Norfolk Power Sold to Hydro One

SIMCOE, ON, April 2, 2013 /CNW/ - Norfolk County today announced that it has sold Norfolk Power Inc. to Hydro One Inc. for $93 million. Norfolk Power Inc. is Norfolk County's holding company for Norfolk Power Distribution Inc., its electricity distributor, and Norfolk Energy Inc., its telecom company.

The selection of Hydro One is the result of a comprehensive four-month competitive sale process which involved expressions of interest or proposals from numerous potential buyers.

Mayor Dennis Travale stated, "I am pleased to announce that Hydro One is the successful bidder and has purchased the shares of Norfolk Power Incorporated. Of primary concern to Norfolk County Council have been Norfolk Power employees and customers."

"Hydro One is excited to be welcoming new customers and new employees to our Company," said Carmine Marcello, President and CEO, Hydro One Inc. "We're proud that Norfolk County selected our bid from the many received. We're committed to delivering great service for Norfolk's customers and making a valuable contribution to the local economy."

In October 2012, Council unanimously decided to commence a process for the possible sale of Norfolk Power.  Throughout this time Council has also been concerned about what is in the best interests of Norfolk County taxpayers and Norfolk Power's business partners and suppliers.

"Council is confident that selling the shares of Norfolk Power to Hydro One is in the best interests of everyone," said Mayor Travale. "This isn't just about the money we received, it's about a partner who was interested in making a long-term investment in the community."

The sale now must receive final approval from the Ontario Energy Board, which is expected over the summer.  Last December, the Province released a blue ribbon panel report that recommended wide scale consolidation of local electricity distribution companies across Ontario.

Mayor Travale said, "Our sale to Hydro One shows that voluntary consolidation of electric utilities can provide significant "win-wins" for employees, ratepayers, municipalities and the Province".

Highlights of the Deal:

• Hydro One will apply to the Ontario Energy Board to reduce the electricity distribution rate for Norfolk Power customers by 1% and freeze that rate for five years.
• All Norfolk Power employees will transfer to Hydro One after the sale and continue to have jobs.
• Hydro One will move 30 new jobs to Norfolk County over three years as it restructures its regional operations.
• Hydro One will maintain the Victoria Street office for three years and continue to use its existing facilities in Simcoe, while additional physical space needs and options are reviewed.
• Hydro One has been a good corporate citizen and will continue to support a wide array of community events and organizations in Norfolk County.
• The total value of the deal is $93 million. Hydro One will pay Norfolk County approximately $66 million net after assuming Norfolk Power's existing debt of approximately $27 million.
• Annual investment income from the sale proceeds will exceed the usual annual dividend the municipality has been receiving. This will help fund Norfolk County's capital plan for community infrastructure and other needs determined by Council.
• Hydro One will establish an advisory committee, including representatives of Council, to monitor and provide input about customer service and other matters.
• Norfolk County was advised by Borden Ladner Gervais LLB (BLG)
• Hydro One was advised by National Bank Financial Inc.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION
Hydro One's oral and written public communications, including this document, often contain forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about our business and the industry in which we operate and include beliefs and assumptions made by the management of our company. Such statements include, but are not limited to: statements related to OEB decisions, distribution rates and customer bills; statements regarding our planned work; and expectations regarding future expenditures. Words such as "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "attempt," "may," "plan," "will", "can", "believe," "seek," "estimate," and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve assumptions and risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed, implied or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. We do not intend, and we disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

These forward-looking statements are based on a variety of factors and assumptions including, but not limited to the following: no unforeseen changes in the legislative and operating framework for Ontario's electricity market; no severe damage to our facilities caused by adverse weather conditions, natural disasters or catastrophic events; anticipated numbers of new customers and renewable energy projects materializing; availability of required services and/or materials;  a stable regulatory environment; and no significant event occurring outside the ordinary course of business. These assumptions are based on information currently available to us, including information obtained from third party industry analysts. Actual results may differ materially from those predicted by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by forward-looking statements include, among other things: severe weather conditions, natural disasters or catastrophic events; an inability to procure required services and/or materials; and the risk that anticipated numbers of new customers and renewable energy projects do not materialize; and the risk that the Ontario Energy Board does not approve this sale.

SOURCE: Hydro One Inc.