Quarterlytics / Utilities / Regulated Electric / ERM Power Ltd / FY2017 Annual Report

ERM Power Ltd
Annual Report 2017

EPW · ASX Utilities
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FY2017 Annual Report · ERM Power Ltd
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CONTENTS

1 

2 

4 

8 

10 

10 

10 
10 
21 
22 
24 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR’S REPORT

BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ PROFILES

EXECUTIVE TEAM PROFILES

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW
  Financial Year Highlights
  Strategy Overview
  Review of Operating and Financial Results
  Market Overview
  Material Business Risks
  Outlook and Future Prospects

26 

26  

32  

32  

32  

33  

34 

35 
37 

40 

53 

125 

126 

133 

135 

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY
  Corporate Governance Statement
  Corporate Social Responsibility
  –  Leadership

  –  Customers

  –  Workplace

  –  Community

  –  Environment
DIRECTORS’ REPORT

REMUNERATION REPORT

 ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DIRECTORS’ DECLARATION

 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

CORPORATE INFORMATION

ABOUT ERM POWER 
ERM Power is an Australian energy company operating electricity sales, generation and energy solutions businesses. The Company has grown to become the second 
largest electricity provider to commercial businesses and industrials in Australia by load1, and is the only energy retailer licensed to sell electricity in all Australian states  
as well as the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory. A growing range of energy solutions products and services are being delivered, including lighting  
and energy efficiency software and data analytics, to the Company’s existing and new customer base. ERM Power also sells electricity in several markets in the  
United States. The Company operates 662 megawatts of low emission, gas‐fired peaking power stations in Western Australia and Queensland. www.ermpower.com.au 

1 

 Based on ERM Power analysis of latest published information.

ERM Power Limited ABN 28 122 259 223 shares are traded on the Australian Securities Exchange under the symbol EPW.  
This review is for ERM Power (Company, Group, we, our) for the year ended 30 June 2017 with comparison against the previous  
corresponding period ended 30 June 2016 (previous period, previous year or comparative period).

All reference to $ is a reference to Australian dollars unless otherwise stated. Individual items totals and percentages are rounded  
to the nearest approximate number or decimal. Some totals may not add down the page due to rounding of individual components. 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For FY2017, ERM Power’s underlying EBITDAF was  
$78.4m, up 5%. Our industry is changing and we are 
transforming the business to take advantage of the 
growing need for new energy solutions in a dynamic  
and competitive market. 

SALES GROWTH

OPPORTUNITY AND INVESTMENT

Record Australian electricity sales of 18.5TWh.  
US electricity sales more than doubled to 3.8TWh.

Accelerating investment in Energy Solutions and the 
US Business, taking opportunity in a dynamic market.

The Large-scale Generation Certificate (LGC) strategy 
results in a one-off tax charge of $37.1m, contributing 
to an underlying NPAT loss of ($26.3)m.

UNDERLYING EBITDAF

UNDERLYING NPAT LOSS

DIVIDENDS

ELECTRICITY SALES UP 12% TO

Total declared dividend for FY2017 was 7c per share,  
fully franked.

1

 
CHAIRMAN AND  
MANAGING DIRECTOR’S REPORT 

ERM Power has delivered a strong set of results in financial  
year 2017, taking strategic opportunities and investing  
for growth and diversification in a disrupting energy market. 

Policy uncertainty and challenging market conditions have not 
constrained the Company in creating opportunities to deliver for 
customers and shareholders. Our clear and consistent business 
strategy accounts for an industry in transition, harnessing and 
rewarding our deep industry expertise, innovative approach and 
well-timed execution.

FY2017 earnings increased by 5% to $78.4m (underlying 
EBITDAF), with positive results across the business.

STRATEGIC GROWTH
ERM Power’s strategy capitalises on the Company’s strong, 
enduring customer relationships and industry-leading customer 
satisfaction to deliver an expanded, integrated value proposition  
to businesses seeking to take control of their energy costs.

We are proud of ERM Power’s history of self-disruption and 
reinvention, with 2017 demonstrating our continued focus on 
strategic business transformation. 

It has been a critical year for our growing Energy Solutions 
business, with existing, acquired and new business capability 
now delivering results through one integrated and focussed team. 
Revenue more than doubled compared with the previous period, 
underpinned by increased opportunities in metering and demand 
response. The Company continues to invest in new capabilities 
and initiatives, such as our National Schools Program, responding 
to a clear customer need.

Our US retail business, Source Power & Gas, is also delivering 
growth as it continues to apply and adapt the ERM Power 
approach to the US market. Load sold through the US market 
more than doubled to 3.8TWh. Importantly, contracted forward 
electricity sales increased substantially from 10.8TWh to 16.7TWh. 
This demonstrates the success of our comprehensive broker 
engagement plan and significant investment in new systems, 
processes and people. 

In April 2017, we were pleased to announce the sale of the non-
core residential electricity retailing component of our US business. 
This allows exclusive focus on our core and growing business 
customer base in line with the broader ERM Power Group strategy. 
The residential business sold for US$12m, comfortably exceeding 
the original acquisition price of the entire business in 2015. 

Both our US electricity retail and Australian Energy Solutions 
businesses are in investment phase, and will remain that way in 
financial year 2018. We are confident they are on track to become 
material profit contributors in the medium term. 

ERM Power’s generation assets had a strong year, maximising 
merchant generation opportunities. Earnings increased by $4.3m 
for Oakey Power Station in Queensland, and $2.1m for Neerabup 
Power Station in Western Australia.

The Australian electricity sales business increased load to 
18.5TWh, up 0.4TWh from the prior year. Forward contract load 
grew 13% from 25.3TWh to 28.6TWh, which is a positive outcome 
in a highly competitive market. 

SUPPORTING RENEWABLE ENERGY
ERM Power is committed to playing its part in the transition to  
a less emission-intensive energy sector, and this year, executed  
a progressive strategy to cost-effectively support renewable  
energy development.

For the 2016 compliance year, the Company chose to achieve 
compliance with the Renewable Energy Target scheme by  
paying the Clean Energy Regulator $123m, in lieu of surrendering 
1.9 million Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs). This enabled 
the sale of existing LGC inventory into the market while prices were 
high, with the Company reaching agreements to procure lower 
cost LGCs in the future. 

We were pleased to announce a renewable offtake agreement 
with Hamilton Solar Farm in Queensland (58MW, currently under 
construction) and continue to work with developers of new 
renewable energy assets, such as Nexif Energy Australia Pty Ltd  
on their Lincoln Gap Wind Farm project.

2

ERM POWER
ERM Power has delivered a strong set  
of results in financial year 2017, taking  
strategic opportunities and investing for  
growth and diversification in a disrupting 
energy market.

LEADING CUSTOMER SERVICE
In the Australian market, the 2016 Utility Market Intelligence survey1 
reported 94% of ERM Power’s large business customers are 
satisfied – the highest level of customer satisfaction recorded since 
the survey began in 1997. This marks the sixth consecutive year 
that ERM Power has out-ranked all other retailers in this survey.

In the US market, the 2016 Energy Research Consulting Group’s 
survey2 of energy broker satisfaction also demonstrates our strong 
focus on customer needs and relationships, with Source Power & 
Gas placing third out of over 50 retailers. Since acquisition in 2015, 
Source Power & Gas broker recognition rate has tripled, with 62% 
of surveyed brokers now saying they do business with Source. 

HIGHLY ENGAGED PEOPLE
It takes great people to deliver great results. ERM Power’s 
second employee engagement and enablement survey again 
demonstrated our people are well-positioned to deliver continued 
business success. 

The Company’s 2017 engagement score was consistent with the 
highest performing organisations in the world, and its enablement 
score was five percentage points above the global high-performing 
norm3. ERM Power also ranked above the global high-performing 
norms in critical areas such as confidence in leadership, clarity of 
business strategic direction and customer focus. 

On behalf of the Board, we would like to thank ERM Power’s 
staff and management team, whose innovative thinking, belief in 
our strategy, and focussed work ethic are the foundation of our 
success. We also thank our shareholders, many of whom are staff, 
for your support as we continue to progress our strategy at this 
exciting time of industry transition.

To our customers, thank you for supporting us, inspiring us, and 
challenging us to do more for your business. We look forward to 
helping you in new and exciting ways in the coming year.

We thank our fellow Directors, and in particular acknowledge  
ERM Power founder Trevor St Baker, who announced his 
resignation from the Board in July 2017. Trevor’s ongoing 
commitment and guidance to the Company has been invaluable. 
We’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Martin Greenberg, 
who also stepped down from the Board in October 2016, for his 
service and contribution and we welcome Georganne Hodges and 
Phil St Baker to the Board.

ERM Power is at an exciting juncture in its transformation.  
We look forward to continuing to grow and prosper in a 
transforming market which presents us plenty of opportunity.

Tony Bellas  
Chairman

Jon Stretch  
Managing Director and  
Chief Executive Officer 

1   Utility Market Intelligence survey of large customers of major electricity retailers 

by independent research company NTF Group from 2011 – 2016.

2   Energy Research Consulting Group’s (ERCG) survey of Aggregators, Brokers 
and Consultants (ABC) Study December 2016. Research based on survey of 
over 120 ABCs, which represents ~72% of brokered US power sales. 

3   Korn Ferry Hay Group Employee Engagement and Enablement Survey,  

February 2017.

3

ANNUAL REPORT 2017BOARD OF  
DIRECTORS' PROFILES

Anthony (Tony) Bellas 

MBA, BEc, DipEd, FCPA, FAICD. 
Independent Non-Executive Chair
Age: 63

Albert Goller 

Master's Degree in Information & Telecommunications 
Independent Non-Executive Director 
Age: 66

Director since 1 December 2009; Chair since 21 October 2011 
7.5 years’ service

Director since 1 January 2015 
2.5 years’ service

Skills and experience: Tony brings over 25 years of policy 
and operational experience in the energy industry to the 
business. Tony was previously CEO of the Seymour Group, one 
of Queensland’s largest private investment and development 
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. 
Before that, he was CEO of CS Energy, also a Queensland 
Government-owned corporation and the State’s largest electricity 
generation company, operating over 3,500MW of gas-fired and 
coal-fired plant at four locations.

Tony had a long career with Queensland Treasury, achieving the 
position of Deputy Under Treasurer. In 2000, as an Assistant 
Under Treasurer, he was responsible for the Industry and Energy 
Division of Queensland Treasury and was heavily involved in 
formulating the State Government’s energy strategy.

Tony is a director of the listed companies shown below and is also 
a director of Loch Explorations Pty Ltd, West Bengal Resources 
(Australia) Pty Ltd and the Endeavour Foundation.

Other listed company directorships in the last three years:

NOVONIX Limited   

Since August 2015

Shine Corporate Ltd 

Since March 2013

Corporate Travel Management Limited  Since June 2010

Special Responsibilities

Chair of the Remuneration & Nomination Committee,  
a member of the Audit & Risk Committee and the Health,  
Safety, Environment & Sustainability Committee.

Skills and experience: Albert brings considerable management 
and marketing expertise, garnered through a very successful 
executive career in Germany, Canada, the USA and Australia at 
the global multinational conglomerate Siemens AG. He was Chair 
and Managing Director of Siemens Ltd in Australia between 2002 
and 2012.

Commencing his career as an electronics engineer with Siemens 
in Germany in 1973, Albert held a number of senior executive 
positions throughout the world including President and CEO 
of Siemens Canada Ltd and Head of the Corporate Office for 
E-business in Munich, Germany. He has a Master's Degree in 
Information and Telecommunications from Paderborn University 
in Germany and was consistently nominated as one of Australia’s 
most influential engineers by Engineers Australia magazine 
between 2004 and 2010.

Currently a non-executive director, from July 2013 to February 
2015 Albert served as the Chair of META, an independent 
organisation that was funded by the Federal Government and 
represented the interests of Australian manufacturers across 
the nation. META had been established to generate innovative 
thinking and collaboration across manufacturing to target job 
growth, enhance productivity and increase export opportunities 
for Australian manufacturing companies.

Special Responsibilities

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

4

ERM POWER 
 
Georganne Hodges 

Antonino Mario (Tony) Iannello 

BCom, FCPA, SFFSIA, Harvard Business School Advanced 
Management Program, FAICD 
Independent Non-Executive Director 
Age: 59

Director since 19 July 2010 
7 years’ service

Skills and experience: Tony brings to the business more than 
30 years of banking and energy experience. Tony is a director of 
the listed companies shown below and Non-Executive Chair of 
D’Orsogna Ltd. He was previously Chair of HBF Health Ltd,  
MG Kailis Group of Companies, a director of the Water Corporation 
of Western Australia 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:

Empire Oil & Gas NL (Chair)  Since November 2013

AusNet Services Limited 

June 2006 – July 2015

Energia Minerals Limited 

March 2010 – October 2014

Special Responsibilities

Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee and member of the 
Remuneration & Nomination Committee.

Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Baylor 
University, CPA (Texas), Member of National Association of 
Corporate Directors (NACD)  
Independent Non-Executive Director 
Age: 52

Director since 26 October 2016 
<1 year's service

Skills and experience: Georganne brings over 25 years of 
wholesale and retail energy experience, including extensive 
industry experience across the energy value chain leading the 
finance, accounting and other back office operations of medium 
to large North American wholesale and retail energy companies.

She is currently CFO for energy refining and marketing company 
Motiva Enterprises, based in Houston Texas and a board member 
for Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star, a non-profit volunteer 
youth mentoring organisation.

Prior to mid-2016 Georganne was Chief Financial Officer and 
Treasurer for Spark Energy Incorporated (Nasdaq: SPKE), a 
US natural gas and electricity supplier serving residential and 
commercial customers in 16 states, where from 2013 she was 
responsible for corporate financial reporting, risk management, 
accounting, financial planning and analysis, treasury, tax 
and internal controls. During her time there, she successfully 
completed the company’s initial public offering as well as several 
acquisitions. Prior to joining Spark Energy, Georganne served 
as Vice President Finance for US company Direct Energy’s retail 
energy business from August 2009 to October 2012 and in 
various other senior financial roles prior to that. Georganne began 
her finance career in 1987 with Arthur Andersen, where she 
audited companies across the energy value chain.

Georganne also holds memberships in the Houston Chapter  
of CPAs and the Women’s Energy Network.

Special Responsibilities

Member of the Audit & Risk Committee.

5

ANNUAL REPORT 2017Philip St Baker

BEng, MAICD  
Non-Executive Director 
Age: 49

Director since 14 July 2017 
<1 year's service

Skills and experience: Philip is an experienced entrepreneur 
active in Australia and the USA. He was previously Managing 
Director of ERM Power for eight years to 2014 overseeing the 
development of power generation assets (over $2 billion in value), 
and the creation and expansion of ERM Power’s retail business. 
Prior to that Philip had a 16‐year career with BHP Billiton gaining 
international experience in the resources sector including mining, 
processing, smelting and refining.

In 2014 Philip received the Ernst & Young Queensland Entrepreneur 
of the Year Award for Listed Companies and was a nominee for 
the Australian Entrepreneur of the Year. Philip is also a member 
of State Advisory Board of Queensland for the Starlight Children’s 
Foundation.

Other listed company directorships in the last three years:

NOVONIX Limited  (MD & CEO) 

Since August 2015

Special Responsibilities

Member of the Remuneration & Nomination Committee.

Wayne St Baker 

FAICD, GDBA, Dip. Mech.Eng.  
Non-Executive Director 
Age: 70

Director since 1 March 2016 
1.5 years’ service

Skills and experience: Wayne brings to the business more  
than 40 years’ experience as a chair, executive director and  
non-executive director of listed and private companies in  
Australia and SE Asia across the industrial sector.

Wayne is currently a non-executive director of ProComp Energy 
Machinery Co. Ltd (China). From March 2010 to April 2016 he 
was a non-executive director of CAPS Australia, and until 2009 
was the Managing Director of Champion Compressors, enabling 
the company to expand from a small private service and sales 
company to become a publicly listed manufacturer and market 
leader in Australia and Asia. Wayne has held global business 
development roles for divisions of United Technology Corporation 
(USA). Wayne was previously a non-executive director on the 
ERM Power Board between July 2007 and June 2010.

6

ERM POWERJon Stretch

BSc (Melb), MAICD 
Managing Director & CEO
Age: 53

Director since 2 February 2015 
2.5 years’ service

Skills and experience: Jon joined ERM Power as Managing 
Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) on 2 February 
2015. He also plays an advocacy role in the broader energy 
industry speaking at various events, such as the Australian Energy 
Week, and in July 2017 was appointed as a board member of the 
Australian Energy Council.

Jon is an experienced chief executive with broad international 
experience in the information technology (IT), telecommunications 
and industrial sectors. His background in systems and process 
engineering, and business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-
consumer (B2C) sales and marketing has enabled him to lead 
business transformation and growth in Australia and internationally.

Prior to joining ERM Power, Jon was the Executive Vice President, 
Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) for Landis+Gyr, the 
leading provider of smart metering and energy management 
solutions globally. Jon joined Landis+Gyr as Executive Vice 
President Asia Pacific in January 2008 and in April 2010 moved  
to Switzerland to take up the EMEA position.

Prior to joining Landis+Gyr, Jon was CEO of AAPT, an Australian 
based telecommunications company, wholly owned by Telecom 
New Zealand and was based in Sydney. He has had extensive 
experience in Asia and Europe in IT and telecommunications, 
starting his career with IBM in Australia in 1986. He spent six 
years in Hong Kong with IBM and AT&T running substantial cross 
regional telecommunications services businesses, and several 
years running AT&T’s business across Europe, Middle East and 
Africa, based in Paris.

Special Responsibilities

Chair of the Health, Safety, Environment & Sustainability 
Committee, the Workplace Health & Safety Committee,  
and the Enterprise Risk Committee. 

7

ANNUAL REPORT 2017EXECUTIVE  
TEAM

Mitch Anderson

Executive General Manager,  
Business Energy (US) 

BS (Finance), MBA

Mitch leads Source Power & Gas, based in 
Houston in the United States. As the head 
of the US operations Mitch is responsible 
for planning, implementing and integrating 
the strategy for Source. He formerly led 
ERM Business Energy (AU). Mitch has 
more than 24 years’ experience in energy 
retailing and trading across Australia, the 
United States and New Zealand.

Michelle Barry

Gregg Buskey

Executive General Manager,  
Corporate Affairs 

BBus

Michelle is responsible for ERM Power’s 
investor relations, human resources, 
regulatory affairs and communications 
programs. Michelle has more than  
20 years’ experience in media, strategy  
and corporate affairs roles across the 
energy and financial services sectors  
in Australia and the United Kingdom.

Executive General Manager,  
Corporate Finance & Strategy 

BE (Electrical), PhD, GAICD

Gregg is responsible for strategy 
development and corporate financing 
activities, both critical to the business 
strategy underpinning ERM Power’s 
growth and business plans. Gregg has 
more than 12 years’ experience in the 
energy industry and prior to that worked 
in robotics.

Phil Davis

David Guiver

Megan Houghton

Group General Counsel and Company 
Secretary 

LLB, AGIA, GAICD

Phil heads up the company’s in-house 
legal team and supports the Board as 
Company Secretary. Phil has practiced 
as a lawyer for more than 17 years in 
Australia and the United Kingdom, in the 
corporate, construction, property, energy 
and resource sectors.

Executive General Manager, Trading

GAICD

David leads a team of energy trading 
specialists who source competitively priced 
energy risk management products. David’s 
team is also responsible for the commercial 
operations of the Company’s power station 
assets. David has over 20 years’ experience 
in electricity trading and retailing.

Executive General Manager,  
Energy Solutions 

BCom, BA (Economics), GAICD

Megan is responsible for the Company’s 
Energy Solutions business, which delivers 
integrated energy management solutions 
to business, government and industrial 
customers. Megan has over 20 years’ 
experience in consulting, government, 
energy and water utilities leading business 
strategy, growth and transformation.

8

ERM POWERDerek McKay

Steve Rogers

Chief Information Officer 
Executive General Manager, Generation

Executive General Manager,  
Business Energy (AU) 

MBA, BE (Mech), GAICD

BComm, MAICD

Derek manages teams across ERM 
Power’s two gas-fired peaking power 
stations, and the company’s technology 
strategy, including infrastructure support 
and software development. Derek has 
more than 25 years’ experience in the 
Australian gas and electricity industries.

Steve leads the retailing business in 
Australia, which is responsible for the 
acquisition, retention and growth of 
the commercial and industrial and 
SME customer base. Prior to joining 
the Company, Steve held a number of 
commercial roles in the utilities sector,  
and started his career as an accountant. 
He has more than 15 years' experience  
in the energy industry.

James Spence

Chief Financial Officer

BSc, CA

James is responsible for ERM Power’s 
group financial operations and risk 
management. James has experience in 
energy retailing businesses in Australia, the 
US and the United Kingdom. He has held 
CFO roles in Australia and North America.

9

ANNUAL REPORT 2017OPERATING AND  
FINANCIAL REVIEW
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2017

FINANCIAL YEAR HIGHLIGHTS
ERM Power delivered a strong set of results for financial year 
2017. In a year characterised by energy policy uncertainty and 
market disruption, the Company took strategic opportunities to 
deliver record sales. The highlights included:

 » Statutory NPAT from continuing operations of $0.1m

 » Underlying NPAT loss of ($26.3)m(i) 

 » Underlying EBITDAF growth of 5% to $78.4m 

 » Underlying EBIT of $40.6m

 » Record Australian retail sales volume of 18.5TWh

 » Australian retail gross margin of $4.11/MWh

 » Solid generation performance

 » US sales volumes more than doubling to 3.8TWh

 »

Energy Solutions reported revenue of $12.2m 

 » Secured further well priced financing with increased tenor

 » Declared a fully franked final dividend of 3.5cps

STRATEGY OVERVIEW

Efficient Energy Fuelling Business and Prosperity 
ERM Power’s strategy focusses on meeting the growing range of 
energy needs for business, commercial and industrial customers in 
Australia and the United States (US). 

An advocate for businesses relying heavily on energy to fuel  
their success, ERM Power helps customers more effectively 
manage their energy consumption and costs through retail 
electricity contracts and an expanding portfolio of energy solutions.

ERM Power’s consistent, clear strategy recognises the fundamental 
changes in the industry and centres on taking opportunities in a 
disrupting marketplace. The Company is achieving growth through 
diversification. The strategy capitalises on the Company’s strong, 
enduring customer relationships and industry-leading customer 
value, satisfaction and retention, underpinned by a progressive  
and innovative culture. 

ERM Power has a history of self-disruption and reinvention to take 
advantage of emerging opportunities. It is now driving change in the 
energy market, concentrating on the vital demand side of the energy 
equation to help businesses take control of their own energy costs.

By broadening its relationships beyond retailing and into energy 
management solutions, ERM Power is enabling businesses to 
make simpler, smarter energy choices. The Company’s market 
insights, deep knowledge of how businesses consume energy 
and expertise in analysing and leveraging data enables it to identify 
consumption levers and develop tailored energy management 

strategies and plans. These deliver competitive advantage and 
environmental benefits through greater efficiencies, while helping 
businesses extract greater value from their investments.

ERM Power’s diversification strategy has seen it replicate its 
successful Australian retail business model in the US, through 
energy retailer Source Power & Gas. Based in Houston, Texas, 
Source Power & Gas is now expanding its reach in the US market, 
offering ERM Power significant growth opportunities.

Underpinning the Company’s long-term strategy is its ability to flex 
and adapt to changes in the market, while delivering leading-edge 
products and services, aimed at sustained high performance and 
sustainable shareholder returns.

REVIEW OF OPERATING  
AND FINANCIAL RESULTS

SUMMARY OF GROUP FINANCIAL  RESULTS
Overview

Key financial measures  
($m unless otherwise stated)1 

 FY2017

 FY2016

Underlying EBITDAF  
continuing operations

Underlying EBIT  
continuing operations

Underlying NPAT  
continuing operations

Statutory NPAT  
continuing operations

Net (cash) / debt

Dividends paid (cents per share)

78.4

74.7 

40.6

 49.8 

(26.3)

 18.4 

0.1

 35.0 

(55.7)

9.5

 29.0 

 12.0 

Dividends paid (franking %)

36.8%

16.3%

Underlying (loss) / earnings  
per share (cents)

(10.8)

 7.6 

Key operational measures

Electricity sold (TWh)  
continuing operations

 FY2017

 FY2016

22.3

 19.9 

Forward contracted electricity sales 
(TWh) continuing operations

45.3

 36.1 

(i)  Impacted by one-off tax charge of $37.1m related to the commercial  

1   Underlying earnings comparatives restated to exclude discontinued operation. 

green scheme strategy.

Refer to note 31 of the annual financial statements for further information.

10

ERM POWERANNUAL REPORT 2017

REVIEW AND HIGHLIGHTS OF DIVISIONS

AUSTRALIAN RETAIL

US RETAIL

Underlying Gross Margin 

Underlying Gross Margin 

ENERGY SOLUTIONS

GENERATION

Revenue growth of 139%

Underlying EBITDAF

11

Corporate and other

(16.9)

 (12.9)

Performance summary

$m

Business Energy 
Australia

Business Energy US

Generation

Underlying EBITDAF 
continuing operations

Significant items

Statutory EBITDAF 
continuing operations

Depreciation and 
amortisation

Net fair value gain on 
financial instruments

Share of associate 
(loss) / profit (net of tax)

Finance income

 FY2017

 FY2016 Change

%

53.4

0.2

41.7

 55.4 

 (3.2)

 35.4 

78.4

–

74.7

(9.5)

(2.0)

3.4

6.3

(4.0)

3.7

9.5

(4%)

N/A

18%

(31%)

5%

N/A

78.4

65.2

13.2

20%

(37.8)

 (24.8)

(13.0)

52%

37.1

 39.5 

(2.4)

(6%)

(0.3)

3.6

 0.4 

4.3 

Finance expense

(29.3)

 (27.6)

Profit before tax

Tax expense

51.7

(51.7)

57.0

(22.0)

(0.7)

(0.7)

(1.7)

(5.3)

N/A

(16%)

6%

(9%)

(29.7)

135%

(Loss) / profit from 
discontinued operations

Statutory net (loss) / 
profit after tax

Add back:

Net fair value gain on 
financial instruments 
(net of tax)

Share of associate loss / 
(profit) (net of tax)

Loss / (profit) from 
discontinued operations

Significant items  
(net of tax)

Underlying NPAT 
continuing operations

(1.1)

0.8

(1.9)

N/A

(1.1)

35.8

(36.9)

N/A

(26.6)

 (27.3)

0.3

 (0.4)

0.7

0.7

(3%)

N/A

1.1

 (0.8) 

1.9

N/A

–

11.1

(11.1)

N/A

(26.3)

18.4

(44.7)

N/A

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW (CONT.)

Underlying EBITDAF for the Group increased $3.7m on prior year 
EBITDAF of $74.7m. Increased EBITDAF from our generation 
assets and our US operations were offset by higher costs in 
our Energy Solutions business as we continued to scale up 
operations and invest for growth in this segment. 

Earnings from our Australian Business Energy operations 
improved in the second half, ahead of expectations, following 
an improvement in general market conditions and a wholesale 
counterparty exiting administration, as referenced in the ASX 
announcement on 30 March 2017. Additionally, we are seeing a 
sustained improvement in the contribution from the Vales Point 
offtake agreement following the uplift in NSW wholesale prices. 
Overall, earnings from our Australian Business Energy operations 
were $2m lower than the prior year. 

Based on the rising cost of Large-scale Generation Certificates 
(LGCs) during FY2017 and optionality allowed in the scheme, 
ERM Power made a commercial decision to sell certificates 
rather than surrender approximately 1.9m certificates during the 
year. This resulted in payment of a shortfall charge of $65 per 
certificate and realisation of a profit on sale of the certificates.  
The shortfall charge is not tax deductible and accordingly has 
resulted in a permanent tax difference of $37.1m and utilisation  
of available tax losses. 

The election to pay the shortfall charge has provided the Group 
with the optionality to purchase and subsequently surrender 
approximately 1.9m LGCs prior to February 2020. The election, 
which is a flexibility allowed for in the scheme, has provided the 
Group with a chance to bridge the disconnect between the annual 
LGC surrender cycle and the longer-duration commitment needed 
by renewables developers to underpin their project revenue.

During the year, the Group made a decision to divest of the 
residential electricity retailing business in the US. Accordingly, 
the earnings from residential customers and sale proceeds are 
included in discontinued operations and excluded from the 
underlying earnings figures above and throughout this report.  
Sale proceeds were US$12m. 

Statutory NPAT from continuing operations was $0.1m and differs 
to underlying NPAT largely due to the unrealised net fair value 
movement in financial instruments, which are excluded from the 
underlying NPAT result.

12

ERM POWERUnderlying EBITDAF for the year was $78.4m compared to 
$74.7m in the previous year. The key drivers of the $3.7m 
increase were as follows:

Underlying NPAT was a loss of $26.3m compared to a profit of 
$18.4m in the previous period. The key drivers of the $44.7m 
decrease were as follows:

 » Business Energy Australia earnings decreased $2m on the 

 » Net after tax impact of EBITDAF movements of $2.4m;

 » A permanent tax difference resulting from the Clean Energy 
Regulator shortfall charge of $37.1m. The decision to meet 
a portion of our 2016 LGC surrender requirements by way of 
payment of a shortfall charge to the Clean Energy Regulator 
resulted in an additional permanent tax difference as the 
shortfall charge is not tax deductible; 

 » After tax impact of net finance cost increase of $1.5m. 
Sleeving fees in our US operation on a per MWh basis 
reduced during the period but overall increased as a result  
of higher load sold; and

 » After tax impact of increased depreciation of $8.8m. 

Depreciation increased $6.1m as a result of higher load sold 
in our US operation and the associated customer contract 
amortisation charge. Depreciation also increased on early 
adoption of AASB 16 Leases with $2.9m of pre-tax lease 
costs previously classified within EBITDAF and prospectively 
classified within depreciation under the new accounting 
standard. Depreciation across other parts of the business 
increased by $3.9m. 

comparative period. Gross margin per MWh sold was broadly 
in line with the prior year whilst operating costs increased 
slightly on higher load sold and the accrual of staff bonuses. 

 » Business Energy US EBITDAF increased $3.4m to $0.2m, 
excluding discontinued operations. This result reflects 
improved economies of scale in operating costs and 
increased load sold of 3.8TWh, which was more than double 
the prior year. Realised gross margins of A$5.0/MWh were 
below the prior year with lower than expected contribution 
from margin optimisation activities and significant costs 
incurred from hedging activities. 

 » Generation earnings increased overall by $6.3m to $41.7m, 
including a $4.3m increase for Oakey, a $2.1m increase 
for Neerabup and a small increase in generation operation 
expenses. Earnings were higher on the prior year primarily 
through merchant generation opportunities arising from 
high wholesale market prices in both Western Australia and 
Queensland.

 » Net corporate and other costs increased by $4m. This 

included the recognition of lease costs within depreciation 
and finance expense on adoption of AASB 16 Leases at  
1 July 2016. Operating spend as part of the investment in the 
growth of the Energy Solutions business increased by $6.8m 
and saw a resulting 139% increase in revenue. Corporate 
costs increased as a result of increased staff costs and 
performance bonuses, which were not paid in the prior year.  

DIVISIONAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW 

Electricity sales

Continuing operations

Load sold (TWh)

Contestable revenue ($’000)

Gross margin ($’000)

Opex ($’000)

Underlying EBITDAF ($’000)

Significant items ($’000)

Statutory EBITDAF ($’000)

Discontinued operations

Underlying EBITDAF ($’000)

Earnings $ / MWh

Underlying gross margin

Underlying opex

Business Energy 
Australia

Business Energy  
US

Total

 FY2017

 FY20162 

 FY2017

 FY20163 

 FY2017

 FY2016

18.5

18.1

3.8

 1.8 

22.3

19.9

1,477,818 1,299,380

275,549  119,116  1,753,367 1,418,496

76,025

76,006

19,125

 10,939 

95,150

86,945

(22,666)

(20,586)

(18,957)

 (14,091)

(41,623)

(34,677)

53,359

55,420

168

 (3,152)

53,527

52,268

–

(363)

–

(469)

–

(832)

53,359

55,057

168

 (3,621)

53,527

51,436

–

–

(4,902)

3,145

(4,902)

3,145

4.11

(1.23)

4.20

(1.14)

5.00

(4.96)

6.21

(7.99)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

2   FY2016 figures restated to exclude Energy Solutions earnings now included in Corporate and other.

3  Restated to exclude discontinued operations.

13

ANNUAL REPORT 2017OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW (CONT.)

DIVISIONAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW (CONT.) 

Electricity sales (cont.)

Underlying gross margin $/ MWh

Australia

US – continuing operations

Underlying Opex $/ MWh

Australia

US – continuing operations

Load sold (TWh)

C&I Australia

SME Australia

US – continuing operations

Underlying EBITDAF ($’000)

Australia

US – continuing operations

US – discontinued operations

Figures above are rounded

Australian business 

Gross margin
During the year gross margin per MWh reduced by $0.09 on the 
prior year. The business has seen some margin compression, with 
the roll through into FY2017 of customer contracts written during 
FY2016 when intense competitive behaviour was apparent. An 
improvement in operating conditions during the second half of the 
year, better than expected conditions through the peak summer 
period and a wholesale counter-party exiting administration 
contributed to a significantly higher than expected gross margin 
for the year. There was also significant benefit from the Vales Point 
offtake agreement. 
Included within gross margin are the net proceeds from the 
sale of LGCs. These proceeds have been offset by the Clean 
Energy Regulator shortfall charge of $65 per certificate on a 
shortfall position of approximately 1.9m certificates. As disclosed 
previously, ERM Power elected to pay the shortfall charge and 
take up the 3 year optionality period available under the scheme 
to potentially acquire certificates through either the market or 
through securing certificates directly through new renewable 
generators to assist with obtaining financial close of such projects. 
As at 30 June 2017 market prices were trading at $80 and $67 
per certificate for calendar 2018 and 2019. ERM Power has a 
further 2.5 years available under the optionality period to acquire 
and surrender certificates. 
Also included within gross margin were timing variances from 
portfolio optimisation activities including the early settlement of 
electricity futures contracts. As part of our risk management 
and trading strategy these contracts were realised ahead of the 
contracted expiry date. Portfolio optimisation of positions for 
both black electricity and environmental commodity products is 
a normal part of operations and may involve early settlement of 
derivative financial instruments, which may be positive or negative. 
If these instruments do not qualify for hedge accounting, any 
realised gain or loss is recognised immediately in profit and loss 
regardless of the original settlement date. 

4  Refer glossary for further details.

14

2H 
FY2017

1H 
FY2017

2H 
FY2016

1H 
FY2016

2H 
FY2015

1H 
FY2015

7.24

3.95

(1.26)

(4.72)

9.2

0.4

2.3

0.73

6.56

(1.19)

(5.29)

8.5

0.4

1.5

3.93

6.86

4.49

5.31

5.37

9.89

4.07

–

 (1.08) 

 (1.21) 

 (1.32) 

 (1.36) 

(7.30)

(8.94)

(12.05)

8.8

0.3

1.0

8.7

0.3

0.8

8.0

0.2

0.4

–

7.8

0.1

–

57,437

(4,078)

 25,970 

 29,450 

 33,176 

 21,357 

(1,776)

(2,007)

1,944

(2,895)

(442)

1,718

(2,710)

1,427

(966)

1,746

–

–

53,654

(5,029)

27,246 

 28,167 

 33,956 

 21,357 

Operations
The Australian electricity sales business saw SME load grow by 
19% and C&I load sold increase by 2% for a total of 18.5TWh, up 
0.4TWh from the prior year. Forward contract load grew 13% from 
25.3TWh to 28.6TWh reflecting our continued strong competitive 
position in the market. 

