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Northland Power

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FY2020 Annual Report · Northland Power
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T h e   P o w e r   o f   C o n n e c t i o n .

 Annual 
Report 

2 0 2 0

The Power of Connection.

La Lucha Solar 

installation to begin 

full operation in 2021

Table of Contents

3 

10 

51 

52 

58 

59 

60 

61 

63 

64 

Letter to Shareholders

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

Management’s Responsibility

Independent Auditors’ Report

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

105 

Corporate Information

Northland Power is an independent power 

producer. We develop, build, own and 

operate sustainable infrastructure assets 

that produce electricity from clean burning 

natural gas and renewable resources such 

as wind, solar and biomass. Our goal is 

to be a leading supplier of clean, green 

energy while providing a sustainable and 

prosperous future for all stakeholders. We 

aim to increase shareholder value by creating 

high‑quality projects underpinned by revenue 

contracts that deliver predictable cash flows.

3

Let ter  to  Shareholder s

Dear fellow shareholders,

We hope this letter finds you in good health. It’s impossible to summarize 

2020 without starting with the COVID pandemic.  

In response to the pandemic, we convened our crisis response team and 

activated our crisis response plans at all of our sites and offices around 

the world.  

We curtailed business travel and ensured that anyone who was not required on site to operate 

our facilities worked from home, supported by frequent virtual town halls, training sessions and 

interactive activities to ensure they felt connected and supported.

As an essential service, our facilities and job sites remained fully functional during the pandemic, 

and we implemented a number of measures to ensure a safe working environment while keeping 

our facilities operational.

We would like to acknowledge and thank our employees whose professionalism and commitment 

to  our  business  has  been  exceptional  during  these  challenging  times.  We  know  that,  as  an 

essential  service,  we  have  a  responsibility  to  ensure  that  we  continue  to  produce  and  provide 

energy under the most difficult circumstances. Our teams stepped up to ensure that our facilities 

continued  to  operate  safely  and  with  high  level  of  availability,  delivering  the  energy  and  power 

that our customers need. 

Despite  this  challenging  environment,  2020  was  another  positive  year  for  Northland.  We  are 

proud  to  have  been  able  to  grow  our  team  and  our  business  –  and  support  our  communities 

during a time of so much uncertainty.

We achieved strong performance across our operations, increased our global footprint through 

additional  development  projects  in  Asia,  Europe  and  the  United  States,  and  positioned  the 

company to embark on its next growth chapter. We grew our adjusted EBITDA to a record $1.17 

billion, a gain of 19% from 2019. Our free cash flow per share, at $ 1.73 per share, saw a modest 

decline of 2% from 2019. 

(continued on page 4)

The Power of Connection.Northland Power Inc.Annual Report 20204

Le t ter to Shareholder s (Cont ’d)

We also achieved some significant milestones in 2020. 

Offshore Wind

•  EBSA:  we  closed  the  acquisition  in  early  January  and  

Offshore  wind  is  projected  to  grow  faster  than  solar  or 

began  the  process  of 

incorporating  EBSA 

into  the  

onshore wind in the coming decade as new markets for such 

Northland family. 

•  Deutsche  Bucht:  In  late  March,  we  marked  the  official 

end  of  construction  and  start  of  operations,  making  it 

Northland’s third offshore wind project in operations. 

•  La  Lucha:  In  the  face  of  challenges  from  the  pandemic, 

construction  continued  at  our  solar  project  in  Mexico; 

while  COVID  delayed  the  project’s  original  completion 

timeline, the project is on firm track to achieve commercial 

operations in the first half of 2021. 

•  New  York  Wind:  Our  portfolio  of  development  projects 

grew  with  the  acquisition  of  three  onshore  wind  project 

in  New  York  State.  With  a  combined  operating  capacity 

of  approximately  300  megawatts  (MW),  these  projects 

represent  our  first  investment  into  the  United  States 

as  part  of  our  objective  of  securing  1.0  gigawatt  (GW)  of 

projects open up around the world. We consider our offshore 

wind capabilities and talent to be key assets both in developing 

new  projects  and  in  securing  new  partnerships  such  as  the 

recently announced partnership with PKN ORLEN. As a global 

developer  with  extensive  expertise  in  developing  offshore 

wind  projects,  Northland  is  strategically  positioned  as  a  top 

ten global offshore wind owner and developer to participate 

in the decarbonization of global electricity grids that will occur 

over  the  next  five  to  ten  years.  With  over  1.2  GW  of  gross 

offshore wind operating capacity and an additional 4-5 GW of 

gross  capacity  of  identified  projects  under  development,  we 

are  growing  our  global  portfolio  and  significantly  increasing 

our  market  share.  In  fact,  once  commercially  operational, 

these  projects  have  the  potential  to  more  than  double  our 

adjusted EBITDA from current levels. 

operating capacity in that country.  

Onshore Renewables      

We continue to be in strong shape financially and are taking 

advantage of our financial position and of the opportunities in 

the marketplace to further enhance our growth opportunities, 

such  as  our  most  recent  announcement,  the  Baltic  Power 

offshore wind project. In late January 2021, we announced the 

acquisition of a 49% interest in the Baltic Power offshore wind 

project located off the coast of Poland in the Baltic Sea with 

productive  capacity  of  up  to  1,200  MW.  The  project  will  be 

developed with our partner PKN ORLEN and provides us the 

opportunity  to  deliver  further  returns  for  our  shareholders 

over the longer term.  

Strategic Focus

Our growth over the past 34 years has enabled us to establish 

ourselves  as  a  pre-eminent  global  player  in  the  renewable 

power sector with assets across three continents. We continue 

to  create  shareholder  value  by  leveraging  our  expertise 

and  early  mover  advantage  to  secure,  develop  and  operate 

high-quality,  sustainable  projects  supported  by  long-term 

revenue contracts that deliver predictable cash flows.

We  are  also  targeting  new  opportunities 

in  onshore 

renewables, utilities and transmission as well as establishing 

a  position  in  renewable  fuels  and  energy  storage.  Our 

development  teams  continue  to  source  opportunities  in 

new  technologies  and  new  jurisdictions  that  are  seeking 

increased energy independence, reductions in CO2 emissions 

and  overall  sustainability.  These  activities  are  a  natural 

complement  to  our  offshore  wind  development,  as  they  can 

achieve commercial operations within a shorter time period, 

thus  providing  the  cash  flows  to  helps  the  development  of 

larger offshore wind projects. 

(continued on page 6)

The Power of Connection.Northland Power Inc.Annual Report 20201.2Billion

2020 Adjusted EBITDA

6

Le t ter to Shareholder s (Cont ’d)

ESG and Sustainability  

We  have  been  owner/operators  of  renewable  infrastructure 

assets for 34 years and are committed to creating renewable 

and clean energy projects that have a lasting, positive impact 

on  our  communities.  Sustainability  is  embedded  in  our 

investing and operating activities and is essential to our ability 

to  safely  and  reliably  deliver  the  energy  people  need  while 

delivering  long-term  economic  value  to  our  shareholders. 

Our  commitment  to  community  includes  engaging  with 

We  recognize  that  COVID  has  impacted  the  most  vulnerable 

members  of  our  communities  and  we  were  fortunate  to  be 

in a position to be able to give back. We donated more than 

$750,000  to  organizations  around  the  globe  that  are  doing 

on-the-ground  service  and  health  care  provision  in  local 

communities  wherever  we  have  an  office,  facility  or  project. 

These funds went towards social service agencies, community 

food banks, support for frontline health workers in the local 

community.

our  communities  and  partners  early  and  often  throughout 

In  2021,  we  will  advance  our  Environment,  Social  and 

the  development  and  operation  of  our  assets  and  creating 

Governance  (ESG) 

initiatives  by  further 

integrating  ESG 

partnerships  with  local  communities  and  Indigenous  groups 

into  everyday  activities,  while  enhancing  our  reporting  on  

where  appropriate.  We  work  to  create  opportunities  for  the 

material  ESG 

issues 

for  stakeholders.  These  activities 

communities  in  which  we  operate  and  support  these  same 

align  with  Northland’s  ESG  mission  of  helping  develop  a  

communities during times of need.

carbon-free world. 

We recognize that COVID impac ted 

the most vulnerable members 

of our communities and we were 

for tunate to be in a position 

to be able to give back. We 

donated more than $750,0 0 0 to 

organizations around the globe 

that are doing on ‑the ‑ ground 

ser vice and health care provision 

The Power of Connection.Northland Power Inc.Annual Report 20207

Hai Long beach 

clean up

Acknowledgments

We also want to acknowledge an end of an era at Northland. 

James  C.  Temerty  C.M.,  who  Co-Founded  Northland 

in 

1987,  retired  from  Northland’s  Board  of  Directors  at  the 

end  of  January,  after  a  very  successful  34-years  with  the 

Company.  Mr.  Temerty’s  vision  and  entrepreneurial  drive 

were 

instrumental 

in  creating  and  shaping  Northland’s 

foundation and direction, leading to the Company becoming a 

pre-eminent global player in the renewable power sector. We 

wish him and his wife, Louise, who has also been a mainstay 

of the Company, good health and great happiness.

On  a  final  note,  on  behalf  of  our  employees  and  directors, 

we  would  like  to  express  our  sincerest  appreciation  to  our 

shareholders for the confidence you continue to demonstrate 

while  we  pursue  our  growth  objectives.  Thank  you  for  your 

continued  support  and  we  look  forward  to  updating  you  on 

our progress in 2021. 

John Brace
Director and  
Chair of the Board 

Mike Crawley
President and  
Chief Executive Officer

The Power of Connection.Northland Power Inc.Annual Report 20208

Nor thland ’s   
Global  Footprint

Facility and   
Office Types

W ind: Onshore and O f f shore

W ind: Under Cons tr uc tion and 

Ad vanced Development

Elec tr icit y Dis tr ibution U tilit y

Solar

Solar : Under Cons tr uc tion

T her mal

Cor porate O f f ices

Development O f f ices

The Power of Connection.Northland Power Inc.Annual Report 20209

4-5GW

of incremental renewable  
energy capacity by 2030

The Power of Connection.Northland Power Inc.Annual Report 2020Management’s	Discussion	and	Analysis																			

of	Northland	Power’s	Financial	Position	and	Operating	Results

Table	of	Contents	

SECTION	1:	OVERVIEW	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	 11

SECTION	2:	STRATEGY	AND	KEY	FACTORS	SUPPORTING	SUSTAINABLE	PERFORMANCE	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	 13

SECTION	3:	NORTHLAND’S	OPERATING	FACILITIES	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	

15

SECTION	4:	CONSOLIDATED	HIGHLIGHTS	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	 16

4.1:	Significant	Events	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	. 16

4.2:	Operating	Highlights	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	 19

SECTION	5:	RESULTS	OF	OPERATIONS	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	. 20

5.1:	Operating	Results	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	 20

5.2:	General	and	Administrative	Costs		.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	. 25

5.3:	Growth	Expenditures	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	 26

5.4:	Consolidated	Results	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	. 27

5.5:	Adjusted	EBITDA	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	 29

5.6:	Free	Cash	Flow	and	Adjusted	Free	Cash	Flow	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	. 31

SECTION	6:	CHANGES	IN	FINANCIAL	POSITION	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	. 34

SECTION	7:	EQUITY,	LIQUIDITY	AND	CAPITAL	RESOURCES	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	 35

SECTION	8:	SUMMARY	OF	QUARTERLY	CONSOLIDATED	RESULTS	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	 41

SECTION	9:	CONSTRUCTION,	DEVELOPMENT	AND	ACQUISITION	ACTIVITIES	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	 41

SECTION	10:	OUTLOOK	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	 43

SECTION	11:	LITIGATION,	CLAIMS	AND	CONTINGENCIES	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	

44

SECTION	12:	SUSTAINABILITY	AND	CLIMATE	CHANGE	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	. 45

SECTION	13:	FINANCIAL	RISKS	AND	UNCERTAINTIES	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	. 47

SECTION	14:	CRITICAL	ACCOUNTING	ESTIMATES	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	 49

SECTION	15:	FUTURE	ACCOUNTING	POLICIES	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	. 49

SECTION	16:	CONTROLS	AND	PROCEDURES	OVER	FINANCIAL	REPORTING	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	. 50

10

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

SECTION	1:	OVERVIEW

Introduction

The	purpose	of	this	Management’s	Discussion	and	Analysis	(“MD&A”)	is	to	explain	the	financial	results	of	Northland	Power	
Inc.	(“Northland”	or	the	“Company”)	and	to	assist	the	reader	in	understanding	the	nature	and	importance	of	changes	and	
trends	as	well	as	the	risks	and	uncertainties	that	may	affect	the	operating	results	and	financial	position	of	the	Company.	
This	MD&A	should	be	read	in	conjunction	with	Northland’s	audited	consolidated	financial	statements	for	the	years	ended	
December	 31,	 2020	 and	 2019	 and	 Northland’s	 most	 recent	 Annual	 Information	 Form	 (“2020	 AIF”).	 This	 information	 is	
available	on	SEDAR	at	www.sedar.com	and	on	Northland’s	website	at	northlandpower.com.	

This	 MD&A,	 dated	 February	 22,	 2021,	 compares	 Northland’s	 financial	 results	 and	 financial	 position	 for	 the	 year	 ended	
December	 31,	 2020,	 with	 those	 for	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2019.	 Certain	 prior	 period	 disclosures	 have	 been	
reclassified	 for	 consistency	 with	 the	 current	 period	 presentation.	 Northland’s	 Audit	 Committee	 reviewed	 this	 MD&A	 and	
the	associated	audited	consolidated	financial	statements	and	notes,	and	its	Board	of	Directors	approved	these	documents	
prior	to	their	release.	

All	dollar	amounts	set	out	herein	are	in	thousands	of	Canadian	dollars,	unless	otherwise	stated.

Forward-Looking	Statements

This	MD&A	contains	forward-looking	statements	that	are	based	on	certain	estimates	and	assumptions	that	were	considered	
reasonable	 on	 February	 22,	 2021;	 actual	 results	 may	 differ	 materially.	 Forward-looking	 statements	 are	 provided	 for	 the	
purpose	of	presenting	 information	 about	 management’s	 current	expectations	and	plans.	 Readers	are	cautioned	that	such	
statements	 may	 not	 be	 appropriate	 for	 other	 purposes.	 Northland’s	 actual	 results	 could	 differ	 materially	 from	 those	
expressed	 in,	 or	 implied	 by,	 these	 forward-looking	 statements	 and,	 accordingly,	 the	 events	 anticipated	 by	 the	 forward-
looking	statements	may	or	may	not	transpire	or	occur.	Forward-looking	statements	are	predictive	in	nature,	depend	upon	or	
refer	 to	 future	 events	 or	 conditions,	 or	 include	 words	 such	 as	 “expects,”	 “anticipates,”	 “plans,”	 “predicts,”	 “believes,”	
“estimates,”	“intends,”	“targets,”	“projects,”	“forecasts”	or	negative	versions	thereof	and	other	similar	expressions	or	future	
or	conditional	verbs	such	as	“may,”	“will,”	“should,”	“would”	and	“could.”	These	statements	may	include,	without	limitation,	
statements	 regarding	 future	 Adjusted	 EBITDA,	 Free	 Cash	 Flow,	 dividend	 payments	 and	 dividend	 payout	 ratios;	 the	
construction,	completion,	attainment	of	commercial	operations,	cost	and	output	of	development	projects;	litigation	claims;	
plans	 for	 raising	 capital;	 and	 the	 future	 operations,	 business,	 financial	 condition,	 financial	 results,	 priorities,	 ongoing	
objectives,	 strategies	 and	 outlook	 of	 Northland	 and	 its	 subsidiaries.	 These	 statements	 are	 based	 upon	 certain	 material	
factors	or	assumptions	that	were	applied	in	developing	the	forward-looking	statements,	including	the	design	specifications	
of	development	projects,	the	provisions	of	contracts	to	which	Northland	or	a	subsidiary	is	a	party,	management’s	current	
plans	and	its	perception	of	historical	trends,	current	conditions	and	expected	future	developments,	as	well	as	other	factors	
that	 are	 believed	 to	 be	 appropriate	 in	 the	 circumstances.	 Forward-looking	 statements	 are	 subject	 to	 numerous	 risks	 and	
uncertainties,	 which	 include,	 but	 are	 not	 limited	 to,	 revenue	 contracts,	 impact	 of	 COVID-19	 pandemic,	 counterparty	 risks,	
contractual	 operating	 performance,	 variability	 of	 revenue	 from	 generating	 facilities	 powered	 by	 intermittent	 renewable	
resources,	offshore	wind	concentration,	natural	gas	and	power	market	risks,	operational	risks,	recovery	of	utility	operating	
costs,	permitting,	construction	risks,	project	development	risks,	acquisition	risks,	financing	risks,	interest	rate	and	refinancing	
risks,	 liquidity	 risk,	 credit	 rating	 risk,	 currency	 fluctuation	 risk,	 variability	 of	 cash	 flow	 and	 potential	 impact	 on	 dividends,	
taxation,	 natural	 events,	 environmental	 risks,	 health	 and	 worker	 safety	 risks,	 market	 compliance	 risk,	 government	
regulations	and	policy	risks,	utility	rate	regulation	risks,	international	activities,	reliance	on	information	technology,	labour	
relations,	 reputational	 risk,	 insurance	 risk,	 risks	 relating	 to	 co-ownership,	 bribery	 and	 corruption	 risk,	 legal	 contingencies,	
and	 the	 other	 factors	 described	 in	 this	 MD&A	 and	 the	 2020	 AIF.	 Other	 than	 as	 specifically	 required	 by	 law,	 Northland	
undertakes	no	obligation	to	update	any	forward-looking	statements	to	reflect	events	or	circumstances	after	such	date	or	to	
reflect	the	occurrence	of	unanticipated	events,	whether	as	a	result	of	new	information,	future	events	or	results,	or	otherwise.	

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Non-IFRS	Financial	Measures

This	 MD&A	 includes	 references	 to	 the	 Company’s	 adjusted	 earnings	 before	 interest,	 income	 taxes,	 depreciation	 and	
amortization	 (“Adjusted	 EBITDA”),	 Free	 Cash	 Flow,	 Adjusted	 Free	 Cash	 flow	 and	 applicable	 payout	 ratios	 and	 per	 share	
amounts,	 measures	 not	 prescribed	 by	 International	 Financial	 Reporting	 Standards	 (IFRS),	 and	 therefore	 do	 not	 have	 any	
standardized	meaning	under	IFRS	and	may	not	be	comparable	to	similar	measures	presented	by	other	companies.	Non-IFRS	
financial	measures	are	presented	at	Northland’s	share	of	underlying	operations.	These	measures	should	not	be	considered	
alternatives	to	net	income	(loss),	cash	flow	from	operating	activities	or	other	measures	of	financial	performance	calculated	
in	accordance	with	IFRS.	Rather,	these	measures	are	provided	to	complement	IFRS	measures	in	the	analysis	of	Northland’s	
results	of	operations	from	management’s	perspective.	Management	believes	that	Northland’s	non-IFRS	financial	measures	
and	 applicable	 payout	 ratio	 and	 per	 share	 amounts	 are	 widely	 accepted	 and	 understood	 financial	 indicators	 used	 by	
investors	 and	 securities	 analysts	 to	 assess	 the	 performance	 of	 a	 company,	 including	 its	 ability	 to	 generate	 cash	 through	
operations.	 For	 reconciliations	 of	 these	 non-IFRS	 financial	 measures	 to	 their	 nearest	 IFRS	 measure,	 refer	 to	 SECTION	 5.5:	
Adjusted	EBITDA	for	a	reconciliation	of	consolidated	net	income	(loss)	under	IFRS	to	reported	Adjusted	EBITDA	and	SECTION	
5.6:	Free	Cash	Flow	and	Adjusted	Free	Cash	Flow	for	a	reconciliation	of	cash	provided	by	operating	activities	under	IFRS	to	
reported	Free	Cash	Flow	and	Adjusted	Free	Cash	Flow.

Adjusted	EBITDA

Adjusted	 EBITDA	 represents	 core	 operating	 performance	 of	 the	 business	 excluding	 leverage,	 income	 tax	 and	 non-core	
accounting	 items.	 Adjusted	 EBITDA	 is	 calculated	 as	 Northland’s	 share	 of	 net	 income	 (loss)	 adjusted	 for	 the	 provision	 for	
(recovery	of)	income	taxes;	depreciation	of	property,	plant	and	equipment;	amortization	of	contracts	and	other	intangible	
assets;	 net	 finance	 costs;	 interest	 income	 from	 Gemini;	 fair	 value	 (gain)	 loss	 on	 derivative	 contracts;	 unrealized	 foreign	
exchange	(gain)	loss;	(gain)	loss	on	sale	of	development	assets;	equity	accounting;	costs	attributable	to	an	asset	or	business	
acquisition	and	other	adjustments	as	appropriate,	such	as	management	and	incentive	fees	earned	by	Northland	from	non-
wholly	 owned	 assets.	 For	 clarity,	 Northland’s	 Adjusted	 EBITDA	 reflects	 a	 reduction	 for	 its	 share	 of	 general	 and	
administrative	costs	during	development	and	construction	that	do	not	qualify	for	capitalization.	

Management	believes	Adjusted	EBITDA	is	a	meaningful	measure	of	Northland’s	operating	performance	because	it	excludes	
certain	 items	 included	 in	 the	 calculation	 of	 net	 income	 (loss)	 that	 may	 not	 be	 appropriate	 determinants	 of	 long-term	
operating	performance.

Free	Cash	Flow

Free	 Cash	 flow	 represents	 the	 cash	 generated	 from	 the	 business	 that	 management	 believes	 is	 representative	 of	 cash	
available	to	pay	dividends,	while	preserving	the	long-term	value	of	the	business.	Free	Cash	Flow	is	calculated	as	Northland’s	
share	 of	 cash	 provided	 by	 operating	 activities	 adjusted	 for	 short-term	 changes	 in	 operating	 working	 capital;	 non-
expansionary	 capital	 expenditures;	
incurred	 on	 outstanding	 debt;	 scheduled	 principal	 repayments	 and	
upfinancings;	 major	 maintenance	 and	 debt	 reserves;	 interest	 income	 from	 Northland’s	 subordinated	 loan	 to	 Gemini;	
proceeds	 from	 government	 grants;	 preferred	 share	 dividends;	 net	 proceeds	 from	 sale	 of	 development	 assets;	 and	 other	
adjustments	as	appropriate,	including,	but	not	limited	to,	lease	payments.	Free	Cash	Flow	excludes	pre-completion	revenue	
required	to	service	debt	and	related	operating	costs	for	projects	under	construction	and	excludes	costs	attributable	to	an	
asset	or	business	acquisition.	

interest	

For	clarity,	Northland’s	Free	Cash	Flow	reflects	a	reduction	for	expenditures	on	development	activities	until	an	advanced	
project	 qualifies	 for	 capitalization	 under	 IFRS.	 Free	 cash	 flow	 for	 EBSA	 includes	 proceeds	 from	 ongoing	 planned	 debt	
upsizing	in	excess	of	expansionary	capital	expenditures.	Where	Northland	controls	the	distribution	policy	of	its	investments,	
Free	Cash	Flow	reflects	Northland’s	share	of	the	investment’s	underlying	Free	Cash	Flow,	otherwise,	Northland	includes	the	
cash	distributions	received	from	the	investment.	Free	Cash	Flow	from	foreign	operations	is	translated	to	Canadian	dollars	at	
the	exchange	rate	Northland	realizes	on	cash	distributions.

Management	believes	Free	Cash	Flow	is	a	meaningful	measure	of	Northland’s	ability	to	generate	cash	flow,	after	on-going	
obligations,	to	fund	dividend	payments.	

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| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

Adjusted	Free	Cash	Flow	(Free	Cash	Flow	excluding	growth	expenditures)

Commencing	with	the	2020	Annual	Report,	Northland	is	introducing	Adjusted	Free	Cash	Flow,	a	new	supplementary	non-
IFRS	Free	Cash	Flow	measure,	and	associated	per	share	amounts	and	payout	ratios.	Adjusted	Free	Cash	Flow	is	calculated	by	
excluding	 growth-related	 expenditures	 from	 Free	 Cash	 Flow.	 Management	 believes	 this	 measure	 provides	 a	 relevant	
presentation	of	cash	flow	generated	from	the	business	before	investment-related	decisions	(refer	to	SECTION	5.3:	Growth	
Expenditures	 for	 additional	 information).	 Management	 believes	 Adjusted	 Free	 Cash	 Flow	 is	 a	 meaningful	 measure	 of	
Northland’s	ability	to	generate	cash	flow,	after	on-going	obligations,	to	reinvest	in	growth	and	fund	dividend	payments.	

The	Free	Cash	Flow	and	adjusted	payout	ratios,	calculated	using	Free	Cash	Flow	and	Adjusted	Free	Cash	Flow,	respectively,	
demonstrate	the	proportion	of	the	respective	measure	paid	as	dividends,	whether	in	cash,	or	in	shares	under	Northland’s	
dividend	reinvestment	plan	(DRIP).	The	net	payout	ratios	indicate	the	proportion	of	Free	Cash	Flow	paid	as	cash	dividends.	
The	payout	ratios	generally	reflect	Northland’s	ability	to	fund	growth-related	expenditures	and	sustain	dividends.

SECTION	2:	STRATEGY	AND	KEY	FACTORS	SUPPORTING	SUSTAINABLE	
PERFORMANCE	

Business	Objective

Northland’s	 primary	 objective	 is	 to	 provide	 its	 shareholders	 with	 sustainable	 dividends	 and	 share	 value	 growth	 from	 the	
successful	 management	 of	 its	 assets,	 businesses	 and	 investments	 related	 to	 the	 production,	 delivery	 and	 sale	 of	 energy-
related	products.	

Vision

Northland’s	vision	is	to	be	a	top	clean	and	green	developer,	owner,	constructor	and	operator	of	sustainable	infrastructure	
assets,	inspiring	its	people	to	achieve	a	sustainable	and	prosperous	future	for	all	of	its	stakeholders.

Business	Strategy

Northland’s	 business	 strategy	 is	 centered	 on	 establishing	 a	 significant	 global	 presence	 as	 a	 sustainable	 power	 provider.	
Northland	aims	to	increase	shareholder	value	by	leveraging	its	expertise	and	early	mover	advantage	in	relevant	markets	to	
create	and	operate	high-quality,	sustainable	projects	supported	by	revenue	contracts	that	deliver	predictable	cash	flows.	
Northland	 leverages	 its	 operational	 knowledge	 and	 the	 application	 of	 appropriate	 technology	 to	 enhance	 operational	
performance,	 with	 the	 goal	 of	 reducing	 the	 impact	 of	 energy	 usage	 on	 the	 environment.	 Northland	 aims	 to	 inspire	 its	
people	to	achieve	excellence	by	embracing	and	living	Northland’s	values	on	a	daily	basis.	

To	successfully	execute	its	strategy,	Northland	must	excel	in	each	of	the	following	strategic	objectives:	

(i)	Winning	Business	

The	 global	 shift	 to	 renewable	 energy	 is	 creating	 opportunities	 based	 on	 favourable	 government	 policies	 aimed	 at	
sustainability,	 energy	 security	 and	 reducing	 greenhouse	 gas	 emissions.	 Northland	 is	 well	 positioned	 through	 its	 regional	
development	offices	to	capture	development	opportunities	that	should	help	facilitate	the	global	advancement	of	renewable	
energy	targets.	Northland	develops,	constructs,	and	operates	sustainable	infrastructure	projects	across	a	range	of	clean	and	
green	 technologies,	 such	 as	 wind	 (offshore	 and	 onshore),	 solar	 as	 well	 as	 supplying	 energy	 through	 a	 regulated	 utility.	
Northland	is	focused	on	pursuing	renewable	growth	opportunities	in	jurisdictions	that	meet	Northland’s	risk	management	
criteria	such	as	North	America,	Europe,	Latin	America	and	Asia.	Northland	manages	its	development	processes	prudently	by	
regularly	balancing	the	probability	of	success	against	associated	costs	and	risks.

(ii)	Building	Facilities	

Northland	 aims	 to	 increase	 shareholder	 value	 by	 creating	 high-quality	 projects	 designed	 for	 the	 intended	 purpose	 of	
earning	income	from	revenue	contracts.	Northland	exercises	judgment,	discipline	and	acumen	in	its	construction	activities	
to	 ensure	 maximum	 success.	 Northland’s	 successful	 record	 of	 project	 execution	 results	 from	 these	 core	 strengths	 and	
contributes	to	consistent	investor	returns.

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(iii)	Operating	Facilities	

A	core	element	of	Northland’s	strategy	is	the	optimization	of	revenues	and	predetermined	costs	through	revenue	contracts	
with	creditworthy	counterparties.	For	renewable	power	generation	facilities,	Northland	does	not	incur	an	associated	cost	of	
sales,	 and	 generally	 enters	 into	 long-term	 operating	 and	 maintenance	 (O&M)	 contracts	 with	 leading	 service	 providers	 at	
predetermined	 rates.	 For	 the	 efficient	 natural	 gas	 generation	 facilities,	 the	 key	 terms	 of	 operating	 facilities’	 long-term	
power	 purchase	 agreements	 (PPA)	 and	 fuel	 supply	 contracts	 are	 aligned	 such	 that	 revenues	 and	 cost	 escalations	 are	
substantially	linked	for	each	facility.	Northland’s	utility	asset	operates	under	a	regulatory	framework	with	the	vast	majority	
of	 revenue	 derived	 from	 its	 regulated	 methodology,	 which	 provides	 its	 with	 substantially	 fixed	 remuneration	 and	 pass-
through	 of	 major	 costs	 to	 customers.	 This	 approach	 provides	 largely	 predictable	 operating	 income	 and	 cash	 flow,	 while	
ensuring	ongoing	environmental	sustainability	and	the	health	and	safety	of	stakeholders.	

Northland’s	 management	 attempts	 to	 maximize	 sustainable	 returns	 through	 a	 focus	 on	 efficient	 and	 effective	 facility	
operations;	 longer-term	 asset	 management;	 and	 structuring	 sales	 supply	 and	 maintenance	 agreements	 to	 maximize	
revenues,	while	carefully	managing	risk.	Opportunities	to	maximize	returns	beyond	the	contract	terms	are	routinely	sought	
and	achieved.	

With	 a	 commitment	 to	 continuous	 improvement,	 Northland’s	 operations	 group	 shares	 its	 experiences	 with	 the	
development,	engineering	and	construction	groups	on	an	ongoing	basis,	to	ensure	all	knowledge	gained	is	factored	into	the	
development	and	construction	of	any	new	projects	Northland	undertakes.	

(iv)	Organizational	Effectiveness	

Underpinning	Northland’s	strategy	is	a	focus	on	strong	management	of	key	corporate	functions	such	as:	human	resources	
and	 talent	 management;	 construction;	 health	 and	 safety;	 finance	 and	 accounting;	 management	 information	 systems	 and	
communications.	Management	recognizes	that	a	commitment	to	organizational	effectiveness	is	an	essential	component	of	
Northland’s	long-term	success	and	continued	growth.	

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| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

SECTION	3:	NORTHLAND’S	OPERATING	FACILITIES

As	of	December	31,	2020,	Northland	owns	or	has	a	net	economic	interest	in	2,266	megawatts	(MW)	of	power-producing	
facilities	 with	 a	 total	 operating	 capacity	 of	 approximately	 2,681	 MW.	 Northland’s	 power-producing	 facilities	 produce	
electricity	 from	 clean	 energy	 sources	 for	 sale	 primarily	 under	 long-term	 PPAs	 or	 other	 revenue	 arrangements	 with	
creditworthy	 customers.	 Northland’s	 utility	 is	 a	 distributor	 and	 retailer	 of	 electricity	 compensated	 under	 a	 regulated	
framework.	 Northland’s	 operating	 assets	 provide	 stable	 cash	 flow	 and	 are	 located	 in	 Canada,	 Germany,	 the	 Netherlands	
and	Colombia.	Refer	to	the	2020	AIF	for	additional	information	on	Northland’s	operating	facilities	as	of	December	31,	2020.	

Northland’s	 MD&A	 and	 audited	 consolidated	 financial	 statements	 include	 the	 results	 of	 its	 operating	 facilities,	 the	 most	
significant	of	which	are	presented	below:	

Year	of	Commercial	
Operations	or	
Acquisition

Geographic
region	(1)

Economic
interest	(2)

Gross	
Production	
Capacity	(MW)

Net	
Production	
Capacity	(MW)

Offshore	Wind

Gemini

Nordsee	One

Deutsche	Bucht
Efficient	Natural	Gas

Iroquois	Falls

Kingston
Kirkland	Lake	(3)
North	Battleford

Spy	Hill

Thorold

Onshore	Renewable

Cochrane

Grand	Bend

Jardin

McLean's

Mont	Louis

Solar

Utility

EBSA

Total

2017

2017

2020

1997

1997
1993

2013

2011

2010

2015

2016

2009

2014

2011

2014

2020

The	Netherlands

Germany

Germany

Ontario

Ontario
Ontario

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan

Ontario

Ontario

Ontario

Québec

Ontario

Québec

Ontario

60%

85%

100%

100%

100%
77%

100%

100%

100%

63%

50%

100%

50%

100%

100%

600

332

252

120

110
132

260

86

265

40

100

133

60

101

90

360

282

252

120

110
102

260

86

265

25

50

133

30

101

90

Colombia

99%

n/a
2,681

n/a

2,266

(1)		Operating	efficient	natural	gas	and	onshore	renewable	facilities	are	located	in	Canada.

(2)		As	at	December	31,	2020,	Northland’s	economic	interest	was	unchanged	from	December	31,	2019,	with	the	exception	of	EBSA,	which	Northland	

acquired	on	January	14,	2020.	EBSA’s	results	are	consolidated	in	Northland’s	financial	results	effective	on	the	acquisition	date.

(3)	 Northland	 indirectly	 controls	 100%	 of	 the	 voting	 interest	 of	 Kirkland	 Lake,	 while	 third-parties	 have	 non-voting	 ownership	 interests.	 Northland's	

effective	net	economic	interest	in	Kirkland	Lake	is	approximately	77%.

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

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SECTION	4:	CONSOLIDATED	HIGHLIGHTS

4.1:	Significant	Events	

Significant	events	during	2020	and	through	the	date	of	this	MD&A	are	described	below.	

Business	Update

The	COVID-19	pandemic	(“COVID-19”)	has	had	significant	effects	across	global	economies	and	sectors,	including	reduced	
power	 demand	 within	 the	 renewable	 energy	 sector.	 Each	 of	 Northland’s	 operating	 facilities	 are	 deemed	 to	 be	 essential	
infrastructure	and,	as	such,	operations	have	continued	uninterrupted	to	date.	Accordingly,	management	has	taken	prudent	
and	 comprehensive	 measures	 to	 safeguard	 the	 health	 and	 well-being	 of	 all	 employees,	 contractors	 as	 well	 as	 host	
communities.	 All	 of	 Northland’s	 facilities	 continue	 to	 operate	 as	 expected	 and	 preventative	 measures	 remain	 in	 place	 in	
accordance	 with	 Northland’s	 crisis	 response	 plans	 and	 applicable	 local	 government	 directives.	 Management	 continues	 to	
actively	 monitor	 the	 situation,	 which	 remains	 uncertain,	 and	 may	 take	 further	 actions	 as	 required	 or	 recommended	 by	
authorities.	

While	 the	 vast	 majority	 of	 Northland’s	 revenues	 are	 contracted	 under	 long-term	 agreements	 with	 creditworthy	
counterparties,	 there	 is	 some,	 yet	 limited,	 exposure	 to	 the	 wholesale	 market	 price	 of	 electricity	 at	 the	 offshore	 wind	
facilities.	Refer	to	5.1:	Operating	Results	for	additional	information.	

Management	 believes	 Northland	 continues	 to	 have	 sufficient	 liquidity	 available	 to	 limit	 the	 impact	 of	 COVID-19.	 As	 at	
December	31,	2020,	Northland	had	access	to	$559	million	of	cash	and	liquidity,	comprising	$491	million	of	liquidity	available	
under	a	syndicated	revolving	facility	and	$68	million	of	corporate	cash	on	hand.	Refer	to	SECTION	13:	FINANCIAL	RISKS	AND	
UNCERTAINTIES	for	additional	information	on	risks	associated	with	COVID-19.

Retirement	of	James	C.	Temerty,	C.M.

Effective	 January	 31,	 2021,	 James	 C.	 Temerty	 C.M.	 retired	 from	 Northland’s	 Board	 of	 Directors.	 Mr.	 Temerty	 co-founded	
Northland	in	1987	and	served	as	a	director	of	Northland	since	its	initial	listing	in	the	public	markets	in	1997	and	served	as	
Chair	of	Northland	until	December	2019.	Under	Mr.	Temerty’s	leadership,	Northland	grew	from	a	regional	Canadian	power	
producer	to	a	global	player	in	the	renewable	power	sector	with	assets	across	four	continents.	The	genesis	of	Northland	was	
rooted	 in	 Mr.	 Temerty’s	 vision	 to	 make	 the	 world	 a	 better	 place,	 which	 he	 continues	 to	 achieve	 through	 his	 generous	
philanthropic	activities.

Baltic	Power,	Polish	Offshore	Wind	Project	Acquisition

On	 January	 29,	 2021,	 Northland	 announced	 it	 had	 entered	 into	 an	 agreement	 with	 PKN	 ORLEN	 S.A.	 (“PKN	 ORLEN”)	 to	
acquire	(subject	to	regulatory	approvals	and	customary	closing	conditions)	49%	interest	in	an	offshore	wind	project	in	the	
Baltic	Sea	(“Baltic	Power”).	Baltic	Power	is	a	mid-development	stage	project	located	approximately	23	kilometers	offshore	
from	Poland’s	coast	in	the	Baltic	Sea	with	a	total	capacity	of	up	to	1,200	MW.	The	project,	which	has	secured	its	location	
permit,	 filed	 its	 environmental	 permit	 application	 in	 mid-2020	 and	 signed	 its	 grid	 connection	 agreement,	 will	 allow	
Northland	to	capitalize	on	the	growth	in	renewable	energy	demand	in	a	growing	Central	European	market.	Inclusive	of	the	
purchase	 price,	 Northland	 expects	 to	 invest	 approximately	 PLN	 290	 million	 ($100	 million)	 towards	 the	 Baltic	 Power	
development	in	2021,	including	both	growth	expenditures	and	amounts	expected	to	be	capitalized	on	acquisition.	Closing	is	
expected	in	early	2021.	Refer	to	SECTION	9:	CONSTRUCTION,	DEVELOPMENT	AND	ACQUISITION	ACTIVITIES	for	additional	
information.

New	York	Onshore	Wind	Project	Update

In	 the	 third	 quarter	 of	 2020,	 Northland	 expanded	 its	 North	 American	 portfolio	 with	 its	 entry	 into	 the	 U.S.	 renewables	
market	through	the	closing	of	the	acquisition	of	three	onshore	wind	projects	in	New	York	State	(“NY	Wind”)	with	a	total	
gross	capacity	of	approximately	300	MW.	The	acquisition	of	NY	Wind	is	a	continuation	of	Northland’s	long-standing	strategy	
of	early	entry	into	a	project	and	leveraging	its	experience	and	expertise	in	onshore	wind	to	execute	its	first	investment	into	
the	U.S.	renewable	energy	sector.	The	project	positions	Northland	to	actively	participate	in	the	growing	renewables	market	
in	 New	 York	 State,	 which	 is	 expected	 to	 grow	 by	 26	 GW	 by	 2030.	 As	 a	 result	 of	 the	 achievement	 of	 certain	 milestones,	
Northland	 commenced	 capitalization	 of	 associated	 development	 costs	 in	 the	 fourth	 quarter	 of	 2020	 in	 accordance	 with	
IFRS.	 In	 February	 2021,	 Northland	 received	 contract	 price	 offers	 from	 the	 New	 York	 State	 Energy	 Research	 and	
Development	Authority	(“NYSERDA”)	for	20-year	indexed	renewable	energy	credits	(REC)	offtake	contracts	for	NY	Wind.	

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Preferred	Shares	Series	1	Rate	Reset	

On	 August	 31,	 2020,	 Northland	 announced	 the	 fixed	 quarterly	 dividends	 on	 the	 cumulative	 rate	 reset	 preferred	 shares,	
series	 1	 (“Series	 1	 Preferred	 Shares”)	 will	 be	 payable	 at	 an	 annual	 rate	 of	 3.2%	 ($0.2001	 per	 share	 per	 quarter)	 until	
September	29,	2025.

NP	Energía,	Mexican	Qualified	Supplier	Acquisition

In	the	second	quarter	of	2020,	as	part	of	its	development	strategy	in	Mexico	and	to	facilitate	securing	off-take	agreements	
for	 La	 Lucha,	 Northland	 completed	 the	 acquisition	 of	 NP	 Energía,	 which	 holds	 a	 Qualified	 Supplier	 license	 in	 Mexico.	 NP	
Energía	allows	Northland	a	more	direct	path	to	market	for	Northland’s	generation	projects,	including	La	Lucha.

Northland	Reinstates	the	Treasury	Dividend	Reinvestment	Plan

In	August	2020,	Northland	announced	a	change	to	the	discount	rate	applicable	to	its	DRIP,	whereby	common	shareholders	
may	 elect	 to	 reinvest	 their	 dividends	 in	 common	 shares	 of	 Northland,	 to	 a	 3%	 discount,	 from	 the	 previous	 0%	 discount.	
Additionally,	Northland	elected	to	issue	shares	from	treasury	for	purposes	of	the	DRIP,	but	continues	to	reserve	the	right	to	
source	shares	through	market	purchases.	This	change	was	effective	with	the	dividend	payment	on	September	15,	2020,	to	
shareholders	of	record	on	August	31,	2020.	The	net	result	has	been	a	reinvestment	of	cash	dividends	into	Northland,	thus	
contributing	to	the	funding	of	growth	initiatives.	

EBSA,	Colombian	Regulated	Power	Distribution	Utility	Acquisition

In	 July	 2020,	 Northland	 finalized	 the	 purchase	 price	 for	 its	 acquisition	 of	 a	 99.2%	 interest	 in	 a	 power	 distribution	 utility,	
Empresa	 de	 Energía	 de	 Boyacá	 (“EBSA”),	 in	 Colombia	 for	 a	 total	 purchase	 price	 of	 COP	 2,530	 billion	 ($1,007	 million)	
including	 existing	 debt	 of	 COP	 550	 billion	 ($219	 million)	 (the	 “EBSA	 Acquisition”).	 Pursuant	 to	 the	 share	 purchase	
agreement,	the	purchase	price	had	been	subject	to	post-closing	adjustments	following	a	review	of	the	final	tariff	resolution	
by	the	Colombian	regulator	in	respect	of	EBSA’s	rate	structure.	In	the	fourth	quarter,	EBSA	completed	an	offer	to	minority	
shareholders	to	repurchase	their	shares	of	EBSA,	as	a	result	of	which,	Northland	effectively	now	owns	99.4%	of	EBSA.	Refer	
to	SECTION	9:	CONSTRUCTION,	DEVELOPMENT	AND	ACQUISITION	ACTIVITIES	for	additional	information.

EBSA	Financing

In	June	2020,	Northland	entered	into	a	long-term,	non-recourse	financing	agreement	on	behalf	of	EBSA	for	an	aggregate	
amount	 of	 approximately	 $465	 million	 (“EBSA	 Facility”),	 inclusive	 of	 a	 Canadian	 dollar	 tranche	 and	 a	 Colombian	 peso	
tranche.	The	EBSA	Facility	replaced	an	interim	bridge	credit	facility	previously	in	place	as	well	as	facility-level	borrowings.	
The	EBSA	Facility	is	structured	as	a	$450	million	term	loan	and	a	$15	million	debt	service	reserve	credit	facility,	for	an	initial	
two-year	term,	which	Northland	expects	to	renew	annually	and	generate	additional	proceeds	through	asset	level	financing	
optimizations,	subject	to	market	conditions.	The	EBSA	Facility	has	a	blended	interest	rate	of	5.3%	and	provides	Northland	
with	 the	 ability	 to	 upsize	 EBSA’s	 capital	 structure	 annually	 by	 increasing	 leverage	 commensurate	 with	 growth	 in	 EBSA’s	
operating	results.

North	Battleford	Upsizing	of	Non-Recourse	Debt	

In	 June	 2020,	 Northland	 upsized	 the	 debt	 on	 the	 North	 Battleford	 loan,	 generating	 gross	 proceeds	 of	 $52	 million	 at	 an	
effective	interest	rate	of	2.1%.	The	bond	principal	increased	by	$44	million	to	$577	million.

Additions	to	Northland’s	Executive	Team

In	 November	 2020,	 Northland	 announced	 the	 appointment	 of	 Rachel	 Stephenson	 as	 Chief	 People	 Officer,	 effective	
January	1,	2021.	Ms.	Stephenson	succeeded	Mr.	John	Hannah,	who	will	be	retiring	in	early	2021.	Ms.	Stephenson	will	be	
responsible	 for	 leading	 all	 of	 Northland’s	 human	 resources	 functions	 globally.	 Ms.	 Stephenson	 brings	 to	 Northland	 more	
than	 15	 years	 of	 leadership	 in	 human	 resources,	 including	 extensive	 experience	 leading	 human	 resources	 strategies	 and	
functions	for	national	and	global	organizations	across	multiple	sectors,	and	technologies	covering	North	America,	Europe,	
Asia	and	Latin	America.	

In	June	2020,	Northland	announced	the	appointment	of	Wendy	Franks	as	Executive	Vice	President,	Strategy	and	Investment	
Management,	 effective	 June	 29,	 2020.	 Ms.	 Franks	 brings	 to	 Northland	 more	 than	 15	 years	 of	 leadership	 in	 business	
strategy,	investment	management,	and	making	strategic	investments	in	transformative	growth	opportunities	(both	organic	
and	 M&A	 focused)	 across	 multiple	 technologies	 and	 jurisdictions	 within	 the	 renewable	 energy	 and	 infrastructure	 asset	
sectors.

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17

					
In	March	2020,	Northland	announced	the	appointment	of	Pauline	Alimchandani	as	Chief	Financial	Officer	(CFO),	effective	
April	13,	2020.	Ms.	Alimchandani	succeeded	Mr.	Paul	Bradley,	who	retired	from	Northland	in	May	2020.	Since	2014,	she	
served	as	Executive	Vice	President	and	CFO	at	a	leading	public	Canadian	real	estate	and	development	company	where	she	
was	 responsible	 for	 the	 strategic	 development	 and	 overall	 financial	 management	 of	 the	 business.	 In	 her	 role	 she	 led:	
corporate	finance	and	strategy,	capital	allocation,	risk	management,	debt	and	equity	financings,	project-	and	development	
finance,	financial	reporting,	treasury,	tax	and	investor	relations.	In	addition,	she	also	oversaw	legal,	human	resources	and	
information	technology	teams.	

Base	Shelf	Prospectus	Renewal

In	 June	 2020,	 Northland	 filed	 a	 base	 shelf	 prospectus	 with	 the	 securities	 regulatory	 authorities	 in	 Canada	 to	 replace	
Northland's	expiring	base	shelf	prospectus	dated	May	24,	2018.	The	base	shelf	prospectus	will	enable	Northland	to	offer	an	
aggregate	of	up	to	$1	billion	of	common	shares,	preferred	shares,	warrants,	unsecured	debentures,	subscription	receipts	
and	units	or	any	combination	thereof,	over	a	25-month	period.	

Notice	of	Redemption	of	4.75%	Convertible	Unsecured	Subordinated	Debentures	Series	C

In	May	2020,	Northland	completed	the	early	redemption	of	all	of	its	outstanding	4.75%	extendible	convertible	unsecured	
subordinated	debentures,	Series	C,	due	June	30,	2020	(“2020	Debentures”).	Holders	converted	approximately	$149	million	
of	their	2020	Debentures	into	6.9	million	common	shares	prior	to	the	May	11,	2020	redemption	date.	

Hai	Long	1,044	MW	Offshore	Wind	Development	Project	Update

Northland	 and	 its	 40%	 partner,	 Yushan	 Energy,	 continue	 to	 engage	 with	 the	 Taiwan	 government	 on	 finalization	 of	 the	
project’s	 investments	 into	 the	 local	 supply	 chain,	 though	 COVID-19	 has	 added	 uncertainty	 to	 the	 timing	 of	 development	
milestones.	At	present,	Northland	expects	to	execute	offtake	agreements	for	Hai	Long	2B	and	Hai	Long	3	sub-projects	in	
2021,	though	opportunities	also	exist	to	enter	into	economically	favourable	commercial	PPAs	to	augment	the	economics	of	
the	 sub-projects.	 As	 a	 result	 of	 the	 achievement	 of	 certain	 milestones,	 Northland	 commenced	 capitalization	 of	 Hai	 Long	
development	costs	in	the	third	quarter	in	accordance	with	IFRS.	For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020,	Northland	incurred	
$44	 million	 of	 growth	 expenditures	 related	 to	 Hai	 Long,	 of	 which	 $16	 million	 were	 expensed.	 Refer	 to	 SECTION	 9:	
CONSTRUCTION,	DEVELOPMENT	AND	ACQUISITION	ACTIVITIES	for	additional	information.

Deutsche	Bucht	252	MW	Project	Update

In	March	2020,	Northland	announced	that	the	Deutsche	Bucht	project	achieved	final	completion.	Final	completion	marked	
the	official	end	of	construction,	the	start	of	the	operational	phase	of	the	project	and	the	satisfaction	of	terms	required	by	
project	lenders	to	achieve	term	conversion.

Northland	Corporate	Credit	Rating	Re-affirmed	

In	March	2020,	Standard	&	Poor’s	reaffirmed	Northland’s	corporate	credit	rating	of	BBB	(Stable).	In	addition,	Northland’s	
preferred	share	rating	was	reaffirmed	on	Standard	&	Poor’s	Canada	scale	of	BB+.

Dado	Ocean,	South	Korean	Offshore	Wind	Development	Project	Acquisition

In	February	2020,	Northland	completed	its	acquisition	of	Dado	Ocean	Wind	Farm	Co.	Ltd	(“Dado	Ocean”),	an	offshore	wind	
development	company	based	in	South	Korea	with	access	to	multiple	early-stage	development	sites	off	the	southern	coast.	
Subsequent	 to	 the	 announcement	 of	 the	 acquisition,	 the	 Company	 commenced	 early	 stage	 development	 on	 sites	 in	
proximity	 of	 the	 original	 sites.	 These	 sites	 could	 provide	 the	 opportunity	 to	 increase	 the	 development	 capacity	 of	 up	 to	
1,000	MW	of	offshore	wind.	

