SSE
Annual Report 2003

Plain-text annual report

Scottish and Southern Energy plc Annual Report and Accounts 2003 SAFE FOCUSED RESPONSIBLE For further information about Scottish and Southern Energy please contact: Scottish and Southern Energy plc Corporate Communications Inveralmond House 200 Dunkeld Road Perth PH1 3AQ Telephone: 01738 456000 Facsimile: 01738 457005 E-mail: info@scottish-southern.co.uk Website: www.scottish-southern.co.uk Registered in Scotland No. 117119 Available literature 2003 Scottish and Southern Energy p c Annual Report and Accounts 2003 Scottish and Southern Energy plc Annual Rev ew and Summary Financ al Statement 2003 Scott sh and Southern Energy plc Environment Annual Report 2003 Scottish and Southern Energy plc Environment Prof le 2003 Scottish and Southern Energy p c Corporate Profile 2003 SAFE FOCUSED RESPONSIBLE SAFE FOCUSED RESPONSIBLE SAFE FOCUSED RESPONSIBLE SAFE FOCUSED RESPONSIBLE SAFE FOCUSED RESPONSIBLE Annual Report and Accounts 2003 In the financial year to 31 March 2003, Scottish and Southern Energy achieved pre-tax profits of more than £600m. On that date, SSE was the 34th largest company in the FT-SE 100 by market capitalisation. Annual Review 2003 As a utility company, Scottish and Southern Energy focuses on delivering consistent, year-on-year increases in the dividend payable to shareholders. The dividend per share has grown by an average of 8% a year between 1999, when SSE first reported results, and 2003. Environment Annual Report 2003 In the 7th Business in the Environment Index of Corporate Environmental Engagement in 2003, Scottish and Southern Energy achieved ‘Premier League’ status with ‘exceptionally strong’ environmental management. Environment Profile 2003 In its management of environmental issues, Scottish and Southern Energy focuses on use of resources, pollution control, waste management and ecology and amenity. Corporate Profile 2003 Scottish and Southern Energy has said its future development will be based on the delivery of solid, sustainable performance in generation, transmission, distribution and supply as well as its other businesses. S c o t t i s h a n d S o u t h e r n E n e r g y p l c A n n u a l R e p o r t a n d A c c o u n t s 2 0 0 3 g n u o Y s s o R d n a r e f l e T x e l A y b y h p a r g o t o h P e t a r o p r o C n r u b y a T y b d e c u d o r p d n a d e n g i s e D Contents 1 Chairman’s Statement 2 Chief Executive’s Statement 5 Financial Statement 9 Operating Statement 13 Corporate Governance and Responsibility Statement 19 Accounts 20 Group Profit and Loss Account 21 Balance Sheets 22 Group Cash Flow Statement Notes to the Group Cash Flow Statement 25 Notes on the Accounts 43 Directors’ Biographies 44 Directors’ Responsibilities Independent Auditors’ Report 45 Directors’ Report 46 Remuneration Report 51 Notice of Meeting IBC Shareholder Information 24 Group Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses Reconciliation of Movement in Shareholders’ Funds Shareholder Information Front cover: Wind energy generation near Campbeltown SAFE SSE has the best three-year safety record in the UK electricity industry. FOCUSED SSE has the highest customer satisfaction among UK energy suppliers. RESPONSIBLE SSE’s management of its environmental impacts is ‘Premier League’. HIGHLIGHTS Pre-tax profit before goodwill up 5.5% to £629.8m Underlying earnings per share up 2.5% to 53.1p* Full year dividend up 8% Dividend cover of 1.6 times Interest cover of 8.1 times Controllable costs reduced by 7% *Before exceptional item, amortisation of goodwill, impact of FRS 19 and net finance income from pension assets Group turnover £m 99 00 01 02 03 2,809.2 3,047.9 3,585.6 4,005.6 4,065.3 Pre tax profit before goodwill £m 99 00 01 02 03 463.2 525.8 556.3 597.2 629.8 Earnings per share pence 99 00 01 02 03 41.1 47.5 48.5 51.8 53.1 Group operating profit £m 99 00 01 02 03 546.6 608.2 635.0 678.0 685.3 Before exceptional item, amortisation of goodwill, impact of FRS 19 and net finance income from pension assets Communication with Shareholders The Group attaches considerable importance to the effectiveness of communication with shareholders. A full Annual Report and Accounts and/or concise Annual Review and Summary Financial Statement are issued to shareholders. A separate Environment Annual Report is also published. Further copies of these documents are available from the company or by accessing the company’s website at www.scottish-southern.co.uk. The company’s website has a dedicated shareholder information section containing share information, a share price history plus a direct link to the Registrar. In addition, relevant forms can be downloaded straight from the website. Shareholders may also attend the Annual General Meeting at which key business developments during the financial year are highlighted and at which shareholders will have the opportunity to ask questions. The Chief Executive and Finance Director adopt an active programme of contact with institutional shareholders and brokers, including presentations after the interim and preliminary results and visits to the Group’s facilities and briefings on the Group’s business. Financial Calendar Annual General Meeting Ex dividend date Record date Final dividend payable Interim announcement 24 July 2003 3 September 2003 5 September 2003 26 September 2003 6 November 2003* The Group’s half year results will be published on the company’s website at www.scottish-southern.co.uk on 6 November 2003* and in the Independent newspaper on 7 November 2003,* and will detail the ex dividend and record dates for the interim dividend payable in March 2004. The half year results are not distributed to individual shareholders. *Provisional dates Shareholder Enquiries For further information about your shareholdings, please contact: Computershare Investor Services PLC Owen House 8 Bankhead Crossway North Edinburgh EH11 4BR Telephone: 0870 702 0125 E-mail: web.enquiries@computershare.co.uk Website: www.computershare.com Chairman’s Statement Dr Bruce Farmer CBE Chairman This Annual Report sets out a number of outstanding achievements and the credit for these must go to our employees, whose dedication and hard work keeps Scottish and Southern Energy at the forefront of its peer group. Scottish and Southern Energy produced another sound financial and operational performance in 2003. The results were achieved in a challenging environment through a strong focus on the management of our core businesses. Profit before tax and goodwill rose by 5.5% to £629.8m. Underlying earnings per share increased by 2.5% to 53.1p. The Board is recommending a full-year dividend of 35p per share, an increase of 8% on the previous year. The full-year dividend is covered 1.6 times by earnings. This year’s increase is ahead of our dividend policy, which commits to delivering at least 4% annual real dividend growth to 2004. In view of the continued strength of our business and the Board’s confidence in our growth plans, this target has been extended to 2005. Scottish and Southern Energy continues to have one of the strongest balance sheets in the global electricity sector and this gives us considerable opportunity to create value for our shareholders. In September 2002, we acquired the gas storage business at Hornsea in Yorkshire for £132.7m and, in early April, a telecoms business, Neoscorp Ltd, for £13.4m. Both are very complementary to our existing businesses. Hornsea made a good contribution to earnings in its first six months of ownership. Our balance sheet strength also allowed us to buy back and cancel just under three million of the company’s ordinary shares at an aggregate consideration of £18.1m and an average price of 601p per share. By improving control of our working capital and debtors, together with reduced finance charges, due to new, lower cost, long-term funding, our free net cash flow was £135m. We continue to improve our service to customers. On the Ofgem performance measures our continuity of supply was one of the best in the country and our safety record was also among the best. We were commended by the DTI as a ‘benchmark company’ for our performance in preparing for and responding to the severe storm of October 2002. Our post merger annualised cost savings have now reached £164m, compared to the original estimate of £90m. We will continue to create value for our shareholders by running the business in a way which is safe, responsible, customer-focused and commercially aware. Key to everything we do is our focus on delivering operational excellence across all of our activities. This Annual Report sets out a number of outstanding achievements. The credit for these must go to our employees, whose dedication and hard work keeps Scottish and Southern Energy at the forefront of its peer group. The Board and I would like to thank them most sincerely for their efforts. In September 2002, Jim Forbes retired as Chief Executive, after many years of devoted and highly successful service. He was awarded the CBE in the New Year’s Honours List. Ian Marchant, previously Finance Director, became Chief Executive in October. Colin Hood, formerly Power Systems Director, took on the expanded role of Chief Operating Officer and Gregor Alexander, formerly the Group Treasurer and Tax Manager, joined the Board in October 2002 as Finance Director. Their appointments were widely welcomed. In June 2003 Nick Timpson is retiring as a non-Executive Director of the company, having given many years of invaluable service. We will miss his wise counsel. Joining the Board are three new non-Executive Directors: Sir Robert Smith, Chairman of the Weir Group; Susan Rice, Chief Executive of Lloyds TSB Scotland; and René Médori, Finance Director of the BOC Group. They bring broad and diverse experience and a complementary range of skills to the Board which will be of immense value in the future. The development of Scottish and Southern Energy will continue to be based on delivering solid sustainable performance from our core activities. There are also significant investment opportunities which we can pursue due to our carefully maintained financial strength. We will continue to meet increasing challenges going forward, from regulation, environmental needs, new technology and competition. I believe that our management capability, our overall strategy and the way we run our business will ensure that we continue to be a very successful company in the future. Scottish and Southern Energy plc 1 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 Chief Executive’s Statement Ian Marchant Chief Executive Dividend and earnings growth is best achieved through effective management of established businesses, supplemented, where appropriate, by well-founded investment. Dividend per share pence 99 00 01 02 03 25.7 27.5 30.0 32.4 35.0 As a utility company, Scottish and Southern Energy understands its responsibility to deliver consistent, year-on-year increases in the dividend payable to shareholders, supported by growth in earnings per share. Sustained dividend and earnings growth is best achieved through effective management of established businesses, supplemented, where appropriate, by well-founded investment. In line with this, we have consistently set out four areas in which the core strengths of our business can be further enhanced in the future: ■ maintaining and investing in our resilient electricity transmission and distribution networks; ■ adding to our leading-edge generation portfolio through major investment in renewable energy; ■ growing our energy supply business, which is already one of the largest, most efficient and customer-focused in the UK; and ■ developing our growing presence in contracting and new connections, telecommunications and, now, gas storage. The delivery of strong performance in each of these areas will underpin future growth in the dividend and earnings per share. Power Systems SSE’s first responsibility remains the provision of a safe and reliable electricity network. We have achieved what is generally regarded as world class efficiency in the management of our electricity transmission and distribution networks. We continue to secure cost reductions through a clear focus on streamlined processes, while achieving optimal working practices. This was reflected in our performance in response to the October 2002 storm, which led to SSE being commended as a ‘benchmark company’ by the government. We are now in a time of what the regulator, Ofgem, has described as ‘unparalleled change’ for electricity networks. The major challenge is to ‘rewire’ Britain to accommodate the renewable energy developments planned in response to the government’s energy and environmental policies. This was confirmed in the Energy White Paper. It is clear that the most suitable sites for these developments are mainly in the north and west of the country, where SSE owns and operates the networks. Ofgem has committed to developing a framework, including adapting existing price control arrangements, which will provide appropriate investment incentives and rewards to enable electricity network companies to meet the demands that will be placed on them. Major upgrades of the electricity network could lead to a significant increase in our Regulated Asset Base (RAB). Against this background, we are undertaking an environmental impact study as the first stage of the likely investment of £200m to rebuild the main transmission line between the Highlands and the central belt of Scotland. It is welcome that Ofgem has confirmed that it will take account of companies’ expenditure on work being carried out to prepare the transmission network for the expansion of renewable energy. Such potential investment opportunities, combined with Ofgem’s commitment to ensuring that there are incentives for the economic and efficient management of costs in the operation of networks, mean SSE is well-placed for the forthcoming transmission and distribution price control reviews. Generation SSE has an ownership interest in over 7,000MW of generation capacity, comprising gas-fired, hydro, pumped storage and wind power stations, plus some island generation. Scottish and Southern Energy plc 2 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 Scottish and Southern Energy has the joint highest customer satisfaction among all UK energy suppliers and top quality customer service will remain a key feature of our energy supply offering going forward. Supply customer numbers million 99 3.28 00 01 02 03 3.62 4.73 4.63 4.85 Our gas-fired power stations are among the most reliable, flexible and thermally- efficient in the world. Nevertheless, they have been subject to the impact of low wholesale electricity prices, given that a proportion of their output is sold into wholesale, industrial and commercial markets. They are, however, well-placed to benefit from higher wholesale prices in the future. This challenging market environment caused the downfall of one of our major energy trading partners, TXU Europe, near the end of 2002. As a result, we have lost the benefit of a profitable contract which will put pressure on future earnings. We are actively seeking recovery of value from the administration process, but this could take some time. Our gas-fired stations continue to be well-placed to benefit from the premium elements of the wholesale markets and their flexibility also enables them to access premium earnings for peaking capacity and for providing other services in the electricity balancing market. Our hydro power stations, now complemented by our first wind farm, make SSE the largest generator of renewable energy in the UK, owning and operating nearly half of the total capacity. In the first part of 2002, we started a new £450m programme of investment in renewable generation, including refurbishing hydro stations and developing new renewable energy such as wind farms. This was in response to the government’s Renewables Obligation, requiring energy supply companies to acquire a growing share of their energy from renewable sources. As the government once again emphasised in its Energy White Paper in February 2003, the Renewables Obligation is designed to incentivise generators to supply progressively higher levels of renewable energy over time by creating a significant premium for this energy. Investment in renewable energy is expected to be a major driver of value in the next few years, and the re-statement of government policy in the White Paper gives us the confidence to maintain the momentum of our investment programme. In line with this, we have submitted planning applications for around 250MW of new wind energy capacity. In addition to the existing investment programme, a planning application has also been submitted in respect of a new large- scale hydro scheme near Loch Ness, which would be the first of its kind for 40 years. We have also established a joint venture with the Weir Group which will invest in the development of renewable power generation and control systems, including new technologies for wave and tidal energy. Supply SSE’s energy supply business has been built on the portfolio of three strong regional brands: Southern Electric, SWALEC and Scottish Hydro-Electric. It is one of the largest and most efficient in the UK, with nearly five million customers, and each brand has retained a higher than average number of domestic customers in its traditional area. We have focused on building on these strengths to develop the energy supply business further. Since completing the full integration of the supply business at the end of 2001, we have achieved a net gain of nearly 300,000 customers, including many from the industrial and commercial sectors. This means our energy supply business now has more customers than ever before. A high standard of customer service is a key differentiator in a highly-competitive market such as energy supply. Towards the end of 2002, the leading independent survey, by JD Power, confirmed that SSE has the joint highest customer satisfaction among all UK energy suppliers, and top quality customer service will remain a key feature of our energy supply offering going forward. Scottish and Southern Energy plc 3 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 Chief Executive’s Statement It is the effective management of our core businesses which will deliver the real and sustained dividend growth to which we are committed in the years ahead. This commitment to high standards in dealing with customers is further illustrated by the fact that, according to the industry watchdog, energywatch, the number of customer complaints about SSE is well below the industry average. The number of complaints is, however, still too high and bringing it down is a key priority in 2003/04. With great support from our staff, we have also re-shaped our customer service function to take advantage of contacts with energy supply customers to promote a more value-added offering. This includes, for example, providing low cost white goods through the retail business, new tariff packages and loyalty rewards such as Air Miles to energy supply customers, now supplemented by the introduction of a low cost domestic telephone call charge offering. As a result of the efforts of our staff during 2002/03 we doubled the proportion of new customers gained through customer service operations, and will build on this success in the future. Contracting, Connections, Telecommunications and Gas Storage SSE has made an ongoing commitment to developing its non-utility businesses, principally contracting, new connections and telecommunications. We are in a position to pursue further growth through incremental acquisition of assets which may not be particularly large in themselves but which should cumulatively deliver shareholder value. The purchase of the Hornsea gas storage business in September 2002 shows this. It enables SSE to benefit from the ownership and management of a major facility, which comprises 9% of the total UK gas storage capacity. There is substantial and ongoing demand for the facility, and its importance should increase further as gas trading arrangements are reformed and as the UK becomes increasingly dependent on imports of gas. Consequently we have decided to proceed with the investment of around £120m to develop a new gas storage facility at nearby Aldbrough. Our telecommunications business has recently been strengthened by the acquisition of Neoscorp Ltd. The combined business has almost 7,000km of telecoms network throughout Great Britain and has the financial strength and a flexible range of services to meet customers’ needs as the market develops and grows. In contracting, our extensive client base provides a wide range of services, across a variety of market sectors, and so is well-placed to build on its recent success in securing larger and longer contracts, such as the 25-year street lighting contract for Stoke-on-Trent City Council. The new connections business is gaining an enviable reputation for providing high quality services to major commercial and industrial customers and is well-placed for future growth. Strategy The future development of SSE will continue to be based on its core strengths and, in particular, on the delivery of solid, sustainable performance in the established operations of