The rapidly increasing wholesale cost of electricity has highlighted 
the importance of a tight linkage between retail and wholesale 
prices and ERM Power has been well placed as competitors 
adjust their strategies. Further, continued product and service 
improvements have continued to allow ERM Power to successfully 
demonstrate a compelling customer proposition beyond a simple 
price comparison. ERM Power achieved a 21 year survey record 
score of 94% customer satisfaction in the annual NTF Group UMI 
survey4 of C&I electricity customers. This was a result achieved in 
a market where customers were struggling with rapidly increasing 
wholesale costs of energy and re-enforced our position as a trusted 
partner in helping our customers manage their energy costs. This 
represented the sixth year in a row in which the survey results 
demonstrated ERM Power’s leadership in customer satisfaction and 
service. Operationally ERM Power continued to maintain its industry 
leading position across all key measures including billing timeliness 
and accuracy.

The UMI survey measures numerous categories including 
value for money, billing accuracy, timeliness and quality of bills 
and associated data, quality of account management, service 
responsiveness, understanding of customers energy requirements, 
our engineering and technical knowledge, meaningful data provision 
and quality of energy efficiency insights. ERM Power’s scores 
were the highest in all categories, clearly demonstrating the high 
standards of consistent customer service we strive to achieve.

The recontracting rate in FY2017 improved from 67% to 69%. 
Contract length rebounded a little in FY2017 to an average length 
of 1.9 years as some customers sought longer term contracts 
to mitigate any further wholesale price increases. Conversely a 
large proportion of customers still avoided locking in long tenure 
contracts at perceived high wholesale prices with an assumption 

ERM POWERthat they will fall. This contrasting set of views highlights the value 
of our STEP online platform to customers looking to spread 
the timing risk of their energy purchases. The proportion of our 
customers (by load) using the platform has increased to 38% 
with strong interest from customers looking for alternatives. We 
expect this trend to continue with the added benefit that average 
contract lengths achieved on the product are materially higher at 
2.5 years in FY2017. 

Progress in the SME market slowed with 39,830 sites under 
contract at 30 June 2017, a small increase on the number of 
sites under contract at 30 June 2016. This reduction in growth 
was influenced by the general market convention of setting prices 
annually in the mass market, leading to most live market offers 
being significantly disconnected to the rapidly increasing cost of 
wholesale energy. In contrast to the general market, ERM Power 
always ensures market offers reference the current electricity cost 
stack and hence suffered from significant price differential relative 
to others. This disconnect can work in ERM Power’s favour in a 
falling market. 

Operating costs in the Australian business increased by $2.1m, 
largely due to the accrual of staff bonuses in FY2017. 

US business 

Gross margin
The US gross margin from continuing operations was significantly 
below expectations for the year at A$5/MWh. Revenue rates 
increased with more load sold in the PJM market and an increase 
in underlying wholesale prices. Cost of sales were higher than 
expected in the second half due to a number of factors (including a 
number of weather events and congestion) that were not adequately 
managed internally through our risk management and trading 
processes. In order to better manage these market challenges, 
the US operations have invested in enhancing systems, people and 
processes during FY2017. In FY2018 the operations will also have  
in place a new wholesale supply agreement, which started on  
1 August. The changes are expected to improve the operations 
going forward and combined with an exit from the residential market 
and continued diversification both across markets and customer 
types, should see margins stabilise. For FY2018 we are providing 
a gross margin outlook of ~A$5.00/MWh with risks both to upside 
and downside. Our main growth region is PJM where over 50% of 
our new business has been written. In PJM due to backward sloping 
energy and capacity prices, the booked margin is low at the front-
end of the contract and increases at the back end of the contract. 

As a result, our FY18 margins are impacted in total by approximately 
A$1/MWh. This will also impact FY2019. Our medium term gross 
margin view is in the range A$6.50-$7.50/MWh.

Operations
Total electricity load sold from continuing operations was 3.8TWh, 
more than double the prior year. Additionally, load sold of 0.8TWh 
(0.6TWh FY2016) related to the residential business, which was 
sold during the year. The results of the residential business are 
shown as discontinued operations. 

Forward electricity sales increased substantially from 10.8TWh 
at 30 June 2016 to 16.7TWh at 30 June 2017. The significant 
increase in forward contracted load reflects the maturation of 
the business into new territories in PJM, continued working 
of a comprehensive broker engagement plan and significant 
investment in new systems, processes and people. 

Sale of the US residential business
The Group had monitored the performance of the residential 
business since acquisition and determined during the year that a 
sale of the residential customer contracts would yield the most value 
to the Group. The business was sold for US$12m with the sale 
completed in June. The decision to divest the residential business 
enables the business to preserve capital that would otherwise be 
required to build the necessary scale and diversification to generate 
an adequate economic return and to mitigate risk. At a smaller scale 
the residential operations carries with it risk and poor economies of 
scale and this was observed in the current year as the operations 
made an EBITDAF loss of $4.9m.

Earnings from the discontinued operations includes a 
proportionate share of cost of sales and directly attributable 
operating, financing and depreciation expenses, which would not 
be incurred following sale of the residential customer contracts. 
A large portion of operating costs are fixed and will therefore 
be retained in continuing operations going forward. Goodwill 
associated with the residential business of A$5m was written 
off as part of the sale. 

Generation

$m

External revenue  
and other income

Oakey

Neerabup

Generation 
development  
and operations

Underlying EBITDAF

Oakey

Neerabup

Generation 
development  
and operations

 FY2017  FY2016 Change

%

96.4

34.2

1.3

131.9

15.8

27.2

62.3

31.1

2.7

96.1

11.5

25.1

34.1

3.1

55%

10%

(1.4)

(52%)

35.8

37%

4.3

2.1

37%

8%

(1.3)

41.7

(1.2)

35.4

(0.1)

6.3

(8%)

18%

Underlying EBITDAF for the period was $41.7m, up 18% from 
$35.4m in the prior year. 

High market prices in WA enabled additional merchant revenue 
to be generated by Neerabup whilst Oakey performed more 
favourably in the second half of FY2017 than in the same period 
of the prior year.

The major maintenance at Oakey was completed successfully in 
June with further maintenance scheduled on the second unit during 
FY2018. Capital expenditure costs incurred for the first unit during 
the year were $13m with further costs of approximately $10-$12m 
expected to be incurred on the second unit during FY2018.

Power station operating performance
Neerabup Power Station had an exceptional operating 
performance during FY2017 with an availability of 99.3%.  
In response to favourable market conditions, the power station 
operated 5.5% of the time, compared to 3.7% in FY2016. 

15

ANNUAL REPORT 2017(14.4)

46.2

31.8

4.0

(2.0)

(4.1)

(1.8)

5.4

(0.8)

32.5

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW (CONT.)

Oakey Power Station’s reduction in annual availability, from 99.1% 
in FY2016 to 90.86% in FY2017, was due to the planned major 
maintenance completed during the year. The power station 
operated 4.5% of the time, compared to 17.75% in FY2016. The 
reduction in operation was due to changes in market conditions. 

There were no Lost Time Injuries at Neerabup or Oakey Power 
Station during the year, continuing ERM Power’s track record of 
exceptional safety performance in power station operations. 

CASH FLOW, BALANCE SHEET AND DIVIDENDS

$m

Cash flow

 FY2017  FY2016 Change

Operating cash flow before 
working capital changes

Net working capital changes

66.2

85.5

80.6

39.3

Operating cash flow

151.7

119.9

Corporate and other

Energy Solutions

Total investing cash flow

Net repayment of borrowings

$m

 FY2017  FY2016 Change

%

Net repayment of leases

Revenue (including 
internal segment sales)

Gross margin

Operating expenses

Underlying EBITDAF 

12.2

6.6

(10.9)

(4.3)

5.1 

2.8

(4.1)

(1.3)

7.1

3.8

(6.8)

(3.0)

139%

136%

166%

(231%)

Finance costs

Dividends paid 

Effect of exchange rate changes 
on cash and cash equivalents

Net change in cash

(19.8)

(23.7)

(4.1)

(28.7)

(22.5)

(0.8)

52.1

(23.8)

(21.7)

–

(26.9)

(27.9)

–

19.6

The Energy Solutions business has more than doubled its revenue 
over the past year and is on track to deliver similar growth in FY2018. 
This performance was underpinned by lighting sales more than 
doubling, a 30% growth in Powermetric meter numbers and 40% 
growth in capacity available for demand response initiatives, growth 
in Power Factor Correction solutions together with completing the 
integration of the two companies acquired in the second half of the 
prior year, Lumaled and Greensense. Operating costs increased 
with a full year of ownership of these businesses as well as an 
acceleration of investments in people and processes to assist  
with further scaling revenue and gross margin going forward. 

The acceleration in investment has been in response to the 
increase in electricity prices during FY2017, which has been 
a catalyst for more customers to investigate and implement 
solutions to lower their energy costs through either technology, 
use of data to improve efficiency or both. Leading into FY2018 the 
focussed business model is now supported by a new structure 
and expanded team capability with a greater emphasis on data 
analytics and digital capability to design and deliver integrated 
solutions involving multiple products for customers.

Corporate

$m

 FY2017  FY2016 Change

External revenue 

Expenses

Underlying EBITDAF 

2.9

(15.5)

(12.6)

1.5 

(13.1)

(11.6)

1.4

(2.4)

(1.0)

%

93%

18%

(9%)

Net corporate and other EBITDAF overall decreased on the prior 
year by $1m. Revenue increased on the prior year as a result of 
increased software licence sales. 

The early adoption of AASB 16 Leases resulted in lease costs of 
approximately $2.7m being recognised as a depreciation expense 
and $0.8m being recognised as a finance expense. Lease costs 
overall did not reduce but under the accounting policy change, 
these were required to be recorded within depreciation and finance 
costs. This change was applied prospectively from 1 July 2016. 

Excluding the change in lease costs, underlying expenses 
increased $4.1m principally as a result of increased staff costs  
and accrued performance bonuses for FY2017, which were  
not incurred in the prior year. 

16

$m

Balance sheet 

Net assets

Net working capital

Net capital employed including 
working capital

Net derivative balances 

30 June 
2017

30 June 

2016 Change

565.9

471.4

(73.0)

(8.9)

94.5

(64.1)

369.4

305.3

435.6

158.7

(66.2)

146.6

Net debt

Neerabup free cash

Other free cash

Total free cash

Neerabup restricted cash

Other restricted cash

Total restricted cash

Total cash

17.0

109.1

126.1

12.0

106.5

118.5

244.6

13.7

53.6

67.3

9.1

116.1

125.2

192.5

Neerabup debt (non-recourse)

188.9

193.6

Other debt

Total borrowings

–

27.9

188.9

221.5

3.3

55.5

58.8

2.9

(9.6)

(6.7)

52.1

(4.7)

(27.9)

(32.6)

Net (cash) / debt on  
balance sheet

Net financial debt / (cash) 
excluding Neerabup net debt

(55.7)

29.0

(84.7)

(215.6)

(141.8)

(73.8)

Dividends

Dividends paid (cents per share)

9.5

12.0

(2.5)

Franking percentage

36.8% 16.3% 20.5%

ERM POWERCash flow
Operating cash flow before working capital changes of $66.2m 
was $14.4m lower than the prior year as a result of tax payments 
made during the year following utilisation of prior year tax losses. 
This was offset by increased earnings before finance and 
depreciation costs. Working capital changes were higher than 
the prior year with an increase in broker margin cash posted in 
the Group’s favour as well as timing related to wholesale and 
counterparty settlements and the need to procure a higher 
proportion of green certificates due to inclining emissions scheme 
liabilities at 30 June 2017, with corresponding increases in the 
underlying certificate prices.

Investing cash flows include the receipt of $14.9m in August 2016 
from the sale of Western Australia joint venture gas interests to 
Empire Oil & Gas NL in February 2015. Offsetting this, intangible 
asset payments increased as cash spent on customer acquisition 
costs in our US business increased on the previous period as a 
result of higher load, which had an effective average acquisition 
cost of approximately A$2.50 per MWh during the year. Australian 
customer acquisition costs decreased on the previous period as 
the acquisition of SME customers slowed during the period. Also 
during the year, $4.5m was invested in start-up electricity retailer 
1st Energy Pty Ltd and a further $1m in Energy Locals Pty Ltd. 

Dividends
A fully franked final dividend of 3.5 cents per share for FY2017  
was declared on 24 August 2017. An interim dividend of 3.5 cents 
per share was paid on 6 April 2017. Based on the share price at  
30 June 2017, total dividends paid during FY2017 equate to a 
gross dividend yield of 9.2%. 

When determining the dividend payable, directors take into 
consideration current and future cash flow and growth capital 
requirements and any significant non-recurring items in respect  
of either earnings or capital expenditure.

Directors intend to pay dividends bi-annually after the respective 
period results are published. The final decision to pay a dividend 
will be made subject to actual results and other considerations with 
reference to the underlying cash flow requirements of the business.

NON-IFRS FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The directors believe the presentation of certain non-IFRS financial 
measures is useful for the users of this document as they reflect 
the underlying financial performance of the business.

The non-IFRS financial profit measures are used by the Managing 
Director to review operations of the Group and include but are not 
limited to:

Investing cash flow increased with the incurrence of the costs 
associated with the Oakey major maintenance. Offsetting this 
was the sale proceeds received from the sale of the US residential 
business. 

1. 

 EBITDAF – Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, 
amortisation, impairment and net fair value gains / losses on 
financial instruments designated at fair value through profit. 
EBITDAF excludes any profit or loss from associates.

Finance costs remained consistent with the previous period whilst 
lease payments under adoption of AASB 16 Leases are shown 
separately on a prospective basis in the cash flow statement. 
Dividend payments reduced following the reduction of the 
dividend paid to 3.5 cents per share fully franked.

Free cash increased $58.8m primarily due to a reduction in 
restricted cash following the replacement of the Macquarie Bank 
finance facility with the ANZ facility. An increase in cash posted to 
restricted broker margin accounts saw restricted cash remain at 
similar levels to the prior year. 

Balance sheet
Net assets increased substantially during the year. The increase 
was principally as a result of an increase in net derivative balances 
following a sharp increase in forward market prices. Net working 
capital overall decreased due to both an increase in the LGC 
scheme liability and an increase in net wholesale counterparty 
settlements accrued at 30 June 2017.

Property, plant and equipment and intangibles increased primarily 
as a result of initial spend on the Oakey major maintenance and 
continued customer acquisition spend in both the Australian and 
US electricity sales operations.

In January the Group secured a $290m facility with ANZ providing for 
A$240m of three year funding of either cash or bank guarantees and 
a further A$50m of 18 month funding for additional bank guarantees 
secured against the Australian Retail business. The facility replaces 
the existing funding through Macquarie Bank Limited.

2.  Underlying EBITDAF – EBITDAF excluding significant items.

3. 

 Underlying NPAT – Statutory net profit after tax attributable 
to equity holders of the Company after excluding the after 
tax effect of unrealised mark to market changes in the fair 
value of financial instruments, impairment and gains / losses 
on onerous contracts and other significant items. Underlying 
NPAT excludes any profit or loss from associates.

All profit measures refer to continuing operations of the Group 
unless otherwise noted.

A reconciliation of underlying NPAT and underlying EBITDAF is 
detailed in Appendix A1.1 of this document. The above non-IFRS 
financial measures have not been subject to review or audit. These 
non-IFRS financial measures form part of the financial measures 
disclosed in the books and records of the Consolidated Entity, 
which have been reviewed by the Group’s auditor.

The Group is required to value its forward electricity purchase 
contracts at market prices at each reporting date. Changes in 
values between reporting dates are recognised as unrealised gains 
or losses in the particular reporting year either in profit or loss or the 
hedging reserve. 

The directors believe that underlying EBITDAF and underlying NPAT 
provide the most meaningful indicators of the Group’s business 
performance. Significant items adjusted in deriving these measures 
are material items of revenue or expense that are unrelated to the 
underlying performance of the Group. 

17

ANNUAL REPORT 2017OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW (CONT.)

APPENDICES

A1.1  Reconciliation of underlying EBITDAF and underlying NPAT
To allow shareholders to make an informed assessment of operating performance for the year, a number of significant items of revenue 
or expense in each year have been identified and excluded to calculate an underlying EBITDAF and underlying NPAT measure. These 
items may relate to one-off transactions or revenue or costs recognised during the year that are not expected to routinely occur as part 
of the Group’s normal operations. A reconciliation of underlying EBITDAF and underlying NPAT are shown in the tables below. 

FY2017

$m
Statutory EBITDAF continuing operations

Significant items

Underlying EBITDAF continuing operations

Business 
Energy AU

Business 

Energy US Generation

Corporate 
and other

53.4

–

53.4

0.2

–

0.2

41.7

–

41.7

(16.9)

–

(16.9)

Group

78.4

–

78.4

Statutory NPAT continuing operations

16.8

(19.3)

18.8

(16.2)

0.1

Significant items 

EBITDAF adjustments (above)

Total significant items 

Fair value (gain) / loss on financial instruments net of tax

Associate loss after tax

Underlying NPAT continuing operations

–

–

(25.4)

–

(8.6)

–

–

9.0

–

(10.3)

–

–

(10.3)

–

8.5

–

–

–

0.3

(15.9)

–

–

(26.7)

0.3

(26.3)

18

ERM POWERA1.1  Reconciliation of underlying EBITDAF and underlying NPAT (cont.)
FY2016

$m
Statutory EBITDAF continuing operations

Significant items 

a) New business establishment costs 

b) Unrealised foreign exchange loss

c) Staff rationalisation and retirement costs

d) Provision for onerous contract 

e) Counterparty administration

f) Loss on sale of associate investment

Total significant items

Underlying EBITDAF continuing operations

Statutory NPAT continuing operations

Significant items 

EBITDAF adjustments (above)

g) Effective interest revenue on associate loan

h) Financing establishment costs

i) Tax effect on non–deductible acquisition costs

j) Tax effect on sale of shares

Tax effect of above adjustments

Total significant items 

Fair value (gain) / loss on financial instruments net of tax

Associate profit after tax

Underlying NPAT continuing operations

Business 
Energy AU

Business 

Energy US Generation

55.0

(3.7)

35.1

Other

(21.2)

Group

65.2

–

–

–

–

0.4

–

0.4

55.4

61.6

0.5

–

–

–

–

–

0.5

(3.2)

–

0.3

–

–

–

–

0.3

35.4

0.4

0.2

2.4

1.9

–

3.4

8.3

0.9

0.5

2.4

1.9

0.4

3.4

9.5

(12.9)

74.7

(2.0)

(3.4)

(21.2)

35.0

0.4

0.5

0.3

–

–

–

–

(0.1)

0.3

(31.9)

–

30.0

–

–

–

–

(0.2)

0.3

(4.9)

–

(6.6)

–

–

–

–

(0.1)

0.2

8.2

–

5.0

8.3

(1.0)

0.4

0.3

4.5

(2.2)

10.3

1.3

(0.4)

(10.0)

9.5

(1.0)

0.4

0.3

4.5

(2.6)

11.1

(27.3)

(0.4)

18.4

a)  Costs incurred in respect of identifying, establishing and integrating new businesses started and new companies acquired.

b)  Unrealised foreign exchange losses on foreign currencies held.

c)  Costs associated with rationalisation and retirement of staff.

d) 

Impairment of the contract to sublease Brisbane office space.

e)  Default by a wholesale counterparty that went into administration. 

f) 

Loss recognised on disposal of Empire shares held.

g)  Recognition of Empire loan at present value and interest unwind.

h) 

i) 

j) 

 Costs incurred for the establishment of the unsecured senior bank guarantee facility with Liberty International Underwriters 
Singapore.

Tax impact of non–deductible acquisition costs for Source in FY2015.

De–recognition of deferred tax asset upon sale of Metgasco and Empire shares. 

19

ANNUAL REPORT 2017OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW (CONT.)

A1.2  Historical figures 

$m 
Unless indicated

Interest income by business division

Electricity sales Australia 

Electricity sales US

Generation

Other

Total interest income

Electricity sales Australia division statistics1 2 

Load (TWh) 

Underlying gross margin

Underlying operating expenses

Underlying gross margin $ per MWh

Underlying operating expenses $ per MWh

Underlying EBITDAF 

Electricity sales US division statistics1 continuing operations

Load (TWh) 

Underlying gross margin

Underlying operating expenses

Underlying gross margin $ per MWh

Underlying operating expenses $ per MWh

Underlying EBITDAF 

Generation division statistics1

Oakey 

Neerabup

Generation development and operations

Underlying EBITDAF 

Corporate division statistics1 

Total revenue

Total expenses

Underlying EBITDAF 

Energy Solutions1 

Revenue (includes internal segment sales)

Gross margin

Operating expenses

Underlying EBITDAF 

FY2017

FY2016

FY2015

FY2014

FY2013

2.7

–

0.5

0.4

3.6

18.5

76.0

(22.7)

4.11

(1.23)

53.4

3.8

19.1

(19.0)

5.00

(4.96)

0.2

15.8

27.2

(1.3)

41.7

2.9

(15.5)

(12.6)

12.2

6.6

(10.9)

(4.3)

2.5

–

0.5

1.3

4.3

 18.1 

 76.0 

 (20.6)

 4.20 

 (1.14)

 55.4 

 1.8 

 10.9 

 (14.1)

 6.21 

 (7.99)

 (3.2)

11.5

25.1

 (1.2)

35.4

1.5 

(13.1)

(11.6)

5.1 

2.8

(4.1)

(1.3)

3.2

–

 0.6 

 1.4 

 5.2 

 16.1 

 76.1 

 (21.5)

 4.72 

 (1.34)

 54.6 

 0.4 

 4.4 

 (5.4)

 9.9 

 (12.1)

 (1.0)

22.7

25.2

 (1.1)

46.8

2.7

(16.6)

(13.9)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

3.3

–

 0.8 

 2.2 

 6.3 

 14.1 

 59.1 

 (17.9)

 4.20 

 (1.27)

 41.3 

–

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 28.6 

 23.1 

 (1.2)

50.5

1.6

(16.0)

(14.4)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

2.9

–

 0.7 

 2.3 

 5.9 

 11.1 

 51.7 

 (12.5)

 4.67 

 (1.13)

 39.1 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 28.5 

 21.3 

 (2.2)

47.6

1.5

(15.0)

(13.5)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

1  Excluding significant items – refer to A1.1 for further details.

2  FY2016 figures restated to exclude Energy Solutions earnings now included in Corporate and other.

20

ERM POWERMARKET OVERVIEW

Australia
The energy industry is at a critical juncture. The trilemma of energy 
sustainability, security and affordability has been mounting for 
a decade. Politics has prevailed over policy. A lack of enduring 
national energy policy has shaped a poor energy investment 
climate over many years. 

ERM Power is responding to this environment and taking strategic 
opportunity by continuing to develop and deliver energy solutions 
that help businesses maximise their energy investment, using data 
analytics, technology and deep customer insights.

While the policy and market environment for the coming year is 
far from certain, ERM Power is in a strong position to support 
Australian businesses through this time of transition.

Australian businesses and households are now feeling the  
impact of 10 years of inaction and inertia.

A wake-up call came on 28 September 2016 when 850,000 
South Australian consumers lost electricity supply. The widely 
reported “system black” event made the trilemma difficult to 
ignore any longer.

The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Energy Council 
commissioned Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel to 
undertake an independent review into the future security of the 
National Electricity Market (NEM). This process had not long 
begun before state and federal governments began developing 
and announcing their own action plans. This was a frustrating 
demonstration of the core problem at hand – disparate and 
hurried policy making. 

ERM Power has been a strong voice on these issues, through 
formal submissions, presentations, government relations activities 
and utilising partnerships such as the Australian Energy Council. 

The Company’s clear message is that only enduring national 
energy policy will see Australia through this transition.

Progress on the Finkel Review has been positive and ERM Power 
is cautiously optimistic of meaningful action. The COAG Energy 
Council has adopted 49 of the 50 recommendations. The most 
controversial continues to be debated. 

While progress is positive, change will take time.

Meanwhile, the market continues to operate, while taking into 
account the heightened risks. While wholesale volatility and prices 
increased markedly during FY2016 and FY2017, the Company is 
well placed to derive value from such an environment. ERM Power’s 
role as a retailer is to shield customers from price volatility as much 
as possible, which brings growing opportunities in energy solutions 
and poses new opportunities in portfolio optimisation. 

As hedging liquidity falls, the cost of managing price risks rises, 
making this a difficult time for many customers whose energy 
costs are representing a growing portion of their cost base.

United States
Source Power & Gas, ERM Power’s Houston-based energy 
retailing business, serves Commercial and Industrial (C&I)
customers in the ERCOT and PJM energy markets. These 
markets cover Texas and 13 other states in the north east  
and mid west of the country.

ERCOT and PJM alone have over 500 million MWh of available 
C&I load, which is at least six times bigger than Australia’s C&I 
market, providing significant growth opportunities for ERM Power.

Source operates in two of the six major competitive electricity 
markets, and will be expanding into the Illinois portion of the 
Midcontinent market (MISO) in 2018. It has longer-term  
visions to expand into both New York (NYISO) and New England  
(ISO-NE), growing its available market. 

The influx of cheaper domestic natural gas in the United States 
has driven the development of new more efficient gas fired 
power stations in both ERCOT and PJM. Combined with the 
rapid growth of renewables in both markets, and increasing 
environmental regulation of coal-fueled plant, there has been a 
reduction in the market share of coal-fired generation. As a result 
of the high market share of gas-fired generation, the electricity 
market prices are highly correlated with the price of natural gas. 
Both PJM and ERCOT regions saw an extremely mild winter in 
FY2017 and a mild start to summer, which has meant a build-up 
of gas storage, resulting in lower gas and electricity prices.   

The PJM and ERCOT electricity markets incorporate more 
complex nodal pricing models than the Australian electricity 
markets. The hedging of electricity price and volume risks are 
managed through transactions based on defined electricity 
trading ‘hubs’ combined with other products to manage local 
transmission constraints. Source Power & Gas actively manages 
these ‘basis’ risks with liquid market products both on exchanges 
and through bilaterally negotiated agreements.

Both PJM and ERCOT have relatively stable regulatory 
environments, and Source has the resources and expertise  
to keep abreast of rule changes that can impact the markets. 

21

ANNUAL REPORT 2017OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW (CONT.)

MATERIAL BUSINESS RISKS

Group risks
ERM Power recognises that risk is an inherent part of its 
business. Risk arises from both the external environment in  
which the Company operates, and its own business and 
investment decisions. ERM Power does not seek to eliminate 
these risks; rather it looks to manage and mitigate them, and  
use them to create opportunity, ensuring the potential range  
of outcomes is acceptable. 

ULTIMATE RESPONSIBILITY
ERM BOARD
EXECUTIVE TEAM
BUSINESS MANAGERS



Risk Management Framework
Effective risk management requires that risk assessment and 
decision making is introduced into all functions of the business 
and through all stages of decision making, whether it be strategy, 
planning, delivery of projects or operation of assets.

All ERM Power staff are responsible for, and empowered to, 
take ownership of risk management within their function and for 
their level of responsibility. This organisation-wide adoption of 
risk management principles and practices is encouraged and 
promoted by the ERM Power Board and the executive team.  
Final accountability and authority for the Risk Management 
Framework Policy and decisions rests with the Board. 

ERM Power’s Risk Management Framework Policy is publicly 
available on the Company’s website.

DELEGATED AUTHORITY/RESPONSIBILITY
AUDIT & RISK COMMITTEE
ENTERPRISE RISK COMMITTEE
DIVISIONAL RISK MANAGEMENT

Material business risks
ERM Power has an Enterprise Risk Committee which regularly reviews business risks, potential impacts and mitigation programs. These 
risks are summarised below.

Risk

Industry risk

Regulatory changes

Potential Impacts

Mitigation

An evolving industry structure and technological 
changes in the generation and delivery of energy 
pose risks and opportunities for the business 
model. 

 » Business model includes diversification of service 

and product offerings and geography of operations.

 » Business model allows for incorporating commercial 

opportunities arising from an evolving industry.

Government policy and regulatory changes create 
investment and price uncertainty and can result 
in restrictions or changes to product and service 
offerings and price structures.

 »

ERM Power has a strong voice in the industry and 
responds to the regulatory environment via written 
submissions, participation on industry groups and 
by representation to regulators, policy makers and 
politicians, thus influencing outcomes. 

Commodity price 

ERM Power is exposed to fluctuations in 
wholesale market electricity and environmental 
commodity prices. This can increase  
cost of procuring energy to meet customer 
contract requirement.

Liquidity in energy 
derivative markets

Lack of liquidity in the energy derivative market 
can impact:

 »

 »

accurate pricing of retail contracts; and

hedging of retail contracted load.

 » Strategy supports new and strategic commercial 
opportunities which leverage regulatory and  
policy change.

 » 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. 

 » Hedging program includes severe weather  

event mitigation.

 »

 »

The Group employs a diverse and dynamic  
trading strategy which is highly responsive to 
market dynamics.

ERM Power forms strategic trading relationships 
with energy generators.

22

ERM POWERRisk

Cyber security

Power station failure

Potential Impacts

Mitigation

A cyber security event may lead to a disruption to 
operations, a privacy breach, data corruption and 
theft of commercially sensitive information.

Prolonged outage of Oakey Power Station would 
lead to loss of revenue and coincide with potential 
high cost of servicing derivative hedges.

 »

 »

 »

 »

 »

The Group’s approach to cyber security leverages 
industry best practice.

The Group undertakes a preventive maintenance 
program. 

Established contingency plans. 

Employ fire protection systems.

Excellent availability record based on maintenance 
and training.

Credit risk 

ERM Power could suffer financial losses if a  
debtor or wholesale counterparty fails to meet 
contractual obligations.

The Group seeks to limit its exposure to credit risks 
by preferentially contracting with high credit quality 
wholesale counterparties. This is achieved by:

Attracting and retaining 
talent as ERM Power 
and industry evolves

An inability to attract and retain talent could  
impact the Company’s future performance.

 »

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

 » where appropriate obtaining collateral with a 

value in excess of counterparty obligations to the 
Group; and

 »

 »

for derivative counterparties, using primarily high 
credit quality counterparties.

The Company has a robust HR framework in 
place which included leadership development  
and succession planning, career pathway support, 
a focus on engagement and enablement and a 
competitive remuneration program.

23

ANNUAL REPORT 2017OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW (CONT.)

OUTLOOK AND FUTURE PROSPECTS
The outlook for FY2018 is shown in the table below.

Australia Retail

 » Sales volume

 » Gross margin

 » Opex

US Retail(i)

 » Sales volume

 » Gross margin

 » Opex

Generation EBITDAF(ii)

 » Oakey

 » Neerabup

Energy Solutions EBITDAF

FY2017 actual 

FY2018 outlook 

18.5 TWh

$4.11 / MWh

$22.7m

3.8 TWh

A$5.00 / MWh

A$4.96 / MWh

$15.8m

$27.2m

($4.3)m

~19 TWh

With upside potential

~$4.40 / MWh

With upside potential

~$23m

~7.5 TWh

~A$5.00 / MWh

Risk on upside & downside

~A$3.20 / MWh

$14-16m

~$26m

~($4.5)m

Expected EBITDA  
positive in FY2020

Corporate & Other costs

($12.6)m

~($15.5)m

As the Australian energy market continues to disrupt and transform, ERM Power is reinventing itself to take advantage  
of emerging opportunities. 

A focus on smart energy management solutions in the Australian market will create a strategic differentiator for the Company as 
businesses increasingly look for ways to reduce their energy consumption, to improve commercial, social and environmental outcomes.

As ERM Power's electricity retailing business matures, it will increasingly extend its customer relationships into energy management 
solutions that enable businesses to extract greater value from their energy investments.

Against this backdrop, and the opportunity to redefine itself as an expert in integrated energy management, the Company is 
accelerating its investment in its Energy Solutions business, underpinned by market insights, deep knowledge of how businesses 
consume energy and powerful data analytics. 

ERM Power’s diversification strategy has seen it replicate its successful Australian retail business model in the US, through energy 
retailer Source Power & Gas. Based in Houston, Texas, Source is now expanding its reach in the US market, offering ERM Power 
significant growth opportunities in a market that is at least six times larger than Australia.

The Company’s generation assets are an important part of its diversified offering. Gas has a critical role to play in the transition to a 
lower-emission electricity sector, highlighting the value of ERM Power’s two gas-fired peaking power stations – Oakey Power Station  
in Queensland, and Neerabup Power Station in Western Australia.

ERM Power will continue to execute on its clear, robust strategy to create a high performing business that delivers shareholder value 
and makes a positive contribution to the communities in which it operates.

(i) US$ converted at US$0.75:A$1.00 for FY2018 outlook. 

(ii) FY2018 outlook includes $1.5 million generation overhead expenditure.

24

ERM POWER 
GLOSSARY

$m

C&I

Contestable 
Revenue

EBITDAF 

UMI Survey

Underlying  
EBITDAF 

Underlying EBIT 

Millions of dollars

Commercial and Industrial

Contestable revenue is the electricity sales 
revenue component on which we earn a 
margin and excludes pass-through items 
such as network charges

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, 
amortisation, impairment and net fair value 
gains / losses on financial instruments 
designated at fair value through profit and 
loss. EBITDAF excludes any profit or loss 
from associates

EBIT

ERCOT

Earnings before interest and tax

Electric Reliability Council of Texas

Underlying NPAT

1H

2H

FY

GWh

IFRS

MWh

NEM

NPAT

PJM

First half of financial year

Second half of financial year

Financial year ended or ending 30 June 

Gigawatt hours is a unit of energy 
representing one billion watt hours

International Financial Reporting Standards

Megawatt hours is a unit of energy 
representing one million watt hours

The National Electricity Market 

Net profit after tax

Pennsylvania, Jersey, Maryland Power Pool

Sleeving

Credit sleeving through intermediary to 
trade and hedge with third parties

SME

Small to Medium Enterprise

Source Power  
& Gas or Source

TWh

SPG Energy Group LLC

Terawatt hours is a unit of energy 
representing one thousand gigawatt  
hours (GWh)

Utility Market Intelligence (UMI) survey 
of major retail electricity retailers by 
independent research company NTF  
Group in 2016. Research based on survey 
of 300 business electricity customers 
between November 2016 and January 
2017. Four major electricity retailers 
benchmarked

EBITDAF excluding significant items

EBIT after excluding the unrealised mark to 
market changes in the fair value of financial 
instruments, impairment and gains / losses 
on onerous contracts and other significant 
items. Underlying EBIT excludes any profit 
or loss from associates

Statutory net profit after tax attributable 
to equity holders of the Company after 
excluding the after tax effect of unrealised 
mark to market changes in the fair value of 
financial instruments, impairment and gains 
/ losses on onerous contracts and other 
significant items. Underlying NPAT excludes 
any profit or loss from associates

US or USA

United States of America

25

ANNUAL REPORT 2017CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

COMPLIANCE WITH ASX CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
PRINCIPLES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

ERM Power Limited’s (Company) board (Board) and management 
are committed to achieving and demonstrating the highest 
standards of corporate governance. The Board continues to review 
the framework and practices to ensure they meet the interests of 
shareholders. The Company and its controlled entities together are 
referred to as the ERM Power Group (Group) in this statement. 

A description of the Group’s main corporate governance 
practices is set out below. All these practices, unless otherwise 
stated, were in place for the entire year ending 30 June 2017 
(reporting period). The Company complies with all of the ASX 
Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations 
(Principles and Recommendations).