18

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| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

4.2:	Operating	Highlights	

The	following	table	presents	key	IFRS	and	non-IFRS	financial	measures	and	operational	results:	

Summary	of	Consolidated	Results

Year	ended	December	31,

FINANCIALS

Sales

Gross	profit

Operating	income

Net	income	(loss)

Adjusted	EBITDA	(a	non-IFRS	measure)

Cash	provided	by	operating	activities

Free	Cash	Flow	(a	non-IFRS	measure)

Adjusted	Free	Cash	Flow	(a	non-IFRS	measure)
Cash	dividends	paid	to	common	and	Class	A	shareholders	(1)
Total	dividends	declared	(2)

Total	assets	(3)
Total	non-current	liabilities	(3)

Per	Share

2020

2019

2018

$	

2,060,627	 $	

1,658,977	 $	

1,555,587	

1,858,298	 	

1,542,689	 	

1,441,366	

900,213	 	

485,057	 	

1,170,097	 	

813,700	 	

451,754	 	

984,736	 	

732,848	

405,508	

891,484	

1,321,601	 	

1,224,415	 	

1,133,884	

343,588	 	

415,398	 	

217,918	 	

245,067	 	

318,480	 	

362,275	 	

216,373	 	

216,373	 	

337,623	

370,423	

163,605	

212,353	

11,399,470	 	

10,478,668	 	

10,335,950	

8,336,835	 	

7,569,921	 	

8,013,753	

Weighted	average	number	of	shares	-	basic	(000s)

198,774	 	

180,322	 	

177,757	

Net	income	(loss)	-	basic

Free	Cash	Flow	-	basic	(a	non-IFRS	measure)

Adjusted	Free	Cash	Flow	-	basic	(a	non-IFRS	measure)
Total	dividends	declared	(4)

$	

$	

$	

$	

1.76	 $	

1.73	 $	

2.09	 $	

1.20	 $	

1.71	 $	

1.77	 $	

2.01	 $	

1.20	 $	

1.50	

1.90	

2.08	

1.20	

ENERGY	VOLUMES

Electricity	production	in	gigawatt	hours	(GWh)	(5)
(1)	Increase	from	prior	period	primarily	as	a	result	of	dividend	equivalent	payment	to	subscription	receipts	holder	offset	by	cash	conservation	from	
reinstating	DRIP	since	the	September,	2020.
(2)	Represents	total	dividends	paid	to	common	and	class	A	shareholders	including	dividends	in	cash	or	in	shares	under	the	DRIP.
(3)	As	at	December	31.	
(4)	Excludes	the	dividend	equivalent	payment	of	$0.40	paid	upon	conversion	of	14,289,000	subscription	receipts	on	January	14,	2020.																																																
(5)	Includes	Deutsche	Bucht’s	pre-completion	production	volumes.	Refer	to	Section	5.1	Operating	Results	for	additional	information.

9,455	 	

9,060	 	

8,254	

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| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

19

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
					
SECTION	5:	RESULTS	OF	OPERATIONS

5.1:	Operating	Results	

Offshore	Wind	Facilities

The	following	table	summarizes	operating	results	of	the	offshore	wind	facilities:

Sales/gross	profit	(1)	(2)
Operating	costs	(2)
Operating	income	

Adjusted	EBITDA

Three	months	ended	December	31,

Year	ended	December	31,

2020

2019

2020

2019

$	

263,430	

$	

271,192	

$	

1,179,779	

$	

1,005,717	

42,247	

127,153	

33,113	

151,973	

$	

179,101	

$	

192,771	

$	

166,282	

653,792	

759,692	

217,145	

$	

$	

128,582	

577,181	

625,387	

182,206	

Free	Cash	Flow
$	
(1)		Offshore	wind	facilities	do	not	have	cost	of	sales	and	as	a	result,	the	reported	sales	figure	equals	gross	profit.

40,393	

37,708	

$	

$	

(2)		For	2019	and	2020,	the	sales/gross	profit	and	operating	costs	includes	pre-completion	revenue	and	the	related	operating	costs	for	the	operational	

wind	turbines	at	Deutsche	Bucht.

Northland’s	 three	 offshore	 wind	 facilities,	 Gemini,	 Nordsee	 One	 and	 Deutsche	 Bucht,	 are	 located	 off	 the	 coasts	 of	 the	
Netherlands	 and	 Germany.	 Wind	 facilities	 are	 subject	 to	 seasonality,	 and	 accordingly,	 tend	 to	 produce	 more	 electricity	
during	winter	due	to	denser	air	and	higher	winds	compared	to	summer,	the	effect	of	which	is	reflected	in	the	respective	
fiscal	 quarter’s	 results.	 For	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2020,	 Gemini,	 Nordsee	 One	 and	 Deutsche	 Bucht	 contributed	
approximately	24%,	19%	and	18%,	respectively,	of	Northland’s	reported	Adjusted	EBITDA	from	facilities.	Refer	to	the	2020	
AIF	for	additional	information	on	Northland’s	offshore	wind	facilities.

Results	 for	 Northland’s	 offshore	 wind	 facilities	 are	 affected	 by	 foreign	 exchange	 rate	 fluctuations	 between	 the	 Euro	 and	
Canadian	dollar,	which	primarily	affect	presented	sales,	net	income	and	Adjusted	EBITDA.	Northland	has	entered	into	long-
term	foreign	exchange	rate	hedges,	at	an	average	rate	of	$1.60/€	for	2021	compared	to	$1.59/€	for	2020	($1.56/€	for	2019)	
for	a	substantial	portion	of	anticipated	euro-denominated	Free	Cash	Flow,	mitigating	the	effects	of	foreign	exchange	rate	
fluctuations.	

Variability	within	Operating	Results

Gemini	has	subsidy	agreements	with	the	Government	of	the	Netherlands	which	expire	in	2031.	The	subsidies	top	up	the	
wholesale	 market-based	 revenue	 generated	 by	 Gemini	 to	 a	 fixed,	 contractual	 rate	 per	 megawatt	 hour	 (MWh)	 and	 are	
subject	to	an	annual	production	ceiling	(the	“Gemini	Subsidy	Cap”),	beyond	which	production	earns	revenue	at	wholesale	
market	 prices.	 Based	 on	 management’s	 expectations	 of	 wind	 resources	 and	 resultant	 electricity	 production	 volumes,	 the	
Gemini	Subsidy	Cap	and	the	associated	earnings	would	be	achieved	during	the	fourth	quarter	of	the	calendar	year.	The	top	
up	 to	 a	 fixed	 contractual	 rate	 is	 subject	 to	 a	 floor	 price,	 thereby	 exposing	 Gemini	 to	 market	 price	 risk	 if	 the	 average	
wholesale	market	price	for	the	year	falls	below	the	contractual	floor	price	(“SDE	floor”)	of	approximately	€44/MWh.	For	
2021,	management	has	entered	into	derivatives	for	a	large	majority	of	the	expected	annual	production	for	the	year	at	an	
effective	fixed	wholesale	price	of	approximately	€40/MWh,	as	well	as	limited	derivatives	entered	into	for	subsequent	years.	
As	a	result	of	these	derivatives,	in	2021,	Northland	has	mitigated	its	downside	risk	from	fluctuations	in	wholesale	prices,	but	
has	some	exposure	to	lower	revenues	at	Gemini	if	the	average	wholesale	price	rises	above	the	SDE	floor,	thereby	reducing	
SDE	income.	

Nordsee	One	and	Deutsche	Bucht	have	a	Feed-In	Tariff	contract	with	the	German	government	whereby	the	associated	tariff	
is	added	to	the	German	wholesale	market	price,	effectively	generating	a	fixed	unit	price	for	energy	sold.	Under	the	German	
Renewable	 Energy	 Sources	 Act,	 while	 the	 tariff	 compensates	 for	 most	 production	 curtailments	 required	 by	 the	 system	
operator,	the	facilities	do	not	receive	revenue	for	periods	where	the	market	power	price	remains	negative	for	longer	than	
six	 consecutive	 hours	 (“negative	 prices”).	 The	 facilities	 are	 also	 subject	 to	 unpaid	 curtailments	 by	 the	 German	 system	
operator	for	scheduled	and	unscheduled	grid	repairs	(“grid	outages”)	of	up	to	28	days	annually	at	each	facility,	which	can	
have	a	significant	effect	on	earnings	depending	on	the	season.

20

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| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
A	 key	 performance	 indicator	 for	 the	 offshore	 wind	 facilities	 is	 historical	 long-term	 average	 (LTA),	 where	 available,	 of	 the	
power	production	of	each	offshore	wind	facility.	The	following	table	summarizes	actual	electricity	production	and	the	LTA	in	
GWh:

Three	months	ended	December	31,
LTA	(2)
2019	(1)
2020	(1)

Year	ended	December	31,
2019	(1)

LTA	(2)

2020	(1)

Electricity	production	(GWh)

Gemini

Nordsee	One

Deutsche	Bucht

791	

299	

310	

736	

320	

300	

779	

305	

—	

2,501	

1,065	

978	

2,386	

1,084	

406	

2,388	

1,053	

—	

Total
(1)		Includes	GWh	produced	as	well	as	attributed	to	paid	curtailments.	For	Deutsche	Bucht,	includes	pre-completion	production	for	the	first	quarter	of	
2020	and	fourth	quarter	of	2019.

1,400	

4,544	

1,084	

1,356	

3,876	

3,441	

(2)	Represents	the	average	historical	power	production	for	the	quarterly	or	annual	period	since	the	respective	commercial	operation	date	of	each	
offshore	wind	facility	(2017	for	Gemini	and	Nordsee	One	and	2020	for	Deutsche	Bucht)	and	excludes	unpaid	curtailments.

Electricity	production	for	the	three	months	ended	December	31,	2020,	was	3%	or	44	GWh	higher	than	the	same	quarter	of	
2019,	due	to	higher	wind	resource	in	the	North	Sea,	partially	offset	by	lower	grid	availability	due	to	repairs	by	the	system	
operator	 at	 Nordsee	 One.	 Electricity	 production	 for	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2020,	 increased	 17%	 or	 668	 GWh	
compared	 to	 2019	 primarily	 due	 to	 the	 contribution	 from	 Deutsche	 Bucht	 and	 higher	 wind	 resource	 at	 Gemini,	 partially	
offset	 by	 more	 periods	 of	 grid	 outages	 and	 negative	 prices.	 Production	 in	 2020	 was	 largely	 in	 line	 with	 the	 long-term	
average	production	for	Gemini	and	Nordsee	One.		

Deutsche	Bucht	produced	 its	 first	 revenues	in	the	 third	quarter	of	2019.	 Revenues	and	 costs	 were	recorded	in	operating	
income	and	Adjusted	EBITDA	as	turbines	became	operational	but	were	excluded	from	Free	Cash	Flow	until	the	commercial	
operation	date.	The	table	below	summarizes	total	pre-completion	production	and	revenue	and	the	portion	recognized	in	
sales	earned	by	Deutsche	Bucht	in	2020	and	2019:	

Three	months	ended	December	31,

Year	ended	December	31,

Pre-completion	electricity	production	(GWh)

Pre-completion	revenue	in	sales/gross	profit	(1)
Pre-completion	revenue	in	construction-in-progress 	

Total	pre-completion	revenue

$	

2020

—	

—	

—	

—	

2019

300	

78,834	

728	

2020

349	

93,289	

—	

2019

406	

96,105	

11,541	

$	

79,562	

$	

93,289	

$	

107,646	

(1)		Offshore	wind	facilities	do	not	have	cost	of	sales,	and	as	a	result,	the	reported	sales	figures	equal	gross	profit.

At	Deutsche	Bucht,	cash	generated	from	pre-completion	revenue	in	the	first	quarter	was	used	to	offset	construction	costs	
until	 responsibility	 transferred	 on	 a	 turbine	 by	 turbine	 basis	 from	 the	 contractor	 to	 Northland.	 Revenues	 and	 costs	 were	
recorded	 in	 operating	 income	 and	 Adjusted	 EBITDA	 since	 wind	 turbines	 were	 operational	 during	 the	 construction	 stage.	
However,	 pre-completion	 revenue	 and	 operating	 costs	 are	 excluded	 from	 Free	 Cash	 Flow	 during	 the	 construction	 phase	
since	 the	 funds	 are	 not	 yet	 distributable	 under	 the	 terms	 of	 lender	 agreements.	 Deutsche	 Bucht	 earned	 pre-completion	
revenues	until	it	achieved	final	completion	effective	March	31,	2020,	at	which	point	net	pre-completion	revenue	in	excess	
of	the	amount	required	by	project	lenders	to	fund	construction	costs,	was	recognized	as	Free	Cash	Flow	totaling	€63	million	
($93	million)	(the	“Deutsche	Bucht	Completion	Distribution”).	

In	 the	 second	 quarter	 of	 2020,	 Deutsche	 Bucht	 received	 $11	 million	 of	 proceeds	 from	 the	 sale	 of	 turbines	 intended	 for	
mono-bucket	foundations	(“turbines	proceeds”),	previously	recorded	as	impaired.	Deutsche	Bucht	also	received	$22	million	
of	proceeds	from	insurance	relating	to	construction	of	Deutsche	Bucht	(“insurance	proceeds”)	that	are	also	related	to	the	
impairment	of	the	mono-bucket	foundations	and	included	in	income	but	not	in	Free	Cash	Flow.

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Sales	of	$263	million	for	the	three	months	ended	December	31,	2020,	decreased	3%	or	$8	million	compared	to	the	same	
quarter	of	2019	primarily	due	to	a	lower	wholesale	market	price	at	Gemini	and	grid	outages	at	Nordsee	One,	partially	offset	
by	$5	million	of	favourable	foreign	exchange	rate	fluctuations.	Sales	of	$1.2	billion	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020,	
increased	17%	or	$174	million	compared	to	the	same	period	of	2019	primarily	due	to	$176	million	of	additional	revenue	
from	Deutsche	Bucht	partially	offset	by	a	lower	wholesale	market	price	at	Gemini	and	grid	outages	at	Nordsee	One.	Foreign	
exchange	 rate	 fluctuations	 resulted	 in	 $16	 million	 higher	 sales	 for	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2020,	 compared	 to	 the	
same	period	of	2019.	

The	following	table	summarizes	the	effect	on	sales	from	three	factors	described	above:

Three	months	ended	December	31,

Year	ended	December	31,

Wholesale	market	prices	below	SDE	floor

Unpaid	curtailment	due	to	negative	prices

Unpaid	curtailment	due	to	grid	outages

$	

$	

$	

2020

4,692	

1,649	

21,748	

$	

$	

$	

2019

4,032	

1,863	

3,548	

$	

$	

$	

2020

26,696	

22,369	

37,654	

$	

$	

$	

2019

8,022	

8,261	

7,965	

At	Gemini,	wholesale	market	prices	were	significantly	lower	than	in	2019	resulting	in	lower	sales.	The	German	wind	facilities	
incurred	higher	unpaid	curtailments	due	to	greater	number	of	periods	of	negative	prices	as	well	as	due	to	grid	repairs	by	
the	German	system	operator	at	both	facilities	over	the	course	of	the	year.	For	the	three	months	ended	December	31,	2020,	
Nordsee	 One	 was	 affected	 by	 unpaid	 curtailment	 due	 to	 significant	 grid	 outages	 and	 repairs	 by	 the	 third-party	 system	
operator.

In	the	first	quarter	of	2020,	Nordsee	One	reached	a	settlement	(the	“warranty	settlement”)	with	its	turbine	manufacturer	
relating	 to	 the	 outstanding	 warranty	 obligations.	 As	 part	 of	 the	 settlement,	 Nordsee	 One	 relinquished	 its	 rights	 to	 make	
further	 claims	 against	 the	 manufacturer	 under	 the	 warranty.	 The	 warranty	 settlement,	 received	 in	 the	 second	 quarter,	
totaled	€58	million	($76	million	at	Northland’s	share)	and	was	recorded	as	a	reduction	to	property,	plant	and	equipment	
under	IFRS.	However,	since	the	settlement	offsets	potentially	higher	operating	costs,	it	is	being	included	in	Free	Cash	Flow	
on	a	straight-line	basis	over	the	remaining	term	of	the	original	service	agreement	to	2029,	net	of	the	anticipated	€20	million	
($26	million	at	Northland’s	share)	higher	operating	expenses	over	the	same	period.

In	the	fourth	quarter,	Northland	Power	Europe	(NPE),	a	subsidiary	of	Northland	signed	a	service	agreement	with	Nordsee	
One	whereby	NPE	will	provide	turbine	O&M	services	on	behalf	of	Nordsee	One.	The	agreement	is	effective	December	2020	
through	 2027.	 In	 providing	 these	 services,	 Northland	 gains	 a	 better	 fundamental	 understanding	 of	 the	 cost	 assumptions	
underpinning	 offshore	 wind	 investments,	 positioning	 the	 Company	 for	 cost-competitiveness	 in	 the	 post-tariff	 landscape.	
Furthermore,	with	the	expertise	and	knowledge	gained	though	the	execution	of	these	services,	Northland	will	be	able	to	
apply	 these	 learnings	 to	 future	 offshore	 developments	 to	 enhance	 project	 profitability	 while	 ensuring	 a	 more	 balanced	
operational	risk	profile.

At	 Nordsee	 One,	 management	 has	 identified	 a	 component	 issue	 on	 a	 number	 of	 wind	 turbines.	 While	 production	 was	
unaffected	in	2020,	management	is	evaluating	the	potential	effects	on	production	and	on	maintenance	outages	in	2021	and	
beyond,	and	has	reflected	the	estimated	financial	impact	in	the	2021	financial	guidance.

Operating	costs	of	$42	million	and	$166	million	for	the	three	months	and	year	ended	December	31,	2020,	increased	28%	or	
$9	million	and	29%	or	$38	million	compared	to	the	same	periods	of	2019	primarily	due	to	commencement	of	operations	at	
Deutsche	Bucht.

Operating	income	of	$127	million	for	the	three	months	ended	December	31,	2020,	decreased	16%	or	$25	million	compared	
to	 the	 same	 quarter	 of	 2019	 largely	 due	 lower	 sales	 and	 higher	 operating	 costs,	 as	 described	 above,	 combined	 with	 the	
commencement	 of	 depreciation	 at	 Deutsche	 Bucht	 since	 reaching	 final	 completion	 at	 the	 end	 of	 March	 2020.	 Operating	
income	of	$654	million	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020,	increased	13%	or	$77	million	compared	to	the	same	period	
of	2019	primarily	due	to	contributions	from	Deutsche	Bucht.

Adjusted	EBITDA	of	$179	million	for	the	three	months	ended	December	31,	2020,	decreased	7%	or	$14	million	primarily	due	
to	 lower	 sales	 at	 Gemini	 and	 Nordsee	 One	 as	 described	 above,	 partially	 offset	 by	 contributions	 from	 Deutsche	 Bucht.	
Adjusted	EBITDA	of	$760	million	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020	increased	21%	or	$134	million	compared	to	2019	
primarily	due	to	contributions	from	Deutsche	Bucht.

In	 2020,	 earnings	 from	 Gemini	 became	 taxable	 due	 to	 utilization	 of	 tax	 loss	 carryforwards.	 Northland’s	 tax	 expense	 for	
Gemini	is	€12	million	($12	million	at	Northland’s	share)	for	2020	and	is	expected	to	generally	remain	stable.

22

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

Efficient	Natural	Gas	Facilities

The	following	table	summarizes	the	operating	results	of	the	efficient	natural	gas	facilities:

Three	months	ended	December	31,

Year	ended	December	31,

Electricity	production	(GWh)

2020

876	

2019

938	

2020

3,546	

Sales	(1)
Less:	cost	of	sales

Gross	profit	

Operating	costs

Operating	income
Adjusted	EBITDA	(2)
Free	Cash	Flow

$	

112,516	

$	

113,408	

$	

415,551	

$	

28,484	

84,032	

17,391	

57,064	

67,618	

41,715	

$	

$	

29,402	

84,006	

15,708	

58,350	

71,017	

44,738	

$	

$	

103,334	

312,217	

54,154	

219,624	

264,094	

155,907	

$	

$	

$	

$	

2019

3,787	

421,154	

106,022	

315,132	

54,229	

222,401	

270,355	

165,638	

(1)		Northland	accounts	for	its	Spy	Hill	operations	as	a	finance	lease.

(2)		Includes	management	and	incentive	fees	earned	by	Northland.

The	contractual	structures	of	Northland’s	efficient	natural	gas	facilities	ensure	each	facility’s	gross	profit	is	generally	stable,	
within	a	seasonal	profile,	regardless	of	production	or	sales	levels,	so	long	as	the	plant	is	available.	Under	some	PPAs,	the	
facility	is	reimbursed	for	certain	costs	of	sales	by	the	counterparty.	Management	also	aims	to	maximize	returns	through	the	
re-marketing	of	natural	gas	storage	and	transportation	(“gas	optimization”)	through	its	energy	marketing	initiatives.	For	the	
year	ended	December	31,	2020,	Northland’s	six	efficient	natural	gas	facilities	contributed	approximately	21%	of	reported	
Adjusted	EBITDA	from	facilities,	with	North	Battleford,	Iroquois	Falls	and	Thorold	accounting	for	approximately	20%.	Refer	
to	the	2020	AIF	for	additional	information	on	Northland’s	efficient	natural	gas	facilities.	

Electricity	production	for	the	three	months	ended	December	31,	2020,	was	7%	or	63	GWh	lower	than	the	same	quarter	of	
2019	primarily	due	to	fewer	dispatches	at	Thorold,	partially	offset	by	higher	production	at	North	Battleford	largely	due	to	a	
shorter	maintenance	outage	in	2020	compared	to	2019.	Electricity	production	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020,	was	
6%	 or	 241	 GWh	 lower	 than	 2019	 primarily	 due	 to	 fewer	 dispatches	 at	 Thorold	 and	 lower	 off-peak	 production	 at	 North	
Battleford.

Sales	of	$113	million	for	the	three	months	ended	December	31,	2020,	were	in	line	with	the	same	quarter	of	2019,	primarily	
due	to	higher	production	and	price	escalation	at	North	Battleford,	offset	by	lower	production	across	the	other	facilities,	as	
described	above.	Sales	of	$416	million	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020,	were	also	in	line	with	2019.

Gross	profit	of	$84	million	and	$312	million	for	the	three	months	and	year	ended	December	31,	2020,	was	largely	in	line	
with	 the	 same	 periods	 of	 2019	 primarily	 due	 to	 offsetting	 factors	 across	 the	 efficient	 natural	 gas	 facilities	 and	 their	
contractual	structure	which	generally	ensures	stable	operating	results	as	long	as	the	facilities	are	available.

Operating	 costs	 of	 $17	 million	 for	 the	 three	 months	 ended	 December	 31,	 2020,	 were	 11%	 or	 $2	 million	 higher	 than	 the	
same	quarter	of	2019	due	to	higher	production	at	North	Battleford	and	the	timing	of	maintenance	outages	at	two	facilities.	
Operating	costs	of	$54	million	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020,	were	in	line	with	2019.

Operating	income	of	$57	million	and	$220	million	for	the	three	months	and	year	ended	December	31,	2020,	was	largely	in	
line	with	the	same	periods	of	2019	due	to	factors	described	above.	

Adjusted	EBITDA	of	$68	million	for	the	three	months	ended	December	31,	2020,	was	5%	or	$3	million	lower	than	the	same	
quarter	of	2019	largely	due	to	higher	operating	costs.	Adjusted	EBITDA	of	$264	million	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	
2020,	was	2%	or	$6	million	lower	than	the	same	period	of	2019	primarily	due	to	a	one-time	item	in	2019	related	to	the	
disposition	of	a	facility.

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

23

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
					
Onshore	Renewable	Facilities

The	following	table	summarizes	the	operating	results	of	the	onshore	renewable	facilities:

Three	months	ended	December	31,

Year	ended	December	31,

Electricity	production	(GWh)	(1)
LTA	production	(GWh)	(1)	(2)

Sales/gross	profit	(3)
Operating	costs

Operating	income

Adjusted	EBITDA

2020

376	

353	

51,078	

8,041	

20,535	

2019

372	

50,359	

7,591	

20,608	

$	

31,452	

$	

31,529	

$	

Free	Cash	Flow
(1)		Includes	GWh	both	produced	and	attributed	to	paid	curtailments.
(2)		LTA	is	the	average	of	the	historical	power	production	since	2015.
(3)		Onshore	renewable	facilities	do	not	have	cost	of	sales	and	as	a	result,	the	reported	sales	figures	equal	gross	profit.

12,950	

14,993	

$	

$	

$	

2020

1,364	

1,273	

217,705	

29,418	

98,784	

145,946	

57,550	

$	

$	

2019

1,397	

219,180	

31,365	

93,873	

145,274	

62,580	

Northland’s	onshore	renewable	assets	comprise	onshore	wind	and	solar	facilities	located	in	Ontario	and	Québec.	Onshore	
wind	projects	are	similar	in	nature	operationally	to	offshore	wind;	however,	with	lower	operating	costs	and	generally	lower	
wind	resources.	Solar	power	facilities	have	lower	fixed	operating	costs	per	unit	of	capacity	than	efficient	natural	gas	or	wind	
facilities.	Electricity	production	from	solar	facilities	tends	to	be	less	variable	than	wind	but	is	limited	to	available	sunlight,	
which	is	generally	higher	in	the	summer	than	in	the	winter.	For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020,	Northland’s	onshore	
renewable	facilities	contributed	approximately	12%	of	reported	Adjusted	EBITDA	from	facilities.	Refer	to	the	2020	AIF	for	
additional	information	on	Northland’s	onshore	renewable	facilities.

Electricity	production	at	the	onshore	renewable	for	the	three	months	and	year	ended	December	31,	2020,	was	in	line	with	
the	same	periods	of	2019	due	to	a	lower	wind	resource	partially	offset	by	higher	solar	resource.	

Financial	results	and	Adjusted	EBITDA	or	the	three	months	and	year	ended	December	31,	2020,	respectively,	were	also	in	
line	with	the	same	periods	of	2019	for	the	factors	described	above.

Utility

The	following	table	summarizes	the	operating	results	of	EBSA:

Three	months	ended	December	31,

Year	ended	December	31,

Sales	(1)
Less:	cost	of	sales

Gross	profit	
Operating	costs

Operating	income

Adjusted	EBITDA

Free	Cash	Flow

$	

2020
58,065	

18,001	

40,064	
14,047	

15,157	

23,053	

$	

886	

$	

$	

2019
—	

$	

2020
218,982	

69,567	

149,415	
51,062	

52,567	

89,765	

27,925	

$	

$	

$	

2019
—	

—	

—	
—	

—	

—	

—	

—	

—	
—	

—	

—	

—	

$	

(1)		Gross	revenue	from	regulated	electricity	sales,	including	transmission	and	generation	tariffs,	which	EBSA	passes	through	to	the	regulator	for	

reallocation.

EBSA	holds	the	sole	franchise	rights	for	electricity	distribution	in	the	Boyacá	region	of	Colombia	and	is	an	electricity	retailer	
for	the	regulated	residential	sector	in	the	region.	EBSA	owns	and	operates	an	extensive	distribution	network,	serving	about	
half	 a	 million	 customers.	 EBSA’s	 net	 revenue	 is	 almost	 entirely	 regulated,	 of	 which	 the	 vast	 majority	 is	 earned	 from	 its	
distribution	business	and	the	remainder	primarily	from	its	electricity	retail	business.	EBSA’s	results	are	affected	by	exchange	
rate	 fluctuations	 between	 the	 Canadian	 dollar	 and	 the	 Colombian	 Peso.	 For	 2021,	 Northland	 has	 foreign	 exchange	 rate	
hedges	at	an	average	rate	of	COP$2,830:CAD$1	for	a	substantial	portion	of	anticipated	Colombian	peso-denominated	Free	
Cash	 Flow,	 partially	 mitigating	 the	 effects	 of	 foreign	 exchange	 rate	 fluctuations.	 For	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2020,	
utility	 operations	 contributed	 approximately	 7%	 of	 reported	 Adjusted	 EBITDA	 from	 facilities.	 Refer	 to	 the	 2020	 AIF	 for	
additional	information	on	EBSA.

24

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
EBSA	 earns	 revenue	 by	 charging	 customers	 a	 rate	 approved	 under	 the	 regulatory	 framework	 administered	 by	 the	 local	
regulator,	the	Comisión	de	Regulación	de	Energía	y	Gas	(“CREG”).	The	rate	charged	is	set	for	an	expected	five-year	period	
and	includes	amounts	retained	by	EBSA,	as	retailer	and	distributor,	and	amounts	passed	through	to	other	electricity	system	
participants,	such	as	the	transmission	operator.	The	rate	base	takes	into	account	the	depreciated	cost	of	existing	equipment	
and	 anticipated	 future	 investments	 for	 maintenance	 and	 growth.	 EBSA’s	 portion	 of	 the	 rate	 also	 includes	 standardized	
allowances	set	by	the	regulator	intended	to	cover	fixed	and	variable	operating	costs.	The	rate	is	designed	to	ensure	EBSA	
earns	a	predictable	and	stable	return..

Sales	 of	 $58	 million	 and	 $219	 million,	 respectively	 for	 the	 three	 months	 and	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2020,	 include	
revenues	from	the	sale	of	electricity	to	regulated	customers,	which	accounted	for	96%	of	EBSA’s	total	sales,	as	well	as	to	
non-regulated	customers.

Cost	of	sales	of	$18	million	and	$70	million,	respectively	for	the	three	months	and	year	ended	December	31,	2020,	relates	
to	 the	 purchase	 of	 electricity	 for	 sale	 to	 customers	 primarily	 sourced	 under	 bilateral	 power	 purchase	 contracts,	 with	
incremental	amounts	purchased	in	the	spot	market.	EBSA	recovers	the	cost	of	electricity	purchased	through	tariffs	charged	
to	customers.

Operating	 costs	 of	 $14	 million	 and	 $51	 million,	 respectively	 for	 the	 three	 months	 and	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2020,	
include	the	cost	of	transmission	charges,	loss	reduction	programs,	materials	used	in	maintenance	activities	and	the	portion	
of	personnel	costs	that	relate	to	operations.	EBSA	recovers	the	operating	costs	in	full	and	recovers	the	cost	of	loss	reduction	
programs	at	a	regulated	proportion	through	tariffs	charged	to	customers.

Operating	income	and	Adjusted	EBITDA	of	$15	million	and	$53	million	and	$23	million	and	$90	million,	respectively,	for	the	
three	months	and	year	ended	December	31,	2020,	are	composed	of	the	items	described	above.	Non-expansionary	capital	
expenditures	at	EBSA	are	generally	higher	in	the	first	and	fourth	quarters	of	the	year,	therefore	reducing	reported	Free	Cash	
Flow	in	those	periods.	

For	EBSA,	non-expansionary	capital	expenditures	are	equivalent	to	the	amount	necessary	to	maintain	the	opening	regulated	
asset	base	value	each	year,	which	is	expected	to	grow	in	the	mid-single	digits	over	the	long	term.	Non-expansionary	capital	
expenditures	for	EBSA	totaled	$21	million	for	2020,	representing	approximately	3%-4%	of	the	current	regulated	asset	base.	
Starting	 in	 2021,	 under	 the	 terms	 of	 the	 EBSA	 Facility,	 management	 expects	 to	 execute	 upsizing	 of	 the	 debt	 annually	 in	
tandem	with	growing	operating	results.	The	upsizing	proceeds	will	be	available	for	distribution	and	corporate	purposes	and	
a	portion	will	be	included	in	Free	Cash	Flow.	

5.2:	General	and	Administrative	Costs	

The	following	table	summarizes	general	and	administrative	(G&A)	costs:	

Corporate	G&A

Operations	G&A

Total	G&A	costs

Three	months	ended	December	31,

Year	ended	December	31,

2020

2019

2020

$	

15,366	

$	

10,797	

$	

36,158	

$	

13,024	

28,390	

3,052	

13,849	

32,135	

68,293	

2019

34,180	

12,449	

46,629	

Corporate	G&A	costs	for	the	three	months	ended	December	31,	2020,	increased	42%	or	$5	million	compared	to	the	same	
quarter	in	2019	primarily	due	to	timing	of	certain	expenses	compared	to	the	same	quarter	in	2019	and	higher	personnel-
related	 costs	 to	 support	 growth.	 Corporate	 costs	 for	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2020,	 increased	 6%	 or	 $2	 million	
compared	to	2019	primarily	due	to	higher	personnel	costs	to	support	Northland’s	growth.	

Operations	G&A	costs	for	the	three	months	and	year	ended	December	31,	2020,	increased	327%	or	$10	million	and	158%	or	
$20	million,	respectively,	compared	to	the	same	periods	of	2019	primarily	due	to	the	integration	of	EBSA,	and	its	associated	
G&A	costs,	and	the	effect	of	previously	capitalized	costs	before	commencement	of	operations	at	Deutsche	Bucht.

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

25

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
					
5.3:	Growth	Expenditures

The	following	table	summarizes	growth	expenditure	costs:	

Three	months	ended	December	31,

Year	ended	December	31,

2020

2019

2020

$	

6,087	

$	

3,868	

$	

11,530	

$	

Business	development

Project	development	

Development	overhead
Acquisition	costs	(1)

Development	costs

Share	of	joint	venture	project	development	costs

8,286	

5,375	

—	

19,748	

2,679	

6,706	

4,834	

276	

15,684	

849	

Growth	expenditures	(2)
Growth	expenditures	on	a	per	share	basis
(1)		Excluded	from	growth	expenditures
(2)		Excludes	acquisition	costs	but	includes	share	of	project	development	costs	incurred	by	joint	ventures.

22,427	

16,257	

29,600	

26,011	

7,474	

74,615	

4,669	

71,810	

$	

0.35	

$	

2019

11,213	

13,214	

18,519	

1,254	

44,200	

849	

43,795	

0.24	

To	 achieve	 its	 long-term	 growth	 objectives,	 Northland	 expects	 to	 deploy	 increasing	 amounts	 of	 early-stage	 investment	
capital	(growth	expenditures)	to	advance	its	projects.	With	regional	development	offices	fully	functional	and	certain	growth	
opportunities	 are	 currently	 secured,	 such	 as	 New	 York	 Wind	 and	 Baltic	 Power,	 Northland	 expects	 to	 incur	 higher	
expenditures	 and	 capital	 investments	 in	 2021.	 Early-stage	 expenditures	 will	 reduce	 near-term	 Free	 Cash	 Flow	 and	 short-
term	liquidity	until	the	projects	achieve	commercial	operations	but	should	deliver	sustainable	growth	in	Free	Cash	Flow	in	
the	 long-run.	 Growth	 expenditures	 are	 added	 back	 to	 Free	 Cash	 Flow	 to	 determine	 Adjusted	 Free	 Cash	 Flow.	 Refer	 to	
SECTION	5.6:	Free	Cash	Flow	and	Adjusted	Free	Cash	Flow	for	additional	information.

Business	 development	 costs	 are	 incurred	 to	 identify	 and	 explore	 prospective	 business	 and	 development	 opportunities,	
which	are	expected	to	result	in	identifiable	development	projects	intended	to	be	pursued	to	completion,	and	includes	costs	
incurred	for	projects	not	ultimately	pursued	to	acquisition	or	completion.	Business	development	costs	for	the	three	months	
ended	 December	 31,	 2020,	 were	 higher	 than	 the	 same	 quarter	 of	 2019	 due	 to	 the	 timing	 of	 development	 activities.	
Business	development	costs	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020	were	consistent	with	2019.	

Project	 development	 costs	 are	 attributable	 to	 select	 early-	 to	 mid-stage	 development	 projects	 under	 active	 development	
and	likely	to	generate	cash	flow	in	future	periods.	In	2020,	project	developments	costs	were	primarily	attributable	to	Hai	
Long	and	to	NY	Wind	prior	to	commencement	of	their	respective	capitalization	under	IFRS,	as	well	as	Dado	Ocean,	Chiba	
and	 Baltic	 Power,	 compared	 to	 primarily	 Hai	 Long	 in	 2019.	 Refer	 to	 SECTION	 9:	 CONSTRUCTION,	 DEVELOPMENT	 AND	
ACQUISITION	ACTIVITIES	for	additional	information	on	some	of	these	projects.

Project	development	costs	for	the	three	months	ended	December	31,	2020,	were	essentially	in	line	with	the	same	quarter	
of	 2019	 due	 to	 the	 timing	 of	 development	 activities.	 Project	 development	 costs	 for	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2020,	
were	higher	compared	to	2019	as	a	result	of	higher	costs	associated	with	advancing	Hai	Long	prior	to	commencement	of	
capitalization	 in	 the	 third	 quarter	 of	 2020.	 In	 2021,	 management	 expects	 to	 incur	 project	 development	 costs	 for	 Baltic	
Power	 and	 to	 a	 lesser	 extent,	 Dado	 Ocean	 and	 Chiba.	 Capitalization	 commences	 in	 accordance	 with	 IFRS,	 primarily	 once	
management	determines	a	project	is	economically	feasible	and	risks	to	project	completion	are	expected	to	be	mitigated.	
Upon	 capitalization,	 further	 costs	 incurred	 are	 recognized	 on	 the	 consolidated	 balance	 sheet	 and	 no	 longer	 classified	 as	
growth	 expenditures.	 Northland	 commenced	 capitalization	 of	 expenditures	 for	 Hai	 Long	 and	 NY	 Wind	 in	 the	 third	 and	
fourth	quarters	of	2020,	respectively.	

Development	 overhead	 primarily	 relates	 to	 personnel,	 rent	 and	 other	 office	 costs	 not	 directly	 attributable	 to	 specific	
development	 projects.	 Development	 overhead	 reflects	 Northland’s	 resources	 and	 development	 offices	 in	 key	 target	
jurisdictions	including	Latin	America,	North	America,	Europe	and	Asia,	focused	on	securing	opportunities	long-term	growth	
in	those	jurisdictions.	

Acquisition	 costs	 are	 generally	 third-party	 transaction-related	 costs	 directly	 attributable	 to	 a	 business	 acquisition	 and	 are	
excluded	from	Northland’s	non-IFRS	financial	measures.	For	the	three	months	ended	December	31,	2020,	acquisition	costs	
were	nil,	and	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020,	acquisition	costs	totaled	$7	million	and	primarily	relate	to	advisory	
fees	and	representations	and	warranties	insurance	costs,	amortized	over	the	insurance	term	in	accordance	with	IFRS,	for	
the	EBSA	Acquisition.	

26

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
5.4:	Consolidated	Results

The	 following	 discussion	 of	 the	 significant	 factors	 contributing	 to	 the	 consolidated	 financial	 results	 should	 be	 read	 in	
conjunction	with	Northland’s	audited	consolidated	financial	statements	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020.

Three	months	ended	December	31,

Year	ended	December	31,

2020
2,651	

2019
2,666	

2020
9,455	

2019
9,060	

$	

492,834	

$	

438,178	

$	

2,060,627	

$	

1,658,977	

202,329	

1,858,298	

116,288	

1,542,689	

Electricity	production	(GWh)

Sales

Less:	Cost	of	sales

Gross	profit

Expenses

Operating	costs

General	and	administrative	costs

Development	costs
Depreciation	of	property,	plant	and	equipment

Investment	income

Finance	lease	income

Operating	income

Finance	costs,	net

Amortization	of	contracts	and	intangible	assets

Impairment	of	property,	plant	and	equipment

Foreign	exchange	(gain)	loss

Fair	value	(gain)	loss	on	derivative	contracts

Other	expense	(income)

Income	(loss)	before	income	taxes

Provision	for	(recovery	of)	income	taxes

Current

Deferred

Provision	for	(recovery	of)	income	taxes

Net	income	(loss)	

Net	income	(loss)	per	share	-	basic

Net	income	(loss)	per	share	-	diluted

Fourth	Quarter

$	

$	

$	

57,223	

435,611	

81,726	

28,390	

19,748	
132,392	
262,256	

716	

2,973	

177,044	

95,094	

14,712	

—	

19,654	

(497)	

(1,020)	

49,101	

21,628	

676	

22,304	

26,797	

0.11	

0.11	

32,360	

405,818	

56,413	

13,849	

15,684	
120,421	
206,367	

758	

3,058	

203,267	

93,657	

10,691	

97,782	

84	

(51,733)	

(5,640)	

58,426	

300,916	

68,293	
74,615	

529,569	
973,393	

3,285	

12,023	

900,213	

365,168	

43,361	

—	

(71,344)	

(11,271)	

(25,769)	

600,068	

15,272	

(17,515)	

(2,243)	

60,669	

0.23	

0.23	

$	

$	

$	

90,282	

24,729	

115,011	

485,057	

1.76	

1.75	

$	

$	

$	

$	

$	

$	

214,176	

46,629	

44,200	
438,804	
743,809	

2,466	

12,354	

813,700	

331,168	

24,848	

97,782	

5,177	

(161,356)	

(14,400)	

530,481	

49,236	

29,491	

78,727	

451,754	

1.71	

1.68	

Sales	and	gross	profit	of	$493	million	and	$436	million,	respectively,	increased	12%	or	$55	million	and	7%	or	$30	million	
compared	to	the	same	quarter	of	2019	primarily	due	to	sales	revenue	at	EBSA,	commencement	of	operations	at	Deutsche	
Bucht	and	the	effect	of	favourable	foreign	exchange	rate	fluctuations.

Operating	costs	of	$82	million	increased	45%	or	$25	million	compared	to	 the	 same	 quarter	of	2019	primarily	due	to	the	
addition	of	costs	from	EBSA	and	Deutsche	Bucht.

G&A	costs	of	$28	million	increased	105%	or	$15	million	compared	to	the	same	quarter	of	2019.	Of	this,	operations	G&A	
increased	 by	 $10	 million	 primarily	 due	 to	 acquisition	 of	 EBSA,	 and	 the	 commencement	 of	 operations	 at	 Deutsche	 Bucht,	
while	corporate	G&A	increased	$5	million	primarily	due	to	higher	personnel	costs	to	support	Northland’s	growth.	

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

27

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
					
Development	costs	of	$20	million	increased	26%	or	$4	million	compared	to	the	same	quarter	of	2019	primarily	as	a	result	of	
costs	for	advancing	early	stage	development	projects	partially	offsetting	lower	costs	at	Hai	Long	due	to	its	commencement	
of	capitalization	in	the	third	quarter.	

Finance	costs,	net	(primarily	interest	expense)	of	$95	million	increased	2%	or	$1	million	compared	to	the	same	quarter	of	
2019	 primarily	 due	 to	 interest	 on	 borrowings	 to	 finance	 the	 EBSA	 Acquisition	 and	 the	 effect	 of	 previously	 capitalized	
interest	costs	at	Deutsche	Bucht,	partially	offset	by	lower	interest	costs	as	a	result	of	scheduled	principal	repayments	on	
facility-level	loans.

Impairment	 of	 property	 plant	 and	 equipment	 of	 $98	 million	 was	 recorded	 in	 2019	 due	 to	 a	 non-cash	 impairment	 loss	 at	
Deutsche	Bucht	costs	incurred	related	to	the	mono-bucket	foundations.

Fair	value	gain	on	derivative	contracts	was	$nil	compared	to	a	$52	million	gain	in	the	same	quarter	of	2019	primarily	due	to	
the	movement	in	the	fair	value	of	interest	rate	swaps	and	foreign	exchange	contracts.

Foreign	 exchange	 loss	 of	 $20	 million	 is	 primarily	 due	 to	 unrealized	 loss	 from	 fluctuations	 in	 the	 closing	 foreign	 exchange	
rates.	

Net	income	decreased	$34	million	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2020	compared	to	the	same	quarter	of	2019	primarily	as	a	result	
of	the	factors	described	above,	combined	with	a	$25	million	higher	tax	expense.

2020

Sales	of	$2.1	billion	increased	24%	or	$402	million	compared	to	2019	primarily	due	to	higher	revenues	at	Deutsche	Bucht,	
addition	 of	 EBSA	 and	 the	 effect	 of	 favourable	 foreign	 exchange	 rate	 fluctuations.	 The	 positive	 performance	 was	 partially	
offset	 by	 $27	 million	 lower	 wholesale	 market	 prices	 at	 Gemini	 and	 $60	 million	 of	 higher	 unpaid	 curtailments	 at	 Nordsee	
One	and	Deutsche	Bucht	due	to	more	periods	of	negative	prices	and	grid	outages.	

Gross	profit	of	$1.9	billion	increased	20%	or	$316	million	compared	to	2019	primarily	due	to	the	same	factors	affecting	sales	
described	above.

Operating	costs	of	$301	million	increased	40%	or	$87	million	compared	to	2019	primarily	due	to	the	addition	of	Deutsche	
Bucht,	and	EBSA,	partially	offset	by	lower	costs	at	Nordsee	One	from	operating	efficiencies.	

G&A	 costs	 of	 $68	 million	 increased	 46%	 or	 $22	 million	 compared	 to	 2019	 primarily	 due	 to	 integration	 of	 EBSA,	 and	 its	
associated	G&A	costs,	and	the	effect	of	previously	capitalized	costs	before	commencement	of	operations	at	Deutsche	Bucht	
as	well	as	higher	personnel	costs	to	support	Northland’s	growth.	G&A	also	includes	$7	million	of	acquisition	costs	primarily	
related	to	EBSA.

Development	costs	of	$75	million	increased	64%	or	$28	million	compared	to	the	same	quarter	of	2019	due	to	the	increasing	
level	of	development	activities	to	pursue	and	advance	development	projects	and	opportunities.

Finance	costs,	net	(primarily	interest	expense)	of	$365	million	increased	10%	or	$34	million	compared	to	2019	primarily	due	
to	interest	on	borrowings	to	finance	the	EBSA	Acquisition	and	the	effect	of	previously	capitalized	interest	costs	at	Deutsche	
Bucht,	partially	offset	by	lower	interest	costs	as	a	result	of	scheduled	principal	repayments	on	facility-level	loans.	

Impairment	of	property	plant	 and	 equipment	of	 nil	compared	to	$98	million	in	2019	from	a	non-cash	impairment	loss	at	
Deutsche	Bucht	related	to	the	mono-bucket	foundations.

Foreign	exchange	gain	of	$71	million	is	primarily	due	to	unrealized	gains	from	fluctuations	in	the	closing	foreign	exchange	
rate.

Fair	 value	 gain	 on	 derivative	 contracts	 was	 $11	 million	 compared	 to	 a	 $161	 million	 gain	 in	 2019	 primarily	 due	 to	 the	
movement	in	the	fair	value	of	interest	rate	swaps	and	foreign	exchange	contracts.

Other	(income)	expense	totaled	$26	million	of	income	primarily	as	a	result	of	proceeds	received	from	the	sale	of	turbines	
originally	 intended	 for	 use	 with	 mono-bucket	 foundations	 at	 Deutsche	 Bucht	 as	 well	 as	 insurance	 proceeds	 related	 to	
construction	of	Deutsche	Bucht.	

Net	 income	 increased	 $33	 million	 for	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2020	 compared	 to	 2019	 mainly	 due	 to	 the	 factors	
described	above,	partially	offset	by	a	$36	million	higher	tax	expense.

28

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

5.5:	Adjusted	EBITDA	

The	following	table	reconciles	net	income	(loss)	to	Adjusted	EBITDA:	

Net	income	(loss)

Adjustments:

Finance	costs,	net

Gemini	interest	income

Share	of	joint	venture	project	development	costs

Acquisition	costs

Provision	for	(recovery	of)	income	taxes

Depreciation	of	property,	plant	and	equipment

Amortization	of	contracts	and	intangible	assets

Fair	value	(gain)	loss	on	derivative	contracts

Foreign	exchange	(gain)	loss
Impairment	of	property,	plant	and	equipment

Elimination	of	non-controlling	interests

Finance	lease	(lessor)	and	equity	accounting

Other	adjustments

Adjusted	EBITDA

Three	months	ended	December	31,

Year	ended	December	31,

2020

2019

2020

2019

$	

26,797	

$	

60,669	

$	

485,057	

$	

451,754	

95,094	

4,069	

(2,679)	

—	
22,304	

132,392	

14,712	

(497)	

19,654	
—	

(41,895)	

4,050	

(5,485)	

93,657	

3,898	

(849)	

276	

(2,243)	

120,421	

10,691	

(51,733)	

84	
97,782	

(55,860)	

1,172	

(5,250)	

365,168	

16,075	

(4,669)	

7,474	

115,011	

529,569	

43,361	

(11,271)	

(71,344)	
—	

(278,709)	

7,904	

(33,529)	

$	

268,516	

$	

272,715	

$	

1,170,097	

$	

331,168	

18,327	

(849)	

1,254	

78,727	

438,804	

24,848	

(161,356)	

5,177	
97,782	

(287,129)	

3,782	

(17,553)	

984,736	

Gemini	 interest	 income	 reflects	 interest	 earned	 on	 Northland’s	 €117	 million	 subordinated	 debt	 to	 Gemini.	 Semi-annual	
principal	 payments	 will	 commence	 in	 2027	 until	 maturity	 in	 2032.	 Northland	 consolidates	 the	 financial	 results	 of	 Gemini	
and,	 as	 a	 result,	 Northland’s	 loan	 balances,	 investment	 income,	 and	 interest	 expense	 are	 eliminated	 upon	 consolidation.	
Gemini	interest	income	is	included	in	Northland’s	consolidated	Adjusted	EBITDA	because	it	reflects	returns	generated	from	
an	investment	in	core	assets.	

Other	 adjustments	 primarily	 include	 turbine	 resale	 proceeds	 and	 insurance	 proceeds	 for	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	
2020.	 For	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2019,	 other	 adjustments	 primarily	 include	 insurance	 proceeds	 related	 to	
construction	and	a	non-cash	fair	value	adjustment	on	a	loan	receivable.	

Fourth	Quarter

Adjusted	EBITDA	of	$269	million	for	the	three	months	ended	December	31,	2020,	decreased	2%	or	$4	million	compared	to	
the	same	quarter	of	2019.	The	significant	factors	decreasing	Adjusted	EBITDA	include:

•

•

•

$13	million	increase	in	lost	revenue	from	unpaid	curtailments	at	Nordsee	One	largely	due	to	significant	grid	outages	
and	repairs	by	the	third-party	system	operator;

$11	million	decrease	in	operating	results	from	Gemini	due	to	lower	wholesale	market	price	partially	offset	by	higher	
production;	and

$11	 million	 increase	 in	 growth	 expenditures	 and	 corporate	 G&A	 costs	 due	 to	 the	 timing	 of	 business	 development	
activities	and	project	development	costs	and	due	to	higher	personnel	costs	to	support	Northland’s	growth.

Factors	partially	offsetting	these	decreases	in	Adjusted	EBITDA	were:

•

•

$23	million	increase	as	a	result	of	the	EBSA	Acquisition;	and

$9	million	increase	in	operating	results	from	Nordsee	One,	excluding	the	losses	from	grid	outages	and	repairs	by	the	
third-party	 system	 operator,	 largely	 due	 to	 wind	 turbine	 generator	 availability	 and	 the	 effect	 of	 favourable	 foreign	
exchange	rate	fluctuations.

