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Iberdrola S.A.

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FY2018 Annual Report · Iberdrola S.A.
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Integrated Report 
   february 2019

Our Purpose is: 
To continue building together each day a healthier, more 
accessible energy model, based on electricity

Based on our Values:
Sustainable energy
Integrating force
Driving force

www.iberdrola.com

Integrated Report   february 2019

1

www.iberdrola.com 

2  /  Letter from the Chairman & CEO

Letter from the Chairman & CEO

This purpose (which inspires us) and these values (which 
guide us) will enable us to continue to meet the great 
challenge of energy transition; a transition that must be 
based on the decarbonization and electrification of the 
energy sector and of the economy as a whole. 
At Iberdrola, we are very aware that the electricity 
sector plays a key role in the achievement of the targets 
set in the Paris Agreement. We have therefore spent 
years focusing our efforts on progressively reducing 
the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions, promoting 
renewable energy and making a commitment to the 
most efficient technologies in order to reach a profound 
transformation from the current energy model into 
another more sustainable one.
Existing data support the claim that energy demand is 
going to experience significant growth. According to 
the International Energy Agency (IEA), there will be a 
30% increase in the total consumption of energy in the 
next 25 years, and the only effective way to meet this 
demand while also fighting climate change is to boost 
the use of electricity produced from renewable sources. 
This situation makes the electricity sector in general, 
and Iberdrola in particular, leading actors in achieving 
decarbonisation, as they have the most suitable and 
competitive solutions and technologies to achieve it. 
Our company has been demonstrating its clear 
commitment to this cause for years, always with an eye 
to complying with the Sustainable Development Goals 
(SDGs) established by the United Nations for 2030.
Iberdrola has shown that it is perfectly positioned to 
continue leading the transformation it started two 
decades ago toward a cleaner, smarter and more 
accessible energy system for all.

Outlook 2018-2022
According to the strategy established for the 2018-
2022 period and in line with our actions in recent 
years, we are going to implement a major investment 
effort (amounting to 34,000 million euros, increasing 
from the 5,300 million invested in 2018 to an average 
of more than 7,000 million euros per year until 
2022), with a focus on renewable generation sources, 
storage, the installation of smarter grid infrastructures 
and significant growth in new solutions for our 
customers.
Specifically in Spain, Iberdrola’s main efforts will revolve 
around strengthening renewable energies (wind and 
photovoltaic), grids and storage. In the United States 
and the United Kingdom (in the latter of which all our 
production is already emission-free), Iberdrola will 
continue to invest in grids and in progress on onshore 
and offshore wind power, confirming its position as a 
leader in new environmentally-friendly technologies. In 
Mexico, the company has major projects under way to 
continue increasing its combined cycle and renewable 
energy installed capacity. And in Brazil, Neoenergia 
will continue to progress on developing transmission 

Ignacio S. Galán 
Chairman & CEO of Iberdrola

© Rosa Muñoz

Iberdrola is widely recognised for its responsible and 
sustainable business model, focused on the well-being 
of people, care for the environment and economic and 
social development in the territories in which it does 
business.
Being aware of this, we wish to continue advancing and 
extending this business philosophy, which is why we 
have engaged in a process of reflection to define a clear 
and long-term corporate purpose that, based on the 
extensive experience we have acquired, expresses the 
company’s commitment to a new energy model that 
is better for the health of people and of the planet: “to 
continue building together each day a healthier, more 
accessible energy model, based on electricity”.
Based on this purpose, we have updated our corporate 
values and developed them as three separate concepts 
- “Sustainable Energy”, “Integrating Force” and “Driving 
Force”- which express the true essence of Iberdrola, 
integrating key elements like ethics, transparency, 
diversity, dialogue, innovation, diligence and foresight. 

/  Integrated Report 2019 

www.iberdrola.com

Letter from the Chairman & CEO  /  3

At our company, technological development and 
continuous material progress will always be linked to 
solidarity and progress in knowledge and research, 
providing all possible support to young talent in order for 
these goals to become a reality.
A wager on women’s empowerment (SDG 5, gender 
equality) will be at the centre of the company’s priorities. 
Iberdrola will continue to promote effective equality 
between men and women as it has done in the past, 
ensuring that there is no gender pay gap within the 
group, and also making it the Ibex-35 company with 
the highest number of women on its Board of Directors, 
with women representing 50% of its non-executive 
directors. As a result of this commitment, Iberdrola 
has been included for the second consecutive year in 
the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index, and is the only 
Spanish electricity company to be so included.
Furthermore, our firm, unanimous and resolute 
support for the fight against climate change will lead 
us to continue to strengthen the development of new 
environmentally-friendly technologies and of innovation, 
an area to which we allocated close to 270 million euros 
during the last financial year. Thanks to this, we will 
further reduce our CO2 emissions, which were 82 grams 
per kilowatt-hour in Spain, far below those recorded by 
other Spanish companies and around 75% less than the 
European average (SDG 3, good health and well-being).
And as we in the past, we will continue to expand the 
activities of our foundations in the various countries 
in which we do business, particularly in areas such as 
safeguarding cultural heritage (SDG 11, sustainable 
cities), conservation of biodiversity (SDG 14, life below 
water) and education and cooperation (SDG 10, reduced 
inequalities). All of this is with a focus on the progress and 
well-being of society. Our company has always been and 
will continue to be committed to a combination between 
technological progress and the progress of people, 
insofar as we believe that one without the other would 
hinder the achievement of a balance that is vital to the 
global and complex world in which we act.
Iberdrola will not relent in its commitment to showing 
that it is possible to reconcile a successful business 
enterprise with sustainable development. Today more 
than ever, companies must focus on creating a positive 
footprint for everyone and for their environment through 
their businesses. We will therefore continue to work 
so that our actions improve the world in which we live, 
making it more cohesive, cleaner and fairer. And we are 
convinced that through determined, enthusiastic and 
courageous teamwork, all this and much more will be 
possible.

and distribution infrastructures for electricity and clean 
energy (hydroelectric and wind). 
Iberdrola will also boost its activities in other countries 
such as Portugal, Italy and France, where it already 
has renewable generation projects and a significant 
customer portfolio that it hopes to continue expanding 
with the offer of new smart products and services.
As a result of all this investment, combined with an 
additional effort to improve operational efficiency, the 
group expects to improve its results to between 3,700 
and 3,900 million euros of net profit by 2022, a 30% 
increase over the 2018 results. And maintaining our 
commitment to improving shareholder remuneration, 
the dividend would be increased in line with net results, 
while also including an annual floor that will gradually 
grow to 0.4 euro per share by 2022.

Social dividend to meet the Sustainable Development 
Goals
Iberdrola has designed the foundations of its 2018-2022 
plan with an eye on building a sustainable future for 
everyone, with the absolute conviction that the only way 
to achieve this is to collaborate in the achievement of the 
SDGs. 
We have therefore incorporated these 17 Goals into 
our business strategy and into our By-Laws as part of 
our Social Dividend. We are focusing our efforts on 
supplying affordable and clean energy (goal 7) and on 
climate action (goal 13), but through our activities we also 
contribute to securing clean water and sanitation (goal 
6), innovation (goal 9), the protection of life on land (goal 
15) and the strengthening of partnerships for the goals 
(goal 17). 
Iberdrola’s businesses also generate high-quality 
employment for 425,000 people1 worldwide and foster 
an industrial fabric in all the countries in which the 
company does business, thereby helping to meet goal 8 
(decent work and economic growth).
The group thus acts as an engine for growth in these 
countries, in which it will continue to increase its 
procurement (which amounted to approximately 8,000 
million euros in 2018) and its tax contribution (7,939 
million euros). In fact, for every euro that the company 
invests, it generates 10.3 euros in the GDP of the regions 
in which it does business1.
All in all, our main asset is and will be people, and we 
therefore firmly uphold our commitment to training 
(SDG 4, quality educaction), both for employees –who 
each received 47 hours of training per year in 2018– 
and for the young people who will be the leaders 
of change in the future. Initiatives such as the 2019 
Iberdrola Scholarships for training and research, which 
will facilitate postgraduate studies at prestigious 
international universities, are aimed at these young 
people.

(1) PwC report (January 2019) with 2017 figures.

www.iberdrola.com 

Integrated Report 2019  /

4  /  Iberdrola’s public information

Iberdrola’s public information

Iberdrola makes available to its Stakeholders complete, reliable and relevant information regarding the 
performance of the company and its strategic lines for the coming years.

Annual information

Annual Financial Report
Prepared according to international financial reporting standards and externally audited.

Statement of Non-Financial Information. Sustainability Report 
Prepared according to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines and externally assured.

Integrated Report
Prepared following the recommendations of the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC).

Annual Corporate Governance Report
Prepared according to the form provided by the National Securities Market Commission of Spain.

Annual Director Remuneration Report 
Prepared according to the form provided by the National Securities Market Commission of Spain.

Annual Activities Report of the Board of Directors and of the Committees thereof
Prepared according to Iberdrola internal standards.

Report on the Independence of the Statutory Auditor
Prepared according to Iberdrola internal standards.

Report on tax transparency of the Iberdrola group
Prepared according to Iberdrola internal standards.

Gender Equality Report in Iberdrola
Prepared according to Iberdrola internal standards.

Additional information
Quarterly Results Report
IBE Watch Fact Sheet
Quarterly Shareholder Bulletin
Innovation Report
Corporate Environmental Footprint Report
Biodiversity Report
Greenhouse Gas Report

Information on the corporate website www.iberdrola.com
Top Stories
About Us
Corporate Governance
Sustainability
Shareholders and Investors
People and Talent

Access the annual reports for financial year 2018 and supplementary documentation regarding the Iberdrola 
group by scanning the corresponding QR code using your smart phone or tablet.

 This icon refers to related information. It also gives information on other specific reports where more 

information of interest can be accessed.

/  Integrated Report 2019 

www.iberdrola.com

Contents  /  5

Contents

1. Iberdrola Today  6
1.1 Iberdrola Today  8
1.2 Company Performance  9
1.3 Key Figures  10
1.4 Presence by Areas of Activity  12

2. Business Model and Strategy  24
2.1 The Future of Energy   26
2.2 Business Model  28
2.3 Value Chain  30
2.4 Iberdrola, a Different Company  32
2.5 Capital Management  36
2.6 Strategic Foundations  39
2.7 Comparative Results and Awards  42

3. Iberdrola’s Primary Businesses  44
3.1 Regulatory Environment   46
3.2 Networks  48
3.3 Wholesale and Retail  52
3.4 Renewables  56

4. Our Assets  60
4.1 Financial Capital  62
4.2 Manufactured Capital  64
4.3 Intellectual Capital  66
4.4 Human Capital  68
4.5 Natural Capital  70
4.6 Social and Relationship Capital  72

5. A Framework of Trust  76
5.1 Corporate Governance Model   78
5.2 Three Lines of Defence   84
5.3 Risks  86
5.4 Ethics and Sustainable Development  89

6. About this Report  92
6.1 About this Report  94

Notes: 
—  The company Iberdrola, S.A., parent company of the Iberdrola group, is referred to as “Iberdrola”, the “Company” or the “company” in this report.
—  Iberdrola (as parent company) and the group of subsidiaries over which Iberdrola has the power of control or joint control is also referred to as the “Iber-

drola group” or the “group”.

—  The figures included in this translation follow the customary English convention, with figures in thousands separated by a comma (,) and decimals indicated 

by a full stop (.).

—  €M: millions of euros; $M: millions of dollars. 
—  IFRS-11 is not being applied for operational purposes (installed capacity, output, etc.).

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6  /  1. Iberdrola Today

Wikinger wind farm 
/ Germany

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1. Iberdrola Today

1. Iberdrola Today  /  7

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8  /  1. Iberdrola Today

1.1 Iberdrola Today

Iberdrola is one of the leading 
electric utilities in the world.

Our activities

Iberdrola group 2018 Key figures

• Transmission and distribution of electricity.

• Production of electricity from renewable and 
conventional sources.

• Purchase/sale of electricity and gas on wholesale 
markets.

• Distribution of gas.

• Other activities, mainly linked to the energy sector.

What we are

Iberdrola is today one of the leading electric 
companies in the world by stock market 
capitalisation.

The corporate and governance structure is described 
in chapter 5.1 of this report and consists of:

•  Iberdrola, as a holding company.

•  Country subholding companies in the 5 main 
geographic areas of activity.

• Head of business companies reporting to the 
country subholding companies.

Presence focused on the Atlantic area

The Iberdrola group does business in multiple 
countries, but mainly in the five countries of the 
Atlantic area: Spain, United Kingdom, United States 
of America, Brazil and Mexico. Other significant 
countries are Germany, Portugal, France and Italy.

47,448
MW Installed capacity

29,177
MW Renewable installed capacity

145,597
GWh Net output

1,173,672
Km / Power lines

233,435
GWh Electric power distributed

34.7
Millions of Customers1

34,078
People Direct employment

5,320
€M Investments

7,939
€M Direct tax contribution

425,000
People2 Direct, indirect and induced employment

7,753
€M Procurement

(1) In countries where there is retail and distribution activity, distribution 
customers are taken into account. 
(2) Data from a Study of Iberdrola’s Impact, prepared by PwC,  
for financial year 2017.

/  Integrated Report 2019 

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1. Iberdrola Today  /  9

1.2 Company Performance

Revenues (€M)

EBITDA (€M)

Net Profit (€M)

35,076

9,348.9

6,964.5 7,397.4

7,807.7

7,318.7

2,422

2,327

31,419

31,263

30,032

29,215

3,014

2,804

2,705

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Installed Capacity (MW)1

Net Output (GWh)1

Energy Distributed (GWh)2

48,447

47,448

47,049

46,361

45,089

138,892

134,374

142,466

137,549

145,597

224,749

212,617

229,920 230,151

233,435

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Assets (€M)

Employees1

Customers (millions)3

113,038

110,689

106,706

104,664

2015

2016

2017

2018

93,771

34,082 34,255 34,078

34.64 

34.37

34.10

33.78

30,938

29,597

32.63

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

(1) Takes into account 100% of Neoenergia since 2016 in order to improve the comparability of the data.
(2) Takes into account 100% of Neoenergia during all periods reported.
(3) In countries where there is retail and distribution activity, distribution customers are taken into account.

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10  /  1. Iberdrola Today

1.3 Key Figures

Financial 
performance (€M)

2014

2015

20161

2017

2018

∆ Δ  
Annual 
average 
2014-18 
(%)

∆ Δ 
2017-
2018  
(%)

Revenues

30,032.3

31,418.7

29,215.4

31,263.3

35,075.9

4.0

12.2

12,179.5

12,842.7

12,916.2

13,363.8

15,435.1

6.1

15.5

6,964.5

7,397.4

7,807.7

7,318.7

9,348.9

7.6

27.7

Consolidated gross 
margin

Consolidated 
EBITDA

Networks 
(Regulated) 
EBITDA

8.6

4.4

16.2

12.5

3.8

3,534.7

3,628.0

4,081.7

4,228.0

4,915.0

  Spain

1,438.5

1,456.8

1,603.1

1,519.5

1,709.4

  United Kingdom

1,024.8

1,138.0

976.2

886.0

919.4

(2.7)

  United States

772.0

780.5

1,269.6

1334.0

1,331.2

14.6

(0.2)

  Brazil

299.4

252.7

232.8

488.5

955.0

33.6

95.5

Wholesale and 
Retail (Liberalised) 
EBITDA2

2,292.2

2,323.1

2,253.3

1,463.8

2,038.3

(2.5)

  Spain

1,517.6

1,504.6

1,520.5

779.4

1,000.7

(9.9)

39.2

28.4

  United Kingdom

456.6

421.7

293.6

108.1

307.2

(9.4)

184.2

  Brazil

–

-

(3.1)

50.9

92.0

--

80.7

  Mexico

350.0

455.0

436.2

525.4

638.4

16.2

21.5

Renewables 
EBITDA2

1,326.0

1,647.2

1,500.2

1,754.8

2,445.5

16.5

  Spain

420.6

473.2

497.4

615.6

918.5

  United Kingdom

265.2

438.1

267.0

391.7

517.5

  United States

495.3

570.9

563.6

529.7

573.1

21.6

18.2

3.7

33

26.9

24.9

66.0

129.4

40.7

38.2

43.1

52.0

52.5

65.4

14.4

24.6

  Other countries

73.7

95.0

95.3

99.3

241.6

34.6

143.3

39.4

49.2

32.1

8.2

96.1

Financial ratios

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

∆ Δ  
Annual 
average 
2014-18 
(%)

∆ Δ 
2017-
2018  
(%)

54.0

56.0

54.0

61.6

60.9

3.1

(1.1)

23.2

23.5

26.7

23.4

26.7

3.5

13.8

7.7

7.7

9.3

9.0

8.6

2.8

(4.1)

29.8

29.8

27.7

31.2

26.9

(2.5)

(13.7)

3.68

3.79

3.77

4.49

3.653

(0.2)

(18.7)

41.7

40.7

42.0

43.4

43.73

1.2

0.6

21.3

21.0

21.5

19.7

21.53

0.2

9.1

17.4

18.7

19.1

17.2

20.23

3.8

17.7

6.7

6.3

7.3

7.8

8.43

5.7

7.2

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

∆ Δ  
Annual 
average
 2014-18 
(%)

∆ Δ 
2017-
2018  
(%)

35,756

41,506

39,661

40,811

44,898

5.9

10.0

Non-Eurozone 
EBITDA (%)

EBITDA margin 
(EBITDA/revenues) 
(%)

Net profit margin
(Net profit/
Revenues) (%)

NOE/Gross  
margin (%)

Net financial debt / 
EBITDA (multiple)

Financial 
leveraging (%)

Funds from 
Operations (FFO)/
Net financial debt 
(NFD)

Retained cash flow 
(RCF/NFD) (%)

Return on equity 
(ROE) (%)

Stock market 
performance

Stock market 
capitalisation (€M)

Number of shares 
at end of period 
(millions)

  Brazil

  Mexico

Other businesses 
EBITDA

Corporation 
EBITDA and 
adjustments

Amortisation, 
depreciation, 
provisions and other

Operating profit 
(EBIT)

Results from 
companies 
consolidated by the 
equity method (net 
of taxes)

Results from non-
current assets

(49.0)

(68.9)

(105.2)

13.0

29.0

–

123.1

Share price (€)

5.60

6.55

6.23

6.46

7.02

6,388

6,337

6,362

6,318

6,398

0.0

5.8

1.3

8.7

(171.4)

(190.4)

83.8

(140.9)

(78.2)

17.8

44.5

Earnings per share 
(EPS)

Dividend per share 
(DPS)

0.36

0.37

0.42

0.44

0.47

7.0

6.1

0.275

0.276

0.286

0.317

0.331

4.7

4.4

(3,023.6)

(3,568.1)

(3,253.7)

(4,606.1)

(3,909.5)

(6.6)

15.1

Dividend yield (%)

4.91

4.21

4.59

4.91

4.72

(1.0)

(3.8)

3,940.9

3,829.3

4,554.0

2,712.6

5,439.4

8.4

100.5

Financial results

(1,122.4)

(1,023.1)

(903.4)

(937.1)

(1,156.1)

(0.7)

(23.4)

Total dividend 
(including cash 
payments) (€M)

1,716 

1,732

1,966

1,996

2,077

4.9

4.1

Payout ratio (%)

73.8

71.5

72.7

71.2

68.9

(1.7)

(3.2)

Share price / net 
earnings per share 
(PER)

15.37

17.17

14.66

14.55

14.90

(0.8)

2.4

135.4

55.3

48.7

(28.7)

55.9

-19.8

–

247.9

125.1

48.2

279.1

8.9

(56.5)

(96.8)

  Sustainability Report

  Quarterly Results Report

Pre-tax profit (EBT)

3,201.8

2,986.6

3,747.5

2,025.9

4,348.0

8.0

114.6

  Consolidated Annual Financial Statements

Corporate income 
tax

(837.1)

(527.1)

(904.6)

1,397.1

(959.4)

(3.5)

–

Minority interests

(38.2)

(38.0)

(137.9)

(365.9)

(323.3)

(70.6)

(11.6)

Net attributable 
profit

2,326.5

2,421.6

2,705.0

2,804.0

3,014.0

Total assets

93,771.4 104,664.1

106,706.2 110,688.6

113,037.9

6.7

4.8

7.5

2.1

Shareholders’ 
equity

35,790.5 40,956.1

40,687.4

42,733.2

43,976.6

5.3

2.9

Net investments

2,848.0

3,223.0

4,264.3

5,890.9

5,320.4

16.9

(9.7)

Funds from 
Operations (FFO)

Bank borrowings, 
net

5,459.0

5,906.7

6,310.8

6,479.4

7,328.4

7.6

13.1

25,618

28,067

29,414

32,884

34,199

7.5

4.0

(1) For purposes of this report, 2016 is not re-stated due to the discontinua-
tion of the engineering business, which only appears as beginning in 2017.
(2) During financial years 2017 and 2018, hydroelectric production activity is 
classified within the Renewables business.
(3) Data adjusted due to effect of derivatives-treasury shares accumulators 
(potential) (€50 million at 31/12/2018).