This Corporate Governance statement was approved by the 
Board and is current as at 24 August 2017.

Principle 1 – Lay solid foundations for management  
and oversight

The role of the Board and management
The Board is responsible for governance and provides  
overall strategic guidance for the Group and effective  
oversight of management.

The role of the Board and ability to delegate to management  
has been formalised in the Company’s Board Charter. The Board 
Charter, along with other charters and policies of the Company, 
can be found on the Company’s website.

As set out in the Board Charter, the responsibilities of the  
Board include:

 »

 »

 »

 »

 »

 »

oversight of financial and capital management;

reporting to shareholders in accordance with the requirements 
of the Corporations Act or other relevant law;

providing strategic guidance to the Group including 
contributing to the development of and approving the 
corporate strategy;

appointment, performance assessment and, if necessary, 
removal of the Managing Director (MD);

ratifying the remuneration, succession plans, appointment 
and/or removal of the members of the Executive Team 
including the Chief Financial Officer and the Company 
Secretary;

reviewing and approving business plans, the annual budget 
and financial plans including capital structure and financing 
arrangements; 

 »

determining the dividend policy and approval of dividends;

26

 »

 »

 »

recommendations to shareholders regarding the appointment 
of auditors;

reviewing and ratifying policies and systems of risk 
management, codes of conduct, legal compliance and 
corporate governance; and

approving and monitoring policies in regards to environmental, 
employment and occupational, health and safety matters as 
well as relationships with other stakeholders, including the 
community at large.

The Board has delegated to the MD responsibility for the day to 
day affairs, financial performance, and operation of the Group, and 
the authority to control all affairs in relation to all matters other than 
those responsibilities reserved by the Board in the Board Charter. 

The MD has made further delegations to senior executives related 
to the Company’s day to day affairs, within the Board approved 
delegations and is accountable to the Board for the exercise of 
those delegated powers.

Appointments to the Board
Prior to appointment of any proposed director, appropriate 
background and other checks are undertaken and considered 
before the Remuneration & Nomination Committee will 
recommend a candidate(s) for consideration by the Board 
as a whole. New directors are issued with a formal letter of 
appointment that sets out the key terms and conditions of 
their appointment, and the appointment is subject to signed 
acceptance of the Company’s Board governance protocols. 
These protocols outline their director’s duties, conduct expected 
of directors, meeting procedures, rights and responsibilities, and 
the Board’s expectations regarding time commitment.

The Company provides security holders with all material 
information in its possession relevant to a decision on whether or 
not to elect or re-elect a non-executive director in the AGM notice 
of meeting.

The Company Secretary
The Company Secretary is accountable directly to the Board, 
through the Chair, on all matters to do with the proper functioning 
of the Board, including agendas, Board papers and minutes, 
advising the Board and its committees on governance matters, 
monitoring that the Board and committee policies and procedures 
are followed, communication with regulatory bodies and the ASX 
and statutory and other filings.

Gender Diversity 
ERM Power is committed to building a workplace which supports 
and encourages diversity. The Company’s Diversity Policy, 
available on the website, outlines the commitment to fostering 
a corporate culture that promotes opportunity and embraces 
diversity. This helps build an inclusive culture where individuals are 
encouraged to draw on their unique set of skills, experience and 
background, contributing to an environment of high performance. 
ERM Power regularly undertakes diversity reporting to monitor 

ERM POWERprogress towards this commitment and to track progress against 
achievement of measurable objectives as set by the Board. 

The Remuneration & Nomination Committee has responsibility  
for diversity at all levels of the Company, including the Board.  
This is actively supported by the Executive Team.

A number of strategic initiatives were implemented during  
FY2017 in support of the diversity objectives. An overview  
of these initiatives is outlined in Table 1. 

Table 1 – Progress against objectives FY2017

Measurable Objective

Progress

1.   Initiate formal talent 
identification and 
succession planning

 » Succession plans have been 
formalised for all executive  
and key positions across  
the organisation

 » Personalised development 

plans have been implemented 
for talent identified as potential 
successors to key or executive 
positions

 » An organisational-wide 

talent review was conducted 
to inform learning and 
development needs and 
workforce planning

 » A Leadership Development 

program has been established 
to build leadership talent 

2.   Ensure a woman is on the 
shortlist for all vacant roles

 »

Females were included on the 
shortlist for 75% of permanent 
and fixed term vacancies 
during FY2017

 » Available opportunities were 
actively promoted internally 
with females encouraged  
to apply

 » Broader channels explored  

to find talent

 » Analysis of gender 

remuneration differences  
was undertaken 

 » Reducing identified gender pay 
gaps for comparable roles was 
consciously considered in the 
FY2017 annual remuneration 
review process

 »

 »

ERM Power sponsored an 
International Women’s Day 
event with ‘Women in Energy’ 
in Melbourne in February 2017

EGMs facilitated a number 
of forums for female leaders 
across ERM Power

 » During the reporting period 

46% of new hires in permanent 
and fixed term roles across the 
Group were female

3.   Undertake gender pay 
equity reviews annually

4.   Sponsor ‘women in the 
industry’ events and 
facilitate ‘women in 
leadership’ training

5.   Aim to achieve 65%  
female representation 
among new hires by 2018 

Measurable Objective

Progress

6.   Actively support flexible 
working arrangements 

 » Part-time workers represent 

10% of ERM Power’s 
Australian workforce (77% 
of ERM Power’s part time 
workforce are female)

7.   Build the program of 

 » Diversity & Inclusion 

communicating policies 
which support equality

8.   Appoint a female director 
to the Board by 2017

workshops and information 
sessions on unconscious 
bias reinforced the business 
imperative of diversity

 » All-staff meetings are held 
regularly in which policies, 
approaches and successes 
are shared

 » Georganne Hodges was 

appointed to the Board on  
26 October 2016

At the end FY2017 women represented 41% of the employees 
across the Group, a reduction of 2% from the comparative period 
as shown below:

Board (excluding the MD)

Senior executives1

ERM Power Group2

Female

FY2017

FY2016

Change

 14%

19%

41%

 0%

14%

43%3 

14%

5%

(2%)

Reporting requirements were introduced on 1 April 2013 
which incorporated a revised workplace profile and a reporting 
questionnaire for each of the ‘gender equality indicators’ (GEIs).  
A copy of the Company’s public report for the year ended  
31 March 2017 was lodged with the Workplace Gender  
Equality Agency (WGEA) and is available on the Company’s 
website at www.ermpower.com.au/investor-centre/financial-
reports/. The WGEA report is specific to the Australian workforce.

Board, committee and director performance evaluations
Through the Remuneration & Nomination Committee, the 
directors periodically review the performance of the whole Board 
and Board committees. An external facilitator was last engaged 
to conduct a full Board performance review in November 2016. 
The model referenced key principles and guidelines, including the 
Australian Standard AS 8000 – Good Governance Principles and 
the ASX and APRA guidelines. The Board identified opportunities 
for improvement in the areas of diversity, succession planning, 
involvement in long-term strategy and business plans, and 
effective risk management. 

1   Senior executives include the MD & CEO, other executives/general managers 
and senior managers as defined by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency 
(WGEA) management categories.

2   Excluding non-executive directors.

3  Incorrectly reported as 47% in FY2016.

27

ANNUAL REPORT 2017 
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY (CONT.)

Senior executive performance evaluations
The performance of all senior executives, including the MD,  
is reviewed annually against:

a) 

b) 

c) 

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

company goals; and

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

The Remuneration & Nomination Committee reviews and makes 
recommendations to the Board concerning the fixed remuneration 
and incentive packages of the MD and all senior executives who 
report directly to the MD (the “Executive Team”) with reference to 
external benchmarking indicators. Performance reviews for the 
Executive Team were conducted during the reporting period in 
accordance with this process.

Further information on executive remuneration is contained  
in the Remuneration Report. 

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

Principle 2 – Structure the Board to add value
At the end of the reporting period, the Company had a seven-
member Board comprising an independent non-executive 
Chair, three independent non-executive directors, two non-
executive directors and a Managing Director, which accords with 
Recommendations 2.4 and 2.5. 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 Company’s 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 and details of their skills, experience 
and special expertise are set out in the Directors’ Report.

The Chair
The principal role of the Chair is to provide leadership to the 
Board, to ensure the Board works effectively and discharges  
its responsibilities, and to encourage a culture of openness  
and debate fostering a high-performing and collegial team.  
The Chair will not be the same person as the CEO to ensure  
there is effective Board oversight of management’s activities.

The Chair:

 »

 »

 »

represents the Board to the shareholders and communicates 
the Board’s position;

serves as the primary link between the Board and 
management; and

sets the agenda for each Board meeting in consultation 
with the MD and Company Secretary and is responsible for 
ensuring that all directors are adequately briefed in relation  
to issues addressed at Board meetings.

The Board is conscious of the time commitment required of 
directors and the Chair in particular. The Board is satisfied that 
the Chair makes sufficient time available to serve the Group 
effectively and that none of his other commitments interfere with 
the discharge of his responsibilities to the Group.

28

Director’s Independence
In accordance with Recommendation 2.3 of the Principles 
and Recommendations, the Board considers each director’s 
independence on a regular basis and formed the view that for the 
reporting period, Tony Bellas, Georganne Hodges, Tony Iannello 
and Albert Goller were independent. The Board considered the 
skills and experience, and endorsed the appointment of Philip St 
Baker on 14 July 2017 as nominee director for the St Baker family 
interests on the retirement of Trevor St Baker. As son of Trevor St 
Baker, who remains a substantial shareholder in the Company, 
and having ceased in an executive capacity with the company 
within the prior three year period, Philip is not considered to be 
independent. In defining the characteristics of an independent 
director, the Board uses the Principles and Recommendations, 
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. The 
Board considers that the independent directors do not have 
any interests, positions, associations or relationships of the type 
described in Box 2.3 of Recommendation 2.3.

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. The 
MD also provides the Board each month with a report which 
outlines the activities of the Group over the preceding period. 
This report includes: financial progress against key KPIs; business 
unit activity; a health, safety, environment and sustainability 
report; and reports on the progress of strategic projects, funding, 
corporate affairs, and, as appropriate, 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 & Nomination 
Committee and the Health, Safety, Environment & Sustainability 
Committee each have a charter which sets out roles and 
responsibilities, composition, structure, membership requirements 
and operation. These are available on the Company’s website. 

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

The Remuneration & Nomination Committee
The Remuneration and Nomination committees were merged 
in October 2016 to form the Remuneration & Nomination 
Committee which 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 having 
regard to the Board skills matrix and the attributes of existing 
directors and potential candidates;

establishing processes for evaluating the performance of the 
Board as a whole, its committees and individual directors;

ERM POWER »

 »

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; 

Skills & Experience 

Description

7. 

 Executive  
management

 » making recommendations to the Board on directors’ 

appointments or Board and committee structures; and

8. 

 Solutions business

Experience in evaluating performance 
of senior management and oversee 
strategic human capital planning. 
Experience in organisational change and 
management programs.

Experience in the entire product line/
solution ‘bundle’ life cycle from strategic 
planning to tactical activities.

 »

 ensuring there are plans in place to manage the succession  
of the CEO and other senior executives.

Each year one third of the Board, other than the MD, retires  
in accordance with the constitution, and is eligible for re-election 
by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Any 
director appointed to fill a casual vacancy since the previous  
AGM must submit themselves to shareholders for election at the 
next AGM. Philip St Baker, having been appointed by the Board 
on 14 July 2017, will stand for election at the 2017 AGM.

Prior to each AGM the Remuneration & 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. 

We will provide our shareholders with information relevant to a 
director’s election or re-election in the notice of meeting for the 
2017 AGM.

Board skills matrix, induction and professional development
In June 2016, the Board updated its Board skills matrix, and 
identified the following 11 criteria to be considered when 
reviewing the diversity of skills and experience that the Board 
currently has or is looking to achieve in its membership. 

Skills & Experience 

Description

1. 

 Strategy

2. 

 Going global

3. 

 Going retail

4. 

 Financial acumen

5.  E lectricity/energy

6. 

 Legal

Track record of developing and 
implementing a successful strategy 
(strategy development & strategy 
execution).

Experience to enter into global markets/
jurisdictions.

Business experience in SME retail 
markets dependent on optimising 
customer lifetime value (acquisition 
cost + cost to serve + duration served) 
through ‘mass market’ strategies.

Experience in financial accounting 
and reporting, corporate finance, risk 
management, and internal financial 
controls.

Experience across the energy retail 
value chain.

Strong commercial legal skills with 
an understanding of publicly listed 
company obligations.

9. 

 Information strategy Experience in using information as a 

10.  External 

communications

core product and solution differentiator, 
and experience in using information and 
systems as a strategic asset to grow 
businesses.

Experience in using external 
communications to influence political, 
public sector, financial market and 
investor stakeholders.

11.  Wholesale energy 
markets and risk 
management

Experience of wholesale energy 
markets including up to date knowledge 
of sophisticated risk management 
practices.

The names and details of the experience and qualifications of each 
director of the Company as at the date of this Report can be found 
on pages 4 to 7 of the Annual Financial Report. The Board believes 
it currently has an appropriate mix of these skills and experiences 
amongst its directors to enable the Board to operate effectively.

In respect to gender, the appointment of Georganne Hodges in 
October 2016 adds to the diversity on the Board. Other aspects 
considered in maintaining and contributing to diverse viewpoints 
in Board discussions and to assist in avoiding unconscious bias 
include tenure and age of directors4:

Tenure

0-2 years

2-7 years

>7 years

No. of 
directors

3

2

2

Age

45-55

55-65

>65

No. of 
directors

3

2

2

Directors are encouraged to engage in professional development 
activities to develop and maintain the skills and knowledge 
needed to perform their role as directors effectively. Where 
required, the Company provides information concerning key 
developments in the Group and the industry, and environments 
within which it operates, including site visits to the Group’s 
operations, updates to relevant policies, discussion of relevant 
legal developments, corporate governance updates and other 
matters of interest for directors. 

The Company continues to undertake a detailed induction process 
for new directors which includes: discussions with existing directors 
and senior executives on operational issues and the future strategic 
direction of the Company; the provision of key materials such 
as the Code of Business Conduct and the Company’s Security 
Trading Policy; together with site visits where appropriate.

4  As at the date of this report.

29

ANNUAL REPORT 2017CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY (CONT.)

Principle 3 – Act ethically and responsibly
The Board strongly encourages ethical and responsible decision 
making and has implemented policies to achieve this while in 
pursuit of the Company’s objectives. 

In particular, the Code of Business Conduct (the Code) and the 
Securities Trading Policy apply to all directors and employees. The 
Company encourages employees to report known or suspected 
instances of inappropriate conduct, including breaches of the 
Code or the Securities Trading Policy. There are policies in place 
to protect employees from any reprisal, discrimination or being 
personally disadvantaged as a result of their reporting of a concern.

A copy of the Code and the Securities Trading Policy are available 
on the Company’s website along with other corporate governance 
policies of the Company.

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.

All directors of the Company also agree to comply with the Board 
governance protocols which outline, amongst other matters, the 
directors’ duties and the conduct expected of them as directors.

Principle 4 – Safeguard integrity in corporate reporting
The Company has an Audit & Risk Committee compliant with 
Recommendation 4 which consists of the four independent 
non-executive directors, Tony Bellas, Martin Greenberg (as Chair 
until his retirement), Tony Iannello (as Chair on the retirement of 
Martin Greenberg), Albert Goller and Georganne Hodges since 
her appointment in October 2016. The Audit & Risk Committee 
Charter is available on the Company’s website and includes 
review of:

(i) 

(ii) 

risk matters; 

 internal processes in preparation of financial statements  
and key accounting judgements; 

(iii) 

internal control processes; and

(iv)  audit related issues. 

The Audit & Risk Committee 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 & Risk Committee monitors the adequacy, integrity and 
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 & Risk Committee 
and their attendance at meetings of the Committee are set out in 
the Directors’ Report.

30

When presenting financial statements for Board approval, the 
MD and Chief Financial Officer provide a formal statement in 
accordance with section 295A of the Corporations Act 2001 
(Cth). This includes 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 Company’s auditor will attend the AGM and will be available 
to answer shareholders’ questions.

Principle 5 – Make timely and balanced disclosure
The Company’s practice on disclosure is consistent with the 
Principles and Recommendations. The Board strictly adheres to 
the Company’s Continuous Disclosure Policy and procedures 
that 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 security holders
The Company is committed to providing regular communication 
to shareholders about the performance of the Group and its 
business and operations. 

The Company’s website contains extensive information on its 
operations and corporate governance, and 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 
updates on its operations and biographical information for each  
of its directors and senior executives.

The Company has an investor relations program involving two-way 
interactions with institutional investors (including buy-side analysts), 
sell-side analysts, financial media and other members of the 
investment community, which for the reporting period included:

 »

 »

“Roadshows” after the full year and half results involving face-
to-face and one-on-one or group meetings in Sydney and 
Melbourne. The meetings begin with an opening presentation 
from the MD and continue with questions and answers.

Teleconference/s on the day of the results with investors and 
analysts as a group, involving a presentation and questions 
and answers, and otherwise as necessary; also one-on-
ones with individual investors or analysts/brokers, organised 
proactively or in response to requests.

 » Meetings – face-to-face throughout the year in Brisbane, 

Sydney and Melbourne.

 » Conferences – The MD occasionally presents at investment 

conferences organised by brokers and which are attended by 
institutional investors.

 »

Filmed presentations and Q&A sessions – The MD 
participates in filmed presentations and Q&A sessions  
which are available to view on various online platforms.

ERM POWERThe Company held one general meeting during the reporting 
period, the AGM on 26 October 2016. The explanatory 
memorandum in the notice of meeting sets out the process 
whereby shareholders may attend and ask questions, including 
written questions submitted prior to the meeting.

The Board has not considered it necessary to hold general 
meetings outside of Brisbane, the location of its head office. 
The Board considers the makeup of the Company’s share 
register and monitors investor feedback as to whether the use 
of telecommunications during general meetings would be useful 
to investors, and is satisfied that the current process sufficiently 
encourages participation by shareholders.

The Company give Security holders the option to receive 
communications from, and send communications to, the 
Company and its security registry electronically. 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 Company’s policies and procedures, and in particular the 
Shareholder Communication Policy, comply with the Principles 
and Recommendations in relation to the rights of shareholders.

Principle 7 – Recognise and manage risk
The composition of the Audit & Risk Committee was  
previously outlined under Principle 4 above and complies  
with Recommendation 7.1.

The Board, through the Audit & Risk Committee, has an 
overarching Risk Management Framework Policy governing the 
Company’s approach to risk oversight and management and 
internal control systems 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. 

Board, executive and business unit level controls are designed 
to safeguard Company and stakeholders’ interests in respect 
of these risks. The Company has an Enterprise Risk Register 
that contains the most significant risk events identified for the 
organisation, a framework for quantifying those risk events and a 
risk mitigation plan for each risk. The Risk Register is designed to 
provide assurance to the Board and management on the strength 
of the Company’s risk management practices and operationally 
to ensure that managers across the Group manage risks under 
their area of control. The Risk Register is reviewed and updated 
on a quarterly basis by a management committee to address the 
evolving requirements of the business. The Chief Financial Officer 
is responsible for reporting to the Board and the Audit & Risk 
Committee and to provide assurance that the Company is not 
unduly exposed to risks it is not consciously willing to accept. 

The Company undertakes regular reviews of business units for 
major risks and the Risk Management Framework Policy. During 
the reporting period:

 »

a revised risk appetite framework was established, cascading 
through each business area by setting financial risk tolerance 
targets for activities within the business; and 

 »

the risk management framework for both the Australian and 
US businesses were revised with additional daily risk reporting 
obligations introduced.

The Company does not have a dedicated internal audit function, 
but periodically engages external consultants to perform internal 
control reviews.

Any material exposures to economic, environmental and social 
sustainability risks are incorporated into the Enterprise Risk 
Register as summarised on pages 22-23. Responsibility for 
oversight of these matters is held by the Board, management’s 
Enterprise Risk Committee, and the Health, Safety, Environment 
& Sustainability Committee. The Health, Safety, Environment & 
Sustainability Committee Charter and Policy can be found on the 
Company’s website.

The Company is an owner and operator of two gas-fired power 
stations in Australia and maintains risk management systems to 
ensure strict compliance with all environmental conditions. During 
the reporting period there were no non-compliances with the 
planning or environmental conditions of the power stations. 

Principle 8 – Remunerate fairly and responsibly
In compliance with Recommendation 8.1, the Remuneration 
Committee was comprised of the Company’s four independent 
non-executive directors: Tony Iannello (Chair), Tony Bellas,  
Martin Greenberg and Albert Goller until 26 October 2016.  
Tony Bellas assumed the Chair of the combined Remuneration 
& Nomination Committee on 26 October 2016, and Georganne 
Hodges replaced Martin Greenberg as the fourth independent 
director. Trevor St Baker was a member of the Remuneration  
& Nomination Committee from 26 October 2016 until his 
resignation on 14 July 2017. Their attendance at meetings  
of the relevant committees is set out in the Directors’ Report.  
The Remuneration & Nomination Committee Charter can be 
found on the Company’s website.

The Remuneration & Nomination Committee reviews and reports, 
at least annually, on the relative proportion of women and men 
in the workforce at all levels of the Group. These proportions are 
contained in the commentary on Principle 1 above.

The remuneration of non-executive directors is structured 
separately from that of the MD and the Executive Team. The MD 
and the Executive Team 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. 

Detailed 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 “Investor 
Centre” tab, under “ASX Announcements” or within the “About 
Us” tab under “Governance”. More information on the Company’s 
Corporate Governance can be found in these locations.

31

ANNUAL REPORT 2017CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY (CONT.)

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Leadership

Approach
ERM Power has demonstrated industry leadership in a year of 
complex and dynamic policy challenges. With a 20 percent share 
(by load) of the Australian business electricity market and market-
leading customer satisfaction, the Company’s credibility in public 
policy is founded on customer advocacy and insights, deep 
knowledge of industry processes, diverse business interests  
and a direct approach. 

Operating in this highly regulated sector, anticipating and 
influencing public policy is critical to successful business strategy 
development and execution. ERM Power executives and regulatory 
specialists actively participate in advocacy and government 
relations opportunities, sitting on various consultative forums, 
writing regulatory submissions and engaging with strategic 
stakeholders. ERM Power also utilises peak bodies, including the 
Australian Energy Council, the Australian Industry Group and the 
Energy Efficiency Council to amplify its voice across the sector.

Policy environment in 2017
The 'system black' event in South Australia in September 2016, 
followed by the Hazelwood Power Station closure, created a sense 
of urgency for policy makers concerned about system security, 
sustainability and affordability. Dr Alan Finkel’s independent review 
of security and reliability of the National Electricity Market was still 
underway as state and federal governments began announcing 
plans to address the problem as they saw it. Meanwhile, the 
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission began 
its inquiry into retail prices, and regular consultations with the 
Australian Energy Market Commission and jurisdictional policy 
makers continued to require attention.

Against this backdrop, ERM Power took opportunities to 
effectively inform and influence policy makers towards conditions 
favourable to enduring national energy policy which supports the 
community, investors, customers and the business.

ERM Power’s key policy principles
Whether discussing day-to-day obligations or the sector’s future 
more broadly, ERM Power maintains a strong principled approach 
to advocacy. Priority principles are:

 »

Enduring, bipartisan, national energy policy, to support 
greater investment certainty;

 » An efficient and orderly transition to a low-emissions energy 
sector, recognising gas-fired electricity generation as a vital 
support to intermittent renewables;

 » Competitive and technology neutral policies, to provide  
an even playing field to meet sectoral objectives; and

 » Supporting both supply and demand-side measures  

to improve market efficiency and reliability at lowest cost,  
to support customers.

These are integral to creating a sustainable energy market  
into the future.

CASE STUDY:  
SUNSTATE CEMENT LIMITED

Sunstate Cement Limited is an energy-intensive business, 
with flexible operations. The company’s Operations 
Manager, Michael Fullelove, said: ‘I was tired of paying a 
premium for electricity because we were locking into a full 
year contract price that had to account for a year’s worth of 
market volatility but not the seasonal nature of our business’.

ERM Business Energy approached Mr Fullelove about the 
new Strategically Timed Energy Procurement Online (STEP 
Online). Developed in response to customer and broker 
feedback, STEP Online offered Sunstate Cement Limited 
the option to purchase smaller parcels of energy at market 
pricing throughout the contract term. This enabled them to 
manage risks more effectively to keep costs down.


ERM understands what’s 
important to our business, 
and has delivered a solution 
that meets our needs where 
others couldn’t.

–  Michael Fullelove, Operations Manager Sunstate  

Cement Ltd, ERM Business Energy customer since 2013

Customers
ERM Power’s reputation speaks for itself when it comes to 
customer focus. In the Australian market, the 2016 Utility 
Market Intelligence survey1 reported 94% of ERM Power’s large 
business customers are satisfied – the highest level of customer 
satisfaction recorded since the survey began in 1997. This marks 
the sixth consecutive year that ERM Power has out-ranked other 
retailers in this survey.

In the US market, the 2016 Energy Research Consulting Group’s 
survey2 of energy broker satisfaction also demonstrates ERM 
Power’s strong focus on customer needs and relationships, by 
placing third out of over 50 retailers. Since acquisition in 2015, 
Source Power and Gas’s broker recognition rate has tripled,  
with 62% of surveyed brokers now saying they do business  
with Source. 

ERM Power delivers industry-leading service by understanding 
what is important to businesses and helping them make the most 
of every kilowatt-hour. 

1   Utility Market Intelligence survey of large customers of major electricity retailers by independent research company NTF Group from 2011 – 2016.

2   Energy Research Consulting Group’s (ERCG) survey of Aggregators, Brokers and Consultants (ABC) Study December 2016. Research based on  

survey of over 120 ABCs, which represents ~72% of brokered US power sales. 

32

ERM POWER 
ERM Power’s culture drives high performance.

Workplace

2017 Employee Engagement and Enablement Survey
Highly engaged and enabled people create high-performing 
organisations. ERM Power’s second formal employee engagement 
and enablement survey, carried out in 2017, again demonstrated 
staff as well positioned to deliver continued business success. 

 »

 »

Employee engagement is a measure of the extent to which 
an employee is willing to strive for company success. ERM 
Power’s 2017 engagement score was consistent with the 
highest performing organisations in the world.3 

Employee enablement represents how empowered 
employees feel in their roles and whether they have the 
tools and support to reach their potential. ERM Power’s 
enablement score was five percentage points above the 
global high-performing norm.

ERM Power’s staff also measured above the global high-performing 
norms in critical areas such as confidence in leadership, clarity of 
business strategic direction and customer focus. Both the 2015 
and 2017 surveys identified opportunities to further improve the 
workplace experience e.g performance management and inter-
office collaboration. Comprehensive programs address those areas 
in collaboration with staff across the business. 

Supporting staff wellness
Workplace initiatives, policies and facilities that support personal 
wellness are vital to enabling staff to maintain strong commitment, 
and help support personal and work balance.

ERM Power offers staff a wide range of support including an 
Employee Assistance Program; compulsory online training on 
workplace health and safety, including workplace behaviour; and 
a number of wellness programs.

The ERM Power team helming the gas-fired Neerabup Power Station,  
Western Australia.

Safety
Safety is the top priority across ERM Power’s locations. Safety 
measures are reported to the Board each month, including any 
first-aid treatment, near misses, and lost-time injuries. 

Safety is the first Key Performance Indicator (KPI) for all power 
station personnel. On-site staff participate in regular safety 
briefings, plan job observations, safety procedure reviews, and 
drug and alcohol testing. All corporate staff complete regular 
online workplace health and safety training modules, and 
participate in monthly briefings.

In 2017, ERM Power again celebrated an excellent safety record. 
Across both Neerabup and Oakey Power Stations, there were 
no lost-time injuries, including during the major gas turbine and 
generator overhaul at Oakey Power Station. 

3   Korn Ferry Hay Group Employee Engagement and Enablement Survey, February 2017.

33

ANNUAL REPORT 2017CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY (CONT.)

 ERM Power values the different perspectives that diversity brings to its business.

Diversity
A workforce representative of the community better supports 
diversity of thought, creative problem solving and the 
development of products and services. ERM Power recognises 
this may include, but not be limited to, diversity of gender, age, 
physical abilities, ethnicity and cultural background. Board and 
employee diversity is the responsibility of the Remuneration and 
Nomination Committee and is a focus for the executive team.

ERM Power has made good progress towards its diversity targets 
set in 2016, and continues to assess and refine its approach to 
attracting and retaining high-performing staff.

Recognising that leadership starts at the top of an organisation, 
ERM Power complemented the Board’s existing skill and 
experience-base with the appointment of independent non-
executive director Georganne Hodges on 26 October 2016. 
Georganne has extensive experience across the US energy 
sector, and brings fresh perspectives to develop ERM Power’s 
future in both the Australian and US markets. Additionally, 
Executive General Manager Energy Solutions Megan Houghton 
joined the executive team in November 2016, adding broad, 
senior leadership skills and expertise in energy management.

ERM Power continues to support gender diversity through a 
range of objectives, initiatives and policies, including:

 » Annual gender pay equity reviews;

 »

Increased focus on achieving merit-based female  
shortlistings for vacant role appointments;

 » Paid parental leave entitlements;

 »

Flexible work arrangements;

 » Sponsoring Women In Energy; and 

 »

Formal talent identification and succession planning.

ERM Power’s report for the Workplace Gender Equality Agency 
(WGEA) is a comprehensive review of gender diversity in ERM 
Power’s Australian workforce, and is available on the website, 
along with the company-wide Gender Diversity Policy.

Community
ERM Power seeks to engage with and give back to the 
communities in which it operates. In 2016/17, ERM Power 
launched its ‘Power of Giving’ sponsorship program as a formal 
channel for community support and engagement. The program 
includes dollar-matching for staff-initiated charitable group 
activities, and for regular contributions to the St Vincent de Paul 
Society (Vinnies) (the chosen charity for 2016/17) made through 
payroll-giving. Staff are also encouraged to utilise volunteer leave 
to support charitable causes.

Initiatives supported by ERM Power staff in 2017 include:

 »

$59,000 raised through the Vinnies CEO Sleepout in 
Brisbane. CEO Jon Stretch is a CEO Sleepout ambassador, 
helping Vinnies tackle homelessness.

 » Staff donated nearly 600 food items to Vinnies through 

Operation I Can.

 » Over $6,000 was raised towards the Movember Foundation, 

supporting important men’s health projects globally.

34

ERM POWER1

2

3

4

1   ERM Power staff across the country supported Operation I Can  
to donate nearly 600 food items to Vinnies for Anti Poverty Week.

2   Source Power & Gas staff spent the day supporting  

the Houston Food Bank during their annual day of service.

3   ERM Power’s MD and CEO, Jon Stretch, was the highest fundraiser in 
Brisbane in his second Vinnies CEO Sleepout in 2017. Jon is pictured  
here with Lord Mayor of Brisbane Graham Quirk (left) and Vinnies QLD  
CEO Peter Maher (right).

4   Staff continually look for ways to improve efficiency at the gas-fired  

Oakey Power Station.

 » A team of 16 ERM Power staff participating in the Bridge  
to Brisbane fun run raised over $4,000 for the Children’s 
Hospital Foundation.

 » Staff at Neerabup Power Station donated $5,000 to the Black 
Dog Institute, to support research and education in mental 
health issues.

 »

ERM Power continues its long-term support of indigenous 
education programs at The Armidale School in New South 
Wales and Geelong Grammar School in Victoria.

 » US staff helped the Houston Food Bank provide more than 
19,620 meals to Gulf region residents during their fourth 
annual 9/11 day of service.

 » US staff also assisted the Buffalo Bayou Partnership in their 
annual effort to remove noxious weeds and trash from this 
important natural habitat.

Environment
As a diversified energy company, ERM Power recognises the 
potential for its business to both burden and protect the natural 
environment. This influences how the Company runs its business, 
as well as the products and services offered to customers.

Supporting renewable energy
ERM Power is committed to playing its part in the transition  
to a less emission-intensive energy sector. 

The Renewable Energy Target requires electricity retailers like 
ERM Power to acquire regulatory certificates from renewable 
energy generators. Retailers may achieve compliance under the 
scheme by either surrendering the required number of certificates 
to the Clean Energy Regulator, or by paying a charge for the 
shortfall in surrendered certificates. Scheme legislation provides 
a three-year window whereby a retailer may surrender certificates 
and receive a refund for any charge previously paid.

For the 2016 compliance year, ERM Power chose to achieve 
compliance by paying the Clean Energy Regulator $123 million, in 
lieu of surrendering 1.9 million Large-scale Generation Certificates 
(LGCs). This was a considered strategic decision, made in full 
compliance with scheme legislation, and allowed the Company to 
more cost-effectively invest in renewable energy projects. 

We were pleased to announce a renewable offtake agreement 
with Hamilton Solar Farm in Queensland (58MW, currently under 
construction) and continue to work with developers of new 
renewable energy assets, such as Nexif Energy Australia Pty Ltd 
on their Lincoln Gap Wind Farm project. ERM Power is proud to 
provide practical support for renewable generation in Australia.

This year the company also announced a Memorandum of 
Understanding with Osaka-based Sumitomo Electric Industries 
and the Guided Innovation Alliance to help identify potential trial 
opportunities for concentrated solar PV, battery and smart grid 
technologies.

35

ANNUAL REPORT 2017CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY (CONT.)


ERM Power considers it 
both a business opportunity 
and a social responsibility to 
enable customers to lower 
their carbon footprint through 
smarter energy usage. 

Energy solutions
ERM Power considers it both a business opportunity and a social 
responsibility to enable customers to lower their carbon footprint 
through smarter energy usage. 

The Company helps customers meet their environmental 
commitments by offering Government-accredited renewable 
energy under the GreenPower Program. This allows customers to 
make voluntary contributions above and beyond what otherwise 
would have occurred. 

With its growing Energy Solutions business, ERM Power 
customers can receive a comprehensive energy assessment and 
tailored solution design to help them meet their environmental 
objectives. Whether it be education and behavioural change, 
demand response programs, or new equipment investments, 
ERM Power helps customers manage their energy consumption 
and carbon footprint in simpler, smarter ways.

FY2016 Environmental Snapshot1

Power Station

Generation  
(GWh)

Oakey Power Station

520.3

Scope 1 
Emissions 
(tCO2-e)

331,427

Neerabup Power Station

112.8

69,332

Power Station Environmental Compliance
As operators at Oakey and Neerabup Power Stations, ERM 
Power is responsible for ensuring compliance with environmental 
license conditions. The Company regularly monitors and reports 
on a broad range of environmental factors, including air and water 
quality, waste management, emissions of greenhouse gases and 
other pollutants, pest control, and chemical use. 

During the year there were no reportable environmental incidents, 
nor were there any breaches of any environmental licence 
conditions at either plant. 

As peaking power stations, operation and output varies 
significantly each year as the Company responds to market 
signals. Accordingly, greenhouse gas emissions from the power 
stations can also vary significantly. ERM Power maintains 
high efficiency standards to manage both operational and 
environmental impact.

ERM Power continually looks for ways to become more efficient 
and effective in its operations. For example, the major gas turbine 
overhaul at Oakey Power Station in November 2016 provided the 
opportunity for a lighting upgrade, with the Company's lighting 
business, Lumaled, installing high efficiency LEDs to improve site 
safety and energy efficiency.