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

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2020

In	 2020,	 Adjusted	 EBITDA	 of	 $1,170	 million	 was	 at	 the	 upper	 end	 of	 the	 guidance	 range	 of	 $1.1	 billion	 to	 $1.2	 billion.	
Adjusted	EBITDA	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020,	increased	19%	or	$185	million	compared	to	the	same	period	of	
2019.	The	significant	factors	increasing	Adjusted	EBITDA	include:

•

•

•

$138	million	increase	in	operating	results	from	Deutsche	Bucht,	including	the	effect	of	lost	revenues	from	grid	repairs	
by	the	third-party	system	operator	and	from	periods	of	negative	prices;

$90	million	increase	as	a	result	of	the	EBSA	Acquisition;	and

$2	million	increase	in	operating	results	from	Nordsee	One,	including	the	effect	of	higher	lost	revenue	from	grid	repairs	
by	the	third-party	system	operator	and	more	periods	of	negative	prices.

Factors	partially	offsetting	these	increases	in	Adjusted	EBITDA	were:

•

•

•

$28	million	increase	in	growth	expenditures	primarily	due	to	an	increasing	level	of	development	activities	for	Hai	Long,	
Chiba	and	other	projects;	

$6	million	decrease	in	operating	results	from	Gemini	primarily	due	to	a	lower	wholesale	market	price;	and

$6	 million	 decrease	 in	 operating	 results	 from	 the	 efficient	 natural	 gas	 facilities	 largely	 due	 to	 lower	 dispatches	 and	
lower	production.

30

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

5.6:	Free	Cash	Flow	and	Adjusted	Free	Cash	Flow	

The	following	table	reconciles	cash	flow	from	operations	to	Free	Cash	Flow	and	Adjusted	Free	Cash	Flow:

Three	months	ended	December	31,

Year	ended	December	31,

2020
310,499	 $	

2019

333,626	 $	

2020
1,321,601	 $	

2019

1,224,415	

Cash	provided	by	operating	activities

$	

Adjustments:

Net	change	in	non-cash	working	capital	balances	
related	to	operations
Non-expansionary	capital	expenditures

Restricted	funding	for	major	maintenance,	debt	and	
decommissioning	reserves

Interest	paid,	net

Scheduled	principal	repayments	on	facility	debt

Funds	set	aside	(utilized)	for	scheduled	principal	
repayments
Preferred	share	dividends

Consolidation	of	non-controlling	interests
Deutsche	Bucht	Completion	Distribution

Cash	from	operating	activities	from	projects	under	
construction
Lease	payments
Investment	income	(1)
Nordsee	One	proceeds	from	government	grant	and	
warranty	settlement

Foreign	exchange
Other	(2)

Free	Cash	Flow

Add	back:	Growth	expenditures

Adjusted	Free	Cash	Flow

13,648	
(15,793)	

(3,902)	

(110,062)	

(233,773)	

104,140	
(2,707)	

(26,151)	

—	
—	
(2,447)	
5,432	

7,809	

854	

8,829	

4,263	
(5,616)	 	

32,333	
(28,324)	

(3,276)	 	

(15,756)	

(104,659)	 	

(154,407)	 	

72,413	
(2,932)	 	

(309,077)	

(789,778)	

179,792	
(11,364)	

(27,602)	 	

(123,609)	

—	

(81,530)	 	
(1,883)	 	
5,607	

6,883	

14,800	

11,668	

93,144	

(66,853)	
(9,210)	
22,450	

28,281	

5,072	

14,886	

$	

$	

56,376	 $	

67,355	 $	

343,588	 $	

22,427	

78,803	

16,257	

71,810	

83,612	 $	

415,398	 $	

(17,097)	
(9,582)	

(14,176)	

(288,720)	

(412,167)	

(5,847)	
(11,728)	

(111,773)	

—	

(81,530)	
(6,682)	
22,060	

22,496	

9,565	

(754)	

318,480	

43,795	

362,275	

(1)		Investment	income	includes	Gemini	interest	income	and	interest	received	on	third-party	loans	to	partners	on	Cochrane	Solar.
(2)		Other	includes	adjustments	for	Nordsee	One	interest	on	shareholder	loans,	equity	accounting,	acquisition	costs	and	non-cash	expenses	adjusted	in	

working	capital	excluded	from	Free	Cash	Flow,	partially	offset	by	stock-based	compensation	awards	settled	in	cash	in	the	period.

Northland	has	introduced	Adjusted	Free	Cash	Flow,	a	new	supplementary	non-IFRS	Free	Cash	Flow	measure,	and	associated	
per	share	amounts	and	payout	ratios.	Adjusted	Free	Cash	Flow	is	calculated	by	excluding	growth-related	expenditures	from	
Free	 Cash	 Flow.	 Management	 believes	 this	 measure	 provides	 a	 relevant	 presentation	 of	 cash	 flow	 generated	 from	 the	
business	 before	 investment-related	 decisions	 (refer	 to	 SECTION	 5.3:	 Growth	 Expenditures	 for	 additional	 information).	
Management	believes	Adjusted	Free	Cash	Flow	is	a	meaningful	measure	of	Northland’s	ability	to	generate	cash	flow,	after	
on-going	obligations,	to	reinvest	in	growth	and	fund	dividend	payments.	Reinvesting	in	growth	is	a	key	part	of	Northland’s	
long-term	strategy.	

Scheduled	principal	repayments	on	facility	debt	reflect	repayments	as	paid.	Funds	set	aside	(utilized)	for	scheduled	principal	
repayments	allocates	repayments	across	the	quarters	in	order	to	more	clearly	reflect	the	Company’s	performance.	Gemini’s	
principal	repayment	schedule	is	weighted	towards	the	first	payment	of	the	year	to	align	with	Gemini’s	expected	annual	cash	
flow	 profile,	 while	 Nordsee	 One	 and	 Deutsche	 Bucht’s	 principal	 repayments	 are	 scheduled	 semi-annually.	 For	 2020,	
Northland’s	share	of	Gemini,	Nordsee	One	and	Deutsche	Bucht	principal	repayments	totaled	€82	million,	€80	million	and	
€84	 million,	 respectively	 (2019	 -	 €79	 million,	 €72	 million	 and	 €nil).	 Refer	 to	 SECTION	 7:	 EQUITY,	 LIQUIDITY	 AND	 CAPITAL	
RESOURCES	for	scheduled	principal	debt	payments	for	Northland’s	operating	facilities	for	2021	to	2025.	

Interest	expense	is	reflected	each	quarter	as	accrued	in	net	income	and	working	capital	or	paid.

In	2014,	Nordsee	One	was	awarded	a	grant	under	the	European	Commission’s	NER	300	program.	The	total	grant	value	of	
€70.0	million	was	recorded	as	a	reduction	in	property,	plant	and	equipment	upon	completion	of	the	project.	Cash	proceeds	
from	the	grant	are	based	on	production	volumes,	with	the	first	cash	payment	received	in	2019	for	production	in	2018,	with	
final	 cash	 payments	 expected	 to	 be	 received	 in	 2023	 for	 production	 in	 2022.	 Proceeds	 under	 the	 grant	 attributable	 to	
Nordsee	One’s	production	during	the	respective	periods	are	included	in	Free	Cash	Flow.	For	the	years	ended	December	31,	
2020	and	2019,	proceeds	from	this	program,	based	on	production,	totaled	$18	million	and	$19	million,	respectively.	

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

31

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
					
The	following	table	summarizes	cash	and	total	dividends	paid	and	respective	Free	Cash	Flow	payout	ratios	as	well	as	per	
share	amounts:

Cash	dividends	paid	to	common	and	Class	A	

shareholders

Free	Cash	Flow	payout	ratio	-	cash	dividends	(1)
Adjusted	payout	ratio	-	cash	dividends	(1)
Total	dividends	paid	to	common	and	Class	A	

shareholders	(2)

Free	Cash	Flow	payout	ratio	-	total	dividends	(1)	(2)
Adjusted	payout	ratio	-	total	dividends	(1)
Weighted	avg.	number	of	shares	-	basic	(000s)	(3)
Weighted	avg.	number	of	shares	-	diluted	(000s)	(4)
Per	share	($/share)
Dividends	paid	(5)
Free	Cash	Flow	—	basic
Free	Cash	Flow	—	diluted

Adjusted	Free	Cash	Flow	—	basic

Three	months	ended	December	31,

Year	ended	December	31,

2020

2019

2020

2019

$	

$	

40,652	 $	

54,130	 $	

217,918	

$	

216,373	

60,555	 $	

54,130	 $	

242,923	

$	

216,373	

	63	%
	52	%

	68	%
	60	%

	71	%

	58	%

201,962	

201,962	

180,434	

187,421	

198,774	

201,169	

$0.30

$0.28
$0.28

$0.39

$0.30

$0.37
$0.37

$0.46

$1.20

$1.73
$1.72

$2.09

	68	%

	60	%

180,322	
187,625	

$1.20

$1.77
$1.73

$2.01

$1.96

Adjusted	Free	Cash	Flow	—	diluted
(1)		On	a	rolling	four-quarter	basis.
(2)		Represents	dividends	paid	in	cash	and	in	shares	under	the	DRIP.	
(3)		Includes	common	shares	and	class	A	shares	but	excludes	common	shares	issuable	upon	conversion	of	outstanding	convertible	debentures.
(4)		Includes	common	shares,	class	A	shares	and	any	common	shares	issuable	upon	conversion	of	outstanding	convertible	debentures.
(5)		Excludes	the	dividend	equivalent	payment	of	$0.40	paid	upon	conversion	of	14,289,000	subscription	receipts	on	January	14,	2020.

$0.39

$2.07

$0.45

Fourth	Quarter

Free	Cash	Flow	of	$56	million	for	the	three	months	ended	December	31,	2020,	was	16%	or	$11	million	lower	than	the	same	
quarter	of	2019.	The	significant	factors	decreasing	Free	Cash	Flow	include:

•

•

•

•

•

$43	million	increase	in	scheduled	principal	repayments	primarily	at	Deutsche	Bucht;

$27	million	decrease	in	overall	earnings	primarily	due	to	factors	affecting	Adjusted	EBITDA	in	the	quarter	such	as	lost	
revenue	 from	 grid	 outages	 and	 repairs	 at	 the	 German	 offshore	 wind	 facilities	 and	 lower	 wholesale	 market	 prices	 at	
Gemini;

$14	 million	 increase	 in	 net	 interest	 expense	 due	 to	 interest	 on	 borrowings	 to	 finance	 the	 EBSA	 Acquisition	 and	 the	
effect	of	previously	capitalized	interest	costs	at	Deutsche	Bucht,	partially	offset	by	lower	interest	costs	as	a	result	of	
scheduled	principal	repayments	on	facility-level	loans;	

$8	million	of	decommissioning	reserve	funding	at	Deutsche	Bucht	which	announced	commercial	operations	in	March	
2020	(amounts	represent	an	annual	cost);	and

$4	 million	 increase	 in	 current	 tax	 expense	 primarily	 due	 to	 EBSA	 as	 well	 as	 at	 the	 offshore	 wind	 facilities,	 including	
Gemini	becoming	taxable	in	2020.

Factors	partially	offsetting	the	decrease	in	Free	Cash	Flow	was	a	$76	million	increase	in	contribution	from	Deutsche	Bucht	
since	pre-completion	revenues	were	excluded	from	Free	Cash	Flow	in	the	same	quarter	last	year.

Adjusted	Free	Cash	Flow	of	$79	million	for	the	three	months	ended	December	31,	2020,	was	6%	or	$5	million	lower	than	
the	same	quarter	of	2019.	The	significant	factors	decreasing	Adjusted	Free	Cash	Flow	were	as	described	above	for	Free	Cash	
Flow	 but	 exclude	 the	 $6	 million	 increase	 in	 growth	 expenditures	 (refer	 to	 SECTION	 5.3:	 Growth	 Expenditures	 for	 more	
information).	

32

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
2020

In	2020,	Free	Cash	Flow	per	share	of	$1.73	per	share	was	above	the	revised	guidance	range	of	$1.60	to	$1.70	per	share	
issued	in	November	2020.	Free	Cash	Flow	of	$344	million	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020,	was	8%	or	$25	million	
higher	than	the	same	period	of	2019.	The	significant	factors	increasing	Free	Cash	Flow	include:

•

•

•

$190	million	increase	in	overall	earnings	primarily	due	to	the	factors	improving	Adjusted	EBITDA,	excluding	the	effects	
of	net	pre-completion	revenues	from	Deutsche	Bucht;	

$93	million	increase	from	the	Deutsche	Bucht	Completion	Distribution	related	to	its	term	conversion	in	March	2020;	
and

$6	million	increase	due	to	the	warranty	settlement	at	Nordsee	One	being	included	in	Free	Cash	Flow	on	a	straight-line	
basis	over	the	remaining	term	of	the	original	service	agreement	to	2029.

Factors	partially	offsetting	the	increase	in	Free	Cash	Flow	include:	

•

•

•

•

•

$164	 million	 increase	 in	 scheduled	 principal	 repayments,	 primarily	 comprising	 $128	 million	 at	 Deutsche	 Bucht	 and	
$30	million	at	other	offshore	wind	facilities;

$38	million	increase	in	current	tax	expense	primarily	due	to	EBSA	as	well	as	at	the	offshore	wind	facilities;

$35	million	increase	in	net	interest	expense	primarily	due	to	interest	on	borrowings	to	finance	the	EBSA	Acquisition	and	
the	effect	of	previously	capitalized	interest	costs	at	Deutsche	Bucht,	partially	offset	by	lower	interest	costs	as	a	result	of	
scheduled	principal	repayments	on	facility-level	loans;

$19	million	increase	in	non-expansionary	capital	expenditures	primarily	at	EBSA;	and

$8	million	of	decommissioning	reserve	funding	at	Deutsche	Bucht	which	announced	commercial	operations	in	March	
2020.

Adjusted	Free	Cash	Flow	of	$415	million	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020,	was	15%	or	$53	million	higher	than	the	
same	 period	 of	 2019.	 The	 significant	 factors	 decreasing	 Free	 Cash	 Flow	 were	 as	 described	 above	 for	 Free	 Cash	 Flow	 but	
exclude	the	$28	million	increase	in	growth	expenditures.

As	at	December	31,	2020,	the	rolling	four	quarter	Free	Cash	Flow	and	adjusted	net	payout	ratio	improved	to	63%	and	52%,	
calculated	on	the	basis	of	cash	dividends	paid,	from	68%	and	60%,	respectively,	for	same	period	ending	December	31,	2019.	
The	improvement	in	both	net	payout	ratios	was	primarily	due	to	higher	Free	Cash	Flow	and	Adjusted	Free	Cash	Flow	and	
reinstatement	of	the	DRIP	in	the	third	quarter,	partially	offset	by	higher	cash	dividends	paid	upon	conversion	of	subscription	
receipts	 in	 January	 2020	 and	 the	 redemption	 of	 the	 convertible	 debentures	 into	 common	 shares	 in	 May	 2020	 (refer	 to	
SECTION	7:	EQUITY,	LIQUIDITY	AND	CAPITAL	RESOURCES).

Sources	of	liquidity	in	addition	to	Free	Cash	Flow	

In	 addition	 to	 Free	 Cash	 Flow	 generated,	 Northland	 utilizes	 additional	 sources	 of	 liquidity	 to	 fund	 growth	 and	 capital	
investments.	For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020,	management	sourced	additional	liquidity	through	net	proceeds	from	
the	 EBSA	 non-recourse	 financing,	 proceeds	 from	 up-financing	 of	 North	 Battleford’s	 loan,	 release	 of	 funds	 from	 Gemini’s	
debt	 service	 reserve	 facility,	 Deutsche	 Bucht	 insurance	 proceeds,	 as	 well	 as	 cash	 conservation	 from	 reinstating	 DRIP	 in	
September	2020.	Altogether,	these	initiatives	generated	additional	proceeds	of	$280	million,	which	was	primarily	used	to	
fund	growth	and	repay	corporate	debt.

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

33

					
SECTION	6:	CHANGES	IN	FINANCIAL	POSITION

The	following	table	provides	a	summary	of	account	balances	derived	from	the	audited	consolidated	balance	sheets	as	at	
December	31,	2020	and	December	31,	2019.

As	at

Assets

Cash	and	cash	equivalents

Restricted	cash

Trade	and	other	receivables

Other	current	assets

Property,	plant	and	equipment

Contracts	and	other	intangible	assets
Other	assets	(1)

Liabilities

Trade	and	other	payables
Interest-bearing	loans	and	borrowings
Net	derivative	liabilities	(2)
Net	deferred	tax	liability	(2)
Other	liabilities	(3)

Total	equity

December	31,	2020

December	31,	2019

$	

434,989	 $	

192,530	 	

372,137	 	

66,379	 	

8,679,959	 	

533,171	 	

1,019,192	 	

268,193	

623,007	

295,427	

44,521	

8,072,519	

521,050	

521,898	

$	

11,298,357	 $	

10,346,615	

252,691	 	
7,237,200	 	
582,631	 	

300,567	 	

922,497	 	

9,295,586	 $	

2,002,771	 	

193,160	
6,893,227	
438,772	

192,226	

1,118,478	

8,835,863	

1,510,752	

11,298,357	 $	

10,346,615	

$	

$	

(1)		Includes	goodwill,	finance	lease	receivable,	long-term	deposits	and	other	assets.

(2)		Presented	on	a	net	basis.

(3)		Includes	dividends	payable,	corporate	credit	facilities,	convertible	debentures,	subscription	receipts,	provisions	and	other	liabilities.

Significant	changes	in	Northland’s	audited	consolidated	balance	sheets	were	as	follows:	

•

•

•

Restricted	cash	decreased	by	$430	million	primarily	due	to	the	conversion	of	the	subscription	receipts	and	release	of	
funds	from	escrow.

Trade	 and	 other	 receivables	 increased	 by	 $77	 million	 mainly	 due	 to	 consolidation	 of	 EBSA	 and	 exchange	 rate	
fluctuations.

Property,	 plant	 and	 equipment	 increased	 by	 $607	 million	 primarily	 due	 to	 the	 EBSA	 Acquisition,	 completion	 of	
construction	at	Deutsche	Bucht,	ongoing	construction	at	La	Lucha	and	exchange	rate	fluctuations.

• Other	assets	increased	by	$497	million	mainly	due	to	the	recognition	of	goodwill	related	to	the	EBSA	Acquisition.

•

•

•

Trade	 and	 other	 payables	 increased	 by	 $60	 million	 primarily	 due	 to	 consolidation	 of	 EBSA	 and	 the	 exchange	 rate	
fluctuations.	

Facility-level	loans	and	borrowings	increased	by	$344	million	mainly	due	to	the	new	EBSA	Facility	and	exchange	rate	
fluctuations,	partially	offset	by	scheduled	principal	repayments	on	facility-level	debt.

Net	deferred	tax	liability	(deferred	tax	asset	less	deferred	tax	liabilities)	increased	by	$108	million	due	to	movements	in	
the	differential	between	accounting	and	tax	balances,	particularly	the	movement	in	net	derivative	liabilities.

• Other	liabilities	decreased	by	$196	million	primarily	due	to	the	conversion	of	subscription	receipts	and	the	redemption	

of	the	2020	Debentures	into	common	share	equivalents.

34

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
SECTION	7:	EQUITY,	LIQUIDITY	AND	CAPITAL	RESOURCES	

Northland	 maintains	 sufficient	 liquidity	 to	 meet	 short-	 and	 medium-term	 cash	 needs	 and	 ensures	 that	 it	 has	 access	 to	
sufficient	resources	to	capitalize	on	investment	opportunities	and	to	meet	growth	expenditure	commitments,	monthly	cash	
dividend	 requirements	 and	 other	 needs	 in	 the	 normal	 course	 of	 operations.	 Northland	 finances	 these	 commitments	
through	 cash	 flow	 from	 operations,	 non-recourse	 project	 financing,	 securing	 partnerships,	 corporate	 credit	 facilities,	
convertible	debentures	and	equity,	such	as	common	and	preferred	shares.

Dividends

Northland’s	Board	of	Directors	and	management	are	committed	to	maintaining	the	current	monthly	dividend	of	$0.10	per	
share	 ($1.20	 on	 an	 annual	 basis)	 and	 are	 confident	 that	 Northland	 has	 adequate	 access	 to	 funds	 to	 meet	 its	 dividend	
commitment,	 including	 operating	 cash	 flows	 and	 corporate	 funds.	 The	 Board	 of	 Directors	 reviews	 the	 dividend	 policy	
periodically	 as	 part	 of	 Northland’s	 overall	 capital	 allocation	 strategy	 to	 balance	 growth	 requirements	 and	 investor	
preferences.

In	August	2020,	Northland	announced	a	change	to	the	discount	rate	applicable	to	its	DRIP,	whereby	common	shareholders	
may	 elect	 to	 reinvest	 their	 dividends	 in	 common	 shares	 of	 Northland,	 to	 a	 3%	 discount,	 from	 the	 previous	 0%	 discount.	
Additionally,	Northland	elected	to	issue	shares	from	treasury	for	purposes	of	the	DRIP,	but	continues	to	reserve	the	right	to	
source	shares	through	market	purchases.	This	change	was	effective	with	the	dividend	payment	on	September	15,	2020,	to	
shareholders	of	record	on	August	31,	2020.	The	net	result	has	been	a	reinvestment	of	cash	dividends	into	Northland,	thus	
contributing	to	the	funding	of	growth	initiatives.	

Equity	and	Convertible	Unsecured	Subordinated	Debentures

The	change	in	shares	and	class	A	shares	during	2020	and	2019	was	as	follows:	

Shares	outstanding,	beginning	of	year

Conversion	of	subscription	receipts
Conversion	of	debentures
Conversion	of	Class	A	shares
Shares	issued	under	the	DRIP

Shares	outstanding,	end	of	period

Class	A	shares

Total	common	and	convertible	shares	outstanding,	end	of	period

December	31,	2020

December	31,	2019

179,441,219	 	

179,201,743	

14,289,000	 	
6,896,136	 	
1,000,000	 	
544,720	 	

202,171,075	 	

—	 	

202,171,075	 	

—	
239,476	
—	
—	

179,441,219	

1,000,000	

180,441,219	

Preferred	shares	outstanding	as	at	December	31,	2020	and	December	31,	2019	were	as	follows:

As	at	
Series	1	

Series	2	

Series	3

Total

December	31,	2020

4,762,246	 	

1,237,754	 	

4,800,000	 	

10,800,000	 	

December	31,	2019
4,501,565	

1,498,435	

4,800,000	

10,800,000	

In	their	most	recent	report	issued	in	March	2020,	Standard	&	Poor’s	reaffirmed	Northland’s	corporate	credit	rating	of	BBB	
(Stable).	In	addition,	Northland’s	preferred	share	rating	was	reaffirmed	on	Standard	&	Poor’s	Canada	scale	of	BB+.

On	 August	 31,	 2020,	 Northland	 announced	 the	 fixed	 quarterly	 dividends	 on	 the	 cumulative	 rate	 reset	 preferred	 shares,	
series	 1	 (“Series	 1	 Preferred	 Shares”)	 will	 be	 payable	 at	 an	 annual	 rate	 of	 3.2%	 ($0.2001	 per	 share	 per	 quarter)	 until	
September	29,	2025.	Holders	of	Series	1	Shares	and	the	cumulative	rate	reset	preferred	shares,	series	2	(“Series	2	Preferred	
Shares”)	had	the	right,	at	their	option	to	convert	all	or	part	of	their	Series	1	Shares	or	Series	2	Shares,	as	applicable,	on	a	
one-for-one	 basis,	 into	 shares	 of	 the	 other	 series,	 effective	 September	 30,	 2020.	 Consequently,	 Northland	 now	 has	
4,762,246	Series	1	Preferred	Shares	and	1,237,754	Series	2	Preferred	Shares	outstanding.

On	September	24,	2020,	the	1,000,000	Class	A	shares	previously	held	by	a	Director	of	the	Company,	were	converted	into	
common	shares	on	a	one-for-one	basis.	Refer	to	the	2020	AIF	for	additional	details	on	shareholdings	by	Directors.

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

35

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
					
As	 at	 December	 31,	 2020,	 Northland	 had	 202,171,075	 common	 shares	 outstanding	 (as	 at	 December	 31,	 2019	 -	
179,441,219).	During	2020,	$149	million	of	convertible	debentures	were	converted	into	6.9	million	common	shares	largely	
due	to	the	early	redemption	of	the	2020	Debentures	on	May	11,	2020.	As	at	December	31,	2020,	there	were	no	Debentures	
outstanding.

As	 of	 February	 22,	 2021,	 Northland	 has	 202,457,949	 common	 shares	 outstanding	 with	 no	 change	 in	 preferred	 shares	
outstanding	from	December	31,	2020.	

Normal	Course	Issuer	Bid

Northland	 had	 a	 Normal	 Course	 Issuer	 Bid	 (NCIB)	 in	 place	 through	 December	 16,	 2020.	 Northland	 did	 not	 make	 any	
purchases	under	the	NCIB	and	elected	to	not	renew	the	NCIB	when	it	ended.	Management	will	monitor	market	conditions	
and	determine	whether	to	reinstate	a	NCIB	in	the	future.

Liquidity	and	Capital	Resources

The	following	table	reconciles	Northland’s	opening	cash	and	cash	equivalents	to	closing	cash	and	cash	equivalents:	

Three	months	ended	December	31,

Year	ended	December	31,

2020

2019

2020

2019

Cash	and	cash	equivalents,	beginning	of	period

$	

487,037	

$	

302,682	

$	

268,193	

$	

278,400	

Cash	provided	by	operating	activities

Cash	used	in	investing	activities

Cash	(used	in)	provided	by	financing	activities

Effect	of	exchange	rate	differences

310,499	

(82,336)	

(281,611)	

1,400	

333,626	

(106,833)	

(260,208)	

(1,074)	

1,321,601	

1,224,415	

(839,272)	

(389,533)	

74,000	

(757,995)	

(471,102)	

(5,525)	

Cash	and	cash	equivalents,	end	of	period

$	

434,989	

$	

268,193	

$	

434,989	

$	

268,193	

Fourth	Quarter

Cash	 and	 cash	 equivalents	 for	 the	 fourth	 quarter	 of	 2020	 decreased	 $52	 million	 from	 September	 30,	 2020,	 due	 to	 cash	
provided	 by	 operations	 of	 $310	 million,	 partially	 offset	 by	 cash	 used	 by	 investing	 activities	 of	 $82	 million,	 cash	 used	 in	
financing	activities	of	$282	million	and	$1	million	effect	of	foreign	exchange	translation.	

The	decrease	in	cash	and	cash	equivalents	during	the	quarter	was	largely	due	to:

•

•

Scheduled	debt	and	interest	payments;	and	

Higher	EBSA	capital	expenditure	in	the	fourth	quarter.

2020

Cash	 and	 cash	 equivalents	 for	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2020,	 increased	 $167	 million	 due	 to	 cash	 provided	 by	
operations	of	$1.3	billion	and	$74	million	effect	of	foreign	exchange	translation,	partially	offset	by	$839	million	of	cash	used	
in	investing	activities	and	$390	million	in	financing	activities.

Cash	provided	by	operating	activities	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020,	was	$1	billion	comprising:

•

•

$485	million	of	net	income;	and

$869	million	in	non-cash	and	non-operating	items	such	as	depreciation	and	amortization,	finance	costs,	changes	in	fair	
value	of	financial	instruments	and	deferred	taxes.

Cash	provided	by	operating	activities	was	partially	offset	by	$32	million	in	changes	in	working	capital	due	to	the	timing	of	
payables,	receivables	and	deposits.	

Cash	used	in	investing	activities	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020,	was	$839	million,	primarily	comprising:	

•

•

•

$736	million	paid	primarily	for	the	acquisition	of	EBSA,	NP	Energia	and	New	York	Wind	projects,	net	of	cash	acquired;

$227	 million	 used	 for	 the	 purchase	 of	 property,	 plant	 and	 equipment,	 mainly	 for	 the	 completion	 of	 construction	 at	
Deutsche	Bucht	and	ongoing	construction	at	La	Lucha	and	Hai	Long;	and

$65	million	in	changes	in	working	capital	primarily	related	to	the	timing	of	construction	payables	at	Deutsche	Bucht.

36

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

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Factors	partially	offsetting	cash	used	in	investing	activities	include:

•

•

$91	million	release	of	restricted	cash	mainly	related	to	Deutsche	Bucht	achieving	term	conversion;	and

$98	million	received	for	the	settlement	of	outstanding	warranty	obligations	with	Nordsee	One’s	turbine	manufacturer.

Cash	used	in	financing	activities	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020,	was	$390	million,	primarily	comprising:

•

•

•

$167	million	in	net	drawdown	under	the	corporate	syndicated	revolving	facility;	

$341	million	received	from	common	shares	issued	on	the	conversion	of	the	subscription	receipts;	and

$571	million	of	proceeds	drawn	on	project	debt	from	borrowings	under	Deutsche	Bucht’s	construction	loan,	and	North	
Battleford	and	EBSA	up-financings.

Factors	partially	offsetting	cash	used	in	financing	activities	include:

•

•

•

•

$367	million	of	common,	Class	A	and	preferred	share	dividends	as	well	as	dividends	to	non-controlling	shareholders;

$15	million	change	in	restricted	cash,	primarily	from	funds	set	aside	for	debt	service	at	Deutsche	Bucht	partially	offset	
by	release	from	debt	service	reserve	at	Gemini;

$314	million	in	interest	payments;	and

$790	million	in	principal	repayments	on	project	debt.

Movement	of	foreign	currencies,	including	primarily	the	euro	and	Colombian	peso,	against	the	Canadian	dollar	increased	
cash	and	cash	equivalents	by	$74	million	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020.	Northland	aims	to	mitigate	the	effects	of	
exchange	 rate	 fluctuations	 through	 a	 variety	 of	 mechanisms,	 including	 foreign	 exchange	 hedges	 and	 natural	 hedges	 by	
corporate	debt	denominated	in	USD	or	Euro	for	operating	expenditures.

Property,	Plant	and	Equipment

The	following	table	provides	a	continuity	of	the	cost	of	property,	plant	and	equipment	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	
2020:

Cost	balance	
as	at	Dec.	31,	
2019

Acquired

Additions

Other	(1)

Exchange	
rate	
differences

Cost	balance	
as	at	Dec.	31,	
2020

Transfers

Operations:

Offshore	wind
Efficient	natural	gas(2)
Onshore	renewable

Utility

Construction:

$	 6,745,007	 $	

—	 $	

39,256	 $	

(61,999)	 $	

452,583	 $	

—	 $	 7,174,847	

1,762,113	 	

1,750,560	 	

—	 	

—	 	

6,044	 	

622	 	

—	 	

615,747	 	

24,391	 	

1,269	 	

2,258	 	

(615)	 	

—	 	

—	 	

(41,792)	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

1,769,426	

1,753,440	

597,731	

—	 	

54,585	 	

41,368	 	

Onshore	renewable
Corporate	(3)
Total
264	 $	 11,551,370	
(1)		Includes	settlement	received	from	warranty	obligation,	change	in	estimate	for	decommissioning	provision	and	amounts	accrued	under	the	long	term	
incentive	plan	(“LTIP”).
(2)		Excludes	Spy	Hill	lease	receivable	accounting	treatment.
(3)		Additions	primarily	related	to	Hai	Long	capitalization	in	construction-in-progress.	

$	 10,353,633	 $	

615,747	 $	

227,820	 $	

415,122	 $	

(61,216)	 $	

119,816	 	

37,691	 	

163,928	

(1,976)	 	

1,434	 	

2,897	 	

91,998	

(153)	 	

264	 	

—	 	

—	 	

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

37

	
	
	
	
	
					
Long-term	Debt	

Northland’s	operating	facilities	and	projects	under	construction	are	financed	primarily	with	non-recourse	project	debt	with	
fixed	or	hedged	interest	rates	and	repayment	schedules	tied	to	the	terms	of	the	project	offtake	agreement.	Each	project	is	
structured	as	a	special-purpose	entity	so	that	an	adverse	event	at	one	facility	would	not	affect	Northland’s	other	facilities.	
By	owning	and	operating	high-quality	assets	and	applying	its	deep,	long-term	experience,	Northland	expects	to	continue	to	
enjoy	a	competitive	cost	of	capital,	which	maximizes	returns	from	growth	opportunities.

The	following	table	provides	a	continuity	of	Northland’s	debt	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020:

Balance	as	
at	Dec.	31,	
2019

Acquired

Financings,	
net	of	costs Repayments

Amort.	of	
costs/fair	
value

Exchange	
rate	
differences

Balance	as	at	
Dec.	31,	
2020

Transfers

Operations:

Offshore	wind

$	 3,578,055	 $	

—	 $	

2,333	 $	

(482,328)	 $	

22,496	 $	 241,096	 $	1,475,777	 $	 4,837,429	

Efficient	natural	
gas
Onshore	
renewable
Utility

Construction:

951,487	 	

—	 	

44,000	 	

(52,022)	 	

9,993	 	

	 1,055,402	 	

—	 	

—	 	

(59,023)	 	

882	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

219,163	 	

445,050	 	

(196,405)	 	

1,343	 	

(20,099)	 	

—	 	

953,458	

—	 	

—	 	

997,261	

449,052	

Offshore	wind

	 1,308,283	 	

—	 	

79,757	 	

—	 	

(617)	 	

88,354	 	 (1,475,777)	 	

—	

Corporate

Total

171,384	 	

—	 	 1,551,131	 	 (1,383,685)	 	

3,042	 	

9,530	 	

—	 	

351,402	

$	 7,064,611	 $	 219,163	 $	 2,122,271	 $	(2,173,463)	 $	

37,139	 $	 318,881	 $	

—	 $	 7,588,602	

In	 addition	 to	 the	 loans	 outstanding	 in	 the	 above	 table,	 as	 at	 December	 31,	 2020,	 $29	 million	 of	 letters	 of	 credit	 were	
outstanding	under	non-recourse	project-level	credit	facilities	for	operational	use.

On	June	30,	2020,	Northland	upsized	the	debt	on	the	North	Battleford	loan,	generating	gross	proceeds	of	$52.5	million	at	
an	effective	interest	rate	of	2.1%.	The	pricing	was	reflected	through	the	bond	principal	increasing	by	$44	million	to	$577	
million	at	the	same	4.958%	interest	rate	and	amortization	as	the	existing	bonds.	

In	June	2020,	Northland	entered	into	a	long-term,	non-recourse	financing	agreement	on	behalf	of	EBSA	for	an	aggregate	
amount	 of	 approximately	 $465	 million	 (“EBSA	 Facility”),	 inclusive	 of	 a	 Canadian	 dollar	 tranche	 and	 a	 Colombian	 peso	
tranche.	The	EBSA	Facility	replaced	an	interim	bridge	credit	facility	previously	in	place	as	well	as	facility-level	borrowings.	
The	EBSA	Facility	is	structured	as	a	$450	million	term	loan	and	a	$15	million	debt	service	reserve	credit	facility,	for	an	initial	
two-year	term,	which	Northland	expects	to	renew	annually	and	generate	additional	proceeds	through	asset	level	financing	
optimizations,	subject	to	market	conditions.	The	EBSA	Facility	has	a	blended	interest	rate	of	5.3%	and	provides	Northland	
with	 the	 ability	 to	 upsize	 EBSA’s	 capital	 structure	 annually	 by	 increasing	 leverage	 commensurate	 with	 growth	 in	 EBSA’s	
operating	results.

Debt	Covenants

Northland	 generally	 conducts	 its	 business	 indirectly	 through	 separate	 subsidiary	 legal	 entities	 and	 is	 dependent	 on	 the	
distribution	of	cash	from	those	subsidiary	entities	to	defray	its	corporate	expenses,	repay	corporate	debt	and	to	pay	cash	
dividends	 to	 common	 and	 preferred	 shareholders.	 Most	 operating	 subsidiaries	 hold	 non-recourse	 debt,	 which	 typically	
prohibits	 distributions	 if	 the	 loan	 is	 in	 default	 (notably	 for	 non-payment	 of	 principal	 or	 interest)	 or	 if	 the	 entity	 fails	 to	
achieve	a	benchmark	debt	service	coverage	ratio,	which	is	the	ratio	of	EBITDA	to	scheduled	principal	and	interest	payments	
over	a	specified	time	period.	Northland	and	its	subsidiaries	were	in	compliance	with	all	debt	covenants	for	the	period	ended	
December	31,	2020.

38

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

	
	
	
Corporate	Credit	Facilities	and	Letters	of	Credit	

Northland’s	 corporate	 credit	 facilities	 are	 available	 for	 general	 corporate	 purposes,	 to	 support	 operational,	 construction	
and	development	opportunities	and	to	provide	letters	of	credit	issued	on	behalf	of	Northland.	The	corporate	credit	facilities	
are	summarized	in	the	table	below:	

As	at	December	31,	2020

Syndicated	revolving	facility

Bilateral	letter	of	credit	facility

Export	credit	agency	backed	letter	of	credit	facility 	

Facility	
size	

Amount	
drawn

Outstanding	
letters	of	
credit

Available	
capacity

Maturity	
date

$	 1,000,000	 $	

354,263	 $	

154,464	 $	

491,273	

Jun.	2024

150,000	 	

100,000	 	

—	 	

—	 	

146,972	 	

36,956	 	

3,028	

63,044	

Mar.	2022

Mar.	2021

Total	

Less:	deferred	financing	costs

Total,	net

$	 1,250,000	 $	

354,263	 $	

338,392	 $	

557,345	

2,861	

$	

351,402	

•

In	 the	 first	 quarter	 of	 2020,	 the	 size	 of	 the	 bilateral	 letter	 of	 credit	 facility	 was	 increased	 to	 $150	 million	 from	
$100	million.	

• Of	the	$338	million	of	corporate	letters	of	credit	issued	as	at	December	31,	2020,	$124	million	relates	to	projects	under	

advanced	development	or	construction.

•

During	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2020,	 Northland	 made	 net	 drawdowns	 of	 $167	 million	 on	 the	 syndicated	
revolving	facility,	with	remaining	movement	in	the	period	due	to	foreign	exchange	fluctuations.

Northland’s	corporate	credit	facilities	include	provisions	that	allow	for	renewals	at	Northland’s	option,	subject	to	approval	
by	the	lenders.	

Exposure	to	LIBOR	and	EURIBOR

LIBOR	and	EURIBOR	are	the	two	key	global	benchmark	rates	used	to	determine	interest	rates	and	value	government	and	
corporate	bonds,	loans,	currency	and	interest	rate	swaps	and	many	other	financial	products.	Global	regulators	have	been	
working	 with	 industry	 groups	 and	 policymakers	 over	 the	 past	 several	 years	 to	 identify	 and	 transition	 to	 more	 robust	
reference	 rates.	 In	 Europe,	 regulators	 have	 transitioned	 to	 a	 hybrid	 calculation	 methodology	 for	 EURIBOR.	 In	 the	 United	
States,	 regulators	 have	 identified	 the	 secured	 overnight	 financing	 rate	 (SOFR)	 as	 the	 successor	 rate	 for	 USD	 LIBOR.	
Regulators	are	expected	to	discontinue	the	use	of	USD	LIBOR	for	new	loans	by	the	end	of	2021	and	for	existing	loans	by	
June	2023.	

As	 at	 December	 31,	 2020,	 Northland	 had	 €4.3	 billion	 and	 US$53	 million	 of	 EURIBOR-linked	 borrowings	 and	 derivatives,	
respectively,	that	extend	beyond	2021.	

Management	 is	 monitoring	 industry	 developments	 and	 has	 developed	 a	 transition	 plan,	 which	 includes	 a	 comprehensive	
review	 of	 financial	 exposures,	 discussions	 with	 lenders	 as	 well	 as	 planning	 and	 implementing	 potential	 amendments	 to	
preserve	 the	 originally	 intended	 economics	 of	 loan	 arrangements.	 Management	 does	 not	 currently	 expect	 a	 material	
financial	impact	to	Northland	and	continues	to	monitor	and	manage	the	transition.	

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

39

	
	
					
Financial	Commitments	and	Contractual	Obligations

In	the	ordinary	course	of	business,	Northland	enters	into	financial	and	derivative	contracts.	The	contractual	maturities	of	
Northland’s	material	financial	liabilities	as	at	December	31,	2020,	are	summarized	below:	

Colombian	peso	foreign	exchange	contracts

24,724	 	

13,806	 	

5,136	 	

Derivative	contracts

Euro	foreign	exchange	contracts

Financial	natural	gas	contract

U.S.	dollar	foreign	exchange	contracts

US-Euro	Cross	Currency	Swap

US	La	Lucha	interest	rate	swaps

Power	financial	contracts

Facility-level	debt	at	Northland’s	share

Gemini

Nordsee	One

Deutsche	Bucht

Total	in	Euro
Total	in	Canadian	dollar	(1)

EBSA	(2)
All	other	facilities	(3)

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

>2025

$	 201,265	 $	 182,541	 $	 178,483	 $	 152,356	 $	 149,802	 $	 868,741	

63,340	 	

6,835	 	

—	 	

21,647	 	

235,880	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	

—	

—	

—	

8,352	 	

7,037	 	

9,542	 	

9,499	 	

10,719	 	

94,975	

77,483	 	

44,481	 	

25,175	 	

2,037	 	

—	 	

—	

€	

84,201	 €	

84,125	 €	

89,411	 €	

94,266	 €	

99,437	 €	 476,372	

94,200	 	
76,116	 	

92,009	 	
76,507	 	

90,311	 	
78,071	 	

90,988	 	
78,853	 	

86,053	 	
77,778	 	

123,604	
416,236	

€	 254,517	 €	 252,641	 €	 257,793	 €	 264,107	 €	 263,268	 €	1,016,212	
420,966	 	 1,624,923	

412,211	 	

403,973	 	

422,307	 	

406,973	 	

—	 	

450,202	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	

101,473	 	

114,254	 	

130,880	 	

128,891	 	

125,269	 	 1,096,610	

Interest	payments	including	swap	derivative	
contracts

218,476	 	

189,343	 	

162,095	 	

147,213	 	

132,029	 	

404,788	

Corporate	liabilities

Corporate	credit	facilities,	including	interest

35,227	 	

6,086	 	

5,454	 	

360,595	 	

—	 	

—	

Total

$	1,394,840	 $	1,418,558	 $	 928,976	 $	1,222,898	 $	 838,785	 $	4,090,037	

(1)		Using	long-term	foreign	exchange	rates.

(2)		EBSA	Facility	is	expected	to	be	renewed	annually.	

(3)		Other	includes	debt	service	costs	of	the	efficient	natural	gas	and	onshore	renewable	facilities.

Non-Financial	Commitments	and	Contractual	Obligations

The	following	table	summarizes	all	material	fixed	contractual	commitments	and	obligations	as	at	December	31,	2020,	for	
non-financial	 contracts.	 The	 amounts	 are	 based	 on	 the	 assumptions	 of	 a	 2%	 annual	 consumer	 price	 index	 increase,	 a	
Canadian	 dollar/euro	 exchange	 rate	 of	 $1.60	 and	 Canadian	 dollar/U.S.	 dollar	 exchange	 rate	 of	 $1.28.	 The	 table	 includes	
maintenance	 and	 services	 agreements	 and	 natural	 gas	 transportation	 demand	 charges	 for	 which	 Northland	 is	 liable	
whether	 or	 not	 natural	 gas	 is	 shipped.	 The	 construction	 commitment	 relates	 to	 the	 construction	 of	 the	 Deutsche	 Bucht	
project.	 The	 cash	 obligations	 related	 to	 the	 leases	 for	 land	 and	 buildings,	 dismantlement	 and	 management	 fees	 to	 non-
controlling	interest	partners	are	also	included.

Maintenance	agreements

$	 174,127	 $	 159,304	 $	 154,812	 $	 145,464	 $	 143,478	 $	 969,438	

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

>2025

Construction,	excluding	debt,	interest	and	fees

18,308	 	

1,207	 	

1,231	 	

Natural	gas	supply	and	transportation,	fixed	portion 	

33,128	 	

33,768	 	

34,443	 	

11,436	 	
15,211	 	

9,658	 	
15,462	 	

8,504	 	
15,462	 	

1,255	 	

9,367	 	

7,830	 	
15,462	 	

1,281	 	

9,555	 	

7,513	 	
7,513	 	

41,836	

41,404	

50,123	
248,379	

1,046	 	

11,250	
$	 253,256	 $	 220,456	 $	 215,521	 $	 180,458	 $	 170,432	 $	1,362,430	

1,080	 	

1,092	 	

1,057	 	

1,069	 	

Leases
Dismantlement	funding

Management	fees
Total

Except	in	circumstances	where	cancellation	of	the	agreements	would	result	in	material	penalties,	the	above	table	does	not	
include	variable	contractual	obligations	of	Northland	(which	typically	relate	directly	to	production	or	meeting	performance	

40

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
criteria).	 Such	 obligations	 include	 natural	 gas	 purchase	 costs,	 variable	 natural	 gas	 transportation	 costs	 and	 variable	
payments	 to	 maintenance	 providers.	 Except	 for	 certain	 onshore	 renewable	 and	 efficient	 natural	 gas	 facilities’	 PPAs,	 the	
electricity	supply	contracts	contain	no	penalties	for	failure	to	supply.

SECTION	8:	SUMMARY	OF	QUARTERLY	CONSOLIDATED	RESULTS	

Northland’s	 consolidated	 financial	 results	 are	 affected	 by	 seasonal	 factors,	 contract	 provisions	 and	 extraordinary	 items,	
which	result	in	quarterly	variations.	Northland’s	quarterly	net	income	(loss)	also	varies	due	to	any	non-cash	impairments/
recoveries	 and	 foreign	 exchange	 adjustments	 required	 to	 translate	 euro,	 U.S.	 dollar	 and	 Colombian	 peso	 denominated	
balances	to	the	appropriate	quarter-end	Canadian	dollar	equivalent	and	due	to	fair	value	movements	of	financial	derivative	
contracts.	

Accounting	policies	and	principles	have	been	applied	consistently	for	all	periods	presented	in	the	table	below.	

In	millions	of	dollars,	except	per	share	
information

Q4

Q3

2020

2020

Q2

2020

Q1

2020

Q4

2019

Q3

2019

Q2

2019

Q1

2019

Total	sales

Operating	income
Net	income	(loss)

Adjusted	EBITDA

Cash	provided	by	operating	activities

Free	Cash	Flow

Adjusted	Free	Cash	Flow

Per	share	statistics

Net	income	(loss)	-	basic

Net	income	(loss)	-	diluted

Free	Cash	Flow	-	basic

Adjusted	Free	Cash	Flow	-	basic
Total	dividends	declared	(1)

$	 493	

	 471	 $	 429	 $	 668	 $	 438	 $	 378	 $	 344	 $	 499	

	 177	
27	

	 179	
	 109	

	 269	

	 254	

	 310	

	 278	

56	

77	

58	

74	

149	
74	

227	

365	

17	

38	

395	
275	

421	

368	

211	

224	

203	
61	

273	

334	

67	

84	

177	
111	

224	

242	

74	

83	

146	
76	

194	

341	

35	

45	

288	
204	

294	

308	

142	

150	

$	 0.11	 $	 0.40	 $	 0.26	 $	 1.02	 $	 0.23	 $	 0.42	 $	 0.28	 $	 0.78	

0.11

0.28

0.38
0.30

0.40

0.30

0.41
0.30

0.26

0.09

0.21
0.30

0.99

1.10

1.17
0.30

0.23 	

0.41	

	 0.28	

0.37 	

0.41	

	 0.20	

0.46
0.30 	

0.46
0.30	

0.25
	 0.30	

0.76	

0.79	

0.83
0.30	

(1)		Excludes	$0.40	of	dividend	equivalent	payments	declared	and	paid	upon	conversion	of	14,289,000	subscription	receipts	in	the	first	quarter	of	2020.

SECTION	9:	CONSTRUCTION,	DEVELOPMENT	AND	ACQUISITION	ACTIVITIES

In	addition	to	acquisitions	and	investments	completed	over	the	course	of	the	year,	summarized	below	are	Northland’s	most	
significant	 assets	 under	 construction	 and	 under	 development	 as	 at	 December	 31,	 2020	 located	 in	 Mexico,	 Taiwan,	 the	
United	States,	Japan,	and	South	Korea:	

Baltic	Power,	1,200	MW	Polish	Offshore	Wind	Project	Acquisition

On	 January	 29,	 2021,	 Northland	 announced	 it	 had	 entered	 into	 an	 agreement	 with	 PKN	 ORLEN	 S.A.	 (“PKN	 ORLEN”)	 to	
acquire	(subject	to	regulatory	approvals	and	customary	closing	conditions)	49%	interest	in	an	offshore	wind	project	in	the	
Baltic	Sea	(“Baltic	Power”).	Baltic	Power	is	a	mid-development	stage	project	located	approximately	23	kilometers	offshore	
from	Poland’s	coast	in	the	Baltic	Sea	with	a	total	capacity	of	up	to	1,200	MW.	The	project,	which	has	secured	its	location	
permit,	 filed	 its	 environmental	 permit	 application	 in	 mid-2020	 and	 signed	 its	 grid	 connection	 agreement,	 will	 allow	
Northland	to	capitalize	on	the	growth	in	renewable	energy	demand	in	a	growing	Central	European	market.	Inclusive	of	the	
purchase	 price,	 Northland	 expects	 to	 invest	 approximately	 PLN	 290	 million	 ($100	 million)	 towards	 the	 Baltic	 Power	
development	in	2021,	including	both	growth	expenditures	and	amounts	expected	to	be	capitalized	on	acquisition.	Closing	is	
expected	in	early	2021.

Northland	and	PKN	ORLEN	will	co-develop	the	Baltic	Power	opportunity	that	is	expected	to	secure	a	25-year	Contract	for	
Difference	 (CfD)	 offtake	 agreement,	 providing	 Northland	 an	 investment	 consistent	 with	 the	 Company’s	 objectives	 of	
creating	high-quality	projects	underpinned	by	revenue	contracts	that	deliver	predictable	cash	flows.	Construction	activities	

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

41

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
					
are	 scheduled	 to	 start	 in	 2023	 with	 commercial	 operations	 expected	 in	 2026.	 Baltic	 Power	 adds	 to	 Northland’s	 offshore	
wind	portfolio	and	provides	a	new	market	to	enhance	the	geographic	and	regulatory	diversity	in	its	asset	portfolio.	

New	York	Wind,	300MW	Onshore	Wind	Project	Acquisition

In	 the	 third	 quarter	 of	 2020,	 Northland	 expanded	 its	 North	 American	 portfolio	 with	 its	 entry	 into	 the	 U.S.	 renewables	
market	through	the	closing	of	the	acquisition	of	three	onshore	wind	projects	in	New	York	State	(“NY	Wind”)	with	a	total	
gross	capacity	of	approximately	300	MW.	The	acquisition	of	NY	Wind	is	a	continuation	of	Northland’s	long-standing	strategy	
of	early	entry	into	a	project	and	leveraging	its	experience	and	expertise	in	onshore	wind	to	execute	its	first	investment	into	
the	U.S.	renewable	energy	sector.	The	project	positions	Northland	to	actively	participate	in	the	growing	renewables	market	
in	 New	 York	 State,	 which	 is	 expected	 to	 grow	 by	 26	 GW	 by	 2030.	 As	 a	 result	 of	 the	 achievement	 of	 certain	 milestones,	
Northland	 commenced	 capitalization	 of	 associated	 development	 costs	 in	 the	 fourth	 quarter	 of	 2020	 in	 accordance	 with	
IFRS.	 In	 February	 2021,	 Northland	 received	 contract	 price	 offers	 from	 the	 New	 York	 State	 Energy	 Research	 and	
Development	Authority	(“NYSERDA”)	for	20-year	indexed	renewable	energy	credits	(REC)	offtake	contracts	for	NY	Wind.	