generation, supply, power systems and our other related businesses. There are significant investment opportunities in these established businesses, and our financial strength means we are able to pursue those which are expected to deliver shareholder value. There also remain opportunities in the UK energy market which can be integrated into existing operations, can create shareholder value and beat the share buy-back benchmark. This was illustrated by the announcement on 22 May of the possible purchase of the Midlands Electricity distribution business. There are other smaller opportunities which we will continue to consider. Nevertheless, discipline is the watchword in this area. Going forward, it is the effective management of our core businesses which will deliver the real and sustained dividend growth to which we are committed in the years ahead. Scottish and Southern Energy plc 4 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 Financial Statement Gregor Alexander Finance Director A positive cash flow of £135m was achieved, excluding the acquisition of Hornsea and the ongoing share buy-back programme, and Scottish and Southern Energy continues to hold an AA-/Aa3 long-term credit rating. Sources of profit 2003 Power Systems 45.5% Generation and Supply 42.6% Other 11.9% Scottish and Southern Energy delivered increases in operating profit, earnings per share and the dividend in 2002/03. A positive cash flow of £135m was achieved, excluding the acquisition of SSE Hornsea and the ongoing share buy-back programme, and the Group continues to hold an AA-/Aa3 long-term credit rating. Power Systems Power Systems is SSE’s electricity transmission and distribution business. In the year to 31 March 2003, its operating profit increased by 2.4% to £311.4m, contributing 45.5% of the Group’s operating profit. In Scotland, a reduction in controllable costs, together with greater income due to the mix of units distributed, led to an increase of 2.4% in operating profit. In England, an improvement in both the mix and the number of units distributed made a contribution to operating profit and the metering business also saw an increase in income. As a result, operating profit rose by 2.4%. Controllable costs in England increased slightly, reflecting the costs of handling the severe storm in October 2002. This performance, combined with the £455m investment made in the electricity network since the start of the current price control period in 2000, means SSE is well- positioned for the forthcoming transmission and distribution price control review. Generation and Supply In the year to 31 March 2003, operating profit in Generation and Supply fell by 3.8% to £292.2m, although it still contributed 42.6% of the Group’s operating profit. The combination of the loss of the contract with TXU Europe Energy Trading Ltd (TXU Trading) and accounting relating Scottish and Southern Energy plc 5 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 53 Cumulative annual cost savings £m 00 01 02 03 From March 1999 (Real) 67 145 164 to the TXU administration reduced the contribution to operating profit by £8m to around £35m. The failure of TXU also reduced SSE’s share of profits in Barking Power Ltd by £3m to around £5m. While this overall profit of around £40m will not be repeated in future years, it will be partially offset by any recovery from the administration process (see Balance Sheet on page 7). Results were also affected by a reduction in operating profit from hydro generation of around £10m, due to a significant reduction in output during the year, which was 24% below the 10-year annual average and the lowest for 26 years. This was mainly due to exceptionally low winter rainfall. SSE’s generation assets continued to perform well in the New Electricity Trading Arrangements (NETA). These markets matured in their second year of operation, allowing less scope for securing profit in the balancing market. As a result, £13m of total operating profit can be attributed to SSE’s effectiveness in the balancing market, compared with £25m in the previous year. The impact of low wholesale electricity prices in England and Wales was largely offset by the revision of the terms of the Nuclear Energy Agreement (NEA) agreed in July 2002. It means SSE is now able to purchase electricity from British Energy under arrangements much more closely linked to market prices and terms of baseload energy in England and Wales. This had a beneficial impact of £18m compared to 2001/02, net of a £5.5m rebate paid to customers. In addition, nearly 200,000MWh of electricity output qualified for Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs). These were developed as a direct incentive to encourage investment in renewable energy and this output attracted a premium of over £40/MWh. Financial Statement Since Scottish and Southern Energy was formed at the end of 1998, total cumulative cost savings of £429m have been achieved. Looking ahead, there remains scope for significant cost savings to be secured. Other Businesses Total operating profit from contracting, connections, telecommunications, gas storage and other businesses increased by 16.2% to £81.7m, compared with the previous year. Overall, these businesses represented 11.9% of SSE’s overall operating profit. Contracting and connections delivered operating profit of £44.9m, an increase of 14.5% on the previous year, due to a combination of lower costs and increased turnover. Sales effort has been concentrated on further developing existing customer relationships and growing key business areas such as street lighting. In Connections, the focus has been on providing a high quality of service to developers while expanding the offering to include gas pipelines. Telecommunications achieved an operating profit of £12m, a decrease of 24% on the previous year, due primarily to the absence of one-off capacity sales in 2002/03. SSE Hornsea achieved operating profit of £5.6m in the six months from its acquisition on 30 September 2002 and, as expected, was earnings enhancing in the first six months of ownership. Cost Savings SSE secured an additional £19m of cost savings, representing a further 7% reduction compared to the previous year. This takes the annualised post-merger cost saving to £164m, compared to an original target of £90m. Since SSE was formed at the end of 1998, total cumulative cost savings of £429m have been achieved. Looking ahead, there remains scope for significant cost savings to be secured although the rate is likely to slow compared to previous years. Group Capital Expenditure Group investment and capital expenditure, excluding acquisitions, totalled £251.9m during the year to 31 March 2003, compared with £278.1m in the previous year, reflecting partly the completion of investment programmes in thermal generation and in the telecommunications infrastructure. Capital expenditure in Power Systems was £143.7m, compared with £161.2m the previous year. Nevertheless investment in strengthening the electricity networks will continue in line with plans for the five-year price review period. The main increase was in Generation, with the refurbishment work being carried out at nine hydro-electric power stations and the construction of the wind farm at Tangy in Argyll. Interest The net interest charge was £89.1m. The reduction of £17.6m reflects continuing strong cash flow, lower interest rates and reduced interest charges following the repayment in March 2002 of the 10.25% Southern Electric £150m Bond, which was replaced with lower-cost long-term funding. The average interest rate for the Group was 5.98%, compared with 6.40% in the previous year. Underlying interest cover for the year was 8.1 times, compared with 6.7 times the previous year. Tax SSE’s effective underlying current tax rate was 23%, compared with 22% in the previous year. As deferred tax liabilities are only a potential exposure, discounting has been applied to reflect the long-term nature of assets and this impacts on both the profit and loss account and the balance sheet. The headline tax charge is now 27.6%, compared with 26.4% in the previous year, and an additional discounted liability of £28.3m at 31 March 2003 has been recognised on the balance sheet. Earnings per Share Earnings per share before goodwill, the impact of FRS 19 and net finance income from pension assets increased by 2.5% to 53.1p. Earnings per share have grown to this level from 41.1p in 1999, when SSE first reported results, an increase of 29%. Headline earnings per share increased by 3.3% to 52p. Dividend The Board has recommended a final dividend of 24.5p, making a full-year dividend of 35p, up from 32.4p the year before, an increase of 8%. This is ahead of the target of 4% real growth for Scottish and Southern Energy plc 6 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 The target dividend increase for 2003/04 is at least 4% above inflation. In view of the continued strength of the business and the Board’s confidence in the growth plans, the target of 4% real growth in the dividend has been extended to 2004/05. 2002/03, and represents the third successive year in which the target has been exceeded. The dividend per share has increased from 25.7p in 1999, when SSE first reported results, to 35p in 2003, an increase of 36% and a compound annual growth rate of 8%. In line with the established policy, the target dividend increase for 2003/04 is at least 4% above inflation. In view of the continued strength of the business and the Board’s confidence in the growth plans, the target of 4% real growth in the dividend has been extended to 2004/05. Cash Flow During the year to 31 March 2003, SSE achieved a positive cash flow of £135m, before the acquisition of SSE Hornsea for £132.7m and the ongoing programme of share buy-backs. This reflects strong underlying operational cash flow, which benefited during the year from reduced capital expenditure, and the continued improvement in the management of energy debt. Balance Sheet SSE continues to maintain one of the strongest balance sheets in the global utility sector, holding an AA-/Aa3 long-term credit rating. This gives the Group significant competitive advantage in terms of cost of funding and supporting new developments. FRS 17 was adopted in full for 2001/02 for the treatment of pension scheme assets, liabilities and costs. At 31 March 2003, the FT-SE 100 Index closed at 3,613. Consequently, a net pensions scheme liability of £281.5m is recognised in the balance sheet. Employer cash contributions to the Southern Electric scheme resumed in November 2002 and amounted to £3.7m. The Scottish Hydro-Electric scheme was the subject of its normal triennial actuarial review in March 2003 and employer cash contributions are expected to resume during 2003. Shareholders’ funds stood at £1,482.0m on 31 March 2003, compared with £1,706.1m the previous year, the whole reduction being attributable to the pensions scheme liability. The comparison of net debt with shareholders’ funds gives headline gearing for the Group of 82.1%, compared with 70.8% the year before. The failure of TXU Europe, which went into administration on 19 November 2002, resulted in the termination of a 14-year contract between SSE and TXU Trading, originally entered into in 1997. Under it, TXU Trading was contracted to purchase the equivalent of 3.1TWh of electricity per annum from SSE at a level significantly above current market prices. The contract also hedged part of an onerous gas contract. Under the terms of the contract with TXU Trading, a claim for over £300m has been lodged with the administrators. SSE is confident that it is well-placed relative to other creditors and believes that more than 50% of this claim will be settled. After reflecting the accounting for the onerous gas provision and the estimated recovery of outstanding debts due by TXU Trading, the Group has a debtor of £48m. Any recovery from the administration will be firstly offset against this debtor, and any balance presented as a credit to the profit and loss account. Purchase of Own Shares Each year, the Directors seek authority from shareholders to purchase, in the market, the company’s own shares, as is permitted under the company’s Articles of Association. Purchases are only made if Directors expect them to result in an increase in the earnings per share and to be in the best interests of shareholders generally. All shares purchased in this way are cancelled and the number of issued shares is reduced accordingly. During the year, 2,990,945 ordinary shares of 50p each were purchased, representing 0.3% of the called-up share capital of the company. The aggregate consideration was £18.1m and the average price was 601p per share. The number of shares in issue at 31 March 2003 was 858,093,193. This is the fourth successive year in which shares have been purchased in this way. Overall, 2.9% of the company’s original called-up share capital has been purchased and cancelled. Scottish and Southern Energy plc 7 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 Financial Statement Scottish and Southern Energy has the means and the capability to deliver further growth in the dividend in the future. facilities of £590m, with a weighted average period, until maturity, of 2.3 years. There is relatively little exposure to foreign currency risk as the United Kingdom is the Group’s main area of operation. If either fuel or plant are contracted in foreign currency, it is the Group’s policy to hedge all material purchases through the use of foreign currency swaps and forward rate contracts. Financial Summary To monitor financial performance, Scottish and Southern Energy focuses on earnings per share before goodwill, the impact of FRS 19 and net finance income from pension assets. In the year to 31 March 2003, it increased by 2.5% to 53.1p. This growth is combined with the maintenance of one of the strongest balance sheets in the global utility sector. As a result, SSE has the means and the capability to deliver further growth in the dividend in the future. Financial Risk Management The Board reviews and agrees policies for the main areas of financial risk the Group faces from its treasury activities, including interest rates, liquidity and foreign exchange. They were most recently reviewed by the Audit Committee in November 2002. The Group’s operations are financed by a combination of retained profits, bank borrowings, long-term debt issuance and commercial paper. As a matter of policy, a minimum of 50% of the Group’s interest rate exposure is kept at fixed rates of interest. Within this policy framework, the Group borrows as required, at both fixed and floating rates, with interest rate swaps and forward rate agreements being used to achieve the desired profile. All borrowings in foreign currencies are swapped back into sterling. At 31 March 2003, 89.5% of the Group’s borrowings were at fixed rates, after taking account of interest rate swaps. Borrowings and Facilities The objective for the Group is to maintain a balance between continuity of funding and flexibility, with a range of maturity dates. The Group’s average debt maturity profile as at 31 March 2003 was 14.1 years, the same as in the previous year. This maturity profile reflects the medium to long-term nature of the underlying assets of the Group and means the Group’s debt structure is in a strong position going forward, with around £1.1bn of borrowings in medium to long-term funding in the form of Sterling Eurobonds, European Investment Bank borrowings and the US Dollar Bond. A total of 9% of the Group’s total borrowings will mature in the 12 months to March 2004. The Group’s policy is to ensure it has committed borrowing facilities of at least 110% of forecast borrowings over a 12 month period. This provides flexibility in the management of the Group’s liquidity and a backstop for the commercial paper programme. As at 31 March 2003, the Group had undrawn committed bank Scottish and Southern Energy plc 8 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 Operating Statement A DTI-commissioned investigation into the October 2002 storm concluded that Scottish and Southern Energy was a ‘benchmark company’, highlighting that it ‘mobilised early’ in response to severe weather warnings and that ‘plans were well-executed’. Units Distributed GWh 99 00 01 02 03 37,964 38,602 40,152 40,833 41,239 Units Supplied GWh 99 00 01 02 03 36,609 34,786 42,071 38,201 35,835 Scottish and Southern Energy’s financial performance and, in particular, the growth in earnings per share and the dividend, is based on the effective management of operations. This means there is a strong emphasis on achieving the highest standards across all aspects of SSE’s activities, all of which should be carried out in a way which is safe, responsible, customer-focused and commercially aware. overhead lines and 700km of low voltage overhead lines refurbished. This included the replacement of some low voltage overhead lines with aerial bundled conductor (ABC), which involves replacing four separate wires with individually insulated lines which are then woven together to form one robust line. Around 30% of the low voltage network now comprises ABC. Power Systems Power Systems is responsible for managing one electricity transmission network and two distribution networks, serving 3.3 million customers. Its Regulated Asset Base (RAB) is just over £2.5bn. Similarly, replacement of high voltage overhead lines which have no protective covering with new cable covered in very strong polyethylene (called BLX) continued. Around 30% of high voltage overhead lines have now been replaced with BLX. Transmission and distribution of electricity within specified areas is a monopoly activity and the income which each business is able to earn by charging electricity customers for the use of their wires is closely regulated by Ofgem, as is the level of investment which is made in electricity networks. SSE has completed the third year of the price controls set for the period up to 31 March 2005. Against this background, SSE’s objective is to manage the consequences of the growth in demand for electricity, and ensure the network has the minimum number of faults and the maximum robustness in the face of severe weather and other supply interruption risks. The programme of investment is geared to achieving these goals. In line with this, a total of £143m was invested in the electricity networks in the year, taking the total investment to £455m since the current price control review period started in 2000. Investment of this kind upgrades the electricity network and reinforces the value of the RAB which, in turn, supports the ongoing value of the Power Systems business. In the Southern Electric Power Distribution area, the programme to upgrade and refurbish the network has continued during the year, with 1,390km of high voltage The substantial programme of network automation has continued, with another 66 substations completed, allowing for faster restoration of supply to customers. Over the past year SSE has also invested heavily in its underground cable network with 50km of older high voltage cable replaced. SSE has also continued to address the marked increase in fault rate on its low voltage consac cable laid throughout Southern Electric’s area in the 1970s and 1980s. In the Scottish Hydro-Electric Power Distribution and Transmission area, another 2,400km of high voltage rural network has been refurbished, along with 300km of the low voltage system. The programme of network automation saw seven urban schemes and 130 rural schemes completed. In Scotland, the benefits of sustained investment in the network, well-established and effective operating practices and reasonable weather conditions resulted in the best-ever performance: the average number of minutes of lost supply per customer was 87, compared with the target of 195 minutes set by Ofgem under its Information and Incentives Programme (IIP). In England, however, the network was subjected a major storm on 27 October Scottish and Southern Energy plc 9 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 Operating Statement Scottish and Southern Energy remains the leading generator from renewable sources in the UK, owning and operating almost half of the country’s total capacity. 