Environmental  
incidents

Water discharge strategy

Nil

Nil

Discharge reused for farmland irrigation 
(salinity neutralised if required)

Nil discharge – waste water is evaporated 
to brine. 

1   FY2016 is the latest period for reporting under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act.

36

ERM POWER 
DIRECTORS’ REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2017

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 
2017 (“the year”). The information appearing on the preceding 
pages forms part of this Director’s Report.

1. PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES
The principal activities of the Group during the year were:

 »

 »

 »

electricity sales to businesses in Australia and the United 
States of America; 

generation of electricity; and

energy solutions.

7. LIKELY DEVELOPMENTS AND EXPECTED 
RESULTS
Apart from the matters referred to in the Operating and financial 
review on pages 10 to 25, information as to other 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.

8. PROCEEDINGS ON BEHALF OF THE 
COMPANY
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.

2. OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE YEAR
A review of the operating results of the Group can be found  
in the operating and financial review on pages 10 to 25.

9. DIVIDENDS
Subsequent to year end, the directors have declared a final 
dividend in respect of the 2017 financial year as follows:

3. REVIEW OF OPERATIONS
A review of the operations of the Group can be found in the 
operating and financial review on pages 10 to 25.

Amount:   

Franking:  

3.5 cents per share

100% franked

Date Payable: 

10 October 2017

4. BUSINESS STRATEGIES AND PROSPECTS
A review of the business strategies and prospects of the  
Group can be found in the operating and financial review  
on pages 10 to 25.

5. SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE STATE OF 
AFFAIRS
In January 2017 the Group announced the finalisation of an 
A$290m facility with ANZ, which is secured against ERM’s 
Australian Retail business, providing for A$240m of three-year 
funding of either cash or bank guarantees and a further A$50m 
of 18-month funding for additional bank guarantees. The facility 
replaced the existing facility with Macquarie Bank. 

6. EVENTS AFTER BALANCE DATE
In July 2017 the Company finalised an amendment to the existing 
surety guarantee facility with Liberty International Underwriters 
Singapore, and an associated Fronting Bank Facility agreement 
with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. The amendment 
allows for an increase in the facility by $100m to $250m and 
extends the tenor to July 2020. 

In July 2017 the Group elected to terminate the existing sleeving 
arrangement used as part of the US electricity sales operations 
and entered into a new arrangement with a different supplier.  
The early termination election required a payment of US$3.8m  
to the previous supplier, which was paid in July 2017.

Since 30 June 2017 there have been no other matters or 
circumstances not otherwise dealt with in the Financial Report 
that have significantly or may significantly affect the Group.

The dividend has not been provided for in the 2017 financial 
statements.

During the year the Company paid an interim fully franked 
dividend of 3.5 cents per share (2016: 6.0 cents unfranked), 
together with an unfranked final dividend of 6.0 cents per share  
in respect of the previous year.

10. DIRECTORS
The following persons were directors of the Company during the 
whole of the financial year and up to the date of this report unless 
otherwise indicated:

Anthony (Tony) Bellas 

Independent Non-Executive Chair

Trevor St Baker 

 Non-Executive Deputy Chair and 
Founder (resigned 14 July 2017)

Albert Goller 

Independent Non-Executive Director 

Martin Greenberg 

Georganne Hodges 

 Independent Non-Executive Director 
(resigned 26 October 2016)

 Independent Non-Executive Director 
(appointed 26 October 2016) 

Antonino (Tony) Iannello 

Independent Non-Executive Director

Philip St Baker 

 Non-Executive Director (appointed  
14 July 2017)

Wayne St Baker 

Non-Executive Director 

Jonathan (Jon) Stretch 

 Managing Director and Chief Executive 
Officer (MD & CEO) 

Information on the current directors can be found in the Board 
of Directors section on pages 4 to 7. This information includes 
the qualifications, experience, other directorships and special 
responsibilities of each director in office as at the date of this report. 
37

ANNUAL REPORT 2017DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONT.)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2017

11. MEETINGS OF DIRECTORS
The number of meetings of the Board of directors and each Board committee held during the financial year, and the number of meetings 
attended by each director are as follows:

Meetings of committees

Board meetings

Audit & Risk

Remuneration & 
Nomination1

Remuneration1

Nomination1

HSES

Tony Bellas

Trevor St Baker

Albert Goller

Martin Greenberg
(resigned on 26 Oct 2016)

Georganne Hodges 
(appointed on 26 Oct 2016)

Tony Iannello

Wayne St Baker

Jon Stretch

A

13

12

13

5

7

13

13

11

B

13

13

13

5

8

13

13

13

A

6

**

6

2

4

6

**

**

B

6

**

6

2

4

6

**

**

A

2

1

2

**

**

2

**

**

B

2

2

2

**

**

2

**

**

A

2

**

2

2

**

2

**

**

B

2

**

2

2

**

2

**

**

A

1

1

1

1

**

1

**

**

B

1

1

1

1

**

1

**

**

A

2

**

**

**

**

**

**

3

B

4

**

**

**

**

**

**

4

1  The Remuneration and Nomination committees were combined on 26 October 2016

A = number of meetings attended

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

** = Not a member of the relevant committee 

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 
as follows:

Tony Bellas

Albert Goller

Georganne Hodges

Tony Iannello

Philip St Baker

Wayne St Baker

Jon Stretch

Ordinary  
shares

106,250

270,000

0

202,839

6,252,564

1,625,290

1,939,520

Options to acquire 
ordinary shares

0

0

0

0

242,706

0

0

13. COMPANY SECRETARY 
Phil Davis 

LLB, GAICD, AGIA
Phil Davis joined ERM Power in December 2007 and was 
appointed Group General Counsel and Company Secretary in 
October 2015. During this time his roles and responsibilities have 
covered the whole of ERM Power’s business including generation, 
sales, gas activities, compliance and corporate governance. 
Phil has practiced as a lawyer for more than 17 years in the 
corporate, construction, property, energy and resource sectors.

Phil has advised ERM Power throughout its transition from a 
private power station developer to an integrated energy company 
listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.

1.  The Remuneration and Nomination committees were combined on 26 October 2016.

38

ERM POWER 
14. ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION AND 
PERFORMANCE
The Group’s environmental regulation and performance can be 
found in the Corporate Responsibility Report on pages 35 to 36.

15. 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 or participates in making decisions that affect 
the whole, or a substantial part of the business of the Company 
or Group.

16. AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE 
DECLARATION
A copy of the auditor’s independence declaration as required 
under section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 is included in 
the Annual Financial Statements which accompany this report.

17. NON AUDIT SERVICES
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:

2017 
$

2016 
$

Other procedures in relation to the entity and 
any other entity in the consolidated Group

93,328 134,400

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 Corporations (Rounding in 
Financial/Directors’ Reports) Instrument 2016/191. The Group 
and the Company are entities to which the instrument 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 the Board 
of directors.

Tony Bellas 
Chairman

24 August 2017

39

ANNUAL REPORT 2017REMUNERATION REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2017

The directors present the Remuneration Report for ERM Power 
Limited (“Company”) and its consolidated entities (“Group”) for  
the year ended 30 June 2017.

STRUCTURE OF THIS REPORT
The Remuneration Report is divided into the following sections:

1. Key Management Personnel

2. Remuneration governance

3. Senior executive remuneration framework

4.  FY2017 executive remuneration outcomes and the link  

to company performance 

5. Non-executive Directors’ fees

6. Tables for executive remuneration and equity grants 

7. Other remuneration disclosures

1. KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL
For the purpose of this report Key Management Personnel (KMP) 
are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, 
directing and controlling the activities of the Group, directly or 
indirectly. They include all non-executive directors of the Board  
in addition to the following senior executives:

Jonathan (Jon) Stretch 

 Managing Director and Chief 
Executive Officer (MD & CEO)

William (Mitch) Anderson 

 Executive General Manager (EGM) 
Business Energy (US) 

Gregg Buskey 

 EGM Corporate Finance & Strategy

David Guiver 

EGM Trading

Megan Houghton 
(appointed 21 November 2016)   

EGM Energy Solutions  

Derek McKay 

 Chief Information Officer (CIO)  
and EGM Generation

Stephen (Steve) Rogers 

 EGM Business Energy (AU)

Alastair (James) Spence  Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

The only changes to KMP from the end of the reporting period up 
to the date of this Remuneration Report were the appointment of 
Philip St Baker and the resignation of Trevor St Baker as directors 
of the Company on 14 July 2017.

2. REMUNERATION GOVERNANCE
The Remuneration & Nomination Committee (Committee) ensures 
that the remuneration of directors and senior executives is consistent 
with market practice and is sufficient to ensure that the Company 
can attract, develop and retain the best individuals. The Committee 
reviews the remuneration of the MD & CEO and senior executives 
against the market, and against Group and individual performance. 
It also reviews non-executive directors’ fees against the market, with 
due regard to responsibilities and demands on time.

40

The Committee oversees governance procedures and policy  
on remuneration including:

 »

 »

 »

 »

general remuneration practices;

performance management;

equity plans and incentive schemes; and

recruitment and termination.

Through the Committee, the Board ensures that the Group’s 
remuneration philosophy and strategy continues to be focused to:

 »

 »

attract, develop and retain first class director and  
executive talent;

create a high performance culture by driving and  
rewarding executives for achievement of the Group’s  
strategy and business objectives; and

 »

link incentives to the creation of shareholder value.

In undertaking its role, the Committee may seek the advice of 
external remuneration consultants who provide analysis to ensure 
remuneration levels are set to reflect the market for comparable 
roles. In reviewing remuneration levels for FY2017, the Committee 
referred to the benchmarking analysis provided by Hay Group Pty 
Limited in May 2015. The process for reporting this information to 
the Committee was outlined in the FY2015 Remuneration Report. 

3. SENIOR EXECUTIVE REMUNERATION 
FRAMEWORK
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 value for shareholders, and conforms 
to market practice. The Board ensures that executive reward 
satisfies the following key criteria for good governance practices:

 »

 »

 »

competitiveness and reasonableness; 

acceptability to shareholders; 

performance linkage/alignment of executive  
remuneration; and

 »

transparency.

Remuneration and other terms of employment for the MD & 
CEO and the other senior executives are formalised in service 
agreements. Each of these agreements specifies the components 
of remuneration to which they are entitled and outlines base 
salary, the provision of incentives, other benefits including 
superannuation, salary continuance insurance and notice  
periods required on termination. 

ERM POWER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:

1. 

2. 

3. 

 base pay and benefits, including superannuation for 
Australian employees, or retirement contributions for  
US employees; 

short term and long term incentives; and 

other discretionary cash or equity based incentives.

In accordance with the objective of ensuring that executive 
remuneration is aligned to Group performance without encouraging 
undue risk taking, a significant portion of executive’s target pay 
is at risk. The Board considers this combination an effective way 
to align incentives to shareholder value (refer section 3.2). Short 
term incentives (STIs) are focused on achieving annual profit and 
operational targets, whilst long term incentives (LTIs) are focused 
on alignment with growth in shareholder returns assessed over a 
three-year period, as well as encouraging talent retention. 

3.1 Base salary and benefits
Remuneration is reviewed annually and external remuneration 
consultants are engaged periodically to provide analysis and 
advice to ensure executive remuneration is set at levels that reflect 
the market for comparable positions. The remuneration target 
is for a fixed remuneration level around the midpoint and a total 
remuneration close to or above the 75th percentile of comparator 
groups on achieving strong performance, with flexibility to take into 
account capability, experience and value to the organisation and 
performance of the individual. Remuneration is also reviewed on 
promotion or change of role. There are no guaranteed base salary 
increases included in executive service agreements.

For Australian employees, superannuation is included in fixed 
remuneration up to the maximum superannuation contribution 
base set by the relevant legislation, while the Company 
contributes to the basic safe harbor 401K retirement plan  
for the Group’s US employees.

3.2 Incentive schemes
Variable remuneration is in the form of short term and long term 
incentives (STIs and LTIs) which represent “at risk” remuneration. 
STIs are generally paid annually against agreed Key Performance 
Indicators (KPIs) which are focused on achieving profit and 
operational targets set by the Board annually. LTIs are designed 
to align the interests of the senior executives with the Company’s 
shareholders, being accrued over a three-year period and earned 
through satisfaction of both performance and service conditions.

STIs are paid in the form of cash or equity, or a combination of 
these. LTIs are paid in the form of equity.

The trading of equities which vest under incentive schemes 
is required to comply with the Company’s Securities Trading 
Policy. This policy 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 authorised by the Board.

For shareholders, benefits associated with the incentive schemes 
include:

 »

 »

focus on performance improvement at all levels of the Group, 
with year-on-year earnings growth a core component;

focus on sustained growth in shareholder wealth, consisting 
of share price growth, and delivering the greatest returns on 
assets; and

 »

the ability to attract and retain high calibre executives.

For employees, benefits associated with the incentive schemes 
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.

KPIs include both financial and non-financial measures using 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:

 »

 »

financial measures – including underlying net profit after tax 
(underlying NPAT), underlying earnings before interest, tax, 
depreciation, amortisation, impairment and net fair value 
gains/losses on financial instruments designated at fair value 
through profit and loss, excluding significant items (underlying 
EBITDAF), operating cash flow, etc.;

zero harm – safety and environment performance measures, 
including lost time injury frequency rates, medically treated 
injury frequency rates and environmental measures; and

 » market based – Total Shareholder Return (TSR), earnings  

per share, share price improvement, etc. 

Malus and Clawback
The Company has malus and clawback provisions whereby 
awards will lapse, be forfeit or a participant may be required to 
reimburse the Company all or part of the cash received as net 
proceeds on the sale of any award if, in the opinion of the Board:

 »

 »

 »

a participant is found to have acted fraudulently or dishonestly 
or is in material breach of obligations to the Group;

the Company becomes aware of a material misstatement  
or omission in the financial statements in relation to the 
Group; or

any circumstances occur that the Board determines in good 
faith to have resulted in an unfair benefit to the participant.

3.2.1 Short term incentives 
STIs are provided to most employees. The awarding of STIs 
is based on performance against KPIs or targets across three 
components; individual, team and corporate. Each of these 
components is allocated a weighting and include both targets 
and stretch targets that are set at the beginning of each financial 
year. The MD & CEO’s targets and the corporate targets are set 
by the Board, whilst the individual and team targets are set under 

41

ANNUAL REPORT 2017Early vesting may occur on a change of control of the Company 
or the Company’s US business, as relevant. A change of control 
for the Company is determined as 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. 

The following will apply to LTI awards on termination of employment.

Circumstance

Potential benefit/treatment

Death, serious injury, 
disability or serious illness 
that results in the employee 
leaving ERM Power “early”. 

All LTI units will vest.

Resignation or termination 
for cause.

Redundancy, retirement 
or termination by mutual 
agreement. 

All unvested LTI units will be forfeit.

The leaver will continue to be a 
participant in the LTI program for 
unvested LTIs. If the participant 
subsequently dies prior to vesting, the 
LTI units would immediately vest, per 
above (and subject to limits outlined 
in the Corporations Act 2001 as they 
relate to Termination Payments).

LTI issues made in the reporting period will vest subject to 
continuation of employment for the three-year performance 
period and total TSR performance. The TSR vesting condition will 
be determined by the Company’s relative TSR performance over 
the three-year period commencing 1 July, measured against the 
TSR performance of a comparator group being those companies 
in the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) ASX 300 index at the beginning 
of the performance period. At the end of the three-year period, 
vesting is determined on the following basis:

 »

Less than or equal to 50th percentile = 0%

 » Greater than 50th to less than the 75th percentile = 50%  

to 100% (linear)

 »

75th percentile and higher = 100%.

The performance hurdle will only be satisfied where the TSR value 
is positive, and if the TSR value is negative the underlying shares 
in the LTIST will not vest.

The Committee is responsible for assessing performance and the 
LTIs to be awarded. To assist in this assessment, the Committee 
receives detailed independent reports from Orient Capital Pty 
Ltd calculating the TSR performance and ranking against the 
comparator group.

REMUNERATION REPORT (CONT.)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2017

the direction of the MD & CEO. The Committee is responsible 
for determining the STI to be awarded based on an assessment 
of whether the KPIs are met. To assist in this assessment, the 
Committee receives detailed reports on performance from 
management. The Committee has the discretion to not  
award and to adjust STIs downwards in light of unexpected  
or unintended circumstances.

At the end of each financial year, achievement of targets is 
measured and applied against the target participation rate 
determined for each individual. These participation rates range 
between 10% and 40% of annual average base salary, with 
the potential to achieve up to 150% of these levels (i.e. 15% to 
60%) for employees other than the MD & CEO and CFO, whose 
maximum participation rate for the FY2017 STI was 150% and 
112.5% respectively. STI awards may be offered by way of cash 
and/or equity at the election of the Board. Any equity award 
normally vests immediately. 

The following apply to STI in the event of cessation of 
employment:

 »

 »

Termination (without cause) - entitlement to pro rata STI  
for the year is subject to Board discretion. 

Termination (with cause) - STI is not awarded.

3.2.2 Long term incentives
The provision of LTI awards exposes executive KMP to long-term 
movements in the price of the Company’s shares, by aligning the 
long-term interests of executives with shareholders through the 
use of a Total Shareholder Return (TSR) performance hurdle. This 
reflects the Company’s strategy of adopting a long-term approach 
to decision making and sustained value creation for shareholders.

For Australian employees, LTIs are provided to selected 
employees in the form of units in the Company’s Long Term 
Incentive Share Trust (LTIST) as established in 2010. The 
corresponding equity is issued into the LTIST and units may vest 
subject to satisfaction of performance and service conditions. 
During the vesting period, the units are held beneficially on 
behalf of the participants, and thus the participant enjoys many 
of the same benefits as the holder of ordinary shares; with 
entitlement to any dividends that may be awarded and the right 
to direct the trustee as to how to cast their vote at a meeting of 
members, although participants are not eligible for the Dividend 
Reinvestment Plan. These benefits form part of the employees’ 
total remuneration package and are taken into account during 
annual remuneration reviews.

For US employees, a “Phantom Equity Plan” has been 
established to emulate, as much as possible, the Australian 
LTIST plan, however no equity is actually issued. Instead, US 
participants are given an award of “phantom shares”, based on 
the relevant ASX:EPW market value of shares as at the grant 
date. The number of phantom shares will convert to a cash salary 
payment after the expiry of the performance period at which time 
the value to be paid is determined based on the market value 
of shares at the end of the performance period, with the same 
performance and service criteria as Australian participants. No 
dividends, dividend equivalent cash salary payments or voting 
rights are associated with the phantom shares.

42

ERM POWER4. FY2017 SENIOR EXECUTIVE 
REMUNERATION OUTCOMES AND  
THE LINK TO COMPANY PERFORMANCE

4.1 Senior executive remuneration mix
For FY2017, the remuneration for senior executives was reviewed 
in June 2016 in the context of the prior benchmarking report of 
May 2015. 

The fixed remuneration for the MD & CEO and the CFO was 
not increased, and had not been increased since their initial 
appointments on 2 February 2015 and 28 September 2015 
respectively, however:

 »

 »

the limit of 100% placed on the MD & CEO’s target STI 
opportunity at commencement of employment was aligned  
to the maximum opportunity of 150% of target which applies 
to other executive and employees of the Company; and 

the CFO’s STI and LTI target percentages were both 
increased to 75% from 50%. 

Consistent with the process for other employees, fixed 
remuneration was increased by CPI for most of the other senior 
executives; however a review of each individual’s experience, 
performance and change in roles and responsibilities resulted in 
some receiving a higher increase.

In recognition of the growing importance of Energy Solutions to 
the Company and its customers, the new position of EGM Energy 
Solutions was created during the period, with Megan Houghton 
joining the executive team on 21 November 2016. 

Table 4.1 sets out the current named senior executives’ target 
remuneration mix for FY2017. It reflects the STI opportunity 
available if the performance conditions were satisfied at target, 
and the value of the LTI as determined by the 10-day volume 
weighted average price (VWAP) of the Company’s shares as 
awarded at the beginning of the period. 

Table 4.1 – FY2017 Senior Executive Target Remuneration Mix

Base pay and 
superannuation 
or retirement 
benefit

Target 
short 
term 
incentive

Target 
long 
term 
incentive

Total target 
remuneration

37%

40%

36%

30%

27%

30%

100%

100%

57%

16%

27%

100%

MD & CEO

CFO

Other senior 
executives 

ERM Power aims to align senior executive remuneration 
to strategic and business objectives and the creation of 
shareholder wealth. There will not always be a direct correlation 
between the statutory key performance measures and total 
variable remuneration awarded to senior executives due to the 
remuneration mix (see Table 4.1), which consists of a mixed focus 
on annual profit, operational targets, people and engagement 
goals set by the Board, and the ranking of TSR performance 
against peers.

4.2 Short Term Incentives
ERM Power has a stated and agreed corporate strategy from 
which the company’s FY2017 Balanced Scorecard was derived. 
The scorecard has three dimensions:

1. 

2. 

3. 

people – engagement and enablement; 

financial and operational; and

strategic imperatives.

The below measures are assessed based on outcomes for 
FY2017 and an achievement % is allocated, with the achievement 
% scaled from a threshold of 80% of target against each 
measure. A 0% outcome is assigned if the achievement is  
below 80% of target and a maximum outcome of 150% of  
the base weighting is possible for target overachievement.

43

ANNUAL REPORT 2017REMUNERATION REPORT (CONT.)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2017

Table 4.2 – FY2017 Corporate Targets – Balanced Scorecard

Measure

Target

Weighting Achievement Outcome Commentary

People – engagement and enablement

Performance Management 

Improve by three points1

Learning & Development

Improve by two points1

10%

10%

69

60

15%

15%

 » Outcome reflects 

exceedance of target

Financial and Operational

Load AU & US

22.8TWh2

10%

22.3TWh2

5%

 » Outcome reflects under-

achievement against target

EBITDAF 

$69.2m2

20%

$78.4m2

30%

 » Result excludes residential 

Average adjusted net debt3 

($189)m

10%

($185)m

15%

sale proceeds

 » Outcome includes additional 
5% for facility switch to ANZ, 
increased Liberty limit and 
sleever replacement

Strategic Imperatives

Energy Solutions: Integrate 
and deliver on business 
strategies

Positioned to budget 
significant revenue increase 
for FY20184

10%

Target not 
fully met4

5%

 » Revenue uplift of 50%  

and positioned for growth

Energy Solutions: Establish 
business cases for new 
opportunities

US: Build, transform and 
deliver robust profitable 
growth

Two clear business cases

10%

Target over-
achieved

15%

 » Development of new 
revenue streams

Forward book growth  
at June 20174

10%

Target not 
fully met4

5%

 » Good growth but target  

not fully met

US: Build highly satisfied 
broker and customer bases

Ranked 4th or higher (ERCG 
broker satisfaction survey)

10%

Ranked 3rd

15%

 » Outcome reflects 

exceedance of target

Total

100%

120%

1.   Hay Group Employee Engagement and Enablement Survey, July 2015 and February 2017.

2.  Adjusted for discontinued business.

3.   Adjusted net debt incorporates guarantees posted, security deposits and marketable inventory on hand.

4.  Specific target commercially sensitive.

For senior executives, the awarding of STIs is weighted evenly based on performance against the individual’s targets and the corporate 
targets shown above, other than the MD & CEO whose STI is based on the corporate target alone. The table below provides details of 
the STI outcomes for current executive KMP in the reporting period and the comparatives for the FY2016 STI. 

Table 4.3 – STI Achievement

Jon Stretch

Mitch Anderson

Gregg Buskey

David Guiver

Megan Houghton2

Derek McKay

Steve Rogers

James Spence

FY2017 STI1

FY2016 STI1

Actual

120%

26%

39%

40%

36%

37%

35%

90%

Target

100%

30%

30%

30%

30%

30%

30%

75%

Maximum

Actual

150%

45%

45%

45%

45%

45%

45%

112.5%

0%

0%

0%

0%

N/A

0%

0%

0%

Target

100%

30%

30%

30%

N/A

30%

30%

50%

Maximum

100%

45%

45%

45%

N/A

45%

45%

50%

1.  Percentage of base salary, other than for James Spence, which is a percentage of fixed annual remuneration (base salary plus superannuation).

2.  Appointed 21 November 2016.

44

ERM POWER4.3 Long Term Incentives
The table below shows the Group’s financial performance over the last five financial years as required by the Corporations Act 2001, 
together with the proportion of performance-based LTI vesting metric which is designed to align the interests of senior executives to  
the Company’s shareholders. 

Table 4.4 – Shareholder Wealth Financial Data

Year ended 
30 June 2017

Year ended 
30 June 2016

Year ended 
30 June 2015

Year ended 
30 June 2014

Year ended 
30 June 2013

Actual

3,126.91

78.41

(1.1)

(26.3)1

(0.4)

(10.8)1

7.0

1.20

(18.4)

0.0

Actual

2,763.3

68.4

35.8

19.2

14.8

7.9

12.0

0.84

(51.2)

0.0

Actual

2,316.4

 81.5 

Actual

2,076.5

 67.9 

Actual

1,569.6

 63.9 

65.9

32.3

27.4

13.4

12.0

2.32

47.4

100.0

(23.9)

26.3

(10.6)

11.6

12.0

1.82

32.8

77.9

36.5

20.0

20.8

11.4

10.5

2.50

N/A

N/A

Revenue and other income

EBITDAF2

Statutory NPAT3 attributable  
to equity holders

Underlying NPAT4

($m)

($m)

($m)

($m)

Basic (loss) / earnings per share

(cents)

Underlying (loss) / earnings  
per share

Dividend per share 

Closing share price at 30 June

3 year Total Shareholder Return5

LTI vesting

(cents)

(cents)

($)

%

%

1.  Excludes discontinued operations.

2.   Earnings before net interest costs, tax, depreciation, amortisation, impairment and net fair value gains / losses on financial instruments designated at fair value 

through profit and loss. EBITDAF excludes any profit or loss from associates. 

3.  Statutory net profit after tax attributable to equity holders of the Company.

4.   Underlying NPAT excludes the after tax effect of unrealised mark to market changes in the fair value of financial instruments, impairment and gains / losses on 

onerous contracts and other significant items. Underlying NPAT excludes any profit or loss from associates.

5.  TSR outcomes are provided by an external supplier. The basic calculation of TSR is: 

TSR =

 (end average share price x re-investment factor) – 1 x 100

start average share price

 Average share prices are based on a 60 trading day volume weighted average price (VWAP). All share prices (and dividends) used are adjusted prices, which take 
into account the impact of any capital changes such as return of capital dividend, rights and bonus issues. The re-investment factor represents the cumulative 
number of shares held at the end of the performance period. It commences with a notional shareholding of one share and assumes dividends are reinvested 
during the performance period, resulting in a notional shareholding of greater than one share at the end of the performance period (assuming dividends are paid  
in the period). Franking credits are excluded from TSR calculations.

Table 6.2 details the LTI equity allocated, forfeited and vested to KMP in the reporting period. For accounting purposes, LTIs are shown 
at fair value as determined by the accounting standards and expensed over the performance period. 

 »

 »

 »

The LTI which was awarded in FY2014 for which the three-year performance period expired on 30 June 2016 was forfeited  
during the period. The three-year performance period had been significantly affected by the falls in the Company’s share price  
in October 2015 and June 2016. 

In August 2017 the Committee determined the FY2015 LTI for which the three-year performance period expired on 30 June 2017 
will also be forfeited, which result will be shown in FY2018 Remuneration Report.

LTI granted during the period – The FY2017 LTI target rate determined for each individual is based on a percentage of annual 
average salary, and for the reporting period it was based on awards of 75% for the MD & CEO as approved by shareholders  
at the 2016 AGM, 75% for the CFO and 50% for other executive KMP. 

45

ANNUAL REPORT 2017 
REMUNERATION REPORT (CONT.)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2017

5. NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ FEES
Fees are determined by the demands on, and responsibilities of 
directors and are reviewed annually by the Board. Independent 
advice may be sought from remuneration consultants to ensure 
directors’ fees are appropriate and in line with the market. The 
last review of fees was conducted in May 2015. Non-executive 
directors’ fees are determined within an aggregate fee pool limit 
of $1,100,000, an amount approved by shareholders at the 
Annual General Meeting held on 31 October 2013. Any director 
who devotes special attention to the business of the Company, 
or who otherwise performs services which in the opinion of the 
directors are outside the scope of the ordinary duties of a director, 
or who at the request of the directors engage in any journey on 
the business of the Company, may be paid extra remuneration 
as determined by the directors which will not form part of the 
aggregate fee pool limit above. Non-executive directors do not 
receive any performance-related remuneration or retirement 
allowances outside of statutory superannuation entitlements.

Fees received by each non-executive director comprise a base fee 
together with additional fees dependent on the various offices they 
hold as set out in Table 5.1, with superannuation contributions made 
at the rates and limits prescribed from time to time by legislation.

Table 5.1

Non-executive Director Fees  
(excluding superannuation)

Chair

Non-executive directors 

FY2017 
$

FY2016 
$

190,000

190,000

108,000

108,000

Deputy Chair (in addition to above fee)

30,000

30,000

Additional fees 

Strategy Lead

Audit & Risk Committee – chair

Audit & Risk Committee – member 

Remuneration & Nomination  
Committee* – chair

Remuneration & Nomination  
Committee* – member 

Representation on non-wholly  
owned subsidiary Boards

25,000

20,000

10,000

25,000

20,000

10,000

10,000

10,000

5,000

25,000 
each

5,000

25,000 
each

* 

 The Remuneration and Nomination Committees were combined on  
25 October 2016. The Nomination Committee previously attracted no fees.

Although there were no increases in base or additional fees for 
FY2017, the change from the prior year in individual directors’ 
cash salary and fees reflect the change in committee composition 
on the resignation of Martin Greenberg. On 26 October 2016 
Tony Iannello assumed the chair of the Audit & Risk Committee, 
whilst Tony Bellas assumed the chair vacated by Tony Iannello on 
the Remuneration & Nomination Committee. 

The accounting value of fees paid to each non-executive director 
is shown in Table 5.2.

Table 5.2

Tony Bellas

Trevor St Baker

Albert Goller2

Martin Greenberg3

Georganne Hodges4

Tony Iannello

Wayne St Baker5

Total 

Short-term benefits

Post-employment benefits

Cash salary  
and fees 
$

 208,413 

 205,000 

191,413

188,000

123,000

123,000

42,750

133,000

87,257

–

131,413

128,000

108,000

36,000

892,246

813,000

Non-monetary 
benefits1 
$

8,795

8,848

13,243

14,487

–

1,080

–

–

1,800

–

1,080

–

–

–

24,918

24,415

FY

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

Superannuation 
entitlement 
$

19,799

 19,308 

18,184

16,554

11,685

11,685

4,061

12,635

934

–

12,484

12,160

10,260

3,420

77,407

75,762

Total  
remuneration  
per income statement 
$

237,007

233,156

222,840

219,041

134,685

135,765

46,811

145,635

89,991

–

144,977

140,160

118,260

39,420

994,571

913,177

1.   Non-monetary benefits include foreign tax advice, health assessments, car parking benefits and associated FBT related items.

2.  Appointed 1 January 2015.

3.  Resigned 26 October 2016.

4.  Appointed 26 October 2016.

5.  Appointed 1 March 2016. 

46

ERM POWER.
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47

ANNUAL REPORT 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REMUNERATION REPORT (CONT.)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2017

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49

ANNUAL REPORT 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REMUNERATION REPORT (CONT.)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2017

Notes for Table 6.1:

Notes for Table 6.2:

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

 Transferred to US on 1 February 2015 with relocation expenses met by the 
Group. Existing LTI awards will continue to be expensed in Australia, whilst 
new LTI awards under the Phantom Equity Plan and other remuneration 
is expensed and paid in US$. Australian entitlement to LSL was reversed 
in FY2016. Executive remuneration is reported in A$ using the average 
exchange rates of A$1=US$0.7545 for FY2017, and A$1=US$0.7283  
for FY2016. 

 Ceased as KMP (Group General Counsel & Company Secretary) on  
1 October 2015. Only the compensation related to the services rendered 
whilst a KMP is disclosed.

 Ceased as KMP (CFO) on 28 September 2015. Only the compensation 
related to the services rendered whilst a KMP is disclosed.

 Each senior executive is employed under an on-going employment 
contract, for which the termination benefits are payable at the option of 
the Company in lieu of notice. The notice periods (by the employee or the 
Company) in respect of each of the executives listed is 6 months, however 
for Jon Stretch the Company has an additional right of termination in 
certain circumstances by providing 3 months’ written notice.

 Non-monetary benefits include salary continuance insurance premiums 
paid for Australian employees, health insurance coverage for US residents, 
executive health assessments, use of company vehicle, car parking and 
other benefits associated with FBT.

 Other benefits include cashed out annual leave, one-off relocation 
expenses in regards to international relocations, and professional tax 
advice in respect of changes in residency.

 Jon Stretch’s FY2015 STI payment by way of equity was expensed at fair 
value as required under AASB2 in FY2016 after shareholder approval at the 
2015 AGM.

 Australian superannuation entitlements and US 401K retirement plan 
contributions.

 Other equity benefits refer to the accounting expense of retention and 
commencement awards which will vest subject to service conditions.

10.   The amounts shown are as expensed in the income statement but which 

may not reflect the benefit actually received by the executive in that year. In 
accordance with AASB2, equity benefits include a portion of the value of 
equity that has not vested during the financial year as well as the present 
value of expected dividends over the vesting period. The amount included 
as remuneration does not necessarily reflect the benefit (if any) that may 
ultimately be realised by the executive if vesting occurs. Supplementary 
Information is provided to reflect the value of vested remuneration actually 
received by the executive in that year, with equity values based on the fair 
value as at the date of grant.

11.   STIs awarded during the period for prior year performance. Awards made 

in cash (“c”) or equity (“e”).

1.  There have been no alterations in terms or conditions since grant date.

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

 Performance rights awarded as per contractual arrangements agreed 
on commencement of employment, advised to the ASX at the time and 
approved by shareholders at the 2015 AGM. Vesting on 4 July 2016 and 
satisfied at the Board’s discretion in equity, at a value based on the number 
of Performance Rights held, multiplied by the higher of either the notional 
issue price, or the 10 day VWAP prior to the date of vesting, giving a 
minimum value of $600,000.

 LTI FY2015 vesting was subject to continuation of employment 
through to 30 June 2017 and TSR performance measured against 
the TSR performance of a comparator group being those companies 
in the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) ASX 300 index at the beginning of the 
performance period. On 17 August 2017 the Committee determined that 
the TSR vesting conditions required at the date of grant had not been met, 
and the LTI FY2015 awards were forfeited by all participants.

 LTI FY2016 vesting is subject to continuation of employment through  
to 30 June 2018 and TSR performance measured against the TSR 
performance of a comparator group being those companies in the 
Standard & Poor’s (S&P) ASX 300 index at the beginning of the 
performance period.

 LTI FY2017 vesting is subject to continuation of employment through  
to 30 June 2019 and TSR performance measured against the TSR 
performance of a comparator group being those companies in the 
Standard & Poor’s (S&P) ASX 300 index at the beginning of the 
performance period.

 LTI FY2014 TSR was determined to be -51.2%, which in accordance with 
the vesting conditions resulted in 100% of the LTI FY2014 being forfeited.

 Performance Rights granted under an employee retention strategy, subject 
to a 5 year vesting period and satisfied, at the Board’s discretion, in cash 
or shares, subject to continuous full-time employment with the Company. 
The vesting value will be the number of Performance Rights held, multiplied 
by the higher of either the notional issue price, or the 10 day VWAP prior to 
the date of vesting.