La	Lucha	130	MW	Project	Update

The	 construction	 of	 the	 130	 MW	 La	 Lucha	 solar	 project	 in	 the	 State	 of	 Durango,	 Mexico	 is	 expected	 to	 be	 completed	 in	
2021.	 Activities	 at	 La	 Lucha	 were	 affected	 by	 COVID-19,	 requiring	 added	 precautions,	 including	 coordination	 of	
communications	and	protocols	with	contractors	and	subcontractors	and	added	safety	measures	intended	to	minimize	the	
potential	transmission	of	the	virus.	Total	capital	cost	for	the	project	remains	unchanged	at	approximately	$190	million.	

NP	Energía,	Mexican	Qualified	Supplier	Acquisition

In	the	second	quarter	of	2020,	as	part	of	its	development	strategy	in	Mexico	and	to	facilitate	securing	off-take	agreements	
for	 La	 Lucha,	 Northland	 completed	 the	 acquisition	 of	 NP	 Energía,	 which	 holds	 a	 Qualified	 Supplier	 license	 in	 Mexico.	 NP	
Energía	allows	Northland	a	more	direct	path	to	market	for	Northland’s	generation	projects,	including	La	Lucha.

EBSA,	Colombian	Regulated	Power	Distribution	Utility	Acquisition

In	July	2020,	Northland	finalized	the	purchase	price	for	its	January	14,	2020,	of	a	99.2%	interest	in	the	Colombian	regulated	
power	distribution	utility,	EBSA	for	a	total	purchase	price	of	COP	2,530	billion	($1,007	million)	including	existing	debt	of	COP	
550	billion	($219	million).	Pursuant	to	the	share	purchase	agreement,	the	purchase	price	had	been	subject	to	post-closing	
adjustments	following	a	review	of	the	final	tariff	resolution	by	the	Colombian	regulator	in	respect	of	EBSA’s	rate	structure.	
In	the	fourth	quarter,	EBSA	completed	an	offer	to	minority	shareholders	to	repurchase	their	shares	of	EBSA,	as	a	result	of	
which,	Northland	effectively	now	owns	99.4%	of	EBSA.	

Dado	Ocean,	South	Korean	Offshore	Wind	Development	Project	Acquisition

In	February	2020,	Northland	completed	its	acquisition	of	Dado	Ocean	Wind	Farm	Co.	Ltd	(“Dado	Ocean”),	an	offshore	wind	
development	company	based	in	South	Korea	with	access	to	multiple	early-stage	development	sites	off	the	southern	coast.	
Subsequent	 to	 the	 announcement	 of	 the	 acquisition,	 the	 Company	 commenced	 early	 stage	 development	 on	 sites	 in	
proximity	 of	 the	 original	 sites.	 These	 sites	 could	 provide	 the	 opportunity	 to	 increase	 the	 development	 capacity	 of	 up	 to	
1,000	MW	of	offshore	wind.	

Joint	Venture	with	Shizen	Energy	for	Offshore	Wind	Projects	in	Japan

Northland	and	Shizen	Energy	Inc.	(“Shizen	Energy”)	have	jointly	established	Chiba	Offshore	Wind	Inc.	(“Chiba”)	to	develop	
early-stage	 offshore	 wind	 development	 opportunities	 in	 Japan.	 The	 prospective	 projects	 have	 an	 expected	 combined	
capacity	of	approximately	600	MW.	In	late	2020,	Shizen	divested	a	portion	of	its	investment	to	Tokyo	Gas.	

Hai	Long	1,044	MW	Offshore	Wind	Development	Project	Update

The	Hai	Long	project	owned	by	Northland	and	its	40%	partner,	Yushan	Energy,	is	allocated	a	total	of	1,044	MW	(626	MW	
net	to	Northland)	by	the	Bureau	of	Energy	of	Taiwan	under	a	FIT	program	and	an	auction	process.	Key	aspects	of	the	Hai	
Long	project	are	presented	below:	

Sub-project

Hai	Long	2A

Hai	Long	2B

Hai	Long	3

Total

Gross	Capacity	(MW)

300

232

512

1,044

Net	Capacity	(MW)	(1)
180

139

307

626

(1)		Represents	Northland’s	60%	economic	interest.

Year	of	Grid	Connection

Type	of	Procurement

2024

2025

2025

FIT

Auction

Auction

42

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Following	 a	 20-year	 PPA	 executed	 with	 Taipower	 for	 the	 300	 MW	 Hai	 Long	 2A	 offshore	 wind	 project	 in	 2019,	 Northland	
expects	to	execute	offtake	agreements	for	Hai	Long	2B	and	Hai	Long	3	sub-projects	in	2021,	though	opportunities	also	exist	
to	 enter	 into	 economically	 favourable	 commercial	 PPAs	 to	 augment	 the	 economics	 of	 the	 sub-projects.	 In	 the	 second	
quarter	 of	 2020,	 Hai	 Long	 entered	 into	 an	 interim	 agreement	 to	 use	 14MW	 wind	 turbines	 for	 Hai	 Long	 2A.	 The	 larger	
turbines	 are	 expected	 to	 generate	 economic	 benefits	 through	 realized	 cost	 savings	 by	 using	 fewer	 turbines.	 In	 2019,	
Northland	entered	into	preferred	supplier	agreements	for	turbine	supply	and	balance	of	plant	components	for	Hai	Long	2	
and	 3.	 Northland	 and	 Yushan	 Energy	 continue	 to	 engage	 with	 the	 Taiwan	 government	 on	 finalization	 of	 the	 project’s	
investments	into	the	local	supply	chain.

SECTION	10:	OUTLOOK

2021	FINANCIAL	GUIDANCE	

Adjusted	EBITDA

In	 2021,	 management	 expects	 Adjusted	 EBITDA	 to	 be	 in	 the	 range	 of	 $1.1	 billion	 to	 $1.2	 billion,	 remaining	 consistent	
relative	to	2020	financial	guidance,	primarily	due	to	the	following	factors	(all	amounts	approximate):

•

•

•

Higher	 contribution	 from	 German	 offshore	 wind	 facilities	 as	 a	 result	 of	 anticipated	 fewer	 periods	 of	 negative	
market	prices	and	un-compensated	curtailments	($30	million);	

Higher	 contributions	 from	 Gemini	 primarily	 as	 a	 result	 of	 higher	 assumed	 2021	 wholesale	 market	 price	 ($10	
million);	and	

Contribution	from	the	La	Lucha	solar	project	in	Mexico	($10	million),	with	the	project	expected	to	begin	producing	
power	in	March	2021,	with	commercial	operations	expected	to	follow	later	in	2021.

Factors	offsetting	the	increase	in	2021	Adjusted	EBITDA	include:

•

•

Lower	 anticipated	 contribution	 from	 efficient	 natural	 gas	 facilities	 primarily	 due	 to	 a	 scheduled	 extended	
maintenance	outage	at	the	North	Battleford	facility	in	Saskatchewan	($15	million	decrease);	and

Higher	 expected	 growth	 expenditures	 relating	 to	 activities	 intended	 to	 advance	 Northland’s	 identified	 projects	
including	New	York	Wind,	Baltic	Power,	Chiba	and	Dado	Ocean	and	Nordsee	Two	projects	($35	million),	as	well	as	
higher	G&A	and	other	costs	to	support	this	growth	($25	million).

Free	Cash	Flow

In	2021,	management	expects	Free	Cash	Flow	to	be	in	the	range	of	$1.30	to	$1.50	per	share.	2021	Free	Cash	Flow	per	share	
is	expected	to	be	lower	than	the	revised	2020	financial	guidance	of	$1.60	to	$1.70	per	share	primarily	due	to	the	following	
factors	(all	amounts	approximate):

•

•

•

Higher	contribution	from	German	offshore	wind	facilities	as	a	result	of	fewer	periods	of	negative	market	prices	and	
un-compensated	curtailments	net	of	higher	interest,	taxes	and	other	items	($15	million);	

Higher	 contribution	 from	 Gemini	 primarily	 as	 a	 result	 of	 higher	 assumed	 market	 prices	 net	 of	 higher	 debt	
repayments	and	other	items	($5	million);	and	

Contribution	from	La	Lucha	($5	million)	and	from	EBSA	($10	million),	including	proceeds	from	anticipated	upward	
financing	of	the	EBSA	Facility	that	is	expected	to	occur	annually	based	on	growth	in	EBSA’s	rate	base.

Factors	more	than	offsetting	the	aforementioned	increases	include:

•

•

Lower	anticipated	contribution	from	the	efficient	natural	gas	facilities,	amounts	as	noted	above;	and	

Higher	growth	expenditures	and	corporate	G&A	costs	to	support	growth,	amounts,	as	noted	above,	which	is	the	
primary	driver	for	the	decrease	in	Free	Cash	Flow.

To	 achieve	 its	 growth	 objectives,	 Northland	 will	 deploy	 increasing	 amounts	 of	 early-stage	 investment	 capital	 (growth	
expenditures)	to	advance	its	projects.	As	in	2020,	with	the	regional	development	offices	fully	functional	and	certain	growth	
opportunities	 secured,	 such	 as	 New	 York	 Wind	 and	 Baltic	 Power,	 Northland	 expects	 to	 incur	 higher	 growth	 expenditures	
and	 capital	 investment	 in	 2021.	 Early-stage	 growth	 expenditures	 will	 reduce	 near-term	 Free	 Cash	 Flow	 and	 short-term	
liquidity	 until	 the	 projects	 achieve	 commercial	 operations	 but	 should	 deliver	 long-term,	 sustainable	 growth	 in	 Free	 Cash	
Flow.

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43

					
As	 such,	 the	 2021	 Free	 Cash	 Flow	 guidance	 range	 reflects	 increasing	 growth	 expenditures	 in	 pursuit	 of	 the	 Company’s	
continued	 execution	 of	 its	 global	 growth	 strategy.	 These	 expenditures	 relate	 to	 advancement	 of	 Baltic	 Power,	 New	 York	
Wind,	Chiba	Energy	in	Japan,	Dado	Ocean	in	South	Korea	and	other	offshore	wind	projects.	2021	growth	expenditures	are	
expected	 to	 be	 approximately	 $100	 million	 or	 $0.50	 of	 2021	 Free	 Cash	 Flow	 per	 share,	 which	 is	 included	 in	 the	
aforementioned	financial	guidance	explanations.	

In	addition	to	growth	expenditures,	the	Company	expects	to	incur	capital	investments	of	$100	million	in	2021	to	advance	
Hai	Long	and	other	advanced-stage	projects.	Capital	investments	are	largely	expected	to	be	funded	through	cash	on	hand	
and	through	Northland’s	corporate	credit	facilities	and	do	not	impact	Free	Cash	Flow.

Adjusted	Free	Cash	Flow	(Free	Cash	Flow	Excluding	Growth	Expenditures)	

Northland	is	introducing	a	new	supplementary	non-IFRS	Free	Cash	Flow	per	share	measure,	Adjusted	Free	Cash	Flow,	which	
excludes	 growth	 expenditures	 from	 Free	 Cash	 Flow,	 since	 these	 growth	 expenditures	 are	 incurred	 for	 the	 purposes	 of	
generating	future	cash	flow.	Management	believes	Adjusted	Free	Cash	Flow	is	a	meaningful	measure	of	Northland’s	ability	
to	generate	cash	flow,	after	on-going	obligations,	to	reinvest	in	growth	and	fund	dividend	payments.	

Excluding	the	effect	of	growth	expenditures	from	2021	free	cash	flow	guidance	results	in	Northland’s	Adjusted	Free	Cash	
Flow	for	2021	to	be	in	the	range	of	$1.80	to	$2.00	per	share	and	in	management’s	view,	allow	for	a	better	representation	of	
cash	flow	generated	from	the	business	before	investment-related	decisions.	For	comparison,	the	2020	Adjusted	Free	Cash	
Flow	supplementary	guidance	range	would	have	been	$1.95	to	$2.15	per	share	relative	to	the	revised	Free	Cash	Flow	per	
share	guidance	of	$1.60	to	$1.70	per	share	as	disclosed	in	November	2020.	

Iroquois	Falls	Update	

Northland’s	 120	 MW	 Iroquois	 Falls	 natural	 gas	 facility	 achieved	 commercial	 operation	 in	 1997	 and	 has	 contributed	
significantly	 to	 the	 Company’s	 financial	 performance	 through	 a	 25-year	 power	 purchase	 agreement	 (PPA)	 with	 the	
government	 of	 Ontario.	 The	 PPA	 is	 set	 to	 expire	 at	 the	 end	 of	 2021	 and	 given	 the	 current	 forecasted	 Ontario	 market	
capacity	 needs,	 Northland	 anticipates	 participating	 in	 the	 Ontario	 market	 through	 Capacity	 Auctions	 as	 a	 generation	
resource,	offering	capacity	for	both	the	summer	and	winter	commitment	periods.	In	addition,	Management	intends	to	seek	
other	offtake	opportunities.	

Currently,	 Iroquois	 Falls	 contributes	 approximately	 $75	 million	 annually	 in	 Adjusted	 EBITDA	 and	 this	 contribution	 is	
expected	to	materially	decline	starting	in	2022	contributing	less	than	$10	million	in	Adjusted	EBITDA	annually.	

LONG-TERM	OUTLOOK	AND	GROWTH	IN	ADJUSTED	EBITDA	

Northland’s	 growth	 trajectory	 is	 expected	 to	 continue	 given	 the	 accelerating	 global	 trend	 towards	 de-carbonization	 and	
electrification,	and	its	extensive	portfolio	of	offshore	wind	development.	The	Company	has	advanced	and	secured	the	rights	
to	a	number	of	development	projects,	primarily	offshore	wind,	which	if	successful	will	increase	Northland’s	installed	gross	
capacity	by	at	least	4	to	5	GW	and	require	approximately	$15	to	$20	billion	($10	to	$14	net)	of	total	gross	capital	investment	
over	 the	 next	 five	 years.	 These	 projects,	 once	 operational	 by	 the	 latter	 half	 of	 the	 decade,	 are	 expected	 to	 more	 than	
double	the	Company’s	Adjusted	EBITDA,	after	taking	into	account	the	Company’s	ownership	interest.	

SECTION	11:	LITIGATION,	CLAIMS	AND	CONTINGENCIES	

Litigation,	claims	and	other	contingencies	arise	from	time	to	time	in	the	ordinary	course	of	business	for	Northland.	None	of	
these	 contingencies,	 individually	 or	 in	 aggregate,	 are	 expected	 to	 result	 in	 a	 liability	 that	 would	 have	 a	 material	 adverse	
effect	on	Northland.	Refer	to	Note	25	of	the	audited	consolidated	financial	statements	for	additional	information	including	
any	contingencies	arising	as	a	result	of	completed	acquisitions.

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SECTION	12:	SUSTAINABILITY	AND	CLIMATE	CHANGE

Sustainability	and	Northland’s	Business	Model	

Sustainability	is	integral	to	Northland’s	business	and	its	ability	to	safely	and	reliably	deliver	the	energy	people	need	while	
delivering	 long-term	 economic	 value	 to	 its	 shareholders.	 Northland	 has	 been	 committed	 to	 delivering	 renewable	 and	
cleaner	energy	projects,	health	and	safety	and	having	a	lasting,	positive	impact	on	its	communities	for	34	years.	Northland	
is	focused	on	advancing	its	Environment,	Social	and	Governance	(ESG)	initiatives	by	integrating	ESG	into	everyday	activities,	
while	 enhancing	 its	 reporting	 on	 material	 ESG	 issues	 for	 stakeholders.	 These	 activities	 align	 with	 Northland’s	 mission	 of	
helping	develop	a	carbon-free	world.	Understanding,	measuring,	and	managing	the	opportunities	and	risks	arising	from	the	
global	 shift	 to	 renewable	 energy	 sources,	 as	 a	 result	 of	 climate	 change	 is	 a	 core	 component	 of	 Northland's	 business	
activities	 and	 critical	 to	 delivering	 on	 its	 vision.	 Northland	 holds	 the	 view	 that	 demand	 for	 electricity	 from	 renewable	
sources	will	continue	to	rise	as	a	result	of	growing	recognition	of	the	adverse	effects	of	climate	change	and	an	increasing	
number	of	jurisdictions	adopting	de-carbonization	policies	and	renewable	energy	targets.

Growth	of	Renewable	Assets	Portfolio

Northland	 sees	 significant	 growth	 opportunities	 in	 its	 renewable	 asset	 portfolio	 as	 a	 result	 of	 the	 general	 trend	 towards	
global	 de-carbonization,	 which	 encourages	 power	 generation	 from	 low-carbon	 technologies.	 Northland	 expects	 these	
opportunities	 to	 span	 short,	 medium	 and	 long-term	 time	 horizons	 as	 such	 policies	 spread	 to	 new	 parts	 of	 the	 globe	 and	
strengthen	in	advanced	economies.	Northland	is	currently	pursuing	such	opportunities	through	active	development	of	low-
carbon	 projects	 in	 North	 America,	 Europe,	 Latin	 America	 and	 Asia.	 Refer	 to	 the	 2020	 AIF	 for	 a	 summary	 of	 regulatory	
developments	in	the	markets	where	Northland	operates.	

Enterprise	Risk	Management

Climate	change,	which	increases	the	likelihood	of	unexpected,	severe	and	more	frequent	weather-related	natural	disasters	
such	as	severe	storms,	droughts	and	water	stress,	heat	waves,	forest	fires,	rising	temperatures	and	changing	precipitation	
patterns,	presents	both	risks	and	opportunities	to	Northland.	Climate	change	has	raised	the	importance	of	access	to	clean	
energy,	energy	security	and	energy	efficiency,	to	which	Northland	is	well-positioned	to	contribute.	

Northland	 manages	 the	 business	 risks	 presented	 by	 climate	 change	 as	 part	 of	 its	 Enterprise	 Risk	 Management	 (ERM)	
program.	Northland’s	ERM	program	builds	risk	identification,	assessment,	response	planning,	reporting	and	monitoring	into	
routine	 business	 activities,	 with	 ownership	 of	 key	 risks	 delegated	 throughout	 the	 organization.	 Assessment,	 using	
quantification	of	business	impacts	wherever	possible,	occurs	on	an	ongoing	basis.

Climate	Change	Related	Opportunities

New	Business	Opportunities

Northland	continues	to	identify	new	business	opportunities	due	to	continued	interest	and	growth	in	clean	and	renewable	
power	 technologies	 as	 well	 as	 increased	 investment	 by	 public	 and	 private	 entities	 in	 the	 sector.	 For	 example,	 many	
commercial	 and	 industrial	 entities	 are	 partnering	 with	 sustainable	 power	 producers	 for	 their	 energy	 needs.	 Such	
partnerships	 and	 capital	 investments	 are	 expected	 to	 lead	 to	 enhanced	 performance	 and	 reliability	 and/or	 reduced	
operating	costs,	improving	Northland’s	operating	and	financial	results.	Continued	investment	in	clean	technology	may	also	
uncover	new	applications	for	existing	technologies	and	entirely	new	business	models,	which	Northland	is	well-positioned	to	
benefit	from.

Greater	Access	to	Capital	

Northland	expects	to	benefit	from	direct	business	partnerships	as	well	as	the	trend	of	increasing	capital	allocations	by	large	
institutional	investors	to	companies	pursing	environmentally	sustainable	business	models.	Northland's	current	shareholder	
base	 includes	 large	 institutional	 investors	 and	 “green	 funds”	 that	 have	 found	 Northland	 to	 meet	 their	 criteria.	 Newer	
financial	products,	such	as	green	bonds,	present	additional	opportunities	to	raise	capital	in	the	future.	

Reputational	Advantage	

Northland’s	 business	 model	 has	 and	 is	 expected	 to	 continue	 to	 attract	 and	 retain	 top	 talent	 due	 to	 employees’	 growing	
preference	to	work	for	companies	whose	actions	and	strategy	align	with	their	own	beliefs.	Northland's	sustainability	focus	
provides	an	advantage	in	the	competition	for	top	talent	at	all	levels	of	the	organization.	Similarly,	Northland	benefits	from	
its	 positive	 brand	 image	 and	 reputation	 when	 seeking	 new	 business	 partners,	 exploring	 new	 jurisdictions	 and	 obtaining	
regulatory	approvals.	

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45

					
Climate	Change	Related	Risks	

Increased	Variability	of	Results	

Climate	change	may	increase	the	potential	for	increased	variability	of	renewable	resources,	resulting	in	higher	variability	of	
electricity	production	and	financial	results,	across	all	time	horizons.	Research	on	the	impact	of	climate	change	on	wind	and	
solar	patterns	in	areas	of	concentrated	renewable	power	production,	though	growing,	remains	in	early	stages.	Under	high	
emissions	scenarios,	in	the	long-term,	it	is	not	expected	that	there	will	be	a	significant	change	in	mean	wind	speeds	in	the	
areas	where	Northland	currently	operates,	but	increased	variability	is	possible.	Thus,	Northland's	concentration	of	offshore	
wind	farms	in	the	North	Sea	presents	a	performance	and	operating	risk.	Over	the	long-term,	the	effects	of	climate	change	
and	 severe	 weather	 events	 may	 also	 change	 energy	 demand	 patterns	 and	 market	 prices	 in	 the	 regions	 where	 Northland	
operates	to	the	benefit	or	detriment	of	Northland.	

Acute	and	Chronic	Effect	on	Physical	Assets	

Northland’s	facilities	and	projects	are	exposed	to	various	hazards	today	that	are	expected	to	increase	in	the	future	under	
various	climate	scenarios,	including	temperature	extremes,	heat	waves,	drought,	extreme	precipitation,	flooding	(sea	and	
river),	forest	fires	and	extreme	wind.	Extreme	weather	conditions	and	natural	disasters	can	cause	downtime,	construction	
delays,	 production	 losses	 and/or	 damage	 to	 equipment.	 Natural	 events	 may	 also	 make	 it	 impossible	 for	 operations	 and	
maintenance	crews	to	access	the	disabled	equipment	to	deliver	parts	and	provide	services.	

Northland	 is	 exposed	 to	 weather	 risk	 and	 subsurface	 risk	 during	 the	 construction	 and	 operation	 of	 its	 offshore	 wind	
facilities.	Northland	attempts	to	mitigate	these	risks	through	the	purchase	of	insurance	and/or	the	inclusion	of	provisions	
under	applicable	construction	agreements	with	contractors.	However,	insurance	policies	and/or	construction	agreements	
may	not	provide	coverage	for	certain	events,	or	coverage	may	be	insufficient	to	compensate	for	all	of	the	losses	suffered	by	
a	project.	Such	insurance	may	not	continue	to	be	available	at	all	or	at	economically	feasible	cost.	

Northland’s	 operations	 rely	 on	 assets	 such	 as	 transmission	 grids,	 towers	 and	 substations	 owned	 and	 operated	 by	 third-
parties.	These	assets	may	also	be	adversely	affected	by	extreme	weather	events	and	climate	change	of	which	Northland	has	
little	 ability	 to	 control.	 Similarly,	 Northland’s	 operating	 and	 construction	 activities	 could	 be	 affected	 by	 the	 impact	 of	
extreme	weather	events	on	its	supply	chain.	

Regulatory	Compliance	Risks

With	the	growing	scrutiny	of	environmental	impacts	of	business	activities,	Northland	faces	the	risk	of	increased	costs	for	
regulatory	 compliance	 such	 as	 carbon	 pricing	 programs	 for	 efficient	 natural	 gas	 facilities,	 maintenance	 of	 air	 and	 water	
quality	standards,	limiting	greenhouse	gas	emissions	and	costs	of	compliance	during	the	construction	phase.	

Northland	continually	monitors	global	regulatory	developments	and	acts	to	manage	the	related	financial	and	business	risks	
associated	with	its	activities.

Northland	discloses	its	direct	greenhouse	gas	and	air	emissions	in	its	Sustainability	Report	and	plans	to	continue	to	measure	
and	 report	 on	 these	 metrics	 annually.	 Northland	 recognizes	 the	 long-term	 importance	 of	 sustainability	 and	 the	 role	 of	
renewable	energy	in	counteracting	climate	change	and	is	focused	on	increasing	the	capacity	of	its	renewable	asset	portfolio	
in	response	to	the	threat	of	climate	change.

Climate	change	related	compliance	requirements	did	not	have	a	significant	financial	or	operational	impact	on	Northland’s	
earnings	or	capital	expenditures	in	2020.

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SECTION	13:	FINANCIAL	RISKS	AND	UNCERTAINTIES

Northland’s	 activities	 expose	 it	 to	 a	 variety	 of	 risks.	 Refer	 to	 the	 2020	 AIF	 for	 a	 summary	 of	 factors	 in	 addition	 to	 those	
discussed	below	that	could	significantly	affect	the	operations	and	financial	results	of	Northland.

Northland’s	risk	management	objective	is	to	mitigate	fluctuations	in	cash	flows	and	ensure	stable	levels	of	cash	available	to	
pay	dividends	to	shareholders.	Northland	does	not	seek	to	mitigate	fair	value	risk.	Northland	classifies	financial	risks	into	
market	risk,	counterparty	risk	and	liquidity	risk.	Northland	manages	financial	risks	by	identifying,	evaluating	and	mitigating	
financial	 risks	 in	 compliance	 with	 internal	 policies	 and	 external	 requirements	 under	 non-recourse	 project	 financing	
arrangements.	 Northland	 uses	 derivative	 financial	 instruments	 to	 manage	 certain	 financial	 risks	 but	 does	 not	 engage	 in	
speculative	activity.	Material	financial	risks	are	monitored	and	reported	regularly	to	the	Audit	Committee	of	the	Board	of	
Directors.	The	risks	associated	with	Northland’s	financial	instruments	and	Northland’s	policies	for	mitigating	these	risks	are	
described	below.	

Market	Risk

Market	risk	is	the	risk	that	the	fair	value	of	Northland’s	future	cash	flows	from	financial	instruments	will	fluctuate	because	
of	 changes	 in	 market	 prices.	 Financial	 instruments	 affected	 by	 market	 risk	 include	 loans	 and	 borrowings	 and	 derivative	
financial	instruments.	Types	of	market	risk	to	which	Northland	is	exposed	are	discussed	below.	

(i)	Interest	Rate	Risk

Interest	rate	risk	refers	to	the	risk	that	the	value	of	a	financial	instrument	or	cash	flows	associated	with	the	instrument	will	
fluctuate	due	to	changes	in	market	interest	rates.	Northland	manages	this	risk	by	securing	fixed-rate	debt	or	entering	into	
interest	rate	swap	agreements	that	effectively	convert	floating	rate	interest	exposures	to	a	fixed	rate.	

Changes	 in	 the	 fair	 value	 of	 interest	 rate	 swap	 contracts	 designated	 for	 hedge	 accounting	 are	 recorded	 in	 Northland’s	
consolidated	statements	of	comprehensive	income	(loss)	to	the	extent	that	the	hedge	arrangements	are	effective.	The	fair	
values	for	these	interest	rate	swap	contracts	are	based	on	calculations	and	valuation	models	using	observable	market	rates.	

(ii)	Credit	Spread	Risk

Credit	 spread	 risk	 as	 it	 affects	 Northland	 refers	 to	 the	 risk	 that	 the	 loan	 margin	 charged	 by	 current	 or	 future	 lenders	 (a	
borrower-specific	 margin	 added	 to	 the	 underlying	 interest	 rate)	 will	 increase,	 making	 the	 cost	 of	 debt	 capital	 more	
expensive.	Credit	spread	risk	cannot	be	hedged.	Northland	manages	this	risk	by:	(i)	entering	into	long-term	financings	with	
defined	credit	spreads	over	the	amortization	period	whenever	possible;	(ii)	ensuring	loans	are	fully	amortized	(repaid)	by	
maturity;	 and	 (iii)	 monitoring	 credit	 markets	 and	 making	 prudent	 decisions	 about	 the	 timing	 and	 method	 of	 original	
financings,	refinancing	and	repricing	opportunities.	

(iii)	Currency	Risk

Currency	 risk	 arises	 because	 the	 Canadian	 dollar	 equivalent	 of	 transactions,	 assets	 or	 liabilities	 denominated	 in	 foreign	
currencies	 may	 vary	 due	 to	 changes	 in	 foreign	 exchange	 rates.	 Northland	 is	 exposed	 to	 changes	 in	 the	 euro,	 U.S.	 dollar,	
Colombian	 peso,	 Taiwan	 dollar,	 Polish	 Zloty,	 and	 to	 a	 lesser	 degree,	 Japanese	 Yen	 and	 Korean	 Won	 for	 the	 early	 stage	
projects	 in	 those	 countries.	 Primary	 exposure	 to	 Northland	 results	 from	 the	 euro-denominated	 financial	 statements	 and	
cash	distributions	at	Gemini,	Nordsee	One	and	Deutsche	Bucht,	and	Colombian	peso-denominated	financial	statements	and	
cash	distributions	from	EBSA,	and	development	spending	at	Hai	Long	and	Baltic	Power.	Management	manages	this	risk	by	
hedging	 material	 net	 foreign	 currency	 cash	 flows	 to	 the	 extent	 practical	 and	 economical	 to	 minimize	 material	 cash	 flow	
fluctuations.	

Northland	has	entered	into	long-term	foreign	exchange	contracts	to	fix	foreign	exchange	conversion	rates	on	the	majority	
of	forecasted	euro-denominated	cash	inflows	from	Gemini,	Nordsee	One	and	Deutsche	Bucht.	Northland	has	entered	into	a	
short-term	rolling	hedge	program	to	fix	foreign	exchange	conversion	rates	on	a	portion	of	distributions	from	EBSA.

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(iv)	Commodity	Price	Risk

Commodity	 price	 risk	 arises	 where:	 (i)	 PPA	 revenues	 for	 efficient	 natural	 gas	 facilities	 are	 fixed,	 not	 linked	 to	 natural	 gas	
prices	or	the	cost	of	natural	gas	is	not	substantively	passed	through	to	the	off-taker;	(ii)	PPA	revenues	or	components	of	
PPA	 revenues	 depend	 upon	 certain	 electricity	 market	 indices;	 (iii)	 a	 portion	 of	 revenue	 is	 not	 contracted	 and	 subject	 to	
changes	 in	 electricity	 prices;	 or	 (iv)	 the	 value	 of	 a	 financial	 instrument	 or	 cash	 flows	 associated	 with	 the	 instrument	
fluctuates	 due	 to	 changes	 in	 commodity	 prices.	 Northland	 is	 exposed	 to	 changes	 in	 the	 Dutch	 wholesale	 power	 price	 at	
Gemini.	

Northland	 manages	 this	 risk	 by:	 (i)	 entering	 into	 PPAs	 that	 provide	 a	 fixed	 price	 for	 all,	 or	 substantially	 all,	 electricity	
production,	 provide	 a	 price	 linked	 to	 commodity	 prices	 or	 include	 pass-through	 of	 commodity	 costs	 to	 the	 off-taker;	 (ii)	
entering	 into	 financial	 power	 and	 natural	 gas	 hedges	 to	 stabilize	 contractual	 economics,	 including	 natural	 gas	 costs	 and	
electricity	prices;	and	(iii)	entering	into	fixed	price	gas	supply	contracts.	Northland	has	entered	into	derivatives	to	stabilize	
the	effect	of	changes	in	Dutch	wholesale	power	prices.	

Counterparty	Risk

Counterparty	risk	is	the	risk	that	a	counterparty	fails	to	perform	its	contractual	obligations	which	could	result	in	losses	in	
financial	assets.	Northland	is	exposed	to	counterparty	risk	in	several	areas	including:	(i)	cash	and	cash	equivalents	held	with	
banks	and	financial	institutions;	(ii)	counterparty	exposures	arising	from:	(a)	contractual	obligations,	which	include	but	are	
not	 limited	 to	 sales	 contracts,	 equipment	 supply	 and	 maintenance	 contracts,	 fuel	 supply	 and	 fuel	 transportation	
agreements,	 energy	 marketing	 contracts	 and	 construction	 contracts,	 (b)	 derivative	 financial	 instruments,	 (c)	 trade	
receivables	 due	 from	 customers,	 (d)	 loan	 receivables	 due	 from	 partners	 and	 other	 entities,	 and	 (e)	 claims	 payable	 by	 an	
insurer;	 and	 (iii)	 unfunded	 loan	 commitments	 from	 financial	 institutions	 for	 the	 construction	 of	 projects.	 The	 maximum	
exposure	to	counterparty	risk,	other	than	for	the	loan	commitments,	is	equal	to	the	carrying	value	of	the	financial	assets.	

Northland	 manages	 counterparty	 risk	 by	 contracting	 with	 highly	 creditworthy	 counterparties	 wherever	 possible,	 such	 as	
government-related	 entities	 and	 large	 financial	 institutions.	 Northland’s	 cash,	 derivative	 financial	 instruments,	 unfunded	
loan	 commitments	 and	 insurance	 policies	 are	 contracted	 with	 creditworthy	 financial	 institutions	 and/or	 cleared	 on	
exchanges.	Northland’s	gas,	transportation,	equipment,	maintenance	and	construction	contracts	are	with	highly	rated	and/
or	 large,	 well-capitalized	 counterparties	 wherever	 possible.	 Northland	 also	 manages	 counterparty	 risk	 by	 conducting	
comprehensive	 initial	 credit	 analyses	 on	 potential	 counterparties	 to	 material	 and/or	 long-term	 contracts	 and	 monitoring	
counterparties	over	time.	

The	nature	of	Northland’s	business	and	contractual	arrangements,	and	the	quality	of	its	counterparties	generally	serves	to	
minimize	counterparty	risk.	

Liquidity	Risk

Liquidity	risk	is	the	risk	that	Northland:	(i)	may	not	have	sufficient	funds	to	settle	a	transaction	on	the	due	date;	(ii)	may	be	
forced	 to	 sell	 financial	 assets	 or	 terminate	 financial	 liabilities	 at	 a	 value	 that	 is	 not	 the	 fair	 market	 value;	 or	 (iii)	 may	 be	
unable	 to	 settle	 or	 recover	 a	 financial	 asset	 at	 all.	 Liquidity	 risk	 arises	 through	 an	 excess	 of	 financial	 obligations	 over	
available	financial	assets	at	any	point	in	time.	

Northland	manages	liquidity	risk	to	maintain	sufficient	cash	or	readily-available	funding	in	order	to	meet	expected	liquidity	
requirements.	 Northland	 achieves	 this	 by:	 (i)	 maintaining	 prudent	 cash	 balances,	 availability	 under	 committed	 credit	
facilities	 and	 access	 to	 capital	 markets;	 (ii)	 selecting	 derivatives	 and	 hedging	 strategies	 that	 minimize	 the	 risk	 of	 material	
cash	flow	impacts;	and	(iii)	actively	monitoring	open	positions	to	assess	and	proactively	adapt	to	possible	market	liquidity	
concerns.	

Northland	is	also	subject	to	internal	liquidity	risk	because	it	conducts	its	business	activities	through	separate	legal	entities	
(subsidiaries	and	affiliates)	and	is	dependent	on	cash	distributions	from	those	entities	to	defray	corporate	expenses	and	pay	
dividends.	Most	operating	subsidiaries	hold	non-recourse	debt.	Such	non-recourse	financing	agreements	typically	prohibit	
distributions	 if	 the	 loan	 is	 in	 default	 (notably	 for	 non-payment	 of	 principal	 or	 interest)	 or	 if	 the	 entity	 fails	 to	 achieve	 a	
benchmark	 debt	 service	 coverage	 ratio,	 which	 is	 the	 ratio	 of	 Adjusted	 EBITDA	 to	 scheduled	 loan	 principal	 and	 interest	
payments	 over	 a	 specified	 time	 period.	 For	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2020,	 Northland	 and	 its	 subsidiaries	 were	 in	
compliance	with	all	debt	covenants.	

Northland	will	be	required	to	refinance,	renew	or	extend	debt	instruments	as	they	become	due.	The	ability	to	refinance,	
renew	or	extend	debt	instruments	is	dependent	on	the	capital	markets	up	to	the	time	of	maturity,	which	may	affect	the	
availability,	pricing	or	terms	and	conditions	of	replacement	financing.	

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Refer	 to	 Note	 25	 in	 the	 audited	 consolidated	 financial	 statements	 for	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2020,	 for	 additional	
information	related	to	Northland’s	commitments	and	obligations.

Risks	related	to	COVID-19	pandemic

Each	of	Northland’s	operating	facilities	are	deemed	to	be	essential	infrastructure	and,	as	such,	operations	have	continued	
uninterrupted	to	date.	Accordingly,	management	has	taken	prudent	and	comprehensive	measures	to	safeguard	the	health	
and	well-being	of	all	employees,	contractors	as	well	as	host	communities.	All	of	Northland’s	facilities	continue	to	operate	as	
expected	and	preventative	measures	remain	in	place	in	accordance	with	Northland’s	crisis	response	plans	and	applicable	
local	government	directives.	Management	continues	to	actively	monitor	the	situation,	which	remains	uncertain,	and	may	
take	further	actions	as	required	or	recommended	by	authorities.	

Risks	related	to	COVID-19	as	a	result	of	lower	demand	for	power	globally	include	increased	negative	pricing	at	Nordsee	One	
and	 Deutsche	 Bucht,	 lower	 wholesale	 market-based	 prices	 at	 Gemini,	 higher	 unpaid	 curtailments	 in	 general,	 increased	
volatility	in	the	value	of	financial	instruments	and	reduction	in	sales	and	net	earnings.	Other	risks	include	potential	delays	in	
construction	 timelines	 as	 a	 result	 of	 construction	 services	 and	 contractor	 unavailability	 or	 unavailability	 of	 key	 personnel	
resulting	 in	 the	 interruption	 of	 production	 and	 lower	 availability	 of	 power	 infrastructure,	 thus	 affecting	 sales,	 operating	
costs	and	net	earnings.	

SECTION	14:	CRITICAL	ACCOUNTING	ESTIMATES

Preparing	 the	 consolidated	 financial	 statements	 in	 conformity	 with	 IFRS	 requires	 management	 to	 make	 estimates	 and	
assumptions	 that	 affect	 the	 reported	 amounts	 of	 assets,	 liabilities,	 income	 and	 expenses.	 Northland’s	 operating	 facilities	
and	investments	primarily	operate	under	long-term	contracts	with	creditworthy	counterparties.	As	a	result,	management	
believes	it	is	not	exposed	to	critical	accounting	estimates	to	the	same	degree	as	merchant	businesses	of	comparable	size.	
For	 Northland,	 the	 amounts	 recorded	 for	 depreciation	 of	 property,	 plant	 and	 equipment	 and	 contracts,	 fair	 value	 of	
financial	assets	and	financial	liabilities,	decommissioning	liabilities,	deferred	development	costs,	leases,	LTIP,	impairment	of	
non-financial	 assets,	 income	 taxes	 and	 accounting	 for	 non-wholly	 owned	 subsidiaries	 are	 based	 on	 estimates	 and	
management’s	judgment.	By	their	nature,	these	estimates	are	subject	to	measurement	uncertainty,	and	changes	in	these	
estimates	may	affect	the	audited	consolidated	financial	statements	of	future	periods.	Estimates	and	accounting	judgments	
are	 based	 on	 historical	 experience,	 current	 trends	 and	 other	 assumptions	 that	 are	 believed	 to	 be	 reasonable	 under	 the	
circumstances.

In	 making	 these	 estimates	 and	 judgments,	 management	 relies	 on	 external	 information	 and	 observable	 conditions	 where	
possible,	supplemented	by	internal	analysis	as	appropriate.	These	estimates	and	judgments	have	been	applied	in	a	manner	
consistent	 with	 that	 in	 the	 prior	 year	 and	 there	 are	 no	 known	 trends,	 commitments,	 events	 or	 uncertainties	 that	
management	believes	will	materially	affect	the	methodology	or	assumptions	utilized	in	this	annual	report.	

Additional	information	on	the	significant	estimates,	judgments	and	assumptions	that	have	the	most	significant	effect	on	the	
recognition	and	measurement	of	assets,	liabilities,	income	and	expenses	are	discussed	in	Note	3	in	the	audited	consolidated	
financial	statements	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020.

SECTION	15:	FUTURE	ACCOUNTING	POLICIES	

Management	assesses	each	new	IFRS	or	amendment	to	determine	whether	it	may	have	a	material	impact	on	Northland’s	
consolidated	 financial	 statements.	 As	 at	 December	 31,	 2020,	 there	 have	 been	 no	 accounting	 pronouncements	 by	 the	
International	 Accounting	 Standards	 Board	 expected	 to	 materially	 affect	 Northland’s	 consolidated	 financial	 statements	
beyond	those	described	in	Note	2.17	of	the	audited	consolidated	financial	statements.

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SECTION	16:	CONTROLS	AND	PROCEDURES	OVER	FINANCIAL	REPORTING	

Disclosure	Controls	and	Procedures

Disclosure	controls	and	procedures	are	designed	to	provide	reasonable	assurance	that	all	relevant	information	is	gathered	
and	 reported	 to	 senior	 management,	 including	 the	 Chief	 Executive	 Officer	 (CEO)	 and	 Chief	 Financial	 Officer	 (CFO),	 on	 a	
timely	basis	so	that	appropriate	decisions	can	be	made	regarding	public	disclosure.

An	 evaluation	 of	 the	 effectiveness	 of	 the	 design	 and	 operation	 of	 Northland’s	 disclosure	 controls	 and	 procedures	 was	
conducted	as	of	December	31,	2020,	by	and	under	the	supervision	of	management,	including	the	CEO	and	CFO.	Based	on	
this	 evaluation,	 the	 CEO	 and	 CFO	 have	 concluded	 that	 Northland’s	 disclosure	 controls	 and	 procedures,	 as	 defined	 in	
National	Instrument	52-109,	“Certification	of	Disclosure	in	Issuers’	Annual	and	Interim	Filings”,	are	effective	to	ensure	that	
information	required	to	be	disclosed	in	reports	that	are	filed	or	submitted	under	Canadian	securities	legislation	is	recorded,	
processed,	summarized	and	reported	within	the	time	periods	specified	in	those	rules	and	forms.

Internal	Controls	over	Financial	Reporting

Management	is	responsible	for	establishing	and	maintaining	adequate	internal	controls	over	financial	reporting	to	provide	
reasonable	assurance	regarding	the	reliability	of	financial	reporting	and	the	preparation	of	audited	financial	statements	for	
external	purposes	in	accordance	with	IFRS.	

Northland’s	 internal	 controls	 over	 financial	 reporting	 are	 designed	 and	 operating	 effectively	 to	 provide	 reasonable	
assurance	regarding:	(i)	prevention	or	timely	detection	of	the	unauthorized	transactions	that	could	have	a	material	effect	on	
Northland’s	 audited	 consolidated	 financial	 statements,	 and	 (ii)	 the	 reliability	 of	 financial	 reporting	 and	 preparation	 of	
audited	consolidated	financial	statements	for	external	use	purposes	in	accordance	with	policies,	procedures	and	IFRS.

As	a	result	of	their	inherent	limitations,	internal	controls	over	financial	reporting	can	provide	only	reasonable	assurance,	not	
absolute,	and	may	not	prevent	or	detect	all	misstatements.	Further,	projections	of	any	evaluation	of	effectiveness	to	future	
periods	are	subject	to	the	risk	that	controls	may	become	inadequate	because	of	changes	in	conditions.

An	evaluation	of	the	effectiveness	of	the	design	and	operation	of	Northland’s	internal	controls	over	financial	reporting	was	
conducted	as	of	December	31,	2020,	by	and	under	the	supervision	of	management,	including	the	CEO	and	CFO.	Based	on	
this	 evaluation,	 the	 CEO	 and	 CFO	 have	 concluded	 that	 Northland’s	 internal	 controls	 over	 financial	 reporting	 provide	
reasonable	 assurance	 regarding	 the	 reliability	 of	 financial	 reporting	 and	 the	 preparation	 of	 the	 audited	 consolidated	
financial	statements	in	accordance	with	IFRS.

No	 changes	 were	 made	 in	 Northland’s	 internal	 controls	 over	 financial	 reporting	 that	 have	 materially	 affected,	 or	 are	
reasonably	likely	to	materially	affect,	Northland’s	internal	controls	over	financial	reporting	in	the	year	ended	December	31,	
2020.

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MANAGEMENT’S	RESPONSIBILITY

Management	 is	 responsible	 for	 the	 preparation	 of	 Northland’s	 consolidated	 financial	 statements	 and	 annual	 report.	
Management	has	prepared	the	accompanying	consolidated	financial	statements	in	accordance	with	International	Financial	
Reporting	 Standards,	 and	 the	 financial	 information	 included	 in	 the	 annual	 report	 is	 consistent	 with	 the	 consolidated	
financial	statements.	Where	appropriate,	these	consolidated	financial	statements	reflect	estimates	based	on	the	judgments	
of	 management.	 When	 alternative	 methods	 exist,	 management	 has	 chosen	 those	 it	 deems	 most	 appropriate	 in	 the	
circumstances	in	order	to	ensure	that	the	consolidated	financial	statements	are	presented	fairly,	in	all	material	respects.	

Management	 is	 responsible	 for	 the	 development	 and	 maintenance	 of	 systems	 of	 internal	 accounting	 and	 administrative	
cost	controls	of	high	quality,	 consistent	 with	a	 suitable	 cost.	 Such	 systems	 are	designed	 to	provide	reasonable	assurance	
that	 the	 financial	 information	 is	 accurate,	 relevant	 and	 reliable	 and	 that	 Northland	 and	 its	 subsidiaries’	 assets	 are	
appropriately	accounted	for	and	adequately	safeguarded.

The	 Board	 of	 Directors	 and	 Audit	 Committee	 (consisting	 of	 independent	 directors)	 are	 responsible	 for	 reviewing	 the	
consolidated	financial	statements	of	Northland	and	the	accompanying	management’s	discussion	and	analysis	and	ensuring	
that	management	fulfills	its	responsibilities	for	financial	reporting.

Ernst	 &	 Young	 LLP,	 the	 independent	 auditor,	 have	 examined	 the	 consolidated	 financial	 statements	 of	 Northland.	 The	
independent	 auditor’s	 responsibility	 is	 to	 express	 a	 professional	 opinion	 on	 the	 fairness	 of	 the	 consolidated	 financial	
statements.	The	auditor’s	report	outlines	the	scope	of	their	examination	and	sets	forth	their	opinion	on	the	consolidated	
financial	statements.	Their	report	as	auditor	is	set	out	on	page	44.

The	Audit	Committee	of	Northland	meets	periodically	with	management	and	the	independent	auditor	to	discuss	internal	
controls,	 auditing	 matters	 and	 financial	 reporting	 issues	 and	 to	 satisfy	 itself	 that	 each	 party	 is	 properly	 discharging	 its	
responsibilities.	 The	 Audit	 Committee	 also	 reviews	 the	 consolidated	 financial	 statements,	 management’s	 discussion	 and	
analysis	 and	 the	 external	 auditor’s	 report;	 examines	 the	 fees	 and	 expenses	 for	 audit	 services;	 and	 considers	 the	
engagement	or	reappointment	of	the	external	auditor.	The	Audit	Committee	reports	its	findings	to	the	Board	of	Directors	
for	 consideration	 prior	 to	 the	 issuance	 of	 the	 Northland	 consolidated	 financial	 statements	 to	 the	 shareholders.	 Ernst	 &	
Young	LLP	have	full	access	to	the	Audit	Committee	and	meet	with	the	committee	both	in	the	presence	of	management	and	
separately.	

(signed,	Mike	Crawley)

Mike	Crawley

President	and	Chief	Executive	Officer

(signed,	Pauline	Alimchandani)

Pauline	Alimchandani

Chief	Financial	Officer

Toronto,	Canada

February	22,	2021

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INDEPENDENT	AUDITOR’S	REPORT

To	the	Shareholders	of	Northland	Power	Inc.	

Opinion

We	have	audited	the	consolidated	financial	statements	of	Northland	Power	Inc.	and	its	subsidiaries	(the	“Group”),	which	
comprise	the	consolidated	balance	sheets	as	at	December	31,	2020	and	2019,	and	the	consolidated	statements	of	income	
(loss),	 consolidated	 statements	 of	 comprehensive	 income	 (loss),	 consolidated	 statements	 of	 changes	 in	 equity	 and	
consolidated	 statements	 of	 cash	 flows	 for	 the	 years	 then	 ended,	 and	 notes	 to	 the	 consolidated	 financial	 statements,	
including	a	summary	of	significant	accounting	policies.
In	our	opinion,	the	accompanying	consolidated	financial	statements	present	fairly,	in	all	material	respects,	the	consolidated	
financial	 position	 of	 the	 Group	 as	 at	 December	 31,	 2020	 and	 2019,	 and	 its	 consolidated	 financial	 performance	 and	 its	
consolidated	cash	flows	for	the	years	then	ended	in	accordance	with	International	Financial	Reporting	Standards	(“IFRS”).	

Basis	for	Opinion

We	 conducted	 our	 audit	 in	 accordance	 with	 Canadian	 generally	 accepted	 auditing	 standards.	 Our	 responsibilities	 under	
those	standards	are	further	described	in	the	Auditor’s	Responsibilities	for	the	Audit	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	
section	of	our	report.	We	are	independent	of	the	Group	in	accordance	with	the	ethical	requirements	that	are	relevant	to	
our	 audit	 of	 the	 consolidated	 financial	 statements	 in	 Canada,	 and	 we	 have	 fulfilled	 our	 other	 ethical	 responsibilities	 in	
accordance	with	these	requirements.	We	believe	that	the	audit	evidence	we	have	obtained	is	sufficient	and	appropriate	to	
provide	a	basis	for	our	opinion.

Key	Audit	Matters

Key	 audit	 matters	 are	 those	 matters	 that,	 in	 our	 professional	 judgment,	 were	 of	 most	 significance	 in	 the	 audit	 of	 the	
consolidated	financial	statements	of	the	current	period.	These	matters	were	addressed	in	the	context	of	the	audit	of	the	
consolidated	 financial	 statements	 as	 a	 whole,	 and	 in	 forming	 the	 auditor’s	 opinion	 thereon,	 and	 we	 do	 not	 provide	 a	
separate	 opinion	 on	 these	 matters.	 For	 each	 matter	 below,	 our	 description	 of	 how	 our	 audit	 addressed	 the	 matter	 is	
provided	in	that	context.