/  Integrated Report 2019 

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1. Iberdrola Today  /  11

∆ Δ  
Annual 
average 
2014-18 
(%)

∆ Δ 
2017-
2018  
(%)

1.5

1.4

0.3

0.2

5.8

1.9

4.0

6.4

1.0

1.0

0.5

0.1

0.7

1.6

0.8

3.8

(2.2)

(0.9)

13.9

1.5

3.6

0.1

0.0

5.6

–

(0.5)

(0.4)

2.2

36.1

–

Operating 
performance

Installed capacity 
(MW)

20141

20151

20162

20172

20182

45,089

46,361

47,049

48,447

47,448

Net output (GWh)

138,892

134,374

142,466

137,549

145,597

∆ Δ  
Annual 
average 
2014-18 
(%)

∆ Δ 
2017-
2018  
(%)

1.3

1.2

(2.1)

5.9

Social performance

20141

20151

20162

20172

20182

Customers (millions)4

32.6

33.8

34.1

34.4

34.7

Electric power

29.0

29.7

30.0

30.3

30.7

  Spain

10.9

10.9

10.9

11.0

Electric power 
distributed (GWh)3

212,617

224,749

229,920

230,151

233,435

2.4

1.4

  United Kingdom

3.5

1.8

12.8

3.6

0.8

2.2

0.6

3.5

2.2

13.1

4.1

0.9

2.2

1.0

11.1

3.5

2.3

3.5

2.2

3.5

2.2

13.4

13.6

13.8

4.1

0.9

2.1

1.0

4.0

1.0

2.0

1.0

4.0

1.0

2.0

1.0

  United States

  Brazil 

Gas

  Spain

  United Kingdom

  United States

Number of employees

29,597

30,938

34,082

34,255

34,078

Permanent contracts (%)

98.5

98.4

98.4

99.4

99.0

Employees with collective 
bargaining agreement (%)

79.0

76.6

79.3

77.8

78.9

Employee turnover

8.6

7.0

7.3

7.9

10.7

20141

20151

20162

20172

20182

∆ Δ  
Annual 
average 
2014-18 
(%)

∆ Δ 
2017-
2018  
(%)

61.9

63.0

66.4

66.7

68.2

2.4

2.2

56.8

52.5

56.7

53.8

58.6

0.8

8.9

212

225

177

187

163

(6.4)

(12.8)

Diversity (men/women)

77/23

76/24

76/24

77/23

77/23

18,849

19,001

11,668

12,055

10,505

(13.6)

(12.9)

1,100.9

1,014.2

2,262.2

2,239.9

2,132.6

18.0

(4.8)

635.7

669.2

527.1

513.2

549.7

(3.6)

7.1

 87.0

84.2

82.4

79.8

80.0

(2.1)

0.3

Injury rate (IR)

0.39

0.28

0.36

0.35

0.28

(8.0)

(20.0)

Hours of training (millions 
of hours)

Hours of training per 
employee trained (h)

Funds for social 
development (€M)

Contributions to society 
(€M)

Rural electrification 
programmes (€M)

1.0

1.0

1.4

1.5

1.6

11.5

5.3

38.7

38.6

45.3

41.8

45.2

4.0

8.1

65.0

46.0

106.7

341.2

243.1

39.1

(28.8)

34.0

38.0

57.7

63.0

53.5

12.0

(15.1)

31.0

8.0

49.0

278.2

189.6

57.3

(31.8)

509

533

573

597

610

4.6

2.2

Investments in R&D (€M)

170

200

211

246

267

11.9

8.4

30,217

31,752

26,541

26,721

24,645

(5.0)

(7.8)

1,544

963

4,504

3,415

2,480

12.6

(27.4)

21,459

19,269

16,853

23,460

19,485

(2.4)

(16.9)

0.154

0.125

0.047

0.038

0.023

(37.8)

(39.5)

0.236

0.230

0.140

0.113

0.085

(22.5)

(24.8)

General procurement  
(€M billed)

Procurement from CSR 
classified suppliers (%)

Number of suppliers 
evaluated with social 
responsibility standards

Procurement in sensitive 
countries per ILO (%)

Procurement from local 
suppliers (%)

4,599

5,093

7,508

8,648

7,753

13.9

(10.3)

92

94

89

87

89

(0.8)

2.1

1,326

1,536

1,667

1,787

2,014

11.0

12.7

10.7

10.8

21.4

25.0

25.8

24.6

3.2

87

85

84

88

85

(0.6)

(3.4)

Environmental 
performance

Emission-free 
installed capacity 
(%)

Emission-free 
output (%)

Specific CO2 
emissions (t/GWh)

Fuel consumption 
(M Tep)

Environmental 
investments (€M)

Environmental 
expenses (€M)

Energy produced 
under certified 
environmental 
management 
systems (%)

Water use/overall 
production (m3/
GWh)

Direct emissions of 
CO2. Scope 1 (kt)

Indirect emissions 
of CO2. Scope 2 (kt)

CO2 avoided due to 
efficiency initiatives 
(kt)

SO2 emissions (t/
GWh)

NOx emissions (t/
GWh)

  Sustainability Report
  Quarterly Results Report

  Consolidated Annual Financial Statements

(1) Takes into account 39% of Neoenergia in 2014 and 2015 (unless otherwise noted).
(2) Takes into account 100% of Neoenergia in 2016 in order to improve the comparability of the data.
(3) Takes into account 100% of Neoenergia for all periods.
(4) In countries where there is retail and distribution activity, distribution customers are taken into account.

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12  /  1. Iberdrola Today

1.4 Presence by Areas of Activity

Iberdrola in Spain

Largest energy company.
∆ 2018 / 2017 
GDP +2.4%1 
Electricity demand +0.4%2

Key figures 2018

Primary brands

Local subholding brand

Operating brands

25,887
MW Installed capacity

15,789
MW Renewable installed capacit

57,711
GWh Net output

269,639
Km Power lines

93,897
GWh Electric power distributed

12.0
Millions of customers3

9,822
Employees

1,009
€M Investments

3,642
€M Direct tax contribution

(1) Source: National Institute of Statistics.
(2) Source: Iberdrola.
(3) Electricity supply points and gas customers.

/  Integrated Report 2019 

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1. Iberdrola Today  /  13

Primary facilities

197
Wind farms 
5,770 MW

164
Hydroelectric plants 
10,018 MW

7
Combined cycle gas plants 
5,695 MW

18
Cogeneration plants 
353 MW

5
Nuclear plants 
3,177 MW

2
Thermal plants 
874 MW(1)

Major projects under  
construction

1

2

Principal Offices

Electricity distribution
Area of influence

(1) Closure of coal plants requested.

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14  /  1. Iberdrola Today

Iberdrola in the United Kingdom

100% of electricity from renewable sources.  
Transmission and distribution networks in Scotland, 
Wales and England. 
∆ 2018 / 2017 
GDP +1.4%1 
Electricity demand -0.3%2

Key figures 2018

Primary brands

Local subholding brand

Operating brands

2,100
MW Installed capacity

2,100
MW Renewable installed capacity

10,675
GWh Net output

109,957
Km Power lines

34,677
GWh Electric power distributed

5.5
Millions of customer3

5,611
Employees

1,083
€M Investments

612
€M / Direct tax contribution

(1) Source: Office for National Statistics.
(2) Source: Iberdrola.
(3) Electricity supply points and gas customers.

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1. Iberdrola Today  /  15

Primary facilities

39
Wind farms 
1,906 MW

1
Offshore wind farm  
194 MW

1
Underwater power line  
425 km

Major project under  
construction

1

28

5

Offices

Electricity distribution
Area of influence

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16  /  1. Iberdrola Today

Iberdrola in the United States

Presence in 24 states. 
Electricity and gas distributor in New York, Maine, 
Connecticut and Massachusetts.  
86.4% of output from renewable sources.
∆ 2018 / 2017 
GDP +2.9%1 
Electricity demand 2.1%2

Key figures 2018

Primary brands

Local subholding brand

Operating brands

7,561
MW Installed capacity

6,713
MW Renewable installed capacity

19,983
GWh Net output

170,083
Km Power lines

39,579
GWh Electric power distributed

3.2
Millions of customers3

6,449
Employees

1,298
€M Investments

904
€M Direct tax contribution

(1) Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis (U.S. Department of Commerce 
– 28 February).
(2) Source: US Energy Information Administration.
(3) Electricity and gas supply points.

/  Integrated Report 2019 

www.iberdrola.com

 
Primary facilities

60
Wind farms 
6,466 MW

4
Photovoltaic plants 
116 MW

9
Hydroelectric plants 
118 MW

1
Cogeneration plant 
636 MW

4
Combined cycle gas plants 
212 MW

Major projects under  
construction

6

1

1 transmission line (NECEC)

1. Iberdrola Today  /  17

NECEC

2

2

3

3

6

2

4

3

9

2

6

6

3

5

3

2

2

4

Offices

Electricity distribution
Area of influence

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18  /  1. Iberdrola Today

Iberdrola in Brazil

Energy leader in Brazil and Latin America 
∆ 2018 / 2017 
GDP +1.1%1 
Electricity demand +1.9%2

Key figures 2018

 Primary brands

Local subholding brand

Operating brands

3,467 
MW Installed capacity

2,935
MW Renewable installed capacity

13,652
GWh Net output

623,993
Km Power lines

65,283
GWh Electric power distributed

13.8
Millions of customers3

10,749
Employees

898
€M Investments

2,433
€M Direct tax contribution

(1) Source: Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics.
(2) Source: Iberdrola.
(3) Electricity supply points.

/  Integrated Report 2019 

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1. Iberdrola Today  /  19

Primary facilities

17
Wind farms 
516 MW

7
Hydroelectric plants  
2,419 MW

1
Combined cycle gas plant  
533 MW

Major projects under  
construction 

2

15

10

Offices

Electricity distribution
Area of influence

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20  /  1. Iberdrola Today

Iberdrola in Mexico

Largest private electricity producer
∆ 2018 / 2017 
GDP +1.9%1 
Electricity demand +2.8%2

Key figures 2018

 Primary brands

Local subholding brand

Operating brands

7,471
MW Installed capacity

679
MW Renewable installed capacity

41,396
GWh Net output

1,112
Employees

899
€M Investments

159
€M Direct tax contribution

(1) Source: National Institute of Statistics and Geography.
(2) Source: Iberdrola.

/  Integrated Report 2019 

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1. Iberdrola Today  /  21

Primary facilities

9
Wind farms 
409 MW

2
Photovoltaic plants 
270 MW 

8
Combined cycle gas plants  
6,446 MW

5
Cogeneration plants 
346 MW

Major projects under  
construction

2

3

2

2

2

2

Offices

Area of influence
Area with projects under construction

6

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22  /  1. Iberdrola Today

Iberdrola in Continental Europe

Key figures and facilities 2018

961
MW 
Renewable installed capacity

2,180
GWh 
Net renewable output

335
Employees

134
€M / Investments

189 
€M / Direct tax contribution

Operating brand

27
Wind farms 
605 MW

1
Offshore wind farm 
350 MW

4
Photovoltaic plants 
6 MW

Major projects under  
construction

2

1

Offices

Main countries
Area of influence

/  Integrated Report 2019 

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1. Iberdrola Today  /  23

Installed capacity and output by country and technology

Installed 
capacity  
(MW)1

Spain

United 
Kingdom

United States

Brazil

Mexico

Other 
countries

Total

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

Renewables

15,821

15,789

2,666

2,100

6,625

6,713

2,629

2,935

410

679

961

961

29,113

29,177

Onshore wind
Offshore wind
Hydroelectric
Mini-hydro
Solar and others

5,752
–
9,715
303
50

5,770
–
9,715
303
0

1,906
194
566
–
–

1,906
194
0
–
–

6,387
–
118
–
119

6,466
–
118
–
129

516
–
2,113
–
–

516
–
2,419
–
–

367
–
–
–
43

409
–
–
–
270

605
350
–
–
6

605
350
–
–
6

15,533
544
12,513
303
219

15,671
544
12,252
303
406

Nuclear

3,177

3,177

–

Combined cycle

5,695

5,695

2,000

Cogeneration

368

353

1

–

874

874

–

0

0

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

212

212

533

533

5,546

6,446

636

636

–

–

–

–

–

–

294

346

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3,177

3,177

13,985 12,885

1,299

1,335

874

874

Coal

Total

Electricity 
production (GWh)1

25,934 25,887

4,666

2,100

7,472

7,561

3,162

3,467

6,250

7,471

961

961 48,447 47,448

Spain

United 
Kingdom

United States

Brazil

Mexico

Other 
countries

Total

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

Renewables

19.587 25.973

4.880

5.145

15.739

17.261

8.196 10.099

963

1.095

1.382

2.180 50.747 61.754

Onshore wind
Offshore wind
Hydroelectric
Mini-hydro
Solar and others

11,216
–
7,903
394
74

11,654
–
13,590
670
58

3,358
820
702
–
–

3,812
755
578
–
–

15,103
–
386
–
250

16,650
–
269
–
342

1,865
–
6,330
–
–

2,120
–
7,979
–
–

963
–
–
–
0

1,084
–
–
–
12

1,373
0
–
–
9

1,284
887
–
–
9

33,878
821
15,321
394
333

36,605
1,642
22,416
670
421

Nuclear

23,254 23,536

–

–

Combined cycle

3,812

4,092

7,259

5,530

–

12

–

8

–

–

–

–

3,956

3,553 39,013

37,470

Cogeneration

2,608

2,472

2,642

1,637

0

–

–

–

2,354

2,713

–

–

91

–

0

–

1,801

2,831

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 23,254 23,536

– 54,053 50,654

–

–

6,853

8,016

2,642

1,637

51,903

57,711

12,140 10,675 18,105 19,983

12,242 13,652

41,777 41,396

1,382

2,180 137,549 145,597

Coal

Total

(1) IFRS 11 is not being applied for operational purposes.

www.iberdrola.com 

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24  /  Business Model and Strategy

Serra do Burgo wind farm 
/ Spain

/  Integrated Report 2019 

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2. Business Model and Strategy

Business Model and Strategy  /  25

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26  /  Business Model and Strategy

2.1 The Future of Energy

Social Expectations and Needs

More energy and more electrification

Social progress involves our expectations and needs, 
which affect the energy sector. There are four large 
associated trends: a sustained increase in demand 
for energy over time; the need for decarbonisation 
of energy and of the economy as a whole; greater 
attention to the efficiency of supply activities; and 
greater connectivity, which influences relations with 
all stakeholders, especially customers. 

More energy

Decarbonisation

Efficiency

Connectivity

Electricity demand in TWh

34,700

28,600

21,500

2017

2025

2040

Source: World Energy Outlook 2018.

Electricity generation 
Breakdown of electricity generation, by source (TWh/year)

50,000

40,000

30,000

20,000

10,000

0

24%
Renewables

76%
Non- 
renewables

16%

10%

23%

39%

2015

4%

3%

4%

4%

1%

36%

22%

12%

4%

10%

<1%
3,5%
1%
3,5%

4%

2015-2025
Changes

2050

85%
Renewables

15%
Non- 
renewables

Coal
Oil
Natural gas

Nuclear
Hydropower
Bioenergy

Solar PV
CSP
Wind

Geothermal
Others

Source: Global Energy Transformation - IRENA.

The process of decarbonisation of the economy has 
begun with the electric sector, and will be completed 
through a phase of electrification of the economy as a 
whole, especially industry and transport.
The EU Roadmap1 forecasts that electricity will 
at least double its share in final energy demand 
to 36-39% by 2050, which would contribute to a 
reduction in carbon emissions from heating systems, 
industry and the transport sector. The main scenario 
of the World Energy Outlook 2018 2 also forecasts that 
electricity will play a more important role in the world 
energy system, exceeding the growth of all other 
sources, to become almost one fourth of total final 
energy consumption by 2040.

It is expected that policies promoting sustainable 
mobility, like the clean mobility package of the 
European Commission3, will cause the number of 
electric vehicles to increase from the current 3 million 
to approximately 300 million by 2040, representing 
approximately 720 TWh of annual consumption. In 
addition, policies to reduce emissions due to warming 
seek to reduce the use of fossil fuels, and will entail 
approximately 45% growth in demand for electricity 
to heat buildings by 2040. In industry, heat pumps will 
satisfy approximately 3% (some 240 TWh) of demand 
for additional low temperature heat by 2040.

In developing economies, one must also factor in the 
demand associated with the almost one billion people 
throughout the world who currently lack access to 
electricity2.

(1) Energy Roadmap 2050 of the European Parliament.
(2) World Energy Outlook 2018 – International Energy Agency.
(3) 14% reduction in CO2 emissions from new passenger cars and light 
industrial vehicles by 2030 and 30% reduction by 2030. 

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Business Model and Strategy  /  27

• Progress on its commitment to implement the 
recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-
related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) in its public 
reports by 2020.

• Iberdrola supports the goal of net-zero emissions 
by 2050 of the climate strategy of the European 
Union, convinced of the feasibility thereof and of the 
opportunities of this scenario and the central role of 
the electricity sector.

Efficiency

The growing use of renewable sources of energy is 
being driven by a rapid evolution of technology that is 
reducing the costs of production1. This trend makes a 
sustainable energy model compatible with a positive 
evolution of cost for the end user. It is expected that 
renewable energy will increase its weight in electricity 
production to 85% by 20501. This growth especially 
includes wind and photovoltaic technologies.

Connectivity and customers

Urban/technological lifestyles require the 
establishment of on-line, immediate and simple 
channels. This greater connectivity in turn allows 
for more personalised and efficient products and 
services.

A greater presence of distributed generation and 
the growth of electric vehicles, together with the 
digitisation of relationship channels, will foster a more 
active role by customers.

(1) Global Energy Transformation – IRENA 2018.

Decarbonisation: Fight against climate change

The fight against climate change has driven the 
strategy of Iberdrola, which has been committed to a 
sustainable, safe and competitive energy model for 
the last two decades. Reaching a decarbonised energy 
model is currently feasible. The group is in an optimal 
position to take advantage of the opportunities 
that this economic transition offers thanks to its 
leadership in renewable energy, smart grids, storage 
and digitisation. The Board of Directors formalised 
Iberdrola’s commitment to decarbonisation in the 
Policy against Climate Change, which deals with 
mitigation and adaptation activities, the company’s 
active participation in the global climate agenda and 
the promotion of a corporate culture focused on 
promoting the awareness and engagement of all of its 
Stakeholders in this area.

Iberdrola’s objectives
• Reduce the intensity of emissions of CO2 50% by 
2030 compared to those in 2007 and be carbon 
neutral by 2050. Objectives recognised as Science 
Based Targets (SBTi). 

• Support international climate change negotiation 
processes, private sector participation in the global 
agenda, the creation of partnerships and raising 
climate awareness.

Partnerships and actions

The company plays its role as an agent of 
transformation through its engagement in different 
platforms, coalitions and world organisations, 
including: European Commission, UN Global 
Compact. We Mean Business, World Business 
Council for Sustainable Development and Corporate 
Leaders Group (CLG). It has also formally supported 
various initiatives, including the CLG declaration on 
net-zero emissions by 2050. For all of the foregoing 
reasons, Iberdrola has been recognised as a UN 
Global Compact LEAD company for its contribution 
to global sustainability. 

2018 milestones include the following:

• Active participation in the main processes formally 
driven by the United Nations and other international 
bodies. These include those held for purposes of the 
Katowice Climate Change Conference (COP24), the 
California Global Climate Action Summit and the U.N. 
General Assembly. Iberdrola was also one of the few 
companies participating in all high-level phases of the 
Talanoa Dialogue.

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28  /  Business Model and Strategy

2.2 Business Model

Industry positioning

The strategy that Iberdrola has been implementing since the beginning of the 2000s, which wagered on 
decarbonisation and renewable energy, supported by the strong focus on innovation by all of the group’s 
businesses, has allowed for the rapid adoption of new generation technologies, as well as automation and remote 
control of the networks. As a result, Iberdrola is today positioned as a leader in renewable energy and smart grids, 
activities that constitute the backbone of the decarbonisation of the electricity sector.

Iberdrola responds to the expectations and needs described on the preceding page. The process of 
electrification is supported by all of the businesses of the group, and decarbonisation is promoted through 
investment in emissions-free installed capacity, which has already reached 68.2% of the total.

2018 saw the conclusion of the Star network digitisation project, the inauguration of the Wikinger offshore wind 
farm, the promotion of electric mobility through the Smart Mobility plan pursuant to which Iberdrola will install 
25,000 electric vehicle charging points in Spain by 2021, and the development of customer solutions based on 
connectivity.

Industry Trends and Energy 
Transition

Iberdrola’s 
businesses

Generation without 
emissions

Efficient storage

Smart grids

Customer solutions

More Energy: 
Green Electrification

Efficiency: 
Technology and Innovation

Connectivity: 
Empowering the Customer

ü

ü

ü

ü

ü

ü

ü

ü

ü

ü

Economic/financial positioning

Economic/financial aspects are an essential part of 
Iberdrola’s business model, along with industrial and 
technological positioning. The company engages 
in a strategy that seeks to balance growth, financial 
strength and a sustainable dividend. To this end:

• Investment is concentrated in the regulated 
businesses or long-term contracts, which provide 
known and recurring cash flows.

• Country selection takes into account the quality 
of institutions and particularly the regulatory 
environment that applies to the sector.

• The commitment to the group’s level of financial 
strength is public and decisive in long-term planning 
and in the group’s leverage level.

• The dividend policy is focused on a strong and 
growing return in line with the increase in the 
company’s results.

Balanced 
growth

Financial 
strength

Sustainable 
dividend

/  Integrated Report 2019 

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Business Model and Strategy  /  29

Taking into account the positioning of the company, Iberdrola’s business model is characterised by:

Focus on regulated 

businesses

Commitment to clean and 
competitive energies

Operational  
efficiency

More than 86% of 2018 EBITDA 
comes from regulated businesses 
or long-term contracts.

• Generation and production of 
largely emissions-free electricity.

• Large portfolio of wind and solar 
generation projects.

• Public and ambitious goals for 
reducing emissions. 

• A business culture highly 
focused on innovation and 
digitisation has allowed our 
company to be 40% more 
efficient than the average of 
the main competitors1.

International diversification

Financial strength and solidity  
of the group

Global, committed and 
qualified workforce

The results obtained reflect the 
diversification of the group (2018 
EBITDA by country):

38% in Spain.

19% in the United Kingdom.

21% in the United States.

13% in Brazil.

8% in Mexico.

• Growth in EBITDA and FFO allows 
for continued strength in solvency 
ratio levels, within the framework of 
strong organic growth.

• Liquidity position that covers 
financial needs for more than 18 
months even in a stress scenario.

“The technologies to deliver this deep 
transformation, renewable energies, are already 
available and competitive”. 

Ignacio Galán, at the World Economic Forum 2019

• Stable and high-quality jobs, 
with high level of training.

• Health and safety as priorities: 
“Zero accidents” programme.

• The companies of the group 
have been recognised: in Spain 
for their Reputation (Merco) and 
in Brazil as the best company to 
work for in Latin America (Great 
Place to Work).

  Iberdrola’s Primary Businesses / page 45

  Natural Capital / page 70

  Manufactured Capital / page 64

  Presence by Areas of Activity / page 12

  Financial Capital / page 62

  Human Capital / page 68

(1) Operating expenses by customer. Source: external reports.

www.iberdrola.com 

Integrated Report 2019  /

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2.3 Value Chain

Electricity generation

Construction, operation and maintenance of 
generating plants, and purchase/sale of energy on 
wholesale markets.

Generating plants *

1%
Conventional 
thermal

42%
Renewable

5%
Cogeneration

17%
Nuclear

35%
Combined cycle

* % of 2018 net output.  ** At 31 December 2018.  *** %  by sector at 31 December 2018..

/  Integrated Report 2019 

www.iberdrola.com

Business Model and Strategy  /  31

Power transmission and distribution

Retail sale of energy

Construction, operation and maintenance of 
electrical lines, substations, transformer centres and 
other infrastructure, to bring electrical power from 
production centres to the end user.

Supply to end users of energy and additional 
products and services.

Electric grids **

Customers ***

Overhead lines

90.2%
Residential

5.9%
Commercial

0.9%
Institutional

0.9%
Industrial

2.1%
Other

17,765 km  
of transmission lines

962,940 km  
of distribution lines

1,244 km  
of transmission lines

191,723 km  
of distribution lines

4,400
High- and medium-
voltage transformer 
substations

1.5 million
Medium- to low-
voltage distribution 
transformers

Underground lines

www.iberdrola.com 

Integrated Report 2019  /

32  /  Business Model and Strategy

2.4 Iberdrola, a Different Company

Differentiating elements of the company

• The Purpose as raison d’être and social contribution, 
and the Values as culture of the Iberdrola group, 
defined by the Board of Directors.

• A framework of trust that ensures the sustainability 
of the business model:

– Corporate Governance System consistent with 
international best practices.

– Corporate ethics, internalised by the management 
bodies and the organisation as a whole.

– Sustainable development policies, which respond 
to the expectations of the Stakeholders.

– Advanced risk control system, to maintain 
an optimal “risk/opportunity” balance, taking 
advantage of opportunities and mitigating risks.

• A strategy focused on achieving the group’s goals.

• Responsible management of the tangible and 
intangible assets of the company.