 Commencement award of $200,000 of units in the Long Term Incentive 
Share Trust. Vesting subject to continued employment to each vesting date. 
50% to vest in November 2017 with the balance to vest in November 2018. 
Fair value as determined by AASB2 and expensed over the vesting period.

 Commencement award of $100,000 of units in the Long Term Incentive 
Share Trust. Vesting subject to continued employment to each vesting 
date. 50% vested on the first anniversary of the commencement date, 
and the remaining 50% are to vest on the second anniversary of the 
commencement date. Fair value as determined by AASB2 and expensed 
over the vesting period. Fair value at Grant Date corrected from that 
reported in the FY2016 Remuneration Report. 

10.   The maximum value yet to vest for Australian awards has been determined 
as the amount of fair value as at grant date that is yet to be expensed in a 
future accounting period. The maximum value yet to vest for the US award 
has been determined as the amount that may be expensed in a future 
accounting period based on the closing share price and exchange rate 
as at 30 June 2017. The minimum value yet to vest is nil, as equity will be 
forfeited if the vesting conditions are not met.

50

ERM POWER7. OTHER REMUNERATION DISCLOSURES

7.1 Details of shares, options and rights

Unissued shares
As at the date of this report, there were 1,142,070 options on issue, exercisable into fully paid ordinary shares. The options do not carry 
any entitlement to participate in any share issue of the Company. 

Expiry date 
1 November 2017 

Quantity 
899,364 

Exercise price
275 cents

8 November 2017 

242,706 

275 cents

No shares were issued during the year on the exercise of any options.

The number of shares and options held at the date of this report by each director of the Company are disclosed in Section 12 of the 
Directors’ Report. 

No options were granted to directors or any of the five highest remunerated officers of the Group during the reporting period or since 
the end of FY2017. 

Rights and Option Holdings
The numbers of options or rights over ordinary shares in the Company granted under executive incentive schemes that were held during 
the financial year by each disclosed executive of the Group, including their related parties, are set out below:

Table 7.1 – Executive rights and option holdings

Balance at the start of the year

Vested and 
exercisable

Unvested

Granted as 
compensation

Jon Stretch1

Mitch Anderson

Gregg Buskey

David Guiver

Megan Houghton

Derek McKay

Steve Rogers

James Spence

 – 

 383,216 

 106,364 

 61,634 

 55,228 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 92,285 

 – 

 106,364 

 140,057 

 45,410 

 140,057 

 – 

 – 

1.  Performance Rights approved by shareholders at the 2015 AGM.

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

Options 
Exercised

 (383,216)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

Appointment or 
cessation  
as KMP

Balance at the end of the year

Vested and 
exercisable

Unvested

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 106,364 

 61,634 

 55,228 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 92,285 

 – 

 106,364 

 140,057 

 45,410 

 140,057 

 – 

 – 

The numbers of shares in the Company held during the financial year by each director and other disclosed executives of the Group, 
including their related parties, are set out in the tables below:

Table 7.2 – Non-executive director’s share holdings

Non-executive directors1

Tony Bellas

Trevor St Baker

Albert Goller

Martin Greenberg2

Georganne Hodges2

Tony Iannello

Wayne St Baker

Balance at 
the start of 
the year

Appointment 
or cessation  
as KMP

Other 
Changes3

Balance at 
the end of  
the year

 106,250 

 63,516,907 

 270,000 

–

–

–

 571,794 

 (571,794)

 – 

 202,839 

 1,685,290 

–

–

–

 – 

 106,250 

 (20,000)

 63,496,907 

 – 

–

 – 

 – 

 270,000 

 – 

 – 

 202,839 

 (60,000)

 1,625,290 

1.  No shares were held nominally other than by Trevor St Baker for which the balances above include 3,075,242.

2.  Georganne was appointed and Martin resigned on 26 October 2016.

3.  On and off market movements, dividend reinvestment plan etc. 

51

ANNUAL REPORT 2017REMUNERATION REPORT (CONT.)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2017

Table 7.3 – Executive’s share holdings

Balance at the  
start of the year

Executives1

Vested Unvested

Received on 
vesting of 
performance 
rights

Granted as 
compensation

Forfeit

Appointment 
or cessation  
as KMP

Other 
Changes3

Balance at the  
end of the year

Vested

Unvested

Jon Stretch

396,654 

 394,037 

 655,525 

 633,361 

 – 

Mitch Anderson

1,504,255 

 193,309 

Gregg Buskey

142,414 

 211,508 

David Guiver

180,227 

 162,139 

Megan Houghton2

– 

 – 

Derek McKay

456,589 

 264,888 

Steve Rogers

152,364 

 161,306 

James Spence

82,792 

 134,838 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (66,626)

 197,490 

 (44,913)

 205,606 

 (31,515)

 175,362 

 – 

 242,190 

 (56,549)

 198,661 

 (30,682)

 405,801 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 –   1,052,179 

 1,027,398 

 (164,435)  1,339,820 

 126,683 

 2 

 142,416 

 364,085 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 180,227 

 336,230 

 – 

 175,362 

 456,589 

 450,529 

 152,364 

 329,285 

 112,750 

 218,992 

 517,189 

1.  No equity was held nominally by the named executives.   

2.  Appointed on 21 November 2016. 

3.  On and off market movements, dividend reinvestment plan etc.

7.2 Loans to KMP
Details of loans made to KMP or close members of the family of a member of the KMP, or an entity over which the KMP has control or 
significant influence, are set out below: 

Aggregate amounts 

FY 2017

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 
$

47,998

2,407

–

40,679

1

The above loan represents an employee shareholder loan that was offered to certain senior executives in 2007 and 2008 to participate 
in a share loan incentive plan which enabled them to subscribe for shares. The loan is subject to a loan deed and is interest bearing at 
the FBT benchmark rates with recourse limited to the value of the shares. The loan is repayable in the event of cessation of employment 
or otherwise ten years from the date of advance. 

The amount shown for interest not charged in the table above represents the difference between the amount paid and payable for the 
year and the amount of interest that would have been charged on an arm’s-length basis.

No loans were made, guaranteed or secured, nor remain outstanding in the reporting period to any KMP or close member of the family 
of any KMP for an amount greater than $100,000.

No write-downs or allowances for doubtful receivables have been recognised in relation to any loans made to KMP.

7.3 Other transactions with KMP
During the period the Company entered into certain transactions with KMP or their related entities as outlined in note 35 of the Financial 
Statements. The Board is satisfied that those transactions:

 » were on terms and conditions no more favourable than those that would have been adopted if dealing at arm’s-length with an 

unrelated person, 

 »

did not have the potential to affect adversely decisions about the allocation of scarce resources made by users of the financial 
statements, or the discharge of accountability by the KMP, or

 » were trivial or domestic in nature.

7.4 Voting and comments received at the 2016 Annual General Meeting
The Company responded to queries regarding the operation of its incentive plans at the AGM and the FY2016 Remuneration Report 
was approved by shareholders receiving more than 97% of “yes” votes when put to a poll. 

52

ERM POWER 
 
ERM POWER LIMITED 
ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2017

CONTENTS 

Auditor’s 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 

54

55

56

57

58

59

60

125

126

The financial statements were authorised for issue by the directors on 24 August 2017. 
The directors have the power to amend and reissue the financial statements. 

These financial statements cover ERM Power Limited as a consolidated entity 
comprising ERM Power Limited and its controlled entities. 

The Group’s presentation currency is Australian dollars (AUD). All subsidiaries 
operating in Australia have a functional currency of AUD and all subsidiaries 
operating in the United States have a functional currency of US Dollars (USD).  
ERM Power Limited is a company limited by shares, incorporated and domiciled  
in Australia. Its registered office and principal place of business is set out on  
page 120.

A description 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 37 to 39. 
The Directors’ Report does not form part of the annual financial statements.

ABN 28 122 259 223

53

 
ERM POWER LIMITED
AUDITORS’ INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2017

Auditor’s Independence Declaration

As lead auditor for the audit of ERM Power Limited for the year ended 30 June 2017, I declare that to
the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been:

(a)

no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in
relation to the audit; and

(b)

no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit.

This declaration is in respect of ERM Power Limited and the entities it controlled during the period.

Michael Shewan
Partner
PricewaterhouseCoopers

Brisbane
24 August 2017

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757
480 Queen Street, BRISBANE QLD 4000, GPO Box 150, BRISBANE QLD 4001
T: +61 7 3257 5000, F: +61 7 3257 5999, www.pwc.com.au

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

54

ERM POWERERM POWER LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2017

CONTINUING OPERATIONS

Revenue

Other income

Total revenue

Expenses

Sale of equity accounted investment

Provision for onerous contract

EBITDAF

Depreciation and amortisation

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

Results from operating activities

Share of net (loss) / profit of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method

Finance income

Finance expense

Profit before income tax

Income tax expense

Profit from continuing operations

6

7

7

8

(Loss) / profit from discontinued operation (attributable to equity holders of the Company) 

31

Statutory (loss) / profit for the year attributable to equity holders of the Company

Statutory earnings per share based on continuing operations attributable to the 
ordinary equity holders of the Company

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Statutory (loss) / earnings per share based on earnings attributable to the ordinary 
equity holders of the Company

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

1

1

1

1

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 3 together  
with a reconciliation between statutory profit attributable to members of the parent entity and underlying profit. 

Note

2017 
$’000

2016 
$’000

4

3,126,087

2,690,252

819

807

3,126,906

2,691,059

5

(3,048,553)

(2,620,489)

–

–

78,353

(37,753)

37,080

77,680

(298)

3,611

(29,259)

51,734

(51,675)

59

(1,132)

(1,073)

Cents

0.02

0.02

Cents

(0.44)

(0.43)

(3,422)

(1,898)

65,250

(24,810)

39,483

79,923

402

4,281

(27,639)

56,967

(21,965)

35,002

807

35,809

Cents

14.49

14.30

Cents

14.82

14.63

55

ANNUAL REPORT 2017ERM POWER LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2017

Statutory (loss) / profit for the year

Other comprehensive income / (loss) 

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit and loss

Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges (net of tax)

Exchange differences on translation of foreign subsidiaries 

Other comprehensive income arising from discontinued operations

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit and loss

Changes in the fair value of financial assets at fair value through  
other comprehensive income (net of tax)

Other comprehensive income for the year attributable to  
equity holders of the Company, net of tax

Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to equity  
holders of the Company

Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to equity  
holders of the Company arises from:

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Note

2017 
$’000

(1,073)

2016 
$’000

35,809

27

27

3

27

116,574

137,193

(1,137)

(205)

1,569

–

(142)

(334)

115,090

138,428

114,017

174,237

115,354

173,430

31

(1,337)

807

114,017

174,237

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

56

ERM POWERERM POWER LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 30 JUNE 2017

Note

2017 
$’000

2016 
$’000

ASSETS 
Current Assets

Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables at amortised cost
Inventories
Current tax assets
Other assets
Derivative financial instruments
Total Current Assets 
Non-Current Assets

Trade and other receivables at amortised cost
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income
Investments accounted for using the equity method
Derivative financial instruments
Property, plant and equipment
Deferred tax assets
Intangible assets
Leased assets
Total Non-Current Assets 
TOTAL ASSETS
LIABILITIES 
Current Liabilities

Trade and other payables
Current tax liabilities
Borrowings
Borrowings – limited recourse 
Lease liabilities
Derivative financial instruments
Provisions
Total Current Liabilities 
Non-Current Liabilities

Borrowings – limited recourse 
Lease liabilities
Derivative financial instruments
Deferred tax liabilities
Provisions
Total Non-Current Liabilities
TOTAL LIABILITIES
NET ASSETS
EQUITY

Contributed equity
Reserves
Retained earnings
TOTAL EQUITY

24
10
11

13

10
12
29(c)/(d)
13
15
21
16
18

19

25
25
18
13
20

25
18
13
21
20

26
27

244,616
360,947
42,257
–
6,180
325,161
979,161

–
15
6,702
81,445
391,386
13,850
89,378
14,381
597,157
1,576,318

464,314
18,088
–
8,264
3,605
33,889
14,811
542,971

180,653
18,375
67,453
178,380
22,606
467,467
1,010,438
565,880

335,012
220,877
9,991
565,880

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

192,467
330,596
22,082
94
5,333
158,698
709,270

32
150
1,500
51,429
391,266
6,036
79,041
–
529,454
1,238,724

367,043
–
27,861
9,332
–
6,838
10,999
422,073

184,305
–
44,599
99,917
16,427
345,248
767,321
471,403

332,355
103,413
35,635
471,403

57

ANNUAL REPORT 2017ERM POWER LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2017

Balance at 1 July 2015

Profit for the period

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the year

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

Dividends paid

Issue of shares pursuant to employee incentive scheme

Purchase of treasury shares

Share based payment expense

Sale of financial assets (net of tax)

Balance at 30 June 2016

Contributed 
equity 
$’000

Note

Reserves 
$’000

326,816

(42,391)

–

–

–

–

138,428

138,428

Retained 
earnings 
$’000

35,291

35,809

Total 
equity 
$’000

319,716

35,809

–

138,428

35,809

174,237

2

26/27

26

33

1,479

7,718

(3,658)

–

–

–

(29,367)

(27,888)

(1,287) 

–

2,565

6,098

–

–

–

(6,098)

6,431

(3,658) 

2,565

–

332,355

103,413

35,635

471,403

Impact of change in accounting policy

38

Loss for the period

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the year

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

Dividends paid

Issue of shares pursuant to employee incentive scheme

Purchase of treasury shares

Share based payment expense

Balance at 30 June 2017

2

26/27

26

33

–

–

–

–

–

–

115,090

115,090

(732)

(1,073)

(732)

(1,073)

–

115,090

(1,805)

113,285

1,301

5,909

(4,553)

(1,153)

–

–

3,527

–

(23,839)

(22,538)

–

–

–

4,756

(4,553)

3,527

335,012

220,877

9,991

565,880

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

58

ERM POWERERM POWER LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2017

Cash flows from operating activities 

Receipts from customers 

Payments to suppliers and employees 

Transfer from broker margin account

Interest received

Income tax paid

Note

2017 
$‘000

2016 
$‘000

3,488,152

2,986,028

(3,394,711)

(2,929,978)

69,181

3,475

(14,405)

60,412

3,474

(22)

Net cash flows from operating activities

9

151,692

119,914

Cash flows from investing activities

Payments for plant and equipment

Payments for intangible assets

Proceeds on disposal of gas assets

Purchase of shares in non-listed companies

Proceeds on sale of discontinued operations

Sale of share investments

Payment for acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired

30

(16,084)

(24,302)

14,921

(5,500)

11,183

–

–

(8,263)

(18,045)

–

(1,500)

–

11,849

(7,870)

Net cash flows used in investing activities

(19,782)

(23,829)

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from borrowings including receivables financing facility

Repayments of borrowings including receivables financing facility

Repayments of borrowings – limited recourse

Lease repayments – principle

Lease repayments – interest

Finance costs – other

Dividends paid

Net cash flows used in financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

478,665

2,749,935

(496,026)

(2,765,720)

(6,332)

(3,201)

(879)

(28,720)

(22,538)

(79,031)

(5,912)

–

–

(26,910)

(27,888)

(76,495)

52,879

19,590

192,467

172,836

(730)

41

2

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

24

244,616

192,467

The above Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

59

ANNUAL REPORT 2017 
ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SECTION 1: 
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

EARNINGS PER SHARE

1. 
2.  DIVIDENDS PAID AND PROPOSED
3.  SEGMENT REPORT
4.  REVENUE
5. 
6. 

EXPENSES
 NET FAIR VALUE GAIN ON FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 
DESIGNATED AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT  
AND LOSS 

7.  NET FINANCE EXPENSE
8. 
9.  RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING CASH FLOWS

INCOME TAX

SECTION 2:
OPERATING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

10.  TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES  

11. 
12. 

AT AMORTISED COST
INVENTORIES
 FINANCIAL ASSETS AT FAIR VALUE  
THROUGH OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

INTANGIBLE ASSETS 
IMPAIRMENT OF NON-FINANCIAL ASSETS

13.  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 
14.  HEDGE ACCOUNTING
15.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
16. 
17. 
18.  LEASE ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
19.  TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES
20.  PROVISIONS 
21.  DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

SECTION 3:
CAPITAL AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

22.  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
23.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
24.  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
25.  BORROWINGS
26.  CONTRIBUTED EQUITY
27.  RESERVES

SECTION 4:
GROUP STRUCTURE

INTERESTS IN OTHER ENTITIES

28.  PARENT ENTITY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
29. 
30.  BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
31.  DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

SECTION 5:
EMPLOYEE REMUNERATION

32.  KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL 
33.  SHARE BASED PAYMENTS

SECTION 6:
OTHER DISCLOSURE ITEMS

34.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
35.  RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
36.  AUDITORS’ REMUNERATION
37.  EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD
38.  BASIS OF PREPARATION 

Definitions
The directors believe that EBITDAF, underlying EBITDAF and underlying NPAT provide the most meaningful indicators of the Group’s 
underlying business performance. The directors utilise underlying NPAT as a measure to assess the performance of the segments. 

These earnings measures are referenced throughout the notes to the financial statements. A reconciliation to statutory earnings is 
provided in note 3. 

Underlying NPAT is statutory net profit after tax attributable to equity holders of the Company after excluding the after tax effect of 
unrealised mark to market (MTM) changes in the fair value of financial instruments, impairment and gains / losses on onerous contracts 
and other significant items. Underlying NPAT excludes any profit or loss from associates.

Significant items adjusted in deriving underlying NPAT are material items of revenue or expense that are unrelated to the underlying 
performance of the Group. 

All profit measures refer to continuing operations of the Group unless otherwise stated. 

60

ERM POWER 
ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 1: FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

1.  EARNINGS PER SHARE 

Basic (loss) / earnings per share

From continuing operations attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the Company 

From discontinued operation

Total basic (loss) / earnings per share attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the Company

Diluted (loss) / earnings per share

From continuing operations attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the Company 

From discontinued operation

Total diluted (loss) / earnings per share attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the Company

Consolidated

2017

2016

Cents per share

0.02

(0.46)

(0.44)

0.02

(0.45)

(0.43)

14.49

0.33

14.82

14.30

0.33

14.63

Underlying (loss) / earnings per share

From continuing operations attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the Company

(10.77)

7.61

Weighted average number used in calculating basic and underlying earnings per share

Weighted average number used in calculating diluted earnings per share

Statutory profit attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the Company from  
continuing operations

Underlying (loss) / profit attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the Company  
from continuing operations

Number of shares ‘000

244,161

241,601

251,323

244,806

$’000

59

35,002

(26,291)

18,382

Calculation methodology
Basic earnings per share and underlying earnings per share are calculated by dividing the profit measure attributable to owners of the 
Company, by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the financial year and excluding treasury shares.

Diluted earnings per share are calculated the same way as basic earnings per share including the weighted average number of 
additional ordinary shares that would have been outstanding assuming the conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares.

Options granted are considered to be potential ordinary shares and taken into account in the determination of diluted earnings per 
share. They are not included in the determination of basic earnings per share.

61

ANNUAL REPORT 2017 
 
 
ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 1: FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

2.  DIVIDENDS PAID AND PROPOSED

2016 Final dividend paid

2017 Interim dividend paid

2017 Final dividend proposed

Cents  
per share

Total amount 
$’000

Franking 
percentage

Date of  
payment

6.0

3.5

3.5

15,014

8,825

8,845

0%

6 October 2016

100%

6 April 2017

100% 10 October 2017

The final dividend proposed is subject to variations in the number of shares up to record date. This dividend has not been recognised as 
a liability as at 30 June 2017 and will be recognised in subsequent consolidated financial statements.

Franking credits available at 30 June 2017 are $10.9m (2016: $0.3m). 

62

ERM POWERERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 1: FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

6
1
0
2

7
1
0
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6
1
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6
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7
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63

ANNUAL REPORT 2017 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 1: FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

3.  SEGMENT REPORT (CONT.)

$’000

Statutory (loss) / profit after tax attributable to equity holders of the Company 

Adjusted for the following items:

2017

(1,073)

2016

35,809

Net unrealised change in fair value of financial instruments designated at fair value through 
profit or loss after tax

(26,648)

(27,258)

Share of net loss / (profit) of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method

(Loss) / profit from discontinued operation (attributable to equity holders of the company) 

298

1,132

Other significant items

New business identification, integration and establishment costs

Unrealised foreign exchange loss

Staff rationalisation costs

Effective interest revenue on associate loan

Loss on sale of associate

Provision for onerous contract

Financing establishment costs

Wholesale counterparty default

Tax effect on non–deductible acquisition costs

De-recognition of capital loss deferred tax asset

Tax benefit on other significant items

Underlying NPAT all segments

(402)

(807)

915

501

2,366

(965)

3,422

1,898

370

363

317

4,538

(2,685)

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

(v)

(vi)

(vii)

(viii)

(ix)

(x)

(xi)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(26,291)

18,382

(i)  Costs incurred in respect of identifying, establishing and integrating new businesses started and new companies acquired.

(ii)  Unrealised foreign exchange losses on funds held in US dollar and EURO bank accounts.

(iii)  Costs associated with rationalisation of staff.

(iv)  Recognition of Empire Oil & Gas NL shares (Empire) loan at present value and interest revenue unwind. 

(v)  Loss on the sale of share interests in Empire.

(vi)  Impairment of the contract to sublease office space.

(vii)  Costs incurred for the establishment of the unsecured senior bank guarantee facility with Liberty International Underwriters Singapore.

(viii) Default by a wholesale counterparty that went into administration. 

(ix)  Tax impact of non-deductible acquisition costs for Source in FY2015.

(x)  Derecognition of deferred tax asset upon sale of Metgasco Limited and Empire shares.

(xi)  Tax effect of the above other significant items.

64

ERM POWERERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 1: FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

3.  SEGMENT REPORT (CONT.)

Business 
Energy 
Australia

Business 
Energy  
US

Generation 
Assets

Other

Total

2017

 2016

2017

 2016

2017

 2016

2017

 2016

2017

 2016

$’000

Assets

Total segment assets 899,581

644,124

145,413

91,983

429,303

425,660

88,171

70,921 1,562,468 1,232,688

Deferred tax assets

Total assets

Liabilities

Total segment 
liabilities 

Current and deferred 
tax liabilities

Total liabilities

13,850

6,036

1,576,318 1,238,724

405,829

333,856

143,576

70,350

230,464

247,661

34,101

15,537

813,970

667,404

196,468

99,917

1,010,438

767,321

Segment description
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 segments 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.

Management has determined the operating segments based on reports reviewed by the Managing Director who is the chief operating 
decision maker for the Consolidated Entity. The Managing Director regularly receives financial information on the underlying profit of 
each operating segment so as to assess the ongoing performance of each segment and to enable a relevant comparison to budget  
and forecast underlying profit.

Business segments:

Products and services:

Business Energy Australia

Electricity sales to business customers in Australia 

Business Energy US

Electricity sales to business and residential customers in the United States of America

Generation Assets

Gas-fired power generation assets and delivery of power generation solutions, from the initial concept 
through to development and operations

Other 

Gas, Metering, Data Analytics, Lighting Solutions and Corporate 

The total of non-current assets other than financial instruments and deferred tax assets, broken down by location of the assets is 
$440m for Australia (2016: $442m) and $60.9m for the United States (2016: $50.3m).

Segment assets and liabilities are measured in the same way as in the financial statements. Both assets and liabilities are allocated 
based on the operations of the segment and the physical location of the asset. The Group’s current and deferred tax balances are  
not considered to be a part of a specific segment but are managed by the Group’s central corporate function.

All revenue from generation assets and other operations is earned in Australia.

65

ANNUAL REPORT 2017ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 1: FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

4.  REVENUE
Revenue is recognised when performance obligations under relevant customer contracts are completed. Performance obligations  
may be completed at a point in time or over time. 

In the following table revenue is disaggregated by major product or service line and by timing of revenue recognition. Revenue 
recognised in the Business Energy US segment is entirely generated within the US market whilst revenue recognised in all other 
segments is generated in Australia. 

No single customer amounts to 10% or more of the consolidated entity’s total external revenue for either the current or comparative period.

As noted in Note 38(i) the Consolidated Entity has elected to early adopt AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers.

Business 
Energy 
Australia

Business 
Energy  
US

Generation 
Assets

Other

Total

$’000

2017

 2016

2017

 2016

2017

 2016

2017

 2016

2017

 2016

Major product / 
service lines

Sale of electricity

2,495,553 2,206,384

336,675

161,198

–

–

Electricity generation

–

–

152,234

222,137

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

99,026

87,208

30,241

5,475

–

–

–

–

–

–

2,832,228 2,367,582

99,026

87,208

182,475

227,612

–

264

–

7,548

282

785

2,139

3,143

1,622

3,204

1,182

39

7,548

1,049

3,761

3,204

1,464

3,182

2,647,787 2,428,521

336,675

161,198

131,670

96,108

9,955

4,425

3,126,087 2,690,252

152,234  222,137

–

–

131,670

96,108

7,238

3,350

291,142

321,595

2,495,553 2,206,384

336,675

161,198

–

–

2,717

1,075

2,834,945 2,368,657

2,647,787  2,428,521

336,675

161,198

131,670

96,108

9,955

4,425

3,126,087  2,690,252

Commodity  
product sales 

Energy solutions 
products and 
services

Consulting fees

Other revenue

Timing of revenue 
recognition

Recognised at  
a point in time

Recognised  
over time

66

ERM POWERERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 1: FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

4.  REVENUE (CONT.)

Recognition and measurement

Sale of electricity

i) 
Revenue is recognised at the amount of consideration to which the Group is entitled, excluding amounts collected on behalf of third 
parties (i.e. duties and sales taxes). Using the practical expedient, the Group recognises revenue in respect to electricity sales over 
time as there is a right to invoice when the customers have consumed the performance obligation of electricity supply. Electricity 
sales revenue from customer sales contracts is recognised on measurement of electrical consumption (KWh) at the metering point, 
as specified in each contractual agreement, and is billed monthly in arrears. The transaction price is the contracted price for the 
electricity consumed during the period. When the consideration receivable is subject to variability, such as prompt payment discount or 
estimated meter reads, an assessment is performed to determine whether it is highly probable that the receivables or accrued income 
will be received. At each balance date, sales and receivables include an amount of sales delivered to customers but not yet billed and 
recognised as accrued income. 

Electricity generation

ii) 
Electricity generation revenue is recognised from the generation of electricity at the point when the electricity has been supplied or the 
off-take performance obligation has been met and there will not be a significant reversal of revenue. Revenue received from off-take 
agreements provides a fixed revenue stream for the respective power station. Revenue on these contracts is recognised on a daily  
basis over the contract term. The transaction price is the contracted price for the electricity generated and sold during the period.  
At each balance date, sales and receivables include an amount of revenue for which performance obligations have been met under 
the respective contracts but have not yet settled. These amounts are recognised as accrued income. ERM Power has elected to  
apply the practical expedient available under AASB 15 to not disclose any future unsatisfied performance obligations under respective 
off-take agreements.

Energy solutions products and services

iii) 
Energy solutions products and services includes the sale of products and services such as lighting solutions, data analytics and energy 
monitoring, metering and demand response income. Revenue is apportioned to these contracts based on the estimated stand-alone 
selling price of goods or services provided. Revenue from customer sales contracts is recognised at the point that relevant performance 
obligations are satisfied, which will vary dependent on the product or service provided and may include product installation or access to 
energy management software. For any contracts that are recurring in nature such as annual subscriptions, an income in advance liability 
is recorded within accrued expenses for revenue received in advance and revenue is recognised over the term of the contract. 

iv)  Consulting fees and other revenue
Revenue is apportioned to these contracts based on the estimated stand-alone selling price of goods or services provided. Consulting 
fee revenue and other income are recognised at the point that relevant performance obligations are satisfied. For any contracts that are 
recurring in nature such as annual licences, a liability is recorded for revenue received in advance and revenue is recognised over the 
term of the contract. 

Renewable energy certificates

v) 
Revenue from the sale of renewable energy certificates is recognised when the relevant contractual performance obligations have  
been met. These performance obligations will generally include transfer of scheme certificates from the scheme registry of the seller  
to the scheme registry of the buyer. The stand-alone selling price for certificates sold is referenced within each sales contract. Sale  
of renewable energy certificates is included in commodity product sales. 

Sale of gas

vi) 
Revenue from the sale of gas to wholesale market counterparties is recognised at the point at which the title passes to the buyer.  
Sale of gas revenue is included in commodity product sales.

For further information on contract assets and liabilities, refer to notes 10 and 19.

Key judgments and estimates

Accrued income receivable
Revenue from the sale of electricity is estimated where a customer invoice has not been raised at balance date. Where an invoice 
is raised shortly after balance date or customer meter data is available, this data is used to form the estimate of revenue. Where an 
invoice is not raised immediately after balance date and customer meter data is not available the revenue estimate is derived from  
an estimate of average daily electricity usage based on historical patterns as well as average pricing. Further information is contained 
in Note 10.

67

ANNUAL REPORT 2017 
ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 1: FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

4.  REVENUE (CONT.)

Revenue recognised in relation to contract liabilities 
The following table shows how much of the revenue recognised in the current reporting period relates to carried-forward contract 
liabilities and how much relates to performance obligations that were satisfied in a prior year.

Revenue recognised that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the period

Energy solutions products and services

Other revenue

5.  EXPENSES

Cost of electricity sales

Cost of electricity generation

Cost of commodity products sold

Employee benefits expense

Share based payments

Other expenses

Included in the above employee expense is:

Defined contribution superannuation expense

Consolidated

2017 
$’000

2016 
$’000

315

10

325

–

–

–

Consolidated

2017 
$’000

2016 
$’000

2,761,178

2,324,275

55,680

24,826

143,425

199,303

54,421

3,527

30,322

41,580

2,565

27,940

3,048,553

2,620,489

3,255

2,264

Recognition and measurement
Cost of sales is recognised as those costs directly attributable to the goods or services sold and includes the costs of electricity, 
materials and associated distribution expenses. Electricity costs are based upon spot prices for electricity and the outcomes of 
derivative financial instruments entered into for the purpose of risk management (refer to note 22). Included within cost of sales are  
total net realised gains on the settlement of derivative financial instruments (2017: $576.1m, 2016: $214.8m).

Employee benefits expense includes movement in recognition and measurement of related liabilities such as annual leave and long 
service leave. Refer to note 20. 

Share based payments 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.

Key judgments and estimates

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. Details regarding the terms and conditions upon which the instruments 
were granted and methodology for determining fair value at grant date are available in note 33.

The fair value of the equity instruments includes non-market vesting conditions. Management estimates the number of shares that 
are expected to be vested based on the probability of non-market vesting conditions being met.

68

ERM POWERERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 1: FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

6. 

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

Unrealised

Electricity and gas derivative contracts 

Hedge ineffectiveness 

Consolidated

2017 
$’000

2016 
$’000

37,160

(80)

37,080

36,524

2,959

39,483

Recognition and measurement
The Group accounts for certain derivative financial instruments such as cash flow hedges with corresponding unrealised fair value 
movements recognised in the cash flow hedge reserve. Any unrealised gain or loss on other instruments that are not hedge accounted 
and any ineffective portion of hedge accounted instruments is recognised directly in profit or loss. Refer note 13 for further information 
on which derivative financial instruments are not hedge accounted.

Key judgments and estimates

Designation of instruments
The designation of instruments as either held for trading or hedging may affect the amount of fair value gains and losses recognised 
in profit and loss. Fair value movements on instruments held for trading are not deferred within the cash flow hedge reserve. Further 
information on the designation of financial instruments is contained in note 13. 

Valuation of derivative financial instruments
The valuation of financial instruments may affect the amount of fair value movements recognised in profit and loss. Further information 
on the valuation of financial instruments is contained in note 23.

7.  NET FINANCE EXPENSE

Finance income

Interest income

Finance costs

Borrowing costs – lease liabilities

Borrowing costs – bank loans

Borrowing costs – receivables financing facility

Borrowing costs – convertible notes

Other borrowing costs 

Consolidated

2017 
$’000

3,611

3,611

879

12,054

3,418

3,799

9,109

2016 
$’000

4,281

4,281

–

12,662

6,056

3,845

5,076

29,259

27,639

Recognition and measurement
Interest revenue and expenses are recognised on a time proportional basis using the effective interest rate method applicable to 
financial assets and liabilities.

Other borrowing costs include the cost of credit sleeving in US operations.

69

ANNUAL REPORT 2017ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 1: FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

8. 

INCOME TAX

(a) 

Income tax expense

Income tax comprises:

Current tax expense 

Deferred tax expense 

Adjustment to current and deferred tax of prior periods

Income tax expense 

Income tax expense is attributable to:

Profit from continuing operations 

Profit from discontinuing operations

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

Profit from continuing operations 

Profit from discontinuing operations

Income tax expense calculated at 30% 

Other income taxes 

Net effect of expenses / (income) that are not deductible / (non-assessable) in 
determining taxable profit (excluding Clean Energy Regular shortfall charge)

Capital loss not recognised 

Clean Energy Regulator shortfall charge 

Adjustment to deferred tax of prior periods

Difference in overseas tax rates

Income tax expense 

Consolidated

Note

2017 
$’000

2016 
$’000

32,971

20,846

(85)

194

21,887

318

53,732

22,399

31

31

51,675

2,057

53,732

51,734

925

52,659

15,798

205

1,919

–

(i)

37,050

(85)

(1,155)

53,732

21,965

434

22,399

56,967

1,241

58,208

17,462

194

(135)

4,538

–

318

22

22,399

(c)  Amounts recognised directly in other comprehensive income

Increase in equity due to current and deferred amounts charged directly to equity during the period:

Net tax effect of amounts charged to cash flow hedge reserve

Net tax effect of amounts charged to fair value reserve 

(49,960)

(58,797)

–

(243)

(49,960)

(59,040)

(i)   During the year, the Company took the commercial decision to incur a non-deductible charge of $65 per certificate in lieu of surrendering 1.9m large-scale 

generation certificates. The total cost was $123m before tax.

70

ERM POWERERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 1: FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

8. 

INCOME TAX (CONT.)

Recognition and measurement
Income tax or income tax benefit 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.

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. 

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.

Key judgments and estimates
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 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.

71

ANNUAL REPORT 2017ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 1: FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

9.  RECONCILIATION OF CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net (loss) / profit after tax

Adjustments for:

Depreciation and amortisation of non-current assets

Onerous contract

Share based payment expense

Net unrealised fair value gains on financial instruments and inventory

Loss on sale of equity accounted investment 

Gain on the sale of discontinued operations

Share of (loss) / profit of associates

Net exchange differences

Finance costs

Transfers to provisions:

Employee entitlements

Onerous contract

Deferred consideration

Changes in assets and liabilities (net of business combinations):

Increase in trade and other receivables

(Increase) / decrease in other assets

(Increase) / decrease in inventories

(Increase) / decrease in deferred tax assets recognised in profit or loss

Changes in broker margin account

Increase / (decrease) in deferred tax liabilities recognised in profit or loss

Increase in current tax liability

Increase in trade and other payables

Net cash provided by operating activities

72

Consolidated

2017 
$’000

2016 
$’000

(1,073)

35,809

38,404

25,229

–

3,527

1,898

2,565

(34,541)

(39,483)

–

3,422

(10,851)

298

96

–

(402)

500

31,091

29,124

256

–

–

328

(48)

(659)

(40,936)

(96,583)

(2,963)

(30,725)

(169)

69,181

21,015

18,403

90,679

712

13,832

24,568

60,412

(2,363)

67

60,986

151,692

119,914

ERM POWERERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 2: OPERATING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

10.  TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES AT AMORTISED COST
The majority of trade and other receivables relate to electricity sales customers. Trade receivables are non-interest bearing and are 
generally on 30-day terms. None of the non-current receivables are impaired or past due.  The carrying amounts of non-current 
receivables are equal to the fair values. 