We	have	fulfilled	the	responsibilities	described	in	the	Auditor’s	Responsibilities	for	the	Audit	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	
Statements	section	of	our	report,	including	in	relation	to	these	matters.	Accordingly,	our	audit	included	the	performance	of	
procedures	 designed	 to	 respond	 to	 our	 assessment	 of	 the	 risks	 of	 material	 misstatement	 of	 the	 consolidated	 financial	
statements.	The	results	of	our	audit	procedures,	including	the	procedures	performed	to	address	the	matters	below,	provide	
the	basis	for	our	audit	opinion	on	the	accompanying	consolidated	financial	statements.

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Key	audit	matter

How	our	audit	addressed	the	key	audit	matter

Impairment	of	Goodwill,	Contracts	and	other	intangible	assets,	and	Property,	plant	and	equipment

Based	on	our	risk	assessment,	we	performed	the	following	
procedures,	among	others,	on	a	sample	of	management’s	
cash	generating	unit	impairment	tests:

•

Assessed	
revenues,	
the	 appropriateness	 of	
operating	 costs,	 and	 terminal	 values	 by	 comparing	
them	 to	 executed	 power	 generation	 contracts	 and	
regulatory	 power	 distribution	 rates,	 historical	
results,	 third-party	 data	 and	 current	
industry,	
market	or	economic	trends;

•

the	 discount	

• With	 the	 assistance	 of	 our	 valuation	 specialists,	
rates	 utilized	 by	
evaluated	
management,	which	involved	assessing	comparable	
market	data;
Performed	 sensitivity	 analysis	 on	 the	 significant	
assumptions	and	inputs	to	evaluate	changes	in	the	
recoverable	amount	of	the	CGU;	and
Assessed	 the	 adequacy	 of	 the	 disclosures	 included	
in	 Note	 21	 of	 the	 accompanying	 consolidated	
financial	statements	in	relation	to	this	matter.

•

As	 at	 December	 31,	 2020,	 the	 Group’s	 goodwill,	 contracts	
intangible	 assets,	 and	 property,	 plant,	 and	
and	 other	
equipment	 were	 $709	 million,	 $533	 million	 and	 $8,680	
million,	 respectively.	 For	 goodwill	 and	 other	 intangible	
assets	 with	 indefinite	 lives,	 management	 assesses	 at	 least	
annually,	or	at	any	time	if	an	indicator	of	impairment	exists,	
whether	there	has	been	an	impairment	loss	in	the	carrying	
value	 of	 these	 assets.	 For	 intangible	 assets	 with	 finite	 lives	
and	 property,	 plant,	 and	 equipment,	 any	 time	 an	 indicator	
of	 impairment	 or	 reversal	 exists,	 management	 assesses	
whether	there	has	been	an	impairment	loss	in	the	carrying	
value	 of	 these	 assets.	 When	 performing	 impairment	 tests,	
the	Group	estimates	the	recoverable	amount	for	each	cash	
generating	unit	(“CGU”)	or	group	of	CGUs	to	which	goodwill	
and	 contracts	 and	 other	 intangible	 assets	 and	 property,	
plant	 and	 equipment	 assets	 have	 been	 allocated	 using	 the	
value-in-use	 method,	 whereby	 the	 net	 cash	 flow	
is	
determined	 based	 on	 current	 business	 plans	 and	 budgets	
approved	 by	 management.	 The	 Group	 discloses	 significant	
judgements,	 estimates	 and	 assumptions	 and	 the	 results	 of	
their	analysis	in	respect	of	impairment	in	Notes	3	and	21	to	
the	consolidated	financial	statements.

Auditing	 management’s	 impairment	 tests	 was	 complex,	
given	the	degree	of	judgement	and	subjectivity	in	evaluating	
management’s	 estimates	 and	 assumptions	 in	 determining	
the	 recoverable	 amounts	 of	 CGUs	 or	 group	 of	 CGUs.	 The	
significant	assumptions	and	inputs	noted	in	the	value-in-use	
models	were	revenues,	operating	costs,	terminal	values,	and	
discount	rates.

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

53

																																																									
						
Key	audit	matter

Business	Combination

On	January	14,	2020,	Northland	Power	Inc.	acquired	99.2%	
of	the	issued	and	outstanding	shares	of	Empresa	de	Energía	
de	 Boyacá	 S.A	 E.S.P	 (“EBSA”)	 for	 aggregate	 purchase	
consideration	of	$798	million,	as	disclosed	in	Note	4	of	the	
consolidated	 financial	 statements.	 As	 described	 in	 Note	 2,	
Significant	 Accounting	 Policies	 and	 Changes	
the	
consolidated	financial	statements,	the	cost	of	an	acquisition	
is	 measured	 as	 the	 aggregate	 fair	 values	 of	 the	 assets	
acquired	and	liabilities	incurred	or	assumed	as	at	the	date	of	
the	exchange	of	control	of	the	acquiree.	Where	the	amounts	
allocated	to	the	assets	and	liabilities	are	less	than	the	overall	
consideration	 paid,	 the	 difference	 is	 accounted	 for	 as	
goodwill.

in	

Auditing	this	business	combination	was	complex	due	to	the	
subjective	 nature	 of	 estimating	 the	 fair	 values	 of	 identified	
assets	 and	 liabilities	 of	 EBSA	 as	 at	 the	 date	 of	 acquisition,	
particularly	property,	plant	and	equipment.	The	Group	used	
a	 discounted	 cash	 flow	 model	 to	 measure	 the	 business	
enterprise	 value	 and	 the	 acquired	 property,	 plant	 and	
equipment,	 where	 the	 significant	 assumptions	 and	 inputs	
were	revenues,	capital	expenditures,	and	discount	rate.

How	our	audit	addressed	the	key	audit	matter

To	 test	 the	 Group’s	 estimated	 fair	 valuation	 of	 business	
enterprise	 value	 and	 property,	 plant,	 and	 equipment	 we	
performed	the	following	procedures,	among	others:

•

•

•

•

•

the	

over	

necessary	

Read	 the	 purchase	 agreement	 to	 obtain	 an	
understanding	of	the	key	terms	and	conditions	and	
assessed	 the	 appropriateness	 of	 management’s	
accounting	
analysis	
considerations;
Involved	 our	 valuation	 specialists	 to	 assess	 the	
valuation	 methodology	 applied,	 and	 the	 various	
inputs	 utilized	 to	 determine	 the	 discount	 rate	 by	
referencing	 current	
industry	 and	 comparable	
company	 information	 as	 well	 as	 cash-flow	 specific	
risk	premiums;
Assessed	 the	 appropriateness	 of	 revenues	 and	
capital	 expenditures	 by	 comparing	 them	 to	 long	
term	 forecasts	 for	 the	 Colombian	 power	 market,	
historical	 results,	 the	 local	 regulatory	 framework	
for	electric	utilities,	and	other	third-party	data;
Developed	 independent	 expectations	 of	 the	 fair	
value	 of	 property,	 plant	 and	 equipment	 by	
performing	sensitivity	analysis	of	several	significant	
assumptions;	and
Assessed	 the	 adequacy	 of	 the	 disclosures	 included	
in	 Note	 4	 of	 the	 consolidated	 financial	 statements	
in	relation	to	this	matter.

Other	Information

Management	is	responsible	for	the	other	information.	The	other	information	comprises:

• Management’s	Discussion	and	Analysis

•

The	information,	other	than	the	consolidated	financial	statements	and	our	auditor’s	report	thereon,	in	the	Annual	
Report

Our	opinion	on	the	consolidated	financial	statements	does	not	cover	the	other	information	and	we	do	not	express	any	form	
of	assurance	conclusion	thereon.	

In	connection	with	our	audit	of	the	consolidated	financial	statements,	our	responsibility	is	to	read	the	other	information,	
and	 in	 doing	 so,	 consider	 whether	 the	 other	 information	 is	 materially	 inconsistent	 with	 the	 consolidated	 financial	
statements	or	our	knowledge	obtained	in	the	audit	or	otherwise	appears	to	be	materially	misstated.	

We	 obtained	 Management’s	 Discussion	 and	 Analysis	 and	 the	 Annual	 Report	 prior	 to	 the	 date	 of	 this	 auditor’s	 report.	 If,	
based	on	the	work	we	have	performed,	we	conclude	that	there	is	a	material	misstatement	of	this	other	information,	we	are	
required	to	report	that	fact	in	this	auditor’s	report.	We	have	nothing	to	report	in	this	regard.

54

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

Responsibilities	of	Management	and	Those	Charged	with	Governance	for	the	Consolidated	Financial	
Statements

Management	 is	 responsible	 for	 the	 preparation	 and	 fair	 presentation	 of	 the	 consolidated	 financial	 statements	 in	
accordance	with	IFRS,	and	for	such	internal	control	as	management	determines	is	necessary	to	enable	the	preparation	of	
consolidated	financial	statements	that	are	free	from	material	misstatement,	whether	due	to	fraud	or	error.

In	preparing	the	consolidated	financial	statements,	management	is	responsible	for	assessing	the	Group’s	ability	to	continue	
as	 a	 going	 concern,	 disclosing,	 as	 applicable,	 matters	 related	 to	 going	 concern	 and	 using	 the	 going	 concern	 basis	 of	
accounting	unless	management	either	intends	to	liquidate	the	Group	or	to	cease	operations,	or	has	no	realistic	alternative	
but	to	do	so.

Those	charged	with	governance	are	responsible	for	overseeing	the	Group’s	financial	reporting	process.

Auditor’s	Responsibilities	for	the	Audit	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements

Our	objectives	are	to	obtain	reasonable	assurance	about	whether	the	consolidated	financial	statements	as	a	whole	are	free	
from	 material	 misstatement,	 whether	 due	 to	 fraud	 or	 error,	 and	 to	 issue	 an	 auditor’s	 report	 that	 includes	 our	 opinion.	
Reasonable	 assurance	 is	 a	 high	 level	 of	 assurance,	 but	 is	 not	 a	 guarantee	 that	 an	 audit	 conducted	 in	 accordance	 with	
Canadian	generally	accepted	auditing	standards	will	always	detect	a	material	misstatement	when	it	exists.	Misstatements	
can	 arise	 from	 fraud	 or	 error	 and	 are	 considered	 material	 if,	 individually	 or	 in	 the	 aggregate,	 they	 could	 reasonably	 be	
expected	to	influence	the	economic	decisions	of	users	taken	on	the	basis	of	these	consolidated	financial	statements.

As	part	of	an	audit	in	accordance	with	Canadian	generally	accepted	auditing	standards,	we	exercise	professional	judgment	
and	maintain	professional	skepticism	throughout	the	audit.	We	also:

•

Identify	 and	 assess	 the	 risks	 of	 material	 misstatement	 of	 the	 consolidated	 financial	 statements,	 whether	 due	 to	
fraud	or	error,	design	and	perform	audit	procedures	responsive	to	those	risks,	and	obtain	audit	evidence	that	is	
sufficient	 and	 appropriate	 to	 provide	 a	 basis	 for	 our	 opinion.	 The	 risk	 of	 not	 detecting	 a	 material	 misstatement	
resulting	from	fraud	is	higher	than	for	one	resulting	from	error,	as	fraud	may	involve	collusion,	forgery,	intentional	
omissions,	misrepresentations,	or	the	override	of	internal	control.

• Obtain	 an	 understanding	 of	 internal	 control	 relevant	 to	 the	 audit	 in	 order	 to	 design	 audit	 procedures	 that	 are	
appropriate	 in	 the	 circumstances,	 but	 not	 for	 the	 purpose	 of	 expressing	 an	 opinion	 on	 the	 effectiveness	 of	 the	
Group’s	internal	control.

•

•

•

Evaluate	 the	 appropriateness	 of	 accounting	 policies	 used	 and	 the	 reasonableness	 of	 accounting	 estimates	 and	
related	disclosures	made	by	management.

Conclude	on	the	appropriateness	of	management’s	use	of	the	going	concern	basis	of	accounting	and,	based	on	the	
audit	 evidence	 obtained,	 whether	 a	 material	 uncertainty	 exists	 related	 to	 events	 or	 conditions	 that	 may	 cast	
significant	doubt	on	the	Group’s	ability	to	continue	as	a	going	concern.	If	we	conclude	that	a	material	uncertainty	
exists,	 we	 are	 required	 to	 draw	 attention	 in	 our	 auditor’s	 report	 to	 the	 related	 disclosures	 in	 the	 consolidated	
financial	statements	or,	if	such	disclosures	are	inadequate,	to	modify	our	opinion.	Our	conclusions	are	based	on	
the	 audit	 evidence	 obtained	 up	 to	 the	 date	 of	 our	 auditor’s	 report.	 However,	 future	 events	 or	 conditions	 may	
cause	the	Group	to	cease	to	continue	as	a	going	concern.

Evaluate	 the	 overall	 presentation,	 structure	 and	 content	 of	 the	 consolidated	 financial	 statements,	 including	 the	
disclosures,	and	whether	the	consolidated	financial	statements	represent	the	underlying	transactions	and	events	
in	a	manner	that	achieves	fair	presentation.

• Obtain	 sufficient	 appropriate	 audit	 evidence	 regarding	 the	 financial	 information	 of	 the	 entities	 or	 business	
activities	within	the	Group	to	express	an	opinion	on	the	consolidated	financial	statements.	We	are	responsible	for	
the	direction,	supervision	and	performance	of	the	group	audit.	We	remain	solely	responsible	for	our	audit	opinion.

We	communicate	with	those	charged	with	governance	regarding,	among	other	matters,	the	planned	scope	and	timing	of	
the	audit	and	significant	audit	findings,	including	any	significant	deficiencies	in	internal	control	that	we	identify	during	our	
audit.

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

55

																																																									
						
We	 also	 provide	 those	 charged	 with	 governance	 with	 a	 statement	 that	 we	 have	 complied	 with	 relevant	 ethical	
requirements	 regarding	 independence,	 and	 to	 communicate	 with	 them	 all	 relationships	 and	 other	 matters	 that	 may	
reasonably	be	thought	to	bear	on	our	independence,	and	where	applicable,	related	safeguards.

From	 the	 matters	 communicated	 with	 those	 charged	 with	 governance,	 we	 determine	 those	 matters	 that	 were	 of	 most	
significance	 in	 the	 audit	 of	 the	 consolidated	 financial	 statements	 of	 the	 current	 period	 and	 are	 therefore	 the	 key	 audit	
matters.	We	describe	these	matters	in	our	auditor’s	report	unless	law	or	regulation	precludes	public	disclosure	about	the	
matter	or	when,	in	extremely	rare	circumstances,	we	determine	that	a	matter	should	not	be	communicated	in	our	report	
because	the	adverse	consequences	of	doing	so	would	reasonably	be	expected	to	outweigh	the	public	interest	benefits	of	
such	communication.

The	engagement	partner	on	the	audit	resulting	in	this	independent	auditor’s	report	is	Scott	Kerr.

Toronto,	ON	

February	22,	2021

56

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

Consolidated	Financial	Statements

Table	of	Contents

Consolidated	Balance	Sheets	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.

Consolidated	Statements	of	Income	(Loss)	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	

Consolidated	Statements	of	Comprehensive	Income	(Loss)	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	

Consolidated	Statements	of	Changes	in	Equity	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.

Consolidated	Statements	of	Cash	Flows	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.

Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.

Business

1.	Description	of	Northland's	Business	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.

2.	Summary	of	Significant	Accounting	Policies	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	

3.	Accounting	Policy	Judgments	and	Estimates

4.	Acquisitions	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.

Balance	Sheet

5.	Property,	Plant	and	Equipment	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.

6.	Contracts	and	Other	Intangible	Assets

7.	Goodwill

8.	Leases

9.	Other	Assets

10.	Management	of	Capital

11.	Facility-level	Loans	and	Borrowings

12.	Corporate	Credit	Facilities	and	Convertible	Debentures	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	

13.	Provisions	and	Other	Liabilities

14.	Pension	and	Post-Employment	Benefits	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	

15.	Equity	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	

16.	Non-controlling	Interests	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.

17.	Financial	Risk	Management

18.	Financial	Instruments	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.

Performance

19.	Net	Income	(Loss)	per	Share	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.

20.	Finance	Costs	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	

21.	Impairment	of	Property,	Plant	and	Equipment,	Intangible	Assets	and	Goodwill

22.	Income	Taxes

58

59

60

61

63

64

65

72

74

76

77

78

78

80

80

81

82

83

74

84

86

87

91

96

97

97

98

23.	Operating	Segment	Information	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	. 100

Other	

24.	Related-party	Disclosures

102

25.	Litigation,	Claims,	Contingencies	and	Commitments	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	 103

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

57

																																																																																																																																																																																																					
Consolidated	Balance	Sheets	

In	thousands	of	Canadian	dollars

As	at
Assets

Cash	and	cash	equivalents
Restricted	cash	[Note	15.4,	16]
Trade	and	other	receivables	[Note	9.3,	16]
Other	current	assets	[Note	9.1]
Derivative	assets	[Note	18.2]
Total	current	assets
Property,	plant	and	equipment	[Note	5,	21]
Contracts	and	other	intangible	assets	[Note	6]
Goodwill	[Note	7]
Finance	lease	receivable	[Note	8.1]
Derivative	assets	[Note	18.2]
Long-term	deposits	[Note	9.2]
Deferred	tax	asset	[Note	22]
Other	assets	[Note	9.3]

Total	assets

Liabilities	and	equity

Trade	and	other	payables	[Note	8.2]
Interest-bearing	loans	and	borrowings	[Note	11]
Subscription	receipts	[Note	15.4]
Convertible	debentures	[Note	12.2]
Dividends	payable
Derivative	liabilities	[Note	18.2]
Total	current	liabilities
Interest-bearing	loans	and	borrowings	[Note	11]
Corporate	credit	facilities	[Note	12.1]
Provisions	and	other	liabilities	[Note	8.2,	13,14]
Derivative	liabilities	[Note	18.2]
Deferred	tax	liability	[Note	22]
Total	liabilities

Equity

Common	and	Class	A	shares	[Note	15.1]
Preferred	shares	[Note	15.2]
Contributed	surplus
Accumulated	other	comprehensive	loss
Deficit
Equity	attributable	to	shareholders
Non-controlling	interests	[Note	16]
Total	equity

Total	liabilities	and	equity
See	accompanying	notes.

December	31,	2020

December	31,	2019

$	

$	

$	

$	

$	

$	

$	

434,989	 $	
192,530	
372,137	
66,379	
10,649	
1,076,684	 $	
8,679,959	
533,171	
708,706	
136,198	
22,838	
79,787	
67,626	
94,501	
11,399,470	 $	

252,691	 $	
608,446	
—	
—	
20,217	
178,510	
1,059,864	 $	
6,628,754	
351,402	
550,878	
437,608	
368,193	
9,396,699	 $	

2,955,840	 $	
260,880	
3,225	
(283,197)	
(1,361,730)	
1,575,018	
427,753	
2,002,771	

$	

11,399,470	 $	

268,193	
623,007	
295,427	
44,521	
47,637	
1,278,785	
8,072,519	
521,050	
204,942	
140,724	
33,604	
66,332	
50,812	
109,900	
10,478,668	

193,160	
567,936	
339,181	
150,102	
18,044	
129,572	
1,397,995	
6,325,291	
171,384	
439,767	
390,441	
243,038	
8,967,916	

2,443,209	
260,880	
351	
(174,597)	
(1,466,235)	
1,063,608	
447,144	
1,510,752	
10,478,668	

(signed,	John	W.	Brace)

John	W.	Brace
Director	and	Chair	of	the	Board

(signed,	Russell	Goodman)

Russell	Goodman
Director	and	Chair	of	the	Audit	Committee

58

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
Consolidated	Statements	of	Income	(Loss)	

In	thousands	of	Canadian	dollars	except	per	Share	and	Share	information

Year	ended	December	31,

2020

2019

Sales

Electricity	and	related	products
Regulated	electricity
Other
Total	sales
Cost	of	sales

Fuel	purchases
Regulated	electricity	purchases

Total	cost	of	sales
Gross	profit

Expenses

Operating	costs
General	and	administrative	costs
Development	costs	[Note	4]
Depreciation	of	property,	plant	and	equipment	[Note	5]

Total	expenses
Investment	income
Finance	lease	income	[Note	8.1]
Operating	income

Finance	costs,	net	[Note	20]

Amortization	of	contracts	and	other	intangible	assets	[Note	6]
Impairment	of	property,	plant	and	equipment	[Note	21]
Foreign	exchange	(gain)	loss
Fair	value	(gain)	loss	on	derivative	contracts	[Note	18.1]
Other	(income)	expense	[Note	18.1,	25.2]
Income	(loss)	before	income	taxes

Provision	for	(recovery	of)	income	taxes	[Note	22]

Current
Deferred

Total	income	taxes
Net	income	(loss)

Net	income	(loss)	attributable	to:

Non-controlling	interests	[Note	16]
Common	shareholders

Net	income	(loss)

Weighted	average	number	of	Shares	outstanding	-	basic	(000s)	[Note	19]

Weighted	average	number	of	Shares	outstanding	-	diluted	(000s)	[Note	19]

Net	income	(loss)	per	share	-	basic	[Note	19]
Net	income	(loss)	per	share	-	diluted	[Note	19]
See	accompanying	notes.

$	

$	

$	

$	

$	

$	

$	

$	

$	
$	

1,848,846	 $	
210,709	
1,072	
2,060,627	 $	

132,762	
69,567	
202,329	
1,858,298	 $	

300,916	
68,293	
74,615	
529,569	
973,393	 $	
3,285	
12,023	

900,213	 $	

365,168	

43,361	
—	
(71,344)	
(11,271)	
(25,769)	
600,068	 $	

90,282	
24,729	
115,011	
485,057	 $	

124,121	
360,936	
485,057	 $	

198,774	

201,169	

1.76	 $	
1.75	 $	

1,658,977	
—	
—	
1,658,977	

116,288	
—	
116,288	
1,542,689	

214,176	
46,629	
44,200	
438,804	
743,809	
2,466	
12,354	
813,700	

331,168	

24,848	
97,782	
5,177	
(161,356)	
(14,400)	
530,481	

49,236	
29,491	
78,727	
451,754	

130,990	
320,764	
451,754	

180,322	

187,625	

1.71	
1.68	

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

59

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
																																																																																																																																																																																																					
Consolidated	Statements	of	Comprehensive	Income	(Loss)	

In	thousands	of	Canadian	dollars	

Net	income	(loss)	

Items	that	may	be	re-classified	into	net	income	(loss):

Exchange	rate	differences	on	translation	of	foreign	operations

Change	in	fair	value	of	hedged	derivative	contracts	[Note	18]

Deferred	tax	recovery	(expense)	[Note	22]

Items	that	will	not	be	re-classified	into	net	income	(loss):

Re-measurement	of	pension	obligation	[Note	4.5]

Other	comprehensive	income	(loss)

Total	comprehensive	income	(loss)

Total	comprehensive	income	(loss)	attributable	to:

Non-controlling	interests	[Note	16]

Common	shareholders

Total	comprehensive	income	(loss)

See	accompanying	notes.

Year	ended	December	31,

2020

$	

485,057	 $	

(29,804)	

(128,864)	

40,800	

1,094	

(116,774)	 $	

368,283	 $	

115,947	

252,336	

368,283	 $	

$	

$	

$	

2019

451,754	

(87,408)	

(88,677)	

16,814	

—	

(159,271)	

292,483	

77,657	

214,826	

292,483	

60

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
Consolidated	Statements	of	Changes	in	Equity	

In	thousands	of	Canadian	dollars

December	31,	2019

$	

2,443,209	 $	

260,880	 $	

(1,466,235)	 $	

351	 $	

(174,597)	 $	

1,063,608	 $	

447,144	 $	

1,510,752	

Common	and
Class	A	
shares

Preferred
shares

Deficit

Contributed
surplus

Accumulated	
other
comprehensive
income	(loss)

Equity
attributable	to
shareholders’

Non-
controlling
interests

Total
equity

Net	income	(loss)	

Deferred	tax	recovery	(expense)	[Note	22]

Exchange	rate	differences	on	translation	of	
foreign	operations
Change	in	fair	value	of	hedged

derivative	contracts	[Note	18.2]

Re-measurement	of	pension	obligation

Total	comprehensive	income	(loss)

Deferred	rights	[Note	15.1]

Recognition	of	put	option	[Note	4.5]

Conversion	of	subscription	receipts	
							[Note	15.1]

Non-controlling	interest	acquired	
							[Note	4]

Common	and	Class	A	share	and	non-
controlling	interest	dividends	declared	
[Note	15.3,	16]

Preferred	share	dividends	[Note	15.2]

Conversion	of	debentures	[Note	15.1]

December	31,	2020

See	accompanying	notes.

—	 	

1,597	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

1,597	 	

—	

—	 	

340,147	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

360,936	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

360,936	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

21,979	 	

—	 	

(245,067)	 	

—	 	
148,908	 	

—	 	
—	 	

(11,364)	 	
—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

3,287	 	

(413)	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	
—	 	

—	 	

360,936	 	

124,121	 	

485,057	

40,492	 	

42,089	 	

308	 	

42,397	

(45,113)	 	

(45,113)	 	

15,309	 	

(29,804)	

(105,064)	 	

(105,064)	 	

(23,800)	 	

(128,864)	

1,085	 	

1,085	 	

9	 	

1,094	

(108,600)	 	

253,933	 	

115,947	 	

369,880	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

3,287	 	

(413)	 	

340,147	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

3,287	

(413)	

340,147	

—	 	

2,645	 	

2,645	

—	 	

(223,088)	 	

(137,983)	 	

(361,071)	

—	 	
—	 	

(11,364)	 	
148,908	 	

—	 	
—	 	

(11,364)	
148,908	

$	

2,955,840	 $	

260,880	 $	

(1,361,730)	 $	

3,225	 $	

(283,197)	 $	

1,575,018	 $	

427,753	 $	

2,002,771	

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

61

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
Consolidated	Statements	of	Changes	in	Equity	-	continued

In	thousands	of	Canadian	dollars

December	31,	2018

$	

2,438,036	 $	

260,880	 $	

(1,558,875)	 $	

326	 $	

(68,659)	 $	

1,071,708	 $	

468,914	 $	

1,540,622	

Common	and
Class	A	
shares

Preferred
shares

Deficit

Contributed
surplus

Accumulated	
other
comprehensive
income	(loss)

Equity
attributable	to
shareholders’

Non-
controlling
interests

Total
equity

Net	income	(loss)	

Deferred	income	taxes	[Note	22]

Change	in	translation	of	net

investment	in	foreign	operations

Change	in	fair	value	of	hedged

derivative	contracts	[Note	18.2]

Total	comprehensive	income	(loss)

Deferred	rights	[Note	15.1]

Common	and	Class	A	share	and	non-

controlling	interest	dividends	declared	
[Note	15.3,	16]

Preferred	share	dividends	[Note	15.2]

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

Conversion	of	debentures	[Note	15.1]

5,173	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

320,764	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

320,764	 	

—	 	

—	 	

(216,396)	 	

—	 	

—	 	

(11,728)	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

25	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

320,764	 	

130,990	 	

451,754	

16,065	 	

16,065	 	

749	 	

16,814	

(69,230)	 	

(69,230)	 	

(18,178)	 	

(87,408)	

(52,773)	 	

(52,773)	 	

(35,904)	 	

(88,677)	

(105,938)	 	

214,826	 	

77,657	 	

292,483	

—	 	

25	 	

—	 	

25	

—	 	

(216,396)	 	

(99,427)	 	

(315,823)	

—	 	

—	 	

(11,728)	 	

5,173	 	

—	 	

—	 	

(11,728)	

5,173	

December	31,	2019

See	accompanying	notes.

$	

2,443,209	 $	

260,880	 $	

(1,466,235)	 $	

351	 $	

(174,597)	 $	

1,063,608	 $	

447,144	 $	

1,510,752	

62

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
Consolidated	Statements	of	Cash	Flows	

In	thousands	of	Canadian	dollars

Operating	activities

Net	income	(loss)	

Items	not	involving	cash	or	operations:

Depreciation	of	property,	plant	and	equipment	[Note	5]

Amortization	of	contracts	and	other	intangibles	[Note	6]

Impairment	of	property,	plant	and	equipment	[Note	21]
Finance	costs,	net

Fair	value	(gain)	loss	on	derivative	contracts	[Note	18.2]
Unrealized	foreign	exchange	(gain)	loss	

Deferred	tax	expense	(recovery)	[Note	22]

Other

Net	change	in	working	capital	related	to	operations

Cash	provided	by	operating	activities

Investing	activities

Purchase	of	property,	plant	and	equipment	[Note	5]
Acquisitions,	net	[Note	4]

Restricted	cash	utilization	(funding)	

Interest	received

Warranty	settlement	and	proceeds	[Note	25.2]

Other

Net	change	in	working	capital	related	to	investing	activities

Cash	used	in	investing	activities

Financing	activities

Proceeds	from	borrowings,	net	of	transaction	costs	[Note	11]
Repayment	of	borrowings	[Note	11,	12]

Interest	paid
Restricted	cash	utilization	(funding)

Common	and	Class	A	share	dividends	[Note	15.3]
Dividends	to	non-controlling	interests	[Note	16]

Preferred	share	dividends	[Note	15.2]

Conversion	of	subscription	receipts	[Note	6.4]

Other

Year	ended	December	31,

2020

2019

$	

485,057	 $	

451,754	

$	

$	

529,569	

43,361	

—	
351,685	

(11,271)	
(71,344)	

24,729	

2,148	
1,353,934	 $	

(32,333)	

438,804	

24,848	

97,782	
328,572	

(161,356)	
5,177	

29,491	

(7,754)	
1,207,318	

17,097	

1,321,601	 $	

1,224,415	

(226,574)	

(735,882)	
91,369	

5,290	

97,804	

(6,539)	

(64,740)	

(766,038)	

(2,507)	

58,104	
3,606	

—	

4,466	

(55,626)	

$	

(839,272)	 $	

(757,995)	

2,122,271	

1,194,927	

(2,173,463)	

(1,118,804)	

(314,367)	
14,631	

(220,261)	
(137,622)	

(11,364)	

341,388	

(10,746)	

(292,326)	
80,410	

(216,373)	
(99,427)	

(11,728)	

—	

(7,781)	

Cash	(used	in)	provided	by	financing	activities

$	

(389,533)	 $	

(471,102)	

Effect	of	exchange	rate	differences	on	cash	and	cash	equivalents

Net	change	in	cash	and	cash	equivalents	during	the	period

Cash	and	cash	equivalents,	beginning	of	period

Cash	and	cash	equivalents,	end	of	period
See	accompanying	notes.

74,000	

166,796	
268,193	

$	

434,989	 $	

(5,525)	

(10,207)	
278,400	

268,193	

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

63

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
							
Notes	to	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements

1.	Description	of	Northland's	Business	

Northland	 Power	 Inc.	 (“Northland”)	 owns	 or	 holds	 net	 economic	 interests,	 through	 its	 subsidiaries,	 in	 power-producing	
facilities	and	a	power	distribution	utility	as	well	as	in	projects	under	construction	or	in	development	phases.	Northland’s	
power-producing	facilities	produce	electricity	from	clean	energy	sources	for	sale	primarily	under	long-term	power	purchase	
agreements	 (PPAs)	 or	 other	 revenue	 arrangements	 with	 creditworthy	 customers.	 Northland’s	 utility	 is	 a	 distributor	 and	
retailer	of	electricity	compensated	under	a	regulated	framework.	These	operating	assets	provide	stable	cash	flow	and	are	
primarily	located	in	Canada,	Germany,	the	Netherlands	and	Colombia.	Northland’s	significant	assets	under	construction	and	
under	development	are	located	in	Mexico	and	Taiwan	and	New	York,	respectively.

Northland	is	incorporated	under	the	laws	of	Ontario,	Canada	with	common	shares	(“Shares”),	Series	1	cumulative	rate	reset	
preferred	 shares	 (“Series	 1	 Preferred	 Shares”),	 Series	 2	 cumulative	 floating	 rate	 preferred	 shares	 (“Series	 2	 Preferred	
Shares”)	and	Series	3	cumulative	rate	reset	preferred	shares	(“Series	3	Preferred	Shares”)	that	are	publicly	traded	on	the	
Toronto	Stock	Exchange	(“TSX”).	Series	C	convertible	unsecured	subordinated	debentures	(“2020	Debentures”)	outstanding	
on	December	31,	2019	were	converted	to	Shares	or	redeemed	in	exchange	for	cash	in	the	first	half	of	2020.	Northland	is	the	
parent	company	for	the	subsidiaries	that	operate	Northland’s	business.	Northland’s	registered	office	is	located	in	Toronto,	
Ontario.

These	 audited	 consolidated	 financial	 statements	 (“Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements”)	 include	 the	 results	 of	 Northland	
and	its	subsidiaries,	of	which	the	most	significant	are	listed	in	the	following	table:	

Geographic	region	(1)

%	voting	ownership
as	at	Dec.	31,	2020	(2)

Offshore	Wind

Buitengaats	C.V.	and	ZeeEnergie	C.V.	(“Gemini”)
Nordsee	One	GmbH	(“Nordsee	One”)
Northland	Deutsche	Bucht	GmbH	(“Deutsche	Bucht”)

Efficient	Natural	Gas

Iroquois	Falls	Power	Corp.	(“Iroquois	Falls”)
Kingston	CoGen	Limited	Partnership	(“Kingston”)
Kirkland	Lake	Power	Corp.	(“Kirkland	Lake”)	(3)
North	Battleford	Power	L.P.	(“North	Battleford”)
Spy	Hill	Power	L.P.	(“Spy	Hill”)
Thorold	CoGen	L.P.	(“Thorold”)

Onshore	Renewable

Four	solar	facilities	(“Cochrane”)
Grand	Bend	Wind	L.P.	(“Grand	Bend”)
Saint-Ulric	Saint-Léandre	Wind	L.P.	(“Jardin”)
McLean’s	Mountain	Wind	L.P.	(“McLean’s”)
Mont-Louis	Wind	L.P.	(“Mont	Louis”)
Nine	solar	facilities	(“Solar”)
NP	Energia	La	Lucha	SA	de	CV	(“La	Lucha”)

Utility

Empresa	de	Energía	de	Boyacá	S.A	E.S.P	(“EBSA”)	(2)

The	Netherlands
Germany
Germany

Ontario,	Canada
Ontario,	Canada
Ontario,	Canada
Saskatchewan,	Canada
Saskatchewan,	Canada
Ontario,	Canada

Ontario,	Canada
Ontario,	Canada
Québec,	Canada
Ontario,	Canada
Québec,	Canada
Ontario,	Canada
Mexico

Colombia

	60.0	%
	85.0	%
	100.0	%

	100.0	%
	100.0	%
	100.0	%
	100.0	%
	100.0	%
	100.0	%

	62.5	%
	50.0	%
	100.0	%
	50.0	%
	100.0	%
	100.0	%
	100.0	%

	99.4	%

(1)		Geographic	region	corresponds	to	place	of	incorporation	or,	in	the	case	of	partnerships,	registration,	for	all	entities	listed	except	North	Battleford	and	

Spy	Hill,	which	are	registered	in	Ontario,	Canada.

(2)		As	at	December	31,	2020,	Northland’s	economic	interest	was	unchanged	from	December	31,	2019,	with	the	exception	of	EBSA,	which	Northland	

acquired	on	January	14,	2020.	EBSA’s	results	are	consolidated	in	Northland’s	financial	results	effective	the	acquisition	date.

(3)		Northland	holds	a	68%	controlling	interest	in	Canadian	Environmental	Energy	Corporation	(CEEC),	which	holds	100%	of	the	voting	shares	of	Kirkland	

Lake.	Northland's	effective	net	economic	interest	in	Kirkland	Lake	is	approximately	77%.

64

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

2.	Significant	Accounting	Policies	and	Changes

2.01	Basis	of	Preparation	and	Statement	of	Compliance

These	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements	 have	 been	 prepared	 in	 accordance	 with	 International	 Financial	 Reporting	
Standards	(IFRS)	as	issued	by	the	International	Accounting	Standards	Board	(IASB)	and	are	presented	in	Canadian	dollars.	All	
values	are	presented	in	thousands	except	when	otherwise	indicated.	The	comparative	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	
have	been	reclassified	from	the	statements	previously	presented	to	conform	to	the	presentation	of	the	2020	Consolidated	
Financial	Statements.

The	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020	were	approved	by	the	Board	of	Directors	on	
February	22,	2021.

2.02	Basis	of	Consolidation

The	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	include	Northland’s	direct	and	indirect	subsidiaries,	which	are	fully	consolidated	on	
the	date	that	Northland	obtains	control	and	continue	to	be	consolidated	until	the	date	that	such	control	ceases.	Northland	
determines	that	it	has	control	over	an	investee	if	facts	and	circumstances	indicate	that	Northland	is	exposed,	or	has	rights	
to	variable	returns	from	its	involvement	with	the	investee	and	has	the	ability	to	affect	those	returns	through	its	power.	All	
intra-group	balances	and	transactions	are	eliminated	on	consolidation.

2.03	Business	Combinations	and	Goodwill	

Business	 combinations	 are	 accounted	 for	 using	 the	 acquisition	 method.	 The	 acquired	 identifiable	 assets,	 liabilities	 and	
contingent	consideration	that	meet	the	conditions	for	recognition	under	IFRS	3,	“Business	Combinations”	are	recognized	at	
their	fair	values	at	the	acquisition	date,	except	for	(i)	income	taxes,	which	are	measured	in	accordance	with	IAS	12,	“Income	
Taxes”;	 (ii)	 share-based	 payments,	 which	 are	 measured	 in	 accordance	 with	 IFRS	 2,	 “Share-based	 Payment”;	 and	 (iii)	 non-
current	assets	that	are	classified	as	held	for	sale,	which	are	measured	at	fair	value	less	costs	to	sell	in	accordance	with	IFRS	
5,	“Non-Current	Assets	Held	for	Sale	and	Discontinued	Operations.”	Northland	did	not	designate	any	assets	as	held	for	sale	
in	 2020	 and	 2019.	 Any	 goodwill	 arising	 from	 business	 combinations	 is,	 from	 the	 date	 of	 acquisition,	 allocated	 to	 each	 of	
Northland’s	cash-generating	units	(CGUs)	that	are	expected	to	benefit	from	the	synergies	of	the	combination,	irrespective	
of	whether	other	assets	or	liabilities	of	the	acquiree	are	assigned	to	those	units	and	tested	annually	for	impairment	(see	
Note	2.07).	Goodwill	is	initially	measured	at	cost,	being	the	excess	of	the	purchase	price	over	Northland’s	share	in	the	net	
fair	value	of	the	acquiree’s	identifiable	assets,	liabilities	and	contingent	liabilities.

2.04	Property,	Plant	and	Equipment	

Property,	 plant	 and	 equipment	 (PP&E)	 are	 recorded	 at	 cost,	 net	 of	 accumulated	 depreciation	 and	 any	 accumulated	
impairment	 losses.	 The	 cost	 of	 PP&E	 includes	 the	 cost	 of	 replacing	 part	 of	 the	 PP&E	 and	 borrowing	 costs	 for	 long-term	
construction	projects,	if	the	recognition	criteria	are	met.	Likewise,	when	a	major	overhaul	as	described	below	is	performed,	
its	cost	is	recognized	in	the	carrying	amount	of	the	related	PP&E	as	a	replacement	if	the	recognition	criteria	are	met.	All	
other	repair	and	maintenance	costs	are	recognized	in	profit	and	loss	as	incurred.	The	present	value	of	the	expected	cost	for	
decommissioning	is	included	in	the	cost	of	the	related	asset	if	the	recognition	criteria	for	a	provision	are	met.	See	Note	2.8	
for	further	information	about	the	measurement	of	the	decommissioning	liabilities.	

Depreciation	expense	is	recognized	on	a	straight-line	basis	over	its	estimated	useful	lives	of	the	asset	primarily	as	follows:

Plant	and	operating	equipment	
Buildings	and	foundations		
Lease	ROU	asset	 	
Leasehold	improvements	 	
Other	equipment	-	Vehicles	and	meteorological	towers	
Other	equipment	-	Office	equipment,	furniture	and	fixtures	
Other	equipment	-	Computers	and	computer	software	

10	to	30	years
20	to	40	years
1	to	34	years
Over	the	term	of	the	lease	
5	years
5	years
2	years	

In	general,	Northland	expects	to	use	its	PP&E	to	their	full	useful	lives	and	considers	residual	values,	where	appropriate,	in	
calculating	depreciation.	

Assets	included	in	construction-in-progress	(CIP)	are	transferred	to	the	appropriate	PP&E	category	and	amortized	once	the	
assets	are	available	for	use,	such	as	when	the	test	period	ends	and	the	PP&E	begins	commercial	operations.	

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The	costs	of	all	maintenance	provided	under	long-term,	fixed-price	contracts	are	charged	to	the	consolidated	statements	of	
income	(loss)	based	on	the	terms	of	the	contract.	All	major	overhaul	expenditures	that	are	not	incurred	under	long-term	
maintenance	contracts	are	capitalized	and	amortized	over	the	average	expected	period	between	major	overhauls.	

An	item	of	PP&E	is	derecognized	upon	disposal	or	when	no	future	economic	benefits	are	expected	from	its	use	or	disposal.	
Any	gain	or	loss	arising	on	derecognition	of	the	asset	is	included	in	profit	and	loss	in	the	period	of	derecognition.

Government	grants	related	to	the	construction	of	capital	assets	are	recorded	as	a	reduction	to	the	cost	of	the	related	asset	
and	amortized	over	the	useful	life	of	the	related	asset.

2.05	Intangible	Assets	

The	 cost	 of	 intangible	 assets	 acquired	 is	 initially	 recorded	 at	 their	 fair	 value	 at	 the	 date	 of	 acquisition.	 Intangible	 assets	
acquired	separately	are	measured	on	initial	recognition	at	cost.	Internally	generated	intangible	assets,	other	than	deferred	
development	costs,	are	not	capitalized,	and	the	expenditure	is	reflected	in	profit	and	loss.	

Intangible	 assets	 with	 finite	 lives	 are	 amortized	 over	 their	 useful	 economic	 lives	 and	 assessed	 for	 impairment	 whenever	
there	is	an	indication	that	the	intangible	asset	may	be	impaired.

Development	costs

Development	 expenditures	 on	 an	 individual	 project	 are	 recorded	 as	 assets	 on	 the	 consolidated	 balance	 sheet	 when	
Northland	can	demonstrate:

•
•
•
•
•

The	technical	feasibility	of	completing	the	project	so	that	it	will	be	available	for	use	or	sale;
The	intention	to	complete,	and	ability	to	use	or	sell,	the	project;
The	project	will	generate	future	economic	benefits;
The	availability	of	resources	to	complete	the	project;	and
The	ability	to	measure	reliably	the	expenditures	during	development.

During	 the	 period	 of	 development,	 the	 asset	 is	 tested	 annually	 for	 impairment	 or	 if	 any	 indicators	 of	 impairment	 are	
identified.

Deferred	development	costs	include	pre-construction	costs	directly	related	to	new	projects.	Capitalization	begins	once	it	is	
determined	by	management	that	a	given	project	has	a	high	likelihood	of	being	pursued	through	to	completion.	Costs	are	
capitalized	up	to	the	closing	of	project	financing	and/or	the	start	of	construction,	at	which	time	they	are	reclassified	to	the	
cost	of	PP&E	or	recorded	as	intangible	assets,	as	appropriate.	All	indirect	research	and	development	costs	not	eligible	for	
asset	recognition	are	expensed	as	“development	costs”	on	the	consolidated	statements	of	income	(loss).

Contracts	

Contracts	relate	primarily	to	the	fair	value	of	PPAs	and	management	agreements	when	they	were	acquired	by	Northland	
and	are	recorded	net	of	accumulated	amortization.	Contract	amortization	is	recorded	on	a	straight-line	basis	over	the	term	
of	the	agreement.

2.06	Leases	or	Arrangements	Containing	a	Lease

Lessee	accounting

At	the	inception	of	a	contract,	Northland	assesses	whether	the	arrangement	is,	or	contains,	a	lease	in	accordance	with	IFRS	
16,	“Leases”.	If	the	arrangement	meets	the	definition	of	a	lease,	a	lease	obligation	and	a	related	right-to	use	(ROU)	asset	
will	be	recorded	on	the	applicable	lease	commencement	date.	A	lease	liability	initially	measured	at	the	present	value	of	the	
unpaid	 lease	 payments	 discounted	 using	 the	 interest	 rate	 implicit	 in	 the	 lease	 (if	 readily	 determinable)	 or	 otherwise	 on	
Northland’s	incremental	borrowing	rate.	A	ROU	asset	is	initially	measured	based	on	the	initial	amount	of	the	related	lease	
obligation,	subject	to	certain	adjustments.	The	lease	obligation	is	remeasured	when	there	are	adjustments	to	future	lease	
payments	arising	from	a	change	in	applicable	indices	or	rates	or	changes	in	lease	terms.	Upon	any	such	remeasurement,	a	
corresponding	adjustment	is	made	to	the	carrying	amount	of	the	related	ROU	asset.	

Northland	 applies	 the	 cost	 model	 to	 subsequently	 measure	 lease	 ROU	 assets	 and	 applies	 the	 same	 impairment	 policy	 as	
other	PP&E.	Lease	ROU	assets	are	depreciated	over	the	shorter	period	of	the	lease	term	and	useful	life	of	the	underlying	
asset.	The	lease	term	includes	any	renewal	or	termination	Northland	is	reasonably	certain	to	exercise.	In	the	case	of	land	
leased	for	future	development,	Northland	assumes	an	initial	lease	term	of	5	years.	Where	leased	assets	are	required	for	the	
operation	of	the	facility,	Northland	assumes	the	lease	will	be	renewed	to	match	the	term	of	the	facility’s	PPA.	Northland	
reassesses	the	lease	term	in	response	to	significant	events	or	changes	in	circumstances.	If	a	lease	transfers	ownership	of	the	

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underlying	asset	or	Northland	expects	to	exercise	a	purchase	option,	the	related	ROU	asset	is	depreciated	over	the	useful	
life	of	the	underlying	asset.

Lessor	accounting

Northland	enters	into	PPAs	to	provide	electricity	and	electricity-related	products	at	predetermined	prices.	At	inception	of	
the	 contract,	 Northland	 assesses	 whether	 it	 is,	 or	 contains,	 a	 lease	 in	 accordance	 with	 IFRS	 16.	 If	 the	 PPA	 meets	 the	
definition	of	a	lease	and	the	terms	of	the	contract	do	not	transfer	substantially	all	of	the	benefits	and	risks	of	ownership	of	
PP&E,	 it	 is	 classified	 as	 an	 operating	 lease.	 Where	 the	 terms	 do	 transfer	 substantially	 all	 of	 the	 benefits	 and	 risks	 of	
ownership,	it	is	classified	as	a	finance	lease.

Finance	lease	receivables	are	initially	measured	at	amounts	equal	to	the	present	value	of	the	net	investment	in	the	lease.	
Finance	lease	income	is	recognized	in	a	manner	that	produces	a	constant	rate	of	return	on	Northland’s	net	investment	in	
the	lease	and	is	included	in	operating	income.	

At	the	commencement	of	the	lease,	which	generally	coincides	with	start	of	commercial	operations	of	the	facility,	Northland	
separates	payments	and	other	consideration	required	by	such	an	arrangement	into	those	for	the	lease	and	those	for	other	
elements	on	the	basis	of	their	relative	fair	values.	

2.07	Impairment	of	Non-financial	Assets	

Northland	assesses	at	each	reporting	date	whether	there	is	an	indication	that	an	asset	may	be	impaired	or	that	previously	
recognized	impairment	losses	may	no	longer	exist	or	have	decreased.	If	any	indication	exists	or	when	annual	impairment	
testing	for	an	asset	is	required,	Northland	estimates	the	asset’s	or	CGU’s	recoverable	amount.	The	estimated	recoverable	
amount	 is	 the	 higher	 of	 (i)	 an	 asset’s	 or	 CGU’s	 estimated	 fair	 value	 less	 costs	 to	 sell	 or	 (ii)	 its	 value	 in	 use.	 Where	 the	
carrying	 amount	 of	 an	 asset	 or	 CGU	 exceeds	 its	 estimated	 recoverable	 amount,	 the	 asset	 is	 considered	 impaired	 and	 is	
written	 down	 to	 its	 estimated	 recoverable	 amount.	 When	 the	 recoverable	 amount	 exceeds	 the	 carrying	 amount	 for	 an	
asset	or	CGU	previously	impaired,	the	reversal	is	limited	to	ensure	the	carrying	amount	of	the	asset	does	not	exceed	the	
carrying	amount	that	would	have	been	determined,	net	of	depreciation,	had	no	impairment	been	previously	recognized.

In	assessing	value	in	use,	the	estimated	future	cash	flows	are	discounted	to	their	present	value	using	a	pre-tax	discount	rate	
that	reflects	current	market	assessment	of	the	time	value	of	money	and	risk	specific	to	the	asset.	In	determining	fair	value	
less	costs	to	sell,	an	appropriate	valuation	model	is	used	and	calculations	are	corroborated	by	valuation	multiples	or	other	
available	fair	value	indicators.

Goodwill

Goodwill	 is	 tested	 for	 impairment	 annually	 and	 when	 circumstances	 indicate	 that	 the	 carrying	 value	 may	 be	 impaired.	
Impairment	is	determined	for	goodwill	by	assessing	the	recoverable	amount	for	each	CGU	to	which	the	goodwill	relates.	
Where	 the	 estimated	 recoverable	 amount	 of	 the	 CGU	 is	 less	 than	 its	 carrying	 amount,	 an	 impairment	 loss	 is	 recognized.	
Impairment	losses	relating	to	goodwill	cannot	be	reversed	in	future	periods.

2.08	Provisions	

General

Provisions	are	recognized	when	Northland	has	a	present	obligation	(legal	or	constructive)	as	a	result	of	a	past	event	and	
where	it	is	probable	that	an	outflow	of	resources	embodying	economic	benefits	will	be	required	to	settle	the	obligation.	
Where	Northland	expects	some	or	all	of	a	provision	to	be	reimbursed	(for	example,	under	an	insurance	policy	or	warranty	
agreement),	the	reimbursement	is	recognized	as	a	separate	asset	but	only	when	the	reimbursement	is	virtually	certain.	The	
expense	relating	to	any	provision	is	presented	in	profit	and	loss	net	of	any	reimbursement.	

Decommissioning	liabilities

Provisions	 for	 decommissioning	 costs	 are	 recorded	 at	 the	 present	 value	 of	 expected	 costs	 to	 settle	 the	 obligation	 using	
estimated	cash	flows	and	are	recognized	as	part	of	the	cost	of	the	related	asset.	The	cash	flows	are	discounted	at	a	current	
pre-tax	rate.	Where	the	estimated	cash	flows	reflect	the	risks	specific	to	the	decommissioning	liability,	a	risk-free	discount	
rate	is	used;	otherwise,	a	discount	rate	reflective	of	the	risks	specific	to	the	decommissioning	liability	is	used.	The	unwinding	
of	the	discount	is	expensed	as	incurred	and	recognized	in	the	consolidated	statements	of	income	(loss)	as	a	finance	cost.	
The	 estimated	 future	 costs	 of	 decommissioning	 are	 reviewed	 annually	 and	 adjusted	 as	 appropriate.	 Changes	 in	 the	
estimated	future	costs	or	in	the	discount	rate	applied	are	added	to	or	deducted	from	the	cost	of	the	asset.