2002. The ability of electricity distribution companies to cope with the consequences of the storm became a major issue, and prompted the Department of Trade and Industry to commission a post-emergency investigation. The resulting report, published in December 2002, concluded that SSE was a ‘benchmark company’, highlighting that SSE ‘mobilised early’ in response to severe weather warnings, was ‘well-prepared to deal with the emergency’ and that ‘plans were well-executed’. It also said that SSE ‘demonstrated strength’ in key areas such as telephony and call handling. The review also confirmed the benefits of SSE’s investment in ABC and BLX, with very few of the faults that arose following the 27 October storm occurring where these have been installed. Excluding the effects of the storm, the average number of minutes of lost supply per customer in the Southern Electric area was 82, which compared favourably with the target set by Ofgem under IIP. SSE intends to continue with and enhance investment in these areas, subject to the correct incentives being in place for such investment to be made. Generation Within SSE’s integrated energy business, the generation portfolio supports performance as a supply company. Comprising almost entirely gas-fired, hydro-electric and wind power stations, it is the ‘greenest’, most thermally efficient and flexible amongst major generators in the UK. The flexibility of the portfolio reflects the fact that the gas-fired power stations which SSE either owns or has an ownership interest in, such as Keadby, Peterhead and Seabank, have all been developed or repowered within the past 10 years. The use of modern technology makes them reliable. Reliability is also underpinned by long-term service agreements with the original equipment manufacturers, which means that the flexible operation of the plant has their endorsement and operational support. This access to flexible generation plant means SSE is able to increase or decrease output in response to rapidly-changing energy trading conditions within NETA (the New Electricity Trading Arrangements). That, combined with SSE’s well-established ability to forecast accurately demand for electricity, and a strong risk management function, means SSE continues to perform well within NETA. It also bodes well for the forthcoming introduction of British Electricity Trading and Transmission Arrangements (BETTA). The high thermal efficiency of SSE’s gas- fired power stations means that they have, relatively, a lower fuel intake for a similar output of electricity. As a result, they are less exposed to high gas prices and produce fewer carbon emissions than other power stations. Sixty years on from the founding of the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board in 1943, SSE, as its successor, remains the leading generator from renewable sources in the UK, owning and operating almost half of the country’s total capacity. SSE’s £450m investment programme in renewable energy is now well under way. A total of nine hydro-electric power stations, totalling 130MW in capacity, have been refurbished. Upon refurbishment, the output of these stations became eligible for the government’s renewable energy incentive, Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs). The output from SSE’s refurbished hydro stations qualifying for ROCs was nearly 200GWh in 2002/03. The refurbishment programme is continuing, with a further 14 hydro-electric power stations, totalling 190MW in capacity, due to be refurbished by the end of 2004. Based on average rainfall, the output from SSE’s refurbished hydro-electric stations in 2003/04 is expected to be around 1,000GWh. A planning application has also been submitted in respect of a new 50MW+ hydro scheme near Loch Ness, the output of which would qualify for ROCs. SSE’s first wind farm, a 12MW development at Tangy in Argyll, produced its first electricity in December 2002, and it performed well in its first four months of operation. Planning applications have been submitted to the relevant authorities in respect of around a further 250MW of new wind farm capacity. Scottish and Southern Energy plc 10 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 In the year to March 2003, Scottish and Southern Energy achieved a net gain of around 250,000 customers. This was the fastest organic growth in the UK and the energy supply business now has more customers than ever before. All of the output from SSE’s renewable generation portfolio, including large-scale hydro, should benefit from the government’s plans to introduce a Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin scheme, a certification scheme which the government said should be ‘easy for generators to take advantage of’. Supply The competitive nature of the UK’s energy supply market was confirmed when Ofgem removed all remaining supply price controls in April 2002. Given all of the Group’s energy supply customers have been managed using a single advanced customer service system since the end of 2001, SSE has been well-placed to compete in the market. Since then, there has been a net gain of nearly 300,000 customers, including around 250,000 gained in the year to 31 March 2003. SSE has maintained the fastest organic growth of any supply business in the UK. This includes a significant gain in the number of business customers, which now cover nearly 300,000 sites throughout Great Britain, through focusing on multi-site contracts. SSE now has 4.85m energy supply customers, which is more than ever before. The enduring value inherent in the Southern Electric, SWALEC and Scottish Hydro- Electric brands is illustrated by their success in retaining and attracting a higher than average number of domestic customers in their traditional areas. The supply business is geared to delivering quality customer service, which is a key differentiator in a highly-competitive market. Towards the end of 2002, the industry- leading survey by JD Power confirmed that SSE has the joint highest customer satisfaction amongst all UK energy suppliers. The survey looked at key areas such as billing, payment, price and value. High standards have not been sacrificed in the drive to win new customers; indeed, SSE believes they are a prerequisite to sustainable success in energy supply. Against a background of concern about so-called ‘doorstep selling’ generally, SSE recorded the lowest level of complaints in energywatch’s analysis of energy direct selling complaints published in April 2003. In addition, the Customer Service operation has been re-shaped to take advantage of contacts with customers to promote a more value-added energy supply offering. In particular, the Retail business adds value to the energy supply brands by providing customers with access to electric and gas appliances at very competitive prices. As a result of these initiatives, during 2002/03, the proportion of new customers gained through customer service operations doubled. In order to continue to offer energy customers attractive value, SSE is now launching a low cost telephone call charge offering. This has already been trialled and is now being made available to all customers. Its key aim is to support the energy supply business, but it should also make a modest contribution to operating profit. Contracting and Connections SSE’s contracting business comprises mainly Southern Electric Contracting (SEC) and Thermal Transfer. SEC also trades as Hydro Contracting in Scotland and SWALEC Contracting in Wales, thus benefiting from the strengths of the regional brands. It has three main areas of activity: Industrial, commercial and domestic contracting. This involves everything from household wiring to electrical installations for major projects. For example, SEC has just completed one of the most significant contracts in its history – the redevelopment of the North Andover site for Defence Estates. This was the first capital contract to be placed by the Ministry of Defence using the prime contracting method of procurement, and it is likely to be used as a benchmark for an increasing number of contracts in the future. ■ Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering. This specialist part of SEC provides highly technical services for clients in a wide variety of industries. For example, around 60 SEC employees are based permanently at Europe’s biggest oil refinery, Fawley, in Hampshire, where they won a prestigious safety performance award in March 2003. This contract has just been Scottish and Southern Energy plc 11 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 ■ Operating Statement Southern Electric Contracting (SEC) is now established as the UK's largest street lighting contractor, responsible for maintaining 850,000 lighting units, which is 12% of the UK's total. renewed for a period of five years, with a total value of £20m. ■ Street and highway lighting. SEC is now established as the UK’s largest street lighting contractor, responsible for maintaining 850,000 lighting units, which is 12% of the UK’s total. Thermal Transfer is one of the UK’s leading specialist contractors for the turnkey design, build, refurbishment and upgrading of facilities where there is a need for clean, sterile, contained or controlled environments. For example, in early 2003, it completed a £2.3m mechanical and electrical contract for office refurbishment on behalf of BAE Systems, which has now become BAE Systems’ flagship office refurbishment. The new connections business provides a wide range of utility services, installing electricity, gas, water and telecommunications services for leading UK housebuilders, business premises and major industrial installations. It completed 37,000 new electrical connections in 2002/03. It also trades as SSE Network Solutions, which looks to expand the portfolio of utility networks that SSE owns and operates beyond its existing in-area networks. For example, it constructed and owns the electricity network for the new Bull Ring development in Birmingham. SSE Pipelines is SSE’s licensed gas transporter business, which owns and operates gas mains and services throughout the country. It has more than 15,000 domestic, commercial and industrial premises connected to its gas networks. Telecommunications Prior to April 2003, SSE Telecommunications (SSET) managed 2,300km of fibre optic cable and 15,000 sites, mainly installed on SSE’s own electricity infrastructure in the Scottish Hydro-Electric and Southern Electric areas, with further links to London, Glasgow and Edinburgh. It provides network and infrastructure capacity and other services to over 100 commercial and public sector organisations. In April 2003, it acquired Neoscorp Ltd (Neos) for £13.4m. Neos has established a 4,500km telecoms network in the UK, extending from Aberdeen to London and Land’s End. It too provides network and infrastructure capacity and other services to more than 300 commercial and public sector customers and is one of the fastest- growing companies in the UK. The combined business has almost 7,000km of network. It will capture synergy benefits and will have the financial strength and a flexible range of services to meet customers’ needs as the market develops and grows. It gives SSE a UK-wide telecoms network and greater operational capability in the telecoms market. It is presently undertaking technical and commercial pilots of powerline carrier technology, which uses electricity networks to deliver broadband communications. Gas Storage SSE Hornsea was acquired in September 2002 for £132.7m. Hornsea is a major facility which has a total gas storage capacity of 326 million cubic metres, which is 9% of the total UK gas storage capacity. It can deliver gas rapidly – more than 18 million cubic metres of gas in one day, equivalent to the gas requirements of around four million homes. There was record demand for the facility in the six months from October 2002. High demand for the facility is likely to continue, and its importance should increase further as gas trading arrangements are reformed and as the UK becomes increasingly dependent on imports of gas. Consequently, SSE has decided to proceed with the investment of around £120m to develop a new gas storage facility at the nearby Aldbrough site. This should give SSE an additional 170 million cubic metres of gas storage. It will also have a very fast injection capability, meaning customers’ stocks of gas can be cycled rapidly as and when the need arises. Retail The online retail business, which offers over 1,500 domestic appliances at discounts of up to 30% on high street prices, continues to perform well. It secured sales over double that achieved in the previous year. The Scottish Hydro-Electric shops in the north of Scotland also continue to grow their profitability. Scottish and Southern Energy plc 12 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 Corporate Governance and Responsibility Statement The Association of British Insurers’ disclosure guidelines on social responsibility continue to be recognised by the Board, which understands that the value of shareholders’ investments could be affected by any failure to meet society’s reasonable expectations. Scottish and Southern Energy seeks to run its entire business and maximise profits in a way which is responsible, safe, customer- focused and commercially aware. In keeping with this and with due regard to the continuing developments in the field of corporate governance, it has continued to keep under review its commitment to high standards of governance. Combined Code Throughout the year ended 31 March 2003 the Group complied with the provisions of the Combined Code of Corporate Governance set out in the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority. The Board acknowledges its responsibility for ensuring that an adequate system of internal control exists which accords with the requirements of the Turnbull Committee guidance. The Association of British Insurers’ disclosure guidelines on social responsibility continue to be recognised by the Board, which understands that the value of shareholders’ investments could be affected by any failure to meet society’s reasonable expectations. The Board’s approach to risk management encompasses any possible exposure to these issues. Board of Directors The Board currently consists of a non- Executive Chairman, five non-Executive Directors and five Executive Directors, thus achieving an appropriate balance of independence and experience. The Board considers that all the non-Executive Directors and the Chairman are independent of management and free of any relationship that would materially interfere with the exercise of their independent judgement. The senior independent Director is the Deputy Chairman, Ian Grant. Biographical details of the Directors are shown on page 43. Due to the complexity and regulated nature of the energy sector, the Group, when appropriate, seeks to retain the services of non-Executive Directors for periods longer than may be the custom in other sectors, due to their experience and knowledge. This accumulated experience and knowledge, in turn, helps the Board to discharge its duties in an effective manner. The Board has nine scheduled meetings each year and meets more frequently as required. During the year all Directors attended each of the nine scheduled meetings. The Board has specifically reserved to it authority in respect of areas significant to the Group’s business. The Board receives detailed financial and operational information in order for it to monitor effectively the performance of the key areas of the business. All Directors are required under the Articles of Association to stand for re-election at least every three years. Any Director appointed by the Board during the year has also to be subject to election at the next Annual General Meeting (AGM). The new Finance Director, Gregor Alexander, is being proposed for election at the AGM. The Board is aware of the current debate on the structure and composition of Boards, which has been given renewed focus by the Higgs Report. In order to prepare for the future and to enhance the performance of the Board, three new non-Executive Directors are being proposed for election at the forthcoming AGM. Sir Robert Smith, Mr René Médori and Mrs Susan Rice are all independent as defined in the Higgs Report. The Board will be reviewing membership of the various Committees of the Board in the light of these appointments. The Board considers that their qualifications and experience will enhance the performance of the Board and bring increased expertise to the Board. All of the non-Executive Directors have been appointed for fixed terms of three years. There is an agreed procedure for Directors to be able to take independent professional advice in the furtherance of their duties, if necessary, at the Group’s expense. Directors receive an appropriate induction course on joining the Board, and are fully briefed in advance of all Board meetings on all matters to be discussed including regular business and financial reports. An appraisal system has been agreed by the Board for evaluation of the Board, its Committees and the individual Directors. These evaluations will be carried out on an annual basis. Scottish and Southern Energy plc 13 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 Corporate Governance and Responsibility Statement The Directors have overall responsibility for the Group’s systems of internal control and risk management and for monitoring their effectiveness. Board Committees The Board has established three principal committees, and the terms of reference of each have been reviewed by the Board during the course of the year. The Company Secretary acts as Secretary of each of the Committees. The Audit Committee comprises the following non-Executive Directors, appointed by the Board: ■ Sir Graeme Odgers (Chairman) ■ Henry Casley ■ Dr Bruce Farmer ■ Nick Timpson It reviews the financial reports of the Group, considers the results of the auditors’ examination of Group Accounts and reviews the programme of work of the Group’s internal audit function. It meets regularly with management and with the internal and external auditors to review the effectiveness of the Group’s systems of internal control and business risk management on behalf of the Board. The Committee receives reports on a large number of different activities within the Group, including areas where there could be significant risk such as energy trading and treasury. Follow-up reports are also provided to the Committee to ensure appropriate actions are completed. The Committee also reviews the terms of appointment of the external auditors, partner rotation and the level of fees for non-audit services provided by the auditors. The chairman of the Audit Committee reports to the Board following each meeting of the Committee on the main areas and subjects it has reviewed, such as risk management, internal control matters, internal audit reports and any issues arising from its review of Group Accounts. During the year, the Audit Committee met on three occasions, and all members attended each meeting. It also met with the external auditors without management present. The policy on fees paid to Audit Committee members is explained in the Remuneration Report on page 47. The Remuneration Committee is responsible for formulation of remuneration policy and approving all aspects of Executive Directors’ remuneration, including bonuses and the granting of incentives under the company’s schemes. The Remuneration Committee comprises the following non- Executive Directors: Ian Grant (Chairman) ■ Dr Bruce Farmer ■ David Payne ■ Nick Timpson The Board’s Remuneration Report is set out on pages 46 to 50. The Nomination Committee comprises the following Directors, appointed by the Board: ■ Dr Bruce Farmer (Chairman) ■ Sir Graeme Odgers Ian Marchant Ian Grant It meets when necessary to consider the composition and balance of the Board and recommends suitable candidates for appointment as Directors and re-appointments to the Board. During the year the Nomination Committee met on four occasions, and all members attended each meeting. For biographical details of all Directors, see page 43. Internal Control The Directors have overall responsibility for the Group’s systems of internal control and risk management and for monitoring their effectiveness. The purpose of these systems is to manage, rather than eliminate, the risk of failure to achieve business objectives, and provide reasonable assurance as to the quality of management information and to maintain proper control over the income, expenditure, assets and liabilities of the Group. No system of control can, however, provide absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss. Accordingly, the Directors have regard to what controls, in their judgement, are appropriate to the Group’s businesses, to the materiality of the risks inherent in these businesses, and to the relative costs and benefits of Scottish and Southern Energy plc 14 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 ■ ■ ■ Ethical principles govern the way Scottish and Southern Energy goes about its business. The Board has committed the Group to five key ethical principles. implementing specific controls. The Board maintains an ongoing process of identifying, evaluating and managing the key commercial, financial and general risks to the Group’s business. This process is regularly reviewed by the Board and the Audit Committee, and has been in place for the whole year. Control is maintained through an organisational structure with clearly defined responsibilities, authority levels and lines of reporting; the appointment of suitably qualified staff in specialised business areas; and continuing investment in high quality information systems. These methods of control are subject to periodic review as to their implementation and continued suitability, and have been in place throughout the year and up to the date of approval of the accounts. There are established procedures in place for regular budgeting and reporting of financial information. The Group’s performance is reviewed by the Executive Directors and the Board. Reports include variance analysis and projected forecasts for the year compared to approved budgets and non-financial performance indicators. There