Current

Trade and other receivables

Accrued income

Non-current

Trade and other receivables

Consolidated

2017 
$’000

2016 
$’000

66,906

52,345

294,041

278,251

360,947

330,596

–

–

32

32

Recognition and measurement
All trade and other debtors are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the 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 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.

Collectability is reviewed on an ongoing basis. For trade receivables, the company applies the simplified approach to providing for 
expected credit losses prescribed by AASB 9, which requires the use of the lifetime expected loss provision for all trade receivables.  
The amount of the impairment loss is recognised in the income statement.

Accrued income receivable represents electricity amounts due to be invoiced after 30 June 2017 and wholesale counterparty 
settlements due to be accrued and received after 30 June 2017.

Key judgments and estimates

Accrued income receivable
Accrued electricity sales revenue requires estimates of average daily usage based on historical patterns as well as average pricing 
and consumption pattern estimates where no actual meter data is available. A large portion of accrued income receivable is 
measured based on actual billed electricity in the following month whilst a smaller portion is based on estimated meter data where 
the customer meter is read less frequently. 

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 trade and other receivables 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 the 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 credit quality of all financial assets is consistently monitored in order to identify any potential adverse changes. At 30 June 2017 
there was an increased credit exposure created by high wholesale prices and significant positive mark to market valuations, which 
management continues to monitor. 

73

ANNUAL REPORT 2017ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 2: OPERATING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

10.  TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES AT AMORTISED COST (CONT.)

Credit risk (continued)

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 company applies the simplified approach to providing for expected credit losses prescribed by AASB 9, which permits the use of 
the lifetime expected loss provision for all trade receivables. The loss allowance provision as at 30 June 2017 is determined as follows; 
(the expected credit losses below also incorporates forward looking information). 

Total 
$’000

< 30 days 
$’000

31–60 days 
$’000

61–120 days $’000

> 120 days 
$’000

Trade

Other(i)

Trade

Other(i)

Trade

Other(i)

Trade

Other(i)

2017 
Consolidated

Expected loss rate

0%–8%

–

30%

–

50%–90%

–

100%

–

Gross carrying 
amount

Loss allowance 
provision(ii)

70,324

63,938

497

2,659

(3,418)

(1,265)

–

(418)

Net receivables 

66,906

62,673

497

2,241

Accrued income

294,041

294,041

2016 
Consolidated

Expected loss rate

1%

–

–

–

2.5%

Gross carrying 
amount 

Loss allowance 
provision 

53,675

33,157

15,130

3,704

(1,298)

(898)

–

(65)

Net receivables

52,377

32,259

15,130

3,639

Accrued income

278,251

278,251

–

–

23

–

23

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,428

601

1,132

(398)

734

–

46

–

46

–

(1,337)

91

–

10%–25%

–

75%

657

(69)

588

–

10

–

10

–

969

(266)

703

–

–

601

–

–

48

–

48

–

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

and the vendor finance loan to Empire (for FY2016).

(ii)  Of the above loss allowance provision, $3.4m (2016: $1.3m) relate to receivables arising from contracts with customers.

74

ERM POWERERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 2: OPERATING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

11.  INVENTORIES 

Work in progress

Stock on hand

Renewable energy certificates – at cost

Renewable energy certificates – at fair value less cost to sell

Renewable energy certificates recognised under sale and repurchase arrangement 

Gas in storage

Diesel fuel 

Note

(i)

(ii)

Consolidated

2017 
$’000

531

485

38,115

1,415

–

96

1,615

42,257

2016 
$’000

109

317

9,322

–

10,500

54

1,780

22,082

(i)  Renewable energy certificates designated as commodity broker trader inventory are measured at fair value less costs to sell. 

(ii)   The Group has right of repurchase under sale and repurchase arrangement. The corresponding liability is included within borrowings at 30 June 2016. Refer to 

Note 25. The liability was repaid during the year ended 30 June 2017.

Recognition and measurement

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 on settlement date. Subsequent measurement 
is at the lower of cost or net realisable value, with losses arising from changes in realisable value being recognised in the income 
statement in the period of the change.

Renewable energy certificates held for trading are held at fair value less costs to sell.

Other inventory
Stock, materials and work in progress are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost comprises direct materials, direct 
labour and an appropriate proportion of variable and fixed overhead expenditure, the latter being allocated on the basis of normal 
operating capacity. Cost includes the reclassification from equity of any gains or losses on qualifying cash flow hedges relating to 
purchases of raw material but excludes borrowing costs. Costs are assigned to individual items of inventory on the basis of weighted 
average costs. Costs of purchased inventory are determined after deducting rebates and discounts. Net realisable value is the 
estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary  
to make the sale.

Key judgments and estimates

Renewable energy certificates held for trading
Renewable energy certificates that are designated as held for trading are initially recognised at cost and are subsequently recognised 
at fair value with movements in fair value taken up through profit and loss in the net fair value gain on financial instruments designated 
at fair value through profit and loss line until settlement at which time the gain or loss is recognised in cost of goods sold. Certificates 
are designated at the initial trade date on a deal by deal basis and segregated from other certificates held for the purposes of 
surrender under applicable renewable energy schemes. 

75

ANNUAL REPORT 2017 
 
ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 2: OPERATING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

12.  FINANCIAL ASSETS AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Equity investments at fair value through other comprehensive income
Equity investments at fair value through other comprehensive income comprise of the following individual investments:

Non-current

Listed securities

Red Sky Energy Limited

Consolidated

2017 
$’000

2016 
$’000

15

15

150

150

All shares held in listed entities as at 30 June 2017 have been classified as fair value through other comprehensive income because they 
are investments that the Group intends to hold for the long-term.

No dividends have been received in respect of these investments during the current or prior year.

13.  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS  
The Group is party to derivative financial instruments in the normal course of business acquired in order to manage exposure to fluctuations 
in electricity prices and interest and foreign exchange rates in accordance with the Group’s financial risk management policies.

Consolidated

2017 
$’000

2016 
$’000

325,131

158,627

30

71

325,161

158,698

81,445

–

81,445

33,889

33,889

33,641

33,812

67,453

51,296

133

51,429

6,838

6,838

2,971

41,628

44,599

Current assets

Electricity and commodity derivatives

Foreign exchange derivatives

Non-current assets

Electricity and commodity derivatives

Foreign exchange derivatives

Current liabilities

Electricity and commodity derivatives

Non-current liabilities

Electricity and commodity derivatives

Interest rate swaps

76

ERM POWER 
 
ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 2: OPERATING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

13.  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONT.)
Recognition and measurement
Derivative financial instruments are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently 
re-measured to their fair value at the end of each reporting period. The accounting for subsequent changes in fair value depends on 
whether the derivative is designated as a hedging instrument, and if so, the nature of the item being hedged and the type  
of hedge relationship designated.

The gain or loss from re-measurement of hedging instruments at fair value 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 item is settled.

Certain derivative instruments do not qualify for hedge accounting. The change in the fair value of any derivative instrument that does 
not qualify for hedge accounting is recognised immediately in profit or loss. Any realised gains or losses on settlement of derivatives that 
do not qualify for hedge accounting are recognised immediately in profit and loss and are included within cost of sales regardless of the 
original settlement date of the instrument. 

Derivatives that are not hedge accounted include futures, bilateral written options, market traded caps and swaps and any derivative 
held for trading purposes or to manage renewable certificate price risk including forward purchase agreements held for trading. All 
derivatives used in the Group’s US Business Energy operations are not hedge accounted.

Recognition of day one gain or loss on derivative financial instruments
Evidence of fair value of an investment at initial recognition is often provided by the transaction price, unless the fair value of the 
instrument is evidenced by comparison with other observable current market transactions in the same instrument, or based on a 
valuation technique whose variables include only data from observable markets. Such financial instruments are initially recognised  
at the transaction price which is the best indicator of fair value, although the market value derived by independent valuers may differ.  
The difference between the transaction price and the market value (the day one gain or loss), is not recognised immediately for 
accounting purposes in profit or loss and is instead recognised through profit or loss progressively as the instrument is settled.  
Any subsequent measurement of the instrument excludes the balance of the deferred day one gain or loss.

Key judgments and estimates

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 23 for further details of valuation methods used by the Group to determine fair value.

77

ANNUAL REPORT 2017ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 2: OPERATING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

14.  HEDGE ACCOUNTING 
Contracts are entered into with individual parties in the normal course of business in order to economically hedge exposure to 
fluctuations in electricity prices, foreign currency and interest rates. These derivative instruments may meet the requirements for hedge 
accounting. The instruments include OTC swaps, options, swaptions, caps and other risk management instruments. Settlements of the 
contracts require exchange of cash for the difference between the contracted and spot market prices. The contracts are measured at 
fair value and the resultant gains or losses that effectively hedge designated risk exposures are deferred within the cash flow reserve.

Electricity derivatives used for hedging
The below carrying values represent the total value of hedge instruments used to hedge electricity price risk recognised on the Group’s 
balance sheet together with maturity of these instruments and associated nominal volume. The value of these instruments excludes 
the ineffective portion that has not been recognised in the cash flow hedge reserve. An additional unrealised gain of $1m has also been 
deferred in the cash flow hedge reserve following the cessation of hedge accounting for this instrument. 

Assets 
Carrying value(i)

Liabilities 
Carrying value(i)

Nominal hedge volume(ii)

2017 
$’000

 2016 
$’000

2017 
$’000

 2016 
$’000

2017 
TWh

 2016 
TWh

Net asset / (liability)

12 months or less

316,631

142,024

More than 12 months

69,614

50,176

386,245

192,200

(i)  Carrying value of hedging instruments only.

(10,157)

(15,219)

(25,376)

 (5,226)

 (513) 

 (5,739) 

12

4

16

 12 

8

20 

(ii)   Nominal hedge volumes exclude volumes for other instruments that provide an economic hedge but are not hedge accounted for, such as exchange based 

instruments and instruments used in the Group’s US operations.

The Group uses cash flow hedges to mitigate the risk of variability in electricity prices. The instruments that are hedge accounted 
include OTC swaps, options, swaptions, caps and other eligible risk management instruments used in the Group's Australian business 
energy operations. 

Hedge rates for these instruments vary by product type, time period and region and range from $10 to $300 per MWh.

Instruments held for trading, exchange traded instruments (such as futures contracts), written options and all instruments related to 
renewable energy certificates and our US operations are not hedge accounted. The above nominal hedge volumes exclude volumes 
associated with these instruments. 

The movement in the hedged items for the year ended 30 June 2017 was $166.6m (2016: $200.1m). The movement in hedge 
instruments recognised in reserves for the year ended 30 June 2017 was $166.5m (2016: $197.2m). The difference in these amounts 
is a result of hedge ineffectiveness of which an amount of $0.1m (2016: $2.9m) was recognised for the year ended 30 June 2017 
(refer note 6). The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges are 
recognised in the cash flow hedge reserve within equity, limited to the cumulative change in fair value of the hedged item on a present 
value basis from the inception of the hedge. Effectiveness is assessed against forecast electricity purchase requirements. Where the 
portfolio volume of the cash flow hedge contracts is in excess of forecast electricity purchase requirements for a particular time period 
an amount of ineffectiveness is recognised immediately in profit or loss. 

During the year ended 30 June 2017 amounts accumulated to the cash flow hedge reserve of $453.2m were settled and recognised  
as a gain in profit and loss.

78

ERM POWERERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 2: OPERATING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

14.  HEDGE ACCOUNTING (CONT.)

Interest rate swaps used for hedging
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 97% (2016: 97%) of the variable loan principal outstanding 
and are timed to expire as each loan repayment falls due as set out below.

The fixed interest rate is 7.189% (2016: 7.189%) and the variable rate is 1.1% above the BBSY rate which at the end of the reporting 
period was 2.05% (2016: 2.44%).

There was no hedge ineffectiveness in the current or prior year and the movement of the fair value of the hedged item and instrument 
deferred in the hedge reserve was $7.8m.

Swap liabilities

12 months or less

1–2 years

2–5 years

More than 5 years

Carrying value

2017 
$’000

2016 
$’000

 6,870 

 6,033 

 13,918 

 6,991 

33,812

7,000 

6,642 

16,257 

11,729 

41,628

The above table indicates the periods in which the cash flows associated with cash flow hedges are expected to impact profit or  
loss and the fair value of the related hedging instruments. The notional amount of debt covered by the interest rate swap in place at  
30 June 2017 was $131.8m (2016: $137.9m). During the year ended 30 June 2017 amounts accumulated to the cash flow hedge 
reserve of $7.0m (2016: $6.9m) were settled and recognised in profit and loss.

Recognition and measurement of derivatives hedge accounted
The full fair value of a hedging derivative is classified as a non-current asset or liability when the remaining maturity of the hedged  
item is more than 12 months; it is classified as a current asset or liability when the remaining maturity of the hedged item is less than  
12 months. Trading derivatives are classified as a current asset or liability.

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is recognised in the 
cash flow hedge reserve within equity, limited to the cumulative change in fair value of the hedged item on a present value basis from 
the inception of the hedge. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

Gains or losses relating to the effective portion of the change in intrinsic value of the option contracts are recognised in the cash flow 
hedge reserve within equity. The changes in the time value of the option contracts that relate to the hedged item (‘aligned time value’) 
are recognised within other comprehensive income in the costs of hedging reserve within equity.

Amounts accumulated in equity are reclassified in the periods when the hedged item affects profit or loss.

When a hedging instrument expires, or is sold or terminated, or when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any 
cumulative deferred gain or loss and deferred costs of hedging in equity at that time remains in equity until the forecast transaction occurs, 
resulting in the recognition of a non-financial asset such as inventory. When the forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the 
cumulative gain or loss and deferred costs of hedging that were reported in equity are immediately reclassified to profit or loss.

If the hedge ratio for risk management purposes is no longer optimal but the risk management objective remains unchanged and  
the hedge continues to qualify for hedge accounting, the hedge relationship will be rebalanced by adjusting either the volume of the 
hedging instrument or the volume of the hedged item so that the hedge ratio aligns with the ratio used for risk management purposes.  
Any hedge ineffectiveness is calculated and accounted for in profit or loss at the time of the hedge relationship rebalancing.

79

ANNUAL REPORT 2017ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 2: OPERATING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

15.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Consolidated

2017

Cost

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

Net carrying amount at 30 June 2017

Capital work in 
progress 
$’000

Land 
$’000

Plant and 
equipment 
$’000

Furniture, 
fittings and 
improvements 
$’000

Total 
$’000

22,963

(447)

22,516

5,549

492,532

11,483

532,527

–

(133,391)

(7,303)

(141,141)

5,549

359,141

4,180

391,386

Opening net carrying amount at 1 July 2016

22,516

5,288

358,644

4,818

391,266

Exchange differences

Additions

Disposals

Transfers

Depreciation

–

–

–

–

–

–

5,442

–

(5,181)

(5)

9,897

(55)

5,095

–

(14,435)

Closing net carrying amount at 30 June 2017

22,516

5,549

359,141

(5)

803

–

24

(1,460)

4,180

(10)

16,142

(55)

(62)

(15,895)

391,386

2016

Cost

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

Net carrying amount at 30 June 2016

22,963

(447)

22,516

5,288

486,068

12,841

527,160

–

(127,424)

5,288

358,644

(8,023)

4,818

(135,894)

391,266

Opening net carrying amount at 1 July 2015

22,516

104

369,319

4,917

396,856

Exchange differences

Acquisition of subsidiary

Additions

Transfers

Depreciation

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

5,288

(104)

–

191

1,561

–

–

(12,427)

Closing net carrying amount at 30 June 2016

22,516

5,288

358,644

12

–

1,414

–

(1,525)

4,818

12

191

8,263

(104) 

(13,952)

391,266

Capital work in progress relates to capitalised costs for power station projects. 

One of the Group’s current generation assets, the Neerabup power station, is project financed by limited recourse debt, meaning the security 
of project lenders does not extend beyond the particular generation asset. The Group also raised funds for its equity investment in the 
Neerabup power station by issuing notes in 2008. Those notes are limited-recourse to the Group’s interest in the Neerabup power station.

Refer note 25 for details regarding recourse and limited recourse borrowings of the Group.

80

ERM POWERERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 2: OPERATING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

15.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (CONT.)

Recognition and measurement
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.

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.

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 inflows.

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.

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.

Key judgments and estimates

Depreciation
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  

8 years

Power stations and power station components  1–50 years

Other plant and equipment  

IT equipment  

Furniture and fittings 

1–15 years

1–3 years

1–10 years

81

ANNUAL REPORT 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 2: OPERATING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

16.  INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Consolidated

2017

Cost

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

Net carrying amount at 30 June 2017

Goodwill 
$’000

Capital work 
in progress 
$’000

Software 
internally 
generated 
$’000

Software  
and other 
$’000

Customer 
acquisition 
costs  
$’000

Total  
$’000

26,806

–

26,806

91

–

91

22,204

7,237

71,188

127,526

(8,683)

(3,979)

(25,486)

(38,148)

13,521

3,258

45,702

89,378

Opening net carrying amount at 1 July 2016

32,568

1,304

12,501

2,026

Current period trailing commission sales(i)

Exchange differences

Additions

Assets included in a disposal group classified 
as held for sale and other disposals

Transfer

Amortisation

–

(807)

–

(4,955)

–

–

Closing net carrying amount at 30 June 2017

26,806

–

–

8

–

(1,221)

–

91

–

–

–

(50)

3,813

1,330

30,642

22,548

(1,060)

9,302

79,041

22,548

(1,917)

14,453

–

292

–

991

(242)

(5,197)

–

62

(3,085)

(1,039)

(15,488)

(19,612)

13,521

3,258

45,702

89,378

2016

Cost

32,568

1,304

18,095

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

–

–

(5,594)

Net carrying amount at 30 June 2016

32,568

1,304

12,501

5,981

(3,955)

2,026

45,347

103,295

(14,705)

(24,254)

30,642

79,041

Opening net carrying amount at 1 July 2015

24,195

Current period trailing commission sales(i)

Exchange differences

Acquisition of subsidiary

Additions

Transfer

Amortisation

–

827

7,546

–

–

–

6

–

–

–

1,298

–

–

–

–

1,496

4,047

4

(2,174)

7,583

22,967

163

678

42,813

22,967

995

9,750

7,481

13,689

–

104

–

5

30

863

100

(873)

(8,230)

(11,277)

9,128

1,901

Closing net carrying amount at 30 June 2016

32,568

1,304

12,501

2,026

30,642

79,041

(i)  Refer to note 20 for corresponding provision movement. 

Amortisation of intangible assets is included in depreciation and amortisation expense in the income statement.

82

ERM POWERERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 2: OPERATING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

16.  INTANGIBLE ASSETS (CONT.)

Recognition and measurement

Goodwill
Goodwill on acquisitions of subsidiaries is included in intangible assets. Goodwill on acquisitions of associates is included in investments 
in associates. Goodwill is not amortised but it is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances 
indicate that it might be impaired, and is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Gains and losses on the disposal of an 
entity include the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold.

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.

Software
Computer software is either purchased or developed within the organisation to support business operations and generate customer 
revenue. Software assets are recorded at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. 

Customer acquisition costs
The direct costs of establishing customer contracts are recognised as an asset when the customer contract is expected to provide a 
future economic benefit to the Group. Direct costs are amortised over an average contract term. In the event that a customer contract  
is not fulfilled and direct costs are not recoverable from the channel partner, a provision for impairment is recognised. 

Customer contracts acquired in a business combination are recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. They have a finite useful  
life and are subsequently carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses.

Customer contracts that are acquired through a trailing commission agreement have a corresponding provision liability recognised.  
The provision liability is measured against forecast payments required and is discounted at a risk free rate.

Key judgments and estimates

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.

Amortisation
Amortisation of intangible assets is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate their cost, net of their residual values, over 
their estimated useful lives, as follows:

Software    

3–10 years

Customer acquisition costs (Australia)    

Average contract term of 2 years (2016: 3 years) 

Customer acquisition costs (United States) 

Over individual contract term as trailing fee paid

17.  IMPAIRMENT OF NON-FINANCIAL ASSETS  
The Group tests property, plant and equipment, intangibles and goodwill for impairment: 

 »

at least annually for indefinite life intangibles and goodwill; and 

 » where there is an indication that the asset may be impaired (which is assessed at least each reporting date); or 

 » where there is an indication that previously recognised impairment (on assets other than goodwill) may have changed. 

If the asset does not generate independent cash inflows and its value in use cannot be estimated to be close to its fair value, the asset 
is tested for impairment as part of the cash-generating unit (CGU) to which it belongs. Assets are impaired if their carrying value exceeds 
their recoverable amount. The recoverable amount of an asset or CGU is determined as the higher of its fair value less costs of disposal 
or value in use.

At 30 June 2017 the Group did not have any indefinite life intangible assets. The Group had goodwill of $26.8m of which 76% related  
to the Group’s US operations. 

83

ANNUAL REPORT 2017 
 
 
ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 2: OPERATING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

17.  IMPAIRMENT OF NON-FINANCIAL ASSETS (CONT.)

Recognition and measurement
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. 

Impairment losses recognised for goodwill are not reversed. Impairment losses recognised in prior periods for other assets are assessed 
at each reporting date for any indications that the impairment loss has decreased or may no longer exist. The impairment loss is 
reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount of the asset and is reversed only to the 
extent that the carrying amount of the asset does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of amortisation 
or depreciation, had no impairment loss been recognised. 

There were no material reversals of impairment in the current or prior year.

Key judgments and estimates
At 30 June 2017 the Group has tested goodwill for impairment and made critical judgements with respect to assumptions used in 
the value in use assessment. These assumptions are set out below. 

CGU 

Goodwill allocation

Pre-tax discount 
rate

Years of cash flows 
included

Cumulative average 
growth rate(i)

Terminal growth 
rate

2017 
$’000

2016 
$’000

2017 
%

2016 
%

2017 
years

2016 
years

2017 
%

2016 
%

2017 
%

2016 
%

Business 
Energy Austalia

Business 
Energy US

Generation 
Assets

Other(ii)

–

–

–

–

20,352

26,108

14.9%

15.5%

–

–

–

6,454

6,460

14.9%

–

N/A

–

5

–

5

–

5

–

–

–

–

38.0%

73.2%

1.0%

N/A

39.2%

–

–

N/A

–

2.5%

–

0%

–

N/A

(i)  Cumulative average growth rate is based on load sold for the Business Energy US segment and on revenue for the other CGU.

(ii)   Other CGU goodwill includes the goodwill arising on the acquisition of Lumaled Pty Ltd and Greensense Pty Ltd. The acquisitions of these businesses were 

completed 15 – 18 months prior to 30 June 2017. No events or circumstances have occurred in the period since acquisition to 30 June 2017 to indicate that the 
transaction price is not still indicative of fair value and as such no impairment of the goodwill balance has been recognised. 

Management have utilised a value in use model to test goodwill for impairment at 30 June 2017 for all CGUs. In assessing value in use, 
the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a discount rate that reflects current market assessments of 
the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset or CGU. 

Sensitivity analysis on reasonably possible changes to the discount rates or growth rates did not result in an outcome where impairment 
would be required other than for the Lumaled Pty Ltd and Greensense Pty Ltd goodwill included within the Other CGU. A decrease 
in the cumulative average growth rate of 39.2% forecast would result in impairment. Directors and management have considered the 
likelihood of this change and have not updated the impairment calculation given:

the strong revenue growth for the current year and early lifecycle stage of the Energy Solutions business;

the asset carrying values approximating the acquisition price for the businesses, which were acquired only 18 months earlier. 

1. 

2. 

84

ERM POWERERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 2: OPERATING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

18.  LEASE ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Right of use lease assets

Cost

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

Net carrying amount at 30 June 2017

Adoption of AASB 16 Leases

Exchange differences

Additions

Amortisation

Closing net carrying amount at 30 June 2017

Consolidated

2017 
$’000

17,278

(2,897)

14,381

14,408

(23)

2,893

(2,897)

14,381

2016 
$’000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

The Group leases office premises in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Newcastle and Houston. Income from the sublease of the 
Group’s office premises for the year ended 30 June 2017 is $385,277 (2016: $42,507).

Lease liabilities

Current

Lease liabilities

Non-current

Lease liabilities

Total lease liabilities

Undiscounted lease payments to be received

1 year

2 years

3 years

4 years

5 years

>5 years

Consolidated

2017 
$’000

3,605

18,375

21,980

433

451

469

488

510

204

2016 
$’000

–

–

–

260

271

281

293

304

460

2,555

1,869

Refer to Note 38(ii) for the early adoption of AASB 16 Leases, Note 7 for interest expense on the lease liabilities and the consolidated 
statement of cash flows for the total cash outflow for the leases.

85

ANNUAL REPORT 2017ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 2: OPERATING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

18.  LEASE ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (CONT.)

Recognition and measurement

Leased assets
Leased assets are capitalised at the commencement date of the lease and comprise of the initial lease liability amount, initial direct costs 
incurred when entering into the lease less any lease incentives received. 

On initial adoption of AASB 16 the Group has adjusted the right-of-use assets at the date of initial application by the amount of any 
provision for onerous leases recognised immediately before the date of initial application. Following initial application, an impairment 
review is undertaken for any right of use lease asset that shows indicators of impairment and an impairment loss is recognised against 
any right of use lease assets that is impaired. 

Leased liabilities
The lease liability is measured at the present value of the fixed and variable lease payments net of cash lease incentives that are not 
paid at the balance date. Lease payments are apportioned between the finance charges and reduction of the lease liability using the 
incremental borrowing rate implicit in the lease to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Lease 
payments for buildings exclude service fees for cleaning and other costs. 

Lease modifications are accounted for as a new lease with an effective date of the modification. 

Key judgments and estimates

Amortisation
Amortisation of leased assets is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate their cost, net of their residual values, over their 
estimated useful lives being the lesser of the remaining lease term and the life of the asset.

19.  TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Current

Trade creditors and accruals

Other creditors

Consolidated

2017 
$’000

2016 
$’000

344,335

119,979

464,314

277,599

89,444

367,043

Recognition and measurement
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.

Key judgments and estimates

Accrued electricity network costs
Accrued electricity network costs payable requires estimates of average daily usage where no meter data is available. This usage 
estimate is combined with a customer specific network tariff to estimate accrued network costs.

86

ERM POWERERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 2: OPERATING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

20.  PROVISIONS 

Current

Employee benefits – annual leave(i)

Onerous contract provision

Customer acquisition cost trailing commission provision

Deferred consideration

Non-current

Employee benefits – long service leave

Onerous contract provision

Customer acquisition cost trailing commission provision

Movements in provisions

Carrying amount at start of the year

Onerous contract provision derecognised on adoption of AASB16 Leases

Additional provision recognised and charged to profit and loss 

Amounts used during the year

Current period trailing commission sales provision recognised(ii)

Current period trailing commission sales paid

Disposal group held for sale

Exchange differences

Balances acquired through business combination

Consolidated

2017 
$’000

2016 
$’000

2,167

–

12,644

–

2,254

328

7,728

689

14,811

10,999

1,573

–

21,033

22,606

27,426

(1,850)

2,165

(2,598)

22,548

(9,019)

(242)

(1,013)

–

1,230

1,522

13,675

16,427

3,101

–

3,841

(1,676)

22,967 

 (4,272)

–

 112 

3,353 

37,417

27,426

(i)   The entire amount of the annual leave provision is presented as current since the Group does not have an unconditional right to defer settlement for any of these 
obligations. In addition, based on past experience, the Group expects all employees to take the full amount of accrued leave or require payment within the next  
12 months.

(ii)  Corresponding amount capitalised as an intangible asset. 

87

ANNUAL REPORT 2017 
 
ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 2: OPERATING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

20.  PROVISIONS (CONT.) 

Recognition and measurement

Trailing commission payments
Customer contracts that are acquired through a trailing commission agreement have a corresponding provision liability recognised.  
The provision liability is measured against forecast payments required and is discounted at a risk free rate.

Employee benefits
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 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 the G100 discount rate for corporate bonds at 
balance date that matches, as closely as possible, the estimated future cash flows.

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.

Key judgments and estimates

Employee benefits
Provisions for employee benefits include assumptions around expected future wage and salary levels and expected periods of 
service for the purposes of assessing the long service leave liability. 

Trailing commission payments
Provisions for trailing commission payments include assumptions around forecast electricity usage for currently contracted 
customers acquired through a brokerage arrangement. 

88

ERM POWER 
 
ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 2: OPERATING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

21.  DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Recognised deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities

Opening 
balance 
$’000

Recognised 
in income 
statement 
$’000

Acquisition 
of controlled 
entities 
$’000

Currency 
translation 
differences 
$’000

Recognised  
in equity 
$’000

Closing 
balance 
$’000

Movements in temporary differences 
– consolidated

2017

Carried forward income tax losses

Employee provisions

Lease liabilities

Other items

Deferred tax assets

Set-off deferred tax liabilities

Net deferred tax assets

Net derivative financial assets

Property, plant and equipment

Lease assets

Goodwill

Associates

Other items

Deferred tax liabilities

Set-off deferred tax assets

Net deferred tax liabilities

2016

Carried forward income tax losses

Net derivative financial liabilities

Employee provisions

Financial assets at fair value through 
other comprehensive income

Associates

Lease liabilities

Other items

11,821

1,361

2,022

4,752

19,956

(49,176)

(61,001)

–

(882)

–

(2,778)

(113,837)

12,219

21,528

2,467

2,857

1,018

1,556

2,967

(5,870)

2,992

1

3,046

169

(10,424)

(7,951)

(50)

(799)

(72)

(1,719)

(21,015)

650

(21,528)

(1,131)

(2,614)

(1,018)

466

607

Deferred tax assets

44,612

(24,568)

Set-off deferred tax liabilities

Net deferred tax assets

Net derivative financial assets

Property, plant and equipment

Goodwill

Other items

Deferred tax liabilities

Set-off deferred tax assets

Net deferred tax liabilities

–

(55,471)

(302)

(2,149)

(57,922)

9,119

(5,414)

(728)

(614)

2,363

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

4

–

–

–

977

981

–

–

–

–

–

(134)

(1)

3

(13)

(145)

(16)

(24)

(2)

31

–

–

–

–

4,636

–

4,636

5,817

4,352

6,662

7,785

24,616

(10,766)

13,850

(49,960)

(109,576)

–

(68,976)

(4,323)

–

–

–

(4,375)

(1,650)

(72)

(4,497)

(11)

(54,283)

(189,146)

(1,048)

–

21

–

–

–

201

(826)

502

(116)

148

(15)

519

10,766

(178,380)

11,821

–

1,361

–

–

2,022

4,752

19,956

(13,920)

6,036

(49,176)

(61,001)

(882)

(2,778)

–

–

–

(243)

–

–

–

(243)

(58,797)

–

–

–

(58,797)

(113,837)

13,920

(99,917)

89

ANNUAL REPORT 2017ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 2: OPERATING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

21.  DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (CONT.)

Recognition and measurement
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.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities have not been recognised for the following items:

Tax losses not recognised

Unused capital tax losses for which no deferred tax asset has been recognised

Potential tax benefit at 30%

Consolidated

2017 
$’000

2016 
$’000

15,127

4,538

15,127

4,538

The unused capital losses were incurred from the disposal of capital investments that are not likely to be recouped in the foreseeable future. 

Unrecognised temporary differences

Temporary difference relating to investments in subsidiaries for which deferred tax liabilities have not 
been recognised:

Foreign currency translation

Undistributed earnings

Unrecognised deferred tax liabilities relating to the above temporary differences

476

–

476

811

–

811 

Temporary differences of $0.5m (2016: $0.8m) have arisen as a result of the translation of the financial statements of the Group’s subsidiary 
in the US. However, a deferred tax liability has not been recognised as the liability will only eventuate in the event of disposal of the 
subsidiary, and no such disposal is expected in the foreseeable future. 

90

ERM POWERERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 2: OPERATING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

21.  DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (CONT.)

Tax consolidation

The Company and its wholly-owned Australian controlled entities, have 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.

Key judgments and estimates

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.

91

ANNUAL REPORT 2017ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 3: CAPITAL AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

22.  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

Financial risk management objectives
The Group’s activities are exposed to a variety of financial risks, including:

(a)  Market risk (commodity price and interest rate), 

(b)  Credit risk (refer Note 10), and 

(c)  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 and interest rate swaps to hedge against certain risk exposures. Further details on these instruments are set out in notes  
13 and 14.

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.

Market risk

Electricity pool price risk
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 net profit from fluctuations in electricity pool prices.

Subsidiaries in the Group’s electricity sales segment routinely enter 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 options. Electricity 
derivatives are either entered into in separate agreements or arise as embedded derivatives. Whilst the Group recognises the fair value 
of electricity derivative contracts for accounting purposes, the Group is not permitted to similarly recognise the fair value of the sales 
contracts that form the other side of the economic hedging relationship.

92

ERM POWERERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 3: CAPITAL AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

22.  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (CONT.)

Market risk (cont.)
The following tables summarise 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. 

Electricity sales sensitivity 
The impact disclosed below summarises the sensitivity on the unrealised mark to market of electricity derivatives contracts only and 
does not include any corresponding movement in the value of customer contracts, which would vary in the opposite direction to the 
underlying hedge. As electricity forward prices increase above the contracted price of a derivative contract (buy side contract) the 
derivative contract becomes more valuable as it allows the Group to effectively purchase electricity at a cost lower than the prevailing 
forward market price. Equally, the value of the corresponding customer contract (sell side contract) decreases as the Group has 
contracted to sell electricity to a customer at a price lower than the prevailing forward market price. Only the mark to market on the buy 
side contract has been recognised for accounting purposes regardless of whether there is an effective hedge in place. 

2017

Net profit / (loss) – unrealised mark to market of electricity derivative contracts 

Other Components of Equity increase / (decrease)

2016

Net profit / (loss) – unrealised mark to market of electricity derivative contracts

Other Components of Equity increase / (decrease)

Increase by 
10% 
$’000

Decrease by 
10% 
$’000

96,862

(5,610)

198,957

(167,269)

148,110

60,774

(61,409)

(96,795)

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

Electricity generation sensitivity
The impact disclosed below summarises the sensitivity on the profit of generating assets held by the Group resulting from a change in 
spot prices. 

2017

Net profit / (loss)

Other Components of Equity increase / (decrease)

2016

Net profit / (loss)

Other Components of Equity increase / (decrease)

Increase by 
10% 
$’000

Decrease by 
10% 
$’000

3,687

(3,687)

–

–

4,747

(4,747)

–

–

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

93

ANNUAL REPORT 2017ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 3: CAPITAL AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

22.  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (CONT.)

Market risk (cont.)

Interest rate risk
The Group is exposed to interest rate risk on the funds it borrows at floating interest rates and on cash deposits. The risk is managed 
by entering into interest rate swap contracts for project term debt. 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 50 basis points has been selected as this is considered reasonable 
given the current level of short term and long term interest rates.

At balance date, if interest rates had been 50 basis points higher / lower and all other variables were held constant, the impact on the 
Group would be:

2017

Net profit / (loss)

Other equity increase / (decrease)

2016

Net profit / (loss)

Other equity increase / (decrease)

Increase by 
50bps 
$’000

Decrease by 
50bps 
$’000

663

2,504

559

2,799

(663)

(2,504)

(559)

(2,799)

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

Foreign exchange risk
The Group operates a US electricity retail business and is exposed to foreign currency translation risk in respect of the investment. 
There is no debt in respect of this investment and there are no cross currency transactions that expose the Group to further foreign 
exchange risk. 