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2.10	Share-Based	Payments	

As	part	of	Northland’s	Long-Term	Incentive	Plan	(LTIP),	Northland	provides	share-based	compensation	to	management	and	
certain	employees	when	projects	achieve	predetermined	milestones	(“Development	LTIP”)	or	to	recognize	achievements,		
attract	and	retain	executives	(“Deferred	Rights”).	Northland	has	the	option	to	settle	the	LTIP	in	shares	or	in	cash.	The	fair	
value	of	the	awards	is	based	on	the	grant	date	share	price	and,	to	the	extent	that	services	are	provided	in	advance	of	the	
grant	 date,	 Northland’s	 reporting	 date	 share	 price.	 The	 estimated	 forfeiture	 rate	 reflects	 the	 shares	 that	 will	 vest	 upon	
achieving	project	milestone	and	is	revised	if	there	is	any	indication	that	the	number	of	Shares	expected	to	vest	has	changed.	
For	Development	LTIP	awards,	the	cost	of	the	LTIP	Shares	awarded	is	recognized	over	the	estimated	vesting	period	and	is	
capitalized	 for	 employees	 providing	 services	 directly	 involved	 in	 the	 development	 and	 construction	 of	 the	 project.	 The	
awards	vest	when	the	associated	project	meets	established	performance	expectations.	For	Deferred	Rights	awards,	the	cost	
of	LTIP	Shares	awarded	is	expensed	over	the	estimated	vesting	period.

2.11	Cash	and	Cash	Equivalents	and	Restricted	Cash	

Cash	 equivalents	 comprise	 only	 highly	 liquid	 investments	 with	 maturities	 of	 less	 than	 90	 days.	 Restricted	 cash	 comprises	
amounts	contractually	restricted	for	specific	uses	including	amounts	funded	against	future	maintenance,	debt	service	and	
construction	costs	at	certain	Northland	subsidiaries.	

2.12	Financial	Instruments	

(a)	Financial	assets	and	liabilities

Northland	 recognizes	 financial	 assets	 and	 financial	 liabilities	 initially	 at	 fair	 value	 and	 subsequently	 remeasure	 these	 at	
either	fair	value	or	amortized	cost	based	on	their	classification	as	described	below.	Financial	assets	are	derecognized	when	
the	 rights	 to	 receive	 cash	 flows	 from	 the	 financial	 assets	 have	 expired	 or	 have	 been	 transferred	 and	 Northland	 has	
transferred	substantially	all	the	risks	and	rewards	of	ownership.

Fair	value	through	profit	and	loss:

Financial	assets	with	the	intention	of	generating	earnings	in	the	near	term,	and	derivatives	other	than	cash	flow	hedges,	are	
classified	as	fair	value	through	profit	and	loss	(FVPL).	A	gain	or	loss	on	a	financial	asset	measured	at	FVPL	that	is	not	part	of	
a	 hedging	 relationship	 is	 recognized	 in	 profit	 and	 loss	 and	 presented	 on	 a	 net	 basis	 in	 the	 period	 in	 which	 it	 arises.	 For	
derivative	 financial	 assets,	 gains	 and	 losses	 are	 shown	 within	 “fair	 value	 (gain)	 loss	 on	 derivative	 contracts”.	 Northland	
classifies	loans	provided	to	First	Nations	partners	(Note	16)	at	FVPL	due	to	the	fact	that	they	do	not	meet	the	criteria	for	
classification	as	amortized	cost	because	the	contractual	cash	flows	are	not	solely	payments	of	principal	and	interest.	This	is	
the	 only	 non-derivative	 financial	 asset	 measured	 at	 FVPL	 and	 related	 gains	 and	 losses	 are	 shown	 within	 “other	 (income)	
expense”	 in	 the	 consolidated	 statements	 of	 income	 (loss).	 Interest	 income	 from	 FVPL	 financial	 assets	 is	 included	 in	
“investment	income”.	

Financial	 liabilities	 held	 for	 trading,	 such	 as	 those	 acquired	 for	 the	 purpose	 of	 selling	 in	 the	 near	 term,	 and	 derivative	
financial	 instruments	 entered	 into	 by	 Northland	 that	 do	 not	 meet	 hedge	 accounting	 criteria	 are	 classified	 as	 fair	 value	
through	profit	and	loss.	Gains	or	losses	on	this	type	of	liabilities	are	recognized	in	profit	and	loss.	

Amortized	cost:

Financial	 assets	 held	 for	 collection	 of	 contractual	 cash	 flows	 that	 represent	 solely	 payments	 of	 principal	 and	 interest	 are	
measured	at	amortized	cost,	and	include	Northland’s	trade	receivables,	long-term	deposits	and	other	receivables.	Interest	
income	from	these	financial	assets	is	included	in	“finance	costs,	net”	using	the	effective	interest	rate	method.	

All	other	financial	liabilities	are	classified	as	amortized	cost	using	the	effective	interest	rate	method.	Gains	and	losses	are	
recognized	 in	 profit	 and	 loss	 when	 the	 liabilities	 are	 derecognized	 as	 well	 as	 through	 the	 amortization	 process.	 The	
calculation	takes	into	account	any	premium	or	discount	on	acquisition	and	includes	transaction	costs	and	fees	that	are	an	
integral	 part	 of	 the	 effective	 interest	 rate.	 This	 category	 includes	 trade	 and	 other	 payables,	 dividends	 payable,	 interest-
bearing	loans	and	borrowings,	corporate	credit	facilities,	convertible	debentures	and	subscription	receipts.	

A	 third	 category,	 fair	 value	 through	 other	 comprehensive	 income	 (FVOCI),	 is	 available;	 however,	 Northland	 has	 not	
classified	any	financial	assets	or	financial	liabilities	in	this	category.

(b)	Offsetting	of	financial	instruments

Financial	 assets	 and	 financial	 liabilities	 are	 offset	 and	 the	 net	 amount	 reported	 in	 the	 consolidated	 balance	 sheets	 if	 and	
only	if	there	is	a	currently	enforceable	legal	right	to	offset	the	recognized	amounts	and	an	intention	to	settle	on	a	net	basis	

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or	to	realize	the	assets	and	settle	the	liabilities	simultaneously.

The	individual	derivative	financial	instruments,	that	a	subsidiary	enters	into,	will	not	be	realized	or	settled	simultaneously,	
and	therefore	derivative	assets	and	derivative	liabilities	are	not	offset	on	the	consolidated	balance	sheets.

(c)	Fair	value	of	financial	instruments

Northland	 determines	 the	 fair	 value	 of	 its	 financial	 instruments	 at	 each	 balance	 sheet	 date	 based	 on	 the	 following	
hierarchy:

•

•

Level	1	-	Where	financial	instruments	are	traded	in	an	active	financial	market,	fair	value	is	established	by	reference	to	
the	appropriate	quoted	market	price	at	the	reporting	date.	Active	markets	are	those	in	which	transactions	occur	with	
significant	frequency	and	volume	to	provide	pricing	information	on	an	ongoing	basis.

Level	 2	 -	 If	 there	 is	 no	 active	 market,	 fair	 value	 is	 established	 using	 valuation	 techniques,	 including	 discounted	 cash	
flow	 models.	 The	 inputs	 to	 these	 models	 are	 taken	 from	 observable	 market	 data	 where	 possible,	 including	 recent	
arm’s-length	market	transactions,	and	comparisons	to	the	current	fair	value	of	similar	instruments;	but	where	this	is	
not	feasible,	inputs	such	as	liquidity	risk,	counterparty	risk	and	volatility	are	used.

•

Level	3	-	Valuations	at	this	level	are	those	with	inputs	that	are	not	based	on	observable	market	data.

Assessment	 of	 the	 significance	 of	 a	 particular	 input	 to	 the	 fair	 value	 measurement	 requires	 judgment;	 any	 changes	 in	
assumptions	may	affect	the	reported	fair	value	of	financial	instruments.	

The	fair	value	of	derivative	financial	instruments	reflects	the	estimated	amount	that	Northland	would	have	been	required	
to	pay	if	forced	to	settle	all	unfavourable	outstanding	contracts	or	the	amount	that	would	be	received	if	forced	to	settle	all	
favourable	contracts	at	year-end.	The	fair	value	represents	a	point-in-time	estimate	that	may	not	be	relevant	in	predicting	
Northland’s	future	earnings	or	cash	flows.

(d)	Derivatives	and	hedging	activities

Derivatives	are	initially	recognized	at	fair	value	on	the	date	a	derivative	contract	is	entered	into	and	are	subsequently	re-
measured	 to	 their	 fair	 value	 at	 the	 end	 of	 each	 reporting	 period.	 The	 accounting	 for	 subsequent	 changes	 in	 fair	 value	
depends	on	whether	the	derivative	is	designated	as	a	hedging	instrument,	and	if	so,	the	nature	of	the	item	being	hedged	
and	the	type	of	hedge	relationship	designated.

Northland	designates	its	derivatives	as	hedges	of:

•

•

•

•

Foreign	exchange	risk	associated	with	the	cash	flows	of	highly	probable	forecast	transactions	(cash	flow	hedges);

Foreign	exchange	risk	associated	with	net	investment	in	foreign	operations	(net	investment	hedges);	

Floating	interest	rate	risk	associated	with	payments	of	debts	(cash	flow	hedges);	and

Commodity	risk	associated	with	payments	under	PPAs	(cash	flow	hedges).	

The	fair	values	of	various	derivative	financial	instruments	used	for	hedging	purposes	and	movements	in	the	hedge	reserve	
within	equity	are	shown	in	Note	18.	

When	 a	 hedging	 instrument	 expires,	 is	 sold,	 is	 terminated,	 or	 no	 longer	 meets	 the	 criteria	 for	 hedge	 accounting,	 any	
cumulative	deferred	gain	or	loss	and	deferred	costs	of	hedging	in	equity	at	that	time	remain	in	equity	until	the	forecasted	
transaction	 occurs.	 When	 the	 forecasted	 transaction	 is	 no	 longer	 expected	 to	 occur,	 the	 cumulative	 gain	 or	 loss	 and	
deferred	costs	of	hedging	are	immediately	reclassified	to	profit	and	loss.

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

Cash	flow	hedges	that	qualify	for	hedge	accounting

The	 effective	 portion	 of	 changes	 in	 the	 fair	 value	 of	 derivatives	 that	 are	 designated	 and	 qualify	 as	 cash	 flow	 hedges	 is	
recognized	in	other	comprehensive	income	(OCI)	and	accumulated	in	reserves	in	equity,	limited	to	the	cumulative	change	in	
fair	 value	 of	 the	 hedged	 item	 on	 a	 present	 value	 basis	 from	 the	 inception	 of	 the	 hedge.	 The	 gain	 or	 loss	 relating	 to	 the	
ineffective	portion	is	recognized	immediately	in	profit	and	loss,	within	“fair	value	(gain)	loss	on	derivative	contracts”.

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Gains	and	losses	relating	to	the	effective	portion	of	the	change	in	fair	value	of	the	entire	forward	contract	are	recognized	in	
the	cash	flow	hedge	reserve	within	equity.	Amounts	accumulated	in	equity	are	reclassified	in	the	period	when	the	hedged	
item	affects	profit	and	loss.	

Net	investment	hedges	that	qualify	for	hedge	accounting

Hedges	of	net	investments	in	foreign	operations	are	accounted	for	similarly	to	cash	flow	hedges.	Any	gain	or	loss	on	the	
hedging	instrument	relating	to	the	effective	portion	of	the	hedge	is	recognized	in	OCI	and	accumulated	in	reserves	in	equity.	
The	gain	or	loss	relating	to	the	ineffective	portion	is	recognized	immediately	in	profit	and	loss	within	“fair	value	(gain)	loss	
on	 derivative	 contracts”.	 Gains	 and	 losses	 accumulated	 in	 equity	 will	 be	 reclassified	 to	 profit	 and	 loss	 when	 the	 foreign	
operation	is	partially	disposed	of	or	sold.

Hedge	ineffectiveness

Northland’s	hedging	policy	only	allows	for	the	use	of	derivative	instruments	that	form	effective	hedge	relationships.	Hedge	
effectiveness	 is	 determined	 at	 the	 inception	 of	 the	 hedge	 relationship	 and	 through	 periodic	 prospective	 effectiveness	
assessments	to	ensure	that	an	economic	relationship	exists	between	the	hedged	item	and	hedging	instrument.	Northland	
enters	 into	 hedge	 relationships	 where	 the	 critical	 terms	 of	 the	 hedging	 instrument	 match	 exactly	 with	 the	 terms	 of	 the	
hedged	item,	and	so	a	qualitative	assessment	of	effectiveness	is	performed.	If	changes	in	circumstances	affect	the	terms	of	
the	 hedged	 item	 such	 that	 the	 critical	 terms	 no	 longer	 match	 exactly	 with	 the	 critical	 terms	 of	 the	 hedging	 instrument,	
Northland	uses	the	hypothetical	derivative	method	to	assess	effectiveness.

(e)	Impairment	of	Financial	assets:

Northland	accounts	for	impairment	of	financial	assets	based	on	a	forward-looking	expected	credit	loss	(ECL)	approach.	ECL	
are	measured	as	the	difference	in	the	present	value	of	the	contractual	cash	flows	due	to	Northland	under	the	contract	and	
the	 cash	 flows	 that	 Northland	 expects	 to	 receive.	 Northland	 assesses	 all	 information	 available,	 including	 past	 due	 status,	
credit	ratings,	the	existence	of	third-party	insurance	and	forward-looking	macro-economic	factors	in	the	measurement	of	
the	ECL	associated	with	its	assets	carried	at	amortized	cost	and	FVOCI.	Northland	measures	ECL	by	considering	the	risk	of	
default	over	the	contract	period	and	incorporates	forward-looking	information	into	its	measurement.

Impairment	 of	 cash	 and	 cash	 equivalents	 and	 restricted	 cash	 is	 evaluated	 by	 reference	 to	 the	 credit	 quality	 of	 the	
underlying	financial	institution	or	investee.	

Trade	receivables	are	reviewed	qualitatively	on	a	case-by-case	basis	to	determine	if	impairment	exists.

2.13	Revenue	Recognition	

Electricity	 related	 revenue	 is	 recognized	 over	 time	 as	 electricity	 and	 related	 products	 are	 delivered.	 Each	 of	 Northland’s	
PPAs	 contain	 a	 distinct	 performance	 obligation	 for	 the	 delivery	 of	 electricity,	 delivery	 of	 capacity	 (i.e.	 availability	 of	
generation),	 or	 a	 combination	 of	 the	 two.	 Determining	 what	 goods	 or	 services	 promised	 to	 the	 customer	 constitute	 a	
distinct	performance	obligation	requires	significant	judgment.	Northland	considered	all	goods	and	services	promised	in	its	
PPA	contracts	and	determined	that	while	certain	promises	do	have	standalone	value	to	the	customer,	they	are	not	distinct	
in	the	context	of	the	contract.	Refer	to	Note	23	for	details	on	revenue	streams	disaggregated	by	technology	and	geography.

Northland	views	each	megawatt	hour	(MWh)	of	electricity	and/or	capacity	delivered	to	be	a	series	of	distinct	goods	that	are	
substantially	the	same	and	have	the	same	pattern	of	transfer	to	the	customer	as	measured	using	an	output	method.	The	
amount	 that	 Northland	 has	 a	 right	 to	 bill	 the	 customer	 reflects	 the	 pattern	 of	 transfer	 and	 value	 of	 the	 completed	
performance	 to	 the	 customer.	 As	 a	 result,	 Northland	 applies	 the	 “right	 to	 invoice”	 practical	 expedient	 under	 IFRS	 15,	
“Revenue	from	Contracts	with	Customers”,	to	measure	and	recognize	revenue.	

Regulated	 utility	 revenues	 from	 generation,	 transmission,	 distribution	 and	 commercialization	 (i.e.retail)	 tariffs	 are	
recognized	as	electricity	is	delivered	to	customers.	Revenues	include	amounts	billed	or	billable	to	customers	for	generation	
and	transmission	tariffs,	which	are	passed	through	to	third	parties.	Northland	records	these	revenues	on	a	gross	basis	since	
Northland	 is	 responsible	 for	 procuring	 electricity	 and	 has	 collection	 risk	 for	 these	 amounts,	 virtually	 all	 of	 which	 was	
collected	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020.

Payments	to	customers	are	recorded	as	an	expense	when	the	payments	relate	to	a	separate	good	or	service	provided	by	
the	 customer	 and	 recorded	 as	 a	 reduction	 in	 revenue	 when	 the	 payments	 relate	 to	 Northland’s	 performance	 obligations	
under	the	contract	(e.g.	liquidated	damages	penalties).

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Other	sources	of	revenue	

Revenue	from	the	sale	of	electricity	at	facilities	under	development	and	included	in	CIP	is	recorded	as	an	offset	to	PP&E	
until	certain	operational	testing	requirements	are	satisfied.

Northland	 recognizes	 management	 fees	 and	 operations-related	 incentive	 fees	 as	 earned	 based	 on	 the	 terms	 of	 its	
respective	facility	agreements	as	work	is	performed.

Interest	and	investment	income

Interest	 and	 investment	 income	 are	 recognized	 as	 earned	 in	 accordance	 with	 the	 terms	 of	 the	 underlying	 financial	
contracts.	Interest	income	earned	on	third-party	loans	is	included	in	“investment	income”	while	interest	income	earned	on	
cash	and	cash	equivalents	balances	is	included	in	“finance	costs,	net”	in	the	consolidated	statements	of	income	(loss).	

2.14	Borrowing	Costs	

Borrowing	costs	directly	attributable	to	the	acquisition	or	construction	of	a	qualifying	asset	that	takes	a	substantial	period	
of	time	to	prepare	for	its	intended	use	or	sale	are	capitalized	as	part	of	the	cost	of	the	asset.	All	other	borrowing	costs	are	
expensed	 as	 incurred.	 Borrowing	 costs	 consist	 of	 interest	 and	 other	 costs	 incurred	 in	 connection	 with	 the	 borrowing	 of	
funds.

2.15	Taxes

Current	income	tax

Income	tax	assets	and	liabilities	are	measured	at	the	amount	expected	to	be	recovered	from	or	paid	to	tax	authorities.	Tax	
rates	and	tax	laws	that	are	enacted	or	substantively	enacted	at	the	reporting	date	are	used	in	the	computations.

Current	 income	 tax	 relating	 to	 items	 recognized	 directly	 in	 equity	 is	 recognized	 in	 equity	 and	 not	 in	 the	 consolidated	
statements	of	income	(loss).

Deferred	income	tax

Deferred	 income	 tax	 is	 determined	 using	 the	 asset	 and	 liability	 method	 at	 the	 reporting	 date	 on	 temporary	 differences	
between	the	tax	bases	of	assets	and	liabilities	and	their	carrying	amounts	for	financial	reporting	purposes.	

Deferred	income	tax	liabilities	are	recognized	for	all	taxable	temporary	differences	except:

• Where	the	deferred	income	tax	liability	arises	from	the	initial	recognition	of	goodwill	or	of	an	asset	or	liability	in	a	
transaction	 that	 is	 not	 a	 business	 combination	 and	 at	 the	 time	 of	 the	 transaction	 affects	 neither	 the	 accounting	
income	nor	taxable	income	or	loss;	and

• Where	 the	 deferred	 income	 tax	 liability	 relates	 to	 taxable	 temporary	 differences	 associated	 with	 investments	 in	
subsidiaries,	associates	and	interests	in	joint	ventures,	where	the	timing	of	the	reversal	of	the	temporary	differences	
can	be	controlled	and	it	is	probable	that	the	temporary	differences	will	not	reverse	in	the	foreseeable	future.

Deferred	income	tax	assets	are	recognized	for	all	deductible	temporary	differences,	carryforward	of	unused	tax	credits	and	
unused	 tax	 losses	 to	 the	 extent	 that	 it	 is	 probable	 that	 taxable	 income	 will	 be	 available	 against	 which	 the	 deductible	
temporary	differences,	carry	forward	of	unused	tax	credits	and	unused	tax	losses	can	be	utilized	except:

• Where	 the	 deferred	 income	 tax	 asset	 relating	 to	 the	 deductible	 temporary	 difference	 arises	 from	 the	 initial	
recognition	of	goodwill	or	of	an	asset	or	liability	in	a	transaction	that	is	not	a	business	combination	and	at	the	time	of	
the	transaction	affects	neither	the	accounting	income	nor	taxable	income	or	loss;	and

• Where	 the	 deferred	 income	 tax	 asset	 relates	 to	 deductible	 temporary	 differences	 associated	 with	 investments	 in	
subsidiaries,	associates	and	interests	in	joint	ventures,	deferred	income	tax	assets	are	recognized	only	to	the	extent	
that	it	is	probable	that	the	temporary	differences	will	reverse	in	the	foreseeable	future	and	taxable	income	will	be	
available	against	which	the	temporary	differences	can	be	utilized.

Deferred	income	tax	assets	and	liabilities	are	measured	at	the	tax	rates	that	are	expected	to	apply	in	the	year	when	the	
asset	is	realized	or	the	liability	is	settled,	based	on	tax	rates	(and	tax	laws)	that	have	been	enacted	or	substantively	enacted	
at	the	reporting	date.

Deferred	income	tax	relating	to	items	recognized	directly	in	equity	is	recognized	in	equity,	not	profit	and	loss.

Deferred	income	tax	assets	and	deferred	income	tax	liabilities	are	offset	if	a	legally	enforceable	right	exists	to	offset	and	the	

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deferred	income	taxes	relate	to	the	same	taxable	entity	and	the	same	taxation	authority.

Sales	taxes

Revenues,	expenses	and	assets	are	recognized	net	of	the	amount	of	sales	tax	except:

• Where	 the	 sales	 tax	 incurred	 on	 a	 purchase	 of	 assets	 or	 services	 is	 not	 recoverable	 from	 the	 taxation	 authority,	 in	
which	case	the	sales	tax	is	recognized	as	part	of	the	cost	of	acquisition	of	the	asset	or	as	part	of	the	expense	item,	as	
applicable;	and

• Where	receivables	and	payables	are	stated	with	the	amount	of	sales	tax	included.

The	net	amount	of	sales	tax	recoverable	from	or	payable	to	the	taxation	authority	is	included	in	the	consolidated	balance	
sheets.

2.16	Foreign	Currency	Translation	

Northland’s	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	are	presented	in	Canadian	dollars,	which	is	Northland’s	functional	currency.	
For	each	subsidiary,	Northland	determines	the	functional	currency	and	measures	items	included	in	the	financial	statements	
of	 the	 subsidiary	 in	 that	 functional	 currency.	 The	 functional	 currency	 of	 Northland’s	 significant	 subsidiaries	 reflects	 the	
primary	economic	environment	in	which	each	subsidiary	operates	and	includes	the	Canadian	dollar,	euro	,	Mexican	peso	
and	Colombian	peso.

The	assets	and	liabilities	of	foreign	operations	are	translated	into	Canadian	dollars	at	the	rate	of	exchange	prevailing	at	the	
balance	sheet	date	and	their	consolidated	statements	of	income	(loss)	are	translated	at	the	average	exchange	rate	for	each	
quarterly	 period.	 The	 exchange	 differences	 arising	 on	 the	 translation	 are	 recognized	 in	 accumulated	 OCI	 in	 equity.	 On	
disposal	of	a	foreign	operation,	the	cumulative	amount	recognized	in	equity	relating	to	the	foreign	operation	is	recognized	
in	profit	and	loss.

2.17	Future	Accounting	Policies

In	 2019,	 the	 International	 Accounting	 Standards	 Board	 (IASB)	 issued	 narrow-scope	 amendments	 to	 IFRS	 3,	 Business	
Combinations,	 including	 revising	 the	 definition	 of	 a	 business	 and	 introducing	 an	 optional	 concentration	 test.	 The	
amendments	are	intended	to	assist	companies	in	determining	whether	a	transaction	should	be	accounted	for	a	business	
combination	 or	 an	 asset	 acquisition.	 The	 amendments	 are	 effective	 for	 annual	 reporting	 periods	 beginning	 on	 or	 after	
January	1,	2020	and	applied	prospectively.	In	addition,	the	IASB	has	previously	issued	additional	narrow-scope	amendments	
to	 various	 standards	 including	 related	 to	 Interest	 Rate	 Benchmark	 Reform.	 Northland	 adopted	 these	 amendments	 as	 of	
January	1,	2020	and	there	has	been	no	impact	on	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	as	of	December	31,	2020.

2.18	Change	in	Accounting	Policies

Northland	assesses	each	new	IFRS	or	amendment	to	determine	whether	it	may	have	a	material	impact	on	its	consolidated	
financial	 statements.	 As	 at	 December	 31,	 2020,	 there	 have	 been	 no	 accounting	 pronouncements	 by	 the	 IASB	 that	 would	
materially	affect	Northland’s	Consolidated	Financial	Statements.

3.	Accounting	Policy	Judgments	and	Estimates	

When	 preparing	 the	 Consolidated	 Financial	 Statements,	 Northland	 undertakes	 a	 number	 of	 judgments,	 estimates	 and	
assumptions	 about	 recognition	 and	 measurement	 of	 assets,	 liabilities,	 income	 and	 expenses	 and	 in	 applying	 accounting	
policies.	 The	 actual	 results	 are	 likely	 to	 differ	 from	 the	 judgments,	 estimates	 and	 assumptions	 and	 will	 seldom	 precisely	
equal	the	estimated	results.	

The	 significant	 judgments,	 estimates	 and	 assumptions	 that	 have	 the	 most	 significant	 effect	 on	 the	 recognition	 and	
measurement	of	assets,	liabilities,	income	and	expenses	are	discussed	below.	

PP&E	and	intangible	assets

PP&E	 and	 intangible	 assets	 are	 depreciated	 over	 their	 useful	 lives,	 taking	 into	 account	 estimated	 residual	 values,	 where	
appropriate.	Residual	values	and	useful	lives	are	reviewed	annually	and	adjusted	prospectively,	if	appropriate.	In	assessing	
residual	 values,	 Northland	 considers	 the	 remaining	 life	 of	 the	 asset,	 its	 projected	 disposal	 value	 and	 future	 market	
conditions.	Useful	lives	take	into	account	factors	such	as	technological	innovation,	maintenance	programs,	relevant	market	
information	and	management	considerations.	Management	judgment	is	also	required	when	Northland	acquires	entities	and	
must	allocate	the	purchase	price	to	the	fair	value	of	the	assets	and	liabilities	acquired,	which	includes	PP&E	and	intangible	

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assets.	See	Note	4.5	for	additional	details.	The	carrying	amounts	of	PP&E	and	intangible	assets	are	analyzed	in	Notes	5	and	
6,	respectively.	

Deferred	development	costs

Management	monitors	the	progress	of	development	projects	in	the	prospecting,	development	and	advanced	development	
phases	by	using	a	project	management	system.	Advanced	development	costs	are	recognized	as	an	asset	in	accordance	with	
IFRS,	once	management	determines	a	project	is	economically	feasible	and	risks	to	project	completion	have	been	sufficiently	
mitigated,	whereas	prospecting	and	development	phase	project	costs	are	expensed	as	incurred.

Determining	 which	 projects	 will	 continue	 to	 be	 pursued	 and	 when	 to	 begin	 deferring	 costs	 for	 advanced	 development	
phase	 projects	 requires	 judgment.	 Management	 reviews	 on	 a	 regular	 basis	 the	 feasibility	 of	 each	 project	 that	 is	 being	
developed	and,	should	management	determine	that	development	of	a	particular	project	is	no	longer	feasible	to	be	pursued	
to	completion,	the	deferred	costs	are	expensed	in	the	period	the	determination	is	made.	

Decommissioning	liabilities

Northland’s	decommissioning	liabilities	relate	to	wind,	solar	and	closed	efficient	natural	gas	facilities.	Future	remediation	
costs,	whether	required	under	contract	or	by	law,	are	recognized	based	on	best	estimates.	These	estimates	are	calculated	
at	completion	of	construction	and	reviewed	annually	or	more	often	if	there	is	reason	to	believe	the	estimate	has	changed.	
Cost	estimates	depend	on	labour	costs,	efficiency	of	site	restoration	and	remediation	measures,	inflation	rates	and,	where	
possible,	 risks	 specific	 to	 the	 liability.	 Estimates	 of	 pre-tax	 interest	 rates	 that	 reflect	 current	 market	 conditions,	 the	 time	
value	 of	 money	 and,	 where	 applicable,	 the	 risks	 specific	 to	 the	 liability	 also	 affect	 the	 liability.	 Northland	 estimates	 the	
timing	 of	 expenses,	 which	 may	 change	 depending	 on	 the	 viability	 of	 continuing	 operations.	 Expected	 future	 costs	 are	
inherently	uncertain	and	could	materially	change	over	time.	Subject	to	plant	closures,	Northland	expects	to	use	assets	at	
the	 efficient	 natural	 gas	 facilities	 and	 regulated	 utility	 operations	 for	 an	 indefinite	 period	 due	 to	 continuing	 equipment	
overhauls	and	rights	to	the	underlying	land.	As	a	result,	management	considers	that	a	reasonable	estimate	of	the	fair	value	
of	any	related	decommissioning	liability	cannot	be	made	until	it	is	known	that	the	facility	will	be	closed.	See	Note	13	for	
additional	details.

Accounting	for	investments	in	non-wholly	owned	subsidiaries

Northland	 exercises	 judgment	 in	 determining	 whether	 non-wholly	 owned	 subsidiaries	 are	 controlled	 by	 Northland.	
Northland’s	 judgment	 included	 the	 determination	 of	 (i)	 how	 the	 relevant	 activities	 of	 the	 subsidiary	 are	 directed	 (either	
through	 voting	 rights	 or	 contracts);	 (ii)	 whether	 Northland’s	 rights	 are	 substantive	 or	 protective	 in	 nature;	 and	 (iii)	
Northland’s	 ability	 to	 influence	 the	 returns	 of	 the	 subsidiary.	 Where	 subsidiaries	 are	 subject	 to	 joint	 control,	 Northland	
applies	 judgment	 in	 determining	 whether	 its	 rights	 are	 to	 the	 net	 assets	 or	 individual	 assets	 and	 liabilities	 of	 the	 joint	
arrangement,	which	results	in	accounting	for	the	subsidiary	as	a	joint	venture	or	joint	operation,	respectively.	Refer	to	Note	
4	for	a	summary	of	the	acquisitions	made	in	the	year	and	subsequent	to	the	year	end	as	well	as	Note	16	for	details	on	non-
wholly	owned	subsidiaries.	

Fair	value	of	financial	assets	and	financial	liabilities

Where	the	fair	values	of	financial	assets	and	financial	liabilities	cannot	be	derived	from	active	markets,	they	are	determined	
using	valuation	techniques,	including	discounted	cash	flow	models.	The	inputs	to	these	models	are	taken	from	observable	
markets	 where	 possible,	 but	 where	 this	 is	 not	 feasible,	 a	 degree	 of	 judgment	 is	 required	 in	 establishing	 fair	 values.	 The	
judgments	 include	 consideration	 of	 inputs	 such	 as	 liquidity	 risk,	 credit	 risk	 and	 volatility.	 Changes	 in	 assumptions	 about	
these	factors	could	affect	the	reported	fair	value	of	financial	instruments,	see	Note	18	for	additional	details	on	fair	values	of	
financial	instruments.

Impairment	of	non-financial	assets

Northland	 tests	 impairment	 of	 goodwill,	 other	 intangible	 assets	 and	 PP&E	 based	 on	 value-in-use	 calculations	 using	 a	
discounted	cash	flow	model.	The	cash	flows	are	derived	from	forecasts	over	the	remaining	useful	lives	of	the	assets	of	the	
CGUs,	less	an	allocation	of	forecasted	corporate	costs.	The	estimated	recoverable	amount	is	sensitive	to	the	discount	rate	
used	for	the	discounted	cash	flow	model	as	well	as	the	expected	future	cash	inflows.	The	key	assumptions	used	to	estimate	
the	recoverable	amount	for	the	different	CGUs	are	further	explained	in	Note	21.

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Income	taxes

Preparation	of	the	Consolidated	Financial	Statements	requires	an	estimate	of	income	taxes	in	each	of	the	jurisdictions	in	
which	 Northland	 operates.	 The	 process	 involves	 an	 estimate	 of	 Northland’s	 current	 tax	 exposure	 and	 an	 assessment	 of	
temporary	 differences	 resulting	 from	 differing	 treatment	 of	 items	 such	 as	 depreciation	 and	 amortization	 for	 tax	 and	
accounting	 purposes.	 These	 differences	 result	 in	 deferred	 tax	 assets	 and	 liabilities	 that	 are	 included	 in	 Northland’s	
consolidated	balance	sheets.

An	assessment	is	also	made	to	determine	the	likelihood	that	Northland’s	deferred	income	tax	assets	will	be	recovered	from	
future	taxable	income.	

Judgment	is	required	to	continually	assess	changing	tax	interpretations,	regulations	and	legislation	to	ensure	liabilities	are	
complete	 and	 to	 ensure	 assets,	 net	 of	 valuation	 allowances,	 are	 realizable.	 The	 impact	 of	 different	 interpretations	 and	
applications	could	be	material.

4.	Acquisitions

4.1	Announcement	of	Investment	in	Polish	Offshore	Wind	Development	Project	in	Baltic	Sea

Subsequent	 to	 December	 31,	 2020,	 Northland	 announced	 it	 had	 entered	 into	 an	 agreement	 to	 acquire	 a	 49%	 interest	
(subject	to	regulatory	approvals)	in	a	offshore	wind	project	in	the	Baltic	Sea	(“Baltic	Power”)	with	a	total	capacity	of	up	to	
1,200	 MW	 of	 offshore	 wind	 generation.	 Baltic	 Power	 is	 a	 mid-development	 stage	 project	 located	 approximately	 23	
kilometers	offshore	from	Poland’s	coast	in	the	Baltic	Sea.

4.2	Acquisition	of	New	York	State	Onshore	Wind	Development	Projects

In	the	third	quarter	of	2020,	Northland	completed	the	asset	acquisition	of	three	onshore	wind	projects	in	New	York	State	to	
expand	 its	 North	 American	 portfolio	 with	 its	 entry	 into	 the	 U.S.	 renewables	 market.	 The	 total	 purchase	 price	 paid	 was	
$5.6	 million	 and	 primarily	 allocated	 to	 contracts	 and	 other	 intangibles,	 including	 construction	 related	 permits	 acquired	
through	 these	 three	 projects.	 For	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2020,	 transaction	 costs	 related	 to	 the	 acquisition	 were	
immaterial.

4.3	Acquisition	of	Qualified	Supplier	in	Mexico

On	March	31,	2020,	Northland	completed	the	acquisition	of	an	88%	ownership	interest	in	a	Mexican	company,	Northland	
Power	Energía	S.A.	de	C.V.	(“Energía”),	that	holds	a	qualified	supplier	license,	which	enables	it	to	enter	into	contract	with	
power	 generators	 and	 commercial	 and	 industrial	 customers	 as	 well	 as	 provide	 retail	 electricity	 services	 at	 unregulated	
prices.

Northland	paid	$7	million,	including	future	funding	obligations,	to	complete	the	acquisition	and	acquire	control	of	Energía.	
The	consideration	paid	was	primarily	allocated	to	working	capital	and	contracts	and	other	intangibles,	net	of	non-controlling	
interests.	Contracts	and	other	intangibles	acquired	related	to	Energía’s	qualified	supplier	license.

The	determination	of	the	fair	value	of	assets	acquired	and	liabilities	assumed	is	based	on	estimates	and	certain	assumptions	
with	respect	to	the	fair	values	of	the	assets	acquired	and	liabilities	assumed.	

For	the	three	months	and	year	ended	December	31,	2020,	transaction	costs	related	to	the	acquisition	were	immaterial.

4.4	Acquisition	of	Dado	Ocean,	South	Korean	Offshore	Wind	Development	Project

On	February	28,	2020,	Northland	completed	its	acquisition	of	Dado	Ocean	Wind	Farm	Co.	Ltd	(“Dado	Ocean”),	an	offshore	
wind	development	company	based	in	South	Korea	with	access	to	multiple	early-stage	development	sites	off	the	southern	
coast.	 The	 purchase	 price	 paid,	 net	 identifiable	 assets	 acquired	 and	 transaction	 costs	 related	 to	 the	 acquisition	 were	
immaterial.

4.5	Acquisition	of	EBSA	Regulated	Utility

In	July	2020,	Northland	finalized	the	purchase	price	for	its	January	14,	2020	acquisition	of	a	99.2%	interest	in	the	Colombian	
regulated	 power	 distribution	 utility,	 Empresa	 de	 Energía	 de	 Boyacá	 S.A	 E.S.P	 (“EBSA”).	 Pursuant	 to	 the	 share	 purchase	
agreement,	the	purchase	price	had	been	subject	to	post-closing	adjustments	following	a	review	of	the	final	tariff	resolution	
by	the	Colombian	regulator	in	respect	of	EBSA’s	rate	structure.	In	the	fourth	quarter,	EBSA	completed	an	offer	to	minority	
shareholders	to	repurchase	their	shares	of	EBSA,	as	a	result	of	which,	Northland	effectively	now	owns	99.4%	of	EBSA.

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The	total	consideration	for	the	acquisition	was	allocated	to	the	fair	value	of	the	net	assets	acquired	and	liabilities	assumed	
as	follows:

As	at

Cash	and	restricted	cash

Accounts	receivable

Other	current	assets

Property,	plant	and	equipment

Intangible	assets

Goodwill

Other	long-term	assets

Accounts	payable

Interest-bearing	loans	and	borrowings	[Note	5.3]

Deferred	tax	liability

Other	long-term	liabilities,	including	pension	liability

Total	identifiable	net	assets	acquired

Less:	Non-controlling	interests

Final	purchase	consideration

Consideration	transferred

January	14,	2020

$	

$	

$	

17,440	

42,100	

14,842	

614,587	

10,915	

540,427	

1,562	

(46,485)	

(219,163)	

(125,654)	

(50,536)	

800,035	

1,594	
798,441	

The	 EBSA	 Acquisition	 purchase	 price	 was	 settled	 by	 transferring	 cash	 of	 $798	 million,	 including	 the	 post-closing	 cash	
settlement.	The	transferring	cash	was	funded	through	net	proceeds	from	the	subscription	receipts	offering,	proceeds	drawn	
under	a	fully	committed	bridge	credit	facility	(“EBSA	Bridge”)	and	Northland’s	existing	corporate	credit	facilities.	The	post-
closing	 cash	 settlement	 based	 on	 the	 final	 tariff	 resolution	 was	 determined	 to	 be	 $47	 million	 and	 was	 paid	 in	 the	 third	
quarter	of	2020.

Identifiable	Net	Assets

The	determination	of	the	fair	value	of	assets	acquired	and	liabilities	assumed	is	based	on	estimates	and	certain	assumptions	
with	respect	to	the	fair	values	of	the	assets	acquired	and	liabilities	assumed,	except	for	deferred	taxes,	which	are	based	on	
the	 full	 amount	 required	 under	 IAS	 12.	 Identifiable	 net	 assets	 decreased	 by	 $44	 million	 mainly	 due	 to	 the	 decrease	 of	
property,	plant	and	equipment	as	a	result	of	the	final	tariff	resolution.	

The	purchase	consideration	in	excess	of	the	net	identifiable	assets	acquired	of	$540	million	was	allocated	to	goodwill	in	the	
consolidated	balances	sheets.

EBSA’s	Contribution	to	Northland’s	Results

EBSA’s	results	are	consolidated	in	Northland’s	financial	results	effective	January	14,	2020.	For	the	year	ended	December	31,	
2020,	 EBSA	 contributed	 $53	 million	 to	 Northland’s	 consolidated	 operating	 income.	 Transaction	 costs	 of	 $7	 million	 were	
included	 in	 “development	 costs”	 in	 the	 consolidated	 statements	 of	 income	 (loss).	 Refer	 to	 utility	 segment	 in	 Note	 23	 for	
details	on	EBSA’s	assets	and	results.

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5.	Property,	Plant	and	Equipment	

The	following	table	illustrates	movements	in	Northland’s	PP&E	cost	balance	by	category:

Construction
-in-progress

Plant	and	
operating	
equipment

Land,	
buildings	and	
leasehold	
improvements

Lease	ROU	
asset

Other	
equipment	(1)

Total

Cost

January	1,	2019

$	

825,346	 $	 7,183,162	 $	

1,958,688	 $	

—	 $	

27,323	 $	 9,994,519	

Initial	recognition	of	IFRS	16	(4)
Additions

—	 	

769,535	 	

(1,980)	 	

2,430	 	

—	 	

975	 	

62,740	 	

11,733	 	

(1,092)	 	

59,668	

4,639	 	

789,312	

Transfer	from	CIP

(1,456,924)	 	

1,327,135	 	

128,958	 	

—	 	

831	 	

—	

Foreign	exchange
Pre-completion	revenue	(3)
Impairment	[Note	21]
Provisions,	disposals	and	other	(2)
December	31,	2019

(68,905)	 	

(302,401)	 	

(88,933)	 	

(1,825)	 	

(312)	 	

(462,376)	

(11,541)	 	

(97,782)	 	

84,720	 	

—	 	

—	 	

(2,874)	 	

—	 	

—	 	

(13)	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

$	

44,449	 $	 8,205,472	 $	

1,999,675	 $	

72,648	 $	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

(11,541)	

(97,782)	

81,833	

31,389	 $	 10,353,633	
—	

148,214	 	

65,337	 	

1,904	 	

6,870	 	

5,495	 	

227,820	

264	

1,508	 	

322,435	 	

88,588	 	

Acquired	[Note	4]
Provisions,	disposals	and	other	(2)

18,574	 	

579,220	 	

(264)	 	

(59,050)	 	

8,163	 	

(968)	 	

264	

2,002	 	

806	 	

1,786	 	

589	 	

415,122	

8,984	 	

615,747	

(2,720)	 	

(61,216)	

Additions

Transfer	from	CIP

Foreign	exchange

December	31,	2020

$	

212,481	 $	 9,113,678	 $	

2,097,362	 $	

84,112	 $	

43,737	 $	 11,551,370	

(1)	Other	equipment	includes	vehicles,	meteorological	towers,	office	equipment,	furniture	and	fixtures,	computers,	and	computer	software.	
(2)	Provisions,	disposals	and	other	for	2020	includes	additional	decommission	liability	for	Gemini	and	recognition	of	accruals	net	of	amounts	paid	under	
the	LTIP.	Provisions,	disposals	and	other	for	2019	recognition	of	the	decommission	liability	for	Deutsche	Bucht	and	amounts	accrued	net	of	amounts	
paid	under	the	LTIP.

(3)	Pre-completion	revenue	is	netted	against	purchases	in	the	consolidated	statements	of	cash	flows.

(4)	Includes	leases	previously	classified	as	finance	leases	for	which	a	lease	asset	was	recognized	in	the	consolidated	balance	sheets	at	December	31,	2018	

as	well	as	leases	for	which	a	lease	ROU	asset	was	initially	recognized	on	January	1,	2019	under	IFRS	16.

As	at	December	31,	2020,	construction-in-progress	relates	primarily	to	the	capitalization	for	La	Lucha	project	in	Mexico	and	
Hai	Long	project	in	Taiwan.

As	a	result	of	he	achievement	of	certain	milestones,	Northland	commenced	capitalization	of	Hai	Long	development		
costs	 in	 the	 third	 quarter	 in	 accordance	 with		 IFRS.	 For	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2020,	 $28	 million	 development	
expenditures	were	capitalized	in	Construction-in-progress.

76

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The	following	table	illustrates	movements	in	Northland’s	PP&E	accumulated	depreciation	balance	by	category:

Construction
-in-progress

Plant	and	
operating	
equipment

Land,	
buildings	and	
leasehold	
improvements

Lease	ROU	
asset

Other	
equipment	(1)

Total

Accumulated	depreciation

January	1,	2019

$	

—	 $	 1,510,507	 $	

357,447	 $	

—	 $	

20,720	 $	 1,888,674	

Initial	recognition	of	IFRS	16	(2)
Foreign	exchange

Depreciation

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

(98)	 	

(35,447)	 	

338,558	 	

—	 	

(10,652)	 	

91,035	 	

264	 	

(119)	 	

6,986	 	

(166)	 	

(146)	 	

—	

(46,364)	

2,225	 	

438,804	

December	31,	2019

$	

—	 $	 1,813,520	 $	

437,830	 $	

7,131	 $	

22,633	 $	 2,281,114	

Foreign	exchange

Depreciation

Disposals

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

45,683	 	

14,870	 	

410,851	 	

102,798	 	

(9)	 	

—	 	

326	 	

9,490	 	

—	 	

397	 	

61,276	

6,430	 	

529,569	

(539)	 	

(548)	

December	31,	2020

$	

—	 $	 2,270,045	 $	

555,498	 $	

16,947	 $	

28,921	 $	 2,871,411	

Net	book	value

December	31,	2019

December	31,	2020

44,449	 	

6,391,952	 	

1,561,845	 	

65,517	 	

8,756	 	

8,072,519	

$	

212,481	 $	 6,843,633	 $	

1,541,864	 $	

67,165	 $	

14,816	 $	 8,679,959	

(1)	Other	equipment	includes	vehicles,	meteorological	towers,	office	equipment,	furniture	and	fixtures,	computers	and	computer	software.	

(2)	Reflects	leases	previously	classified	as	finance	leases	for	which	a	lease	asset	was	recognized	under	IFRS	16	in	the	balance	sheets	at	December	31,	

2019.

6.	Contracts	and	Other	Intangible	Assets	

The	following	table	illustrates	movements	in	Northland’s	intangible	asset	contract	balances:

Year	ended	December	31,

Cost

Total,	beginning	of	year
Acquired	(1)
Foreign	exchange

Total,	end	of	year
Accumulated	Amortization

Total,	beginning	of	year

Amortization

Foreign	exchange

Total,	end	of	year

Net	book	value

(1)	Reflects	contracts	and	intangibles	acquired	in	various	acquisitions.	See	note	4.

2020

2019

758,609	 $	

795,160	

24,732	 	

33,716	 	

817,057	 $	

—	

(36,551)	

758,609	

237,559	 $	

214,063	

43,361	 	

2,966	 	

24,848	

(1,352)	

283,886	 $	

237,559	

533,171	 $	

521,050	

$	

$	

$	

$	

$	

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| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

77

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
7.	Goodwill	

Acquired	 goodwill	 was	 allocated	 to	 CGUs	 expected	 to	 benefit	 from	 the	 synergies	 of	 the	 acquisition.	 As	 at	 December	 31,	
2020,	$709	million	of	goodwill	(2019	-	$205	million),	from	past	acquisitions,	including	EBSA	(See	note	4.5),	is	included	in	the	
consolidated	balance	sheets.

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020	and	2019,	no	impairment	to	goodwill	was	recognized.	The	goodwill	balance	as	at	
December	31,	2020	includes	accumulated	impairments	of	$78	million	(2019	-	$78	million)	and	foreign	exchange	movement.	
Refer	to	Note	21	for	additional	information	on	impairment	testing.	

8.	Leases	

8.1	 Northland	as	Lessor

Spy	Hill’s	long-term	PPA	is	classified	as	a	finance	lease	arrangement,	whereby	Northland	is	considered	to	have	leased	the	
Spy	 Hill	 facility	 to	 Saskatchewan	 Power	 Corporation	 (“SaskPower”)	 for	 25	 years	 ending	 in	 2036.	 For	 the	 year	 ended	
December	31,	2020,	finance	lease	income	of	$12	million	(2019	-	$12	million)	was	recognized.	

The	amounts	receivable	under	finance	lease	accounting	are	as	follows:

As	at

Minimum	lease	payments

Within	one	year

After	one	year	but	not	more	than	five	years

More	than	five	years

Less:	Unearned	finance	income

Total	finance	lease	receivable

Current	portion

Long-term

December	31,	2020

December	31,	2019

Minimum	lease	
payments

Present	value	of	
minimum	lease	
payments

Minimum	lease	
payments

Present	value	of	
minimum	lease	
payments

$	

$	

$	

16,188	 $	

64,751	 	

173,818	 	

254,757	 $	

(114,034)	

140,723	 $	

$	

4,525	 $	

22,372	

113,826	

140,723	 $	

140,723	 $	

4,525	

136,198	

16,188	 $	

64,752	 	

190,006	 	

270,946	 $	

(126,057)	 	

144,889	 $	

$	

4,165	

20,591	

120,133	

144,889	

—	

144,889	

4,165	

140,724	

The	interest	rate	inherent	in	the	lease	was	fixed	for	the	entire	lease	term	at	the	lease	inception	date	at	approximately	8.4%	
per	annum.	The	current	portion	of	finance	lease	receivable	is	included	in	“other	current	assets”	on	the	consolidated	balance	
sheets.

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8.2	 Northland	as	Lessee

Northland	 and	 several	 of	 its	 subsidiaries	 have	 entered	 into	 leases	 for	 land	 with	 private	 and	 public	 landowners	 as	 well	 as	
leases	for	buildings	and	operating	equipment.	The	original	terms	of	these	leases	range	from	one	to	37	years.	

The	amount	of	the	lease	ROU	asset	and	associated	depreciation	by	type	of	underlying	asset	as	at	December	31,	2020	is	as	
follows:

As	at	January	1,	2019

$	

—	 $	

—	 $	

2,808	 $	

—	 $	

Land

Vehicle

Equipment

Building

Acquired

Additions

Provisions,	disposals	and	other

Depreciation	expense

Foreign	exchange

35,311	 	

419	 	

—	 	

(2,274)	 	

(288)	 	

182	 	

189	 	

—	 	

(88)	 	

(7)	 	

10,902	 	

9,402	 	

—	 	

(2,489)	 	

(718)	 	

13,273	 	

1,723	 	

—	 	

(2,135)	 	

(693)	 	

Total

2,808	

59,668	

11,733	

—	

(6,986)	

(1,706)	

As	at	December	31,	2019	

$	

33,168	 $	

276	 $	

19,905	 $	

12,168	 $	

65,517	

Acquired

Additions

Provisions,	disposals	and	other

Depreciation	expense

Foreign	exchange

—	 	

2,890	 	

99	 	

(2,622)	 	

(35)	 	

—	 	

341	 	

—	 	

(203)	 	

15	 	

—	 	

537	 	

1,269	 	

(3,683)	 	

1,045	 	

806	 	

3,102	 	

418	 	

(2,982)	 	

651	 	

As	at	December	31,	2020

$	

33,500	 $	

429	 $	

19,073	 $	

14,163	 $	

The	lease	ROU	asset	balance	is	included	in	“property,	plant	and	equipment”	in	the	consolidated	balance	sheets.