are Group policies in place covering a wide range of issues such as financial authorisations, IT procedures, health and safety and environmental risks. The business risks associated with the Group’s operations are regularly assessed by the Board and the Audit Committee. There is a Risk Committee comprising four Executive Directors, together with senior managers, which meets regularly to review risks and authority levels in key areas of the Group’s activities. The effectiveness of the Group’s systems of internal control is monitored by the Group’s internal audit department. Its reports, which include where appropriate relevant action plans, are distributed to senior managers, Directors and external auditors, and the findings are reviewed regularly by the Audit Committee. There remains significant concern about the extent of non-audit work carried out for audit clients by leading accountancy firms. The annual FT-SE 100 Audit Fees survey was featured in Financial Director magazine in January 2003. It showed that SSE had the fourth lowest ‘other fees to auditor’ of any FT-SE 100 company. The company has in place a formal policy governing and controlling the provision of non-audit services by the external auditors. This policy specifies areas of work from which the auditors are excluded; financial thresholds above which non-audit work is to be put to competitive tender; and a mechanism for approval in exceptional circumstances. Going Concern The Directors consider that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The accounts are therefore prepared on a going concern basis. Ethical Principles Ethical principles govern the way the Group goes about its business. The Board has committed SSE to five key ethical principles: seeking to meet the needs of, and contributing to the welfare of, customers by supplying energy to them and the communities it serves in a way which is reliable, safe and represents value for money; achieving the highest standards of health and safety performance so that employees and contractors are able to carry out their responsibilities in the safest possible manner, reflecting the fact that safety will never be compromised for business interests or operational pressures; being actively responsible towards current and future generations by prioritising and continually improving the environmental performance of its activities; enabling employees to derive the maximum possible benefit from their employment with the Group, through participation in its affairs, active encouragement of share ownership and the maintenance of effective policies on issues such as equal opportunities; and Scottish and Southern Energy plc 15 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 ■ ■ ■ ■ Corporate Governance and Responsibility Statement Active responsibility towards current and future generations is important to the success of Scottish and Southern Energy. Health and safety is a core value in the business and an updated Environment Policy has been agreed and issued. taking proper account of the interests of the communities in which Scottish and Southern Energy operates and assisting in projects which fall within agreed criteria, including the interests of young people, safety, environment and energy efficiency. The Group actively encourages best practice on the part of contractors and suppliers through the evaluation of their policies and approaches to health, safety and environment issues. Their practices have to equal the Group’s standards or they will not be employed. Health and Safety SSE recognises the need to conduct its business in such a way as to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that employees and others who may be affected by its operations are not exposed to risks to their health and safety. Health and safety is a core value in the business and, as a minimum, SSE strives to fulfil both the spirit and the letter of the law – and, in addition, take a proactive approach to achieve a continual improvement in performance. In line with this, SSE issued a revised Health and Safety Policy in October 2002, part of which commits to the provision of appropriate instruction, training, retraining and supervision in health and safety to maintain and improve the competence levels of all employees. The Safety and Environment Manual has the status of a work instruction, with which all employees must comply. The Director with lead responsibility for Health and Safety at Board level is Colin Hood. In the year to 31 March 2003, there were a total of 28 lost-time and reportable injuries across the entire SSE Group, the same as in the previous year. SSE believes that all injuries should be preventable, and for this reason is reinforcing and refreshing its approach to safety, with a particular emphasis in 2003/04 on driving safety – both in and out of work. Environment Active responsibility towards current and future generations is important to the success of SSE. In line with this, a revised and updated Environment Policy has been agreed and issued, which commits SSE to continually improving the environmental performance of its activities and moving towards a more sustainable and effective life cycle for processes, products and services. The Director with lead responsibility for the Environment at Board level is David Sigsworth. Over several years SSE has reduced emissions from its thermal power stations and has the most thermally efficient stations in the UK. In addition, SSE owns and operates nearly half of the UK’s renewable energy capacity. In 2002/03, carbon dioxide emissions from SSE’s own generation portfolio were however 8.3 million tonnes, compared with 7.2 million tonnes in the previous year reflecting the exceptionally low hydro output in 2002/03. More generally, SSE focuses on use of resources, pollution control, waste management and ecology and amenity. Full details of environmental performance in 2002/03, and targets for 2003/04, are set out in the Environment Annual Report 2003, which can be found at www.scottish- southern.co.uk or by calling the number on the back cover of this Report. To benchmark its activities, SSE participated in the seventh Business in the Environment Index of Corporate Environmental Engagement, the results of which were announced in March 2003. SSE’s overall score improved from 97% in the previous year to 98%, making it the top performing electricity company and the top performing utility company. It meant SSE featured in BiE’s ‘Premier League’ of companies. According to BiE, ‘environmental management remains exceptionally strong within SSE, with full marks received in most areas’. Encouraging energy efficiency is also a key part of SSE’s environmental responsibilities, and the Environment Annual Report 2003 includes the Energy Efficiency Annual Report. In 2002 the Government introduced the Energy Efficiency Commitment (EEC) for the period 2002 to 2005. This requires electricity and gas suppliers in Great Britain to achieve targets for Scottish and Southern Energy plc 16 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 ■ Scottish and Southern Energy believes that its first corporate responsibility is to maintain supplies of electricity to the people and communities it serves. the promotion of energy efficiency, with an emphasis on helping lower income customers. SSE’s target for reducing energy consumption in the period 2002 to 2005 will not be finalised until 2004, but it is expected to be around 6,000GWh, representing almost one tenth of the total EEC target for all suppliers. The Group has made good progress in achieving the EEC, with savings achieved at the end of March 2003 amounting to over 3,000GWh, or 50% of the Group’s expected total target for the period to 2005. Research and Development SSE pursues a range of research and development programmes, particularly for increasing energy efficiency and for energy management of the remoter parts of its network. In total, expenditure on research and development was £1m in 2002/03. SSE is working in partnership with Talisman Energy to examine the feasibility of using the Beatrice oil field infrastructure in the Moray Firth as the hub for a large offshore wind farm. The companies are building demonstration machines to verify the technical viability of the project. In addition, SSE has formed a joint venture with The Weir Group to invest in the development of renewable power generation and control systems. The purpose of the joint venture is to stimulate new technologies for wave and tidal energy, and other related technologies, through the provision of a dedicated fund. Employees Enabling employees to derive the maximum possible benefit from their employment with SSE remains one of the principles which the Board has adopted. In line with this, there is active encouragement of share ownership, opportunities for employees to participate in SSE’s affairs and the development of effective policies on employee issues. There is a well-established Joint Negotiating and Co-ordinating Council, which has a consultative and negotiating role, and which includes lay and full-time representatives from five trade unions. Ownership of shares in the Group has been encouraged by means of a share incentive plan, which enables staff to buy ‘partnership’ shares in the Group (up to a limit of £125 a month) using pre-tax and national insurance salary. SSE currently matches the ‘partnership’ shares purchased, on a one-for-one basis, up to £30 per month. In 2002/03, 2,460 staff participated in the plan. A total of 3,540 staff participate in a separate Save-As-You-Earn scheme. Participation in SSE’s affairs is encouraged through team meetings, briefings and an internal magazine. During the year, employees were invited to attend and participate in ‘roadshow’ sessions with directors and senior managers. Policies on matters such as Equal Opportunities, including opportunities for disabled people, and Health and Safety are readily available to staff via an Intranet and are geared to supporting staff’s needs during their employment with SSE. The Employment Act 2002 is the latest legislation dealing with the employer/employee relationship, and SSE has taken great care to ensure that its policies take full account of its requirements. The Group as a whole directly employed 9,474 staff at the end of March 2003, compared with 9,354 the year before. Communication with Shareholders The Directors acknowledge the importance of communication with shareholders. There is a continual programme of meetings between Executive Directors and major shareholders on a wide range of issues. The non-Executive Directors receive feedback on these meetings on a regular basis to allow them to form a view of the priorities and concerns of institutional investors. All Directors were present at the Annual General Meeting in 2002 and all intend to be present at the meeting in 2003 to answer shareholders’ questions. Customers and Communities SSE believes that its first corporate responsibility is to maintain supplies of electricity to the people and communities it serves. For this reason, the operational performance of Power Systems, set out Scottish and Southern Energy plc 17 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 Corporate Governance and Responsibility Statement Scottish and Southern Energy believes that employees should be enabled and encouraged to be active citizens in the communities in which they live and work. For this reason, a scheme has been introduced by which funds raised by employees for charitable and community purposes are ‘matched’ by the Group. on pages 9 and 10 is a key performance indicator. Similarly, performance against Ofgem’s Guaranteed Standards of Performance, which deal with issues such as making and keeping appointments, responding to enquiries and estimating charges, is vital. Ofgem’s latest report, published in February 2003, confirmed that SSE delivers the highest standard of performance in these areas. Financial support is provided by SSE for projects undertaken by National Energy Action (NEA) and Energy Action Scotland to address fuel poverty. The commitment to service for customers and communities is also reflected in the retention of Scottish Hydro-Electric shops throughout the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. These shops, while profitable, also provide an important service in many small and remote communities. SSE believes that employees should be enabled and encouraged to be active citizens in the communities in which they live and work. For this reason, it has introduced a scheme by which funds raised by employees for charitable and community causes are ‘matched’ by the Group (up to a limit of £500 per employee). In addition, SSE and its staff have raised around £800,000 for NSPCC and Children 1ST, since 2000, as part of its commitment to raise £1m for the charities by 2005. SSE runs a Visitors’ Centre at Pitlochry Power Station, Perthshire, and the Museum of Electricity in Christchurch, Dorset, which provide free visits for schools to give children the opportunity to learn about electricity. More than 10,000 children visited the two facilities during the year. Overall, in 2002/03, SSE directly supported charitable and community activities with donations totalling over £300,000. No political donations were made. Scottish and Southern Energy plc 18 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 Accounts Group Profit and Loss Account for the year ended 31 March 2003 Turnover Group and share of joint ventures Less: share of joint ventures Group turnover Cost of sales Gross profit Distribution costs Administrative costs Operating profit Group Share of joint ventures Share of associates Total operating profit Income from fixed asset investments Net interest payable Group Joint ventures Associates Other finance income Profit on ordinary activities before taxation Taxation Profit on ordinary activities after taxation Equity minority interests in subsidiary undertaking Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders Dividends Retained profit Earnings per share (p) – basic – adjusted – diluted Note 2 3 2 6 7 8 23 9 22 10 Total 2003 £m Total 2002 £m 4,113.6 48.3 4,065.3 (3,089.2) 976.1 (238.8) (133.1) 4,056.5 50.9 4,005.6 (2,989.2) 1,016.4 (225.8) (188.6) 604.2 32.1 35.2 671.5 0.9 (60.8) (12.6) (15.7) 32.7 616.0 (170.0) 446.0 0.2 446.2 (300.0) 146.2 52.0 53.1 51.9 602.0 28.8 35.7 666.5 1.6 (74.2) (13.2) (19.3) 24.3 585.7 (154.6) 431.1 0.5 431.6 (278.5) 153.1 50.3 51.8 50.2 The above results are derived from continuing activities. The acquisition of Dynegy Hornsea Ltd did not constitute a material acquired operation. The accompanying notes are an integral part of these accounts. Scottish and Southern Energy plc 20 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 Balance Sheets as at 31 March 2003 Fixed Assets Intangible assets Tangible assets Investments in subsidiaries Investments in joint ventures Share of gross assets Share of gross liabilities Investments in associates Other investments Current assets Stocks Debtors Investments Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Net current (liabilities)/assets Total assets less current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year Provisions for liabilities and charges Deferred taxation Other provisions Net assets excluding pension asset/(liability) Pension asset Pension liability Net assets including pension asset/(liability) Capital and reserves Called up share capital Share premium account Capital redemption reserve Profit and loss account Total shareholders’ funds Equity minority interests in subsidiary undertaking Note 11 12 13 13 13 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 24 24 21 22 22 22 23 Group Company 2003 £m 257.3 3,757.8 – 199.5 (20.4) 179.1 53.1 0.2 232.4 2002 £m 211.9 3,609.2 – 209.7 (19.3) 190.4 45.9 0.2 236.5 2003 £m – – 777.9 – – – – – – 2002 £m – – 832.1 – – – – – – 4,247.5 4,057.6 777.9 832.1 49.9 601.3 9.0 3.0 663.2 1,142.6 (479.4) 3,768.1 54.6 577.0 23.7 25.0 680.3 1,153.7 (473.4) 3,584.2 – 2,812.9 – 1.0 2,813.9 1,648.7 1,165.2 1,943.1 – 2,987.1 – 1.9 2,989.0 1,693.7 1,295.3 2,127.4 1,428.4 1,392.4 684.4 684.0 462.2 114.2 1,763.3 – (281.5) 1,481.8 429.1 66.5 12.8 973.6 1,482.0 (0.2) 427.3 122.6 1,641.9 79.8 (15.4) 1,706.3 430.1 60.9 11.3 1,203.8 1,706.1 0.2 – – 1,258.7 – (65.2) 1,193.5 429.1 66.5 12.8 685.1 1,193.5 – – – 1,443.4 79.8 – 1,523.2 430.1 60.9 11.3 1,020.9 1,523.2 – 1,481.8 1,706.3 1,193.5 1,523.2 These Accounts were approved by the Board of Directors on 21 May 2003 and signed on their behalf by: Gregor Alexander, Finance Director Bruce Farmer CBE, Chairman Scottish and Southern Energy plc 21 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 Group Cash Flow Statement for the year ended 31 March 2003 Net cash inflow from operating activities Dividends received from joint ventures and associates Returns on investments and servicing of finance Taxation Free cash flow Capital expenditure and financial investment Acquisitions and disposals Equity dividends paid Net cash inflow before management of liquid resources and financing Management of liquid resources Financing (Decrease) in cash in the year Notes to the Group Cash Flow Statement for the year ended 31 March 2003 Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt (Decrease) in cash in the year Cash outflow from decrease in debt and lease financing Cash (inflow) from decrease in liquid resources Movement in net debt in the year Net debt at 1 April Net debt at 31 March Analysis of net debt Cash at bank and in hand Overdrafts Other debt due within one year Net borrowings due within one year Net borrowings due after more than one year Current asset investments Net debt Note (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) As at 1 April 2002 £m 25.0 (0.7) (184.6) (160.3) (1,070.7) 23.7 (1,207.3) Decrease in cash £m (22.0) (8.8) – (30.8) – – (30.8) Total 2003 £m 814.4 17.7 (47.4) (148.1) 636.6 (216.7) (132.7) (284.9) 2.3 14.7 (47.8) (30.8) 2003 £m (30.8) 35.8 (14.7) (9.7) (1,207.3) (1,217.0) (Increase)/ decrease in debt £m – – 81.7 81.7 (45.9) (14.7) 21.1 Total 2002 £m 816.6 16.1 (67.7) (127.8) 637.2 (264.8) 20.0 (263.4) 129.0 7.6 (139.6) (3.0) 2002 £m (3.0) 147.0 (7.6) 136.4 (1,343.7) (1,207.3) As at 31 March 2003 £m 3.0 (9.5) (102.9) (109.4) (1,116.6) 9.0 (1,217.0) Scottish and Southern Energy plc 22 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 Notes to the Group Cash Flow Statement (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2003 Reconciliation of operating profit to operating cash flows Operating profit FRS 17 pension charge Depreciation (note 12) Amortisation of goodwill (note 11) Customer contributions and capital grants released (Profit) on disposal of tangible fixed assets Decrease)/(increase) in stocks (Increase)/decrease in debtors Increase/(decrease) in creditors (Decrease) in provisions (i) Net cash inflow from operating activities Returns on investments and servicing of finance Interest received Interest paid Dividends received from trade investment (ii) Net cash (outflow) from returns on investments and servicing of finance Capital expenditure and financial investment Purchase of tangible fixed assets Sale of tangible fixed assets Loans to associates Loans repaid by associates Loans repaid by joint venture Customer contributions (iii) Net cash (outflow) from capital expenditure and financial investment Acquisitions and disposals Purchase of subsidiary undertakings Disposal of joint venture (iv) Net cash (outflow)/inflow from acquisitions and disposals Management of liquid resources Decrease in short-term deposits (v) Net cash inflow from management of liquid resources Financing Issue of ordinary share capital (note 21) Repurchase of ordinary share capital for cancellation (note 21) New long-term borrowings Repayment of long-term borrowings New short-term borrowings Repayment of short-term borrowings (vi) Net cash (outflow) from financing Total 2003 £m 604.2 15.6 181.9 13.8 (15.9) (2.7) 5.2 (23.7) 46.3 (10.3) 814.4 27.1 (75.4) 0.9 (47.4) (241.7) 5.8 – 3.8 10.8 4.6 (216.7) (132.7) – (132.7) 14.7 14.7 6.1 (18.1) 50.5 (4.6) 102.9 (184.6) (47.8) Total 2002 £m 602.0 19.0 186.3 11.5 (15.9) (1.6) (18.4) 95.7 (46.9) (15.1) 816.6 19.6 (88.9) 1.6 (67.7) (294.9) 10.1 (0.2) 5.3 9.9 5.0 (264.8) – 20.0 20.0 7.6 7.6 12.5 (5.1) 269.1 – 184.6 (600.7) (139.6) Scottish and Southern Energy plc 23 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 Group Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses for the year ended 31 March 2003 Profit for the financial year Group Share of joint ventures Share of associates Profit for the financial year Actuarial loss recognised in respect of pension fund (note 24) Total recognised gains and losses relating to the financial year Prior year adjustment for implementation of FRS 19 ‘Deferred Tax’ Prior year adjustment for implementation of FRS 17 ‘Retirement Benefits’ Total gains and losses recognised since last annual report Reconciliation of Movement in Shareholders’ Funds as at 31 March 2003 Total 2003 £m 418.0 14.7 13.5 446.2 (358.3) 87.9 – – 87.9 Profit for the financial year Dividends Retained profit/(loss) for the year Actuarial loss recognised in respect of the pension fund (note 24) New share capital subscribed (note 21) Transfers Premium on issue of shares to QUEST Contribution to QUEST Repurchase of ordinary share capital for cancellation (note 21) Net (reduction in)/addition to shareholders’ funds Opening shareholders’ funds Closing shareholders’ funds Group Company 2003 £m 446.2 (300.0) 146.2 (358.3) (212.1) 6.1 – – – (18.1) (224.1) 2002 £m 431.6 (278.5) 153.1 (110.6) 42.5 12.6 – 1.2 (1.3) (5.1) 49.9 2003 £m 139.8 (300.0) (160.2) (157.5) (317.7) 6.1 – – – (18.1) (329.7) 1,706.1 1,482.0 1,656.2 1,706.1 1,523.2 1,193.5 Total 2002 £m 410.3 11.5 9.8 431.6 (110.6) 321.0 (351.7) 175.0 144.3 2002 £m 866.0 (278.5) 587.5 (18.2) 569.3 12.6 4.5 1.2 (1.3) (5.1) 581.2 942.0 1,523.2 Scottish and Southern Energy plc 24 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 Notes on the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2003 1. Principal accounting policies Basis of accounting The Accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and comply with all applicable United Kingdom accounting standards and reflect FRS 17, Retirement Benefits. The principal accounting policies are summarised below and have been applied consistently. Basis of consolidation The Group Accounts consolidate the Accounts of Scottish and Southern Energy plc and its subsidiary undertakings together with the Group's share of the results and net assets of its joint ventures and associates. The results of subsidiary undertakings acquired or sold are consolidated from the date of acquisition, or when control passed, using the acquisition method of accounting. The Group’s share of the results of joint ventures and associates are included using the equity method of accounting. Turnover Turnover comprises sales of energy, including monies received from the balancing market in England and Wales and the value of goods, services and facilities provided during the year. Turnover includes an estimate of the value of electricity and gas supplied to customers between the date of the last meter reading and the year end. Recognition of profits on contracts Profit is taken on long-term contracts whilst the contract is in progress having regard to the proportion of the total contract which has been completed at the balance sheet date. Provision is made for foreseeable losses. Research and development Expenditure on research and development is charged to the profit and loss account as incurred. Pensions (i) Defined Benefit Pension Schemes Pension scheme assets are measured using market values. Pension scheme liabilities are measured using the projected unit actuarial method and are discounted at the current rate of return on a high quality corporate bond of equivalent term and currency to the liability. Any increase in the present value of liabilities within the Group’s defined benefit pension schemes expected to arise from employee service in the period is charged to operating profit. The expected return on the schemes’ assets and the increase during the period in the present value of the schemes’ liabilities arising from the passage of time are included in other finance income. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised in the consolidated statement of total recognised gains and losses. Pension scheme surpluses, to the extent that they are considered recoverable, or deficits are recognised in full and presented on the face of the balance sheet net of related deferred tax (note 24). (ii) Defined Contribution Pension Schemes The Group also operates defined contribution pension schemes. The assets of the schemes are held separately from those of the Group in independently administered funds. The amounts charged represent the contributions payable to the schemes in the year (note 24). Derivatives and financial instruments The Group uses a range of derivative financial instruments to reduce its exposure to interest rate movements. The Group does not hold derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. Interest rate swap agreements, used to manage the Group's interest charge, are carried at cost. Interest receipts and payments are accrued to match the net income or cost with the related finance expense. No amounts are recognised in respect of future periods. Gains and losses on early termination of interest rate swaps or repayment of borrowings are taken to the profit and loss account. Interest Interest on the funding attributable to major capital projects is capitalised during the period of construction and written off as part of the total cost over the operational life of the asset. The issue costs and interest payable on bonds are charged to the profit and loss account at a constant rate over the life of the bond. All other interest payable and receivable is reflected in the profit and loss account as it arises. Depreciation of tangible fixed assets Heritable and freehold land is not depreciated. The Group is obliged under the Reservoirs Act 1975 to maintain its hydro infrastructure network, including its dams, tunnels and other hydro civil engineering structures. This network is maintained in good repair and is therefore considered to have an indefinite life. Expenditure to maintain the hydro generation infrastructure is dealt with using renewals accounting, and the annualised planned expenditure to maintain the operating capacity of this infrastructure is charged as depreciation to the profit and loss account. The actual maintenance expenditure incurred is capitalised. Cyclical maintenance on hydro civil assets of a longer life nature is capitalised and depreciated over the anticipated useful life of the refurbishment. Scottish and Southern Energy plc 25 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 Notes on the Accounts continued for the year ended 31 March 2003 1. Principal accounting policies (continued) Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets to write off cost, less residual values, on a straight line basis over their estimated operational lives. The estimated operational lives are as follows: Power stations Overhead lines and gas storage facilities Other transmission and distribution buildings, plant and equipment Shop refurbishment, fixtures, equipment, vehicles and mobile plant Years 20 to 60 40 to 80 10 to 45 3 to 10 Leased assets Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to the profit and loss account on a straight line basis over the lease term. Stocks and work in progress Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. The valuation of work in progress is based on the cost of labour, plus appropriate overheads and the cost of materials. Progress invoices are deducted in arriving at the amounts stated. Taxation Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences which have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date, subject to certain exceptions. Deferred tax is calculated on a discounted basis and the net present value of the deferred tax liability is reflected in the accounts. Customer contributions and capital grants Customer contributions, with the exception of those received for the contestable part of new connections work, and capital grants are recorded as deferred income and released to the profit and loss account over the estimated life used in calculating contributions. Goodwill Since 1 April 1998, any purchased goodwill has been capitalised and amortised on a straight line basis to the profit and loss account. This is normally over a period of up to 20 years from the date of acquisition, with the exception of goodwill relating to the acquisition of Hornsea, which is amortised over a period of 30 years. Goodwill arising on acquisitions purchased prior to 1 April 1998 was written-off to reserves in accordance with the accounting standard then in force. As permitted by FRS 10, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, the goodwill previously written off to reserves has not been reinstated in the balance sheet. On disposal or closure of a previously acquired business, any attributable goodwill will be included in determining the profit or loss on disposal. 2. Turnover and profit analysis All turnover and profit before taxation arise from operations within Great Britain and Ireland. The Group's principal business is the generation, distribution and supply of electricity and sale of gas in Great Britain and Ireland and the transmission of electricity in the north of Scotland. Analysis of turnover, operating profit and net assets by activity is provided below: Power Systems Scotland England Total turnover Internal turnover External turnover 2003 £m 247.3 375.3 622.6 2002 £m 243.2 363.8 607.0 2003 £m 183.2 188.2 371.4 2002 £m 186.4 190.5 376.9 2003 £m 64.1 187.1 251.2 2002 £m 56.8 173.3 230.1 Generation and Supply 3,481.9 3,430.4 11.4 3.5 3,470.5 3,426.9 Other businesses 534.1 566.6 190.5 218.0 343.6 348.6 4,638.6 4,604.0 573.3 598.4 4,065.3 4,005.6 Scottish and Southern Energy plc 26 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 2. Turnover and profit analysis (continued) Operating profit and net assets/(liabilities) Power Systems Scotland England Generation and Supply Other businesses Unallocated borrowings Unallocated net liabilities 2003 £m 119.8 191.6 311.4 280.7 79.4 671.5 – – 671.5 Operating profit Net assets/(liabilities) 2002 £m 117.0 187.1 304.1 292.1 70.3 666.5 – – 666.5 2003 £m 205.3 222.4 427.7 747.4 952.0 2,127.1 (444.2) (200.9) 1,482.0 2002 £m 122.7 89.9 212.6 476.1 1,883.6 2,572.3 (628.4) (237.8) 1,706.1 The total operating profits relating to joint ventures of £32.1m (2002 – £28.8m) and associates of £35.2m (2002 – £35.7m) are included in Generation and Supply. Income and costs have been allocated specifically to the activity to which they relate wherever possible. However, because of the integrated nature of the Group's activities, certain costs have been apportioned or recharged between businesses. Unallocated net liabilities include corporate items such as taxation, dividends, investments and the net pension (liability)/asset. 3. Operating profit Operating profit is arrived at after charging/(crediting): Depreciation of tangible fixed assets (note 12) Operating lease rentals Amortisation of goodwill (note 11) Release of deferred income in relation to customer contributions and capital grants Research and development Auditors’ remuneration – audit services 2003 £m 181.9 4.1 13.8 (15.9) 1.0 0.3 2002 £m 186.3 5.0 11.5 (15.9) 1.4 0.2 Audit fees include £0.1m (2002 – £0.1m) payable in respect of the company. Non-audit fees payable to KPMG Audit Plc and its associates amounted to £0.06m (2002 – £0.07m) for further assurance services (£0.05m) and tax advisory services (£0.01m). 4. Staff costs and numbers Staff costs: Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs Less: charged as capital expenditure Numbers employed at 31 March The monthly average number of people employed by the Group (including Executive Directors) during the year was: Power Systems Generation and Supply Other businesses and corporate services Scottish and Southern Energy plc 27 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 2003 £m 226.3 17.5 21.8 265.6 (43.9) 221.7 2003 Number 9,474 2003 Number 2,345 2,581 4,274 9,200 2002 £m 228.3 18.4 21.3 268.0 (46.6) 221.4 2002 Number 9,354 2002 Number 2,414 2,477 4,354 9,245 Notes on the Accounts continued for the year ended 31 March 2003 5. Directors' remuneration and interests Information concerning Directors' remuneration, shareholdings, options and pensions is shown in the Remuneration Report on pages 46 to 50. No Director had, during or at the end of the year, any material interest in any contract of significance in relation to the Group's business. 6. Net interest payable Interest receivable: Interest from short-term deposits Other interest receivable Interest payable and similar charges: Bank loans and overdrafts Other loans Other financing charges Amortisation of discount Interest capitalised Net interest payable 7. Other finance income Expected return on pension scheme assets Less: finance income on restricted surplus Interest on pension scheme liabilities Other finance income (see note 24) Group Joint ventures Associates 2003 £m 1.9 18.4 20.3 22.3 47.4 6.4 6.4 82.5 (1.4) 81.1 60.8 2002 £m 2.1 15.2 17.3 31.3 51.5 2.0 6.9 91.7 (0.2) 91.5 74.2 2003 £m – 0.4 0.4 – 13.0 – – 13.0 – 13.0 12.6 2002 £m – 0.7 0.7 – 13.9 – – 13.9 – 13.9 13.2 2003 £m – 1.7 1.7 16.0 1.4 – – 17.4 – 17.4 15.7 2003 £m 124.8 – 124.8 (92.1) 32.7 2002 £m – 2.0 2.0 19.9 1.4 – – 21.3 – 21.3 19.3 2002 £m 124.5 (14.8) 109.7 (85.4) 24.3 Scottish and Southern Energy plc 28 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 8. Taxation Analysis of charge in year Current tax: UK corporation tax on profits of the year Adjustments in respect of previous years Joint ventures Associates Total current tax Deferred tax: Origination and reversal of timing differences Increase in discount Adjustments in respect of prior year Total deferred tax Tax on profit on ordinary activities Tax on group profit on ordinary activities at standard UK corporation tax rate of 30% (2002 – 30%) Effects of: Expenses not deductible for tax purposes Capital allowances in excess of depreciation Non-taxable income Other timing differences Adjustments to tax charge in respect of previous periods Group current tax charge for year 9. Dividends Dividends on ordinary shares: Interim of 10.5p (2002 – 9.7p) Proposed final of 24.5p (2002 – 22.7p) 2003 £m 2002 £m 148.6 (17.7) 4.8 6.0 141.7 26.8 (2.6) 4.1 28.3 143.4 (24.8) 4.1 6.3 129.0 28.1 (2.5) – 25.6 170.0 154.6 2003 £m 184.8 1.7 (23.8) (0.2) (3.1) (17.7) 141.7 2003 £m 90.1 209.9 300.0 2002 £m 175.7 5.7 (19.1) – (8.5) (24.8) 129.0 2002 £m 83.7 194.8 278.5 Scottish and Southern Energy plc 29 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 Notes on the Accounts continued for the year ended 31 March 2003 10. Earnings per share Basic Adjusted for: Amortisation of goodwill Deferred tax Finance income from net pension asset Adjusted Diluted 2003 Earnings £m 446.2 13.8 28.3 (32.7) 455.6 446.2 2002 Earnings £m 431.6 11.5 25.6 (24.3) 444.4 431.6 2003 Earnings pence per share 2002 Earnings pence per share 52.0 1.6 3.3 (3.8) 53.1 51.9 50.3 1.3 3.0 (2.8) 51.8 50.2 The adjusted figures are before amortisation of goodwill, the charge for deferred tax and finance income from net pension asset. The weighted average number of shares used in each calculation is as follows: 2003 Number of shares (millions) 858.4 1.6 860.0 2002 Number of shares (millions) 857.4 2.2 859.6 Goodwill on acquisitions £m 229.4 59.2 288.6 17.5 13.8 31.3 257.3 211.9 For basic and adjusted earnings per share Effect of exercise of share options For diluted earnings per share 11. Intangible fixed assets Group Cost: At 1 April 2002 Additions (note 13) At 31 March 2003 Amortisation: At 1 April 2002 Charge for the year At 31 March 2003 Net book value: At 31 March 2003 At 31 March 2002 Scottish and Southern Energy plc 30 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 12. Tangible fixed assets Group Cost: At 1 April 2002 Additions Acquired Disposals At 31 March 2003 Depreciation: At 1 April 2002 Charge for the year Acquired Disposals At 31 March 2003 Net book value: At 31 March 2003 At 31 March 2002 Generation and gas storage assets £m Other land and buildings £m 1,603.6 82.6 109.0 (0.3) 1,794.9 446.9 54.1 33.8 (0.1) 534.7 1,260.2 1,156.7 78.9 0.2 6.5 (1.7) 83.9 15.8 1.8 – (0.5) 17.1 66.8 63.1 Network assets £m 3,633.9 153.4 – (0.2) 3,787.1 1,297.6 101.7 – (0.1) 1,399.2 Vehicles and miscellaneous equipment £m 243.2 15.7 – (35.2) 223.7 190.1 24.3 – (33.6) 180.8 Total £m 5,559.6 251.9 115.5 (37.4) 5,889.6 1,950.4 181.9 33.8 (34.3) 2,131.8 2,387.9 2,336.3 42.9 53.1 3,757.8 3,609.2 Land is predominantly heritable or freehold. The net book value of other land and buildings includes freehold £21.0m (2002 – £22.0m) and short leasehold £0.6m (2002 – £0.7m). Generation assets comprise generating stations and related plant and machinery and include all hydro civil assets. Cumulative interest capitalised for the Group, included in the cost of tangible fixed assets amounts to £17.5m (2002 – £16.1m). Group Company 2003 £m 54.0 2002 £m 33.1 2003 £m – 2002 £m – Repayment £m – (3.8) (3.8) – (10.8) – (14.6) Dividends received £m (2.5) – Group share of post tax profits £m 13.5 – At 31 March 2003 £m 35.3 17.8 (2.5) (15.2) – – (17.7) 13.5 14.7 – – 28.2 53.1 43.2 135.9 0.2 232.4 At 31 March 2003 £m 777.9 Additions £m 0.6 Transfer £m (52.8) Repayment £m (2.0) Assets in the course of construction 13. Fixed asset investments Group Investment in associates Loans to associates Investment in joint ventures Loans to joint ventures Other investments Company Investment in subsidiary undertakings At 1 April 2002 £m 24.3 21.6 45.9 43.7 146.7 0.2 236.5 At 1 April 2002 £m 832.1 Scottish and Southern Energy plc 31 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 Notes on the Accounts continued for the year ended 31 March 2003 13. Fixed asset investments (continued) Acquisition of subsidiary undertakings On 19 July 2002, the Company acquired an additional 8% of the issued share capital of Simple2 Limited for a consideration of £0.2m. A final dividend of £2.0m was received from Southern Electric Insurance Ltd, a company which has been subsequently wound up. On 30 September 2002, SSE Energy Supply Ltd acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Dynegy Hornsea Limited, now renamed SSE Hornsea Limited, for a cash consideration of £132.7m. The goodwill arising on the purchase amounted to £59.2m. The book values and fair values of assets and liabilities acquired were as follows: Fixed assets: Tangible fixed assets Current assets: Stock Debtors Current liabilities: Trade creditors Other creditors and accruals Provisions: Other provisions Deferred tax Net assets Goodwill Total consideration Book value £m Accounting policy alignment £m Revaluation £m Fair value £m 59.4 0.5 1.7 (5.7) (0.2) (6.1) (13.8) 35.8 (7.9) 30.2 – – 5.1 – 3.1 7.2 7.5 – – – – – – 30.2 81.7 0.5 1.7 (0.6) (0.2) (3.0) (6.6) 73.5 59.2 132.7 The accounting policy alignments reflect the partial write-off of a decommissioning provision, the discounting of the deferred tax provision and the elimination of historic inter-company balances included in the consideration. The revaluation adjustment reflects a change to depreciated replacement cost. The fair values are considered to be provisional. The profit after tax for SSE Hornsea Ltd for the post-acquisition period (from 30 September 2002) was £3.7m. Scottish and Southern Energy plc 32 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 13. Fixed asset investments (continued) Details of the principal subsidiary undertakings, joint ventures and associates are as follows: Country of incorporation Holding % Principal activity Subsidiary undertakings: England and Wales SSE Services plc England and Wales SSE Energy Supply Limited Scottish Hydro-Electric Transmission Limited (iii) Scotland Scottish Hydro-Electric Power Distribution Limited (iii) Scotland Southern Electric Power Distribution plc (iii) Southern Electric Gas Limited (v) SSE Retail Limited SSE Telecommunications Limited SSE Hornsea Limited (v) (previously Dynegy Hornsea Limited) Southern Electric Contracting Limited (iv) Thermal Transfer Limited (iv) SSE Utility Services plc (iv) SSE Generation Limited SSE Insurance Limited S+S Limited (iii) Simple2 Limited England and Wales England and Wales England and Wales England and Wales Isle of Man Scotland England and Wales England and Wales England and Wales Scotland Scotland England and Wales 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 88 Finance and IT support services Electricity supply Transmission of electricity Distribution of electricity Distribution of electricity Gas supply Electrical appliance sales and servicing Telecommunication services Gas storage Electrical contractor Environmental engineering Utility contractor Electricity generation Insurance services Electricity connections Financial services Joint venture: Seabank Power Limited (ii) Associates: England and Wales 50 Electricity generation Scottish Electricity Settlements Limited (vi) Barking Power Limited (i) Medway Power Limited (i) Derwent Co-generation Limited (i) Scotland England and Wales England and Wales England and Wales 50 22 37.5 49.5 Electricity trading systems and supply Electricity generation Electricity generation Electricity generation The above companies' shares consist of ordinary shares only. All companies operate in Great Britain and Ireland except for SSE Insurance Limited which operates in the Isle of Man. Seabank Power Limited and Medway Power Limited have accounting periods ending on 31 December. All other companies of the Group have accounting periods ending on 31 March. (i) Shares held by SSE Generation Limited. (ii) Shares held by SSE Seabank Investments Limited. (iii) Shares held by SSE Power Distribution Limited. (iv) Shares held by SSE Contracting Limited. (v) Shares held by SSE Energy Supply Limited. (vi) Shares held by S+S Limited. Scottish and Southern Energy plc 33 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 Notes on the Accounts continued for the year ended 31 March 2003 14. Stocks Fuel and consumables Work in progress Goods for resale 15. Debtors Amounts falling due within one year: Trade debtors Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings Amounts owed by joint ventures and associates Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income Amounts falling due after more than one year: Prepayments and accrued income Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings 16. Current asset investments Listed investments Short-term deposits Group 2003 £m 33.8 13.1 3.0 49.9 Group Company 2003 £m – 385.0 – 17.1 – 402.1 2003 £m 291.9 – 0.2 49.9 259.3 601.3 – – 601.3 2002 £m 344.9 – 0.3 49.7 181.2 576.1 0.9 – 577.0 2002 £m 36.7 15.1 2.8 54.6 2002 £m – 276.1 – 189.7 – 465.8 – 2,410.8 2,812.9 – 2,521.3 2,987.1 2003 £m 6.7 2.3 9.0 Group 2002 £m 10.2 13.5 23.7 The market value of the listed investments at 31 March 2003 and 31 March 2002 is not materially different from their cost. Of these listed investments, £0.2m (2002 – £0.4m) are subject to the terms of a Trust Deed as security for payment of liabilities due under a reinsurance treaty. 