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 2017 is contained in 
Note 25.

94

ERM POWERERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 3: CAPITAL AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

22.  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (CONT.)

Liquidity risk (cont.)

Maturities of financial liabilities
The table below analyses 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. 

Financial liabilities 
Consolidated

2017

Trade payables and accrued expenses 

Other payables

Leased liabilities 

Interest bearing liabilities – limited recourse(i)

Derivatives

2016

Trade payables

Other payables

Interest bearing liabilities

Interest bearing liabilities – limited recourse(i)

Derivatives

≤1 year 
$’000

1 to 5 years 
$’000

>5 years 
$’000

Discount 
$’000

Total 
$’000

344,335 

119,979

4,383

8,264

40,758

–

–

17,961

30,587

53,592

–

–

2,010

159,603

6,992

–

–

(2,374)

(9,537)

344,335

119,979

21,980

188,917

–

101,342

517,719

102,140

168,605

(11,911)

776,553

277,599

89,444

27,861

9,332

13,868

418,104

–

–

–

23,620

25,840

49,460

–

–

–

–

–

–

277,599

89,444

27,861

172,400

(11,715)

193,637

11,729

–

51,437

184,129

(11,715)

639,978

(i)  Recourse limited to assets of the Neerabup Partnership. Refer note 29 for further details.

95

ANNUAL REPORT 2017ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 3: CAPITAL AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

22.  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (CONT.)

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. This approach is consistent with prior years. The capital structure of the Group as at balance 
date consists of total corporate facilities, as listed in note 25, total limited recourse facilities as listed in note 25 and equity, comprising 
issued capital, reserves and retained earnings as listed in notes 26 and 27.

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 the provision of bank guarantees or 
cash collateral. It also has a working capital facility in place which is settled each month. A large percentage 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. During the financial year 
ended 30 June 2017 the entity complied with all applicable debt covenants. 

The quantitative analysis of the Group’s gearing structure is illustrated below. To consider the risk of the Company’s capital structure it is 
appropriate to segregate the power stations from the rest of the Group. The table below illustrates the gearing and interest cover for the 
Group. When the Neerabup assets and associated limited recourse debt are excluded the Group has no net debt.

Gearing percentage(i)

Gearing percentage(i) excluding Neerabup

EBITDAF Interest cover ratio

Consolidated

2017 
$’000

0%

0%

2.68

2016 
$’000

7%

0%

2.36

(i)  Gearing percentage is calculated as net debt divided by total capital. Net debt is calculated as total interest-bearing borrowings less cash and cash equivalents. 

Total capital is calculated as ‘equity’ as shown in the statement of financial position plus net debt less reserves attributable to fair value 
adjustments.

96

ERM POWERERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 3: CAPITAL AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

23.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

Fair value of financial assets and liabilities 
The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities must be estimated for recognition, measurement and disclosure purposes.  
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of all the Group’s financial instruments recognised in the financial statements are 
materially the same, with the exception of the following:

Financial assets

Electricity and gas derivative financial instruments

Consolidated

2017 
$’000 
Carrying value

2017 
$’000 
Fair value

406,576

434,989

406,576

434,989

The carrying value of derivative financial assets recognised excludes a day one gain on certain electricity derivatives. In accordance with 
the Group's accounting policy a day one gain has not been recognised with the day one value of certain instruments entered into initially 
valued at the transaction price, which is the best indicator of fair value. Any gain subsequently realised is progressively recognised as 
the instruments are settled. The measurement of the instruments at 30 June 2017 excludes the remaining balance of the deferred day 
one gain of $28.4m. At inception the day one gain was $31.9m. The movement in the day one gain balance relates to settlement of 
derivatives through profit and loss during the year.

Key judgments and estimates
The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities must be estimated for recognition and measurement and for disclosure 
purposes. The financial assets and liabilities held by the group and the fair value approach for each is outlined below:

Financial asset and liability

Fair value approach

Cash and cash equivalents 

The carrying amount is fair value due to the asset’s liquid nature. 

Derivative financial instruments

Other financial assets 

Other financial liabilities at amortised cost

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

Where the derivative instrument life extends beyond the period of available market data 
valuation techniques and assumptions are used in the fair value estimate.

Due to their short-term nature, the carrying amounts of loans, receivables, and cash and 
cash equivalents approximate their fair value.

The Group holds various trade payables and borrowings at period end. Due to the 
short-term nature of the trade payables the carrying value of these are assumed to 
approximate their fair value. The fair value of borrowings is not materially different than 
the carrying amounts as the interest rates are close to current market rates or are  
short-term in nature. 

97

ANNUAL REPORT 2017 
ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 3: CAPITAL AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

23.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (CONT.)

Fair value of financial assets and liabilities (cont.)
The following tables present the Group’s assets and liabilities measured and recognised at fair value at 30 June 2017 and 30 June 2016.

As at 30 June 2017

Assets

Electricity and commodity derivatives

Foreign exchange derivative contract

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income

Total assets

Liabilities

Electricity and commodity derivatives

Interest rates swaps

Total liabilities

As at 30 June 2016

Assets

Electricity and commodity derivatives

Embedded derivative contract

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income

Total assets

Liabilities

Electricity and commodity derivatives

Interest rates swaps

Total liabilities

Level 1 
$’000

Level 2 
$’000

Level 3 
$’000

Total 
$’000

8,871

397,705

–

15

30

–

8,886

397,735

7,983

–

7,983 

59,547

33,812

93,359

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

406,576

30

15

406,621

67,530

33,812

101,342

Level 1 
$’000

Level 2 
$’000

Level 3 
$’000

Total 
$’000

1,889

208,035

–

150

203

–

2,039

208,238

4,534

–

4,534

5,275

41,628

46,903

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

209,924

203

150

210,277

9,809

41,628

51,437

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. 

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

The Group’s policy is to recognise transfers into and transfers out of fair value hierarchy levels as at the end of the reporting period.  
For the years ending 30 June 2017 and 30 June 2016 there were no transfers between the fair value hierarchy levels.

98

ERM POWERERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 3: CAPITAL AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

23.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (CONT.)

Offsetting of financial assets and financial liabilities
Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the balance sheet where the Group currently has a legally 
enforceable right to offset the recognised amounts, and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or realise the asset and settle the 
liability simultaneously. The Group has also entered into arrangements that do not meet the criteria for offsetting but still allow for the 
related amounts to be set off in certain circumstances, such as bankruptcy or the termination of a contract.

The following table presents the recognised financial instruments that are offset, or subject to enforceable master netting arrangements 
and other similar agreements but not offset, as at 30 June 2017 and 30 June 2016. The column ‘net exposure’ shows the impact on 
the Group’s balance sheet if all set-off rights were exercised.

The below table provides a reconciliation of the Group’s gross derivative financial assets and liabilities offset to those presented on the 
consolidated statement of financial position as at 30 June 2017 and as at 30 June 2016.

As at 30 June 2017

$’000

Financial assets

Electricity and commodity  
derivatives contracts

Gross 
carrying 
amount 
(before 
offsetting)

Cash 
collateral 
and futures 
margin 
deposits 
received

Gross 
amounts 
offset

Related amounts not offset

Net amount 
presented 

Financial 
instruments(i)

Cash 
collateral 

Net 
exposure

547,777

(78,192)

(63,009)

406,576

(3,925)

(46,462)

356,189

Foreign exchange derivative contract

30

–

–

30

–

–

30

Total

Financial liabilities

Electricity and commodity  
derivatives contracts

Interest rate swaps

Total

As at 30 June 2016

$’000

Financial assets

Electricity and commodity  
derivatives contracts

547,807

(78,192)

(63,009)

406,606

(3,925)

(46,462)

356,219

145,948

(78,192)

33,812

–

(226)

–

67,530

33,812

(3,925)

1,340

–

–

179,760

(78,192)

(226)

101,342

(3,925)

1,340

64,945

33,812

98,757

Gross 
carrying 
amount 
(before 
offsetting)

Cash 
collateral 
and futures 
margin 
deposits 
received

Gross 
amounts 
offset

Related amounts not offset

Net amount 
presented 

Financial 
instruments(i)

Cash 
collateral 

Net 
exposure

248,844

(29,431)

(9,489)

209,924

(1,022)

(1,889)

207,013

Embedded derivative contract

203

–

–

203

–

–

203

Total

Financial liabilities

Electricity and commodity  
derivatives contracts

Interest rate swaps

Total

249,047

(29,431)

(9,489)

210,127

(1,022)

(1,889)

207,216

39,240

41,628

80,868

(29,431)

–

(29,431)

–

–

–

9,809

41,628

51,437

(1,022)

–

(1,022)

–

–

–

8,787

41,628

50,415

(i)  Financial instruments that do not meet the criteria for offsetting but may be offset in certain circumstances.

99

ANNUAL REPORT 2017ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 3: CAPITAL AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

24.  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Current

Restricted cash

Non-restricted cash at bank and cash on hand

Total cash and cash equivalents

The cash and cash equivalents are bearing interest at rates between nil and 2.75%.

Restricted cash

Term deposits

Other restricted cash deposits

Consolidated

2017 
$’000

2016 
$’000

118,465

125,150

126,151

67,317

244,616

192,467

33,547

84,918

91,033

34,117

118,465

125,150

Restricted cash
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. Cash that is on deposit with counterparties as security deposits and cash that is on deposit with financial 
institutions as security for bank guarantees issued to various counterparties as credit support, is defined as restricted cash, with a 
corresponding disclosure in contingent liabilities in Note 34. Cash collateral held in broker accounts to facilitate wholesale price hedging  
on the Sydney Futures Exchange is classified as restricted cash unless it is eligible for offset against the corresponding derivative liability.  
As at 30 June 2017 $96.4m cash collateral held in broker accounts has been offset against the corresponding asset or liability  
(2016: $27.2m). 

The restricted cash deposits, held on term deposit, are bearing interest at rates between 2.30% and 2.75%.

Recognition and measurement
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. Cash that is on deposit with counterparties as security deposits and cash that is on deposit with financial 
institutions as security for bank guarantees issued to various counterparties as credit support, is defined as restricted cash, with a 
corresponding disclosure in contingent liabilities in Note 34. Cash collateral held in broker accounts to facilitate wholesale price hedging 
on the Sydney Futures Exchange is classified as restricted cash unless it is eligible for offset against the corresponding derivative liability. 

100

ERM POWERERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 3: CAPITAL AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

25.  BORROWINGS

Current

Secured

Bank loan – Receivables financing facility

Bank loan – Inventory repurchase

Secured – limited recourse

Bank loan – Neerabup working capital facility

Bank loan – Neerabup term facility (current portion)

Total current borrowings

Non-current

Secured – limited recourse

Bank loan – Neerabup term facility

Convertible notes

Total non-current borrowings

Total borrowings

Consolidated

Note

2017 
$’000

2016 
$’000

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

(iv)

(v)

–

–

–

3,000

5,264

8,264

8,264

17,361

10,500

27,861

3,000

6,332

9,332

37,193

130,190

50,463

180,653

180,653

135,212

49,093

184,305

184,305

188,917

221,498

Information on credit risk, fair value and interest rate risk exposure of the Group is provided at note 22.

(i) 

(ii) 

(iii) 

(iv) 

(v) 

 Amounts drawn down on receivables financing facility secured against billed and unbilled electricity sales customer revenue 
receivables.

 Sale and repurchase agreement in respect of renewable energy certificates. The equivalent renewable energy certificate assets, 
over which the Group had the right of repurchase, are included within inventories at 30 June 2016.

 Amounts drawn down on a limited recourse bank working capital facility by Neerabup Partnership. This debt has recourse to the 
assets of Neerabup Partnership only.

 Amounts drawn down on a limited recourse term debt facility in respect of the Neerabup Partnership. This debt has recourse to 
the assets of Neerabup Partnership only.

 Convertible notes are redeemable by the issuer from 30 September 2010 until maturity in February 2023. Notes have a coupon 
rate that is variable based on BBSY plus 4%. The notes are accounted for using the effective interest method at 7.78% (2016: 
7.78%). 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. 

101

ANNUAL REPORT 2017ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 3: CAPITAL AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

25.  BORROWINGS (CONT.)

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:

Total facilities – bank loans

Facilities used at balance date – bank loans

Facilities unused at balance date – bank loans

Consolidated

2017 
$’000

2016 
$’000

391,463

381,425

(179,020)

(213,213)

212,443

168,212

Recognition and measurement
Borrowings are initially recognised at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised 
cost using the effective interest method, with interest expense recognized 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 discounts estimated future cash payments through the expected life of the 
financial liability, or, where appropriate, a shorter period.

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.

Borrowings are removed from the statement of financial position 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.

102

ERM POWERERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 3: CAPITAL AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

26.  CONTRIBUTED EQUITY

Consolidated

Consolidated

2017 
Number  
of shares 

2016 
Number  
of shares 

Note

2017 
$’000

2016 
$’000

Issued ordinary shares – fully paid

252,708,202 245,836,004

346,621

339,669

Treasury shares

Movement in ordinary share capital 

(7,648,455)

(3,370,583)

(11,609)

(7,314)

245,059,747 242,465,421

335,012

332,355

At the beginning of the period

245,836,004 242,021,217

339,669

332,134

Issue of new shares – employee incentive scheme

33

5,588,171

2,952,134

Issue of shares – dividend reinvestment plan

1,284,027

862,653

5,606

1,301

304

(259)

6,430

1,479

1,288

(1,662)

–

–

–

–

252,708,202 245,836,004

346,621

339,669

Transfer from share based payment reserve

Transfer to treasury shares

At the end of the period

Terms and conditions of contributed equity 

Ordinary shares
During the year ended 30 June 2017, there were no capital raisings undertaken.

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. For details 
of shares and options issued under employee share schemes see note 33. 

Recognition and measurement
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.

103

ANNUAL REPORT 2017 
 
 
 
195,899

(59,040)

6,098

(1,287)

2,565

1,569

103,413

Total

ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 3: CAPITAL AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

27.  RESERVES

Consolidated 
2016 
$’000

Cash flow 
hedge reserve

Fair value 
reserve 

Share based 
payment 
reserve

Transactions 
with non-
controlling 
interests

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
reserve

Total

Balance at the beginning of the year

(24,855) 

(6,664)

2,398

(14,404)

1,134

(42,391)

Revaluation – net

Revaluation – deferred tax

Transfer to retained earnings (net of tax)

Share based payments vested

Share based payment expense 

Currency translation differences 

195,990

(58,797)

–

–

–

–

(91)

(243)

6,098

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1,287)

2,565

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Balance at the end of the year

112,338

(900)

3,676

(14,404)

–

–

–

–

–

1,569

2,703

Consolidated 
2017 
$’000

Balance at the beginning of the year

Revaluation – net

Revaluation – deferred tax

Share based payments vested

Share based payment expense 

Reclassification to profit or loss on disposal of 
discontinued operation

Currency translation differences

Cash flow 
hedge reserve

Fair value 
reserve 

Share based 
payment 
reserve

Transactions 
with non-
controlling 
interests

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
reserve

112,338

166,534

(49,960)

–

–

–

–

(900)

(142)

–

–

–

–

–

3,676

(14,404)

2,703

103,413

–

–

(1,153)

3,527

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

166,392

(49,960)

(1,153)

3,527

(205)

(1,137)

(205)

(1,137)

Balance at the end of the year

228,912

(1,042)

6,050

(14,404)

1,361

220,877

104

ERM POWERERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 3: CAPITAL AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

27.  RESERVES (CONT.)

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.

Fair value reserve
Changes in the fair value and exchange differences arising on translation of investments, such as equities classified as fair value through 
other comprehensive income, are recognised in other comprehensive income, as described in note 13 and accumulated in a separate 
reserve within equity.

Transactions with non-controlling interests
This reserve is used to record the differences described in note 28 which may arise as a result of transactions with non-controlling 
interests that do not result in a loss of control.

Share based payment reserve
The share based payments reserve is used to recognise:

 »

 »

 »

the grant date fair value of options issued to employees but not exercised

the grant date fair value of shares issued to employees

the issue of shares held by the LTIST and LTIOT employee share trusts to employees

Foreign currency translation
Exchange differences arising on translation of the foreign controlled entity are recognised in other comprehensive income as described 
in note 38(a) and accumulated in a separate reserve within equity. The cumulative amount is reclassified to profit or loss when the net 
investment is disposed of.

105

ANNUAL REPORT 2017ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 4: GROUP STRUCTURE

28.  PARENT ENTITY 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

Net assets

Shareholders’ equity

Contributed equity

Treasury shares

Fair value reserve

Share option reserve 

Retained earnings

Total equity

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive loss

Total comprehensive income 

2017  
$’000

2016  
$’000

319,351

228,778

474,843

379,349

30,093

47,228

11,204

12,726

427,615

366,623

346,621

339,669

(11,609)

(1,042)

6,050

87,595

(7,314) 

(900)

3,676

31,492

427,615

366,623

80,674

33,310

(142)

(333)

80,532

32,977

Guarantees entered into by the parent entity
The parent entity has issued non-cash backed guarantees to certain third parties to support the operations of the Australia and US 
electricity sales businesses.

Contingent liabilities of the parent entity
At 30 June 2017, the parent entity has drawn on $150m of non-cash backed financial guarantees under the Liberty International 
Underwriters Singapore Surety guarantee facility. The guarantee is drawn to support Australian energy market operational obligations  
as detailed in note 34(b).

106

ERM POWERERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 4: GROUP STRUCTURE

28.  PARENT ENTITY FINANCIAL INFORMATION  (CONT.)

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 2017. 

Parent entity financial information
The financial information for the parent entity, ERM Power Limited has been prepared on the same basis as the consolidated financial 
statements, except as set out below:

Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint arrangements

(i) 
Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint venture entities are accounted for at cost in the financial statements of the Company. 
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.

Financial Guarantees

(ii) 
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.

Tax consolidation legislation

(iv) 
The Company 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, the Company 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.

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.

107

ANNUAL REPORT 2017ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 4: GROUP STRUCTURE

29.  INTERESTS IN OTHER ENTITIES

(a)   Subsidiary companies
The Consolidated Entity consists of a number of wholly or majority owned subsidiaries as set out below. The consolidated financial 
statements incorporate the assets and liabilities of all subsidiaries of the Company as at 30 June 2017 as set out below and the results 
for the year then ended.

Place of 
incorporation

Percentage of equity  
interest held by  
the Company

Percentage of equity  
interest held by the  
non-controlling interests

2017  
%

2016  
%

2017  
%

2016  
%

QLD

QLD

QLD

QLD

VIC

VIC

VIC

VIC

QLD

QLD

VIC

WA

NSW

ACT

NSW

VIC

USA

USA

USA

USA

QLD

QLD

QLD

USA

VIC

NSW

QLD

VIC

QLD

QLD

QLD

QLD

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

–

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Name

Material operating subsidiaries

ERM Financial Services Pty Ltd

ERM Gas Pty Ltd

ERM Holdings Pty Ltd

ERM Land Holdings Pty Ltd

ERM Neerabup Power Pty Ltd

ERM Neerabup Pty Ltd

ERM Power Developments Pty Ltd

ERM Power Generation Pty Ltd

ERM Power International Pty Ltd
ERM Power Investments Pty Ltd(i)

ERM Power Retail Pty Ltd
Greensense Pty Ltd(ii)
Lumaled Pty Ltd(iii)

Oakey Power Holdings Pty Ltd

Powermetric Metering Pty Ltd 

SAGE Utility Systems Pty Ltd

Source Power & Gas LLC

Source Operations Group LLC

SPG Energy Group LLC
ERM Power Trading LLC(iv)

Other non-material subsidiaries

Braemar 3 Holdings Pty Ltd

ERM Braemar 3 Pty Ltd

ERM Braemar 3 Power Pty Ltd

ERM Business Energy LLC

ERM Gas WA01 Pty Ltd

ERM Oakey Power Holdings Pty Ltd 

E.R.M. Oakey Power Pty Ltd

ERM Power Services Pty Ltd

ERM Power Utility Systems Pty Ltd

ERM Wellington 1 Holdings Pty Ltd

Queensland Electricity Investors Pty Ltd

Richmond Valley Solar Thermal Pty Ltd

(i)  Registered in May 2016.

(ii)  Purchased 6 January 2016. Refer to note 30 for further details.

(iii) Purchased 7 March 2016. Refer to note 30 for further details.

(iv) Formed 21 September 2016.

108

ERM POWERERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 4: GROUP STRUCTURE

29.  INTERESTS IN OTHER ENTITIES (CONT.)

(a)   Subsidiary companies (cont.)

Recognition and measurement
Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date of acquisition, being the date on which the Group obtains control, and continue to be 
consolidated until the date that such control ceases. Control of an entity exists when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable 
returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power to direct the activities of the 
entity. The existence and effect of potential voting rights that are currently exercisable or convertible are considered when assessing 
whether the Group controls another entity.

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 statement of financial position respectively.

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

Changes in ownership interests
The Group treats transactions with non-controlling interests that do not result in a loss of control as transactions with equity owners of 
the Group. A change in ownership interest results in an adjustment between the carrying amounts of the controlling and non-controlling 
interests to reflect their relative interests in the subsidiary. Any difference between the amount of the adjustment to non-controlling 
interests and any consideration paid or received is recognised in a separate reserve within equity attributable to owners of the Company.

When the Group ceases to have control, joint control or significant influence, any retained interest in the entity is remeasured to its fair 
value with the change in carrying amount recognised in profit or loss. The fair value is the initial carrying amount for the purposes of 
subsequently accounting for the retained interest as an associate, jointly controlled entity or financial asset. In addition, any amounts 
previously recognised in other comprehensive income in respect of that entity are accounted for as if the Group had directly disposed 
of the related assets or liabilities. This may mean that amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive income are reclassified to 
profit or loss.

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.

(b)  Significant joint operations – power station projects
As at 30 June 2017 and 30 June 2016, the Group has the following interest in power station projects with other external parties.  
The Group has classified its investments in the NewGen Neerabup Partnership as a joint operation. The partners of the Partnership  
are jointly and severally liable for the liabilities of the partnership and under the partnership agreement are entitled to a proportionate 
share of Partnership’s assets. 

Interest Held

Principle place 
of business

2017 
%

2016 
%

Neerabup Power Station:

NewGen Power Neerabup Pty Ltd

NewGen Neerabup Pty Ltd

NewGen Neerabup Partnership

QLD

QLD

WA

50

50

50

The consolidated entity’s proportionate share of assets employed and liabilities incurred in power station projects classified as joint 
operations is summarised below. 

50

50

50

109

ANNUAL REPORT 2017ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 4: GROUP STRUCTURE

29.  INTERESTS IN OTHER ENTITIES (CONT.)

(b)  Significant joint operations – power station projects (cont.)

CURRENT ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables at amortised cost

Inventories

Other assets

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

TOTAL ASSETS

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Trade and other payables

Borrowings – limited recourse 

Provisions

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

Borrowings – limited recourse

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

Recognition and measurement

Consolidated

2017 
$’000

2016 
$’000

11,985

4,547

64

528

10,898

3,780

–

419

17,124

15,097

170,241

174,784

57

170,298

187,422

1,117

8,264

52

9,433

130,190

33,812

164,002

173,435

13,987

10

174,794

189,891

925

9,332

52

10,309

135,212

41,628

176,840

187,149

2,742

14

–

–

14

25

–

–

25

Joint arrangements
Under AASB 11 Joint Arrangements investments in joint arrangements are classified as either joint operations or joint ventures. The 
classification depends on the contractual rights and obligations of each investor, rather than the legal structure of the joint arrangement. 
The Group has joint operations but no material joint ventures.

Joint operations
The Group recognises its direct right to the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of joint operations and its share of any jointly held or 
incurred assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. These have been incorporated in the financial statements under the appropriate headings. 

110

ERM POWERERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 4: GROUP STRUCTURE

29.  INTERESTS IN OTHER ENTITIES (CONT.)

(c)  Joint ventures
In June 2016 the Group made a 33% investment in Energy Locals Pty Ltd for $1.5m, which provides a platform for members of 
communities to supply and charge each other energy.

(d)  

Interests in associate

Name of entity

Place of  
business/country of 
incorporation

1st Energy Pty Ltd

Australia

Principle  
Activity

Measurement 
method

Electricity sales to business  
and residential customers in  

New South Wales

Equity method

% of ownership interest

2017

30

2016

 —

During the 2017 financial year, the Group made a 30% investment in 1st Energy Pty Ltd (1st Energy) for $4.5m. The Group has 
representation on its board of directors and a consequent ability to participate in the financial and operating decisions. In the opinion  
of the directors, ERM Power has significant influence and 1st Energy is an associate of the Group.

Recognition and measurement
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.

Key judgments and estimates
ERM Power has determined that it has significant influence, but not control or joint control, to govern the financial and operating 
policies of 1st Energy Pty Ltd and accordingly the investment is accounted for as an associate. 

111

ANNUAL REPORT 2017ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 4: GROUP STRUCTURE

30.  BUSINESS COMBINATION 
During the year ended 30 June 2017 the Group did not acquire any businesses. 

(a)   Prior year acquisition – Greensense Pty Ltd 
On 6 January 2016, the Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Greensense Pty Ltd (Greensense). Greensense is an 
award winning technology business focused on improving the sustainability performance of commercial buildings. A leader in the rapidly 
developing area of cloud-based, big data and analytics, Greensense software is used by some of Australia’s largest organisations 
across education, utilities, retail, government and commercial property. The acquisition of Greensense allows the Group to offer services 
that will drive energy and water efficiency, reduce costs and showcase sustainability achievements to its retail electricity customer base. 

The total purchase consideration was $5.3m paid in cash with goodwill of $3.8m recognised on acquisition. 

(b)   Prior year acquisition – Lumaled Pty Ltd
On 7 March 2016 the Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Lumaled Pty Ltd (Lumaled). Lumaled specialises in energy-
efficient lighting for industrial and commercial businesses. It develops and distributes LED products throughout Australia. The acquisition 
allows the Group to diversify its product offering to its electricity retail customers. 

The total purchase consideration was $3.7m with $3.0m paid in cash and a further $0.7m payable as contingent consideration under 
an earn-out arrangement with goodwill of $2.6m recognised on acquisition. 

Recognition and measurement
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 acquire 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 discount on acquisition.

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.

31.  DISCONTINUED OPERATION
In December 2016, the Group announced its intention to sell all residential customer contract assets in the US and initiated an active 
program to locate a buyer for these assets. The associated assets and liabilities were consequently presented as held for sale in the 
December 2016 half year financial statements.

The residential operation represents a major line of business in our US operations and the only residential electricity sales operation 
within the Group. Following the decision to divest of the associated assets of this business it has been classified as a discontinued 
operation. 

An agreement was entered into with US Retailers LLC on 3 April 2017 (with an effective sale date of 9 June 2017) to sell the residential 
customer contracts, associated goodwill, customer data and prepayment assets. Financial information relating to the discontinued 
operation for the period to the date of disposal is set out below.

The comparative income statements and statements of comprehensive income of the Group have been restated to show discontinued 
operations separately from continuing operations.

112

ERM POWERERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 4: GROUP STRUCTURE

31.  DISCONTINUED OPERATION (CONT.)

(a)  Financial performance and cash flow information
The financial performance and cash flow information presented reflects the operations for the period ended 9 June 2017 and the year 
ended 30 June 2016.

Consolidated

Revenue

Expenses

EBITDAF

Gain on sale of customer contracts

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

Note

31(b)

Depreciation

Net finance costs

Profit before tax

Income tax expense

Net (loss) / profit from discontinued operations

Exchange differences on translation of discontinued operations

Other comprehensive loss from discontinued operations

Total comprehensive (loss) / income from discontinued operations

Net cash (outflow) / inflow from operating activities

Net cash inflow / (outflow) from investing activities

Net cash outflow from financing activities

Net increase in cash generated by the discontinued operation

(b)  Details of the sale of the US Residential Customer Contract assets

Consideration received or receivable:

Cash

Total disposal consideration

Carrying amount of net assets sold

Gain on sale before income tax and reclassification of foreign currency translation reserve

Reclassification of foreign currency translation reserve

Income tax expense on gain

Gain on sale after income tax

2017 
$’000

82,512

(87,414)

(4,902)

10,851

(2,542)

(650)

(1,832)

925

(2,057)

(1,132)

(205)

(205)

(1,337)

(8,219)

10,532

(1,832)

481

15,806

15,806

(4,955)

10,851

(205)

(5,532)

5,114

2016 
$’000

72,286

(69,141)

3,145

–

–

(419)

(1,485)

1,241

(434)

807

–

–

807

3,403

(418)

(1,485)

1,500

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

113

ANNUAL REPORT 2017ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 5: EMPLOYEE REMUNERATION

32.  KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

Key management personnel compensation 

Short-term employee benefits

Long-term employee benefits

Post-employment benefits

Share-based payments

Consolidated

2017 
$

2016 
$

6,760,826

4,716,281

65,402

40,561

223,212

206,430

1,327,333

1,738,047

8,376,773

6,701,319

Detailed remuneration disclosures are provided in the Remuneration Report.  

33.  SHARE BASED PAYMENTS 
The Company provides benefits to employees (including the CEO and Senior Executives) of the Group in the form of share-based 
payments, whereby selected employees who are invited by the Board render services in exchange for shares or options or rights over 
shares. 

The objective of the Long Term Incentive Scheme is to provide incentives to focus on long term shareholder returns. These incentive 
awards have been granted by way of offers to participate in both the Long Term Incentive Share Trust (LTIST) and the Long Term 
Incentive Option Trust (LTIOT).

The expense arising from these transactions is shown in note 5. 

The Group operates a number of share-based payment plans. A description of each type of share-based payment arrangement that 
existed at any time during the period is described below. The fair value of options and rights granted under equity-settled share based 
arrangements are measured at grant date and spread over the vesting period through a charge to employee benefit expense in the 
income statement and a corresponding increase in the share-based payments reserve in equity. The fair value of share based payments 
takes into account market performance conditions, but excludes the impact of any non-market vesting conditions. Non-market vesting 
conditions are included in the assumptions about the number of shares that are expected to be vested. Upon vesting, the relevant 
amount in the share-based payments reserve is transferred to contributed equity.

LTIST
Shares are acquired by a trustee who holds those shares on behalf of participants. The shares are acquired by the trustee either 
subscribing for new shares or purchasing shares on market. 

Participants hold their interest in the LTIST through 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 their vote in the case of a poll at a meeting 
of the Company. Vesting conditions may be a combination of service and performance hurdles, as determined by the directors. If the 
participant’s employment ceases prior to the shares vesting, the Board will determine if the participant’s units in the LTIST are forfeit or, 
for redundancy, death or permanent disability, or in circumstances that the Board determines appropriate, continue to be held to the 
end of the performance period at which time the proportion to vest will be re-assessed.

Early vesting may occur on a change of control of the Company, 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.

Any shares listed under the LTIST without market based vesting conditions are valued at the external market price at the time of issue 
and are not valued using a Monte Carlo simulation or other methodology. During FY2017, 2,384,470 shares were issued to staff under  
a retention scheme with service vesting conditions requiring a maximum of 12 months service for 50% of the shares issued to vest and 
2 years’ service for 100% of the shares issued to vest. The market value of the shares issued ranged from $1.05 – $1.11. 

At 30 June 2017, 7,648,455 shares remained outstanding not yet vested (2016: 3,370,583).

114

ERM POWER 
ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 5: EMPLOYEE REMUNERATION

33.  SHARE BASED PAYMENTS (CONT.)

LTIST (cont.)

Key judgments and estimates

Valuation of shares granted under LTIST
The fair value of shares granted under the LTIST with market based vesting conditions is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation 
(using a Black-Scholes framework). The model inputs for restricted shares granted are shown in the table below.

Assessed fair value per share at grant date(i)

Number of units allocated under the plan during the financial year(ii)

Share price at grant date

Exercise price

FY2017 grants

FY2016 grants

$0.57–$0.68

$0.90–$1.44

2,829,195

1,579,497

$0.84–$1.13

$1.48–$2.22

Nil

Nil

Expected price volatility of the Company’s shares based on historic volatility

38%–39%

33%–35%

Risk free interest rate

Expected vesting date

Dividend yield

1.52%–1.74%

1.74%–2.03%

2–3 years after issue

1–3 years after issue

10.6%–14.3%

5.4%–8.1%

Proportion subject to vesting on satisfaction of total security holder return  
(TSR) performance(ii)

100%

100%

(i)  Valued using a Monte Carlo simulation.

(ii)   Certain grants may have other service based conditions in lieu of a TSR component. For those grants with a TSR condition, vesting is based 100% on meeting 
both TSR and service conditions. The performance hurdle will only be satisfied where the TSR value is positive. If the TSR value is negative, the performance 
hurdle will not be satisfied, and the underlying shares in the LTIST will not vest.

LTIOT
Options were granted during the 2011 financial year. No options have been granted subsequent to the 2011 financial year. 

Participants were issued units at the prevailing market value of the options. 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. Early vesting and the 
consequences of cessation of employment prior to vesting are identical to the LTIST as described above. Details of movements in  
each option plan are set out below. 

Financial 
year

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

2011

2011

Total

1/11/2010

1/11/2017

$2.75

1,178,836

8/11/2010

8/11/2017

$2.75

242,706

1,421,542

–

–

–

216,962

–

216,962

–

–

–

961,874

961,874

242,706

242,706

1,204,580

1,204,580

The weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding at the end of the period is 0.3 years. 

115

ANNUAL REPORT 2017ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 5: EMPLOYEE REMUNERATION

33.  SHARE BASED PAYMENTS (CONT.)

Other awards
The Company may offer awards outside of the standard incentive plans. Performance Rights are granted as part of an employee 
retention strategy. The Performance Rights are subject to a vesting period and will be satisfied, at the Board’s discretion, in cash or 
shares, subject to continuous full-time employment with the Company. The vesting value will be the number of Performance Rights  
held, multiplied by the higher of either the notional issue price, or the 10 day VWAP at the vesting date. Details of the Performance 
Rights issues are set out below.

Financial year

2016

2015

2014

Grant  
Date

Vesting  
date

Number 

21/12/15

06/01/19

468,232

23/09/14

23/09/19

280,114

16/08/13

16/08/18

92,285

Notional 
price

$1.538

$1.785

$2.709

116

ERM POWERERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 6: OTHER DISCLOSURE ITEMS

34.  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

Consolidated

2017 
$’000

2016 
$’000

7,517

138

–

11,905

6,227

–

7,655

18,132

(b)  Contingent liabilities
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 and other counterparties

Bank guarantees – Lease arrangements

Futures margin deposits

Security deposits

Bank guarantees – Western Power

Bank guarantees – NSW exploration licence

Note

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

(v)

(vi)

Consolidated

2017 
$’000

2016 
$’000

208,162

173,903

2,915

–

1,345

300

–

3,008

12,366

1,005

300

75

212,722

190,657

(i)   The Group has provided bank guarantees in favour of the Australian Energy Market Operator to support its obligations to settle electricity purchases from the 

National Electricity Market. Bank guarantees have also been provided to various counterparties in relation to electricity derivatives. A portion of the guarantees are 
supported by term deposits. $150m of the bank guarantees are supported by non-cash backed guarantees in 2017 (2016: $150m). 

(ii)   The Group has provided bank guarantees in relation to lease arrangements for premises in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. These guarantees are 

supported by term deposits.

(iii)  Futures margin deposits represent cash lodged with the Group’s futures clearing brokers. The deposits are in relation to various futures contracts on the Australian 

Securities Exchange and may be retained by the clearing brokers in the event that the Group does not meet its contractual obligations.