806	

6,870	

1,786	

(9,490)	

1,676	

67,165	

Northland	 expenses	 payments	 for	 leases	 that	 are	 short-term	 (i.e.	 term	 of	 12	 months	 or	 less)	 and	 low	 value	 as	 well	 as	
variable	payments	that	are	excluded	from	lease	payments,	such	as	usage-based	fees	or	utilities	charges.	For	the	year	ended	
December	31,	2020,	lease	expense	of	$5	million	(2019	-	$4	million)	was	recognized	in	“general	and	administrative	costs”	
and	“operating	costs”	in	the	consolidated	statements	of	income	(loss).	

The	following	table	illustrates	movements	in	Northland’s	lease	liabilities:

Year	ended	December	31,

Total,	beginning	of	the	year	

Acquired	

Additions

Accretion	of	interest	[Note	20]

Payments

Foreign	exchange

Total,	end	of	the	year

Current	(included	in	“trade	and	other	payables”)

Non-current	(included	in	“provision	and	other	liabilities”)	

2020

$	

67,008	 $	

464	 	

6,626	 	

1,840	 	

(10,398)	 	

1,933	 	

$	

67,473	 $	

9,730	 	

57,743	 	

2019

2,797	

59,668	

11,733	

1,685	

(7,125)	

(1,750)	

67,008	

7,756	

59,252	

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9.	Other	Assets	

9.1.	 Other	current	assets

Other	current	assets	consist	of	the	following:

As	at	December	31,

Natural	gas	inventory

Spare	parts	and	other	inventory

Prepaid	expenses

Finance	lease	receivable	(current	portion)	[Note	8.1]

Total

9.2.	 Long-term	Deposits

Long-term	deposits	consist	of	the	following:

As	at	December	31,

Decommissioning	deposit

Other

Total

$	

2020

384	 $	

23,753	

37,717	

4,525	

$	

66,379	 $	

2020

78,377	 $	

1,410	

79,787	 $	

$	

$	

2019

484	

21,030	

18,842	

4,165	

44,521	

2019

66,167	

165	

66,332	

Gemini	provided	a	letter	of	credit	to	the	Dutch	government	to	secure	future	decommissioning	liability	for	Gemini.	The	letter	
of	 credit	 is	 collateralized	 by	 a	 long-term	 deposit	 held	 by	 project	 lenders	 in	 a	 money	 market	 fund	 due	 in	 2042	 and	 earns	
interest	at	a	rate	of	6-month	EURIBOR	plus	0.8%.

9.3.	 Other	Assets

Other	assets	consist	of	the	following:

As	at	December	31,

Government	grant	receivable

Receivable	from	Cochrane	Solar	First	Nations	Partner	[Note	16]
Other	(1)
Total

(1)	Includes	investment	in	associate,	investment	in	joint	venture	and	long-term	prepaid	expenses.

2020

42,703	 $	

32,453	

19,345	

2019

60,397	

33,207	

16,296	

94,501	 $	

109,900	

$	

$	

As	at	December	31,	2020,	Nordsee	One	had	accrued	a	government	grant	in	amount	of	$63	million	(€40	million)	(2019	-	$73	
million	or	€57	million),	including	$43	million	(€27	million)	in	“other	assets”	and	$20	million	(€13	million)	classified	as	current	
and	included	in	“trade	and	other	receivables”.	The	grant	relates	to	the	construction	of	the	wind	facility	and	will	be	collected	
from	2021	to	2022.

10.	Management	of	Capital

Northland’s	strategy	to	finance	general	development	efforts	and	investments	in	project	entities	utilizes	internally	generated	
cash	flows,	equity	issuances	and	corporate	debt,	notably	corporate	credit	facility	borrowings	and	convertible	debentures.	
Refer	to	Note	12	for	additional	information.

Northland	defines	capital	that	it	manages	as	the	aggregate	of	its	equity,	including	non-controlling	interests,	interest-bearing	
loans	and	borrowings,	corporate	credit	facilities,	convertible	debentures	and	subscription	receipts.	Northland’s	objectives	
when	 managing	 capital	 are	 to	 (i)	 ensure	 the	 stability	 and	 long-term	 sustainability	 of	 dividends	 to	 shareholders	 and	 (ii)	
finance	assets	with	non-recourse	debt	that	is	fully	amortized	over	the	term	of	the	underlying	revenue	arrangements.	

As	at	December	31,	2020,	total	managed	capital	was	$9.6	billion	(2019	-	$9.1	billion),	comprising	equity	of	$2.0	billion	(2019	
-	$1.5	billion),	non-recourse	facility-level	loans	and	borrowings	totaling	$7.2	billion	(2019	-	$6.9	billion)	and	corporate	credit	
facilities	totaling	$0.4	billion	(2019	-	$0.2	billion).	There	were	no	convertible	unsecured	subordinated	debentures	(2019	-	
$0.2	billion)	and	subscription	receipts	(2019	-	$0.3	billion)	outstanding.

Northland	exercises	discretion	in	the	amount	of	dividends	declared	to	shareholders,	the	terms	of	its	Dividend	Reinvestment	

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Plan	(DRIP),	return	of	capital	to	shareholders,	issuance	of	new	Shares	or	preferred	shares,	repurchase	of	Shares	under	its	
Normal	Course	Issuer	Bid	(NCIB)	and	the	issuance	or	redemption	of	convertible	debentures.	

Northland’s	 strategy	 has	 been	 to	 finance	 its	 operating	 entities	 (which	 are	 subsidiaries	 of	 Northland)	 using	 primarily	 non-
recourse	debt	at	the	subsidiary	level.	The	interest	rate	on	the	debt	at	Northland’s	power	generation	facilities	is	fixed	(or	
effectively	fixed	using	interest	rate	swaps)	and	principal	is	fully	repaid	(amortized)	generally	over	each	facility’s	PPA	term.	
This	 ensures	 a	 power	 generation	 facility	 is	 debt-free	 at	 the	 expiry	 of	 its	 original	 revenue	 arrangement,	 after	 which	 its	
economics	 become	 less	 predictable.	 For	 EBSA,	 the	 interest	 rate	 on	 the	 non-recourse	 debt	 is	 effectively	 fixed	 over	 the	
lending	period,	but	the	principal	is	expected	to	be	refinanced	prior	to	the	due	dates	because	of	the	perpetual	nature	of	the	
business.

11.	Facility-level	Loans	and	Borrowings	

Northland	generally	finances	projects	and	its	operating	facilities	through	non-recourse,	secured	credit	arrangements	at	the	
subsidiary	level.	These	loans	and	borrowing	are	summarized	in	the	table	below:	

Rate	(1)

Maturity

Amount	drawn	as	at	
Dec.	31,	2020	(2)

EBSA	(3)
Kirkland	Lake
Jardin	(3)
Thorold	(3)
Nordsee	One	(3)
Gemini	(3)(5)
Mont	Louis
Solar	Phase	I	(3)(4)
Solar	Phase	II	(4)
North	Battleford	(3)
Cochrane	Solar	(3)
Deutsche	Bucht	(3)
McLean's

Grand	Bend
Spy	Hill	(3)
Weighted	average	and	total

Current

Long-term

	5.2	%

	2.0	%

	2.2	%

	6.0	%

	6.7	%

	4.1	%

	6.6	%

	4.4	%

	5.4	%

	5.0	%

	5.3	%

	2.6	%

	6.0	%

	4.3	%

	4.1	%

	3.6	%

2022 	

2023 	

2026 	

2029 	

2030 	

2030 	

2031 	

2032 	

2032 	

2032 	

2033 	

2033 	

2034 	

2035 	

2036 	

$	

Amount	drawn	as	at	
Dec.	31,	2019	(2)
—	

11,800	

86,776	

263,090	

957,164	

449,052	 	

11,800	 	

80,141	 	

245,820	 	

897,478	 	

2,596,382	 	

2,620,897	

68,690	 	

175,114	 	

92,948	 	

566,720	 	

154,531	 	

73,468	

187,758	

99,461	

543,260	

163,587	

1,343,573	 	

1,308,283	

112,771	 	

313,065	 	

129,115	 	

7,237,200	 $	

608,446	 	

6,628,754	 	

118,708	

325,645	

133,330	

6,893,227	

567,936	

6,325,291	

(1)	The	weighted	average	all-in	interest	rates	of	the	subsidiary	borrowings.	

(2)	Excludes	letters	of	credit	secured	by	facility	or	project-level	credit	agreements.

(3)	Net	of	transaction	costs	and/or	fair	value	adjustments.

(4)	Solar	Phase	I	and	Solar	Phase	II	include	the	nine	entities	that	comprise	Solar.

(5)	Includes	the	amount	drawn	on	the	senior	debt	and	the	third-party	portion	of	subordinated	debt.

As	 at	 December	 31,	 2020,	 $29	 million	 of	 letters	 of	 credit	 secured	 by	 facility	 or	 project-level	 credit	 agreements	 was	
outstanding	(2019	-	$40	million).	

In	May	2020,	Gemini	amended	its	debt	facility	agreement	with	a	group	of	senior	lenders	to	replace	part	pf	the	debt	service	
reserve	amount	with	a	debt	service	reserve	facility,	an	undrawn	facility	that	will	be	used	if	the	Gemini	is	unable	to	make	the	
scheduled	senior	debt	payments,	resulting	in	a	release	of	approximately	$65	million	(€42	million)	to	Northland.	

In	June	2020,	Northland	entered	into	a	long-term,	non-recourse	financing	agreement	on	behalf	of	EBSA	for	an	aggregate	
amount	 of	 approximately	 $465	 million	 (“EBSA	 Facility”),	 inclusive	 of	 a	 Canadian	 dollar	 tranche	 and	 a	 Colombian	 peso	
tranche.	The	EBSA	Facility	replaced	an	interim	bridge	credit	facility	previously	in	place	as	well	as	facility-level	borrowings.	
The	EBSA	Facility	is	structured	as	a	$450	million	term	loan	and	a	$15	million	debt	service	reserve	credit	facility,	for	an	initial	

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two-year	 term.	 The	 facility	 has	 a	 blended	 interest	 rate	 of	 5.2%	 and	 provides	 Northland	 with	 the	 ability	 to	 upsize	 EBSA’s	
capital	structure	annually	by	increasing	leverage	commensurate	with	growth	in	EBSA’s	operating	results.

In	 June	 2020,	 Northland	 upsized	 the	 debt	 on	 the	 North	 Battleford	 loan,	 generating	 gross	 proceeds	 of	 $52	 million	 at	 an	
effective	interest	rate	of	2.1%.	The	bond	principal	increased	by	$44	million	to	$577	million.	

Changes	 in	 facility-level	 loans	 and	 borrowings	 and	 corporate	 credit	 facilities	 (see	 Note	 12)	 are	 summarized	 in	 the	 table	
below:

Year	ended	December	31,	2020

Total,	beginning	of	the	year

Acquired	debt	[Note	4.5]

Financings	net	of	fees	paid

Repayments
Other	non-cash	(1)
Foreign	exchange

Total,	end	of	the	year

Facility-level	loans	
and	borrowings

Corporate	credit	
facilities

$	

6,893,227	 $	

171,384	 $	

219,163	 	

571,140	 	

(789,778)	 	

34,097	 	

309,351	 	

—	 	

1,551,131	 	

(1,383,685)	 	

3,042	 	

9,530	 	

Total

7,064,611	

219,163	

2,122,271	

(2,173,463)	

37,139	

318,881	

$	

7,237,200	 $	

351,402	 $	

7,588,602	

(1)	Other	non-cash	changes	include	amortization	of	fair	value	adjustments	and	amortization	of	deferred	financings	costs.

The	estimated	fair	value	of	facility-level	loans	and	borrowings	and	corporate	credit	facilities	as	at	December	31,	2020	is	$7.8	
billion	(2019	-	$7.4	billion).

12.	Corporate	Credit	Facilities	and	Convertible	Debentures	

12.1	Corporate	Credit	Facilities	

The	corporate	credit	facilities	are	summarized	in	the	table	below:	

Syndicated	revolving	facility	(1)
Bilateral	letter	of	credit	facility

Export	credit	agency	backed	
letter	of	credit	facility
Total

Less:	deferred	financing	costs

Total,	net

Facility	
size	

Amount	drawn	
as	at	December	
31,	2020

Outstanding	
letters	of	
credit

Available
capacity

Maturity

Amount	
drawn	as	at	
Dec.	31,	2019

$	 1,000,000	 $	

354,263	 $	

154,464	 $	

491,273	

Jun.	2024 $	

175,689	

150,000	 	

100,000	 	

$	 1,250,000	 $	

—	 	

—	 	

354,263	 $	
2,861	

$	

351,402	

146,972	 	

3,028	

Mar.	2022 	

36,956	 	

63,044	

Mar.	2021 	

—	

—	

338,392	 $	

557,345	

$	

$	

175,689	
4,305	

171,384	

(1)		The	amount	drawn	on	the	syndicated	revolving	facility	comprises	$234	million	USD	converted	to	CAD	at	the	period-end	exchange	rate,	$35	million	

CAD	and	€14	million	converted	to	CAD	at	the	period-end	exchange	rate	(December	31,	2019	-	€107	million	and	$20	million).

During	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2020,	 Northland	 made	 net	 drawdowns	 of	 $167	 million	 on	 the	 syndicated	 revolving	
facility,	with	remaining	movement	in	the	period	due	to	foreign	exchange	fluctuations.

In	the	first	quarter	of	2020,	the	size	of	the	bilateral	letter	of	credit	facility	was	increased	to	$150	million	from	$100	million.

Amounts	 drawn	 under	 the	 syndicated	 revolving	 facility	 are	 collateralized	 by	 a	 debenture	 security	 and	 general	 security	
agreement	 that	 constitutes	 a	 first-priority	 lien	 on	 all	 of	 the	 real	 property	 and	 present	 and	 future	 property	 and	 assets	 of	
Northland.

12.2	Convertible	Debentures

The	2020	Debentures	had	a	maturity	of	June	30,	2020	and	were	convertible	into	Shares	at	a	conversion	price	of	$21.60	per	
share	at	any	time	prior	to	the	maturity	date.	

At	 issuance,	 Northland	 estimated	 the	 fair	 value	 of	 the	 embedded	 holder	 option	 as	 nominal,	 and	 as	 a	 result,	 the	 entire	
amount	 of	 the	 Debentures	 was	 classified	 as	 a	 liability.	 The	 payment	 of	 convertible	 unsecured	 subordinated	 debenture	
principal	and	interest	was	subordinated	in	right	of	payment	to	the	prior	payment	of	all	senior	indebtedness	of	Northland.	

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In	 the	 second	 quarter	 of	 2020,	 Northland	 completed	 the	 early	 redemption	 of	 the	 2020	 Debentures.	 Holders	 converted	
approximately	 $149	 million	 of	 their	 2020	 Debentures	 into	 6.9	 million	 new	 common	 shares	 prior	 to	 the	 May	 11,	 2020,	
redemption	 date.	 Northland	 redeemed	 the	 remaining	 approximately	 $2	 million	 of	 the	 2020	 Debentures	 in	 cash.	 As	 at	
December	31,	2020,	there	are	no	Debentures	outstanding.

13.	Provisions	and	Other	Liabilities	

13.1	Decommissioning	Liabilities

Decommissioning	liabilities	are	recognized	for	renewable	facilities.	A	portion	of	Northland’s	onshore	wind	and	solar	facilities	
are	located	on	lands	leased	from	private	and	public	landowners.	Upon	the	expiration	of	the	leases,	Northland	is	obligated	to	
restore	the	leased	lands	to	near	to	their	original	condition	and	remove	all	turbines,	solar	panels	and	equipment.	Northland’s	
obligations	for	decommissioning	of	its	offshore	wind	facilities	are	based	on	the	government	regulations	in	the	applicable	
jurisdictions.

Northland	expects	to	use	its	installed	assets	for	an	indefinite	period.	No	decommissioning	liabilities	are	recognized	for	utility	
facilities	 and	 efficient	 natural	 gas	 facilities	 until	 the	 time	 Northland	 determines	 the	 facility	 will	 no	 longer	 be	 operated	 or	
maintained	 and	 should	 be	 decommissioned.	 As	 at	 December	 31,	 2020	 and	 December	 31,	 2019,	 no	 provision	 were	
recognized	related	to	efficient	natural	gas	facilities.

Northland	estimated	the	fair	value	of	its	total	decommissioning	liabilities	to	be	$365	million	(2019	-	$309	million),	based	on	
an	 estimated	 total	 future	 liability.	 A	 discount	 rate	 of	 0.5%	 to	 3.9%	 (2019	 -	 1.0%	 to	 3.9%)	 and	 an	 inflation	 rate,	 where	
applicable,	of	2.0%	(2019	-	2.0%)	was	used	to	calculate	the	fair	value	of	the	decommissioning	liabilities.	

The	following	table	reconciles	Northland’s	total	decommissioning	liabilities	activity:	

Year	ended	December	31,

Total,	beginning	of	year
Additions	(1)
Accretion

Foreign	exchange

Total,	end	of	year

2020

2019

$	

308,510	 $	

233,326	

35,315	 	

3,926	 	
16,822	 	
364,573	 $	

82,482	

4,435	

(11,733)	
308,510	

$	

(1)	Additions	for	2020	primarily	reflect	an	adjustment	to	the	decommissioning	liability	at	Gemini	as	a	result	of	a	change	in	discount	rate.	Additions	for	

2019	reflect	recognition	of	the	decommissioning	liability	for	Deutsche	Bucht

13.2	Other	Liabilities

As	at	December	31,	2020,	provisions	and	other	liabilities	on	the	consolidated	balance	sheets	included	$74	million	payable	
by	Nordsee	One	to	the	third-party	partner	in	the	wind	facility	under	a	shareholder	loan	arrangement	(2019	-	$69	million).	
Under	the	shareholder	loan	arrangement,	interest	is	accrued	at	an	annual	rate	of	10%	and	repayments	are	made	based	on	
the	partner’s	share	of	distributable	funds	from	operations.

14.	Pension	and	Post-Employment	Benefits

One	of	Northland’s	facilities,	EBSA,	has	a	defined	benefits	pension	plan	(“pension	plan”)	which	is	closed	to	new	members,	
and	only	a	small	portion	of	plan	members	remain	active	employees	of	EBSA.	The	pension	plan	establishes	the	pension	an	
employee	will	receive	upon	retirement	based	on	factors	such	as	employee	age,	years	of	service	and	compensation	levels	
when	employed.	

The	 accounting	 of	 pensions	 involves	 estimating	 the	 cost	 of	 the	 benefit	 that	 will	 be	 paid	 in	 a	 remote	 time	 horizon	 and	
attributes	 this	 cost	 through	 the	 expected	 period	 in	 which	 each	 employee	 is	 expected	 to	 receive	 a	 pension	 in	 accordance	
with	 the	 plan	 conditions;	 this	 requires	 the	 extensive	 use	 of	 estimates	 and	 assumptions	 on	 inflation,	 mortality,	 employee	
turnover	and	discount	rates,	among	other	factors.

The	liability	recognized	in	the	consolidated	balance	sheets,	in	respect	of	the	defined	benefits	pensions,	is	the	present	value	
of	 the	 defined	 benefit	 obligation	 at	 December	 31,	 2020,	 together	 with	 the	 adjustments	 of	 actuarial	 gains	 or	 losses	 not	
recognized.	The	actuarial	losses	and	gains	are	recorded	against	the	net	equity	in	other	comprehensive	income,	in	the	period	
they	arise.

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The	 present	 value	 of	 the	 defined	 benefit	 obligation	 is	 calculated	 by	 independent	 actuaries	 by	 discounting	 the	 estimated	
cash	outflows	using	the	interest	rates	yield	curve	of	the	Public	Debt	Securities	of	the	Government	of	Colombia	adjusted	for	
inflation	for	terms	approximating	the	remaining	pension	obligations.

The	movement	of	the	pension	obligations	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020	was	as	follows:

Change	in	pension	obligations

As	at	January	14,	2020	[Note	4.5]

Interests	net	cost

Actuarial	adjustments

Payments	made	directly	by	the	Company

Foreign	exchange

As	at	December	31,	2020

15.	Equity	

15.1	Common	Shares	and	Class	A	Shares

$	

$	

48,591	

2,453	

1,450	

(3,759)	

(3,680)	

45,055	

Northland	is	authorized	to	issue	an	unlimited	number	of	Shares.	The	terms	and	conditions	of	Northland’s	Class	A	Shares	are	
defined	 in	 Northland’s	 articles	 of	 incorporation.	 On	 September	 24,	 2020,	 1,000,000	 Class	 A	 shares	 were	 converted	 into	
common	shares	on	a	one-for-one	basis.	

The	change	in	Shares	and	Class	A	Shares	during	2020	and	2019	was	as	follows:	

December	31,	2020

December	31,	2019

Shares

Amount

Shares

Amount

Shares	outstanding,	beginning	of	year

179,441,219	 $	

2,428,594	 	

179,201,743	 $	

2,423,421	

Conversion	of	subscription	receipts	

Conversion	of	debentures	[Note	12.2]

Conversion	of	Class	A	shares	

Shares	issued	under	the	DRIP	

Change	in	deferred	taxes

14,289,000	 	

6,896,136	 	

1,000,000	 	

544,720	 	

—	 	

340,147	 	

148,908	 	

14,615	

21,979	 	

1,597	 	

—	 	

239,476	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	

5,173	

—	

—	

Shares	outstanding,	end	of	period

202,171,075	 $	

2,955,840	 	

179,441,219	 $	

2,428,594	

Class	A	shares
Total	common	and	convertible	shares	outstanding,	

end	of	period

Dividend	Reinvestment	Plan

—	 	

—	 	

1,000,000	 	

14,615	

202,171,075	 $	

2,955,840	 	

180,441,219	 $	

2,443,209	

The	DRIP	provides	shareholders	and	the	Class	A	shareholder	the	right	to	reinvest	their	dividends	in	Shares	with	a	discount	
to	the	market	price	as	defined	in	the	DRIP.	Shares	issued	under	the	DRIP	can	be	sourced	from	treasury	or	purchased	on	the	
secondary	 market	 at	 the	 election	 of	 Northland’s	 Board	 of	 Directors.	 Northland’s	 Board	 of	 Directors	 has	 the	 discretion	 to	
alter	the	discount	or	source	of	Shares	issued	under	the	DRIP.

Effective	with	the	dividend	paid	on	September	15,	2020,	to	shareholders	of	record	on	August	31,	2020,	Northland	changed	
the	discount	rate	applicable	to	its	DRIP,	whereby	common	shareholders	may	elect	to	reinvest	their	dividends	in	common	
shares	to	3%	discount,	from	the	previous	0%	discount.	

Share-based	Compensation	

Northland’s	Long-Term	Incentive	Plan	(LTIP)	provides	for	a	maximum	of	3.1	million	Shares	to	be	reserved	and	available	for	
grant	 to	 employees	 of	 Northland	 and	 its	 subsidiaries.	 As	 at	 December	 31,	 2020,	 1.2	 million	 Shares	 remain	 available	 for	
future	issuance	under	the	LTIP.	Shares	may	be	awarded	based	on	development	profits,	which	arise	from	new	projects	or	
acquisitions	(“Development	LTIP”).	The	costs	recognized	for	LTIP	in	the	period	depend	on	management’s	best	estimate	of	a	
project’s	expected	development	profit	and	expected	timing	of	project	milestones.	Awards	under	the	LTIP	may	be	settled	in	
Shares	or	in	cash,	at	the	discretion	of	Northland’s	Board	of	Directors.	

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Shares	may	also	be	awarded	under	the	LTIP	to	recognize	achievements	or	attract	and	retain	executives	(“Deferred	Rights”).	
Grants	of	Deferred	Rights	vest	over	a	maximum	of	a	three-year	period,	and	the	expected	cost	is	expensed	over	the	vesting	
period.

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020,	Northland	expensed	$4.1	million	(2019	-	$0.4	million)	of	costs,	respectively,	under	
the	LTIP.	No	forfeitures	are	assumed	to	occur.	The	balance	of	accrued	awards	related	to	the	Development	LTIP	is	included	in	
liabilities	since	these	awards	are	expected	to	be	settled	in	cash.	For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020,	Northland	settled	
$2.7	million	of	Development	LTIP	awards	in	cash	related	to	Deutsche	Bucht	and	EBSA.

In	 addition	 to	 the	 LTIP,	 stock-based	 compensation	 in	 the	 form	 of	 Restricted	 Share	 Units	 (RSU)	 and	 Deferred	 Share	 Units	
(DSU)	may	be	granted	by	Northland	to	employees	and	directors.	These	awards	are	settled	and	paid	in	cash	and	accounted	
for	as	a	liability	until	paid.

15.2	Preferred	Shares

Northland’s	preferred	shares	balance	contains	Series	1,	Series	2	and	Series	3	Preferred	Shares.	

Series	1	and	2	Preferred	Shares

In	2010,	Northland	issued	6.0	million	Series	1	Preferred	Shares	at	a	price	of	$25.00	per	share,	for	gross	proceeds	of	$150	
million.	The	annual	dividend	rate	was	reset	on	September	30,	2015	to	3.51%,	from	5.25%	previously,	and	will	reset	every	
five	years	thereafter	at	a	rate	equal	to	the	then	five-year	Government	of	Canada	bond	yield	plus	2.80%.	The	holders	of	the	
Series	1	Preferred	Shares	are	entitled	to	fixed	cumulative	dividends,	payable	quarterly,	as	and	when	declared	by	the	Board	
of	Directors.	

On	August	31,	2020,	Northland	announced	the	fixed	quarterly	dividends	on	the	Series	1	Preferred	Shares	will	be	payable	at	
an	annual	rate	of	3.2%	($0.2001	per	share	per	quarter)	until	September	29,	2025.

Holders	 of	 Series	 1	 Shares	 and	 the	 cumulative	 rate	 reset	 preferred	 shares,	 series	 2	 (“Series	 2	 Preferred	 Shares”)	 had	 the	
right,	at	their	option	to	convert	all	or	part	of	their	Series	1	Shares	or	Series	2	Shares,	as	applicable,	on	a	one-for-one	basis,	
into	 shares	 of	 the	 other	 series,	 effective	 September	 30,	 2020.	 Consequently,	 Northland	 now	 has	 4,762,246	 Series	 1	
Preferred	Shares	and	1,237,754	Series	2	Preferred	Shares	outstanding.	

The	Series	2	Preferred	Shares	carry	the	same	features	as	the	Series	1	Preferred	Shares,	except	that	holders	are	entitled	to	
receive	 quarterly	 floating-rate	 cumulative	 dividends,	 as	 and	 when	 declared	 by	 the	 Board	 of	 Directors,	 at	 an	 annual	 rate	
equal	to	the	then	three-month	Government	of	Canada	treasury	bill	yield	plus	2.80%	(2.86%	as	of	December	31,	2020).	The	
holders	of	Series	2	Preferred	Shares	have	the	right	to	convert	their	shares	into	Series	1	Preferred	Shares	on	September	30,	
2025,	and	on	September	30	of	every	fifth	year	thereafter.	

As	 at	 December	 31,	 2020	 there	 were	 4,762,246	 (2019	 -	 4,501,565)	 Series	 1	 Preferred	 Shares	 outstanding,	 representing	
equity	of	$114	million	(2019	-	$107	million).	

As	 at	 December	 31,	 2020	 there	 were	 1,237,754	 (2019	 -	 1,498,435)	 Series	 2	 Preferred	 Shares	 outstanding,	 representing	
equity	of	$31	million	(2019	-	$37	million).	

Series	3	Preferred	Shares

In	2012,	Northland	issued	4.8	million	Series	3	Preferred	Shares	at	a	price	of	$25.00	per	share,	for	gross	proceeds	of	$120	
million.	The	annual	dividend	rate	was	reset	on	December	31,	2017	to	5.08%,	from	5.00%	previously,	and	will	reset	every	five	
years	 thereafter	 at	 a	 rate	 equal	 to	 the	 then	 five-year	 Government	 of	 Canada	 Bond	 yield	 plus	 3.46%.	 The	 holders	 of	 the	
Series	3	Preferred	Shares	are	entitled	to	fixed	cumulative	dividends,	payable	quarterly,	as	and	when	declared	by	the	Board	
of	Directors.	

The	holders	of	the	Series	3	Preferred	Shares	have	the	right,	at	their	option,	to	convert	their	shares	into	Series	4	Preferred	
Shares	on	December	31,	2022,	and	on	December	31	of	every	fifth	year	thereafter,	subject	to	certain	conditions.	

The	 Series	 4	 Preferred	 Shares,	 if	 issued	 at	 subsequent	 conversion	 dates,	 will	 carry	 the	 same	 features	 as	 the	 Series	 3	
Preferred	Shares,	except	that	holders	will	be	entitled	to	receive	quarterly	floating-rate	cumulative	dividends,	as	and	when	
declared	by	the	Board	of	Directors	at	an	annual	rate	equal	to	the	then	90-day	Government	of	Canada	treasury	bill	yield	plus	
3.46%.	

As	 at	 December	 31,	 2020	 and	 December	 31,	 2019,	 there	 were	 4,800,000	 Series	 3	 Preferred	 Shares	 outstanding,	
representing	equity	of	$116	million.

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85

	
Preferred	share	dividends,	excluding	tax,	were	paid	as	follows:	

Year	ended	December	31,

Series	1	

Series	2	

Series	3

Total

15.3	Dividends

Dividends	declared	per	Share	and	in	aggregate	were	as	follows:

Year	ended	December	31,

Dividends	declared	per	Share

Aggregate	dividends	declared

Dividends	in	cash
Dividends	in	shares	(1)

Total

2020

3,919	 $	

1,349	

6,096	

2019

3,954	

1,678	

6,096	

11,364	 $	

11,728	

2020

1.20	 $	

2019

1.20	

213,838	 $	

216,396	

31,229	

—	

245,067	 $	

216,396	

$	

$	

$	

$	

$	

(1)	$2.6	million	of	dividends	declared	under	the	DRIP	were	sourced	from	the	secondary	market.

15.4	Subscription	Receipts

As	 a	 result	 of	 the	 close	 of	 the	 EBSA	 Acquisition	 on	 January	 14,	 2020	 [Note	 4.5],	 gross	 proceeds	 of	 $347	 million	 from	 the	
subscription	 receipts,	 less	 applicable	 transaction	 costs,	 were	 converted	 to	 14,289,000	 common	 shares	 and	 a	 dividend	
equivalent	 cash	 payment	 equal	 to	 $0.40	 per	 subscription	 receipt,	 totaling	 $6	 million,	 was	 paid	 to	 subscription	 receipt	
holders.	The	net	proceeds	were	held	in	escrow,	and	were	included	in	“restricted	cash	“	on	the	consolidated	balance	sheet	
as	at	December	31,	2019.

	16.	Non-controlling	Interests

Non-controlling	 interests	 relate	 to	 the	 interests	 not	 owned	 by	 Northland.	 Subsidiaries	 with	 non-controlling	 interests	 that	
are	material	to	Northland’s	consolidated	financial	statements	include	Gemini	(40%),	Nordsee	One	(15%)	and	CEEC	(32%).	
CEEC	has	voting	control	of	Kirkland	Lake	but	ownership	interest	of	8.8%	as	a	result	of	non-voting	ownership	interest	held	by	
third-parties.

Summarized	financial	information	for	subsidiaries	with	material	non-controlling	interests	in	the	consolidated	balance	sheets	
(shown	at	100%	totals)	are	as	follows:

As	at	December	31,	2020

Current	assets	(1)

Long-term	assets

Current	liabilities

Long-term	liabilities

Gemini

Nordsee	One

CEEC
Other	(2)
Total

$	

$	

273,947	 $	

141,572	 	

24,332	 	

123,374	 	

3,284,280	 $	

1,377,802	 	

25,219	 	

906,200	 	

303,065	 $	

191,984	 	

7,996	 	

85,310	 	

2,757,878	

836,831	

10,924	

707,758	

563,225	 $	

5,593,501	 $	

588,355	 $	

4,313,391	

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As	at	December	31,	2019

Current	assets	(1)

Long-term	assets

Current	liabilities

Long-term	liabilities

Gemini

Nordsee	One

CEEC
Other	(2)
Total

$	

$	

352,841	 $	

99,870	 	

30,220	 	

34,333	 	

3,232,175	 $	

1,467,361	 	

24,440	 	

741,739	 	

280,529	 $	

159,001	 	

9,529	 	

34,003	 	

2,744,762	

923,136	

10,674	

654,224	

517,264	 $	

5,465,715	 $	

483,062	 $	

4,332,796	

(1)		As	at	December	31,	2020,	restricted	cash	of	$50.4million	(2019	-	$147	million)	is	included	for	Gemini,	$31.1	million	(2019	-	nil)	for	Nordsee	One	where	

the	availability	of	funds	is	intended	for	debt	repayments.

(2)		Other	includes	subsidiaries	with	non-controlling	interests	that	are	not	material	to	Northland’s	consolidated	financial	statements,	including:	McLean’s	

(50%),	Grand	Bend	(50%),	Cochrane	Solar	(37.5%),	Energia	(12%)	and	EBSA	(0.6%).

As	 at	 December	 31,	 2020,	 Northland	 had	 an	 outstanding	 receivable	 balance	 of	 $35	 million	 from	 Cochrane	 Solar’s	 First	
Nations	 partner	 (2019	 -	 $39	 million).	 This	 balance	 appears	 at	 a	 fair	 value	 of	 $35	 million	 (2019	 -	 $37	 million)	 on	 the	
consolidated	balance	sheets,	including	$3	million	classified	as	“trade	and	other	receivables”	and	the	remaining	portion	as	
“other	assets”.	

The	change	in	material	non-controlling	interests	during	2020	and	2019	is	as	follows:	

As	at	January	1,	2019

Gemini Nordsee	One

CEEC

$	

218,504	 $	

51,951	 $	

141,574	 $	

Other	(2)
56,885	 $	

Total

468,914	

Net	income	(loss)	attributable	(1)
Dividends	and	distributions	declared	(1)
Allocation	of	other	comprehensive	income	(loss)	(1)

92,830	 	

(63,319)	 	

(46,388)	 	

17,963	 	

(17,233)	 	

(5,596)	 	

11,633	 	

8,564	 	

130,990	

—	 	

—	 	

(18,875)	 	

(1,349)	 	

(99,427)	

(53,333)	

As	at	December	31,	2019

$	

201,627	 $	

47,085	 $	

153,207	 $	

45,225	 $	

447,144	

Non-controlling	interest	acquired	[Note	4]
Net	income	(loss)	attributable	(1)
Dividends	and	distributions	declared	(1)
Allocation	of	other	comprehensive	income	(loss)	(1)

—	 	
89,321	 	

—	 	
17,365	 	

(103,065)	 	

(16,165)	 	

(7,245)	 	

3,181	 	

—	 	
8,433	 	

—	 	

—	 	

2,645	 	
9,002	 	

2,645	
124,121	

(18,753)	 	

(137,983)	

(4,110)	 	

(8,174)	

As	at	December	31,	2020

$	

180,638	 $	

51,466	 $	

161,640	 $	

34,009	 $	

427,753	

(1)		Net	income	(loss),	dividends	and	distributions,	and	other	comprehensive	income	(loss)	are	shown	at	the	respective	non-controlling	interest	share.

(2)		Other	includes	subsidiaries	with	non-controlling	interests	that	are	not	material	to	Northland’s	consolidated	financial	statements,	including:	McLean’s	

(50%),	Grand	Bend	(50%),	Cochrane	Solar	(37.5%),	Energia	(12%)	and	EBSA	(0.6%).

17.	Financial	Risk	Management

Northland’s	risk	management	objective	is	to	mitigate	fluctuations	in	cash	flows	and	ensure	stable	levels	of	cash	available	to	
pay	dividends	to	shareholders.	Northland	does	not	seek	to	mitigate	fair	value	risk.	Northland	classifies	financial	risks	into	
market	risk,	counterparty	risk	and	liquidity	risk.	Northland	manages	financial	risks	by	identifying,	evaluating	and	mitigating	
financial	 risks	 in	 compliance	 with	 internal	 policies	 and	 external	 requirements	 under	 non-recourse	 project	 financing	
arrangements.	 Northland	 uses	 derivative	 financial	 instruments	 to	 manage	 certain	 financial	 risks	 but	 does	 not	 engage	 in	
speculative	activity.	Material	financial	risks	are	monitored	and	reported	regularly	to	the	Audit	Committee	of	the	Board	of	
Directors.	The	risks	associated	with	Northland’s	financial	instruments	and	Northland’s	policies	for	mitigating	these	risks	are	
described	below.	

17.1	 Market	Risk

Market	risk	is	the	risk	that	the	fair	value	of	Northland’s	future	cash	flows	from	financial	instruments	will	fluctuate	because	
of	 changes	 in	 market	 prices.	 Financial	 instruments	 affected	 by	 market	 risk	 include	 loans	 and	 borrowings	 and	 derivative	
financial	instruments.	Types	of	market	risk	to	which	Northland	is	exposed	are	discussed	below.

(i)	Interest	rate	risk

Interest	rate	risk	refers	to	the	risk	that	the	value	of	a	financial	instrument	or	cash	flows	associated	with	the	instrument	will	
fluctuate	due	to	changes	in	market	interest	rates.	Northland	manages	this	risk	by	securing	fixed-rate	debt	or	entering	into	
interest	rate	swap	agreements	that	effectively	convert	floating	rate	interest	exposures	to	a	fixed	rate.	

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Changes	 in	 the	 fair	 value	 of	 interest	 rate	 swap	 contracts	 designated	 for	 hedge	 accounting	 are	 recorded	 in	 Northland’s	
consolidated	statements	of	comprehensive	income	(loss)	to	the	extent	that	the	hedge	arrangements	are	effective.	The	fair	
values	for	these	interest	rate	swap	contracts	are	based	on	calculations	and	valuation	models	using	observable	market	rates.

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020,	if	interest	rates	had	been	100	basis	points	higher	or	lower	with	all	other	variables	
held	constant,	income	before	income	taxes	from	the	change	in	fair	value	of	the	interest	rate	swaps	prior	to	the	application	
of	hedge	accounting	would	have	been	$253	million	higher	or	lower.	This	change	would	have	had	no	impact	on	Northland’s	
cash	flows.	

The	 counterparties	 to	 Northland’s	 interest	 rate	 derivative	 contracts	 are	 well-capitalized	 financial	 institutions	 with	 strong	
credit	ratings.	See	“Counterparty	Risk”	below.

(ii)	Credit	spread	risk

Credit	 spread	 risk	 as	 it	 affects	 Northland	 refers	 to	 the	 risk	 that	 the	 loan	 margin	 charged	 by	 current	 or	 future	 lenders	 (a	
borrower-specific	 margin	 added	 to	 the	 underlying	 interest	 rate)	 will	 increase,	 making	 the	 cost	 of	 debt	 capital	 more	
expensive.	Credit	spread	risk	cannot	be	hedged.	Northland	manages	this	risk	by:	(i)	entering	into	long-term	financings	with	
defined	credit	spreads	over	the	amortization	period	whenever	possible;	(ii)	ensuring	loans	are	fully	amortized	(repaid)	by	
maturity;	 and	 (iii)	 monitoring	 credit	 markets	 and	 making	 prudent	 decisions	 about	 the	 timing	 and	 method	 of	 original	
financings,	refinancing	and	repricing	opportunities.

(iii)	Currency	risk

Currency	 risk	 arises	 because	 the	 Canadian	 dollar	 equivalent	 of	 transactions,	 assets	 or	 liabilities	 denominated	 in	 foreign	
currencies	 may	 vary	 due	 to	 changes	 in	 foreign	 exchange	 rates.	 Northland	 is	 exposed	 to	 changes	 in	 the	 euro,	 U.S.	 dollar,	
Colombian	 peso,	 Taiwan	 dollar,	 Polish	 Zloty,	 and	 to	 a	 lesser	 degree,	 Japanese	 Yen	 and	 Korean	 Won	 for	 the	 early	 stage	
projects	 in	 those	 countries.	 Primary	 exposure	 to	 Northland	 results	 from	 the	 euro-denominated	 financial	 statements	 and	
cash	distributions	at	Gemini,	Nordsee	One	and	Deutsche	Bucht,	and	Colombian	peso-denominated	financial	statements	and	
cash	distributions	from	EBSA,	and	development	spending	at	Hai	Long.	Management	manages	this	risk	by	hedging	material	
net	foreign	currency	cash	flows	to	the	extent	practical	and	economical	to	minimize	material	cash	flow	fluctuations.

Exchange	rate	gains	and	losses	on	the	currency	derivatives	that	have	been	recognized	in	OCI	are	recognized	in	net	income	in	
the	 same	 period	 during	 which	 corresponding	 gains	 or	 losses	 arising	 from	 the	 translation	 of	 the	 consolidated	 financial	
statements	of	the	self-sustaining	foreign	operation	are	recognized	in	net	income.	

At	December	31,	2020,	if	the	Canadian	dollar	had	been	5%	higher	or	lower	against	the	U.S.	dollar	with	all	other	variables	
held	constant,	income	before	taxes	from	the	change	in	fair	value	of	the	U.S.	dollar	foreign	exchange	contracts	prior	to	the	
application	of	hedge	accounting	would	have	been	$1	million	higher	or	lower.	If	the	Canadian	dollar	had	been	5%	higher	or	
lower	against	the	euro	with	all	other	variables	held	constant,	income	before	taxes	from	the	change	in	fair	value	of	the	euro	
foreign	exchange	contracts	prior	to	the	application	of	hedge	accounting	would	have	been	$84	million	lower	or	higher.	If	the	
Canadian	 dollar	 had	 been	 5%	 higher	 or	 lower	 against	 the	 Colombian	 peso	 with	 all	 other	 variables	 held	 constant,	 income	
before	 taxes	 from	 the	 change	 in	 fair	 value	 of	 the	 Colombian	 peso	 foreign	 exchange	 contracts	 (used	 to	 effectively	 fix	 the	
EBSA	cash	purchase	price)	would	have	been	$1	million	lower	or	higher.

The	counterparties	to	Northland’s	currency	derivative	contracts	are	well-capitalized	financial	institutions	with	strong	credit	
ratings.	See	“Counterparty	Risk”	below.

(iv)	Commodity	price	risk

Commodity	 price	 risk	 arises	 where:	 (i)	 PPA	 revenues	 for	 efficient	 natural	 gas	 facilities	 are	 fixed,	 not	 linked	 to	 natural	 gas	
prices	or	the	cost	of	natural	gas	is	not	substantively	passed	through	to	the	off-taker;	(ii)	PPA	revenues	or	components	of	
PPA	 revenues	 depend	 upon	 certain	 electricity	 market	 indices;	 (iii)	 a	 portion	 of	 revenue	 is	 not	 contracted	 and	 subject	 to	
changes	 in	 electricity	 prices;	 or	 (iv)	 the	 value	 of	 a	 financial	 instrument	 or	 cash	 flows	 associated	 with	 the	 instrument	
fluctuates	 due	 to	 changes	 in	 commodity	 prices.	 Northland	 is	 exposed	 to	 changes	 in	 the	 Dutch	 wholesale	 power	 price	 at	
Gemini.	

Northland	 manages	 this	 risk	 by:	 (i)	 entering	 into	 PPAs	 that	 provide	 a	 fixed	 price	 for	 all,	 or	 substantially	 all,	 electricity	
production,	 provide	 a	 price	 linked	 to	 commodity	 prices	 or	 include	 pass-through	 of	 commodity	 costs	 to	 the	 off-taker;	 (ii)	
entering	 into	 financial	 power	 and	 natural	 gas	 hedges	 to	 stabilize	 contractual	 economics,	 including	 natural	 gas	 costs	 and	
electricity	prices;	and	(iii)	entering	into	fixed	price	gas	supply	contracts.	Northland	has	entered	into	derivatives	to	stabilize	
the	effect	of	changes	in	Dutch	wholesale	power	prices.

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Northland	 has	 exposure	 to	 Dutch	 electricity	 market	 prices	 under	 Gemini’s	 PPA	 when	 the	 market	 price	 falls	 below	 the	
contractual	 floor	 price.	 For	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2020,	 the	 average	 wholesale	 market	 price	 was	 below	 the	
contractual	 floor	 price,	 resulting	 in	 an	 estimated	 €24	 million	 (CAD	 $37	 million)	 or	 7.2%	 lower	 revenues	 from	 Gemini.	
Additionally,	production	in	excess	of	the	annual	production	ceiling	under	the	PPA	earns	revenue	at	wholesale	market	rates.

Northland	 has	 indirect	 exposure	 to	 German	 electricity	 market	 prices	 under	 the	 Nordsee	 One	 and	 Deutsche	 Bucht	 PPAs	
whereby	the	facilities	do	not	receive	revenue	for	periods	where	the	market	power	price	remains	negative	for	longer	than	
six	consecutive	hours.	

Northland	 has	 exposure	 to	 Ontario	 electricity	 market	 prices	 through	 variable	 components	 of	 certain	 efficient	 natural	 gas	
revenue	contracts	and	at	facilities,	such	as	Kingston,	that	do	not	have	a	revenue	contract.	Northland	has	entered	into	power	
forward	contracts	to	partially	manage	this	exposure.

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020,	if	natural	gas	prices	had	been	$1/gigajoule	higher	or	lower	with	all	other	variables	
held	constant,	the	change	in	income	before	income	taxes	from	the	change	in	fair	value	of	the	gas	forward	contracts	would	
have	been	$3	million	higher	or	lower.	This	change	would	have	had	no	material	impact	on	Northland’s	cash	flows.	

17.2	 Counterparty	Risk

Counterparty	risk	is	the	risk	that	a	counterparty	fails	to	perform	its	contractual	obligations	which	could	result	in	losses	in	
financial	assets.	Northland	is	exposed	to	counterparty	risk	in	several	areas	including:	(i)	cash	and	cash	equivalents	held	with	
banks	and	financial	institutions;	(ii)	counterparty	exposures	arising	from:	(a)	contractual	obligations,	which	include	but	are	
not	 limited	 to	 sales	 contracts,	 equipment	 supply	 and	 maintenance	 contracts,	 fuel	 supply	 and	 fuel	 transportation	
agreements,	 energy	 marketing	 contracts	 and	 construction	 contracts,	 (b)	 derivative	 financial	 instruments,	 (c)	 trade	
receivables	 due	 from	 customers,	 (d)	 loan	 receivables	 due	 from	 partners	 and	 other	 entities,	 and	 (e)	 claims	 payable	 by	 an	
insurer;	 and	 (iii)	 unfunded	 loan	 commitments	 from	 financial	 institutions	 for	 the	 construction	 of	 projects.	 The	 maximum	
exposure	to	counterparty	risk,	other	than	for	the	loan	commitments,	is	equal	to	the	carrying	value	of	the	financial	assets.

Northland	 manages	 counterparty	 risk	 by	 contracting	 with	 highly	 creditworthy	 counterparties	 wherever	 possible,	 such	 as	
government-related	 entities	 and	 large	 financial	 institutions.	 Northland’s	 cash,	 derivative	 financial	 instruments,	 unfunded	
loan	 commitments	 and	 insurance	 policies	 are	 contracted	 with	 creditworthy	 financial	 institutions	 and/or	 cleared	 on	
exchanges.	Northland’s	gas,	transportation,	equipment,	maintenance	and	construction	contracts	are	with	highly	rated	and/
or	 large,	 well-capitalized	 counterparties	 wherever	 possible.	 Northland	 also	 manages	 counterparty	 risk	 by	 conducting	
comprehensive	 initial	 credit	 analyses	 on	 potential	 counterparties	 to	 material	 and/or	 long-term	 contracts	 and	 monitoring	
counterparties	over	time.

As	 at	 December	 31,	 2020,	 approximately	 48.9%	 (2019	 -	 88.5%)	 of	 Northland’s	 consolidated	 trade	 and	 other	 receivables,	
excluding	third-party	partner	loan	receivable,	were	receivable	from	creditworthy	government-related	entities.	

In	2020,	approximately	76.0%	(2019	-	91.3%)	of	Northland’s	consolidated	revenue	was	derived	indirectly	from	the	sale	of	
electricity	to	government-related	entities.	For	electricity	and	other	sales,	Northland	and	its	subsidiaries	have	not	provided	
allowance	 accounts	 and	 have	 not	 purchased	 credit	 derivatives	 to	 mitigate	 counterparty	 risk.	 All	 significant	 accounts	
receivable	amounts	are	current	as	at	December	31,	2020.

The	nature	of	Northland’s	business	and	contractual	arrangements,	and	the	quality	of	its	counterparties	generally	serves	to	
minimize	counterparty	risk.

17.3	 Liquidity	Risk

Liquidity	risk	is	the	risk	that	Northland:	(i)	may	not	have	sufficient	funds	to	settle	a	transaction	on	the	due	date;	(ii)	may	be	
forced	 to	 sell	 financial	 assets	 or	 terminate	 financial	 liabilities	 at	 a	 value	 that	 is	 not	 the	 fair	 market	 value;	 or	 (iii)	 may	 be	
unable	 to	 settle	 or	 recover	 a	 financial	 asset	 at	 all.	 Liquidity	 risk	 arises	 through	 an	 excess	 of	 financial	 obligations	 over	
available	financial	assets	at	any	point	in	time.

Northland	manages	liquidity	risk	to	maintain	sufficient	cash	or	readily-available	funding	in	order	to	meet	expected	liquidity	
requirements.	 Northland	 achieves	 this	 by:	 (i)	 maintaining	 prudent	 cash	 balances,	 availability	 under	 committed	 credit	
facilities	 and	 access	 to	 capital	 markets;	 (ii)	 selecting	 derivatives	 and	 hedging	 strategies	 that	 minimize	 the	 risk	 of	 material	
cash	flow	impacts;	and	(iii)	actively	monitoring	open	positions	to	assess	and	proactively	adapt	to	possible	market	liquidity	
concerns.

As	 at	 December	 31,	 2020,	 Northland	 and	 its	 subsidiaries	 were	 holding	 cash	 and	 cash	 equivalents	 of	 $435	 million	 (2019	 -	
$268	million).	including	$68	million	held	corporately	(2019	-	$41	million),	and	had	available	borrowing	capacity	under	the	

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syndicated	revolving	facility	of	$491	million.	