17. Creditors Amounts falling due within one year: Bank overdrafts Other short-term loans Payments received in advance Trade creditors Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings Corporation tax Taxation and social security Other creditors Accruals and other deferred income Proposed dividends Analysis of the maturity of the borrowings is included in note 27. Group Company 2003 £m 9.5 102.9 17.9 467.5 – 88.8 19.3 108.7 118.1 209.9 2002 £m 0.7 184.6 19.5 404.4 – 105.9 29.8 85.9 128.1 194.8 1,142.6 1,153.7 2003 £m 6.0 102.9 – – 1,249.9 17.0 – 63.0 – 209.9 1,648.7 2002 £m – 184.6 – – 1,268.0 37.1 – 9.2 – 194.8 1,693.7 Scottish and Southern Energy plc 34 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 18. Creditors Amounts falling due after more than one year: Loans Deferred income Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings Analysis of the maturity of the borrowings is included in note 27. 19. Deferred taxation At 1 April Deferred tax charged in the profit and loss account Acquired in the year At 31 March Accelerated capital allowances Other timing differences Undiscounted provision for deferred tax Discount Discounted provision for deferred tax 20. Provisions for liabilities and charges Group At 1 April 2002 Profit and loss account Acquired during the year Utilised during the year At 31 March 2003 Group Company 2003 £m 1,116.6 311.8 – 1,428.4 2002 £m 1,070.7 321.7 – 1,392.4 Restructure £m 27.9 – – (12.2) 15.7 Onerous energy contracts £m 80.0 10.0 – (10.1) 79.9 2003 £m 444.2 – 240.2 684.4 2003 £m 427.3 28.3 6.6 462.2 2003 £m 757.1 (25.9) 731.2 (269.0) 462.2 Other £m 14.7 1.9 3.0 (1.0) 18.6 2002 £m 443.8 – 240.2 684.0 2002 £m 401.7 25.6 – 427.3 2002 £m 713.9 (25.6) 688.3 (261.0) 427.3 Total £m 122.6 11.9 3.0 (23.3) 114.2 The restructure provision is in relation to expected costs associated with the continuing rationalisation of the business. The costs mainly comprise employee related costs, principally redundancy and early retirement costs. The majority of the expenditure is expected to be incurred in the next two years. The onerous energy contracts provision relates to the present value of the out of money purchase contracts and will be utilised over a maximum period to 2011 when the contracts terminate. Other provisions include insurance/warranty claims and the costs of various committed expenditures relating to hydro civil assets. These are expected to be incurred over the next two years. Scottish and Southern Energy plc 35 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 Notes on the Accounts continued for the year ended 31 March 2003 21. Share capital Company Equity: Ordinary shares of 50p each: Authorised: At 31 March 2003 and 1 April 2002 Allotted, called up and fully paid: At 1 April 2002 Repurchase of shares for cancellation (ii) Issue of shares (iii) At 31 March 2003 Number (millions) £m 1,200.0 600.0 860.1 (3.0) 1.0 858.1 430.1 (1.5) 0.5 429.1 (i) There is one authorised and allotted non-equity special rights non-voting redeemable £1 preference share. This special share is redeemable, at par, at any time at the option of the Secretary of State for Scotland after consulting the company. This share, which may only be held by the Secretary of State for Scotland or another person acting on behalf of HM Government, confers the right to attend and speak at any general meeting but has no voting rights or rights to participate in the profits or capital of the company except on a winding-up of the company. Certain matters are effective only with the written consent of the special shareholder: in particular there are limitations which prevent a person from owning or having an interest in 15% or more of the ordinary shares in the company. (ii) The repurchased and subsequently cancelled ordinary shares represent 0.3% of the issued share capital. The total cost of the repurchase, including expenses, was £18.1m which has been charged against the profit and loss account reserve. (iii) The company issued 973,181 shares during the year under the Savings-related Share Option Schemes, and Discretionary Share Option Schemes for a consideration of £6.1m. (iv) A qualifying employee share ownership trust (QUEST) was established under a Trust Deed on 30 June 1997 to acquire shares in the Company for the benefit of employees and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries. The total number of shares held by the QUEST at 31 March 2003 was 1,463,177 which had a market value of £9.3m. These shares will be allocated to employees and Directors in satisfaction of their options under the Savings-related Share Option Schemes. The shares held by the QUEST at 31 March 2003 have been included in the Group balance sheet at nil value reflecting their cost to the Group. Dividends are waived on the shares held by the QUEST. Scottish and Southern Energy plc 36 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 22. Reserves Group At 1 April 2002 Premium on issue of shares Repurchase of shares for cancellation (note 21) Actuarial loss net of deferred tax Retained profit for the year At 31 March 2003 Share premium account £m 60.9 5.6 – – – 66.5 Capital redemption reserve £m 11.3 – 1.5 – – Profit and loss account excluding pension reserve £m 1,139.4 – (18.1) – 146.2 Pension reserve £m 64.4 – – (358.3) – Profit and loss account £m 1,203.8 – (18.1) (358.3) 146.2 12.8 1,267.5 (293.9) 973.6 The cumulative amount of goodwill previously written off to reserves is £139.1m (note 1). Company At 1 April 2002 Premium on issue of shares Repurchase of shares for cancellation (note 21) Actuarial loss net of deferred tax thereon Retained (loss) for the year At 31 March 2003 Share premium account £m 60.9 5.6 – – – 66.5 Capital redemption reserve £m 11.3 – 1.5 – – Profit and loss account excluding pension reserve £m 941.1 – (18.1) – (160.2) Pension reserve £m 79.8 – – (157.5) – Profit and loss account £m 1,020.9 – (18.1) (157.5) (160.2) 12.8 762.8 (77.7) 685.1 The profit for the year attributable to shareholders dealt with in the Accounts of the company was £139.8m (2002 – £866.0m). As allowed by section 230 of the Companies Act 1985, the company has not presented its own profit and loss account. 23. Minority interests At 1 April 2002 Share of loss on ordinary activities after taxation Purchase of minority interest At 31 March 2003 Equity £m 0.2 (0.2) (0.2) (0.2) Scottish and Southern Energy plc 37 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 Notes on the Accounts continued for the year ended 31 March 2003 24. Pensions Scottish and Southern Energy plc has two funded Final Salary Pension Schemes which provide defined benefits, based on final pensionable pay. The Group also has a personal pension scheme which is a money purchase scheme whereby the Group matches the members’ contributions up to a maximum of 6% of salary. The scheme is managed by Legal and General. A full actuarial valuation was carried out at 31 March 2000 for the Scottish Hydro-Electric scheme. The triennial valuation of this scheme as at 31 March 2003 is in progress, but the results are not yet finalised. A full actuarial valuation for the Southern Electric scheme was carried out at 31 March 2001. Both have been updated to 31 March 2003 by qualified independent actuaries. The major assumptions used by the actuaries were: Long-term rate of return expected at 31 March 2003 % 8.1 4.6 5.5 5.2 Long-term rate of return expected at 31 March 2003 % 8.1 4.6 5.1 Rate of increase in pensionable salaries Rate of increase in pension payments Discount rate Inflation rate Pension fund valuation and (deficit)/surplus Scottish Hydro-Electric Pension Scheme Equities Government bonds Corporate bonds Other investments Total market value of assets Present value of scheme liabilities (Deficit)/Surplus in the scheme Non-recognisable surplus Recognisable (deficit)/surplus Deferred tax thereon Net pension (liability)/asset Southern Electric Pension Scheme Equities Government bonds Other investments Total market value of assets Present value of scheme liabilities (Deficit)/Surplus in the scheme Non-recognisable surplus Recognisable (deficit)/surplus Deferred tax thereon Net pension (liability)/asset Grand total Net pension (liability)/asset Long-term rate of return expected at 31 March 2002 % 8.2 5.2 5.9 5.9 Long-term rate of return expected at 31 March 2002 % 8.2 5.2 5.3 At 31 March 2003 % 4.0 2.5 5.5 2.5 At 31 March 2002 % 4.3 2.8 5.9 2.8 At 31 March 2001 % 3.9 2.4 5.9 2.4 Long-term rate of return expected at 31 March 2001 % 7.7 4.8 5.9 5.6 Long-term rate of return expected at 31 March 2001 % 7.7 4.8 5.2 Value at 31 March 2002 £m 590.3 31.5 94.4 70.8 787.0 (673.0) 114.0 – 114.0 (34.2) 79.8 Value at 31 March 2002 £m 663.0 179.2 53.8 896.0 (918.0) (22.0) – (22.0) 6.6 (15.4) Value at 31 March 2002 £m 64.4 Value at 31 March 2001 £m 588.2 114.4 49.0 65.4 817.0 (591.0) 226.0 (86.0) 140.0 (42.0) 98.0 Value at 31 March 2001 £m 685.9 231.8 48.3 966.0 (856.0) 110.0 – 110.0 (33.0) 77.0 Value at 31 March 2001 £m 175.0 Value at 31 March 2003 £m 434.5 79.6 18.4 79.6 612.1 (705.3) (93.2) – (93.2) 28.0 (65.2) Value at 31 March 2003 £m 425.0 187.0 47.0 659.0 (968.0) (309.0) – (309.0) 92.7 (216.3) Value at 31 March 2003 £m (281.5) Scottish and Southern Energy plc 38 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 24. Pensions (continued) Movements in surplus during the year Total gross surplus at beginning of the year Movement in year: Current service costs Curtailment costs charged to reorganisation provision Other finance income (note 7) Actual return less expected return on pension scheme assets Experience gain arising on pension scheme liabilities Adjustment to irrecoverable surplus Changes in financial assumptions underlying pension scheme liabilities Variance between pension fund actuarial assumptions and actual experience Total gross (deficit)/surplus in scheme at end of the year Variance between pension fund actuarial assumptions and actual experience Release of non-recognisable pension surplus Gross actuarial loss recognised in pension fund Deferred tax Net actuarial loss recognised in respect of the pension asset in STRGL History of experience gains and losses Difference between the expected and actual return on scheme assets: Amount Percentage of scheme assets Experience gains/(losses) on scheme liabilities: Amount Percentage of the present value of scheme liabilities Total amount recognised in statement of total recognised gains and losses: Amount Percentage of the present value of scheme liabilities 2003 £m 92.0 (19.3) (1.0) 32.7 12.4 (464.7) 3.0 – (44.9) (506.6) (402.2) 2003 £m (506.6) – (506.6) 148.3 (358.3) 2002 £m (132.0) (7.8%) 7.0 0.4% (158.0) (9.9%) 2002 £m 250.0 (19.0) (5.3) 24.3 – (132.0) 7.0 66.0 (99.0) (158.0) 92.0 2002 £m (244.0) 86.0 (158.0) 47.4 (110.6) 2001 £m (247.9) (13.9%) (40.0) 2.8% (102.9) (7.1%) 2003 £m (464.7) (36.6%) 3.0 0.2% (506.6) (30.3%) Defined contribution scheme The total contribution payable by the Group, including charges for defined contribution schemes was £2.5m (2002 – £2.3m). Scottish and Southern Energy plc 39 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 Notes on the Accounts continued for the year ended 31 March 2003 25. Share options Shares subject to option under the various schemes are as follows: Discretionary Share Option Scheme Savings-related Share Option Scheme Date of grant Number 31 March 2003 Price (pence) Date from which exercisable Expiry date June 1994 January 1995 July 1995 October 1996 December 1996 June 1997 June 1998 July 1998 July 1998 July 1999 July 2000 July 2000 October 2001 October 2001 9,000 6,000 8,000 25,000 203,400 48,557 125,000 577,100 356,357 1,018,428 889,718 2,092,379 660,787 1,007,511 348 392 327 282 315 406 547 547 438 532 458 458 566 566 June 1997 January 1998 July 1998 October 1999 December 1999 June 2000 June 2001 July 2001 September 2003 September 2004 October 2003 October 2005 December 2004 December 2006 June 2004 January 2005 July 2005 October 2006 December 2006 June 2007 June 2008 July 2008 February 2004 February 2005 March 2004 March 2006 May 2005 May 2007 26. Related party transactions The following transactions took place during the year with entities which were joint ventures and associates: Net purchase of electricity Interest received on loans The aggregate loans to joint ventures and associates are shown in note 13. Joint ventures 2003 £m Joint ventures 2002 £m 92.6 13.6 105.3 14.8 Associates 2003 £m 185.8 0.5 Associates 2002 £m 201.9 0.3 Scottish and Southern Energy plc 40 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 27. Derivatives and financial instruments Page 8 of the Financial Statement provides an explanation of the role that financial instruments had during the period in managing the risks the Group faces in its activities. This summarises the objectives and policies for holding or issuing financial instruments and similar contracts, and the strategies for achieving those objectives that have been followed during the year. The numerical disclosures in this note deal with financial assets and liabilities as defined in FRS 13, Derivatives and Other Financial Instruments: Disclosures. Certain financial assets such as investments in subsidiary and associated companies are excluded from the scope of these disclosures. As permitted by FRS 13, short-term debtors and creditors have also been excluded from the disclosures, other than the currency disclosures. Interest rate profile The Group has fixed interest investments of £9.1m (2002 – £23.8m) which are part of the financing activities of the Group. After taking into account interest rate swaps and currency swaps, the interest rate profile of the Group’s total borrowings was as follows: 31 March 2003 31 March 2002 Borrowings Fixed rate borrowings Total £m 1,229.0 1,256.0 Floating rate £m 128.8 166.2 Weighted average interest rate % 6.00 Weighted average period for which rate is fixed years 16.87 5.98 17.10 Fixed rate £m 1,100.2 1,089.8 The floating rate borrowings mainly comprise commercial paper bearing interest rates less than LIBOR at the date of issue and cash advances from the European Investment Bank. Maturity of borrowings Within one year Between two and five years: 7.875% Eurobond repayable on 26 March 2007 US$100m repayable on 1 May 2007 6.83% European Investment Bank repayable on 15 September 2007 Over five years: 5.66% European Investment Bank repayable on 20 December 2010 5.24% European Investment Bank repayable on 5 April 2011 Floating rate European Investment Bank repayable on 15 December 2011 7.32% European Investment Bank repayable on 15 March 2012* 6.44% European Investment Bank repayable on 15 September 2012* 6.29% European Investment Bank repayable on 24 September 2012 Floating rate European Investment Bank repayable on 14 December 2012 5.69% European Investment Bank repayable on 15 September 2013* Floating rate European Investment Bank repayable on 13 June 2014 5.875% Eurobond repayable on 26 September 2022 5.50% Eurobond repayable on 19 June 2032 2003 £m 112.4 149.6 61.4 25.0 25.0 25.0 100.0 20.6 20.2 75.0 25.0 22.7 25.0 294.7 247.4 2002 £m 185.3 149.4 61.4 25.0 25.0 25.0 100.0 22.1 21.7 75.0 – 24.3 – 294.4 247.4 1,229.0 1,256.0 *Amortising The US$100m loan has been swapped into sterling with £60.0m being fixed at an effective rate of 7.78%. The floating rate European Investment Bank advance is reset quarterly at a rate normally less than three month LIBOR. Scottish and Southern Energy plc 41 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 Notes on the Accounts continued for the year ended 31 March 2003 27. Derivatives and financial instruments (continued) Borrowing facilities The Group has an established US$1bn Euro commercial paper programme. Paper is issued in a range of currencies and swapped into sterling. The Group has £590m of committed credit facilities in place; £340m maturing in 2004 and £250m maturing in 2007. These provide a back up facility to the commercial paper programmes and at 31 March 2003 there was no draw down of these facilities. Fair values Set out below is a comparison of book values and fair values of the Group’s other financial assets and liabilities: Primary financial instruments held or issued to finance the Group’s operations: Short-term borrowings Long-term borrowings Short-term deposits Derivative financial instruments held to manage the interest rate and currency profile: Interest rate swaps and options Cross currency swaps Foreign exchange swaps and forward contracts Oil price contracts 2003 2002 Book value £m Fair value £m Book value £m Fair value £m 112.4 1,116.6 2.3 112.4 1,207.4 2.3 185.3 1,070.7 13.5 186.0 1,089.3 13.5 – – – (0.1) (55.2) 13.0 6.8 10.2 – – – (0.3) (32.4) 6.1 1.0 8.7 Market values have been used to determine the fair values of the interest rate swaps and options, foreign currency contracts, oil price contracts and Sterling denominated long-term fixed rate debt. All the other fair values shown above have been calculated by discounting cash flows at prevailing interest rates. 28. Capital and lease commitments Capital expenditure: Contracted for but not provided Group Company 2003 £m 79.3 2002 £m 105.3 2003 £m – 2002 £m – Leases The payments under operating leases which are due to be made in the next year, analysed over the periods when the leases expire, are: Group Properties Company Properties Group and company Other assets Within one year Between two and five years After five years 2003 £m 0.5 0.2 2.5 3.2 2002 £m 0.3 0.4 2.4 3.1 2003 £m – – 0.3 0.3 2002 £m – – 0.3 0.3 29. Contingent liabilities Guarantees Scottish and Southern Energy plc has provided guarantees on behalf of subsidiary and associated undertakings as follows: Bank borrowing Performance of contracts Purchase of gas 2003 £m 0.2 0.2 – 0.4 2003 £m 4.4 15.9 37.4 2002 £m 0.1 0.9 – 1.0 2002 £m 4.4 39.7 29.3 In addition, unlimited guarantees have been provided on behalf of subsidiary undertakings in relation to four contracts in respect of performance of work and any liabilities arising. Scottish and Southern Energy plc 42 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 Directors’ Biographies Bruce Farmer CBE (66) Chairman *†§ Bruce became Chairman of Scottish and Southern Energy in November 2000. He was previously Chairman of Southern Electric from April 1998 until the merger forming Scottish and Southern Energy in December 1998. He has also previously been Chairman of Bodycote plc, Allied Colloids and Devro plc, and Chief Executive of The Morgan Crucible Company plc, Wellworthy and Brico Engineering. He is Chairman of The Morgan Crucible Company plc, President of the Institute of Materials and a Council member of the CBI. He is Chairman of the Nominations Committee. Ian Marchant (42) Chief Executive † Ian was appointed Chief Executive in October 2002 having been Finance Director since 1998. He joined Southern Electric in 1992 as Head of Corporate Financial Planning and joined the Board as Finance Director in 1996. Previously he worked for Coopers & Lybrand (now PwC), including a two year secondment to the Department of Energy working on electricity privatisation. Gregor Alexander (40) Finance Director Gregor joined the Board of Scottish and Southern Energy as Finance Director in October 2002. He was appointed Group Treasurer and Tax Manager in 1998 having held a number of senior positions within the Finance team. He worked with accountants Arthur Andersen for five years before joining Scottish Hydro-Electric in 1990, six months before privatisation. Henry Casley (65) Non-Executive Director * Henry was previously a non-Executive Director of Southern Electric, after retiring as Chief Executive, the post he held from 1993 to 1996. He entered the electricity industry in 1961, moving to Eastern Electricity Board in 1966 where he held several senior management positions before joining the Board of Southern Electric in 1986 as Deputy Chairman. He was also a member of the Advisory Committee on Business and the Environment and was a non-Executive Director of Guernsey Electricity. Ian Grant CBE (59) Deputy Chairman † § Ian joined the Board of Scottish Hydro-Electric in May 1992 becoming Deputy Chairman of Scottish and Southern Energy in November 2000. He is Chairman of the Crown Estate and of the Scottish Exhibition Centre Ltd, and a non-Executive Director of the NFU Mutual Insurance Society. He is Chairman of the Remuneration Committee. Colin Hood (48) Chief Operating Officer Colin joined the Board of Scottish and Southern Energy as Power Systems Director in January 2001, becoming Chief