• An organisation structured into three global 
businesses (Networks Business, Wholesale and 
Retail Business and Renewables Business), with a 
Corporation as the group’s supervisory body.

• A supply of healthy and accessible energy.

Aware of the social changes that are occurring and 
of the large challenges resulting from the energy 
transition, Iberdrola has defined its Corporate 
Purpose, focused on the well-being of people  
and the preservation of the planet:

“To continue building together each day a 
healthier, more accessible energy model, based on 
electricity”.

Supply of  
reliable and 
high-quality 
energy

Corporation

Our raison d'être 

Central management body 

Value Chain / page 30 

  Competitiveness / page 29 

  Strategic Foundations / page 39 
  Pillars / page 32 

Networks 
Business

Wholesale 
and Retail 
Business

Renewables 
Business

Management of tangible and intangible assets 
Financial / Manufactured / 
Intellectual / Human / Natural / Social and Relational

Framework of Trust

Purpose and Values

Strategy

/  Integrated Report 2019 

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Iberdrola’s Contribution to the Sustainable 
Development Goals (SDGs)

Iberdrola has committed to the SDGs defined by the 
United Nations for the 2015-2030 period. They are 17 
global goals intended to transform our world, ending 
poverty, fighting against inequality and injustice, and 
confronting climate change. 

Iberdrola has integrated the SDGs into its business 
strategy and its operations, and the Iberdrola group 
concentrates its efforts on the following objectives 
based on the activities it performs

• Electricity for All programme: 
• Goal of 16,000,000 beneficiaries by 2030. 
• Reached 5.4 million by year-end 2018.
• A global renewable leader: 29,177 MW in 2018.
• Energy efficiency: 60 million tons of CO2 emissions avoided 
during the last three years.

• Iberdrola has set the following environmental objectives:
• Reduce the intensity of its CO2 emissions to 50% below those 
of 2007 by 2030.
• Be carbon neutral by 2050.

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This Purpose reflects the strategy that the company 
has been implementing for years and its commitment 
to continue fighting for:

• A real and global energy transition, based on 
the decarbonisation and electrification of the 
energy sector, and of the economy as a whole, that 
contributes to the fight against climate change and 
generates new opportunities for economic, social and 
environmental development.

• An energy model that is more electric, one that 
abandons the use of fossil fuels and generalises the 
use of renewable energy sources, the efficient storage 
of energy, smart grids and digital transformation.

• An energy model that is healthier for people, whose 
short-term health and well-being depend on the 
environmental quality of their environment.

• An energy model that is more accessible for all, one 
that favours inclusiveness, equality, equity and social 
development.

• An energy model that is built in collaboration with all 
involved players and all of society.

To achieve this Purpose, Iberdrola has evolved its 
corporate values to the following concepts:

• Sustainable energy: because we seek to be a 
model of inspiration, creating economic, social and 
environmental value in all of our surroundings, and 
with the future in mind. 

• Integrating force: because we have great strength, 
and therefore great responsibility. For this reason we 
work by combining talents, for a purpose that is to be 
achieved by all and for all.

• Driving force: because we make into reality small and 
large changes causing the life of people to be easier, 
while being efficient and self-demanding, always 
seeking continuous improvement.

www.iberdrola.com 

Integrated Report 2019  /

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
34  /  Business Model and Strategy

The company has an SDG Advisory Committee that reviews actions taken and analyses the alignment thereof, in 
addition to proposing new challenges and encouraging actions that help to achieve the fixed goals.

Iberdrola firmly believes in the innovative role of the private sector, and commits to achieving the SDGs through 
business results. In this way, the company’s contributions through its social dividend generate shared value for all of 
its Stakeholders:

Responsible business 
model... 

Fights against  
climate change

• A global renewable leader, with 29,177 MW installed. 
• 68.2% of all installed capacity does not produce CO2 emissions.
• Approval of emission reduction goals scopes 1, 2 and 3 by Science Based 
Target Initiative.
• Pioneers in adopting the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-
related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).

Rapidly adopts new 
technologies and 
commits to innovation

• Drives the development of smart grids. Has deployed more than 10 million 
smart meters throughout the world. 
• Invests in sustainable mobility, in order to install 25,000 charging points in 
Spain by 2021. 

...with positive impacts 
on all of its Stakeholders...

Economic

• Annually generates approximately €32,000 million in Gross Domestic 
Product (GDP) in the countries in which it operates1.
• Contributes almost €7,600 million in investments annually to the capital 
formation of the world economy1.

Environmental 

• Invests more than €1,600 million in renewable generation during 2018, which 
has reduced its specific emissions to 163 gr / kWh in 2018.

Social

• Creates more than 425,000 jobs worldwide (direct, indirect and induced 
employment)1. 
• Almost €2,400 million in employee remuneration.
• Invests €53.5 million in projects contributing to the community2.
• Makes more than €7,500 million in purchases from its suppliers throughout 
the world.
• Contributes almost €8,000 million in taxes in the countries in which it does 
business.

...leading to the creation 
of sustainable economic 
value.

Balanced growth: €34,000 million between 2018 and 2022, focused on 
business and countries with stable and predictable regulatory frameworks; 86% 
of which will be dedicated to regulated activities or long-term contracts. 

The company’s sustainable growth in results, reaching a Net Profit of between 
€3,700 and €3,900 million by 2022.

Financial strength: The FFO/Net Debt ratio is expected to be greater than 
24% by 2022, which will allow for higher organic growth, compatible with the 
objective of FFO/Net Debt ratio of 22%.

Sustainable dividend: Shareholder remuneration will grow in line with the 
increase in results, maintaining a pay-out ratio between 65% and 75%, with a 
growing floor for the dividend each year of the plan.

(1) Data from a Study of Iberdrola’s Impact, prepared by PwC, for financial year 2017.
(2) According to the London Benchmarking Group (LBG) measurement standard.

/  Integrated Report 2019 

www.iberdrola.com

Business Model and Strategy  /  35

Iberdrola also takes action to contribute to the other SDGs. These activities are aligned with its Business model, 
and respond to the company’s firm commitment to the social dividend, conceived as the sustainable creation of 
value for all the Stakeholders. The activities and results of the company for these Objectives can be summarised 
as follows:

Procedures to protect customers in situations of 
vulnerability: covers 100% of vulnerable customers in 
Spain. Warm Home Discount scheme in the United 
Kingdom and Operation Fuel in the United States.
IX edition of the Iberdrola Social Programme 2019 called 
by Fundación Iberdrola España.

More than 6,000 kg of food collected through the 
Operation Kilo programme promoted in all countries.
Volunteer activities to distribute food, soup-kitchens, etc.

Iberdrola contributes to reducing the noxious effects 
on health of greenhouse gases with its commitment to 
reduce these gases.
The company also has goals to reduce accident rates.

€2.2 million in the scholarship and research grant 
programme for the 2018-2019 academic year.
Training for our employees: more than 45 hours of training 
per employee in 2018.

Iberdrola has been included in Bloomberg’s 2019 GEI 
(Gender Equality Index).
Iberdrola supports the Women’s Universe (Universo 
Mujer) programme of the CSD, supporting 16 Spanish 
female federations.
Goal: Increase the number of women in management 
positions.

Iberdrola is one of the utilities with the highest water 
productivity (revenue/water utilised).
Goal: maintain intensity at 50% of the European average 
for next 5 years.
Iberdrola has joined the UN CEO Water Mandate to 
encourage sustainable practices in the use of water.

425,000 direct, indirect and induced job positions 
throughout the world1. More than €32,000 million in 
impact on the GDP of the countries in which it does 
business1.
Iberdrola is the largest issuer of green bonds in the world, 
with more than €8,300 million of outstanding green debt.
Goal: continue supporting the development of the green 
financing market.

World leaders in Smart Grids. Progress on the Star project 
in Spain and the Smart UK project in the United Kingdom.
Goal: Development of the Innovation and Digitisation 
Programme.

Goal: Foster diversity and the social inclusion of 
vulnerable groups through the corporate volunteering 
programme.
More than 7,000 initiatives at the global level were made 
available to the employees in 2018.

Iberdrola has developed a Sustainable Mobility Plan with 
the ultimate goal of contributing to a rational use of the 
means of transportation.
Goal: Install 25,000 electric vehicle charging points in 
Spain by 2021, within its Smart Mobility plan.

90% of energy production at Iberdrola is carried out using 
local sources of energy.
Iberdrola was the first IBEX 35 company to certify its 
General Shareholders’ Meeting as a sustainable event 
(ISO 20121).

During the construction and operation of offshore wind 
farms, Iberdrola adopts innovative measures to preserve 
the neighbouring undersea eco-systems.
Support for the Dolphin Watch project for the protection 
of fauna and the conservation of marine habitats with 
disclosure and awareness-raising activities.

Iberdrola has obtained the first AENOR Corporate 
Environmental Footprint certificate.
Goal: Adjustment of 25,000 supports at distribution lines 
to avoid the electrocution of birds over the next two years 
(Flapping Wings (Aleteo) project).

The company has renewed the UNE-ISO 37001 and 
UNE19601 certifications regarding anti-bribery and 
compliance.
It has also been chosen for the fifth consecutive year as 
one of the most ethical companies in the world, according 
to the World’s Most Ethical Companies ranking prepared 
by the Ethisphere Institute.

Iberdrola works with a variety of companies, associations, 
universities and public bodies to achieve the SDGs.
Iberdrola held the 1st Iberoamerican Conference on the 
SDGs, in collaboration with the Universidad de Salamanca 
and the Polytechnic University of Madrid.

(1) Data from a Study of Iberdrola’s Impact, prepared by PwC, which is based on 2017 
figures. Includes indirect and induced impacts.

www.iberdrola.com 

Integrated Report 2019  /

36  /  Business Model and Strategy

2.5 Capital Management

The Iberdrola group holds valuable assets for the development of its business model. The strategy defined by the 
company transforms these assets to create value for all its Stakeholders.

Financial capital

Manufactured capital

Intellectual capital

What is it?

Financial resources that 
the company already 
has or obtains through 
financing.

Tangible assets or goods 
used by the company 
to carry out its business 
activities..

Intangible, 
knowledge-based 
assets.

Management approach

Create value for 
shareholders through 
sustainable growth.

Offer a competitive 
supply of energy in a safe 
and reliable environment.

Consider innovation as a 
strategic element of the 
company.

Significant aspects

•  Balanced and diversified 

•  Power generation assets.

•  Promotion of R&D.

growth.

•  Power transmission and 

•  Sound financial structure.

distribution assets.

•  Operational excellence.

•  Other assets. 

•  Sustainable results and 

dividends.

•  Digitisation for 
efficiency and 
development of new 
products and services.

•  Disruptive technology 
and business models.

  Financial Capital / page 62

  Manufactured Capital / page 64

  Intellectual Capital / page 66

/  Integrated Report 2019 

www.iberdrola.com

Business Model and Strategy  /  37

Social and 
relationship capital

Ability to share, relate 
and collaborate with 
its Stakeholders, 
promoting community 
development and well-
being.

Promote relations of 
trust with Stakeholders, 
improving the quality 
of life of people in areas 
where the group has a 
presence.

• Stakeholder 
Engagement Model.

• Community support 
and electricity access 
programmes.

• Human rights due 
diligence system.

• Foundations of the 
Iberdrola group.

• Brand management. 

• Transparency and good 
governance.

• Corporate reputation.

Human capital

Natural capital

What is it?

Employee knowledge, 
skills, experience and 
motivation.

Natural resources 
affected by the company’s 
activities.

Management approach

Significant aspects

Guarantee the availability 
of a committed and 
qualified workforce.

Offer an inclusive 
and balanced work 
environment.

Ensure a sustainable use 
of natural resources and 
contribute to combating 
climate change.

• Global human resources 
management.

• “Zero accidents” 
programme.

• Talent management.

• Diversity, equal 
opportunity and 
reconciliation.

• Climate Change.

• Preservation of 
biodiversity.

• Management of 
environmental footprint.

• Operating excellence 
and energy efficiency.

• Circular economy.

  Human Capital / page 68

  Natural Capital / page 70

  Social and Relationship Capital / page 72

www.iberdrola.com 

Integrated Report 2019  /

38  /  Business Model and Strategy

Social dividend as an increase in the value of capital

The social dividend created by the business strategy and model of Iberdrola translates into an increase in the 
value of its capital, which in turn feeds back into a cycle of value creation, thus efficiently inter-relating the 
operations of the businesses and the capital of the company.

The chart below shows its strategic focus for each Chapter and quantifies an aspiration or achievement of the 
company in this area.

This process creates shared value for both Iberdrola and for its Stakeholders, and constitutes a main vector for 
achieving the company’s purpose of offering an in increasingly healthy and accessible energy supply. 

Electricity demand
Growth

Social and Relationship Capital
Strengthen trust and link  
to the community
More than €32,300 million  
of contribution to the GDP 
 of the countries1

Technological changes and digitisation

Opportunities

Financial Capital
Balanced growth, financial strength, 
sustainable dividend
Reaching a Net Profit of between €3,700 
and €3,900 million by 2022

Framework  
of trust

Networks
Renewables
Wholesale and 
Retail

Purpose and 
Values

Economic environment
GDP Growth

Manufactured Capital
Supply of safe and competitive 
energy, business focused on 
networks and renewables
Investment of €34,000 million 
during the 2018-2022 period

Natural Capital
Fight against climate change 
and protection of biodiversity
50% reduction in specific CO2 
emissions by 2030 compared to 
those of 2007 
By 2018: 163 g / KWh

Distinguishing 
factors

Intellectual Capital
Promotion of R&D
193% increase in R&D  
investment over the  
last 10 years

Supply costs
Prices and regulation

Human Capital
Diverse workforce within a 
stable and safe environment
More than 425,000 direct, 
indirect and induced job 
positions1

Raw materials markets
Outlook

External Context

(1) Data from a Study of Iberdrola’s Impact, prepared by PwC, which is based on 2017 figures. Includes indirect and induced impacts.

/  Integrated Report 2019 

www.iberdrola.com

Business Model and Strategy  /  39

2.6 Strategic Foundations for 2018-2022

Market conditions

The green electrification of the economy is key for accelerating the energy transition; and it is possible thanks to 
the advance of clean generation technologies, smart grids and energy storage. To take the maximum advantage 
of these global growth opportunities, Iberdrola has increased the objectives set out in its Outlook 2018-2022.

The current political and regulatory context offers opportunities for growth in the main markets in which the 
group does business.

Challenges and opportunities

Growth vectors 2018-2022

Challenges

• Decarbonisation in the energy sector. Demand for 
cleaner and more sustainable energy.

• Management of a scenario of constant prices for 
energy in the medium term.

• Attainment of higher efficiency levels in all 
businesses, applying innovation and digitisation in 
operations.

• Regulatory management in all businesses, with 
special emphasis on transmission and distribution 
businesses, and in the development of the single 
market in Europe.

• Implementation of an investment plan focused 
on growth in the businesses of regulated networks, 
renewables and long-term contracted generation.

Opportunities

• Balanced business model focused on regulated 
activities and renewable generation.

• Significant experience in the development 
and construction of network and emission-free 
generation projects: hydroelectric, wind and 
photovoltaic.

• International diversification with a presence in 
countries with stable and predictable regulatory 
frameworks that require investment in the electricity 
and gas sectors.

• High quality of assets.

• Proven management capacity, culture of efficiency 
and results.

• Culture of innovation to implement digitisation in 
relation to customers and the development of new 
products and services.

Investments
United States

In renewables, the Vineyard offshore wind farm 
in Massachusetts is advancing as projected, with 
an estimated start-up between 2021 and 2022. In 
Networks, construction has begun on the $950 
million New England Clean Energy Connect 
(NECEC) transmission line, with a start-up in 2022, 
and which will contribute to results beyond the 
implementation period of the plan. 
Spain

3,000 MW of solar photovoltaic capacity and onshore 
wind is expected to be added before 2022.

Mexico

Approximately 3.5 GW of additional capacity will be 
installed and operational by 2021, a 60% increase in 
installed capacity in the country. 
United Kingdom

The East Anglia One offshore wind project, expected 
to enter into operation by 2020, is in full construction. 
New auctions of offshore wind are also expected in 
the near future.
Brazil

The company obtained four lots in the auction of 
electricity transmission lines held in December 2018, 
in addition to another six lots won in the 2017 auctions, 
which is a tremendous opportunity for organic 
growth in the country. 15 wind projects are also under 
construction for a total of 472 MW in the state of 
Paraiba.

Operational efficiency

Iberdrola has maintained a consistent focus on 
operational excellence over the years. Based on 
progress over the past financial year, on constant 
synergies and good practices throughout the group, 
the efficiency objective is expected to improve, 
accumulating more than €1,200 million over the 
period.

www.iberdrola.com 

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The plan keeps the focus on profitable growth in the regulated businesses and in long-term contracts, 
with a geographically diversified portfolio, and guarantees growth beyond 2022.

Strategic pillars

In a scenario of growing demand for energy and given the urgent need to reduce emissions in order to combat 
climate change, a clean, reliable and intelligent energy must be developed, which requires boosting the green 
electrification of the economy. This transition is feasible thanks to innovation and technological progress. The 
development of renewable energies, the deploy ith the support of its three strategic pillars: profitable long-term 
growth, operational excellence and optimisation of the financial structure; keeping the customer at the centre of 
our business model, and benefiting from innovation and digitisation.

The strategic pillars support the proposed creation of value for all Stakeholders, and have been the basis for 
growth over the last two decades, making Iberdrola more efficient, more sustainable, more international, more 
profitable, and ultimately more prepared to continue responding to these trends, which are accelerating.

1. Balanced growth

The company will undertake a number of initiatives to 
develop this strategy, as described below:

• The policies of decarbonisation and technological 
progress play an important role, as they will promote 
major investments in renewable generation, as well as 
the deployment and strengthening of grids playing 
an essential role in integrating both large-scale 
and distributed renewable generation and also in 
facilitating the adoption of electric vehicles.

• The company is accelerating investments in light of 
these forecasts, increasing the amount to €34,000 
million during the 2018-2022 period, going from 
€5,300 million invested in 2018 to an average of 
€7,200 million per year in the following years of the 
plan.

• Of the total investments, some €30,000 million are 
already implemented or under construction, and the 
other €4,000 million will be allocated to projects with 
advanced status.

• This plan strengthens the commitment to invest in 
assets that are regulated or with long-term contracts, 
reaching 86%. Investment in Networks will reach 
€16,000 million, with growth mainly focused on the 
United States and Brazil. In Renewables, somewhat 
more than €13,000 million will be focused mainly on 
Spain, the United States and the United Kingdom.

• There is a sufficiently balanced diversification by 
currency in this updated plan, with the investment in 
dollars representing 36%, followed by 29% in euros, 
18% in reais and 17% in pounds.

Investment by business and currency 2018-2022

Investments of the Businesses

3%  
Corporation and others 
€900 M

47%  
Networks
€16,000 M

Investment by Currency

36%  
USD
€12,000 M

18%  
BRL
€6,000 M

11%  
Wholesale and Retail 
€3,800 M

39%  
Renewables
€13,300 M

17%  
GBP
€6,000 M

29%  
EUR
€10,000 M

/  Integrated Report 2019 

www.iberdrola.com

 
 
 
 
 
Business Model and Strategy  /  41

A growing floor is set for the dividend for each year of the plan. The minimum dividend will thus be  
0.37 euro per share by 2020 and 0.4 euro per share by 2022.

2. Financial strength

3. Sustainable dividend

As can be seen in the results from financial year 
2018, Iberdrola has accelerated implementation 
of the 2018-2022 plan. These results reaffirm the 
effectiveness of its strategic pillars, putting the 
company one year ahead of the Plan.

EBITDA increased by almost 28%, thanks to the good 
operational performance of all of the businesses, to a 
total of €9,349 million.

Operational efficiency improved 10% thanks to the 
measures implemented in all of the countries.

Progress in business activities, together with the 
control of financial expenses, have driven Net Profit 
to a historic maximum of more than €3,000 million, 
7.5% more than in 2017, consistently with the forecasts 
presented in February 2018, which has allowed the 
Board of Directors to propose a 7.7% increase in 
shareholder remuneration, thus maintaining the 
commitment to increase shareholder remuneration in 
line with the results.

The increase in investments, optimisation of capital 
and implementation of increased efficiency measures 
has lead to an improvement in the estimates for 2022. 

Thus, EBITDA will exceed €12,000 million by 2022, 
30% more than that of 2018. 80% of this EBITDA will 
come from the Networks and Renewables businesses, 
which will maintain their diversification by currency.

Net Profit forecasts for 2022 have also increased, 
and the maximum target of €3,700 million presented 
last year is the floor of the new range, which will reach 
a maximum of €3,900 million, a 30% increase over 
2018. 

Improvement of financial strength: The FFO/Net 
Debt ratio is expected to be greater than 24% by 2022, 
which will allow for higher organic growth, compatible 
with the objective of FFO/Net Debt ratio of 22%.

Optimisation of liquidity position (around €12,000 
- €14,000 million, with a margin to increase it if 
necessary) to current market conditions in order to 
improve financial costs, maintaining 18 months of 
coverage even during stress scenarios. Neoenergia 
has its own liquidity policy covering 12 months of 
financial requirements.

Thanks to the strength of the results obtained, and 
in compliance with the commitment to increase 
shareholder remuneration in line with the results, 
the Board of Directors will propose shareholder 
remuneration of 0.351 euro per share at the General 
Shareholders’ Meeting, an increase of 7.7% charged to 
financial year 2018. 

This remuneration will continue to increase in line 
with the results. Therefore, a minimum growth in the 
dividend is set for each year of the plan. This minimum 
will thus be 0.37 euro per share by 2020 and 0.4 
euro per share by 2022. The pay-out ratio is kept at 
between 65% and 75%, and the number of shares at 
6,240 million through share buyback plans to prevent 
dilution.

EBITDA by business (forecast to 2022)

22%  
Contracted Generation 
and Retail

29%  
Renewables

> 12,000 M€

49%  
Networks 

EBITDA by currency (forecast to 2022)

16%  
BRL

27%  
USD

> 12,000 M€

37%  
EUR

19%  
GBP

www.iberdrola.com 

Integrated Report 2019  /

42  /  Business Model and Strategy

2.7 Comparative Results and Awards

Comparative analysis1

Iberdrola’s performance

Comparative economic/financial variables 2018

Growth in EBITDA

CAGR (%)

31-Dec.-08 /  
31-Dec.-18

Average 
comparables2

Iberdrola

-4.3%

3.3%

Over the last 10 years, Iberdrola increased its assets 
by 30%, increased its revenues 40%, increased 
its EBITDA by 40%, and increased its net profit by 
10% and shareholder remuneration by 20%, while 
improving its financial strength.

Iberdrola

Assets (€M)

31-Dec.-08

31-Dec.-18

85,837

113,038

Revenues (€M)

25,196

35,076

Growth in stock market capitalisation

Total growth  (%)

31-Dec.-08 /  
31-Dec.-18

Average 
comparables2

Iberdrola

EBITDA (€M)

Net Profit (€M)

-31.2%

37.2%

Dividends3 (€/share)

Net Debt/EBITDA

6,412

2,861

0.27

4.87

9,349

3,014

0.33

3.66

10 years ago, Iberdrola held fifth place among 
comparable companies in terms of capitalisation. It is 
now in second place.

