holdings Pty Ltd and its wholly owned subsidiaries will be consolidated from 1 July 2011, the 
date at which the Group gained a controlling interest.

Details of the purchase consideration transferred and the provisional net fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired are:

Purchase consideration

Cash paid

Total purchase consideration

Provisional fair value of net identifiable assets acquired

Less: Provisional acquisition date fair value of previously held equity interest of 12.5%

Less: Provisional fair value of minority interests

Less: Provisional discount on acquisition

Provisional net assets acquired

$’000

61,691

61,691

$’000

156,000

(18,541)

(58,338)

(17,430)

61,691

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

103

nOTES TO ThE COnSOLiDATED FinAnCiAL STATEMEnTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

38. EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD continued

At the time that the financial statements were authorised for issue the Group has not yet completed the accounting for the 
acquisition of the additional 50% of Oakey Power Holdings Pty Ltd. 

Acquisition related costs to be included in profit and loss for the year ended 30 June 2012 and are expected to be 
approximately $0.5 million.

The fair value of net identifiable assets acquired, discount on acquisition and minority interests have only been determined 
provisionally at the time that the financial statements were authorised for issue as the independent valuation had not been 
finalised. It is also not yet possible to provide detailed information about each class of acquired receivables and contingent 
liabilities. 

Provisional fair values may be used for a period of 12 months from acquisition. During the 12 month period from acquisition 
date the Group will continue to assess the fair value of identifiable assets and liabilities acquired, the minority interest as well 
as any goodwill on acquisition. 

Other events after the reporting period
Since 30 June 2011, there have been no other matters or circumstances not otherwise dealt with in the financial report that 
have significantly affected or may significantly affect the Group.

104 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

DiRECTOR’S DECLARATiOn

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

1. 

In the opinion of the directors of ERM Power Limited (“Company”):

(a)   the financial statements and notes set out on pages 46 to 104 are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, 

including:

i. 

ii. 

 giving a true and fair view of the financial position of the consolidated entity as at 30 June 2011 and of its 
performance for the year then ended, and

 complying with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations), the 
Corporations Regulations 2001 and other mandatory professional reporting requirements.

(b)   the financial report complies with International Financial Reporting Standards as disclosed in note 1;

(c)   there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become 

due and payable.

Note 1(a) confirms that the financial statements also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by 
the International Accounting Standards Board.

The directors have been given the declarations by the chief executive officer and chief financial officer required by section 
295A of the Corporations Act 2001. 

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the directors:

Tony Bellas

Director

Brisbane

25 August 2011 

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

105

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
inDEPEnDEnT AuDiTOR’S REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

106 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

inDEPEnDEnT AuDiTOR’S REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

107

ShARE AnD ShAREhOLDER inFORMATiOn

TWENTY LARGEST SHAREHOLDERS

The following table sets out the 20 largest holders of listed shares (when multiple holdings are grouped together) and the 
percentage of capital each holds as at 7 October 2011:

Shareholders

Number of shares % of issued shares

1.   Energy Resource Managers Holdings Pty Ltd 

2.   Sunset Power Pty Ltd 

3.   Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 

4.   Gaffwick Pty Ltd 

5.   Ilwella Pty Limited

6.   Sunset Power A Pty Ltd

7.   Sunset Power B Pty Ltd

8.   Sunset Power C Pty Ltd

9.   Sunset Power D Pty Ltd

10.  National Nominees Limited 

11.  Philip St Baker & Peta St Baker 

12.  AMP Life Limited 

13.  Trinity Management Pty Ltd 

14.  St Baker Investments Pty Ltd 

15.  Andrew James St Baker & Cathryn Jeanne St Baker 

16.  Bond Street Custodians Ltd 

17.  WH & LL St Baker Pty Ltd 

18.  HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 

19.  St Baker-Childs Investments Pty Ltd 

20.  J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited 

Total

As at 7 October 2011 there were 162,304,453 shares on issue.

DISTRIBUTION OF SHARES

The following table summarises the distribution of listed shares as at 7 October 2011:

Ordinary Shares

1 – 1,000

1,001 – 5,000

5,001 - 10,000

10,000 – 100,000 

100,001 – and over

Total

43,549,488

20,438,364

8,900,098

8,705,182

8,571,429

5,160,934

5,160,934

5,160,934

5,160,934

5,152,406

3,264,036

2,046,825

2,004,224

2,002,088

1,841,814

1,499,586

1,447,100

1,214,714

1,199,532

778,935

26.83

12.59

5.48

5.36

5.28

3.18

3.18

3.18

3.18

3.17

2.01

1.26

1.24

1.23

1.13

0.92

0.89

0.75

0.74

0.48

133,260,147

82.08

Number of 

shareholders % of issued shares

92

474

465

570

72

1,673

0.03

0.90

2.20

9.04

87.82

100.00

The number of shareholders holding less than a marketable parcel of shares was 29 holding 5,041 shares.