Operating Officer in October 2002. Previously he was Director of Distribution for Southern Electric, having joined the industry with the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board in 1977. René Médori (45) Non-Executive Director René will join the Board as a non-Executive Director on 26 June 2003. He is Group Finance Director of BOC Group plc, having previously been Chief Financial Officer of BOC Gases, Americas. Previously he worked for Accenture and Schlumberger Limited. Sir Graeme Odgers (69) Non-Executive Director *† Sir Graeme joined the Board as a non-Executive Director of Southern Electric in April 1998. He was formerly Chairman of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission, Chief Executive of Alfred McAlpine Plc, and Group Managing Director of British Telecommunications PLC and of Tarmac Plc. He is Chairman of Locate in Kent, the inward investment agency for the county of Kent, and of the Kent and Medway Economic Board. He is Chairman of the Audit Committee. David Payne (60) Non-Executive Director § David joined the Board as a non-Executive Director of Scottish Hydro-Electric in June 1998. He held a number of senior positions with the BP Group, both in London and abroad, gaining experience in refinery development, oil trading and retail investment programmes. David was Deputy Chief Executive of BP Oil. Alistair Phillips-Davies (35) Energy Supply Director Alistair joined the Board in January 2002. He was previously Director of Energy Supply Operations, overseeing the introduction of the New Electricity Trading Arrangements. He joined Southern Electric in February 1997 from the National Westminster Bank where he was Corporate Finance Development Manager. Susan Rice (57) Non-Executive Director Susan will join the Board as a non-Executive Director on 24 July 2003. She is Chief Executive of Lloyds TSB Scotland plc, having previously been Managing Director, Personal Banking, for the Bank of Scotland. David Sigsworth (56) Generation Director David is a director and Chairman of the Combined Heat and Power Association. He was appointed as Commercial Director of Scottish Hydro-Electric in January 1995, becoming Energy Trading Director in 1998, Energy Supply Director in April 2000 and Generation Director in January 2002. He held several appointments in the Yorkshire Electricity Board before joining the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board in 1987. Sir Robert Smith (58) Non-Executive Director Sir Robert will join the Board as a non-Executive Director on 26 June 2003. He is Chairman of the Weir Group plc, a Governor of the BBC and a British Council Board of Trustees Member. Nick Timpson (62) Non-Executive Director *§ Nick was previously a non-Executive Director of Southern Electric, having joined the Board in 1990. He was Chairman and Managing Director of Furnitureland Holdings PLC. He is currently a non-Executive Director of Baronsmead VCT2 plc and The Vestey Group Limited. He will retire as a non-Executive Director on 26 June 2003. * Audit Committee member † Nomination Committee member § Remuneration Committee member Scottish and Southern Energy plc 43 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the company and Group and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities. The Directors consider that, in preparing the Accounts on pages 20 to 42, the company and the Group have used appropriate accounting policies, consistently applied and supported by reasonable and prudent judgements and estimates, and that all accounting standards which they consider to be applicable have been followed. Basis of Audit Opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with Auditing Standards issued by the Auditing Practices Board. An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited. It also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgements made by the directors in the preparation of the financial statements, and of whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Group’s circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed. We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary in order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements and the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or error. In forming our opinion we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the financial statements and the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited. Opinion In our opinion: the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and the Group as at 31 March 2003 and of the profit of the Group for the year then ended; and the financial statements and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 1985. KPMG Audit Plc Chartered Accountants Registered Auditor 21 May 2003 Directors’ Responsibilities for preparation of the Accounts The following statement, which should be read in conjunction with the statement of auditors’ responsibilities included in the Auditors’ Report below, is made with a view to distinguishing for shareholders the respective responsibilities of the Directors and of the auditors in relation to the Accounts. The Directors are required by the Companies Act 1985 to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and the Group as at the end of the financial year and of the profit or loss for the financial year. The Directors are required to use a going concern basis in preparing the Accounts unless this is inappropriate. The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy, at any time, the financial position of the company and which enable them to ensure that the Accounts comply with the Companies Act 1985. They have a general Independent Auditors’ Report to the members of Scottish and Southern Energy plc We have audited the financial statements on pages 20 to 42. We have also audited the information in the directors’ remuneration report that is described as having been audited. This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with section 235 of the Companies Act 1985. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. Respective Responsibilities of Directors and Auditors The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the directors’ remuneration report. As described on page 25, this includes responsibility for preparing the financial statements in accordance with applicable United Kingdom law and accounting standards. Our responsibilities, as independent auditors, are established in the United Kingdom by statute, the Auditing Practices Board, the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority, and by our profession’s ethical guidance. We report to you our opinion as to whether the financial statements give a true and fair view and whether the financial statements and the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 1985. We also report to you if, in our opinion, the directors’ report is not consistent with the financial statements, if the company has not kept proper accounting records, if we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit, or if information specified by law regarding directors’ remuneration and transactions with the Group is not disclosed. We review whether the statement on page 13 reflects the company’s compliance with the seven provisions of the Combined Code specified for our review by the Listing Rules, and we report if it does not. We are not required to consider whether the board’s statements on internal control cover all risks and controls, or form an opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s corporate governance procedures or its risk and control procedures. We read the other information contained in the Annual Report, including the corporate governance statement and the un-audited part of the directors’ remuneration report, and consider whether it is consistent with the audited financial statements. We consider the implications for our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial statements. Scottish and Southern Energy plc 44 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 Directors’ Report Principal Activities Scottish and Southern Energy plc is a holding company. Its subsidiaries are organised into the main businesses of generation, transmission, distribution, and supply of electricity, electrical and utility contracting, and gas marketing. A review of the year’s operations and future developments is contained in the Chief Executive’s, Financial, Operating and Corporate Governance and Responsibility Statements on pages 2 to 18 which form part of this report. Directors The Directors at the date of this report are: Executive Gregor Alexander Colin Hood Ian Marchant Alistair Phillips-Davies David Sigsworth Non-Executive Bruce Farmer (Chairman) Henry Casley Ian Grant Sir Graeme Odgers David Payne Nick Timpson Jim Forbes retired as Chief Executive on 30 September 2002. Gregor Alexander was appointed Finance Director on 1 October 2002. On 1 May 2003 it was announced that Nick Timpson will retire as a non-Executive Director with effect from 26 June 2003, René Médori and Sir Robert Smith will be appointed as non-Executive Directors with effect from 26 June 2003, and Susan Rice will be appointed as a non-Executive Director with effect from 24 July 2003. In accordance with the Articles of Association, the new appointments to the Board continue until the forthcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM), and therefore Gregor Alexander, Réne Médori, Susan Rice and Sir Robert Smith are required to stand for election at the AGM. Colin Hood, David Payne and David Sigsworth retire by rotation at the AGM and, being eligible and in accordance with the Articles of Association, offer themselves for re-election. Biographical details for all Directors are set out on page 43 and details of Directors’ service contracts for Directors standing for election or re-election are set out in the Remuneration Report on page 47. The interests of the Directors in the ordinary shares of the company are set out in the Remuneration Report on page 49. Results and Dividends The Group profit for the financial year amounted to £446.2m. The Directors recommend a final dividend of 24.5p per ordinary share which, subject to approval at the AGM, will be payable on 26 September 2003 to shareholders on the register at close of business on 5 September 2003. With the interim dividend of 10.5p per ordinary share paid on 24 March 2003, this makes a total dividend of 35.0p per ordinary share. Share Capital Details of the company’s authorised and issued share capital at 31 March 2003, which includes shares re-purchased and subsequently cancelled, and of options granted under the Group’s employee share option schemes, are detailed in note 21 to the Accounts. AGM Special Business Directors’ Fees Resolution 12 provides for an increase in the total annual fees permitted to be paid to the Directors under the company’s Articles of Association from £250,000 to £400,000. The Board believes this increase is required in order to allow for sufficient fees for non-Executive Directors in the future. The existing limit was set in 1998. Scottish and Southern Energy plc 45 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 Authority to Allot Shares Resolution 13 proposes as a special resolution to continue the Directors’ authority under section 89 of the Companies Act 1985, to allot shares for cash in certain circumstances otherwise than pro rata to all the shareholders. This authority, which was last renewed at the AGM in 2002, provides greater flexibility in respect of the company’s financing arrangements. This resolution deals with the allotment of shares for cash under a rights issue with power to make adjustments to deal with overseas shareholders, fractions of shares and other such matters. It also permits the Directors to make additional issues of shares for cash up to £21,452,330 nominal of share capital, representing five per cent of the issued share capital. This limit is within the guidelines issued by the Investment Committees of the Association of British Insurers and the National Association of Pension Funds. There is no present intention of exercising this authority. Purchase of Own Shares The Directors are authorised by the shareholders to purchase, in the market, the company’s own shares as permitted by the Articles of Association. The Directors recommend that shareholders renew this authority in terms of Special Resolution 14. Purchases will only be made if the Directors expect them to result in an increase in the Group’s earnings per share and to be in the best interests of shareholders generally. During the year, the company purchased and cancelled 2,990,945 ordinary shares at 50p each, representing 0.3% of the called-up share capital of the company, at an aggregate consideration of £18.1m. The Directors considered that the share purchases were advantageous for the Group and would enhance earnings per share. Substantial Shareholdings As at 21 May 2003 the Company had received the following notifications of beneficial interests of three per cent or more in the company’s issued share capital. Legal and General Group plc Prudential plc Number of shares 27,299,985 27,332,934 Percentage 3.18% 3.18% Creditor Payment Policy The company complies with the CBI Prompt Payment Code. The main features of the Code are that payment terms are agreed at the outset of a transaction and are adhered to; that there is a clear and consistent policy that bills are paid in accordance with the contract; and that there are no alterations to payment terms without prior agreement. The numbers of suppliers’ days represented by trade creditors was 30 at 31 March 2003. Auditors A resolution to re-appoint KPMG Audit Plc as auditors, and to authorise the Directors to fix their remuneration, will be proposed at the forthcoming AGM. Annual General Meeting The 14th Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held on 24 July 2003 at 12 noon at the Dewars Centre, Glover Street, Perth. The Notice of Meeting is set out on pages 51 and 52. By Order of the Board Vincent Donnelly Company Secretary 21 May 2003 Remuneration Report The following is the report of the Board of Directors in compliance with the Directors’ Remuneration Report Regulations 2002 (the Regulations). Committee Membership The Remuneration Committee comprises Ian Grant, who chairs the committee, Bruce Farmer, David Payne and Nick Timpson. Biographical details are given on page 43. During the year, the Committee met on four occasions, with full attendance at all but one meeting, when three members attended. Where requested by the Remuneration Committee, the Chief Executive, Ian Marchant assists the committee in respect of those Directors reporting to him. The Director of Human Resources, Steve Waterton, provides information and advice on various issues relating to the Directors’ remuneration, including comparative data drawn from published remuneration and benefit surveys, and advice on appropriate awards of bonuses and awards under the Deferred Bonus Scheme. The Committee also received advice from Towers Perrin and from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (who also provided general legal advice to the Company during the year). These advisors were not appointed specifically by the Committee. Company Policy on Executive Directors’ Remuneration The Remuneration Committee’s composition, responsibilities and operation comply with Section B of the Combined Code annexed to the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority. In forming remuneration policy, the Committee has given full consideration to the best practice provisions set out in Section B1 of the Code. The company’s policy is to ensure that the Executive Directors are rewarded competitively in comparison with similar companies in order to attract, retain and motivate them to run the company effectively and meet the expectations of shareholders. This is done by providing remuneration consisting of basic salary, benefits, an Annual Bonus Scheme and a Deferred Bonus Scheme, which require the achievement of demanding performance targets. This report sets out the company’s policy on Executive Directors’ remuneration for the year ended March 2003 and, so far as practicable, for subsequent years. There are no plans to change the current policy in 2003/04. However, the Remuneration Committee considers that a successful remuneration policy needs to be sufficiently flexible to take account of future changes in the company’s business environment and in remuneration practice. Any changes in policy for years after 2003 will be described in future Directors’ Remuneration Reports, which will continue to be subject to shareholder approval. Annual Salary and Benefits The Committee follows a broad principle that salaries should be consistent with those in comparable companies with variations to reflect individual performance, experience and job size. Annual Bonus The 2002/03 Annual Bonus Scheme for Executive Directors provides for cash bonuses of up to a maximum of 50% of basic salary, attributable approximately two-thirds to corporate performance based on achievement of profit targets and one-third to personal objectives. The personal objectives are based on a wide range of business activities. These include achieving targeted improvements in efficiency and reductions in costs, improvements in safety standards and in customer supply standards, and the development of new business areas such as renewable power generation. A number of these targets have been chosen because they are measurable against independently verifiable data within the industry. To achieve the maximum corporate element of bonus, performance had to exceed profit target by 7.5%. No corporate element of the bonus would have been payable if performance had fallen below 90% of target. It is intended to operate the Annual Bonus Scheme on the same basis for 2003/04 and subsequent years. Scottish and Southern Energy plc 46 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 Deferred Bonus Scheme The Deferred Bonus Scheme, which applies to Senior Managers and Executive Directors, is designed to contribute to increasing shareholder return and motivation of senior management over the longer-term. Participants are granted awards equivalent to a value equal to their actual short-term bonus. The value of the award is then adjusted by reference to three factors: the company’s relative performance in terms of Total Shareholder Return (‘TSR’) over a three-year period (compared to the FT-SE 100); safety (which is externally verified and compared to other energy companies); and relative performance in terms of customer complaints, as recorded by the independent regulatory body, energywatch. Dependent on actual performance each factor gives a multiplier of between 0.7 and 1.35. A weighted average is then taken using TSR (40%), safety (40%) and customer complaints (20%), to create a single factor which is then applied to the award. Last year the factor was 1.28. The resultant amount is then used to determine the number of shares to be comprised in a share award to the employee based on the market value of the shares at the time of the award. The requisite shares will be purchased in the market by the independent trustees of the company’s Employee Share Ownership Trust. These performance conditions, which apply to all participants in the scheme, were chosen because they were closely aligned with the interests of shareholders, customers and staff. During the year the rules of the scheme were made more stringent for participants by providing that if participants resign in the period of 3 years following award, they lose all outstanding awards (rather than 50% of the awards, which was previously the arrangement). This change will apply to all future awards. The shares under awards can normally be called for after three years, but can be called for earlier in exceptional circumstances such as retirement or redundancy. All-Employee Share Schemes Executive Directors are eligible to participate in the company’s all- employee share schemes on the same terms as other employees. These schemes comprise: (a) the Sharesave Scheme, a savings-related share option scheme available to all employees. This scheme operates within specific tax legislation (including a requirement to finance exercise of the option using the proceeds of a monthly savings contract of up to £250 per month), and, in common with all such schemes, exercise of the option is not subject to satisfaction of a performance target; and (b) the Share Incentive Plan (SIP), under which employees allocate part of their pre-tax and national insurance salary to purchase shares up to a maximum of £125 per month. The company matches the first £30 worth of shares purchased by the employees in any month. The first purchases of shares by Directors took place in June 2002. The SIP operates within specific tax legislation. In the past, the company operated a Discretionary Share Option Scheme, under which Senior Executives and staff were awarded options over shares. The options granted to the Senior Executives since 1996 were subject to the performance criterion of normalised earnings per share over a three year period showing average compound annual growth of at least 2% above the increase in the UK retail price index for that period. This