The	contractual	maturities	of	Northland’s	financial	liabilities	at	December	31,	2020	are	as	follows:

Derivative	contracts

Euro	foreign	exchange	contracts

Financial	natural	gas	contract

U.S.	dollar	foreign	exchange	contracts

Colombian	peso	foreign	exchange	contracts
US-Euro	Cross	Currency	Swap

US	La	Lucha	interest	rate	swaps

Power	financial	swap

Loans	and	borrowings

2021

2022-2023

2024-2025

>2025

$	

201,265	 $	

361,024	 $	

302,158	 $	

868,741	

63,340	 	

21,647	 	

24,724	 	

235,880	 	

8,352	 	

77,483	 	

6,835	 	

—	 	

18,942	 	

—	 	

16,579	 	

69,656	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	

—	

—	

—	

20,218	 	

2,037	 	

94,975	

—	

Interest-bearing	loans	and	borrowings	-	principal

621,916	 	

1,738,491	 	

1,346,082	 	

3,612,047	

Interest-bearing	loans	and	borrowings	-	interest,	including	
interest	rate	swaps

Corporate	credit	facilities,	including	interest
Total

290,254	 	

481,801	 	

398,098	 	

608,821	

35,227	 	
1,580,088	 $	

11,540	 	
2,704,868	 $	

360,595	 	
2,429,188	 $	

—	
5,184,584	

$	

Northland	is	also	subject	to	internal	liquidity	risk	because	it	conducts	its	business	activities	through	separate	legal	entities	
(subsidiaries	and	affiliates)	and	is	dependent	on	cash	distributions	from	those	entities	to	defray	corporate	expenses	and	pay	
dividends.	Most	operating	subsidiaries	hold	non-recourse	debt.	Such	non-recourse	financing	agreements	typically	prohibit	
distributions	 if	 the	 loan	 is	 in	 default	 (notably	 for	 non-payment	 of	 principal	 or	 interest)	 or	 if	 the	 entity	 fails	 to	 achieve	 a	
benchmark	 debt	 service	 coverage	 ratio,	 which	 is	 the	 ratio	 of	 Adjusted	 EBITDA	 to	 scheduled	 loan	 principal	 and	 interest	
payments	 over	 a	 specified	 time	 period.	 For	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2020,	 Northland	 and	 its	 subsidiaries	 were	 in	
compliance	with	all	debt	covenants.

Northland	will	be	required	to	refinance,	renew	or	extend	debt	instruments	as	they	become	due.	The	ability	to	refinance,	
renew	or	extend	debt	instruments	is	dependent	on	the	capital	markets	up	to	the	time	of	maturity,	which	may	affect	the	
availability,	pricing	or	terms	and	conditions	of	replacement	financing.

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18.	Financial	Instruments

18.1	Fair	Value	Measurement

The	carrying	values	of	Northland’s	financial	instruments	as	at	December	31,	2020	and	2019	are	as	follows:

As	at	December	31,	2020
Financial	assets	at	amortized	cost	(1)
Financial	assets	at	fair	value	through	profit	and	loss	(2)
Financial	liabilities	at	fair	value	through	profit	and	loss	(2)
Financial	liabilities	at	amortized	cost	(3)

Level	1

Level	2

Level	3

Total

$	

627,519	 $	

649,968	 $	

—	 $	

1,277,487	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

68,908	 	

616,118	 	

8,047,815	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

68,908	

616,118	

8,047,815	

As	at	December	31,	2019
Financial	assets	at	amortized	cost	(1)
Financial	assets	at	fair	value	through	profit	and	loss	(2)
Financial	liabilities	at	fair	value	through	profit	and	loss	(2)
Financial	liabilities	at	amortized	cost	(3)
(1)	Includes	cash	and	cash	equivalents,	restricted	cash,	trade	and	other	receivables,	finance	lease	receivable,	long-term	deposits	and	certain	other	assets.

7,407,071	 	

891,200	 $	

574,278	 $	

489,283	 	

520,013	 	

118,248	 	

Level	2

Level	3

Level	1

7,896,354	

1,465,478	

118,248	

520,013	

—	 $	

Total

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

$	

(2)	Includes	derivative	financial	instruments	and	financial	assets	at	fair	value	through	profit	and	loss	consisting	of	a	third-party	partner	loan	[Note	16].

(3)	Includes	trade	and	other	payables,	dividends	payable,	interest-bearing	loans	and	borrowings,	corporate	credit	facilities,	convertible	debentures,	

subscription	receipts	and	other	liabilities	(excluding	decommissioning	liabilities).

During	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2020,	 a	 fair	 value	 gain	 of	 $1	 million	 (2019	 -	 gain	 of	 $11	 million)	 was	 recorded	 in	
relation	to	non-derivative	financial	assets	at	fair	value	through	profit	and	loss	which	appears	in	“other	(income)	expense“	on	
the	consolidated	statements	of	income	(loss).

Additional	details	of	Northland’s	income	and	expenses	with	respect	to	its	financial	instruments	are	as	follows:

Year	ended	December	31,

Income	(expense)	on	financial	assets	at	amortized	cost

Expense	(income)	on	financial	liabilities	at	amortized	cost

Expense	(income)	on	net	financial	liabilities	at	fair	value	through	profit	and	loss

2020

$	

20,598	 $	

366,532	 	

(11,937)	 	

2019

18,426	

330,339	

(172,185)	

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

91

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
18.2	Derivative	Financial	Instruments

The	derivative	financial	instruments	consist	of	the	following:

As	at	December	31,	2020

Current
assets

Current
liabilities

Long-term
assets

Long-term
liabilities

Total

Derivatives	designated	for	hedge	accounting

Canadian	dollar	interest	rate	swaps
Euro	interest	rate	swaps
Euro	foreign	exchange	contracts
Colombian	peso	foreign	exchange	contracts
Power	forward	contracts

$	

Derivatives	not	designated	for	hedge	accounting

Canadian	dollar	interest	rate	swaps
U.S.	dollar	interest	rate	swaps
U.S.	dollar	foreign	exchange	contracts
Euro	foreign	exchange	contracts
Cross-currency	interest	rate	swaps
Colombian	peso	foreign	exchange	contracts
Gas	forward	contracts
Power	forward	contracts

Total

$	

—	 $	
—	 	
1,461	 	
—	 	
—	 	

—	 	
—	 	
57	 	
6,955	 	
—	 	
—	 	
2,011	 	
165	 	
10,649	 $	

(12,672)	 $	
(88,709)	 	
(3,607)	 	
(424)	 	
(7,448)	 	

(31,112)	 	
(544)	 	
(702)	 	
—	 	
(7,698)	 	
(86)	 	
(14,515)	 	
(10,993)	 	
(178,510)	 $	

—	 $	
—	 	
7,589	 	
—	 	
—	 	

(50,166)	 $	

(326,841)	 	
(50,481)	 	
(297)	 	
(392)	 	

(62,838)	
(415,550)	
(45,038)	
(721)	
(7,840)	

—	 	
2,845	 	
—	 	
12,280	 	
—	 	
—	 	
124	 	
—	 	

22,838	 $	

—	 	
(900)	 	
—	 	
(443)	 	
—	 	
(41)	 	
(1,418)	 	
(6,629)	 	
(437,608)	 $	

(31,112)	
1,401	
(645)	
18,792	
(7,698)	
(127)	
(13,798)	
(17,457)	
(582,631)	

As	at	December	31,	2019

Current
assets

Current
liabilities

Long-term
assets

Long-term
liabilities

Total

Derivatives	designated	for	hedge	accounting

Canadian	dollar	interest	rate	swaps

$	

75	 $	

(7,199)	 $	

166	 $	

(35,305)	 $	

(42,263)	

424	 	

—	 	

4,240	 	

138	 	

—	 	

—	 	

11,508	 	

28,593	 	

2,649	 	

10	 	

—	 	

(82,713)	 	

(76)	 	

(574)	 	

(23,467)	 	

(512)	 	

(32)	 	

—	 	

(14,883)	 	

(116)	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

424	

(287,495)	 	

(370,208)	

10,668	 	

(49,340)	 	

(34,508)	

—	 	

(171)	 	

(607)	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

(273)	 	

22,189	 	

(2,361)	 	

(23,467)	

(785)	

31,304	

28,593	

—	 	

575	 	

6	 	

—	 	

(15,496)	 	

(27,155)	

—	 	

(100)	

$	

47,637	 $	

(129,572)	 $	

33,604	 $	

(390,441)	 $	

(438,772)	

U.S.	dollar	foreign	exchange	contracts

Euro	interest	rate	swaps

Euro	foreign	exchange	contracts

Power	forward	contracts

Derivatives	not	designated	for	hedge	accounting

Canadian	dollar	interest	rate	swaps

U.S.	dollar	foreign	exchange	contracts

Euro	foreign	exchange	contracts

Colombian	peso	foreign	exchange	contracts

Gas	forward	contracts

Power	forward	contracts

Total

92

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
																																							
The	change	in	derivative	financial	instruments	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020	and	2019	is	as	follows:	

Designated	in	hedge	relationships

Balance	as	at
Dec.	31,	2019
asset	
(liability)

Changes	in	
fair	value
recognized	
in	OCI	(1)

Cash	and	
accrued	
payments/	
(receipts)	(2)

Unrealized
fair	value
changes	(2)

Fair	value	changes	
on	derivatives	not	
designated	in	
hedge	
relationships	(2)

Foreign
exchange
gain	(loss)

Balance	as	at
Dec.	31,	2020
asset
(liability)

$	

(65,730)	 $	

(26,788)	 $	

11,815	 $	

(5,603)	 $	

(7,644)	 $	

—	 $	

(93,950)	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

1,401	 	

—	 	

1,401	

(370,208)	 	

(72,103)	 	

69,801	 	

(16,770)	 	

—	 	

(26,270)	 	

(415,550)	

(27,155)	 	

—	 	

(707)	 	

(6,507)	 	

—	 	

—	 	

(361)	 	

(946)	 	

(424)	 	

—	 	

13,357	 	

—	 	

(13,798)	

(750)	 	

946	 	

(17,337)	 	

4	 	

(25,297)	

140	 	

—	 	

(645)	

(3,204)	 	

(21,849)	 	

(2,756)	 	

17,967	 	

(16,404)	

(26,246)	

Canadian	dollar
interest	rate	swaps

U.S.	dollar	Interest	
rate
swaps
Euro	Interest	rate
swaps

Gas	forward	
contracts

Power	forward	
contracts
U.S.	dollar	foreign
exchange	contracts

Euro	foreign
exchange	contracts

Cross-currency	
interest	rate	swaps 	

Colombian	peso	
foreign	exchange	
contracts

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

(7,698)	 	

—	 	

(7,698)	

28,593	 	

(671)	 	

—	 	

(125)	 	

(28,645)	 	

—	 	

(848)	

Total

$	

(438,772)	 $	

(128,864)	 $	

78,436	 $	

(4,335)	 $	

(62,830)	 $	 (26,266)	 $	

(582,631)	

(1)	Amounts	recognized	in	“Change	in	fair	value	of	hedged	derivative	contracts”	in	the	consolidated	statements	of	comprehensive	income	(loss).

(2)	Amounts	recognized	in	“Fair	value	(gain)	loss	on	derivative	contracts”	in	the	consolidated	statements	of	income	(loss).

Balance	as	at
Dec.	31,	2018
asset	
(liability)

Designated	in	hedge	relationships
Cash	and	
accrued	
payments/	
(receipts)	(2)

Changes	in	
fair	value
recognized	
in	OCI	(1)

Unrealized
fair	value
changes	(2)

Fair	value	changes	
on	derivatives	not	
designated	in	
hedge	
relationships	(2)

Foreign
exchange
gain	(loss)

Balance	as	at
Dec.	31,	2019
asset
(liability)

$	

(61,513)	 $	

(7,668)	 $	

8,339	 $	

(2,990)	 $	

(1,898)	 $	

—	 $	

(65,730)	

(310,332)	 	

(139,998)	 	

71,489	 	

(17,073)	 	

—	 	

25,706	 	

(370,208)	

(41,674)	 	

—	 	

1,282	 	

(1,701)	 	

—	 	

—	 	

1,824	 	

(229)	 	

(1,231)	 	

—	 	

(188)	 	

92	 	

(126,744)	 	

60,919	 	

(364)	 	

14,469	 	

48,516	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

28,593	 	

14,519	 	

—	 	

(27,155)	

(100)	

(817)	 	

(707)	

(361)	

(3,204)	

28,593	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

Canadian	dollar
interest	rate	swaps
Euro	interest	rate
swaps
Gas	forward	
contracts
Power	forward	
contracts
U.S.	dollar	foreign
exchange	contracts
Euro	foreign
exchange	contracts
Colombian	peso	
foreign	exchange	
contracts
Total

$	

(537,157)	 $	

(88,677)	 $	

78,233	 $	

(5,690)	 $	

88,813	 $	 25,706	 $	

(438,772)	

(1)	Amounts	recognized	in	“Change	in	fair	value	of	hedged	derivative	contracts”	in	the	consolidated	statements	of	comprehensive	income	(loss).

(2)	Amounts	recognized	in	“Fair	value	(gain)	loss	on	derivative	contracts”	in	the	consolidated	statements	of	income	(loss).

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

93

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
The	objective	of	Northland’s	hedges	is	to	reduce	volatility	in	its	cash	flow	related	to	changes	in	foreign	exchange,	interest	
rates	and	market	prices	for	gas	and	power.	The	nature	of	the	risks	that	Northland	is	exposed	to	and	the	related	hedge	
objectives	did	not	change	in	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020,	with	the	exception	of	increased	exposure	to	the	
Colombian	peso	as	a	result	of	financing	portion	of	the	purchase	price	made	for	the	EBSA	Acquisition.	

The	effects	of	applying	hedge	accounting	on	Northland’s	financial	position	and	performance	are	described	below.	

(a)	Foreign	exchange	risk

Foreign	exchange	forward	contracts

Carrying	amount	(asset/(liability))

Notional	amount	-	EUR

Notional	amount	-	USD

Notional	amount	-	COP

Maturity	date
Hedge	ratio	(1)
Change	in	discounted	spot	value	of	outstanding	hedging	instruments	
since	January	1

$	

Change	in	value	of	hedged	item	used	to	determine	hedge	effectiveness $	

Weighted	average	hedged	rate	for	the	year	(including	forward	points):

December	31,	2020

December	31,	2019

$	

(45,759)	 $	

854,587	 	

—	 	

96,108,588,173	 	

(34,084)	

922,686	

1,550	

—	

January	2021-August	2032 January	2020–August	2032

1:1

(10,593)	 $	

(79,827)	 $	

1:1

77,700	

79,199	

USD	foreign	exchange	forward	contracts

EUR	foreign	exchange	forward	contracts

COP	foreign	exchange	forward	contracts

—	

€0.6153:CAD$1

COP$2,830:CAD$1 	

US$0.981:CAD$1

€0.615:CAD$1

—	

(1)		The	foreign	exchange	forward	contracts	are	denominated	in	the	same	currency	as	the	highly	probable	future	payments	(US$)	and	the	net	investment	

in	foreign	operations;	therefore,	the	hedge	ratio	is	1:1.

Foreign	exchange	hedge	
reserve
Total,	beginning	of	the	
year	2019
Add:	Costs	of	hedging	
deferred	during	the	year	
in	OCI

Add:	Change	in	fair	value	
of	hedging	instrument	
recognized	in	OCI	for	the	
year	(effective	portion)(1)
Less:	Re-classified	to	
profit	and	loss

Total,	end	of	the	year	
2019
Add:	Costs	of	hedging	
deferred	during	the	year	
in	OCI

Add:	Change	in	fair	value	
of	hedging	instrument	
recognized	in	OCI	for	the	
year	(effective	portion)(1)
Less:	Re-classified	to	
profit	and	loss

Total,	end	of	the	year	
2020

Euro	contracts

Colombian	peso	contracts

Cost	of
hedging

Forward	
component

Cost	of
hedging

Forward	
component

U.S.	dollar	
contracts
Forward	
component

Total	foreign
exchange	
hedge
reserve	in	AOCI

$	

(26,820)	 $	

(87,736)	 $	

—	 $	

—	 $	

1,175	 $	

(113,381)	

7,068	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

7,068	

—	 	

79,428	 	

(25,578)	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

(229)	 	

79,199	

—	 	

(25,578)	

$	

(45,330)	 $	

(8,308)	 $	

—	 $	

—	 $	

946	 $	

(52,692)	

80,828	 	

—	 	

(38)	 	

—	 	

—	 	

80,790	

—	 	

(78,522)	 	

—	 	

(669)	 	

(946)	 	

(80,137)	

(24,156)	 	

—	 	

36	 	

—	 	

—	 	

(24,120)	

$	

11,342	 $	

(86,830)	 $	

(2)	 $	

(669)	 $	

—	 $	

(76,159)	

(1)	The	deferred	tax	applicable	to	the	foreign	exchange	hedge	reserve	is	a	$10	million	recovery,	which	has	been	recognized	in	OCI.

94

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
																																							
The	 hedge	 ineffectiveness	 recognized	 in	 “fair	 value	 (gain)	 loss	 on	 derivative	 contracts”	 in	 the	 consolidated	 statements	 of	
income	(loss)	related	to	foreign	currency	contracts	(cash	flow	and	net	investment	hedges)	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	
2020	was	$2	million.	

(b)	Interest	rate	risk

Interest	rate	swaps

Carrying	amount	(asset/(liability))

$	

Notional	amount	-	CAD

Notional	amount	-	EUR

Maturity	date
Hedge	ratio	(1)
Change	in	fair	value	of	outstanding	hedging	instruments	since	January	1 $	

Change	in	value	of	hedged	item	used	to	determine	hedge	effectiveness

$	

December	31,	2020

December	31,	2019

(478,388)	 $	

619,022	 	

2,879,036	 	

(412,471)	

419,225	

3,183,879	

January	2021-June	2033

January	2020–June	2033

1:1

(96,616)	 $	

101	 $	

1:1

(154,937)	

167	

(1)		The	interest	rate	swaps	mirror	the	interest	rate	of	the	debts;	therefore,	the	hedge	ratio	is	1:1.

Interest	rate	hedge	reserve

Total,	beginning	of	the	year	2019

Add:	Change	in	fair	value	of	hedging	instrument	recognized	in	OCI	for	
the	year	(effective	portion)(1)
Less:	Re-classified	to	profit	and	loss

Total,	end	of	the	year	2019

Add:	Change	in	fair	value	of	hedging	instrument	recognized	in	OCI	for	
the	year	(effective	portion)(1)
Less:	Re-classified	to	profit	and	loss

$	

$	

Canadian	
interest	rate	
swaps

Euro	interest	
rate	swaps

Total	interest	rate	
hedge	reserve

3,592	 $	

(94,409)	 $	

(90,817)	

(7,490)	 	

(179)	 	

(139,845)	 	

(147,335)	

(153)	 	

(332)	

(4,077)	 $	

(234,407)	 $	

(238,484)	

(26,787)	 	

(72,061)	 	

(98,848)	

—	 	

16	 	

16	

Total,	end	of	the	year	2020

$	

(30,864)	 $	

(306,452)	 $	

(337,316)	

(1)	The	deferred	tax	applicable	to	the	interest	rate	hedge	reserve	is	a	$20.0	million	recovery,	which	has	been	recognized	in	OCI.

The	 hedge	 ineffectiveness	 recognized	 in	 “fair	 value	 (gain)	 loss	 on	 derivative	 contracts”	 in	 the	 consolidated	 statements	 of	
income	(loss)	related	to	interest	rate	contracts	(cash	flow	hedges)	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020	was	$9	million.

(c)	Electricity	price	risk

Power	forward	contracts

Carrying	amount	(asset/(liability))

Notional	amount	-	CAD

Notional	amount	-	EUR

Maturity	date
Hedge	ratio	(1)
Change	in	fair	value	of	outstanding	hedging	
instruments	since	January	1

Change	in	value	of	hedged	item	used	to	determine	
hedge	effectiveness

$	

$	

$	

December	31,	2020

December	31,	2019

(7,840)	 $	

6,719	 	

	10,822	 	

(607)	

14,395	

—	

January	2021-December	2021

January	2020–December	2021

1:1

(7,231)	 $	

1,927	 $	

1:1

(1,888)	

1,079	

(1)		The	power	financial	swaps	mirror	the	price	and	quantities	of	the	electricity	price	exposure	in	the	corresponding	facility	PPAs;	therefore,	the	hedge	

ratio	is	1:1.

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

95

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
Power	forward	hedge	reserve

Power	forward	contract

Total,	beginning	of	the	year	2019
Add:	Change	in	fair	value	of	hedging	instrument	recognized	in	OCI	for	the	year	(effective	portion)(1)
Total,	end	of	the	year	2019
Add:	Change	in	fair	value	of	hedging	instrument	recognized	in	OCI	for	the	year	(effective	portion)(1)
Less:	Re-classified	to	profit	and	loss

Total,	end	of	the	year	2020

$	

$	

$	

$	

1,282	

(1,700)	

(418)	

(6,499)	

(8)	

(6,925)	

(1)	The	deferred	tax	applicable	to	the	power	forward	hedge	reserve	is	a	$0.3	million	expense,	which	has	been	recognized	in	OCI.

The	hedge	ineffectiveness	recognized	in	“fair	value	(gain)	loss	on	derivative	contracts”	in	the	consolidated	statements	of	
income	(loss)	related	to	power	swap	contracts	(cash	flow	hedges)	for	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020	was	$1	million.

(d)	Hedge	ineffectiveness

The	fair	value	of	the	hedged	item	used	as	the	basis	for	recognizing	hedge	ineffectiveness	for	the	year,	by	risk	category,	are:

Fair	value	of	hedged	items	(hypothetical	derivatives)

December	31,	2020

December	31,	2019

Cash	flow	hedge	–	interest	rate	risk

Cash	flow	hedge	–	electricity	price	risk

Cash	flow	hedge	–	foreign	currency	risk

Net	investment	hedge	–	foreign	currency	risk

$	

358,431	 $	

1,380	 	

—	 	

(87,189)	 	

257,085	

(548)	

946	

(8,307)	

19.	Net	Income	(Loss)	per	Share	

The	basic	and	diluted	net	income	(loss)	is	calculated	as	follows:

Net	income	(loss)	for	the	period	attributable	to	common	shareholders

Less:	preferred	share	dividends,	net	[Note	15.2]

Net	income	(loss)	attributable	to	common	shareholders	for	basic	earnings

Add	back:	convertible	unsecured	subordinated	debentures	interest	and	amortization

Net	income	(loss)	attributable	to	common	shareholders	for	diluted	earnings

The	basic	and	diluted	share	amounts	are	calculated	as	follows:

Weighted	average	number	of	Shares	outstanding

Weighted	average	number	of	Class	A	shares

Weighted	average	number	of	Shares	outstanding,	basic	

Effect	of	dilutive	securities:

Convertible	unsecured	subordinated	debentures

Weighted	average	number	of	Shares	outstanding,	diluted

Year	ended	December	31,

2020

360,936	 $	

(11,364)	 	

349,572	 $	

1,995	 	

2019

320,764	

(11,728)	

309,036	

6,436	

351,567	 $	

315,472	

$	

$	

$	

Year	ended	December	31,

2020

2019

198,042,137	 	

179,322,200	

732,240	 	

1,000,000	

198,774,377	 	

180,322,200	

2,394,728	 	

7,302,353	

201,169,105	 	

187,624,553	

96

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
																																							
20.	Finance	Costs	

Net	finance	costs	consist	of	the	following:

Interest	on	debt,	borrowings	and	bank	fees

Amortization	of	deferred	financing	costs

Discount	on	provisions	for	decommissioning	liabilities	[Note	13.1]

Lease	interest	[Note	8.2]

Finance	income

Finance	costs,	net

Year	ended	December	31,

2020

$	

327,850	 $	

36,842	 	

3,926	 	

1,840	 	

(5,290)	 	

$	

365,168	 $	

2019

292,457	

36,197	

4,435	

1,685	

(3,606)	

331,168	

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020,	$1.9	million	interests	(2019	-	$21.5	million)	incurred	from	project	financing	related	
to	facilities	under	construction	were	capitalized	in	construction-in-progress.

21.	Impairment	of	Property,	Plant	and	Equipment,	Intangible	Assets	and	Goodwill	

Northland	 determined	 that	 assets	 at	 each	 facility	 will	 be	 grouped	 together	 to	 form	 a	 CGU	 for	 purposes	 of	 impairment	
testing.	PP&E,	intangible	assets	and	goodwill	have	been	allocated	to	CGUs	to	determine	the	carrying	amount.

The	 recoverable	 amount	 of	 the	 CGUs	 is	 determined	 using	 the	 value-in-use	 method,	 whereby	 the	 net	 cash	 flow	 is	
determined	based	on	current	business	plans	and	budgets	approved	by	management.	The	calculation	of	value-in-use	for	all	
of	the	above	CGUs	is	most	sensitive	to	the	following	assumptions:

•

•

Growth	rate	of	2%	-	The	rate	is	used	to	extrapolate	CGU	cash	flow	projections	in	the	discounted	cash	flow	approach.	
The	rate	is	based	on	readily	available	published	industry	research.

Discount	 rate	 -	 Pre-tax	 discount	 rates	 reflect	 the	 current	 market	 assessment	 of	 the	 risks	 specific	 to	 each	 CGU.	 The	
discount	 rate	 was	 estimated	 based	 on	 the	 weighted	 average	 cost	 of	 capital	 for	 the	 industry.	 The	 rate	 was	 further	
adjusted	to	reflect	the	market	assessment	of	any	risk	specific	to	the	CGU	for	which	future	estimates	of	cash	flows	have	
not	been	adjusted.	

The	rates	are	as	follows:

Pre-tax	discount	rates

Applicable	to	PPA	cash	flows:
Applicable	to	other	cash	flows	(1):

October	1,	2020

October	1,	2019

	6.2	%

7.0		%	-	8.2	%

	5.2	%

	7.2	%

(1)	Other	cash	flows	include	post-PPA	cash	flows	and	utility	cash	flows.

During	the	fourth	quarter	of	2020,	Northland	completed	its	annual	comprehensive	impairment	assessment	based	on	value-
in-use	estimates	derived	from	the	long-range	forecasts	and	market	values	observed	in	the	marketplace.	Northland	did	not	
identify	any	impairments	of	goodwill	or	reversals	of	prior	impairments	as	a	result	of	this	review.	

Deutsche	Bucht	Demonstrator	Project

During	 the	 year	 ended	 December	 31,	 2019,	 Northland	 recognized	 an	 impairment	 of	 PP&E	 related	 to	 the	 Deutsche	 Bucht	
project.	 The	 Deutsche	 Bucht	 project	 consists	 of	 31	 turbines	 on	 monopile	 foundations	 and	 two	 turbines	 utilizing	 mono	
bucket	 foundations.	 Installation	 of	 the	 two	 turbines	 utilizing	 mono	 bucket	 foundations	 (“Demonstrator	 Project”)	 was	
paused	in	the	fourth	quarter	of	2019	following	the	identification	of	technical	issues.	A	thorough	evaluation	of	the	cause	of	
the	technical	issues	is	performed	and	Northland	determined	that	the	related	construction-in-progress	asset	was	impaired	as	
at	December	31,	2019	and	recognized	an	impairment	loss	of	$98	million.	The	impairment	reduced	the	Demonstrator	Project	
construction-in-progress	to	nil.

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

97

	
	
	
	
	
22.	Income	Taxes

22.1	 Tax	Expense	and	Temporary	Difference

The	following	table	summarizes	the	tax	expense	reported	in	the	consolidated	statements	of	income	(loss):

Year	ended	December	31,

Current	taxes

Based	on	taxable	income	of	current	year

Tax	on	dividend	payments

Total	current	taxation	expense

Deferred	taxes

Deferred	tax	on	origination	and	reversal	of	temporary	differences

Deferred	tax	due	to	changes	in	tax	rates

Prior-year	under	(over)	provision

Total	deferred	tax	expense	(recovery)

Total	income	tax	expense	(recovery)

The	following	table	summarizes	the	tax	expense	reported	directly	in	equity:

Year	ended	December	31,

Deferred	taxes	related	to	origination	and	reversal	of	temporary	differences	related	to	
financing	fees

2020

2019

85,737	 $	

4,545	 	

90,282	 $	

36,472	 $	

(11,344)	 	

(399)	 	

24,729	 $	

115,011	 $	

44,545	

4,691	

49,236	

37,194	

(7,194)	

(509)	

29,491	

78,727	

2020

(1,597)	 $	

2019

—	

$	

$	

$	

$	

$	

$	

Deferred	taxes	related	to	change	in	fair	value	of	hedged	derivative	contracts

(31,074)	 	

(14,933)	

Deferred	taxes	related	to	pension	expense

Deferred	taxes	related	to	foreign	exchange

Total	income	tax	expense	(recovery)	in	equity

The	following	table	summarizes	the	reconciliation	of	Northland’s	effective	tax	rate:

Year	ended	December	31,

Combined	basic	Canadian	federal	and	provincial	income	tax	rate

Income	(loss)	before	income	taxes

Income	tax	expense	(recovery)	based	on	statutory	rate

Adjustment	for	non-deductible	(taxable)	expenses	and	incentives

Deferred	tax	expense	(recovery)	relating	to	changes	in	tax	rates	or	change	in	legal	structure 	

Rate	difference	related	to	temporary	differences	in	foreign	jurisdictions

Manufacturing	and	processing	rate	reduction

Tax	expense	associated	with	payment	of	preferred	share	dividends

Benefit	not	recognized

Minority	interest

Other

(332)	 	

(9,394)	 	

$	

(42,397)	 $	

2020

	26.5	%

$	

600,069	

$	

159,018	

(29,728)	

(11,344)	

4,835	

2,693	

4,546	

7,222	

(22,400)	

169	

—	

(1,881)	

(16,814)	

2019

	26.5	%

530,481	

140,577	

(35,080)	

(7,194)	

3,437	

(4,914)	

4,691	

(1,277)	

(21,147)	

(366)	

Total	income	tax	expense	(recovery)

$	

115,011	

$	

78,727	

Northland,	while	resident	in	Canada,	operates	in	a	number	of	foreign	jurisdictions.	The	enacted	blended	tax	rates	relevant	
to	 the	 computation	 of	 tax	 expense	 (recovery)	 are:	 Canada	 26.5%	 (26.5%	 -	 2019),	 Germany	 29.2%	 (29.2%	 -	 2019),	
Netherlands	25.0%	(25.0%	-	2019),	Luxembourg	24.9%	(24.9%	-	2019),	Mexico	30.0%	(30.0%	-	2019),	and	Colombia	32.0%.	
In	December	2018,	the	Colombian	government	introduced	a	tax	reform	to	decrease	the	corporate	income	rate	to	31.0%	for	
2021	and	30.0%	for	2022	and	onwards.	Future	tax	expense	(recovery)	for	Dutch	subsidiaries	are	recognized	at	25.0%	(21.7%	
-	2019)	as	the	Dutch	government	has	cancelled	its	previous	plan	to	reduce	corporate	income	tax	rates	to	21.7%	for	2021	
and	onwards.

98

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
																																							
The	following	table	summarizes	the	components	of	the	deferred	tax	asset	and	liability:	

As	at	December	31,

Deductible	temporary	differences

Losses	available	for	carryforward	

Derivative	financial	instruments

Canadian	renewable	conservation	expense

Financing	fees

Tax	credits

Interest	available	for	carryforward

Other

Taxable	temporary	differences

Contracts

Fair	value	debt	increments

Property,	plant	and	equipment
Other

$	

$	

$	

2020

2019

12,803	 $	

111,837	 	

21,296	 	

20,961	 	

3,176	 	

27,564	 	

7,330	 	

35,058	

86,640	

21,255	

16,618	

3,176	

16,526	

—	

204,967	 $	

179,273	

126,897	 $	

3,146	 	

375,491	 	
—	 	

128,379	

12,745	

229,644	
731	

371,499	

The	following	table	reconciles	the	opening	and	ending	balance	of	Northland’s	net	deferred	tax	liability:	

$	

505,534	 $	

As	at	December	31,

Opening	balance,	net	deferred	tax	liability

Tax	liability	recognized	in	business	combination

Tax	expense	(recovery)	recognized	in	income	statement

Tax	expense	(recovery)	in	OCI

Effect	of	foreign	exchange	recognized	in	OCI

Tax	expense	(recovery)	recognized	in	equity

Other

Ending	net,	deferred	tax	liability

2020

2019

$	

192,226	 $	

179,549	

125,654	 	

24,729	 	

(31,406)	 	

(9,394)	 	

(1,597)	 	

355	 	

—	

29,491	

(14,932)	

(1,881)	

—	

(1)	

$	

300,567	 $	

192,226	

Northland	has	recognized	a	deferred	tax	asset	of	$60.4	million	(2019	-	$46	million)	for	Gemini,	in	respect	of	unused	losses	
and	 other	 tax	 attributes	 available	 for	 carry	 forward.	 Management	 has	 assessed	 the	 probability	 of	 future	 taxable	 income	
arising	within	the	available	carry	forward	period	of	these	tax	benefits	and	has	concluded	that	it	is	probable	that	the	benefit	
will	be	realized	based	on	its	estimate	of	future	cash	flows.	

The	following	temporary	differences	have	not	been	recognized	in	Northland’s	consolidated	financial	statements:

Year	ended	December	31,

Non-capital	losses	carried	forward

Net	capital	loss

Fair	value	change	in	debt	instrument

Outside	basis	difference	on	shares	of	subsidiaries

Property,	plant,	and	equipment

Other	deductible	temporary	differences

Total	deductible	temporary	differences

2020

$	

55,850	 $	

725	 	

107,051	 	

1,684	 	

5,723	 	

228	 	

2019

7,400	

2,222	

115,638	

5,184	

—	

—	

$	

171,261	 $	

130,444	

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

99

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
Northland	has	operating	losses	available	for	carry	forward	in	Canada,	Mexico	and	Germany,	of	$77.7	million,	$13.5	million	
and	$19.4	million,	which	expire	beginning	in	2025.	

The	operating	losses	are	expected	to	expire	as	follows:	

2025	–	2028

2029	–	2033

2034	–	2038

2039	–	2040

Total

Canada

Germany

Mexico

$	

$	

13,002	 $	

13,195	 	

45,290	 	

6,227	 	

77,714	 $	

238	 $	

19,165	 	

—	 	

—	 	

2,527	

10,982	

—	

—	

19,403	 $	

13,509	

22.2	 Temporary	Differences	Associated	with	Northland	Investments

The	 temporary	 difference	 associated	 with	 investments	 in	 Northland’s	 subsidiaries	 is	 $79	 million	 (2019	 -	 $69	 million).	 A	
deferred	tax	liability	associated	with	these	investments	has	not	been	recognized	because	Northland	controls	the	timing	of	
the	reversal	and	it	is	probable	that	the	temporary	difference	will	not	reverse	in	the	foreseeable	future.	

Northland	 periodically	 assesses	 its	 liabilities	 and	 contingencies	 for	 all	 tax	 years	 open	 to	 audit	 based	 upon	 the	 latest	
information	available.	For	those	matters	where	it	is	probable	that	an	adjustment	will	be	made,	Northland	has	recorded	its	
best	 estimate	 of	 these	 liabilities,	 including	 related	 interest	 charges.	 Inherent	 uncertainties	 exist	 in	 estimates	 of	 tax	
contingencies	due	to	implementation	of	changes	in	tax	laws.	Although	Northland	believes	it	has	adequately	provided	for	
the	probable	outcome	of	these	matters,	future	results	may	include	favourable	adjustments	to	these	estimated	tax	liabilities	
in	 the	 period	 the	 assessments	 are	 made	 or	 resolved	 or	 when	 the	 statute	 of	 limitation	 lapses.	 The	 final	 outcome	 of	 tax	
examinations	may	result	in	a	materially	different	outcome	than	assumed	in	the	tax	liabilities.	

23.	Operating	Segment	Information	

Northland	identified	the	 operating	segments	 as	 outlined	 in	the	 table	 below	 based	 on	the	 nature	 of	operations	and	asset	
class.	Northland	analyzes	the	performance	of	its	operating	segments	based	on	their	operating	income,	which	is	defined	as	
revenue	less	operating	expenses.	

Significant	information	for	each	segment	for	the	consolidated	statements	of	income	(loss)	is	as	follows:

Year	ended	
December	31,	2020

Offshore	
wind

Efficient	
Natural	Gas

Onshore	
renewable

Utility

External	sales

$	 1,179,779	 $	

415,551	 $	

217,705	 $	

218,982	 $	

Other	(1)
28,610	 $	

Eliminations

Total

—	 $	 2,060,627	

Inter-company	sales	
(1)

Total	sales

Cost	of	sales

Operating	costs
General	and	
administrative	costs	
(2)

Depreciation	of	PP&E 	
Other	income	(3)
Operating	income

$	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

183,245	 	

(183,245)	 	

—	

$	 1,179,779	 $	

415,551	 $	

217,705	 $	

218,982	 $	

211,855	 $	

(183,245)	 $	 2,060,627	

—	 	

103,334	 	

—	 	

166,282	 	

54,154	 	

29,418	 	

69,567	 	

51,062	 	

29,428	 	

—	 	

10,116	 	

349,589	 	
—	 	

393	 	

873	 	

12,151	 	

119,375	 	

50,069	 	
(12,023)	 	

88,630	 	
—	 	

33,635	 	
—	 	

7,646	 	
(3,285)	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	
—	 	

202,329	

300,916	

142,908	

529,569	
(15,308)	

653,792	 $	

219,624	 $	

98,784	 $	

52,567	 $	

58,691	 $	

(183,245)	 $	

900,213	

Finance	costs,	net

$	

214,847	 $	

53,901	 $	

57,139	 $	

9,501	 $	

29,780	 $	

—	 $	

365,168	

(1)		Other	external	sales	includes	energy	marketing	activities.	Other	inter-segment	sales	include	inter-company	management	fees,	energy	marketing	
activities	and	maintenance	services,	which	are	eliminated	on	consolidation.	

(2)		General	and	administrative	costs	includes	development	costs.

(3)		Other	income	includes	investment	income	and	finance	lease	income.

100

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
																																							
$	

$	

Year	ended	
December	31,	2019

External	sales

Inter-company	sales

Total	sales

Cost	of	sales

Operating	costs

General	and	
administrative	costs

Offshore	wind

Efficient	
Natural	Gas

Onshore	
renewable

1,005,717	 $	

421,154	 $	

219,180	 $	

Other	(1)
12,926	 $	

Eliminations

Total

—	 $	

1,658,977	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

155,937	 	

(155,937)	 	

—	

1,005,717	 $	

421,154	 $	

219,180	 $	

168,863	 $	

(155,937)	 $	

1,658,977	

—	 	

128,582	 	

106,022	 	

54,229	 	

—	 	

10,266	 	

31,365	 	

—	 	

7,717	 	

879	 	

1,122	 	

81,111	 	

Depreciation	of	PP&E 	
Other	income	(2)
Operating	income

$	

Finance	costs,	net

$	

292,237	 	

—	 	

577,181	 $	

192,271	 $	

49,977	 	

(12,354)	 	

222,401	 $	

56,055	 $	

92,820	 	

—	 	

93,873	 $	

59,111	 $	

3,770	 	

(2,466)	 	

76,182	 $	

23,731	 $	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	
—	 	

—	 	

(155,937)	 $	

—	 $	

116,288	

214,176	

90,829	

438,804	

(14,820)	

813,700	

331,168	

(1)		Other	external	sales	includes	energy	marketing	activities.	Other	inter-segment	sales	include	inter-company	management	fees,	energy	marketing	

activities	and	maintenance	services,	which	are	eliminated	on	consolidation.

(2)		Other	income	includes	investment	income	and	finance	lease	income.

Significant	information	for	each	segment	for	the	consolidated	balance	sheets	is	as	follows:

As	at	December	31,	2020

PP&E,	net

Contracts	and	
other	intangibles,	
net

Goodwill

Equity-accounted	
investments	(1)

Offshore	wind

$	

5,913,397	 $	

462,052	 $	

—	 $	

Efficient	Natural	Gas

Onshore	renewable

Utility

Other

851,973	 	

1,272,994	 	

567,369	 	

74,226	 	

8,679,959	 	
Total
(1)		Includes	investments	in	associates	and	joint	ventures.

51,531	 	

—	 	

7,630	 	

11,958	 	

150,210	 	

54,731	 	

503,765	 	

—	 	

533,171	 	

708,706	 	

—	 $	

—	 	

—	 	

—	 	

1,759	 	

1,759	 	

As	at	December	31,	2019

PP&E,	net

Contracts	and	
other	intangibles,	
net

Goodwill

Equity-accounted	
investments	(1)

Offshore	wind

$	

5,896,431	 $	

463,363	 $	

—	 $	

Efficient	Natural	Gas

Onshore	renewable

Other

901,963	 	

1,235,757	 	

38,368	 	

8,072,519	 	
Total
(1)		Includes	investments	in	associates	and	joint	ventures.

57,687	 	

—	 	

—	 	

150,201	 	

54,741	 	

—	 	

521,050	 	

204,942	 	

—	 $	

—	 	

—	 	

5,263	 	

5,263	 	

Total	Assets

7,139,292	

1,371,760	

1,411,351	

1,178,569	

298,498	

11,399,470	

Total	Assets

7,121,648	

1,429,373	

1,368,631	

559,016	

10,478,668	

| NORTHLAND	POWER	INC.	|

| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

101

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
Information	on	operations	by	geographic	area	is	as	follows:

Sales

Year	ended	December	31,
Germany

Netherlands

Canada

Latin	America

Total

Property,	plant	and	equipment,	net

As	at	December	31,
Germany	(1)
Netherlands

Canada

Latin	America

Total

(1)		Includes	PP&E	related	to	non-operating	corporate	assets.	

24.	Related-party	Disclosures	

24.1	Compensation	of	Key	Management	Personnel

$	

$	

$	

$	

2020

582,198	 $	

597,581	 	

661,703	 	

219,145	 	

2019

407,579	

598,138	

653,260	

—	

2,060,627	 $	

1,658,977	

2020

2,759,069	 $	

3,194,656	 	

1,995,012	 	

731,222	 	

8,679,959	 $	

2019

2,767,302	

3,149,359	

2,114,748	

41,110	

8,072,519	

Remuneration	of	key	management	personnel,	consisting	of	the	Board	of	Directors	and	members	of	executive	management,	
expensed	in	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020	and	2019	is	outlined	in	the	table	below.	In	both	2019	and	2020,	Northland	
did	not	grant	any	Shares	to	key	management	personnel	to	settle	share-based	compensation.	Share-based	compensation	is	
tied	 directly	 to	 executive	 seniority	 and	 the	 success	 of	 development	 and	 construction	 projects	 as	 well	 as	 acquisition	
activities.	

Year	Ended	December	31,

Salaries	and	short-term	employee	benefits

Share-based	compensation	cash	component

Total

24.2	Transactions	with	Shareholders

2020

6,814	 $	

5,854	 	

12,668	 $	

$	

$	

2019

5,457	

3,084	

8,541	

On	April	5,	2019,	a	secondary	offering	closed	for	Northland’s	Shares	held	by	entities	controlled	by	James	Temerty,	the	Chair	
of	the	Board	of	Directors	of	Northland.	A	total	of	36,938,000	Shares	were	sold	at	a	price	of	$23.35	per	Share.	Northland	did	
not	 receive	 any	 proceeds	 from	 this	 transaction.	 Aside	 from	 this	 secondary	 offering,	 there	 were	 no	 material	 transactions	
during	the	year	ended	December	31,	2019	with	shareholders	of	Northland.	Mr.	Temerty	sold	all	his	holding	of	Northland	in	
2020.

24.3	Entity	with	Significant	Influence	Over	Northland

As	 of	 December	 31,	 2019,	 James	 C.	 Temerty,	 Director	 of	 Northland	 Power	 Inc.,	 owns	 or	 has	 control	 or	 direction	 over	
20,740,884	Shares,	representing	11.6%	of	the	outstanding	Shares,	(2018	-	57,625,884	Shares)	and	1,000,000	Class	A	Shares,	
representing	100%	of	the	Class	A	Shares.	A	of	December	31,	2020,	there	was	no	outstanding	shares	held	by	Mr.	Temerty.	

102

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25.	Litigation,	Claims,	Contingencies	and	Commitments	

Litigation,	claims	and	other	contingencies	arise	from	time	to	time	in	the	ordinary	course	of	business	for	Northland.	None	of	
these	 contingencies,	 individually	 or	 in	 aggregate,	 are	 expected	 to	 result	 in	 a	 liability	 that	 would	 have	 a	 material	 adverse	
effect	on	Northland.	Specific	matters	that	arose	during	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020	are	described	below.

25.1	COVID-19

Each	of	Northland’s	operating	facilities	are	deemed	to	be	essential	infrastructure	and,	as	such,	operations	have	continued	
uninterrupted	to	date.	Accordingly,	management	has	taken	prudent	and	comprehensive	measures	to	safeguard	the	health	
and	well-being	of	all	employees,	contractors	as	well	as	host	communities.	All	of	Northland’s	facilities	continue	to	operate	as	
expected	and	preventative	measures	remain	in	place	in	accordance	with	Northland’s	crisis	response	plans	and	applicable	
local	government	directives.	Management	continues	to	actively	monitor	the	situation,	which	remains	uncertain,	and	may	
take	further	actions	as	required	or	recommended	by	authorities.	

Risks	related	to	COVID-19	as	a	result	of	lower	demand	for	power	globally	include	increased	negative	pricing	at	Nordsee	One	
and	 Deutsche	 Bucht,	 lower	 wholesale	 market-based	 prices	 at	 Gemini,	 higher	 unpaid	 curtailments	 in	 general,	 increased	
volatility	in	the	value	of	financial	instruments	and	reduction	in	sales	and	net	earnings.	Other	risks	include	potential	delays	in	
construction	 timelines	 as	 a	 result	 of	 construction	 services	 and	 contractor	 unavailability	 or	 unavailability	 of	 key	 personnel	
resulting	 in	 the	 interruption	 of	 production	 and	 lower	 availability	 of	 power	 infrastructure,	 thus	 affecting	 sales,	 operating	
costs	and	net	earnings.	

25.2	Warranty	Settlement	and	Other	Proceeds

In	the	second	quarter	of	2020,	Nordsee	One	received	proceeds	from	its	turbine	manufacturer,	which	filed	for	insolvency	in	
2019,	to	settle	all	warranty	obligations	for	the	remaining	term	of	the	original	service	agreement.	Following	the	receipt	of	
the	 full	 settlement	 (“warranty	 settlement”)	 in	 the	 second	 quarter	 of	 2020,	 Nordsee	 One	 relinquished	 its	 rights	 to	 make	
further	 warranty	 claims	 against	 the	 manufacturer.	 Northland	 recognized	 the	 proceeds	 of	 $87	 million	 as	 a	 reduction	 in	
“property,	plant	and	equipment”	in	the	consolidated	balance	sheets.

25.3	Other	Income

For	the	year	ended	December	31,	2020,	other	income	includes	€7	million	($11	million)	proceeds	received	from	the	sale	of	
turbines	originally	intended	for	use	with	mono-bucket	foundations	at	Deutsche	Bucht	as	well	as	€14	million	($21	million)	
insurance	proceeds	related	to	construction	of	Deutsche	Bucht.

25.4	Milestone	Payments	for	Development	Project	Acquisitions

In	 the	 course	 of	 business,	 Northland	 enters	 into	 acquisition	 agreements	 that	 may	 result	 in	 Northland	 making	 additional	
payments	to	the	seller	of	a	development	project	previously	acquired	upon	the	successful	completion	of	certain	milestones.	
As	at	December	31,	2020	these	contingent	payments	were	not	recognized	in	the	consolidated	balance	sheets	and	primarily	
relate	to	early	stage	offshore	wind	development	projects.

25.5	Commitments

The	 following	 is	 a	 summary	 of	 the	 material	 commitments	 that	 Northland	 and	 its	 subsidiaries	 have	 entered	 into	 as	 at	
December	31,	2020,	in	addition	to	the	commitments	outlined	in	the	above	notes.

The	 majority	 of	 Northland’s	 revenues	 are	 earned	 under	 long-term	 PPAs	 with	 government-related	 entities.	 In	 certain	
circumstances,	if	a	facility	fails	to	meet	the	performance	requirements	under	its	respective	PPA,	penalties	may	apply	or	the	
contract	may	be	terminated	after	a	specified	period	of	time.

Certain	Northland	gas-fired	facilities	and	corporate	subsidiaries	have	entered	into	agreements	for	the	purchase	of	natural	
gas	and	natural	gas	transportation	for	various	terms.	Certain	contracts	include	penalties	for	failure	to	purchase	a	minimum	
annual	 volume	 of	 natural	 gas	 or,	 in	 the	 case	 of	 transportation	 agreements,	 include	 substantial	 demand	 charges	 incurred	
whether	or	not	gas	is	shipped.

Northland’s	 natural-gas-fired	 turbines	 and	 wind	 turbines	 are	 maintained	 under	 long-term	 contracts	 with	 the	 original	
equipment	 suppliers.	 In	 certain	 circumstances,	 if	 Northland	 were	 to	 terminate	 any	 of	 the	 agreements,	 the	 termination	
payment	would	be	material.	

Under	 certain	 circumstances,	 Northland	 provides	 parental	 guarantees	 to	 third-parties.	 As	 at	 December	 31,	 2020,	

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| 2020	ANNUAL	REPORT	|

103

outstanding	parental	guarantees	issued	totaled	$98	million	($135	million	in	2019)	and	related	primarily	to	the	construction	
of	La	Lucha	and	New	York	Wind	projects.	

25.6	Capital	Commitments

In	 the	 normal	 course	 of	 operations,	 as	 at	 December	 31,	 2020,	 Northland	 has	 committed	 to	 future	 spending	 of	
approximately	$65	million	($123	million	in	2019)	on	capital	projects,	primarily	relating	to	the	construction	of	La	Lucha	and	
New	York	Wind	projects.

104

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105

Corporate Information

Directors and Executive 
Officers Of Northland 
Power Inc.

General Information 

Registrar and Transfer Agent
Computershare Trust Company of Canada

Directors
Mr. John W. Brace (Chair)

Ms. Linda L. Bertoldi

Dr. Marie Bountrogianni

Ms. Lisa Colnett

Mr. Barry Gilmour

Mr. Russell Goodman

Mr. Keith Halbert

Mr. Ian Pearce

Executive Officers
Mr. Mike Crawley

President and Chief Executive Officer

Ms. Pauline Alimchandani

Chief Financial Officer 

Mr. Morten Melin

100 University Avenue

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

M5J 2Y1

Attention: Equity Services

Common Shares and  
Preferred Shares
Northland’s common shares and Series 1, 

Series 2 and Series 3 preferred shares are 

listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and 

trade under the symbols NPI, NPI.PR.A, NPI.

PR.B and NPI.PR.C, respectively. 

Tax Considerations
Northland’s common shares, preferred shares 

and convertible unsecured subordinated 

debentures are qualified investments for 

RRSPs and DPSPs under the Income Tax Act 

Executive Vice President, Construction

(Canada).

Mr. David Povall

Executive Vice President, Development

Contact Information

Mr. Michael D. Shadbolt

Investor Relations 
Mr. Wassem Khalil 

Vice President and General Counsel

Senior Director, Investor Relations and 

Ms. Rachel Stephenson

Chief People Officer

Ms. Tracy Robillard

Secretary

Strategy 

647-288-1019

investorrelations@northlandpower.com

Northland Power Inc. 
30 St. Clair Avenue West

12th floor

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

M4V 3A1

416-962-6262

northlandpower.com

The Power of Connection.Northland Power Inc.Annual Report 2020 
30 St. Clair Avenue West  

12th Floor, 

Toronto, Ontario, Canada  

M4V 3A1

northlandpower.com 

investorrelations@northlandpower.com