108 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

ShARE AnD ShAREhOLDER inFORMATiOn continued

SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDERS

The following table shows holdings of five per cent or more of voting rights in ERM Power’s shares as notified to ERM Power 
Limited under the Corporations Act 2001, Section 671B:

Class of Securities

Identity of  
person or group

Date of  
notice received

Relevant interest in 
number of securities

Percentage of total 
voting rights

Ordinary Shares

Trevor Charles St Baker1

Ordinary Shares

Gaffwick Pty Ltd

Ordinary Shares

Ilwella Pty Limited

10/12/2010

10/12/2010

10/12/2010

84,631,588

8,571,429

8,571,429

52.97%

5.37%

5.37%

1.  Trevor Charles St Baker controls each registered shareholder of Energy Resource Managers Holdings Pty Ltd as trustee for the Energy 

Resource Managers Trust, Sunset Power Pty Ltd as trustee for the St Baker Family Trust, Sunset Power A Pty Ltd as trustee for Sunset Power 

Trust A, Sunset Power B Pty Ltd as trustee for Sunset Power Trust B, Sunset Power C Pty Ltd as trustee for Sunset Power Trust C and Sunset 

Power D Pty Ltd as trustee for the Sunset Power Trust D. 

VOTING RIGHTS

As a meeting of members, each member who is entitled to attend and vote may attend and vote in person or by proxy, 
attorney or representative. On a show of hands, every person present who is a member, proxy, attorney or representative, 
shall have one vote and on a poll, every member who is present in person or by proxy, attorney or representative shall have 
one vote for each fully paid share held.

SECURITIES EXCHANGE LISTING

ERM Power Limited shares are traded on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) under the symbol “EPW”.

VOLUNTARY ESCROW

98,679,437 shares are subject to voluntary escrow until the date that is 3 business days after the release of the full year 
results for the year ending 30 June 2012. 

UNQUOTED SECURITIES

As at 7 October 2011, there were 11,444,518 options to acquire fully paid ordinary shares. The options do not carry any 
entitlement to participate in any share issue. All options expire on the earlier of their expiry date, or for those with a 2017 
expiry date, termination of the holder’s employment, or as otherwise determined by the Board. 

Expiry Date

6 June 2013

30 June 2013

1 November 2017

8 November 2017

Issue price  
of shares (cents)

80.6 

80.6 

275.0 

275.0 

Number  
of options

9,655,412

250,000

1,296,400

242,706

Number  
of holders

49

2

24

1

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

109

GLOSSARy

AASB

ACF

AEMO

AGL

Alinta

Australian Accounting Standards Board

the ratio of the actual output of a power plant and its output if it had operated at full 
capacity over the entire year

Australian Energy Market Operator Limited ACN 072 010 327 (formerly National 
Electricity Market Management Company Limited)

AGL Energy Limited ACN 115 061 375 or its controlled entities

Alinta Energy Limited ACN 116 665 608 (formerly Babcock & Brown Power Limited)

ANZSAM

Arrow Energy

ANZ Specialist Asset Management Limited ACN 098 827 671

Arrow Energy Limited ACN 078 521 936 or its controlled entities

ASIC

ASX

Base load

BBSY

Board

Braemar 1

Braemar 2 

Braemar 3

Broker

CCGT

Company

Australian Securities and Investments Commission

ASX Limited ACN 008 624 691 or the exchange operated by it

generating power plant that is normally operated to take all or part of the minimum load 
of a system, and which produces electricity at an essentially constant rate

bank bill swap bid rate

the Board of directors of ERM Power

the Braemar 1 power station, a 504 MW power station, situated approximately  
30 kilometres west of Dalby, Queensland

means the Braemar 2 power station, a 519 MW power station, situated approximately 
30 km west of Dalby, Queensland

the proposed 550 MW Braemar 3 power station, to be situated approximately 30 km 
west of Dalby, Queensland

an ASX participating organisation

combined-cycle gas turbine

ERM Power

Contact Energy

Contact Energy Limited ARBN 080 480 477

Corporations Act

Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)

CO2

CY

Directors

DRP

EBITDAIF

EBITF

Empire Oil and Gas

ERM Gas

carbon dioxide

the calendar year ended or ending 31 December

the directors of ERM Power

dividend reinvestment plan

earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation, goodwill impairment and net 
fair value gains/losses on financial instruments designated at fair value through profit 
and loss and gains/losses on onerous contracts

earnings before interest , tax and net fair value gains/losses on financial instruments 
designated at fair value through profit and loss and gains/losses on onerous contracts

Empire Oil Company (WA) Limited ACN 009 475 423 a wholly owned subsidiary of 
Empire Oil and Gas NL

ERM Gas Pty Ltd ACN 126 836 799, ERM Power’s gas business focussed on 
procurement of long term gas supplies for future projects through commercial  
contracts and exploration

110 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

GLOSSARy continued

ERM Generation Assets

ERM Power’s business of owning interests in gas-fired power stations, currently 
comprised of interests in Oakey and Neerabup

ERM Land Holdings 

ERM Land Holdings Pty Ltd ACN 083 762 056, the entity that holds ERM Power’s 
strategic land holdings

ERM Oakey

ERM Power 

E.R.M Oakey Power Pty Ltd ACN 075 130 022, the entity that holds ERM Power’s 
interest in the Oakey power station