Share price

Total growth  
(%)

Average 
comparables2

Eurostoxx
Utilities

Iberdrola

31-Dec.-08 / 
31-Dec.-18 

-51.9%

-15.9%

7.3%

Comparative performance of total shareholder return

Return (%)

Average 
comparables2

Eurostoxx
Utilities

Iberdrola

31-Dec.-08 /  
31-Dec.-18

-13.8%

13.7%

54.6%

(1) Comparable companies analysed: Engie, EDF, E.On, Enel, RWE. ACGR: Annual Compound Growth Rate, i.e. weighted average annual growth.
(2) For Engie, E.ON and RWE, the 2018 EBITDA figures are the estimates published by Bloomberg, due to the lack of final closing figures on the date of 
preparation of this document. Preliminary results for Enel.
(3) Not including the bonus for attending the General Shareholders’ Meeting.

/  Integrated Report 2019 

www.iberdrola.com

Business Model and Strategy  /  43

O
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Awards/Recognitions

To the company:

• Best Corporate Governance in Spain (World 
Finance): 2018.

• World’s Most Ethical Company Index (Ethisphere 
Institute): 2018.

• Compliance 2018 Award (Expansión) to the 
company with best compliance practices.

• Most Impressive Corporate Green in the financial 
markets award (Global Capital): 2018.

• Climate Reality Awards 2018 (Al Gore Foundation) 
to the company that has done the most to fight 
against climate change.

• Spanish version of European Environmental Award 
2018 called by the European Commission and 
awarded by His Majesty the King.

• Innovation Awards from the United Nations to 
Iberdrola’s Corporate Volunteering programme: 
2018.

• Stadium Cup 2016 for Iberdrola’s promotion of 
female sports in society. 

To the chairman:

• Universal Spaniard 2018 by Fundación 
Independiente.

• Honorary Member of the Spanish Institute of 
Engineering since 2018.

• Best European Utility CEO (Institutional Investor 
Research): 2017, for the eleventh time.

• Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the 
British Empire: 2014.

• International Responsible Capitalism Award (Grupo 
First): 2014.

• Honorary Doctorate from the Universities of 
Salamanca (2011), Strathclyde (2013) and Edinburgh 
(2011).

To other members of the company:

• Best Utility Investor Relations Team (Institutional 
Investor Research): 2018.

www.iberdrola.com 

Integrated Report 2019  /

 
 
 
 
 
44  /  Iberdrola’s Primary Businesses

ITAPEBI Hydroelectric Plant
/ Brazil

/  Integrated Report 2019 

www.iberdrola.com

3. Iberdrola’s Primary Businesses

Iberdrola’s Primary Businesses  /  45

www.iberdrola.com 

Integrated Report 2019  /

46  /  Iberdrola’s Primary Businesses

3.1 Regulatory Environment

European Union

Spain

• The process of negotiating the Clean Energy for 
All Europeans package ended in December 2018. 
It includes goals to be reached by 2030, both for 
renewable energy (at least 32% of final EU gross 
consumption of energy) and energy efficiency 
improvements (32.5% for the entire Union). There was 
also a revision to the Regulation and Directive on the 
Internal Market in Electricity to improve the operation 
thereof, set the foundations for the transition towards 
a cleaner energy model, and give consumers a more 
active role.

• The Clean Mobility Package, which develops 
measures to reduce emissions from the transport 
sector during the 2021-2030 period, is currently in 
the pipeline. The goals for acquisition, leasing and 
hiring of clean vehicles by the government as set out 
in the Directive have been approved, and the goal of 
a 37.5% reduction in emissions for new cars by 2030 
compared to 2021 emissions has been approved. 
Only an agreement on reducing emissions for heavy 
vehicles is still pending. 

• In November 2018 the European Commission 
presented its Proposal for a Long-term Emission 
Reduction Strategy, which analyses eight different 
scenarios for reducing greenhouse gas emissions 
by 2050 compared to 1990. The first six ones are 
based on various measures regarding the energy 
and industrial sectors, to reach between 80% and 
90% reductions in these emissions. There are also 
two scenarios to reach 100% reduction, which would 
require actions in other sectors (agriculture, forestry, 
etc.).
• The Directive governing trading in CO2 emission 
rights through 2030 was published in 2018. The main 
new developments are:

– Increase in annual reduction in the number of 
emission rights to be auctioned each year. 

– Creation of a mechanism to withdraw excess rights 
in circulation to stabilise prices.

• The government has prepared a draft Climate 
Change and Energy Transition Act, to ensure the 
achievement of the Spanish energy and climate 
commitments set out within the framework of the 
Paris Agreement. This document defends a medium- 
and long-term framework to ensure an orderly 
transition towards a low-carbon economy.

• Before the end of 2019, Spain must submit to the 
European Commission its Integrated National 
Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) for the 2021-
2030 period. It will include national goals for 2030 
and the path to decarbonisation by 2050, as well as 
a description of the policies and measures focused 
on reducing emissions and increasing renewables 
and efficiency in accordance with EU-approved 
objectives. 

• The power to establish the methodology and the 
parameters of remuneration, tolls and conditions for 
accessing the electricity and gas networks that will 
apply as from the next regulatory period (2020-2025) 
has been transferred to the National Markets and 
Competition Commission (Comisión Nacional de los 
Mercados y la Competencia) (CNMC).

United Kingdom

• On 26 November 2018 the government and the 
regulator Ofgem announced an upcoming review of 
the regulatory framework and of the rules governing 
the energy sector, in order to simplify it and adapt it 
to the energy transition. The review affects all rules 
on which the gas and electricity networks and the 
wholesale and retail markets are based. Ofgem and 
the government will publish a consultation in the 
summer of 2019.

• On 25 November 2018 an agreement was reached 
for the United Kingdom to leave the EU. The British 
government has put contingency plans into place to 
avoid short-term impacts on the regulatory energy 
environment arising from this situation.

/  Integrated Report 2019 

www.iberdrola.com

Iberdrola’s Primary Businesses  /  47

United States and Canada

Brazil 

• In 21 August 2018 the Environmental Protection 
Agency (EPA) proposed the Affordable Clean Energy 
(ACE) Rule, a rule providing certain guidelines for 
allowing the states to develop plans to reduce GHG 
emissions for existing coal plants based on efficiency 
improvements at the plants and the application of 
new technologies. This rule will replace the 2015 
Clean Power Plan (CPP). 

Mexico 

• The new government took power on 1 December 
2018. Its energy priorities are to revise the current 
reform, strengthen the CFE, modernise the 
hydroelectric plants and be self-sufficient in fuel, 
boosting the extraction of natural gas.

• In January 2019 the new government cancelled 
the fourth auction of long-term energy, clean 
energy certificates and capacity. The two auctions of 
transmission lines (connection of Baja California to 
the national system and connection of the Isthmus of 
Tehuantepec to the central zone of the country) have 
also been cancelled. 

• The Energy Transition Act promotes the 
participation of clean energy to reach 35% by 2024 
through the CEL system, as follows: 5% by 2018, 5.8% 
by 2019, 7.4% by 2020; 10.9% by 2021 and 13.9% by 
2022.

• The new calculation methodology for the regulated 
tariff, which applies as an addition to the basic supply 
and recognises the costs of each activity of the 
electric system, began to be applied during 2018. The 
domestic consumption tariff will remain with the old 
methodology indefinitely.

• The Ministry of Mines and Energy has approved the 
Decennial Energy Expansion Plan, which provides 
for the installation of a total of 54.6 GW between this 
year and 2027, of which 32.3 GW will be renewable. 
Breakdown by technology: 13 GW will be wind, 
6.9 GW solar and 6.8 GW hydroelectric, with the 
remaining 5.6 GW being biomass and mini-hydro. 
It is also expected that 108,000 million reais will be 
allocated to the transmission business. 

• 6 distribution subsidiaries belonging to the state-
owned company Electrobras were privatized during 
2018. Along the same lines, the new government has 
stated its intention to continue with the process of 
privatizing state-owned companies. 

• The Light for All programme has been extended to 
December 2022 in order to support the electrification 
of rural and economically disadvantaged areas.

• The regulator has proposed a 1.1% increase in the 
Energy Development Account (CDE) to R$20,270 
million for 2019. This account is used to finance, 
among other things, programmes like the Light for 
All Programme to aid vulnerable groups or support 
for buying fossil fuels by the generators in isolated 
regions. 

• There were various legislative initiatives in 2018 
intended to reduce the litigation in the Brazilian 
electric sector due to disputes relating to hydrological 
risk (GSF) between the generators and the 
government. Given that certain generators continue 
to be supported under court measures exempting 
them from payment for the costs of hydrological 
risk between July 2015 and February 2018, short-
term market settlements continue to generate a 
deficit that decreases the income of the distributors. 
Neoenergia has a net creditor position.

www.iberdrola.com 

Integrated Report 2019  /

48  /  Iberdrola’s Primary Businesses

Work on high-voltage tower 
in Monterrey 
/ Mexico

/  Integrated Report 2019 

www.iberdrola.com

Iberdrola’s Primary Businesses  /  49

3.2 Networks

Regulatory environment of the business

United Kingdom

Spain

• In 2018 a process began to revise remuneration for 
the distribution activity for the second regulatory 
period (2020-2025), which should conclude during 
this year. The regulator’s report and the draft law on 
remuneration of regulated activities of the Ministry 
(January 2019) provides a value of 5.58% before taxes, 
which is based on the weighted average cost of capital 
(WACC).

• The Order on tolls for 2018, ETU/1282/2017, of 27 
December, keeps the figures published for 2016 on 
remuneration for distribution and transmission, in the 
absence of publication of the amount for 2018.

United States

• In June 2018 a new 3-year tariff proposal was 
presented for the gas distribution company CNG 
(Connecticut). The new tariffs were approved and 
entered into force on 1 January 2019, with an ROE 
of 9.3%, an equity percentage of 54% and planned 
investments of $150 million annually. 

• In May 2018 a new 3-year tariff proposal was 
presented for the gas distribution company BCG 
(Massachusetts). The new tariffs were approved and 
entered into force on 1 February 2019, with an ROE of 
9.7% and an equity percentage of 54%. 

• In October 2018 a new 1-year tariff proposal was 
presented for the electricity distribution company 
CMP (Maine). The final determination is subject to the 
schedule established by the regulator.

• The tariff conditions for the gas distributors of 
the State of New York (NYSEG and RG&E), with a 
recognised ROE of 9.0% are maintained during 
2019. $600 M have been invested annually since the 
approval of the current regulatory framework in 2016.

• Ofgem continues the process of designing the 
RIIO2 regulatory framework, which will enter into 
force for transmission by 2021 and for distribution by 
2023. The new periods will be 5 years instead of the 
current 8 years, and the proposed CoE would be in a 
range of 4-5% and linked to the CPIH index (inflation).

• Until then, SP Transmission Ltd. as well as SPD Ltd. 
and SPM Plc continue to perform their activities 
under the RIIO-T1 and RIIO-D1 tariff frameworks, 
complying with all investment and quality goals 
agreed with Ofgem.

Brazil

• In April 2018 the tariff revisions entered into force 
for the distributors Coelba and Cosern, and will 
be in effect for the next five years. The Regulatory 
Asset Base (RAB) recognised for the new period is 
multiplied by 1.9 and 1.7, respectively, as a result of the 
investment effort made during the last tariff cycle. 
During the month of August, there was also an annual 
periodic review of Elektro, which mainly reflected the 
change in the General Price Index. 

• A tariff revision is expected for Elektro in August of 
this year, which will be in force until August 2023. 

• Neoenergia won 4 transmission projects in 
the auction by the Brazilian regulator ANEEL 
in December 2018, with a related investment of 
R$4,200 million. This new award, added to the two 
auctions that it won in 2017, will entail an investment of 
R$7,000 million. 

www.iberdrola.com 

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50  /  Iberdrola’s Primary Businesses

Objectives, risks and principal activities

Outlook 2018-2022

Objectives

• Zero accidents.

• Offer our customers excellent service based on 
the quality of supply and information regarding the 
network.

• Maximise efficiency in system operations through 
operational excellence and the digitisation of our 
assets.

• Lead the transformation towards more efficient 
integration of distributed energy and the penetration 
of electric vehicles.

Significant risks

• Risk of occupational and third-party injuries at 
owned facilities.

• Impacts on supply from meteorological events.

• Technological and cybersecurity risks affecting the 
security of the facilities and service to our customers.

Principal activities 2018

• Spain: A major digitisation project, the Star project, 
consisting of the installation of more than 10.8 million 
smart meters, above the regulatory objective and 
reaching 99% of the total, was completed in 2018.

• United Kingdom: The Western Link underwater 
cable project between Scotland and Wales, with more 
than 2,000 MW of available capacity, was completed 
in 2018. There was also the start-up of the South 
West Scotland project, with 6 new substations and 87 
km of lines, which will allow the connection of 1,000 
new MW of wind power in Scotland. 

• United States: Award of the New England Clean 
Energy Connect (NECEC) project. With USD 950 
million of investment, it involves the construction of 
a 233 kilometre transmission line between Canada 
and New England, which will allow for the supply 
of 1,200 MW of 100% hydroelectric power to 
Massachusetts beginning in 2022.

• Brazil: The 4 transmission projects awarded in the 
ANEEL auction in December 2018 will involve a total 
of 3,000 kilometres of transmission lines.

• Increase in investments during the 2018-2022 
period to €16,000 million, thanks to the award of large 
transmission projects like the NECEC project in the 
United States and more than 3,000 kilometres of 
power lines in Brazil.

• The deployment of electric vehicles, the integration 
of distributed renewable generation and resiliency 
plans in the United States and Brazil are vectors for 
growth of the traditional business.

• Operational efficiency improvement plans are 
being implemented in all countries to achieve the 
forecasted savings through 2022, to be shared with 
the customer.

• The Supply Quality indicators in Spain and Brazil in 
2018 reached historic records and allow for reaching 
the operational goals before the end of the period.

Net investment of €16,000 million between 2018 and 2022, 
mainly in the United States and Brazil

33% 
Brazil

16,000 M€

12%  
Spain

13%  
United Kingdom

43%  
United States

New England Clean 
Energy Connect 
(NECEC) Project

Transmission project 
in Brazil (2018 ANEEL 
Auctions)

/  Integrated Report 2019 

www.iberdrola.com

Iberdrola’s Primary Businesses  /  51

Customer service, operational excellence and digitisation of networks  
are the strategic pillars of the Networks Business.

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Key figures of the Networks Business

Spain

United Kingdom

United States

Brazil

Total

Item

Unit

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

Gross margin

€M

2,003

2,109

1,174

1,222

2,754

2,780

856

1,530

6,786

7,641

EBITDA

€M

1,519

1,709

886

919

1,334

1,331

488

955

4,228

4,915

Electric power 
distributed

Customers 
(Electricity)

GWh

93,276

93,897

35,003

34,677

38,349

39,579

63,522

65,282 230,151 233,435

Millions

11.0

11.1

3.5

3.5

2.2

2.3

13.6

13.8

30.3

30.7

Gas supply

GWh

Customers (Gas) Millions

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

59,884

65,139

1.0

1.0

-

-

-

-

59,884

65,139

1.0

1.0

Investments

M€

352

345

561

466

861

930

313

722

2,086

2,463

Workforce

No. of people

4,038

3,739

2,969

2,963

5,410

5,325

9,708

10,202

22,125

22,229

International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 11 has been applied to the financial information.

Customer service

• In Spain, a new historical record in supply quality was reached in 2018. The Installed Capacity Equivalent 
Interrupt Time (TIEPI) decreased by 15% compared to 2017.

• A record quality level was also reached in Brazil, with a 23% decrease in the Equivalent Duration of Interruption 
(DEC) compared to 2017.

• 2018 was a year with strong storms in the service areas of the United Kingdom and the United States, with 
tremendous efforts to restore supply. The Maine company CMP received the EEI Emergency Recovery Award 
for its extraordinary response to the strong storms of October 2017.

• The company has developed a Resiliency Plan, which involves an investment of $2,500 million over 10 years 
to strengthen the lines and improve electric supply in the states of Maine and New York, which will allow for 
improved quality and a reduction in the impact of storms.

• In Brazil, Cosern won the award for best availability of electric service.

Operational excellence

• The adjusted evolution of operating expenses continues in order to improve efficiency ratios in all countries.

• New plans and models have been launched to end electricity fraud in Brazil and Spain.

• Improvement in debt indicators with customers in Brazil thanks to the plan to decrease late payments.

Digitisation of the network

• Spain continued in 2018 with the Star+ project to automate the medium-voltage network, as well as for the 
digitisation of the low-voltage network.

• Iberdrola, Ente Vasco de la Energía and the Provincial Government of Biscay signed an agreement in 2018 to 
continue wagering on the digitisation of the electric grid with Bidelek 4.0. 

• To support promotion of deployment of electric vehicles, in the United Kingdom Ofgem decided to finance the 
CHARGE project in order to accelerate the connection of electric vehicle charging infrastructure to the network 
of SP Manweb (Liverpool and North Wales) between 2019 and 2022.

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Integrated Report 2019  /

 
 
 
 
52  /  Iberdrola’s Primary Businesses

Smart apps 
/ UK

/  Integrated Report 2019 

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Iberdrola’s Primary Businesses  /  53

3.3 Wholesale and Retail

Regulatory environment of the business

United Kingdom

Spain

• Royal Decree Law 15/2018 on urgent measures for 
the ecological transition and consumer protection 
was approved in October 2018. Among other 
measures, it expands coverage of subsidised 
electricity rates (bono social) (adding special groups 
and increasing the limits on annual consumption with 
the right to a discount), and establishes the creation 
of a new subsidised thermal rate (annual direct 
assistance for the same beneficiaries of the electric 
rate as at 31 December of each year). 

• This Royal Decree Law also contains tax measures, 
including:

– The suspension for six months (October 2018 - 
March 2019) of value added tax on the production of 
electric energy.

– Exemption from the hydrocarbon tax for products 
destined for electricity production at electric plants 
or the production of electricity or cogeneration of 
electricity and heat at combined cycle plants.

• In November 2018, Ofgem for the first time 
published price limits for standard tariffs and other 
default tariffs. The new limits that will apply from April 
to October 2019 were published on 7 February: 1,254 
pounds annually for dual customers (electricity and 
gas customers with direct debit). The price limits will 
apply until no later than 2023 and will be updated on a 
half-yearly basis. 

• The T-4 capacity auction for 2021/22 was held in 
February 2018, resulting in the award of a total of 
2,299 MW to Iberdrola at a price of £8.40/MW.

• That same month there was the 2018/19 T-1 capacity 
auction, in which Iberdrola’s plants did not participate 
as they won the T-4 auction held in 2014.

• In November 2018 the EU Court of Justice 
rendered a judgement nullifying approval of the 
capacity auctions in the United Kingdom as being 
state subsidies. The government is working with the 
European Commission to re-establish the Capacity 
Market as soon as possible. 

Mexico

Brazil

• In 2018 there was a change in the method for 
calculating the electricity tariff for medium- and high-
voltage customers, which went from an integral rate 
to an additive rate. This cost recovery for the system 
was less than the actual costs during the first quarter, 
creating a deficit that has to be recovered during the 
next three quarters. 

• In December 2018 Ministerial Decree no. 514/2018 
was published, advancing with the liberalisation of 
the electric market and providing that consumers 
supplied with conventional energy with a capacity 
of more than 2.5 MW (as from July 2019) and with a 
capacity of more than 2 MW (as from January 2020) 
can migrate to the free market.

www.iberdrola.com 

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54  /  Iberdrola’s Primary Businesses

Objectives, risks and principal activities

Objectives

• Competitive supply and excellence in service to 
customers.

• Occupational safety.

• Environmental management and protection of 
biodiversity.

• Operational excellence and continuous 
improvement in efficiency.

• Risk identification and minimisation.

• Development of growth opportunities and new 
energy solutions.

Significant risks

• Regulatory risk: Changes in regulations in the 
countries in which it operates.

• Operational risks: Availability rate of facilities and 
potential incidents with environmental impact.

• Market risk: Fuel prices and competition levels in 
liberalised markets.

• Credit, exchange-rate and interest-rate risks.

• Technological and cybersecurity risks affecting 
the security of the facilities or the information of our 
customers.

Principal activities 2018

• Spain: Continued development of products 
and services adapted to the needs of customers 
(Customised Plans, Smart services, Smart mobility, 
Smart solar, Smart home).

• United Kingdom: In June 2018 and in October 
2018 the increases in the dual tariffs for domestic 
customers (5.5% and 3.7%, respectively) became 
effective. At year-end 2018 a cumulative total of 1.2 
million smart meters had been installed, meeting the 
goal set by Ofgem.

The generating assets in the country were also sold, 
which for conventional generation meant a reduction 
in installed thermal capacity of 2,000 MW.

• Mexico: Placement into service of 952 MW 
(878 MW Escobedo CC, 52 MW Bajío cogeneration 
and 22 MW repowering). Approximately 2,600 MW 
thermal under construction. 

• Europe: Growth in retail activity. 734,000 contracts 
in portfolio reached during 2018.

Outlook 2018-2022
• Net investments of €3,800 million during the period 
for retail growth in the core markets and international 
expansion, continued deployment of meters in the 
United Kingdom and growth in installed capacity in 
Mexico.
• Smart Solutions and cost efficiencies will allow for 
32 million contracts with customers to be reached by 
2022. In addition, 3.5 GW of regulated generation will 
enter into service in Mexico during the period.
• Efficiencies deriving from digitisation, the deployment 
of smart meters and preventative maintenance based 
on artificial intelligence and data analytics. 

Net investment 2018-2022 (€M)

15%  
Smart Meters

49%  
Wholesale

3,800 M€

37% 
Retail

Installed Capacity in 2022 (GW)

0.5  
Brazil

9.3  
Mexico

19.0 GW

9.2  
Spain

Contracts with customers in 2022 (M contracted)

15%  
Other Countries

57%  
Spain

32

28%  
United Kingdom

/  Integrated Report 2019 

www.iberdrola.com

The Wholesale and Retail Business concentrates its efforts on the safety of operations, 
environmental management, operational efficiency, customer loyalty, development of new products  and services, 
and growth in Mexico, which will provide stability in results and the generation of funds for the group.

Iberdrola’s Primary Businesses  /  55

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Key figures of the Wholesale and Retail Business

Spain

United Kingdom

United States

Brazil

Total

Item

Unit

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

0.1

18

98

Gross margin

€M

2,293

2,415

EBITDA

€M

779

1,001

743

108

863

307

Electricity 
contracts

Millions

10.17

10.15

2.88

3.011

Gas contracts

Millions

0.99

1.03

1.90

2.011

75

51

-

-

-

-

Smart solutions 
contracts

Total retail 
contracts

Millions

5.3

5.7

0.9

1.4

0.1

0.1

Millions

16.6

17.2

6.0

6.4

0.1

134

646

757

3,757

4,168

92

525

638

1,464

2,038

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

13.05

13.161

2.89

3.041

6.3

7.1

22.7

23.7

Investments

€M

138

229

220

194

Workforce

No. of 
people

2,815

2,817

1,968

1,609

12

694

616

1,071

1,050

98

711

855

5,592

5,379

International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 11 has been applied to the financial information.
(1) Data from United Kingdom customers at close of nine months 2018.