(iv)  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.

(v)  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.

(vi)  The Group has provided bank guarantees in favour of the New South Wales (NSW) Government in connection with its gas exploration licences in NSW. These 

guarantees are supported by term deposits.

117

ANNUAL REPORT 2017ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 6: OTHER DISCLOSURE ITEMS

35.  RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

Transactions with St Baker Enterprises Pty Ltd and Sunset Power Pty Ltd 
There were no transactions with St Baker Enterprises Pty Ltd during the year. In the prior year, the Company charged $1,532,994 
including GST for consulting and other services provided by ERM Power staff. The charges were at an arm’s-length market rate and  
all invoiced amounts have been paid in full. 

There were no transactions with Sunset Power Pty Ltd during the year. In the prior year, the Company charged $142,042 including 
GST for consulting and other services provided by ERM Power staff. The charges were at an arm’s-length market rate and all invoiced 
amounts have been paid in full. 

Transactions with Sunset Power International Pty Ltd
A subsidiary of the Company, ERM Power Retail Pty Ltd (“ERM”), has entered into a long term electricity swap contract with the Vales 
Point power station in New South Wales to hedge electricity purchases in relation to its eastern state electricity load from the NEM. The 
power station is 100% owned by Sunset Power International Pty Ltd (“SPI”) which in turn is owned and controlled by Trevor St Baker.

The swap contract was entered into on 20 November 2015 and finalised in February 2016. The contract terms and conditions are no 
more favourable to SPI than those that it is reasonable to expect ERM would have adopted if dealing at arm's-length with an unrelated 
person and are not adverse to ERM. The components of the contract are as follows:

 »

 »

Firm flat swap sold to ERM priced at market prices (based on market observed ASX 24 Energy contract prices)

Firm peak swap sold to ERM priced at market prices (based on market observed ASX 24 Energy contract prices)

 » Call option for ERM to purchase additional off-peak swaps

 » Call option for ERM to purchase additional peak swaps 

 » Reallocation and capital efficiency payments over the term of the contract 

ERM have access to the respective hedge volumes under the agreement out to 31 December 2022. The total premiums payable  
for the option over the period 1 July 2017 to 31 December 2022 is $5.3m.

All accounts payable are within payment terms of the agreement and no impairment loss has been recognised during the period 
in relation to the transaction. The agreement expires on 31 December 2022 and under the agreement ERM is expected to hedge 
approximately 21% of ERM’s electricity load sales over the term of the agreement prior to exercise of any of the available options. 

As at 30 June 2017 net assets of $224.5m have been recognised in relation to the above transaction comprising the following:

 » MTM of electricity swaps of $150.8m of which $133m is current(i)

 » MTM of electricity options of $62.6m of which $22.7m is current(i)

 » Accrued income of $12.9m

During the period ended 30 June 2017 total net receipts of $161.7m were recognised in profit and loss for the year ended  
30 June 2017 in respect of the swap agreement. 

Under the terms of the swap agreement SPI has posted a bank guarantee in favour of ERM for $8.5m. The guarantee is accessible 
under a range of financial risk events.

(i)  Refer Note 23 for details of fair value measurement.

118

ERM POWERERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 6: OTHER DISCLOSURE ITEMS

35.  RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES (CONT.)

Other related party transactions
In the normal course of business the Company enters into the following transactions with related parties:

 » Project management and operations management fees are charged to jointly controlled entities;

 »

Interest is paid on shareholder loans; and

 » Directors personal travel insurance is provided under standard terms of a directors and officers business travel insurance policy taken  

out by the Company. Cover under this policy for directors personal travel is provided by the insurer at no additional cost to the Company. 

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.

Transactions with jointly operated and joint venture entities:

Movements in net loans (repaid) / advanced 

Current trade receivables balance

Project fees and operations management fees

Electricity derivatives settled

Transactions with associates:

Accrued income balance

Electricity derivatives settled

Refer note 29(b) for details of significant jointly controlled entities and note 29(d) for details of associates.

Consolidated

2017 
$

2016 
$

(382)

646

93,618

93,186

2,562,785

2,597,824

708

300,669

1,479,873

–

–

–

119

ANNUAL REPORT 2017ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 6: OTHER DISCLOSURE ITEMS

36.  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:

Other procedures in relation to the entity and any other entity in the consolidated Group

Total remuneration of PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia

Amounts received or due and receivable by network firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia for:

An audit or review of the financial report of the entity and any other entity in the Group

Total remuneration of network firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia

Consolidated

2017 
$

2016 
$

555,000

540,000

555,000

540,000

93,328

93,328

134,400

134,400

648,328

674,400

143,006

148,128

143,006

148,128

37.  EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD
In July 2017 the Company finalised an amendment to the existing surety guarantee facility with Liberty International Underwriters 
Singapore, and an associated Fronting Bank Facility agreement with Commonwealth Bank of Australia. The amendment allows for an 
increase in the facility by $100m to $250m and extends the tenor to July 2020. 

In July 2017 the Group elected to terminate the existing sleeving arrangement used as part of the US electricity sales operations and 
entered into a new arrangement with a different supplier. The early termination election required a payment of US$3.8m to the previous 
supplier, which was paid in July 2017.

Since 30 June 2017 there have been no other matters or circumstances not otherwise dealt with in the Financial Report that have 
significantly or may significantly affect the Group.

38.  BASIS OF PREPARATION
These financial statements cover ERM Power Limited the consolidated entity (“Group” or “Consolidated Entity”) consisting of ERM 
Power Limited (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries. The report is presented in Australian dollars.

The Company is incorporated and domiciled in Australia. Its registered office and place of business is Level 52, 111 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 37 to 39.

This report was authorised for issue by the directors on 24 August 2017.

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. The Company is a for-profit entity for the purpose of preparing 
the financial statements.

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.

120

ERM POWERERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 6: OTHER DISCLOSURE ITEMS

38.  BASIS OF PREPARATION (CONT.)
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).

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 financial instruments) at fair value through profit and loss and other comprehensive income.

Early adoption of Australian Accounting Standards

AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

(i) 
The Group has elected to apply AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers as issued in December 2014 and AASB 2016-3 
Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Clarifications to AASB 15. In accordance with the transition provisions in AASB 15, 
the new rules have been adopted retrospectively.

While AASB 15 does not need to be applied until 1 January 2018, the Group has decided to adopt it early from 1 July 2016. There was 
no material difference between the previous carrying amount and the revised carrying amount of the trade receivables, other receivables 
and accrued income at 1 July 2015 to be recognised in opening retained earnings nor were there any changes in classification of the 
trade receivables, other receivables and accrued income.

As outlined above, there has been no material impact on adopting AASB 15 and no restatement of the prior period has occurred. 

The accounting policies for the Group’s main types of revenue are explained in Note 4.

AASB 16 Leases

(ii) 
The Group has also early adopted AASB 16 Leases with a date of initial application of 1 July 2016. As a result, the Group’s policies 
were amended to comply with AASB 16 as issued in February 2016. AASB 16 replaces AASB 117 Leases and results in almost all 
leases being recognised on the balance sheet, as the distinction between operating and finance leases is removed. Under the new 
standard, an asset (the right to use the leased item) and a financial liability to pay rentals are recognised. The lease liability is measured 
at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the balance date and is unwound over time using the interest rate implicit 
in the lease repayments. The right-of-use asset comprises the initial lease liability amount, initial direct costs incurred when entering into 
the lease less any lease incentives received. The asset is depreciated over the term of the lease. The new standard replaces the Group’s 
operating lease expense with an interest and depreciation expense. 

The weighted average incremental borrowing rate at the date of initial application was 4%. This has been applied to the liabilities 
recognised at transition date. 

The Group has elected to apply the “Modified Retrospective Approach” when transitioning to the new standard. Under this approach, 
the Group will not be required to restate the comparative information for its operating leases and the cumulative effect of the initial 
application is adjusted against opening retained earnings. The Group has elected to measure the carrying amounts of the right of use 
assets as though the standard had applied from the commencement date of the leases. The opening balance adjustment to retained 
earnings was a reduction of $0.7 million.

The Group leases office premises in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Newcastle and Houston. 

121

ANNUAL REPORT 2017ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 6: OTHER DISCLOSURE ITEMS

38.  BASIS OF PREPARATION (CONT.)
The Group has changed the presentation of certain amounts on the balance sheet to reflect the terminology of AASB 16. In summary, 
the following adjustments were made to the amounts recognised on the balance sheet at the date of initial application (1 July 2016):

$‘000

Right of use leased assets 

Trade and other payables

Current lease liabilities

Current provisions

Non-current lease liabilities

Non-current provisions

Deferred tax liability

AASB 117 
carrying 
amount  

Note

1 July 2016 Adjustment

AASB 16 
carrying 
amount  
1 July 2016

i

ii

ii

–

14,408

14,408

367,043

(4,891)

362,152

–

2,925

2,925

10,999

(328)

10,671

–

19,270

19,270

16,427

99,917

(1,522)

14,905

(314)

99,603

i.  Reduction in the operating lease incentive liability.

ii.  Elimination of the current and non-current portions of the onerous contract provision.

As outlined above, no restatement of the prior period has occurred. The overall earnings impact on adoption of AASB 16 at 30 June 2017 is 
an increase in EBITDAF of $3.5m, and a corresponding increase in depreciation and amortisation of $2.9m and finance expense of $0.9m.

The difference between the operating lease commitments disclosed at 30 June 2016 under AASB 117 Leases, discounted using the 
incremental borrowing rate of 4% ($27.5)m and the initial recognition of the lease liabilities under the new standard ($21.5)m is due to 
leases being committed to but commencing after 1 July 2016, the exclusion of outgoing and cleaning costs and changes in operating 
lease assumptions.

Changes in accounting policies
The Group has not had to change its accounting policies as the result of new or revised accounting standards which became effective 
for the annual reporting period commencing on 1 July 2016.

The Group has reclassified interest income from revenue to finance income.

(a)  Foreign currency translation

Functional and presentation currency
Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic 
environment in which the entity operates (“the functional currency”). The consolidated financial statements are presented in Australian 
dollars, which is the Company’s functional and presentation currency.

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.

122

ERM POWERERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 6: OTHER DISCLOSURE ITEMS

38.  BASIS OF PREPARATION (CONT.)

(a)  Foreign currency translation (cont.)

Group companies
The results and financial position of foreign operations (none of which has the currency of a hyperinflationary economy) that have a 
functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows:

 »

 »

 »

assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of that balance sheet,

income and expenses for each income statement and statement of comprehensive income are translated at average exchange 
rates (unless this is not a reasonable approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates, in which 
case income and expenses are translated at the dates of the transactions), and

all resulting exchange differences are recognised in other comprehensive income.

On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the translation of any net investment in foreign entities, and of borrowings and 
other financial instruments designated as hedges of such investments, are recognised in other comprehensive income. When a foreign 
operation is sold or any borrowings forming part of the net investment are repaid, the associated exchange differences are reclassified 
to profit or loss, as part of the gain or loss on sale.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign operation are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign 
operation and translated at the closing rate.

(b)  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.

(c)  Rounding of amounts
The Group is of a kind referred to in legislative instrument 2016/191, 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.

(d)  New accounting standards and interpretations
Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have been published that are not mandatory for 30 June 2017 reporting periods. 
Unless stated otherwise below, 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.

AASB 2016-1 IASB issues narrow scope amendments to IAS 12 Income taxes (effective from 1 January 2017).
The amendments to AASB 112 clarify the accounting for deferred tax where an asset is measured at fair value and that fair value  
is below the asset’s tax base. They do not change the underlying principles for the recognition of deferred tax assets.

AASB 2016-2 IASB issues narrow scope amendments to IAS 7 Statement of cash flows (effective from 1 January 2017).
The amendment to AASB 107 introduces additional disclosures that will enable users of financial statements to evaluate changes  
in liabilities arising from financing activities. The amendment requires disclosure of changes arising from: 

 »

 »

cash flows, such as drawdowns and repayments of borrowings, and 

non-cash changes, such as acquisitions, disposals and unrealised exchange differences.  

123

ANNUAL REPORT 2017ERM POWER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SECTION 6: OTHER DISCLOSURE ITEMS

38.  BASIS OF PREPARATION (CONT.)

(d)  New accounting standards and interpretations (cont.)

AASB 2017-2 Annual improvements 2014-2106 cycle (effective from 1 January 2017).
The amendment clarifies the scope of AASB 12.

AASB 2014-10 Sale or contribution of assets between an investor and its associate or joint venture (effective from 1 January 2018).
The amendments clarify the accounting treatment for sales or contribution of assets between an investor and its associates or joint 
ventures. They confirm that the accounting depends on whether the contributed assets constitute a business or an asset.

AASB 2016-5 Classification and Measurement of Share–based Payment Transactions (effective from 1 January 2018).
Amendments were made to AASB 2 Share-based Payment which clarify how to account for cash-settled share-based payments with 
performance conditions, modifications that change a cash-settled arrangement to an equity-settled arrangement, and equity-settled 
awards that include a ‘net settlement’ feature which requires employers to withhold amounts to settle the employee’s tax obligations.

Interpretation 22 Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration (effective from 1 January 2018).
The interpretation clarifies how to apply the standard on foreign currency transactions, AASB 121, when an entity pays or receives 
consideration in advance for foreign currency-denominated contracts.

There are no other standards that are not yet effective and that are expected to have a material impact on the entity in the current or 
future reporting periods and on foreseeable future transactions.

124

ERM POWERERM POWER LIMITED
DIRECTORS’ DECLARATION

In the opinion of the directors of ERM Power Limited (“Company”):

(a) 

the financial statements and notes set out on pages 53 to 124 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 2017 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.

the financial report complies with International Financial Reporting Standards as disclosed in note 38;

there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable;

(b) 

(c) 

Note 38 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 
Chairman
24 August 2017

125

ANNUAL REPORT 2017 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF ERM POWER LIMITED

Independent auditor’s report
To the shareholders of ERM Power Limited

Report on the audit of the financial report

Our opinion

In our opinion:

The accompanying financial report of ERM Power Limited (the Company) and its controlled entities (together,
the Group or ERM) is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:

(a)

(b)

giving a true and fair view of the Group's financial position as at 30 June 2017 and of its financial
performance for the year then ended

complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001.

What we have audited
The Group financial report comprises:















the consolidated statement of financial position as at 30 June 2017

the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year then ended

the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended

the consolidated income statement for the year then ended

the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year then ended

the notes to the consolidated financial statements, which include a summary of significant
accounting policies

the directors’ declaration.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under those
standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial report section of our
report.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our
opinion.

Independence
We are independent of the Group in accordance with the auditor independence requirements of the
Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s
APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the financial
report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code.

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757
480 Queen Street, BRISBANE QLD 4000, GPO Box 150, BRISBANE QLD 4001
T: +61 7 3257 5000, F: +61 7 3257 5999, www.pwc.com.au

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

126

ERM POWERINDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF ERM POWER LIMITED

Our audit approach

Independent auditor’s report
To the shareholders of ERM Power Limited

An audit is designed to provide reasonable assurance about whether the financial report is free from material
misstatement. Misstatements may arise due to fraud or error. They are considered material if individually or in
aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the
financial report.

Report on the audit of the financial report

Our opinion

We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an opinion on the
financial report as a whole, taking into account the geographic and management structure of the Group, its accounting
processes and controls and the industry in which it operates.

In our opinion:

The accompanying financial report of ERM Power Limited (the Company) and its controlled entities (together,
the Group or ERM) is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:

The Group operates across Australia and the United States of America, with its head office finance function based in
Brisbane and its US finance function for the Source Power and Gas business based in Houston, United States of
America.

giving a true and fair view of the Group's financial position as at 30 June 2017 and of its financial
performance for the year then ended

(a)

(b)

complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001.

What we have audited
The Group financial report comprises:











Materiality



the consolidated statement of financial position as at 30 June 2017

the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year then ended

the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended

the consolidated income statement for the year then ended

the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year then ended



the notes to the consolidated financial statements, which include a summary of significant
accounting policies

For the purpose of our audit we used overall Group materiality of $2 million which represents
approximately 2.5% of the Group's earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and net fair
value gains / losses on financial instruments designated at fair value through profit (EBITDAF).

the directors’ declaration.



Basis for opinion

 We applied this threshold, together with qualitative considerations, to determine the scope of our audit and
the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures and to evaluate the effect of misstatements on the
financial report as a whole.

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under those
standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial report section of our
report.

 We chose Group EBITDAF as the benchmark because, in our view, it is the metric against which the

performance of the Group is most commonly measured.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our
opinion.

 We utilised a 2.5% threshold based on our professional judgement.

Audit Scope

Independence
We are independent of the Group in accordance with the auditor independence requirements of the
Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s
APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the financial
report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code.

 Our audit focused on where the Group made subjective judgements; for example, significant accounting

estimates involving assumptions and inherently uncertain future events.





In establishing the overall approach to the Group audit, we determined the type of audit work that needed
to be performed. Full scope audit procedures were performed over the Australian operations and the Source
Power and Gas business, assisted by local component auditors in Houston.

To be satisfied that sufficient audit evidence has been obtained on the Source Power and Gas business for
our opinion on the Group financial report as a whole, the group audit engagement team had active dialogue
throughout the year with the local component auditors in Houston, including issuing written instructions,
receiving formal interoffice reporting, as well as attending final audit clearance meetings with local
management in Houston.

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757
480 Queen Street, BRISBANE QLD 4000, GPO Box 150, BRISBANE QLD 4001
T: +61 7 3257 5000, F: +61 7 3257 5999, www.pwc.com.au

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

127

ANNUAL REPORT 2017INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF ERM POWER LIMITED

Key audit matters

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the
financial report for the current period. The key audit matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the
financial report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these
matters. Further, any commentary on the outcomes of a particular audit procedure is made in that context. We
communicated the key audit matters to the Audit and Risk Committee.

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Energy derivatives accounting treatment,
valuation and disclosure
(Refer to note 13 Derivative financial instruments)

The Group enters into various types of forward energy
derivative instruments to manage exposure to
fluctuations in electricity prices.

As at 30 June 2017, in the financial report, the energy
derivative financial assets totaled $407m, energy
derivative financial liabilities totaled $68m and net fair
value gains / losses on energy derivatives impacting
profit totaled $37m.

Given the level of judgement and complexity involved
with regard to accounting treatment and valuation of the
energy derivatives, the financial size of ERM’s
derivatives and their material impact on the financial
results, we considered this to be a key audit matter.

Some of the key areas of judgement by the Group and
accounting complexity arising included:


The designation, and resulting accounting
treatment, of instruments as being hedge accounted
or not hedge accounted.







The classification of fair value gains or losses prior
to settlement depending on whether the instrument
is hedge accounted or not hedge accounted (i.e. the
gain or loss on hedge accounted instruments is
recognised in the Consolidated Statement of
Comprehensive Income whereas the gain or loss on
instruments which are not hedge accounted is
recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement).

The accounting treatment if instruments are settled
at a date earlier than the original maturity date, as
there is a difference in timing of the recognition of
gains or losses in cost of sales dependent on
whether the instrument is hedge accounted or not
hedge accounted.

The judgment applied in selecting the appropriate
valuation techniques, and associated input
assumptions, for each type of energy derivative
financial instrument entered into by the Group.

For further details of the accounting policy adopted by
the Group and the financial impact, refer to note 13, note
14, note 22 and note 23 in the financial report.

Our procedures in relation to energy derivatives’
accounting treatment, valuation and disclosure included,
amongst others:


Obtained an understanding of the Group’s internal
risk management procedures and the systems and
controls around the origination and maintenance of
complete and accurate information relating to
derivative contracts.

 Where appropriate performed tests of key controls

relating to the settlement of derivative contracts.















Tested a sample of derivative contracts at the year-
end date by obtaining third party confirmations of the
contract terms.

Tested the valuation of a sample of derivative
contracts at the year-end date where the Group used
valuation models. Evaluated the valuation
methodology and the incorporation of the contract
terms and the key assumptions into the valuation
models, including market observable future price
assumptions and discount rates, with the assistance
of PwC valuation experts.

Independently recalculated the valuation of a sample
of less complex instruments based on available
market data.

Evaluated the Group’s assessment of credit risk
assumptions applied in the valuation models as
required by AASB 13 Fair Value Measurement.

Assessed the Group’s hedge designation
documentation and effectiveness testing for a sample
of derivatives.

Evaluated the Group’s assessment of the accounting
treatment and classification of settled derivative
agreements with a settlement date at a date earlier
than the original settlement date.

Assessed the disclosure in the financial statements
and evaluated the completeness and accuracy thereof,
with particular consideration given to requirements
of AASB 9 Financial Instruments and AASB 7
Financial Instruments: Disclosures.

128

ERM POWERINDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF ERM POWER LIMITED

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Independent auditor’s report
Accounting for renewable energy
schemes
To the shareholders of ERM Power Limited
(Refer to note 13 Derivative financial instruments and
note 11 Inventory $40m)

Report on the audit of the financial report

Our procedures in relation to renewable energy schemes
included, on a sample basis, amongst others:


Obtained an understanding of the Group’s
designation of the forward agreements and
certificates, and evaluated this designation by
testing it to associated documentation.

Our opinion

To meet their compliance obligations under various
renewable energy target schemes, ERM are required to
surrender environmental certificates when electricity is
purchased from the National Electricity Market (NEM)
to meet their customers’ demand.

In our opinion:

Certificates in inventory

The accompanying financial report of ERM Power Limited (the Company) and its controlled entities (together,
the Group or ERM) is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:

(a)

The Group holds forward purchase and sale agreements
giving a true and fair view of the Group's financial position as at 30 June 2017 and of its financial
for environmental certificates (forward agreements) and
performance for the year then ended
environmental certificates (certificates) under various
renewable energy schemes. These forward agreements
and certificates may be designated as either held for
surrender (own use) or held for trading.

Compared the cost of certificates to market prices
obtained from broker quotes as at year end to assess
whether the certificates are held at the lower of cost
and net realisable value.

Agreed the cost of certificates to supporting
purchase invoices.

complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001.

What we have audited
The Group financial report comprises:

(b)



Certificates designated as held for surrender




The Group also accrues an environmental certificate
liability that represents the best estimate of the
expenditure required to acquire certificates required to
be surrendered under the various schemes.



the consolidated statement of financial position as at 30 June 2017

the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year then ended

Certificates designated as held for trading


Recalculated the fair value applied to the inventory
by comparing it to the market price obtained from
broker quotes.

the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended

The key areas of judgement by the Group and
accounting complexity arising in this area included:

the consolidated income statement for the year then ended

Forward agreements



the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year then ended

Designation of forward agreements as held for
surrender or held for trading.

the notes to the consolidated financial statements, which include a summary of significant
Designation of certificates on hand as held for
accounting policies
surrender or held for trading.

Tested the valuation of trading contracts as at 30
June 2017 with the assistance of PwC valuation
experts by comparing the forward curve to market
observable inputs.











the directors’ declaration.

The appropriate accounting treatment and
valuation of the forward agreements and
certificates depending on the designation.

Basis for opinion

Environmental certificate liability









Calculation of the environmental certificate
liability.

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under those
standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial report section of our
report.

Assessed the volume of environmental certificates
required to meet the compliance obligation by
comparing it to electricity purchased from NEM and
various scheme terms.



In addition, during the year the Group opted to meet a
proportion of the Large scale Generation Certificates
surrender requirements through the payment of a
shortfall charge (the short surrender transaction) and
realised profits on the sale of certificates.





We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our
opinion.

Recalculated the mathematical accuracy of the
environmental certificate liability.

Given the material financial impact of the above areas
of judgment and accounting complexity and the short
surrender transaction in the current period, we
considered this to be a key audit matter.

Independence
We are independent of the Group in accordance with the auditor independence requirements of the
Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s
APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the financial
report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code.

Tested a sample of liability calculation inputs to
supporting documentation (e.g. certificate purchase
price documentation, forward purchase contract
confirmation or spot price obtained from broker).

Short surrender transaction





Agreed the shortfall charge paid and receipts from
the sale of certificates to bank statements.

Assessed the tax treatment related to the shortfall
charge with the assistance of PwC tax specialists.

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757
480 Queen Street, BRISBANE QLD 4000, GPO Box 150, BRISBANE QLD 4001
T: +61 7 3257 5000, F: +61 7 3257 5999, www.pwc.com.au

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

129

ANNUAL REPORT 2017INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF ERM POWER LIMITED

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Sunset Power International derivative
agreement
(Refer to note 35 Related party disclosures $225m and
note 13 Derivative financial instruments)

The Group entered into a significant long term electricity
derivative contract with Vales Point power station in the
2016 financial year (the contract). The power station is
100% owned by Sunset Power International Pty Ltd, which
is controlled by a related party of ERM.

The related party disclosures in Note 35 sets out the key
terms of the arrangement.

Judgement is required by the Group in estimating the fair
value of the derivative contract, due to the life of the
contract extending beyond a period that forecast market
data can be obtained. The fair value estimate also requires
valuation techniques and assumptions that are specific to
the derivative.

On inception of the contract, a difference was identified
between the premiums paid for the contract and the
estimated fair value of the contract. Refer to Note 23 for
treatment of the difference (the day one gain).

Given the importance of the contract to the financial
position and performance of the Group, the level of
valuation judgement, and related party nature, we
considered this to be a key audit matter.

Impairment assessment on the Group’s
goodwill
(Refer to note 16 $27m and note 17)

ERM Power Limited recognised $27m of goodwill as at 30
June 2017. This goodwill is resulting from the acquisition
in 2015 of Source Power and Gas ($20m) and the
acquisitions of Lumaled Pty Ltd ($3m) and Greensense
Pty Ltd ($4m) in 2016. These acquisitions are as a result of
ERM’s strategy focused on growth through investing into
other markets and energy solutions.

As noted in note 17 to the financial report, Lumaled Pty
Ltd and Greensense Pty Ltd now form part of the Energy
Solutions business.

Given the early stage of these businesses in their lifecycle,
and the level of judgement by the Group involved in
estimating the key assumptions in the discounted cash
flow models used to assess whether goodwill is impaired
(the models), we have determined that the carrying value
of goodwill was a key audit matter.

No impairment charge has been recorded by the Group in
the current financial year however, the models used to
assess impairment are judgmental and highly sensitive to
changes in key assumptions (including growth rates,
margins and discount rates).

We performed the following procedures, amongst
others:


Assessed the valuation of the derivative contract at
the year-end date. Evaluated the valuation
methodology and the incorporation of the contract
terms and the key assumptions into the valuation
model, including future price assumptions and
discount rates, with the assistance of PwC valuation
experts.







Evaluated the Group’s assessment of credit risk
assumptions applied in the valuation model as
required by AASB 13 Fair Value Measurement.

Assessed whether the accounting treatment of the
day one gain is consistent with that established at
inception.

Assessed the consistency of the related party
disclosures with Australian Accounting Standards
by agreeing the disclosures to contractual terms, the
derivative valuation model and related
documentation.

Our procedures in relation to the impairment
assessment of goodwill included, on a sample basis,
amongst others:


Assessed the appropriateness of the Group’s
determination of cash generating units (CGUs),
including the allocation of assets to CGUs.









Tested the mathematical accuracy of the models.

Evaluated the Group’s key assumptions and
estimates (including growth rates and margins) in
relation to cash flow forecasts within the models by
comparing them to signed contracts and Board
approved budgets. Where appropriate we have used
historical results to inform our assessment of key
assumptions.

Evaluated the discount rate and growth rate
assumptions in the models with the support of PwC
valuation specialists by comparing them to market
observable inputs.

Performed sensitivity analysis to assess the impact
of any changes, that were viewed as reasonably
possible, in key assumptions used in the models,
including the discount rates, growth rates and
margins.

 Where appropriate, with the assistance of PwC

valuation specialists, we also performed a fair value
less cost to sell assessment to provide additional
audit evidence that goodwill was not impaired.

130

ERM POWERINDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF ERM POWER LIMITED

Other information

Independent auditor’s report
To the shareholders of ERM Power Limited

The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the Operating and
Financial Review, the Board of Directors and the Directors’ Report included in the Group’s annual report for the year
ended 30 June 2017 but does not include the financial report and our auditor’s report thereon.

Report on the audit of the financial report

Our opinion on the financial report does not cover the other information and accordingly we do not express any form
of assurance conclusion thereon.

Our opinion

In our opinion:

In connection with our audit of the financial report, our responsibility is to read the other information identified
above and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial report or
our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.

The accompanying financial report of ERM Power Limited (the Company) and its controlled entities (together,
the Group or ERM) is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:

(a)

If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other
information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

giving a true and fair view of the Group's financial position as at 30 June 2017 and of its financial
performance for the year then ended

(b)

complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001.

Responsibilities of the directors for the financial report

What we have audited
The Group financial report comprises:

The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair
view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001 and for such internal
control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and
fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

the consolidated statement of financial position as at 30 June 2017

the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year then ended







the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended

In preparing the financial report, the directors are responsible for assessing the ability of the Group to continue as a
going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of
accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or have no realistic
alternative but to do so.


the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year then ended

the consolidated income statement for the year then ended



Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial report

the notes to the consolidated financial statements, which include a summary of significant
accounting policies





the directors’ declaration.

Basis for opinion

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is free from material
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable
assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with the
Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise
from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected
We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under those
to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial report.
standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial report section of our
report.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial report is located at the Auditing and
Assurance Standards Board website at: http://www.auasb.gov.au/auditors_responsibilities/ar1.pdf. This
description forms part of our auditor's report.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our
opinion.

Independence
We are independent of the Group in accordance with the auditor independence requirements of the
Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s
APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the financial
report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code.

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757
480 Queen Street, BRISBANE QLD 4000, GPO Box 150, BRISBANE QLD 4001
T: +61 7 3257 5000, F: +61 7 3257 5999, www.pwc.com.au

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

131

ANNUAL REPORT 2017INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF ERM POWER LIMITED

Report on the remuneration report

Our opinion on the remuneration report

We have audited the remuneration report included in pages 40 to 52 of the directors’ report for the year ended 
30 June 2017.

In our opinion, the remuneration report of ERM Power Limited for the year ended 30 June 2017 complies with 
section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001.

Responsibilities

The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the remuneration report in
accordance with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the
remuneration report, based on our audit conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards.

Matters relating to the electronic presentation of the audited financial report

This auditor’s report relates to the financial report of ERM Power Limited for the reporting period ended 30 June
2017 included on ERM Power Limited’s web site. The directors of the Company are responsible for the integrity
of ERM Power Limited’s web site. We have not been engaged to report on the integrity of the web site. The
auditor’s report refers only to the financial report named above. It does not provide an opinion on any other
information which may have been hyperlinked to/from the financial report. If users of this report are concerned
with the inherent risks arising from electronic data communication they are advised to refer to the hard copy of
the audited financial report to confirm the information included in the audited financial report presented on this
web site.

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Michael Shewan
Partner

Brisbane
24 August 2017

132

ERM POWERERM POWER LIMITED
SHARE AND SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

TWENTY LARGEST SHAREHOLDERS
The following table sets out the 20 largest shareholders of ERM Power Limited (Company), when multiple holdings are grouped 
together, and the percentage each holds of the 254,396,467 shares on issue as at 28 August 2017. 

Shareholders

St Baker Energy Holdings Pty Ltd 

J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited 

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 

Smartequity EIS Pty Ltd 

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 

Ilwella Pty Limited

Sunset Power Pty Ltd

Gaffwick Pty Limited 

Andrew St Baker & Cathryn St Baker

CS Third Nominees Pty Limited

St Baker-Childs Investments Pty Ltd 

Sandhurst Trustees Ltd

Trevor and Judith St Baker Family Philanthropic Pty Ltd

Philip St Baker and Peta St Baker 

St Baker Sunset Holdings Pty Ltd

Sunset Power A Pty Ltd

Sunset Power B Pty Ltd

Sunset Power C Pty Ltd

Sunset Power D Pty Ltd

St Baker Investments Pty Ltd

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

Total

DISTRIBUTION OF SHARES
The following table summarises the distribution of shares as at 28 August 2017:

Shareholdings

1 – 1,000

1,001 – 5,000

5,001 – 10,000

10,000 – 100,000 

100,001 – and over

Total

Shares 
#

43,549,489

21,288,327

13,594,561

12,624,454

11,317,657

11,209,001

6,435,892

6,396,664

4,466,087

4,408,771

4,054,228

3,155,148

3,025,242

2,826,593

2,622,185

2,538,749

2,538,749

2,538,749

2,538,749

2,282,185

%

17.12

8.37

5.34

4.96

4.45

4.41

2.53

2.51

1.76

1.73

1.59

1.24

1.19

1.11

1.03

1.00

1.00

1.00

1.00

0.90

163,411,480

64.24

Shareholders 
#

% of issued shares

1,221

2,755

1,359

1,590

135

7,060

0.25

3.22

4.19

15.78

76.57

100.00

133

The number of investors holding less than a marketable parcel of 347 shares was 385, holding 35,210 shares.

ANNUAL REPORT 2017ERM POWER LIMITED
SHARE AND SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDERS
The following table shows holdings of five per cent or more of voting rights as notified to the Company 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

04/07/2016

63,516,907

25.84%

1   Trevor Charles St Baker controls each registered shareholder of St Baker Energy Holdings Pty Ltd as trustee for the St Baker Energy Innovation Trust, Sunset 

Power A Pty Ltd as trustee for the Sunset Power Trust A, Sunset Power B Pty Ltd as trustee for the Sunset Power Trust B, Sunset Power C Pty Ltd as trustee for 
Sunset Power Trust C, Sunset Power D Pty Ltd as trustee for the Sunset Power Trust D, Baygrove Pty Ltd as trustee for ERM Consultants STF S/F, Sunset Power 
Pty Ltd as trustee for the St Baker Family Trust, Sunset Power Holdings Pty Ltd and Trevor and Judith St Baker Family Philanthropic Pty Ltd as trustee for the 
Trevor and Judith St Baker Family Foundation. Trevor is a joint registered holder of TC and JK St Baker as trustee for some family members. 

VOTING RIGHTS
At 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 share held.

SECURITIES EXCHANGE LISTING
The Company’s shares are traded on the Australian Securities Exchange under the symbol “EPW”.

UNQUOTED SECURITIES 
As at 28 August 2017, there were 1,142,070 options on issue, each exercisable into a fully paid ordinary share.

Expiry Date

1 November 2017

8 November 2017

Issue price of shares 
(cents)

275.0 

275.0 

Number  
under option

899,364

242,706

Number  
of holders

16

1

134

ERM POWERAuditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers

Share Registry
Link Market Services Limited 
Level 12, 680 George Street 
Sydney NSW 2000

Telephone: 1300 554 474 
Facsimile: (02) 9287 0303

ERM POWER LIMITED
CORPORATE INFORMATION

ERM Power Limited
ABN 22 122 259 223

Directors
Tony Bellas (Non-Executive Chair) 
Albert Goller 
Georganne Hodges 
Tony Iannello 
Philip St Baker 
Wayne St Baker 
Jon Stretch (Managing Director and CEO)

Company Secretary
Phil Davis

Head Office
(Registered Office and Principal Place of Business) 

Level 52, One One One
111 Eagle Street
Brisbane QLD 4000

GPO Box 7152
Brisbane Qld 4001 
Australia

Telephone: (07) 3020 5100
Facsimile: (07) 3220 6110

Website
www.ermpower.com.au

135

ANNUAL REPORT 2017 
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136

ERM POWERE

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