ERM Power Limited ACN 122 259 223 (‘ERM Power’ and ‘Company’ shall have a 
corresponding meaning)

ERM Power Generation

ERM Power Generation Pty Ltd ACN 117 443 035, ERM Power’s operation services 
company that manages and operates electricity generation and gas pipeline businesses

ERM Sales

ERM Power Retail Pty Ltd ACN 126 175 460, ERM Power’s electricity sales business 
targeting the larger end of the business customer market

Forecast Period

the period from 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2012

FY 

Group 

GW

GWh

the financial year ended or ending 30 June

ERM Power and each of its subsidiaries

gigawatt

gigawatt hours

Infrastructure Capital Group

Infrastructure Capital Group Limited ACN 094 815 513 as manager for the Energy 
Infrastructure Trust

Intermediate

generating power plant that operates between the extremes of baseload and peaking 
power plants, curtailing their output in periods of low demand

IPO

ISDA

km

km2

Kwinana

LTIOT

LTIST

MW

MWh

NEM

Neerabup 

NewGen Braemar 2

NewGen Neerabup 

initial public offering

means the International Swaps and Derivatives Association

kilometre

square kilometre

means the Kwinana power station, a 320 MW baseload power station located 
approximately 30 km south of Perth, Western Australia

Long Term Incentive Option Trust

Long Term Incentive Share Trust

megawatt

megawatt hours

National Electricity Market

means the Neerabup power station, a 330 MW peaking power station located in the 
town of Neerabup, approximately 40 km north of Perth, Western Australia

means the partnership between ERM Braemar 2 Pty Ltd and Arrow Southern 
Generation Pty Ltd, which owns Braemar 2

means the partnership between ERM Neerabup Pty Ltd ACN 126 964 583 and EIT 
Neerabup Power Pty Ltd ACN 128 916 478, which owns Neerabup

NewGen Power Kwinana

means the partnership between ERM Kwinana Power Pty Ltd ACN 115 348 171 and 
Summit Kwinana Power Pty Ltd ACN 116 803 779, which owns Kwinana

E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

111

GLOSSARy continued

New Shares 

new Shares to be issued by ERM Power

NPAT 

Oakey 

net profit after tax

means the Oakey power station, a 332 MW peaking power station situated in the 
Darling Downs, 150 km west of Brisbane, Queensland

Oakey Power Holdings 

Oakey Power Holdings Pty Ltd ACN 075 260 794

OCGT 

Option 

Personnel 

PJ 

Powerlink

PPA 

Prospectus

RECs

Shareholders

Share Registry

Shares

Siemens 

STIST

open-cycle gas turbine

an option to acquire a Share in ERM Power

employees and professional service contractors of ERM Power

petajoules

Powerlink, the Queensland state government corporation that owns, operates and 
maintains Queensland’s high voltage electricity transmission network

Power Purchase Agreement

Prospectus lodged by ERM Power on 17th November 2011

Renewable Energy Certificates produced when generating electricity from eligible 
renewable generators under the ERET

holders of Shares in ERM Power

Link Market Services ABN 54 083 214 537

fully paid Shares in ERM Power

Siemens Ltd ACN 004 347 880

Short Term Incentive Share Trust

Sunset Power

Sunset Power Pty Ltd ACN 101 619 658, an entity controlled by Trevor St Baker

Synergy

Uranquinty 

Wellington 1

Western Power

Electricity Retail Corporation ABN 71 743 446 839, trading as Synergy

the Uranquinty power station, a 664 MW power station, located in Uranquinty,  
New South Wales

the proposed 550 MW Wellington 1 power station to be situated in Wellington,  
New South Wales

Western Power, the electricity networks corporation owned by the Western  
Australia Government

112 E R M   P O W E R   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 1

Company

ERM Power Limited  
(ACN: 122 259 223)

Directors

Trevor St Baker  
Non-Executive Chairman

Anthony (Tony) Bellas  
Independent Non-Executive Director

Martin Greenberg  
Independent Non-Executive Director

Antonino (Tony) Iannello 
Independent Non-Executive Director

Brett Heading        
Independent Non-Executive Director

Philip St Baker  
Managing Director 

Company Secretaries

Peter Jans

Graeme Walker

Head office 

Level 5, Riverside Centre 
123 Eagle Street 
Brisbane Qld 4000

Tel:   (07) 3020 5100 
Fax: (07) 3020 5111

Sydney office

Suite 2, Level 6  
3 Spring Street 
Sydney NSW 2000

Tel:   (02) 8243 9100 
Fax: (02) 9251 4827

Perth office

Level 4, St Georges Square  
225 St Georges Terrace 
Perth WA 6000

Tel:   (08) 9841 1100 
Fax: (08) 9322 6154

Bankers

National Australia Bank

Auditors

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Lawyers

McCullough Robertson 
Freehills

Share Registry

Link Market Services 

Website

www.ermpower.com.au

Level 5, Riverside Centre 
123 Eagle Street 
Brisbane Qld 4000

T: (07) 3020 5100 
F: (07) 3020 5111

www.ermpower.com.au