Efficiency

• Optimisation of thermal production.

• Facilitating operations in complementary markets. 

• Operating improvements and increase in availability and energetic yield of the thermal facilities in Mexico and 
Spain.

Prices

• Management of risks through appropriate hedging of all generation, including renewable generation.

Growth

• Mexico: Approximately 2,600 MW under construction, with the most significant projects including:

– Topolobampo II CCGT (911 MW).

– El Carmen CCGT (866 MW).

– Topolobampo III CCGT (779 MW).

• United Kingdom: Continued widespread deployment of smart meters that began in 2016. 

Customers

• Loyalty-building and development of new digital products and smart solutions adapted to the needs of 
customers, which promotes efficiency and the consumption of clean energy. 

• Retail development in Mexico pursuant to changes in legal provisions on energy reform.

• Leaders in industrial customers in Portugal.

• Sustained growth of retail activities of electricity, gas and Smart Solutions in the rest of Europe.

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Integrated Report 2019  /

 
 
 
 
56  /  Iberdrola’s Primary Businesses

Assembly of wind 
turbine blades

/  Integrated Report 2019 

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Iberdrola’s Primary Businesses  /  57

3.4 Renewables

Regulatory environment of the business

Brazil

• There were two generation auctions, A-4 and A-6, in 
2018. In A-6, Neoenergia was awarded 23.4 MW for 
the Baixo Iguaçu hydroelectric plant. New auctions 
are expected in 2019. 

Continental Europe

• There is continued development of the St. Brieuc 
offshore wind farm after the revision of the terms with 
the French government.

The business will engage in sustainable growth, 
mainly based on onshore and offshore wind 
and solar investments in the countries most 
important to the group.

Spain

• 2018 was a year of transition, with significant future 
content for renewables. The draft Climate Change 
and Energy Transition Act gives major visibility and 
volume to the expansion of renewable energy from 
now until 2030, announcing auctions with a minimum 
of 3,000 MW per year.

• The Ministry has published the draft law providing 
the return on renewables for the 2020-2025 period 
based on the weighted average cost of capital 
(WACC). The government’s proposal maintains the 
current pre-tax rate of 7.389% for facilities prior to RDI 
9/2013 until the end of 2031, and sets a figure of 7.09% 
until 2025 in the other cases. 

• Finally, the first auction has been called for the non-
mainland territories, and bids can be made during the 
first quarter of 2019. 

United Kingdom

• For the third round of Contracts for Difference 
(CfD) auctions, expected for May 2019, the British 
government has confirmed an annual budget 
of £60 million and a maximum capacity of 6 GW 
to be awarded. The auction will be limited to less 
established technologies, including offshore wind, 
and for projects with start-up in 2023-24 or 2024-25.

United States

• There has been an increase for the sector in import 
tariffs declared by the government, with no major 
changes occurring. In 2018 tariffs were set on the 
import of various products: 25% on steel, 10% on 
aluminium and 30% on solar panels the first year. 
These tariffs will slowly be reduced during the next 3 
years. 

Mexico

• The industry has been working all year on improving 
the rules of the new market, including potential 
improvements for the long-term auctions, to be 
included during 2019.

www.iberdrola.com 

Integrated Report 2019  /

58  /  Iberdrola’s Primary Businesses

Objectives, risks and principal activities

Outlook 2018-2022

• Investments of €13,300 million, mainly to increase 
installed capacity in Spain, the United States, the 
United Kingdom, Portugal, Mexico and Brazil.

• Installed capacity of 9.9 GW is expected to be 
installed during the 2018-2022 period, including the 
714 MW East Anglia One and 800 MW Vineyard 
offshore wind farms, the 391 MWac Nuñez de Balboa 
photovoltaic solar plant, and the 1,158 MW Tâmega 
hydroelectric plant.

• Operational excellence achieved through 
management of the life cycle of assets via digitisation, 
maximising revenues and continuing with the 
advanced operation and maintenance model.

€13,300 investment plan million during the period

5% 
Brazil

6% 
Mexico

12% 
Other

31% 
Iberia

13,300 M€

19% 
United Kingdom

27% 
United States

New additional aggregate capacity  
during the 2018-2022 period (GW)

9.9 

7.3

4.2

3.1

0.7

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

Objectives

• Safety in operations.

• Efficiency in operations to maximise the profitability 
of the assets.

• Efficiency in construction costs, with a particular 
emphasis on offshore wind projects.

• Profitable growth from various technologies in the 
countries that are strategic for the group, and in new 
countries of interest.

Significant risks

• Competitive auction processes in the markets in 
which it operates.

• Prices of energy sold in short-term markets.

• Risk of access to evacuation networks and limits 
on production due to technical restrictions of the 
networks.

• Operational and technological risk.

• Limitations on operation due to environmental risks.

Principal activities 2018

• 683 MW of installed capacity was added during the 
year: 

– Onshore wind: 18 MW in the United States, 41 MW 
in the Mexico and 81 MW in the United States.

– Photovoltaic solar: 10 MW in the United States and 
227 MW in Mexico.

– Hydroelectric: 306 MW in Brazil.

• In turn 616 MW have gone out as a result of the sale 
of 566 MW from three hydroelectric plants in the 
United Kingdom and 50MW from the Puertollano 
thermosolar plant in Spain.

• In onshore wind, 1,136 MW are under construction in 
the United States, 203 MW in Spain, 472 MW in Brazil, 
325 MW in Mexico and 16 MW in Greece. 

• In photovoltaic solar: 391 MW in Spain. 

• Once the 350 MW Wikinger wind farm is placed 
into operation, there will be growth in offshore wind 
with the construction of the 714 MW East Anglia One 
project in the United Kingdom and the development 
of the 800 MW Vineyard project in the United States, 
496 MW St. Brieuc project in France and 476 MW 
Baltic Eagle project in Germany.

• In Brazil work continues on the construction of the 
Baixo Iguaçu hydroelectric plant in Brazil, with a total 
of 350 MW, and the Tâmega hydroelectric project in 
Portugal, with 1,158 MW.

/  Integrated Report 2019 

www.iberdrola.com

Iberdrola’s Primary Businesses  /  59

Q
u
a
r
t
e
r
l
y
R
e
s
u
l
t
s
R
e
p
o
r
t

Key figures of the Renewables Business

Spain

United 
Kingdom1

United 
States

Brazil

Mexico

Other 
countries2

Total

Item

Unit

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

Gross margin

€M

1,174 1,580

547

644

783

835

92

178

71

88

124

286

2,791

3,611

EBITDA

€M

616

919

392

518

530

573

66

129

53

65

99

242 1,755 2,445

Load factor3

%

13.5

18.7

21.7

22.1

29

29.7

30.6

31.3

30

31.2

25.6

26.9

18.8

22.6

Investments

€M

193

329

404

398

857

366

168

163

323

282

678

134 2,622

1,673

Notes:
International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 11 has been applied in the preparation of this table.
(1) The figures for the United Kingdom include those of the offshore wind division, except for Wikinger.
(2) Other includes Wikinger as it is an offshore wind farm outside of the United Kingdom.
(3) The load factor includes all renewable technologies.

Load factor

Maximising the load factor 

of facilities, while minimising down time through operating and maintenance measures, as well as other external 
factors.

Operation and maintenance costs

Continuous improvement in efficiency through global standardisation and systematisation processes, exploiting 
digitisation opportunities.

Project portfolio

Development of the portfolio of onshore wind projects in Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States, Brazil 
and Mexico, the photovoltaic projects in Spain, the United States and Mexico, and the offshore wind projects in 
France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The business focuses on sustainable development, mainly based on investments  
in onshore and offshore wind and in photovoltaic in the countries most  
important to the group, and in the safety of operations.  
Efficiency is a key factor for business sustainability in the medium and long terms. 
Iberdrola will take technological advances into account and will act on the supply chain to encourage 
greater efficiency in the coming years.

www.iberdrola.com 

Integrated Report 2019  /

 
 
 
 
60  /  Our Assets

Wikinger wind farm 
/ Germany

/  Integrated Report 2019 

www.iberdrola.com

4. Our Assets

Our Assets  /  61

Iberdrola's assets are the basis for the creation of value by 
the company, which carries out its activities through the 
sound management thereof.
In this report, Iberdrola identifies and classifies its assets in 
accordance with the IIRC classification system:
• Financial capital
• Manufactured capital
• Intellectual capital
• Human capital
• Natural capital
• Social and relationship capital

www.iberdrola.com 

Integrated Report 2019  /

62  /  Our Assets

4.1 Financial Capital

Management approach

Results 2018

Outlook

Balanced 
growth

The company has an investment policy 
consistent with its strategic vision and 
financial policy. The main goals are:
•  Ensure a return on capital through projects 
and investments preferably in regulated 
businesses, renewable assets or long-term 
contracts.

•  Increase geographic diversification, further 
balancing the contribution of the countries 
in which it does business.

•  Tailor investment levels to the actual needs 

of each market.

•  Net investments of €5,320 million, of 
which 80% has been assigned to the 
Networks and Renewables businesses.

•  Investments in Networks assets have 

been boosted by the long-term regulatory 
frameworks established in all of the 
countries, and have increased 16% in Brazil 
and 7% in the United States and the United 
Kingdom (in local currency).

•  In Generation, there has been a 

commitment to more than 2.7 GW of 
capacity since the beginning of 2018.
•  Funds From Operations have increased 

13.1%, reaching €7,300 million thanks to all 
the investments, exceeding investments by 
more than €2,000 million.

•  Iberdrola will accelerate its growth with 
investments reaching €34,000 million 
during the 2018-2022 period, with a 
€2,000 million increase over the figure 
forecasted in February 2018. 86% of the 
investments will be dedicated to regulated 
activities or long-term contracts.

•  By business, Networks will absorb 47%, 

€16,000 million, increasing the value of its 
regulated assets 34% by 2022, to €38,900 
million. In Renewables, the company will 
have 38.4 GW by year-end 2022. Iberdrola 
will also reach 90 GWh of storage capacity 
by that year.

•  Investments in dollars will represent 36%, 

followed by 29% in euros.

Solid financial 
structure

•  Iberdrola considers financial strength 

to be an essential factor that allows it to 
successfully face potential turbulence 
in the markets and to be in a position 
to exploit growth opportunities in the 
countries in which it does business. 

•  The financial policy seeks improvement in 
solvency ratios, balancing an increase in 
debt with the generation of additional cash 
flow from new investments. 

•  The debt structure is in line with the profile 
of the business, which is mostly regulated, 
and the composition thereof reflects the 
results obtained in the relevant currencies.

•  Gross margin of €15,435 million (+15.5%).
•  Net profit of €3,014 million (+7.5%), in line 

with forecasts for the year.

•  EBITDA increased by almost 28% to €9,349 

million, thanks to the good operational 
performance of all of the businesses and 
the integration of Neoenergia. 

•  Adjusted net financial debt is €34,149 

million, increasing €1,294 million over the 
year, as a result of the strong investment 
process implemented by the group.

•  Liquidity of €13,012 million, which covers 
more than 24 months of financing needs.

The increase in investments, optimisation 
of capital and implementation of increased 
efficiency measures has lead to an 
improvement in the estimates for 2022, 
with the higher end of the range forecast in 
February 2018 as the base for the new floor:
•  EBITDA of more than €12,000 million by 

2022 means 30% growth over 2018. 80% of 
this EBITDA will come from the Networks 
and Renewables businesses in 2022.
•  Net Profit for 2022 will have a floor of 
€3,700 million, with the upper range 
reaching €3,900 million. This would be an 
increase of 30% compared to 2018.

•  Optimisation of the liquidity position to 
cover financing needs for 18 months in a 
stress scenario.

Operational 
excellence

Sustainable 
results and 
dividends

•  Notwithstanding the high efficiency levels 

•  Net operating expenses decreased 

•  20% improvement of the efficiencies 

that have been reached, the company 
believes that there is still a margin for 
improvement thanks to investments in 
digitisation and innovation.

•  The implementation of best practices in all 

areas will allow for additional savings and an 
increase in synergies at the global level.

0.4% to €4,155 million, supported by the 
exchange rate, reserves for efficiency plans 
recorded in 2017, and the application of 
IFRS 15, which offsets the consolidation of 
Neoenergia.

goal presented in2018, such that more 
than €1,200 million in efficiencies will 
accumulate over the 2018-2022 period 
thanks mainly to digitisation and the 
optimisation of processes in all countries 
and businesses. 

•  Iberdrola offers its shareholders an 

•  Shareholder remuneration of 0.331 euro 

•  Thanks to the strength of the results 

industrial enterprise for the long-term 
creation of value. The confidence of 
its shareholders enables Iberdrola to 
secure the resources needed to move its 
enterprise forward.

per share, equal to a dividend yield of 4.71%.

•  Flexible dividend offering tax benefits, 

the repurchase of shares to avoid dilution, 
adding the cash payment option.

obtained, and maintaining the commitment 
to increase shareholder remuneration in line 
with the results, the Board of Directors will 
propose shareholder remuneration of 0.351 
euro per share at the General Shareholders’ 
Meeting, an increase of 7.7% charged to 
financial year 2018.

•  The flexible dividend programme is 

maintained with the number of target 
shares at 6,240 million through share 
buyback plans to avoid dilution of the 
shareholders.

•  Remuneration will continue to increase in 
line with the results. Therefore, a growing 
dividend floor is set for each year of the 
plan, with a minimum dividend of 0.37 euro 
per share by 2020 and 0.4 euro per share 
by 2022.

•  The pay-out ratio is kept at between 65% 

and 75%.

/  Integrated Report 2019 

www.iberdrola.com

Create value for the shareholder with sustainable growth

Gross margin by business 2018

EBITDA by business 2018

27%  
Wholesale  
and Retail

26% 
Renewables

€15,435 M

€9,349 M

23% 
Renewables

50%  
Networks

Investment by geographic area 2018

Net Debt (€M) 2018

2.5% 
RoW

16.9% 
Mexico

16.9% 
Brazil

5.320 M€

19% 
Spain

20.3% 
United  
Kingdom

24.4% 
United States

Diversification of investments, with a heavy concentration outside 
of the euro zone.

17% 
Bank loans

2.0% 
Project finance

7.8% 
Multilaterals

6%  
Notes

5%  
Other Bonds

7% 
UK Bonds

€34,149 M

Our Assets  /  63

22% 
Wholesale  
and Retail

52% 
Networks

0.2% 
TEI

36% 
EU Bonds

19% 
US Bonds

Debt structure by currency in 2018

Maturity of financial debt (€M)

Net adjusted financial debt at 31 December 2018 decreased by 
€230 million from the nine-month period (€34,379 million) to 
€34,149 million.

10.5%  
Reais and others

29.7%  
Dollar

17.3%  
Pound

17,380

42.5% 
Euro

3,602

3,802

4,239

4,149

3,347

Debt structured by origin of cash flow earned in each currency. 
Includes derivatives to hedge net investment.

Comfortable maturity profile. 
Excludes credit lines.

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024+

www.iberdrola.com 

Integrated Report 2019  /

 
64  /  Our Assets

4.2 Manufactured Capital

Size

Principal activities 2018

Outlook

Electric power 
generation 
assets

•  Iberdrola’s generation assets are made up 
of more than 300 wind farms, almost 90 
hydroelectric power plants (in addition to 
the mini-hydro plants), 10 photovoltaic 
plants, 37 thermal power stations using 
various technologies, 5 of which are 
nuclear, and other facilities built and 
operated according to the best practices.

Power 
transmission 
and 
distribution 
assets

•  Iberdrola’s electricity transmission and 
distribution networks comprise over 1.1 
million km of distribution lines, more 
than 4,400 substations and 1.5 million 
transformers, built and operated to supply a 
high-quality, reliable service to 30.7 million 
electricity supply points.

•  Iberdrola also has more than 40,000 

kilometres of gas pipelines for the transport 
and distribution of gas in the United States.

 Other assets

•  Iberdrola manages approximately 

1,600,000 m2 of offices and work centres 
throughout the world, with a total of 816 
properties, of which 266 are located in 
Spain, 106 in the United Kingdom, 173 in 
the United States, 251 in Brazil and 20 in 
the rest of the world. These properties, 
which follow the same corporate criteria in 
the interior spaces, are designed, built and 
operated in accordance with the strictest 
sustainability and efficiency standards. 

•  ISO 9000 certification has been renewed 

for the operation of windfarms in Spain and 
the United Kingdom.

•  The year ended with additional installed 
capacity of 1,635 MW, of which 952 MW 
are from thermal generation in Mexico, 
and 683 MW are renewable, including 
the Santiago and Hermosillo photovoltaic 
plants in Mexico and the Chimiche II wind 
farm in Spain.

•  At the same time, 566 MW have left the 

capacity boundary due to the sale of three 
hydroelectric plants in the United Kingdom, 
2,000 MW in thermal from the sale of 
conventional generation in the United 
Kingdom, and 50MW from the Puertollano 
thermosolar plant in Spain.

•  Construction continues on 2,152 MW of 
onshore wind, 391 MW of photovoltaic 
and 714 MW of offshore wind within the 
East Anglia One project. Development 
continues on the 496 MW St. Brieuc 
(France), 486 MW Baltic Hub (Germany) 
and 800 MW Vineyard (United States) 
offshore wind projects.

•  In Mexico, construction continues on 
almost 2,600 MW in combined cycles.

•  In Portugal, there is continued construction 
of the Tâmega hydroelectric complex, with 
1,158 MW.

•  In Brazil, work continues on the 

construction of the total 350 MW Baixo 
Iguaçu hydroelectric plant.

•  In Spain, the Star project has been 

completed with the installation of more 
than 10.8 million smart meters (99% of the 
total).

•  In the United Kingdom, the Western Link 
undersea cable project between Scotland 
and Wales, with more than 2,000 MW of 
available capacity, has been placed into 
service. There was also the completion of 
the South West Scotland project, with 6 
new substations and 87 km of lines. 

•  There is continued deployment of smart 

meters in the United Kingdom, increasing 
the rate ahead of the goals established by 
the British regulator Ofgem.

•  In Brazil, the December 2018 ANEEL 
auction awarded 4 projects for the 
construction of more than 3,000 
kilometres of transmission lines, with an 
expected regulatory investment of 6,000 
million reais.

•  In the United States, there was an award in 
2018 of the NECEC project, which involves 
the construction of a 233 km HVDC 
transmission line between Canada and 
New England, with an investment of 950 
million dollars.

•  Progress continues with the digitisation 

of the network to lead the transformation 
towards a Distribution System Operator.

•  Consolidation of the Iberdrola Campus as 
a centre for Iberdrola’s training and events. 
It has the space and means necessary to 
hold training at different levels and to host 
conventions, seminars, workshops and 
working meetings for the entire Iberdrola 
group. 

•  Commencement of construction on phase 

II of the Iberdrola Campus.

•  Culmination of the transfer of all Scottish 
Power employees to the new corporate 
headquarters in Glasgow, from where 
almost 1,700 employees have been doing 
their work this year.

•  Inauguration of the new corporate 

headquarters of Avangrid at 180 Marsh Hill 
Road, Orange, CT.

•  The construction of the Iberdrola Campus 
will end during 2019 with the culmination 
of Phase II.

•  Avangrid plans to continue consolidation 
of the real estate portfolio of offices in the 
various states in which it does business.

•  At Neoenergia, the process of internalising 
the Networks Business is expected to be 
completed, with the opening of numerous 
work centres in its areas of influence.
•  Iberdrola continues to be committed to 
the modernisation of work spaces, for 
which reason it will continue to develop 
new spaces for collaboration within the 
corporate buildings, within a permanent 
process of efficiency and continuous 
improvement.

/  Integrated Report 2019 

www.iberdrola.com

Our Assets  /  65

Offer a secure supply of energy that is competitive in price and quality

Average availability factor of Iberdrola's generation facilities

Conventional thermal

Combined cycle

Cogeneration

Nuclear

Hydroelectric

2016
2017
2018

Wind

86 
94 
94

90 
91 
92

91 
83 
92

86 
89 
89

87 
86 
88

97 
94 
94

Iberdrola's 
average:  
91.07%

0

50

100

Quality of electricity supply

Property, plant, and equipment (€M)

Average power outage duration

2017

2018

Spain (*)

TIEPI (min)

United Kingdom

CML (min)

United States

CAIDI (h)

52.7

31.0

1.91

44.6

35.4

2.07

Brazil

DEC (h)

15.96

12.24

Power outage frequency

2017

2018

Spain

NIEPI (number)

1.14

0.91

United Kingdom

CI (ratio)

36.0

43.37

United States

SAIFI (index)

Brazil

FEC (frequency)

1.15

7.15

1.22

5.80

TIEPI: Installed Capacity Equivalent Interrupt Time.
CML: Customer Minutes Lost Per Connected Customer. 
CAIDI: Customer Average Interruption Duration Index. 
DEC: Equivalent Duration of Interruption by Consumer Unit. 
NIEPI: Installed Capacity Equivalent Interrupt Number.
CI: Customer Interruptions Per 100 Connected Customers. 
SAIFI: System Average Interruptions Frequency Index. 
FEC: Equivalent Frequency of Interruption by Consumer Unit.

(*) In 2017 excluded 18.8 min due to persistent strong rains suffered in Spain in the month 
of January, deemed to be force majeure.

57,343

57,301

58,517

6,491

2016

In use
In progress

6,781

2017

7,592

2018

www.iberdrola.com 

Integrated Report 2019  /

66  /  Our Assets

4.3 Intellectual Capital

I

n
n
o
v
a
t
i
o
n
R
e
p
o
r
t

Promotion  
of R&D

Management approach

Principal activities 2018

Outlook

•  Iberdrola is now the utility of the future 
thanks to an innovative strategy based 
on a strong commitment to clean energy, 
smart grids, efficient energy storage, the 
development of custom-tailored solutions 
for customers, and digital transformation.

•  Development of R&D Plan 2018-2022. 
•  Iberdrola will invest 34,000 million euros 

between 2018 and 2022, focusing its 
innovative activity on: 
–  Cleaner and smarter generation.
–  More and smarter storage.
–  More and smarter grids.
–  More and smarter customer solutions.

•  €267 million of R&D investment in 2018, an 

8% increase over 2017. 

•  Consolidation of the Iberdrola Universities 

Programme (Iberdrola U). 

•  Commitment to internal talent through 

the Renewables Accelerator Programme, 
Networks 2.0 and Accelerator for 
Customer initiatives.

•  Holding of Innoday, the major date of the 

energy sector with innovation.

•  Inauguration in Qatar of the Iberdrola 
Innovation Middle East, a technology 
centre focused on responding to the 
challenges of the digitisation of the energy 
system. 

•  Publication of the Innovation Report 2016-

2018.

Efficiency and 
new products 
and services

•  Continuous optimisation of our operations, 
management of the life cycle of facilities 
and equipment, reduction in operating 
and maintenance costs, and decreasing 
environmental impact.

•  Development of new and competitive 
products and services that adapt to an 
increasingly global and digitised market, 
the main goal of which is to meet the needs 
of customers.

•  Increase in customer engagement, 

•  As a result of its commitment to innovation, 

providing a simple, modern and intuitive 
customer experience during their entire 
life cycle.