criterion has been met and any remaining discretionary share options are now exercisable. This scheme has now been terminated and no options have been granted under this scheme since 1998. Shareholding Policy The company has adopted a policy that the Executive Directors and certain senior Executives should acquire and maintain a level of shareholding equivalent to one year’s remuneration. This level should be attained within a reasonable timescale. It is also expected that all Directors should hold a minimum of 2,000 shares in the company. Service Contracts It is the company’s policy that Executive Directors should have service contracts with the company which are terminable on 12 months’ notice given by either party. Should the company need to consider termination of a service contract, it will have regard to all the specific circumstances of the case, with particular reference to the desirability of mitigation in respect of any compensation payment. Due to changes in certain Executive positions during the year, the opportunity was taken to standardise the terms of service contracts with Directors. The key aspects of each contract are as follows: The Executive Directors are employed under service contracts with the company each dated 31 March 2003. They are eligible under the contracts to participate in the company’s Executive Directors’ Bonus Scheme, the company’s Sharesave or other employee share schemes and profit sharing schemes (if any). They are each entitled to a company car (or the cash equivalent), membership of the company’s pension scheme, including life assurance cover equal to four times salary for himself, his wife and dependent children, and private health insurance for himself and his dependants. The contracts are each for an indefinite term ending automatically on retirement date (age 60), but may be terminated by 12 months’ notice given by the company and 12 months’ notice given by the Director. Under arrangements agreed before the merger creating Scottish and Southern Energy was effected in 1998, David Sigsworth is entitled to retire on 12 month’s notice after his 55th birthday, and receive a pension unreduced for early payment. The company may at its discretion elect to terminate the contract by making a payment in lieu of notice equal to the basic salary which would have been received during the notice period (excluding any bonus and any other emolument referable to the employment). In addition, the Director may elect to terminate the contract on one month’s notice given within nine months following a change of control of the company. In these circumstances, the Director would become entitled to a lump sum payment equal to the aggregate of 125% of annual salary at the date of termination which includes 25% to compensate fairly for bonus and benefit entitlements. The Remuneration Committee considers that the above arrangements are in the best interests of the company. Remuneration and Pensions The remuneration of Directors who served during the year was as shown on page 48. All the Executive Directors participate in either the Southern Electric Pension Scheme or the Scottish Hydro-Electric Pension Scheme, which are funded final salary pension schemes. In relation to Executive Directors who are subject to the earnings cap imposed by the Finance Act 1989 (broadly, those becoming employed by a Group company since 1989), the company provides top-up (unfunded) arrangements which are designed to provide an equivalent pension on retirement at age 60 to that which they would have earned if they had not been subject to the earnings cap. Executive top-up plans exist which provide a possible maximum pension of two-thirds of final salary on retirement at age 60. Non-Executive Directors The remuneration of non-Executive Directors is determined by the Board, with the non-Executive Directors concerned not participating in this process. The non-Executive Directors are engaged under letters of appointment and do not have contracts of service. They do not participate in the Annual Bonus Scheme, Deferred Bonus Scheme, any of the share option schemes, or any Group pension scheme. Those non-Executive Directors who are members of the Audit Committee will now receive an additional annual fee of £5,000 in respect of their responsibilities as members of that Committee and the Committee Chairman will receive an additional annual fee of £10,000. Performance Graph The graph (below) charts the cumulative Total Shareholder Return of the company since 1 April 1998 compared to the FT-SE 100 Index over the same period. The company is a member of the FT-SE 100 Index, and this was considered to be the most relevant index for comparative purposes. Scottish and Southern Energy plc Total Shareholder Return last five years 200 190 180 170 160 150 140 130 120 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 31 Mar 98 SSE 31 Mar 99 31 Mar 00 31 Mar 01 31 Mar 02 31 Mar 03 FT-SE 100 Scottish and Southern Energy plc 47 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 The auditors are required to report on the information contained in tables A, B and D. Table A – Directors’ Emoluments The emoluments of each of the Directors were as follows: Executive Directors Ian Marchant Colin Hood Gregor Alexander (ii) Alistair Phillips-Davies (iii) David Sigsworth Jim Forbes (i) Non-Executive Directors Bruce Farmer (Chairman) Henry Casley Ian Grant Graeme Odgers David Payne Nick Timpson Former Directors James Martin Totals Salary/fee £000 Bonuses £000 Benefits £000 350 225 75 170 225 514 200 31 57 37 31 31 – 142 88 57 71 85 – – – – – – – – 19 20 8 12 20 12 – – – – – – – Total 2003 £000 511 333 140 253 330 526 200 31 57 37 31 31 – Total 2002 £000 408 267 – 94 308 786 180 29 52 34 29 29 349 1,946 443 91 2,480 2,565 (i) To date of retirement from the Board on 30 September 2002. (ii) From date of appointment to the Board on 1 October 2002: Gregor Alexander’s bonus of £57,000 was in respect of his employment for the full year. (iii) In addition to the above, relocation costs of £63,000 have been charged and relate to the relocation to Scotland of Alistair Phillips-Davies following his appointment to the Board. Table B – Retirement Benefits Details of Directors’ retirement benefits are as follows: Accrued benefit Transfer value of accrued benefit Increase in year Ian Marchant Gregor Alexander1 Jim Forbes2 Colin Hood David Sigsworth Alistair Phillips-Davies3 Years of industry service 11 12 38 25 40 6 At 31 March 2003 £000 89 31 509 80 142 28 Including inflation £000 26 12 110 14 14 10 Excluding inflation £000 25 12 104 13 12 10 At 31 March 2003 £000 805 246 7,228 773 2,289 157 At 31 March 2002 £000 529 150 5,659 616 1,909 96 Increase less directors’ contributions £000 262 92 1,484 145 380 55 Increase in year excluding inflation £000 230 87 1,436 96 192 47 Members of the pension schemes have the option to pay additional voluntary contributions; neither the contributions nor the resulting benefits are included in the above table. The normal retirement age of Executive Directors is 60. In previous years’ accounts, disclosures of these benefits have been made under the requirements of the Stock Exchange Listing Rules and the Combined Code. These Rules are still in place, but it is now also necessary to make disclosure in accordance with the Directors’ Remuneration Report Regulations 2002. The information above sets out the disclosures under the two sets of requirements. The following is information relating to the Directors’ pensions of David Sigsworth and Gregor Alexander. (i) Dependants’ pensions on death are half of members’ pension entitlements, together with a capital sum equal to four times pensionable pay. On death in retirement, the Director’s spouse will receive a pension equal to half of that payable to the Director. In addition, on death within the first five years of retirement, a lump sum is payable equal to the balance outstanding of the first five years’ pension payments. (ii) All benefit payments are increased annually by the movement in the UK Retail Price Index. The following is information relating to the Directors’ pensions of Jim Forbes, Colin Hood, Ian Marchant and Alistair Phillips-Davies. (i) Dependants’ pensions on death are four-ninths of the member’s pensionable pay, together with a capital sum equal to four times pensionable pay. If death occurs after attaining the age of 55 an additional lump sum between three to five times notional pension is payable dependent upon age and length of service. On death in retirement, the Director’s spouse will receive a pension equal to two-thirds of that payable to the Director. In addition, on death within the first five years of retirement, a lump sum is payable equal to the balance outstanding of the first five years’ pension payments. (ii) Post retirement increases are expected to be in line with inflation (guaranteed up to the level of 5% per annum and discretionary above that level). Scottish and Southern Energy plc 48 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 Notes: 1. Gregor Alexander joined the Board on 1 October 2002. His entitlement is calculated on the amounts and values at 1 October 2002 and those accrued over the period 1 October 2002 to 31 March 2003. 2. 3. Jim Forbes retired as a Director on 30 September 2002 and his transfer value has been calculated as at that date. Ian Marchant, Alistair Phillips-Davies and Gregor Alexander have unfunded retirement benefits for salary above the Inland Revenue cap which are included in their pension benefits above. Table C – Directors’ Interests The interests of the Directors, all of which are beneficial, in the ordinary shares of the company on the dates shown were as follows: Gregor Alexander Henry Casley Bruce Farmer Ian Grant Colin Hood Ian Marchant Graeme Odgers David Payne Alistair Phillips-Davies David Sigsworth Nick Timpson 31 March 2003 Shares held 6,161 106,852 9,106 5,000 13,197 47,959 15,900 8,000 8,099 49,501 13,351 Shares under option 14,435 0 0 0 39,232 34,635 0 0 11,819 48,078 0 1 April 2002 Shares held Shares under option 3,794* 21,791* 121,827 9,106 3,000 12,949 35,147 15,000 8,000 4,070 51,191 13,351 0 0 0 23,125 29,424 0 0 7,900 62,470 0 * At date of appointment to the Board on 1 October 2002. From 31 March 2003 to 21 May 2003, the following changes to the interests of Directors took place: Under the Share Incentive Plan, on 30 April 2003 Ian Marchant, Colin Hood, David Sigsworth and Gregor Alexander each acquired 25 shares, and Alistair Phillips-Davies acquired 24 shares. A further analysis of the Directors’ shares under option as at 31 March 2003, and options granted and exercised during the year, is set out below. The Register of Directors’ Interests (which is open to shareholders’ inspection) contains full details of Directors’ shareholdings and options to subscribe for shares. Scottish and Southern Energy plc 49 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 Table D – Directors’ Share Options Ian Marchant Colin Hood Gregor Alexander Alistair Phillips-Davies David Sigsworth Jim Forbes Option scheme Savings-related Deferred bonus Savings-related Deferred bonus Discretionary Savings-related Deferred bonus Savings-related Deferred bonus Options at 1 April 2002 3,133 26,291 3,543 19,581 16,084† 949† 4,758** Awarded during year – 24,162 – 16,108 – – – 3,171 4,729 – 9,866 Discretionary Savings-related Deferred bonus 30,000 2,110 30,359 – – 17,719 Savings-related Deferred bonus 2,537 102,655 – 47,196 Closing price at date of exercise (pence) – 645 616 – – 659 616 – 645 616 659 677 – 640 – Options exercised – 7,878†† 13,173†† – – 6,084 – 1,350†† – 1,163†† 5,213†† 30,000 2,110 – 1,704 –††† Weighted average option price per share (pence) 538 * Options at 31 March 2003 3,133 31,502 3,543 35,689 10,000 949 3,486 3,171 8,648 – – 48,078 – – 476 * 547 489 * 532 * 547 327 * 532 – Normally exercisable 8/02-7/12 10/05-5/07 8/02-7/12 6/01-6/08 10/03-03/04 8/03-7/12 9/04-2/05 8/02-7/12 6/01-6/08 10/02-3/03 8/03-7/12 – – *£1 per grant (nominal £1 to each for all awards under the grant). No price was paid for the award of any option. **As at date of appointment to the Board, including grant of 2,544 during the year. †At date of appointment to the Board on 1 October 2002. ††Shares exercised under the Deferred Bonus Scheme included the following arising from dividend reinvestment: Ian Marchant – 2,100 shares, Alistair Phillips-Davies – 429 shares. Gregor Alexander – 78 shares. †††In connection with the vesting of his rights under the Deferred Bonus Scheme on his retirement, Jim Forbes on 24 September 2002 waived without payment his right to call for 159,004 shares under the company’s Deferred Bonus Scheme. Subsequently, the Trustee of the Scottish and Southern Energy Employee Trust transferred the 159,004 shares which could otherwise have been called for by Jim Forbes on his retirement (having a market value of £6.40 per share on that date) to a separate employee trust to be held for the benefit of Jim Forbes and his family. Under the rules of the Deferred Bonus Scheme, for awards prior to 2003, up to 50% of awards can be called for prior to three years from date of award, provided the shares are retained (subject to any sale to discharge tax liability) until three years have elapsed. Ian Marchant, Gregor Alexander and Alistair Phillips-Davies elected to exercise their right to call for 50% of the shares under the Deferred Bonus Scheme awards granted in 2002. The closing market price of the shares at 31 March 2003 was 636p and range for the year was 696p to 585p. The options granted during the year were granted under the Deferred Bonus Scheme. The aggregate amount of gains made by Directors on the exercise of share options during the year was £229,527 (2002 – £513,124). Under the Deferred Bonus Scheme, the aggregate value of the shares placed in trust for Directors in the year to 31 March 2003 was £747,831 (2002 – £609,599). The aggregate amount of gains made by the highest-paid Director, Ian Marchant was £131,958 (2002: Jim Forbes – £823). This report was approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by: Ian Grant Remuneration Committee Chairman Scottish and Southern Energy plc 50 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 (b) otherwise than pursuant to sub-paragraph (a) above up to an aggregate nominal amount of £21,452,330; and shall expire on the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the company after the passing of this resolution or 29 July 2004, whichever is earlier, save that the company may, before such expiry make an offer or agreement which would or might require equity securities to be allotted after such expiry and the Directors may allot equity securities in pursuance of any such offer or agreement notwithstanding that the power conferred hereby has expired and in this resolution the expression ‘equity securities’ and references to allotment of equity securities shall bear the same respective meanings as in section 94 of the Act. Resolution 14 that, pursuant to Article 12 of the Articles of Association, the company is generally and unconditionally authorised to make market purchases (within the meaning of section 163(3) of the Companies Act 1985) of ordinary shares of 50p each in the capital of the company provided that: (i) the maximum number of ordinary shares authorised to be purchased is 85,809,319; (ii) the minimum price, which may be paid for an ordinary share, is 50p per share which amount shall be exclusive of expenses; (iii) the maximum price which may be paid for an ordinary share is, in respect of an ordinary share contracted to be purchased on any day, an amount (exclusive of expenses) equal to 105 per cent of the average of the mid-market quotations for an ordinary share of the company as derived from the Daily Official List of the London Stock Exchange for the five business days immediately preceding the day on which the ordinary share is purchased; (iv) the authority hereby conferred shall expire 15 months after the date of the passing of this resolution or at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the company following the passing of this resolution, whichever first occurs, unless such authority is renewed prior to such time; and (v) the company may conclude a contract to purchase ordinary shares under the authority hereby conferred prior to the expiry of such authority which will or may be executed wholly or partly after the expiry of such authority and may make a purchase of ordinary shares in pursuance of any such contract as if the authority hereby conferred had not expired. By Order of the Board Vincent Donnelly Company Secretary 17 June 2003 Registered Office: Inveralmond House 200 Dunkeld Road Perth PH1 3AQ Notice of Meeting NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the FOURTEENTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of Scottish and Southern Energy plc will be held at the Dewars Centre, Glover Street, Perth, PH2 0TH on Thursday, 24 July 2003 at 12 noon for the following purposes: To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolutions which will be proposed as Ordinary Resolutions: Resolution 1 to receive the Audited Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2003 together with the Reports of the Directors and auditors thereon. Resolution 2 to approve the Board Remuneration Report for the year ended 31 March 2003. Resolution 3 to declare a final dividend in respect of the year ended 31 March 2003 of 24.5 pence per ordinary share. Resolution 4 to elect Gregor Alexander a Director of the company. Resolution 5 to elect René Médori a Director of the company. Resolution 6 to elect Susan Rice a Director of the company. Resolution 7 to elect Sir Robert Smith a Director of the company. Resolution 8 to re-elect Colin Hood a Director of the company. Resolution 9 to re-elect David Payne a Director of the company. Resolution 10 to re-elect David Sigsworth a Director of the company. Resolution 11 that KPMG Audit Plc be appointed auditors of the company to hold office from the conclusion of this meeting until the conclusion of the next general meeting at which accounts are laid before the company, at a remuneration to be fixed by the Directors. Resolution 12 that the maximum annual amount permitted to be paid in fees to Directors under Article 89 of the company’s Articles of Association be and is hereby increased from £250,000 to £400,000. To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolutions which will be proposed as Special Resolutions: Resolution 13 that the Directors be and they are hereby empowered pursuant to section 95 of the Companies Act 1985 (‘the Act’) to allot equity securities for cash pursuant to the authority conferred by Resolution 14 passed by the company on 29 July 1999 as if section 89(1) of the Act did not apply to any such allotment provided that this power shall be limited to the allotment of equity securities: (a) in connection with an offer of such securities by way of rights to holders of ordinary shares in proportion (as nearly as may be practicable) to their respective holdings of such shares, but subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may deem necessary or expedient in relation to fractional entitlements or any legal or practical problems under the laws of any territory, or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange; and Scottish and Southern Energy plc 51 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 Notes to the Notice of Meeting 1. Only holders of ordinary shares on the register at close of business on 22 July 2003 may attend and vote in respect of the number of shares registered in their name at that time. A shareholder of the company is entitled to appoint one or more proxies to attend and, on a poll, vote instead of him or her. A proxy need not be a shareholder. A Proxy Form is enclosed with this Notice. The Proxy Form, duly completed and signed, together with any power of attorney or other authority under which it is signed or a notarially certified copy thereof, must reach the registrar of the company, Computershare Investor Services PLC, The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, Bristol, BS13 8FB, not later than 12 noon on 22 July 2003. Alternatively, you can submit your proxy vote electronically. Further information can be found in the Guidance Notes on the reverse of the Proxy Form. 2. The following documents will be available for inspection at the registered office of the company during normal business hours on any weekday (public holidays excepted) from the date of this Notice until the date of the Meeting and thereafter at the place of the Meeting from 11.45 a.m. until the conclusion of the Meeting: (i) the register of Directors’ share interests kept pursuant to section 325 of the Companies Act 1985; and (ii) copies of Directors’ service contracts. 3. The Audited Accounts are set out on pages 20 to 42; The Board Remuneration Report is set out on pages 46 to 50; Details of the total dividend for this year is set out in the Directors’ Report on page 45; Biographical details of the Directors are set out on page 43; and Explanations of Resolutions 12, 13 and 14 are set out in the Directors’ Report on page 45. Scottish and Southern Energy plc 52 Annual Report and Accounts 2003 

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