•  Launching innovative campaigns and 

projects towards increased personalisation 
of content and offers based on 
consumption.

•  Delivery of proactive communications in 

real time and use of online self-service, with 
quick and simple online contracting. 

digitisation and the on-going search for 
excellence and quality, Iberdrola has 
designed unique products and services for 
its more than 16 million customers. 

•  In the future, Iberdrola will continue to 

wager on energy management of the home 
through smart devices that give customers 
greater knowledge and management of 
consumption, as well as products relating to 
electric vehicle charging.

Disruptive 
technology 
and business 
models

Through the Iberdrola-PERSEO 
international start-up programme, funded 
with €70 million, investments are made in 
technologies and new disruptive businesses 
models, which ensure the sustainability of 
the energy model. Lines of activity:
•  Technologies favouring the integration of 
renewable energies: flexibility and storage.

•  Aggregation and management of 

distributed energy resources (batteries, 
solar, etc.).

•  Innovative solutions for customers 
(demand-side management, digital 
solutions, etc.).

•  Advanced technologies for operation and 

maintenance of energy assets.

•  Electromobility: charging infrastructures 

and new solutions.

•  New social media channels at the 

international level, offering rapid and 
efficient customer service.

•  Iberdrola has been included for the 

•  Ensure Iberdrola’s access to the energy 

second consecutive year among the top 
12 European companies committed to the 
open innovation promoted by the Europe 
Partnership of the European Commission. 
Specifically, it has been selected by 
the European start-ups as one of the 
Corporate Startup Stars for 2018 and has 
also received, for the second time, the 
Corporate Startup Procurement award.

technologies of the future.

•  Foster entrepreneurship and the 
development of an innovative 
entrepreneurial fabric within the energy 
sector. Investment in initiatives with a high 
social and job creation component.

•  Establish alliances with key technology 

providers for Iberdrola (Open Innovation 
Ventures).

•  More than 10 pilot projects with start-

ups in technological areas like Artificial 
Intelligence, Big Data, Internet of things 
(IoT) and blockchain.

•  Participation in the company Atten2, 
dedicated to developing solutions for 
online monitoring of critical assets to 
improve the operation and maintenance 
thereof. This investment is a major 
contribution to the digitisation of assets 
in order to prolong the useful life thereof 
through predictive maintenance and 
improved operation thereof. 

/  Integrated Report 2019 

www.iberdrola.com

 
 
Our Assets  /  67

Highlight the value of the company's intangible assets

Main R&D research projects

Renewable 
energy

Smart  
grids

Clean 
generation

Customers

•  As to the improved efficiency of assets, ROMEO and ASPA seek to develop new models and tools for the early detection 
of failures based on AI/big data techniques. The Renewables Digital Evolution Plan (2018– 2022) has also been launched.
•  Avangrid Renewables has passed the process of being registered as a Balancing Authority, with responsibility for the 

real-time balancing of production and demand. 

•  In offshore wind, the Wikinger offshore wind farm was inaugurated and construction of East Anglia One offshore wind 

farm has started in the United Kingdom.

•  The ALOIS project has commenced to develop a system for control and protection of feeders in distribution networks for 

stable and sustainable island operation.

•  LAYCA seeks to develop a system for locating breakdowns and identifying failures in medium-voltage networks. Quality 

Innovation Award received in the Basque Country.

•  Also noteworthy are the Star+ and Bidelek 4.0 projects, to continue pushing the digital transformation of the electricity 

grid and to improve the efficiency thereof.

•  Includes the OCTAVE project for the design of technologies for the diagnosis and control of the combustion process to 

make our plants more flexible.

•  OFF-GAS, RESHAND and FILTRABRIS, which are part of Iberdrola’s Supplier Innovation Programme, are oriented toward 

operational efficiency and nuclear safety. 

•  Energy Wallet, a pioneering product that allows the purchase of 6-, 12- or 24-month green energy packages knowing 
the final price. They can be used at different addresses and allow for real-time management from one’s mobile phone.
•  In the United Kingdom, there is PowerUp, which allows for the purchase of gas or electricity in packages up to 180 days in 

advance at a pre-established price.

•  Smart Mobility, a comprehensive solution that includes the acquisition of a charging point, installation and warranty, 

operation by means of an app, and a personalised supply contract.

Innoday 2018, we are committed to innovation and young talent

On 23 May, the company’s international campus hosted the Innoday 2018 symposium, a meeting space to disseminate innovative initiatives 
that transform the energy sector, encourage the transfer of knowledge and attract young talent.
Innoday 2018 was based around two pillars: 
•  The presentation of the Iberdrola group’s Universities Programme. 
•  The innovation fair: 25 exhibitors showed emblematic projects relating to energy in the areas of the group’s business as well as that of its 

partners. 

Youth who participated in the start-up initiatives of the Universities Programme were also involved, with the winners of the challenges earning 
an award.

Investments in R&D (€M)

% R&D investment by strategic area

+193%

130

136

145

159

170

91

267

246

200 211

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

19%  
Systems

24% 
Wholesale 
and Retail

25% 
Renewables 

32% 
Networks

www.iberdrola.com 

Integrated Report 2019  /

68  /  Our Assets

4.4 Human Capital

Management approach

Principal activities 2018

Outlook

Global human 
resources 
management

•  Achieve the goals of competitiveness 
and business efficiency in a climate of 
social peace, fostering stable, high-quality 
employment.

•  Management of an appropriate labour 

•  Consolidate the Human Resources 

relations framework that can be adapted to 
suit business and social requirements.
•  Homogenise the variable remuneration, 

function at Neoenergia, extending and 
unifying best practices.

•  Strengthen the commitment to Sustainable 

•  Harmonise human resources processes 

selection and on-boarding process.

and make inroads with implementing the 
Iberdrola culture in all countries, respecting 
specific local conditions.

 Goal of 
“accident 
reduction”

•  Prioritise the safety of individuals at the 
group’s facilities and within its sphere of 
influence, fostering a progressive reduction 
in incident rates and improving health and 
safety conditions.

•  Replicate throughout the group the 

best practices identified in the area of 
occupational health and safety, fostering a 
culture of excellence in management and 
coordinating global preventive activities.

•  Implementation of new forms of 
collaborative communication.

•  Comparte (Sharing) programme to engage 
employees in the achievement of the goals 
and targets of the 2018-2022 Strategic Plan.

•  Attainment and/or maintenance of 
the OHSAS 18001 certification, and 
implementation of the global prevention 
system and standards in accordance with 
the group’s policy. Assessment of level of 
conformance to global standards. 
•  Monitoring of proactive and reactive 

indicators among the group’s companies.

•  Identification and application of best 
safety practices. Exchange of lessons 
learnt. Creation of groups to promote safe 
behaviour (GPGs).

•  Implement the Zero Accident Plan at 

Neoenergia to reduce the accident rate.

Development, fostering ethical and 
responsible behaviour.

•  Digitisation of Human Resources 

processes.

•  Encourage cultural exchange, reflecting on 
what should be the evolution of our values.

•  Continue with assessment of level of 

conformance to global standards and the 
implementation of improvement groups to 
promote safe behaviour, the management 
of documentation and data.

•  Complete OHSAS 18001 certification at 

group companies that are not yet certified.

•  Implement system for subcontractor pre-
qualification and performance evaluation.

•  Engage in awareness-raising campaigns.
•  Improve the reporting system and global 

indicators at companies of the group.

Talent 
management

Diversity, 
equal 
opportunity 
and 
reconciliation

•  Drive staff qualifications, preparing 

employees to work in a multicultural 
environment and making continual efforts 
to improve their employability. 

•  Develop alternatives to compensate for 
factors stemming from the ageing of the 
workforce.

•  Maintain a team of competent, committed 
and motivated professionals, which is key 
for the sustained success of the business.

•  Manage talent on an integrated basis in 
order to train future leaders, preparing 
them now to assume larger responsibilities.

•  Launch leadership development 
programme for team leaders in all 
countries.

•  Digitisation of selection and on-boarding 

processes.

•  Implementation of self-assessment and 

•  Launch Climate Survey at the global level 

career recommendation tools. 

and define action plans.

•  Attract the best talent, strengthen 

•  New mobility portal.
•  Review and simplification of management 

excellence in our selection processes and 
improve our presence on social media and 
at leading universities.

•  Promote a culture of learning, self-

development and improvement of the user 
experience in virtual training through the 
launch of the Learning Meeting Point and 
increase the offer of open courses.

and leadership skills model.

•  Consolidation of the plan for development 
of high-potential leaders in accordance 
with the 70-20-10 learning model.

•  Launch of skills development programmes 

for specialists (technical career).

•  Selection and implementation of global 

mentoring platform.

•  Alignment of High Potentials identification 

process with the remunerative cycle.

•  Guarantee a social model committed to 

•  Inclusion of Iberdrola in the 2019 

•  Continue encouraging the launch of 

professional excellence and the quality of 
life of our employees.

•  Develop labour relations based on equal 

Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index. 

•  International cultural exchanges.
•  Corporate Volunteerism Activities 

opportunity, non-discrimination and 
respect for diversity.

•  Create a high-quality labour environment 

by committing to reconciliation. 

•  Contribute to achieving the SDGs for the 

2015-2030 horizon through the Corporate 
Volunteering Programme. 

to improve the quality of life and the 
integration of vulnerable groups, including 
International Volunteering Day, the 
INVOLVE international volunteering 
programme, the project for improving the 
electricity situation of refugee camps in 
Ethiopia, and the Lights and Action project, 
for which Iberdrola was awarded by the 
United Nations with the IMPACT 2030 
Innovation Award.

•  Volunteer project regarding the fight 

against climate change in Spain, Mexico 
and Brazil.

initiatives that contribute to improving 
gender diversity within the group.

•  Continue to foster improvements in the 
quality of people’s lives through social-
welfare activities in all of the countries in 
which the group has a presence.

•  Promote the internationalisation of social 
programmes and strengthen ties among 
the employees of the company at the 
global level. Activate the global volunteer 
community to achieve the SDGs.

/  Integrated Report 2019 

www.iberdrola.com

Our Assets  /  69

© Iberdrola, S.A.

Ensure the availability of a committed, qualified workforce in a safe and stable environment

Growth and geographic diversification of the workforce

Social commitment

2006: 16,155 employees

22% 
Spain

2018: 34,078 employees

3% 
Mexico

32%  
Brazil

78%  
Latin America

Various corporate volunteer activities by employees in Spain, 
the United States, Brazil, Mexico and the United Kingdom

1%  
Other countries

Iberdrola committed to leadership

© Iberdrola, S.A.

29%  
Spain

2018 was the 10th anniversary of the Energising Leadership 
Programme, the goal of which is to strengthen the management 
and leadership skills of Iberdrola’s leaders in a global environment. 
Almost 300 leaders from all countries have passed through this 
programme.

19%  
United States

16%  
United Kingdom

Accident rate (2015-2018)1

1,20

1,00

0,80

0,60

0,40

0,20

0,00

0.35

0.61

0.30

0.31

0.47

0.56

0.28

0.22

2015

2016

2017

2018

Company personnel
Subcontracted personnel 

(1) Neoenergia data has been 100% consolidated for all periods.

www.iberdrola.com 

Integrated Report 2019  /

70  /  Our Assets

4.5 Natural Capital

Management approach

Principal activities 2018

Outlook

Protect the 
environment 
and stop 
the loss of 
biodiversity

•  Conserve and recover the ecosystems 

associated with our activities, coordinating 
the biodiversity plans of the businesses in 
affected areas.

•  Improve the compatibility of Iberdrola’s 
infrastructure with protection of the 
environment.

•  Avoid discharges and pollution of water and 
soil, all in line with Iberdrola’s Biodiversity 
Policy and Environmental Policy.

•  Promote the protection of ecosystems in 

•  Acquisition of ISO-TS 14072 Certificate for 
Corporate Environmental Footprint (CEF) 
2017.

•  Development of a strategic plan for climate 

change adaptation.

•  Environmental guidelines linked to the 

•  Corporate European Environment Award 

SDGs.

(Spain section). 

•  Restoration, recovery, improvement and 

•  Climate Change Adaptation Report for 

maintenance of surroundings and habitats.

activities in Spain.

•  Integrate the concept of natural capital.

•  Biodiversity Report, 2014-2017 Edition.
•  Sustainable General Shareholders’ Meeting 

2018: 
–  ISO 20121 certification as a sustainable 

the surroundings of the facilities.

event for third consecutive year.

–  Renewal of all certificates updating to the 

new ISO 14001:2015 standard.

Combat 
climate 
change and its 
effects

•  Prevent pollution and the emission of 
greenhouse gases (GHGs) through 
practices that reduce or eliminate the 
production of pollutants at source.

•  Reduce the emissions of non-GHGs into 

•  Increase in emission-free installed capacity 

•  Achieve a 50% reduction in emissions 

to 68.2%.

•  Emissions in Spain were 82 gr/kWh, 

intensity by the year 2030 in comparison 
to 2007.

approximately 75% less than the European 
average.

•  Be carbon neutral by 2050.
•  Develop innovation projects geared 

the air.

•  Commitment to reduce emissions, and 

•  Gradually replace equipment using 

substances that reduce the ozone layer.

active participation in the Katowice Climate 
Change Conference (Poland).

•  Promotion of awareness-raising campaigns 

•  Sustainable Mobility Plan.

regarding air quality.

•  New GHG emissions-free facilities 

(renewable, wind, hydroelectric, etc.).

towards reducing pollution.
•  Promotion of electric vehicles: 

–  Installation of 25,000 electric vehicle 

charging points in Spain by 2021.

•  Active participation in achieving the SDGs 
approved in September 2015 (with priority 
given to goals 7 and 13).

Guarantee 
sustainable 
modes of 
production 
and 
consumption

•  Continuous improvement in operational 

•  Innovative activities in environmental 

•  Development and promotion of new 

performance.

management and control.

•  Implementation of actions to increase 

•  Assurance of quality in environmental 

energy efficiency.

management.

•  Decrease in consumption of natural 

•  Efficient management of water 

ecodesign initiatives. 
•  Analysis of life cycle.
•  Life Cycle Costing.
•  The circular economy as strategic 

resources.

consumption.

cornerstone.

•  Inclusion of environmental variable in the 

•  Report on status of circular economy in the 

•  Verification of Iberdrola’s Water Footprint.

design of infrastructure (Eco-design).

sector.

•  Improvement in control and management 

•  Improvement in withdrawal and 

of waste generated.

consumption of inland water at all 
generation facilities.

•  Reuse and recycling of water.
•  Improvement in reuse and recycling of 

waste.

Revitalise 
alliances with 
Stakeholders 
for sustainable 
development

•  Strengthen transparent dialogue with 
Stakeholders in order to work together 
in seeking solutions to environmental 
problems.

•  Make or provide information for the 

•  Environmental transparency and 

various reports relating to this capital 
(Sustainability Report, Corporate 
Environmental Footprint Report, etc.). 

communication: 
–  Development of new EPDs 

(Environmental Product Declarations).

•  Manage environmental compliance by 

•  85% of suppliers have ISO 14001 

•  Communication of environmental 

suppliers.

environmental certification.

•  Transparently report on environmental 

•  Public-private cooperation with the Basque 

performance, development of 
methodology.

results and activities.

Government on environmental issues.

•  Environmental communication plan. 

•  Optimisation of and innovation in 

environmental management systems.

/  Integrated Report 2019 

www.iberdrola.com

Our Assets  /  71

The environmental dimension is a key factor in the concept of sustainability

Specific CO2 emissions produced by  
facilities in Europe (Carbon factor in g of CO2/MWh)

Intensity of emissions  
in Spain (g CO2/kWh)

185

974

682

82

i

K
e
y
F
g
u
r
e
s
/
p
a
g
e
1
0

DEI

RWE Group

EDP Group

A2A

CEZ

Enel Group

Gas Natural Fenosa

EnBW

Drax

Scottish & Southern

Engie

Vattenfall

Orsted

Iberdrola

EDF Group

PVO

E.ON Group

Verbrund

Fortum

Statkraft

2015
2016
2017

525

456

443

411

407

362

307

307

286

181

151

139

78

70

52

41

28

13

0

250

500

750

1,000

European carbon factor 2017: 290 g CO2/kWh 
Source: “Facteur carbone européen Comparaison des émissions de CO2 
des principaux électriciens européens” PwC France. Dec. 2018.
(1) The 139 g CO2 in this chart refers to emissions from Iberdrola’s facilities in 
Europe during 2017. The other companies only include the European space.

2007

2018

In 2018, CO2 emissions in Spain were 82 grams per kilowatt-hour, 
well below that of other Spanish companies and approximately 
75% less than the European average.

Intensity of group emissions at the global level (g CO2/kWh)

301

163

2007

2018

Volume of recovered, reused or recycled waste (t)

470,832

449,920

311,836

294,845

153,487

14,433

2014

7,512

2015

7,353

2016

7,288

2017

8,839

2018

Non-hazardous
Hazardous

www.iberdrola.com 

Integrated Report 2019  /

 
 
 
 
 
72  /  Our Assets

4.6 Social and Relationship Capital

Stakeholder engagement

Iberdrola works to increasingly engage its 
Stakeholders in all of the company’s activities and 
operations. Throughout the value chain, Iberdrola 
interacts with millions of people and thousands of 
organisations that make up it social and relationship 
capital, and thus a fundamental element for the 
sustainable performance of the company.

To meet its goals in this area, Iberdrola has a 
Global Stakeholder Engagement Model which, 
based on the AA1000 Stakeholder Engagement 
Standard 2015, ensures that all areas and businesses 
of Iberdrola have an in-depth understanding 
of their Stakeholders; have suitable channels 
of communication therewith; analyse their 
expectations (with the risks and opportunities 
thereof); and establish appropriate action plans with 
specific related impacts.

Iberdrola Stakeholders’ Hub 

The company has an internal Stakeholder 
coordination body made up of the parties 
responsible for all of the Stakeholders and 
businesses of Iberdrola. This Hub meets periodically, 
sometimes with the presence of outside experts. 

Stakeholder engagement model...

Stakeholders
• Workforce 
• Shareholders and financial 
community
• Regulatory entities 
• Customers  
• Suppliers 
• Media 
• Society in general 
• Environment

Objectives
• Take into consideration the 
legitimate interests of the 
Stakeholders
• Effectively disclose information 
regarding the activities and 
businesses of the group
• Contribute to improving  
the reputation of  
the company

Principles
• Two-way communication 
• Transparency 
• Active listening 
• Equal treatment

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

IDENTIFY 
the 
stakeholders 

SEGMENT
stakeholder 
categories into 
subcategories

PRIORITISE 
stakeholder 
subcategories 

Define 
LEVELS 
OF ENGA-
GEMENT

Review 
CHANNELS 
FOR ENGA- 
GEMENT

Design the 
ENGA- 
GEMENT 
MODEL

Identify 
RELEVANT
ISSUES

Identify
RISKS AND 
OPPOR- 
TUNITIES

Design
ACTION
PLAN

MONITOR
and REPORT

Already defined 
by Board of 
Directors 

Based on daily 
management 
criteria

According to 
their impact and 
influence on 
value creation

Information, 
consultation, 
interaction or 
collaboration

Assess 
existing 
channels and 
create new 
ones

that is best 
suited to each 
stakeholder 
subcategory

For both 
IBERDROLA 
and the 
stakeholder 
subcategory

That help 
create value for 
IBERDROLA 
and its 
stakeholders

To analyse 
outcomes 
and inform on 
performance

Including 
initiatives in 
relation to the 
engagement 
model and the 
relevant issues

Stakeholder Map

Engagement Model

List of relevant 
issues, risks and 
opportunities

Action  
Plan

…ensuring continuous improvement

/  Integrated Report 2019 

www.iberdrola.com

Our Assets  /  73

Figures, materiality and good practices

Good Practices

Key figures

Through its Stakeholder Engagement Model, 
Iberdrola has detected:

• 70 categories of sub-stakeholders 

• More than 40 different channels of communication, 
increasingly digital.

• Approximately 130 significant issues in 2018, with 
numerous related action plans.

• Around thirty emerging trends.

The main issues and trends guide the company in 
its decisions and form part of Iberdrola’s CSR Plan 
“Responsible Energy for People”. Issues and trends 
are also aligned with the latest materiality study 
performed by an independent firm based on external 
information sources.

Materiality Study 2018

Comparte programme
• Stakeholder group: Workforce
• Area: Global

Iberdrola periodically carries out a global internal 
waterfall communication programme called 
“Comparte”. The goal is to simply share Iberdrola’s 
strategic goals and main lines of action, and to answer 
any questions from the workforce. There were more 
than 300 meetings of this kind during 2018.

System for real-time communication of incidents

• Stakeholder group: Customers 
• Area: Spain and United Kingdom

Iberdrola has integrated the distribution and 
customer services offices in order to improve real-
time information regarding incidents. This is one 
of the issues of most interest to customers of the 
company.

+

l

s
r
e
d
o
h
e
k
a
t
S
r
o
f
y
t
i
r
o
i
r
P

–

– 

15

18

11

7

1

6

23

12

16

24

19

13

2

20

17

9

21

10

5

4

25

8

22

3

14

Priority 
issues

Significant 
issues

Economic Dimension
Environmental Dimension
Social Dimension

Priority for Iberdrola 

+

Priority issues
19. Diversity and equal opportunity
15. Energy transition
20. Occupational health and safety
18. Customer satisfaction
13. Climate change
  2. Economic and financial performance

  4.  Ethics and integrity (anti-corruption and free competition)
  6. Public policy
25. Connectivity, digitisation and cybersecurity
  5. Responsible supply chain
23. Vulnerable customers
22. Human Rights
  8. Green financing

Significant issues
11. Innovation and new business models
  7. Smart grids and supply quality
  1. Socially responsible investment
24.  Attraction, development and retention of human capital
12.  Integration of renewable energy within the electric system
16. Availability and management of water

Other significant issues
14. Management of biodiversity
21. Impact on local communities
  3. Transparency
17. Environmental safety
  9. Management of natural capital
10. Circular economy

www.iberdrola.com 

Integrated Report 2019  /

 
 
 
 
S
u
s
t
a
n
a
b

i

i
l
i
t
y
R
e
p
o
r
t

74  /  Our Assets

Community support and electricity access 
programmes

Primary programmes
Activities 2018

• Contribution of €53.5 million to the community in 
the countries in which Iberdrola operates, measured 
according to the London Benchmarking Group 
(LBG) international standard.
• International corporate volunteering programme, 
offering various volunteering opportunities to 
employees in Spain, the United Kingdom, the United 
States, Brazil and Mexico. 
• Entrepreneurial support: over €42 million of 
procurement from companies in operation for less 
than 5 years, and €70 million in venture capital for 
new initiatives with high technological value.
• Specific programmes and pricing for vulnerable 
groups in Spain, the United Kingdom, the United 
States and Brazil.
• Rural electrification programmes in Brazil, to which 
approximately €190 million has been allocated. 
• Programmes implemented by the foundations 
created by Iberdrola in the principal countries in 
which it operates.

• Development of the Electricity for All programme.

Electricity for All

• The SDGs recognise energy as an engine for 
sustainable development.
• The Electricity for All programme is Iberdrola’s 
response to the demand to extend universal access 
to modern forms of energy, with environmentally 
sustainable, financially affordable and socially 
inclusive models. This initiative is focused on 
sustainable electrification activities in emerging and 
developing countries.
• Iberdrola has set itself the goal of reaching 16 million 
beneficiaries of this programme by 2030. At year-end 
2018, the programme had reached 5.4 million users.

Foundations of the Iberdrola group
Activities 2018

• Iberdrola has strengthened the operation of its 
foundations in Spain, the United Kingdom, the United 
States, Brazil and Mexico.
• Overall investment dedicated to activities in all 
countries in 2018 increased to a total of €10.2 million.
• A new Master Plan has been prepared for the 2018-
2021 period, in order to contribute to sustainable 
development. 

• The industry areas have been consolidated, but 
prioritising the impact on the specific targets of the 
SDGs. 
• In the Training area, there is strengthening of the 
promotion of equal opportunities through the Social 
Assistance programme, with 249 beneficiaries.
• In Art and Culture, there are three major 
programmes:

– Lighting: The most significant have been Morgan, 
Hilles, Austin and Wadsworth Galleries (United 
States), MUNAL Museum Rooms (Mexico), Uclés 
Monastery (Spain) and Cinco Pontas Fort (Brazil). 
– Restoration: Includes the altarpiece of the Cuenca 
Cathedral and the three flags of Saigon of the Naval 
Museum of Madrid in Spain. 
– Museums: Promote the restoration and exhibition 
of works, including The Dauphin’s Treasure and the 
Fountain of Grace (Prado Museum), Caravaggio 
(MUNAL).

• In Biodiversity and Climate Change, there is the 
MIGRA programme to protect birds in danger of 
extinction, in collaboration with the Royal Society for 
the Protection of Birds Scotland (RSPB).
• In the area of Cooperation and Solidarity, there have 
been more than 150 partnerships in the five countries 
with a direct impact on more than 200,000 people 
in the fight against child poverty, the independence 
of people with disabilities and serious illnesses, with 
special attention on the most vulnerable groups: 
infants and youth.

Foundation Programs 2018

Contribution by region (%)

6% Mexico and Brazil

21% United States

11% United Kingdom

62% Spain

Contribution by programme (%)

13% Institutional collaboration

13% Training and research

35% Solidarity and cooperation

9% Climate change

30% Art and culture

/  Integrated Report 2019 

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Our Assets  /  75

Corporate reputation

Reputation

• Iberdrola considers reputation to be an intangible 
asset of great value, which influences aspects as 
important as the attraction and retention of talent, 
business relations with customers, valuation of the 
company in the capital markets, and integration 
within the communities in which it does business, and 
therefore its financial and non-financial performance.

• What Iberdrola is, does, communicates or how 
it engages its Stakeholders gives rise therein to 
judgements, attitudes and behaviours, which go into 
making up the company’s global reputation, which 
is also influenced by the social perception of the 
electricity sector.

• Iberdrola therefore manages its reputation with a 
dual objective: 

– To bring out opportunities that trigger favourable 
behaviour towards the company.

– To minimise and mitigate reputational risks 
inherent in the activity. 

• Reputation is mainly managed through four 
elements:

– Proactive management of the Stakeholders 
through the Stakeholder Relations Model, which 
allows one to know expectations and to establish 
action plans, as explained at the beginning of this 
chapter.

– The company’s communication plans, the CSR 
Plan and other specific actions focused on each of 
the Stakeholders.

– The monitoring and measurement of reputation 
through a specific scoresheet that includes variables 
from reputational rankings, Stakeholder surveys and 
sustainability indices, among other things.

– The establishment of processes that allow for 
responding to potential reputational crises.

• All of these elements are included in Iberdrola’s 
Reputational Risk Policy, which is updated annually 
and establishes a framework of reference for 
controlling and managing this risk. 

Soundness and strength of the brand

• Management of the brand so that it transmits the 
essence of the Purpose of the Iberdrola group and 
reflects the company’s strategy to commit to the 
environment and to Sustainable Development.

• Consolidation of an international brand, 
strengthening communication and alignment under 
a single brand positioning strategy in the countries in 
which the company operates.

Brand value* (€M)

+125%

872

794

670

1,036 1,057

996

470

484

2003

2005

2007

2009

2011

2013

2015

2017

* Source: Ranking of Best Spanish Brands by Interbrand.

Evolution of the digital ecosystem

• Offer of useful and dynamic information, with 
messages adapted to each stakeholder.

• Facilitate direct interaction with our stakeholders, 
overcoming barriers and making use of existing 
synergies.

Iberdrola on social media and the Internet

Twitter

Facebook

Linkedin

Instagram

Youtube

Finect

Snapchat

Web

Blog /  
Historias 
en verde 

Blog / 
Gente que 
brilla

Blog / 
Stopcambio 
climático

Flickr

www.iberdrola.com 

Integrated Report 2019  /

 
76  /  A Framework of Trust

Iberdrola Tower, Bilbao
/ Spain

/  Integrated Report 2019 

www.iberdrola.com

5. A Framework of Trust

A Framework of Trust  /  77

www.iberdrola.com 

Integrated Report 2019  /

78  /  A Framework of Trust

5.1 Corporate Governance Model

Foundations of Iberdrola’s corporate governance model

A. Corporate Governance System

Iberdrola is a multinational leader in the energy sector committed to ethics, transparency and good governance, 
and which pays special attention to the social dividend, for which reason it made changes to its Corporate 
Governance System in 2018 in order to include the SDGs within its strategy.

The intention of its Board of Directors is to have a diversity of gender and professional experiences, with a 
plurality of opinions and independent judgement. Female presence is significant not only because of the 
number of women but especially due to the positions they hold.

 Position

 Director

 Condition1

Date of last 
appointment

Ending date

Chairman & CEO

José Ignacio Sánchez Galán  
(Salamanca, Spain, 1950)

Vice Chair

Inés Macho Stadler
(Bilbao, Spain, 1959)

Executive

27-03-2015

27-03-2019

Other external

08-04-2016

08-04-2020

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Íñigo Víctor de Oriol Ibarra 
(Madrid, Spain, 1962)

Other external

08-04-2016

08-04-2020

Samantha Barber  
(Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland, United Kingdom, 1969)

Independent

08-04-2016

08-04-2020

María Helena Antolín Raybaud 
(Toulon, France, 1966)

Ángel Jesús Acebes Paniagua 
(Ávila, Spain, 1958)

Georgina Kessel Martínez 
(Mexico City, Mexico, 1950)

Denise Holt 
(Vienna, Austria, 1949)

José W. Fernández 
(Cienfuegos, Cuba, 1955)

Manuel Moreu Munaiz 
(Pontevedra, Spain, 1953)

Xabier Sagredo Ormaza
(Portugalete, Spain, 1972)

Juan Manuel González Serna(2)
(Madrid, Spain, 1955)

Francisco Martínez Córcoles
(Alicante, Spain, 1956)

Anthony L. Gardner 
(Washington, D.C., U.S.A., 1963)

Independent

27-03-2015

27-03-2019

Independent

27-03-2015

27-03-2019

Independent

13-04-2018

13-04-2022

Independent

27-03-2015

27-03-2019

Independent

27-03-2015

27-03-2019

Independent

27-03-2015

27-03-2019

Independent

08-04-2016

08-04-2020

Independent

31-03-2017

31-03-2021

Executive

31-03-2017

31-03-2021

Independent

13-04-2018

13-04-2022

(1) As at the date of review of the report by the Board of Directors.
(2) Juan Manuel González Serna is the lead independent director.

/  Integrated Report 2019 

www.iberdrola.com

A Framework of Trust  /  79

B. Governance model

Differentiation between the duties of strategy and supervision and those of guidance and management. Based 
on a system of checks-and-balances that avoids the accumulation of powers:

• Iberdrola’s Board of Directors, made up of a large majority of independent directors (one of whom is the lead 
independent director), focuses its activity on the determination, supervision and monitoring of the policies, 
strategies and general guidelines of the Iberdrola group.

• The chairman of the Board of Directors & chief executive officer and the rest of the management team are 
responsible for the organisation and strategic coordination of the group.

• In the principal countries in which the group operates, organisation and strategic coordination is implemented 
through country subholding companies, which group together equity stakes in the head of business companies 
and centralise the provision of common services. Each of these companies has its own CEO.

The Iberdrola group also has a country subholding company, Iberdrola Participaciones, S.A., that groups 
together the non-energy businesses.

Country subholding companies have boards of directors, including independent directors, and their own 
audit and compliance committees, internal audit divisions and compliance units or divisions. Listed country 
subholding companies like Avangrid, Inc. have a framework of strengthened autonomy.

• The head of business companies are in charge of the day-to-day administration and effective management 
of each business. They also have boards of directors, which include independent directors and specific 
management teams.

• The Activities Report of the Board of Directors and of the Committees thereof reports on their operation.

Corporate and governance structure of Iberdrola, S.A.

Chairman & 
CEO 
+
Management 
Team

Executive 
Committee

Board of Directors

Consultative Committees 

Audit and Risk Supervision Committee

Appointments Committee

Remuneration Committee

Sustainable Development Committee

Country Subholding Companies

Avangrid1

Iberdrola  
México

Scottish 
Power

Neoenergia

Iberdrola 
España

Iberdrola 
Energía
Internacional

(1) Company listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Head of Business Companies

www.iberdrola.com 

Integrated Report 2019  /

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Foreign institutional shareholders account for 66.27% of the capital. 
71.4% of the directors are independent.

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C. Equity structure

• Iberdrola has more than 600,000 shareholders 
throughout the world, and none of them has a 
controlling interest. 

66.27%

10.25%

23.48%

Foreign investors
Domestic institutional investors
Domestic individual investors

Status at 31 Dec 2018

Iberdrola’s response to the corporate governance 
challenge

A. Corporate governance strategy

The key elements defining Iberdrola’s corporate 
governance strategy are:

• Shareholder engagement

• Corporate structure and Governance Model

• Diverse and balanced composition of the Board of 
Directors

• Effective system of checks and balances.

• Social dividend and achievement of the SDGs

• Active listening to the legitimate interests of the 
Stakeholders

• Prudent and balanced management of risks

B. Continuous Improvement of its corporate 
governance rules and practices

On corporate governance matters, the company 
looks to the Good Governance Code of Listed 
Companies published by the CNMV and generally 
accepted practices in the international markets.

Director Remuneration Policy approved by 
the shareholders at the General Shareholders’ 
Meeting.

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Remuneration 
policy

Executive directors’ variable remuneration 
tied to objectives.

Clause on cancellation and reimbursement of 
variable remuneration (malus and claw-back 
clauses).

71.4% of the directors are independent.

System of checks and balances, including a 
lead independent director.

Operation of the 
Board

Gender diversity: 5 women on the Board. 
A female vice-chair of the Board, and three 
Committee chairs.

 Diversity of skills, experience, nationality and 
origin.

External evaluation of governance bodies.

Sustainable Development Committee.

Sustainable development policies focused 
on the maximisation of the social dividend, 
promotion of the SDGs and Stakeholder 
engagement.

Fight against Climate Change.

General Shareholders’ Meeting conceived of 
and certified as a sustainable event.

Social 
responsibility 
and corporate 
reputation

/  Integrated Report 2019 

www.iberdrola.com

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A Framework of Trust  /  81

The quorum in attendance at the  
2018 General Shareholders’ Meeting was 76.09%.

C. Commitment to shareholders and investors

D. Remuneration policy

• The Iberdrola group has a strong industrial and 
financial model based on balanced growth, focused 
on the regulated networks businesses, renewables, 
and long-term contract assets, focused on the 
achievement of growing profits and an increase in 
shareholder remuneration.

• The Shareholder Engagement Policy is intended 
to understand the opinions and concerns of the 
shareholders in the areas of corporate governance 
and sustainable development, encourage their sense 
of belonging and align their interests with those of 
Iberdrola.

• Boost shareholders’ participation throughout the 
year, especially at the General Shareholders’ Meeting.

• The Director Remuneration Policy was approved 
by the shareholders at the General Shareholders’ 
Meeting held on 13 April 2018.

• Director remuneration is aligned with strategic 
objectives and shareholder return.

Remuneration model for the Board

Type of 
remuneration

External  
(non-executive) 
directors

Executive directors

Fixed

According to their 
duties

On market terms.

Short-term 
variable

Not applicable

Tied to financial and non-
financial targets.

Shareholder  
day

Office  
of the 
shareholder

Long-term 
variable

Not applicable

Tied to multi-annual targets 
payable in shares (3-year 
accrual period and payment 
deferred over 3 years 
following accrual).

Corporate 
governance 
roadshows

Shareholders’ 
club

Engagement

On-line 
Shareholders  
(OLS)

Investor 
relations  
office

Investor 
relations  
App

Parameters to which the annual variable remuneration of 
executive directors is tied in 2019

Operational / 
Financial

Net Profit. 
Shareholder remuneration.
Financial strength.
Efficiency in costs.
Investments.

Sustainable 
Development

Female presence in management positions.
Presence on international indices. 
Training.

Parameters to which the multi-annual variable remuneration of 
executive directors is tied (2017-2019)

Growth in net profit.
Total shareholder return. 
Maintenance of financial strength.
Reduction in CO2 emissions.

www.iberdrola.com 

Integrated Report 2019  /

82  /  A Framework of Trust

Principal activities of the Board of Directors 
Key topics in 2018

Iberdrola’s Board of Directors has focused its activities mainly in the following areas:

Strategy

Profitable 
 growth

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The Board of Directors designs the group’s strategy 
and decides the key investments.

Long-term view of the electricity industry and of the principal 
challenges and trends.

Approval of the Outlook 2018-2022. 

Approval of the strategy and budgets for financial year 2019.

Definition of the digitisation strategy for the 2018-2022 
period.

Sustainable 
Remuneration

The Board of Directors compares shareholder 
remuneration with the group’s performance.

Shareholder remuneration 2018-2022 in line with the 
increase in results, with a pay-out ratio between 65-75%. 

Approval of an increase in shareholder remuneration with a 
charge to 2017.

Introduction of the new Iberdrola Flexible Remuneration 
system.

Maximisation of 
social dividend

The Board of Directors defines the guidelines that 
direct the group’s activities in the area of sustainable 
development.

Integration of the UN Sustainable Development Goals as part 
of the strategy.

Supervision of the group’s activities in the area of sustainable 
development.

Approval of initiatives to strengthen the commitment to 
innovation.

Update of the General Sustainable Development Policy and 
the Human Resources Framework Policy.

Financial strength

The Board of Directors controls the financial 
situation to ensure the sustainability of the business 
over the long term.

Monitoring of the financing policy and principal transactions 
in the capital markets.

Supervision

Supervision

The Board of Directors, with the support of 
the Executive Committee, supervises the 
implementation of the group’s strategy and the 
development of the group’s organisational model on 
an ongoing basis.

Detailed study of the markets, with special attention on issues 
with strategic impact.

Supervision of key financial indicators. 

Supervision of the implementation of the strategy to 
maximise the social dividend.

Supervision of implementation of the company’s digitisation 
and innovation strategy.

/  Integrated Report 2019 

www.iberdrola.com

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Board of Directors has focused its work on defining strategy, monitoring  
the implementation and control of risks and advancing best corporate governance practices.

A Framework of Trust  /  83

Risk supervision 

The Board of Directors monitors the 
level of risk by means of periodic 
tracking of the most significant threats.

Regular supervision and control of corporate risks.

On-going review of the internal control system.

Review of the geostrategic risks associated with the company.

Supervision of the Strategic Plan and cybersecurity risks.

Analysis of the risks arising from the performance of activities with an impact on climate change.

Corporate governance

Ongoing efforts to identify and 
implement best corporate governance 
practices are key pillars for the creation 
of sustainable value.

Selection and composition of the governance bodies.

Appointment of Ms Inés Macho Stadler as vice-chair of the Board.

Appointment of new directors.

Evaluation and re-election of directors.

Strengthening of the checks-and-balances system with the appointment of CEOs at the various 
companies. 

Supervision of the implementation of measures adopted at the group level to recruit, retain, 
manage and promote talent.

Analysis of the latest corporate governance trends.

Continuous update of the Corporate Governance System.

Amendment of various sustainable development policies.

Strengthening of company’s commitment to the SDGs.

Supervision of the group’s activities in the area of sustainable development and the alignment 
thereof with the leading bodies. 

Review of the company’s cybersecurity activities and protocols for conduct in the event of 
reputational impact. 

Sustainable Development

The Board is committed to 
achievement of the Sustainable 
Development Goals, especially the 
fight against Climate Change and to 
sustainable and clean energy.

www.iberdrola.com 

Integrated Report 2019  /

84  /  A Framework of Trust

5.2 Three Lines of Defence

Governance Bodies

Management Team

1st line of defence
Operational Management

2nd line of defence
Assurance Functions

3rd line of defence
Internal Audit

Based on the document “Guidance on the 8th EU Company Law Directive, article 41” ECIIA/FERMA, September 2010.

External 
Assurance 
(Regulators, 
External 
Auditors, etc.)

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Three lines of defence model

The Internal Control System of Iberdrola and the 
companies of its group is configured by reference to 
international best practices. It is based on a guarantee 
combined around three lines of defence, providing a 
comprehensive view of how the different parts of the 
organisation interact in an effective and coordinated 
manner, increasing the efficiency of the processes 
for management and internal control of the entity’s 
significant risks.

1st line of defence 
Operational Management

As the first line of defence, the management team and 
the professionals of Iberdrola and its group are  the 
direct managers of the risks of the entity.

Thus, the company’s Management is responsible 
for maintaining effective control and implementing 
procedures to control risks on a continuous basis.

Internal Control Objectives (COSO. May 2013)

Operations objectives- Pertain to the effectiveness and efficiency 
of the entity’s operations, including operational and financial 
performance goals, and safeguarding assets against loss.

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Reporting objectives- Pertain to internal and external financial 
and non-financial reporting and may encompass reliability, 
timeliness, transparency or other terms as set forth by regulators, 
recognised standard setters or the entity’s policies.

Compliance objectives- Pertain to adherence to laws and 
regulations to which the entity is subject.

2nd line of defence 
Assurance Functions

As the second line of defence, certain functions 
provide the foundation for the entity’s internal 
control system, proposing guidelines to the Board of 
Directors and monitoring how the first line of defence 
implements them.

The primary assurance functions within Iberdrola, 
within their respective areas of responsibility, are: (i) 
the group’s Risk Division, within the framework of its 
functions within the Comprehensive Risk Control 
and Management System; (ii) the Compliance Unit, 
which is responsible for proactively ensuring the 
effective operation of the Compliance System; and 
(iii) the Internal Control Division, which is part of the 
Administration and Control Division, within its duties 
relating to the internal control and risk management 
systems in relation to the preparation of financial 
information (ICFRS).

3rd line of defence 
Internal Audit

The function of the Internal Audit area, as the third 
line of defence, is to proactively ensure the proper 
functioning of the internal control, risk management, 
and governance systems, systematically auditing 
the first and second lines in the performance of their 
respective duties of management and control.

To ensure its independence, the director of the 
Internal Audit Area reports hierarchically to the 
chairman of the Board of Directors and functionally 
to the Audit and Risk Supervision Committee. 
The Internal Audit divisions of the various country 
subholding companies have this same positioning, 
and are coordinated under the framework of the 
Basic Internal Audit Regulations of Iberdrola and 
its group, which forms part of Iberdrola’s Corporate 
Governance System.

/  Integrated Report 2019 

www.iberdrola.com

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Iberdrola adopts the three lines of defence model to ensure effective  
and integrated management of its Internal Control System.

A Framework of Trust  /  85

The 2018 annual activities plans of the Internal 
Audit Area Division of Iberdrola and of the Internal 
Audit divisions of the group, with a risk-based focus 
looking to support the achievement of the company’s 
goals, responded to the requirements established 
by the Audit and Risk Supervision Committee of 
Iberdrola and the respective Audit and Compliance 
Committees of the country subholding companies, 
and included work for the senior management and 
the rest of the organisation, including:

• Half-yearly reviews of the operation of the most 
critical controls of the Internal Control Over Financial 
Reporting (ICFR) System, as well as reviews of 
the various cycles of preparation of the financial 
information of Iberdrola, S.A. and the various 
companies of the group, within the framework of 
the general goal of reviewing the entire ICFR over a 
period of 5 years.

• Audits of key corporate and business process and 
risks, based on the Risk Policies approved by the 
Board of Directors on an annual basis. 

• Audits of compliance programmes and frameworks 
established by the group in the various areas of 
application, such as the crime prevention programme.

Continuing with the commitment made in 2005, 
the Internal Audit area submits to an exhaustive 
review every five years of compliance with internal 
audit rules (called a Quality Assurance Review) by 
the Global Institute of Internal Auditors. During the 
last review in 2015, the certification of Iberdrola, S.A. 
and of ScottishPower was renewed and the scope of 
the certification was expanded to include Iberdrola 
España and Avangrid.

Furthermore, the Internal Audit has had ISO 
9001 certification since 1999, updated to version 
9001:2015. This ensures that all of the group’s internal 
auditors perform duties under the same framework 
and that such framework is aligned with the 
international professional rules of the function. 

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Basic Internal Audit Regulations of Iberdrola, S.A. and its group

Approved by the Board of Directors of Iberdrola upon a proposal 
of its Audit and Risk Supervision Committee (updated on 23-
Octo-2018).

Defines its nature as an independent internal unit, and establishes 
the regulation, competencies, powers and duties of Internal Audit, 
among other things.

Establishes the framework of relations with: i) the Board of 
Directors, its Chairman and Committees; ii) the Internal Audit 
divisions of the other companies of the group; and iii) the rest of 
the organisation.

Disseminates the knowledge of the Internal Audit function among 
the professionals of the group.

Serves as a reference for the management model and the quality 
system of the Internal Audit Area of the company and the Internal 
Audit divisions of the other companies of the group.

External assurance

Regulatory bodies and other entities external to the 
organisation play a significant role in the general 
structure of governance, internal control and risks 
of Iberdrola, especially in the regulated businesses. 
The regulators establish requirements intended 
to strengthen the controls of an organisation and 
perform a function of independent and separate 
monitoring, and the auditors provide assurance 
regarding the true and fair view of the entity’s financial 
information. In this regard, the powers of the Audit 
and Risk Supervision Committee of Iberdrola and 
the Audit and Compliance Committees of the 
country subholding companies include ensuring the 
preservation of the independence of the auditors in 
the performance of their duties

www.iberdrola.com 

Integrated Report 2019  /

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86  /  A Framework of Trust

5.3 Risks

Commitment of the Board of Directors and of senior 
management

Comprehensive Risk Control and Management 
System

Iberdrola’s Board of Directors and senior 
management is strongly committed to and engaged 
in the management of the group’s risks:

• Ex-ante: acceptable levels of risk tolerance are 
reviewed and approved on an annual basis through 
risk policies and limits that establish the qualitative 
and quantitative risk appetite at the group level and at 
each of the main businesses and corporate functions.

• Ex-post: periodic monitoring of significant risks and 
threats and the various exposures of the group, as well 
as of compliance with the approved risk policies, limits 
and indicators. 

Board of 
Directors

Risk Policies

Operating 
Committee of 
the group

Audit and Risk 
Supervision 
Committee

Risk  
Factors
Identified and 
described in the 
Risk Policies

Audit 
and Compliance 
Committees and 
Boards of 
 the subsidiaries

Risk 
Committee

Corporate 
Risk 
Division

Risk Divisions 
at the 
subsidiaries

The General Risk Control and Management Policy 
of the group approved by the Board of Directors 
establishes the mechanisms and basic principles for 
appropriate management of the risk/opportunity 
ratio, at a risk level that makes it possible to: 

• Attain strategic goals with controlled volatility. 

• Provide the maximum level of assurance. 

• Protect the results and reputation of the group. 

• Defend the interests of the Stakeholders and 
guarantee the business stability and financial strength 
of the group.

At the operational level, the Comprehensive Risk 
Control and Management System is structured 
around a Risk Committee and an independent 
specialised Risk Division that analyses and quantifies 
the risks within the main businesses and corporate 
functions of the group.

Duties of the Risk Division

Active management

Credit risk. Analysis and approval of counterparties and limits and/
or establishment of admission criteria in order to minimise credit 
losses within the group.
Market risk. Analysis and approval of detailed limits in order to 
delimit the effects of volatility in the markets in which the group 
operates.

Enterprise Risk Management (“ERM”) focus

Ensure that there are mechanisms for all significant risks of the 
group to be adequately identified, measured, managed and 
controlled at all times and that they are regulated reported to the 
various committees.
Instruments and reports:
• Risk policies and risk limits and indicators.
• Quarterly report on key risks.
• On-going monitoring and detection of emerging risks.

Operational risk is centrally managed through the group’s 
corporate Insurance, Information Technology and Cybersecurity 
units.

By way of supplement, the group has a Compliance System, linked to the Board’s Sustainable Development Committee, with elements that include the Code 
of Ethics and the Compliance Unit. 

/  Integrated Report 2019 

www.iberdrola.com

Risk management within the Iberdrola group is based on foresight, independence, commitment to the 
group’s business objectives and the engagement of senior management and the Board

A Framework of Trust  /  87

Risk policies and limits of the Iberdrola group

The General Risk Control and Management Policy 
is further developed and supplemented with the 
following specific policies established in relation to 
certain risks, corporate functions or businesses of 
the group, which are also annually approved by the 
Board of Directors at the head of the group, and which 
include limits and indicators that are subsequently 
monitored:

Specific risk policies of the businesses:

• Liberalised Businesses of the Iberdrola group.

• Renewable Energy Businesses of the Iberdrola 
group.

• Networks Businesses of the Iberdrola group.

• Real Estate Business.

Corporate risk policies:

• Corporate Credit Risk Policy.

• Corporate Market Risk Policy. 

• Operational Risk in Market Transactions Policy.

• Insurance Policy.

• Investment Policy.

• Financing and Financial Risk Policy.

• Treasury Share Policy.

• Risk Policy for Equity Interests in Listed Companies. 

• Reputational Risk Framework Policy.

• Procurement Policy.

• Information Technologies Policy.

• Cybersecurity Risk Policy.

The country subholding companies adopt the group’s 
risk policies and specify the application thereof, 
approving the guidelines on specific risk limits, based 
on the nature and particularities of the businesses 
in each country. The listed country subholding 
companies or companies with significant stakes of 
other partners, under their own special framework 
of strengthened autonomy, approve their own risk 
policies.

Principal risk factors of the Iberdrola group

The group is exposed to various risks inherent in the 
different countries, industries and markets in which 
it operates, and which may prevent it from achieving 
its objectives and implementing its strategies. These 
risks are grouped into:

Corporate governance risks: those that endanger the 
corporate interest and strategy of the company.

Market risks: exposure to volatility in variables like 
prices of electricity and other energy commodities, 
exchange rate, interest rate, etc.

Credit risks: possibility of contractual breach by a 
counterparty, causing economic or financial losses.

Business risks: deriving from the uncertainty of 
the behaviour of variables intrinsic to the business, 
characteristics of demand, climatology, etc.

Regulatory and political risks: coming from 
regulatory changes made by the regulators that can 
affect remuneration of the regulated businesses, 
environmental or tax provisions, etc.

Operational, Technological, Environmental, Social 
and Legal Risks: economic losses resulting from 
inadequate internal procedures, technical failures, 
human errors, climate change, etc.

Reputational risks: potential negative impacts on 
the company arising from performance below the 
expectations of its Stakeholders.

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General 
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Approved  
by the Board  
of Directors

Risk Policies  
and Limits  
of the Businesses  
and Corporate Functions

Specific risk procedures and reports

Strategic positioning towards risk.
Responsibilities to manage risk.
Proactive and preventive actions.
Quantitative and qualitative limits.
Quarterly report on key risks and monitoring of 
risk limits and indicators.

www.iberdrola.com 

Integrated Report 2019  /

88  /  A Framework of Trust

Risk factors and mitigation measures

Price and demand risks

Changes in the price of 
electricity

The main variable affecting the results of the group’s Wholesale and Retail Businesses as regards market prices is the price of electricity, 
which relatively corresponds to the price of fuel and applicable emission rights, required to produce such electricity. 

The group’s Renewables Businesses preferentially sell their energy at: i) regulated tariff; or ii) fixed price via PPAs. The remaining market 
exposure of the Spain and United Kingdom Renewables Businesses is transferred to the Wholesale and Retail Business of such countries.

Offsetting at-risk positions between wholesale and retail activities allows for a large reduction in the group’s market risk; the remaining risk 
is mitigated via diversification of purchase/sale agreements and the specific clauses thereof, and by trading in derivatives. 

Changes in energy 
commodity prices

Possible impact of a 5% change in the price 
of electricity and/or of energy commodities 
and CO2

– Spain 

  Integrated Wholesale, Retail and Renewables Risk 
(windfarms prior to 2004)

– United Kingdom

  Integrated Retail and Renewables Risk (power from wind 
farms subject to ROCs)

– Mexico

 The PPAs with the CFE do not have a market risk

– United States

 For windfarms exposed to the market

Change in demand

Wholesale, Retail and Renewables Businesses: moderate short-term 
impact, given the characteristics of the group’s generation facilities and 
the structure of the long-term power purchase agreements.
No impact on the group’s Networks Businesses except for the Brazilian 
subsidiaries in between tariff periods.

Possible impact of 1% 
reduction in demand

 Wholesale and Retail Spain 
 Wholesale and Retail United 

Kingdom

Resource risks

Change in hydroelectric 
resources - Spain

Change in wind 
resources - group

Financial risks

Change in interest rate

Change in exchange rate

Other risks

Credit risk

•  In the medium-to-long term, humid years are offset by dry years. The 
storage capacity of multi-year reservoirs and the group’s portfolio of 
power plants mitigate the level of volatility during the year.

Lower hydroelectric 
production - Spain

 Renewables Business - Spain 

•  Mitigated thanks to the high number of facilities in operation and the 

Lower wind output - group

 Renewables Business - group

geographic dispersion thereof.

•  In the medium-to-long term, years with more wind are offset by years 

with less wind.

The Iberdrola group maintains a fixed-rate and variable-rate debt 
structure, based on the structure of its revenues and the sensitivity 
thereof to changes in interest rates. 

Possible impact 
on financial cost of +25 
bps increase

  Group financial cost

This risk is mitigated by taking on debt and carrying out all its financial 
flows in the functional currency corresponding to each company, 
whenever possible and economically efficient, and managing its open 
positions with derivatives. The risk associated with the translation of 
results from subsidiaries is closed out annually.

Possible impact on 
financial cost of 5% 
increase in currency

 Group financial cost

• Main sources: amounts outstanding (customers, suppliers, banks, partners, etc.) and cost of replacement.
• Retail: cost of late payments/defaults has been kept to moderate levels, close to 1% of the total invoicing.
• Networks: In Spain and in the United Kingdom there is no retail sale of energy, in the United States and Brazil late payments are 
generally recovered.

Operational risk

These risks are mitigated by making the necessary investments, applying operation and maintenance procedures and programmes 
(supported by quality systems), planning appropriate training and skills development for staff, and finally by obtaining appropriate 
casualty and civil liability insurance.

Regulatory and political 
risk

The group is subject to laws and regulations on tariffs and other regulatory aspects of its activities in the countries in which it does 
business. The introduction of new laws/regulations or amendments to existing ones could adversely affect operations, annual results and 
the financial value of the businesses of the group (including the risks relating to Brexit).

Climate change risk

Includes the risks of transition (regulatory or market associated with emissions reduction goals) and physical risks (deriving from potential 
impacts of an increase in extreme climate phenomena, increase in temperatures, increase in sea level, changes in rain patterns, etc.). 
Iberdrola believes that it is well positioned with respect to this risk, given the nature of its current businesses and its main goals for 
growth.

  <15 M€ 

  15-50 M€ 

  >50M€

/  Integrated Report 2019 

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A Framework of Trust  /  89

5.4 Ethics and Sustainable Development

Compliance System

Main areas of the Compliance System

Iberdrola’s Compliance System is made up of the 
substantive rules, formal procedures and major 
activities within the group to encourage the 
organisation to act in accordance with applicable 
ethical principles and legal provisions, through a set of 
procedures and actions designed to prevent, detect 
and react to irregular actions, fraud or actions contrary 
to the Iberdrola group’s Code of Ethics or applicable 
laws and regulations.

The Code of Ethics, which forms part of Iberdrola’s 
Corporate Governance System, was approved by the 
Board of Directors in 2002 and is regularly updated. 
In October 2018, the Board of Directors approved the 
merger of the three codes existing at the time into a 
single code: Directors’ Code of Ethics, Employees’ 
Code of Ethics and Suppliers’ Code of Ethics.

Compliance Unit

Iberdrola has created a Compliance Unit, a 
collective, internal and permanent body linked to the 
Sustainable Development Committee of the Board of 
Directors.

There is a compliance division linked to the Audit 
and Compliance Committees at each subholding 
company and/or head of business company. 

The duties of all of them include promoting a culture 
of ethical behaviour and zero tolerance for fraud and 
the commission of unlawful acts and management of 
the Compliance System.

Powers of the Unit

The Compliance Unit has powers related to the Code 
of Ethics, the Anti-Corruption and Anti-Fraud Policy, 
the Crime Prevention Policy, the Internal Regulations 
for Conduct in the Securities Markets, legal 
provisions regarding the separation of activities, and 
all other powers that may be entrusted thereto by the 
Sustainable Development Committee or the Board 
of Directors of the company or that are established in 
Iberdrola’s Corporate Governance System.

The main activities and areas of activity within the 
framework of the group’s Compliance System are: 
(i) the crime prevention programmes, which are 
developed within the provisions of the Spanish 
Criminal Code (without prejudice to additional 
actions required by the laws of any other jurisdiction 
in which the group does business), (ii) measures for 
compliance with the Code of Ethics, which includes 
specific training and communication plans for all 
professionals of the group, (iii) the development 
and implementation of specific rules and measures 
regarding fraud and corruption, (iv) actions to ensure 
compliance with the rules on market abuse and 
separation of activities, and (v) management of the 
ethics mailboxes.

Prevent
• Regular evaluation of risks
• Development of policies, procedures and protocols
• Training, dissemination and communication measures

Detect
• Regular reviews of the system
• Grievance channels
• Identification and evaluation of compliance controls

React
• Investigation of grievances
• Corrective measures for the on-going improvement of the 
Compliance System

Commitment of the 
Governance bodies

Integrated within the 
organisation

Trackable and  
documented system

Auditable and under 
continuous improvement

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Principal awards/recognitions

Organisation of social responsibility within the group

In 2018, Iberdrola renewed the Compliance Leader 
Verification certification provided by the Ethisphere 
Institute to those companies that show they have 
an ethical culture implemented within all of their 
businesses and activities as well as a robust and 
effective compliance system.

In 2018 it also renewed the UNE-ISO 37001 and 
UNE19601 certifications provided by Aenor. 
Furthermore, the companies of the Spain subgroup 
also obtained these certifications in 2018.

Iberdrola has been chosen for the sixth consecutive 
year as one of the most ethical companies in the 
world, according to the World’s Most Ethical 
Companies 2019 ranking prepared by the Ethisphere 
Institute, thus recognising the ethical leadership and 
conduct of the organisation.

Finally, Expansión has given Iberdrola the Company 
with best compliance practices 2018-2019 award, 
recognising the company’s compliance system and 
structure.

Iberdrola’s commitment to sustainable development 
is carried out by integrating the UN 2030 Agenda into 
the strategy and operations of the Iberdrola group.

The group’s Social Responsibility is thus developed 
generically for all of the Areas and Businesses, in all 
countries.

The Corporate Sustainable Development Committee 
and the Sustainable Development Committees of 
the country subholding companies coordinate the 
balanced development of Social Responsibility within 
the Iberdrola group. The Sustainable Development 
Committee performs the work of supervision within 
its purview. 

“Responsible Energy for People” Plan

The most significant contributions towards achieving 
the SDGs are focused around two major foundations 
that inspire our actions:

• We care for the planet, putting ourselves in the lead 
of reducing emissions in the energy sector.

• We contribute to the well-being and progress of the 
societies of all the territories in which we are present. 

Iberdrola’s commitment takes shape through 
various lines of work that cover more than 300 
environmental, social and economic activities, thus 
responding to the expectations and needs of our 
Stakeholders, encompassed within 7 priorities.

Main priorities of the SR Plan

Sustainable economic growth 
Workplace health & safety and personal development
Fight against climate change and protecting biodiversity
Innovation, digitalization and quality for our customers
Contributing to the wellbeing of our communities
Good governance, transparency and stakeholder 
engagement
Promoting CSR in the supply chain

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A Framework of Trust  /  91

Iberdrola considers its corporate values to include ethical principles, good governance  
and transparency, and social commitment

External awards/recognitions

Only European electric utility included in the 19 editions, regarded as one of the eight top sustainable electric 
utilities in the world.

Only Spanish electric company selected in 2019 as one of the 100 most sustainable companies in the world.

A rating in CDP Climate Change, and among A-list in CDP Supply Chain.

Iberdrola selected AAA.

Iberdrola selected in various Euronext Vigeo Eiris indices.

Classified as “Silver Class” in the electricity sector.

First Spanish utility and fifth worldwide.

Leader among Spanish utilities: electricity, gas and water.

Iberdrola classified as Prime.

Iberdrola classified as the top utility in report on status of sustainability reporting 2018.

Iberdrola among top 25 scoring companies.

Iberdrola among the top three utilities.

Only Spanish utility included in the index.

Iberdrola selected in various sustainability indices.

Iberdrola selected in ET Global 800 and ET Europe 300.

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92  /  About this Report

International  
Volunteering Day

/  Integrated Report 2019 

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6. About this Report

About this Report  /  93

This report, which Iberdrola directs to both its shareholders 
and investors and all of its Stakeholders, has been prepared 
under the integrated report concept following the IIRC 
guidelines, and constitutes one more example of the 
group’s desire to be innovative in the area of transparency.

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6.1 About this Report

Integrated report

Material aspects identified

• Iberdrola has channels of communication and 
dialogue with its Stakeholders, developed in 
accordance with the principles of the AA1000 
Assurance Standard, as described in detail in the 
Stakeholder Relations Policy and in the Statement of 
Non-Financial Information - Sustainability Report.

• The company also performs materiality analyses 
that help identify matters of significance to its 
Stakeholders, bringing to light particularly sensitive 
financial, environmental or social issues related to the 
business in the various communities and geographic 
areas in which the group operates.

• The contents of this report have been selected by 
taking into account the existing channels for dialogue 
as well as the materiality analyses and the framework 
defined by the IIRC for this kind of information..

This report has been prepared in accordance 
with the reporting framework published by the 
International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC).

• This report has been prepared in accordance with 
the reporting framework published by the 

International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) 
and in accordance with the recommendations 
thereof, taking into consideration the individual and 
consolidated financial statements of the company 
formulated by the Board of Directors, audited and 
pending approval by the shareholders at the General 
Shareholders’ Meeting of Iberdrola.

• A multi-disciplinary team made up of corporate 
businesses and areas of the group was created in 
order to provide a complete view of the company, its 
business model, the challenges and risks it faces, and 
its social, environmental, financial and governance 
performance. The participating organisations 
guarantee the completeness of the information 
included.

• The content of this document has been reviewed by 
the company’s Operating Committee. All operating 
and financial figures, as well as the strategic provisions 
contained therein, were approved by the Board of 
Directors at its meeting held on 19 February 2019, 
after a favourable report from the Sustainable 
Development Committee.

Information boundaries

• The information submitted covers Iberdrola and its 
subsidiaries and affiliates. The information boundaries 
are defined in the group’s consolidated annual 
financial statements and Statement of Non-Financial 
Information - Sustainability Report.

• The group’s performance in recent years has been 
influenced by external corporate transactions, 
which the reader should take into account in order 
to properly interpret this report. These transactions 
and activities are described in the group’s public 
information, the following being particularly 
noteworthy:

– The integration of UIL Holdings Corporation into 
Iberdrola USA (December 2015), which is now called 
Avangrid, a company listed on the New York Stock 
Exchange and the country subholding company of 
the group in the United States.

– The inclusion of Neoenergia within all of the 
businesses of the Iberdrola group held in Brazil 
through Elektro Holding, which became effective 
on 24 August 2017. As a result of this transaction, the 
Iberdrola group’s interest in Neoenergia increased 
from 39% to 52%.

/  Integrated Report 2019 

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About this Report  /  95

in this report are subject to the warnings provided 
and are based on information available as of the date 
of approval hereof. Except as required by applicable 
law, Iberdrola does not undertake any obligation to 
publicly update its forward-looking statements or to 
revise any forward-looking information, even if new 
data are published or new events occur.

Internal and external verification

• This report has been subject to a process of internal 
verification, by means of a limited review performed 
by the Management of the Internal Audit Division of 
Iberdrola.

• Although it has not been subject to a process of 
independent external verification, a significant 
portion of the information contained herein relating 
to financial year 2018 and to previous years comes 
from annual financial reports and sustainability 
reports, all of which have been the subject of an 
external audit or verification for which the respective 
certificates are available. The remaining information 
comes mainly from other reports or public 
presentations made by the company.

Legal disclaimer with respect to forward-looking 
statements

• This document contains information and forward-
looking statements regarding Iberdrola and its 
affiliates. Such statements include projections 
and estimates and their underlying assumptions, 
statements regarding plans, objectives and 
expectations with respect to future transactions, 
investments, synergies, products and services, 
and statements regarding future performance. 
Forward-looking statements are not historical facts 
and are generally identified by the words “expects”, 
“anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “estimates” and 
similar expressions.

• In this regard, although Iberdrola believes that 
the expectations reflected in such statements are 
reasonable, investors and holders of Iberdrola shares 
are cautioned that forward-looking information and 
statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, 
many of which are difficult to predict and generally 
beyond the control of Iberdrola, which risks could 
cause actual results and developments to differ 
materially from those expressed in, or implied or 
projected by, the forward-looking information and 
statements. These risks and uncertainties include 
those identified in the documents sent by Iberdrola 
to the National Securities Market Commission 
(Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores) and 
which are accessible to the public.

• Forward-looking statements speak only as of the 
date on which they were made, are not guarantees 
of future performance and have not been reviewed 
by the auditors of Iberdrola. You are cautioned not 
to place undue reliance on the forward-looking 
statements. All forward-looking statements reflected 

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Integrated Report 2019  /

96  /  About this Report

Glossary of terms and abbreviations

Term

Definition

Term

Definition

ACE

Affordable Clean Energy. Page 47 

IIRC

International Integrated Reporting Council. Page 4, 
61, 93, 94.

ACGR

Annual Compound Growth Rate. Page 42.

LBG

London Benchmarking Group. Page 34, 74.

ANEEL

Agência Nacional de Energia Elétrica. (National 
Electrical Energy Agency). Page 49, 50, 64.

NECEC

New England Clean Energy Connect. Page 17, 39, 
50, 64.

CDE

Cuenta de Desarrollo Energético (Energy 
Development Account). Page 47

NYSEG

New York State Electric and Gas Corporation. 
Page 49.

CEF

Corporate Environmental Footprint.Page 70

Ofgem

CEO 

Chief Executive Officer. Page 2, 3, 35, 43, 78, 79

PIEC

Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (UK). Page 46, 
49, 51, 53, 54, 64. 

Plan Integrado de Energía y Clima (Integrated 
Energy and Climate Plan). Page 46.

CFE

CNMV

COSO

Comisión Federal de Electricidad (Federal 
Electricity Commission). Page 47, 88.

PPA

Power Purchase Agreement. Page 88.

Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores 
(National Securities Market Commission). Page 80.

RAB

Regulated Asset Base. Page 49.

Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the 
Treadway (Internal Control System). Page 84. 

RG&E

Rochester Gas and Electric. Page 49.

CPP

Clean Power Plan. Page 47.

EBITDA

Earnings Before Interests, Taxes, Depreciations 
and Amortizations. Page 9, 10, 29, 41, 42, 51, 55, 59, 
62, 63.

RIIO-D1

Revenue=Incentives + Innovation +
+Outputs. Distribution 1. Page 49.

RIIO-T1

Revenue=Incentives + Innovation +
+Outputs. Transmission 1. Page 49.

EPA

EPD

Environmental Protection Agency. Page 47.

ROE

Return on equity. Page 10, 49.

Environmental Project Declaration. 
Page 70.

RSPB

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Scotland.. 
Page 74.

ERM

Entreprise Risk Management. Page 86, 87.

SBTi

Science Based Targets Page 27.

EU

European Union. Page 26, 46, 53, 63, 84

SDGs

Sustainable Development Goals of the United 
Nations. Page 2, 3, 33, 34, 35, 68, 70, 74, 78, 80, 83, 90.

FFO

GDP

Funds from operations. Page 10, 34, 41.

SP

ScottishPower. Page 49, 50.

Gross Domestic Product. Page 3, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 
34, 35, 38.

SPD 

ScottishPower Distribution. Page 49.

GHG

Greenhouse gases. Pages 35, 47, 70.

SPM

ScottishPower Manweb. Page 49.

GRI

Global Reporting Initiative. Page 4.

TCFD

Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures. 
Page 27, 34.

HVDC

High Voltage Direct Current. Page 64.

WACC 

Weighted average cost of capital. Page 49, 57.

ICFRS

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting System. 
Page 84, 85

/  Integrated Report 2019 

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About this Report  /  97

Integrated Report, February 2019

Publisher: IBERDROLA, S.A. 
Spain

© 2019 IBERDROLA, S.A. All rights reserved. For purposes 
of section 32 of the restated text of the Intellectual Property 
Act approved by Royal Legislative Decree 1/1996 of 12 April, 
IBERDROLA, S.A. expressly objects to any commercial use 
of this publication without its express approval, particularly 
including any reproduction, modification, registration, copy, 
exploitation, distribution, communication, transmission, 
delivery, re-use, publication, processing or any other total or 
partial use of this publication in any way, means or format.

Except as allowed by law, any form of reproduction, 
distribution, public communication or transformation 
of this work may only be performed with the approval of 
IBERDROLA, S.A.

www.iberdrola.com 
www.iberdrola.com 

Integrated Report 2019  /